Henrietta Spindler

Henrietta A. Spindler, 85, of Colby, died Monday, February 5, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex, in Colby. Henrietta, also known as Sister Terasitta, Terri, or Sister, was born at home on June 3rd, 1932. She came into his world as a twin, along with her brother, Henry. They were the 7th and 8th children, born to Joseph and Mary (Dvorak) Cahoj, Atwood. Their parents later had two more children to make a total of ten; Emmery, Ceci, Bill, Agnes, Leonard, Edward, Henry, Henrietta, Mary Ann, and Carmelita.

The twins were baptized into a life of Christ on June 5th, at St. John’s Church in Beardsley, KS. They received their Holy Communion on June 8th, 1939, also at St. Johns, and Confirmation on April 25th, 1942, at Sacred Heart in Atwood.

Henrietta attended Notre Dame Catholic School in Omaha for her high school years, graduating in 1950. She entered the Convent for Notre Dame Sisters during her junior year. She received her Bachelors in Education at Creighton University and completed her Master’s Degree at the University of Northern Colorado. During this time lived with her sister, Mary Ann and husband Robert Reinert and family. They all hold many fond memories of her during that year.

She taught a total of 40 years, and had an internal desire to help all students learn. She taught Special Education, filling them with wisdom, confidence, since she, herself had an understanding about the practical problems of life. She truly cared about their learning. Many of us loved listening to her stories, as she was good at managing the disruptive ones, who were sent to her! She taught school for 40 years, first in Notre Dame, then Sacred Heart Catholic School in Atwood, and then Omaha, NE. Many still remember and loved her as their teacher.

She served as a nun, for 18 years, but received a dispensation in 1972. Henrietta later married August Christian Spindler on May 25th, 1974, and made their home in Omaha, NE. Over the years they helped to raise Augie’s nephews’ three boys, and helped out grand-daughters, and a daughter-in-law. Their door was always open to friends and family. She and Augie enjoyed traveling across many states with their camper and Model T, until Augie’s death 37 years later. (Oct. 24th, 2011)

She moved to Colby on May 6th, 2013, and was glad to be closer to her large family and friends. Thank you so much to all, for making her feel so welcomed and loved. Henrietta was always filled with such joy, living and enjoying life as long as God allowed. She loved to be a part of family gatherings, being able to get out of the nursing home, go on walks, truly loving anyone who visited or called. Her highlights the past five years were playing cards with her eldest sister, Cecelia. She wouldn’t hesitate to call, to brag if she “won” in a game of Manipulation!

From many of us who remember her, she was always laughing, playing her harmonica, guitar, accordion or telling stories. She was funny, sharp, and had a way with words, as many of her caregivers have witnessed. She will be greatly missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband August and brothers, William, Emmery and Leonard.

She is survived by her siblings, Cecilia Allen, Agnes Sabatka, Ed Cahoj, twin brother Henry Cahoj, Mary Ann Reinert and Carmelita Berndt; step-children, Chris Spindler and Ava Spindler; nephews, Randy, Jim and Carl Yeck and many more nieces and nephews.

There will be a Rosary at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. Inurnment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby or the Sisters of Notre Dame for masses, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com