Corinne G. (O'Toole) Hargrafen

Corinne G. Hargrafen passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at the age of 101 years, 3 months, and 13 days—a remarkable amount of time living, learning, teaching, creating, and loving her family.   Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction.  A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.  Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Columbus Junction.  Please join the family at the Columbus Junction American Legion following the Funeral Mass on Wednesday for a Corinne inspired menu full of favorite items she would prepare her guests.  Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Ardon – St. Malachy Cemetery, rural Letts.  In lieu of flowers, memorial have been established for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Corinne G. Hargrafen Scholarship, or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Corinne’s name. Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

She was born May 20, 1925, to Philip and Stella (O’Connor) O’Toole.

Corinne was a graduate of Letts High School, Class of 1943. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) in 1945 with an Associate Degree in Education. She taught second grade for two years at Delhi Consolidated School before marrying Urban Hargrafen on June 17, 1947. To this union, four children were born: Jean, William (Bill), and twins Roger and Lois.

Corinne and Urban farmed in the Delhi, Columbus Junction, and Letts areas. Raising four children and helping run a farm was no small undertaking, but Corinne approached it in her practical, no-nonsense way—quietly doing what needed to be done and getting on with the jobs around the home and farm. Urban preceded her in death on May 21, 1964.

Corinne returned to teaching in 1966 at Louisa-Muscatine Community Schools, where she taught second grade. She continued her education at the former Marycrest College in Davenport, attending for one year and seven summers driving 100 miles round trip.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1971. Corinne retired from teaching in 1989 after a total of 25 years in the classroom.

In retirement, Corinne enjoyed traveling on bus trips, going on an Alaskan cruise with her in-laws, and taking short trips with the Mincks family. She also enjoyed spending time with family celebrating birthdays and holidays. In 2000, Corinne returned to Columbus Junction, where she lived independently until six weeks upon her death.

She was a member of St. Joseph Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society in Columbus embroidery and making cards for family and friends, creating over 680!  Her creativity, kindness, and love of family were reflected in the many handmade treasures she shared with those she loved.

Corinne is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jean (Eddie) O’Brien; Katie (Freddie) Chapman, Blake, and Collin (Heather) Chapman; John O’Brien; and Molly (Leroy) Harris, and grandchildren L.T., Harper, and Olivia Harris with Grace arriving September 2026.

William (Bill) Hargrafen.

Roger Hargrafen; his stepchildren, Heidi (Jim) Barnes, and their children, Annabelle Nienhaus, John Nienhaus, and Barbie Barnes; and Henry (Beth) Hoopes, and their children, Paul, Will, and Eddie Hoopes.

Lois Mincks; Ann Mincks (Muneer Al Azzawi); Philip (Maureen) Mincks, and grandchildren Jackson and Ira Mincks; and Laura (James) Brecht and grandson Paul Brecht.

She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Van De Voorde; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Arlene (Fred) Kaefring; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Corinne was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Stella O’Toole; her husband, Urban Hargrafen; daughter-in-law Carla Hargrafen; and son-in-law Tim Mincks. She was also preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth (Eugene) Shannahan, Doris (Jim) Doyle, and Marie (Bill) Schmalz; her brother-in-law, Eugene Van De Voorde; her father- and mother-in-law, August and Anna Hargrafen; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Vince (Mary) Hargrafen, Cletus (Grace) Hargrafen, Alma (Earl) Davin, Fr. John Hargrafen, Berniece (Llewellyn) Koelker, Doris (Art) Funke, Sr. Mary Hargrafen, Edna (Charles) McCormick, and Ruth Hargrafen.

Corinne’s long life was marked by dedication to her family, her students, and her faith. She lived through a century of remarkable change, yet she always said electricity was the greatest addition of all. Corinne managed to keep going, keep learning, and keep creating along the way. She taught generations of children, raised a family, worked hard, stayed creative, and made it to 101 with a positive attitude.

The words of advice she often shared were, “Get your education. Nobody can ever take that away from you.”

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, former students, and all those fortunate enough to have known her. Her life was long, and her memory will continue to bring smiles, stories, and love to those who cherish her.

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