Ilo Pearl Tesdall was born near Huxley, Iowa, on November 14, 1915, the eldest child of six born to Leslie and Florence Tesdall. She spent her early years in Huxley, surrounded by the bustling family and graduated from Huxley High School. Ilo was very athletic and played basketball as a forward for A.I.B. Business School in Des Moines. Following her graduation from A.I.B. she was employed by Bankers Life in Des Moines. She continued playing basketball for Bankers Life and was a member of a National Championship AAU
Basketball team.
Ilo married Arnold Hansen of Exira, Iowa on December 4, 1937. They farmed briefly outside of Huxley and also lived in Huxley and Des Moines. Ilo's daughter Janice was born in 1939 and a daughter Judy followed in 1944. Ilo and Arnold moved to Marshalltown, Iowa and started a Rusco window and doors business. Ilo, having many business skills, ran the office. She maintained a large garden and also pursued many artistic interests. Ilo is an accomplished seamstress and even made suits for Arnold. She arranges flowers,
decorates cakes, does water colors, needlework and has knit afghans for all her children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Ilo also worked many years as a bookkeeper for Bos Lines and Lynks Hybrid seed corn in Marshalltown.
Ilo and Arnold retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where she continues to live to the present. She lovingly cared for Arnold until his death in May of 1995. Ilo has been an active member of First Methodist Church in Bella Vista, AR. She has golfed, bowled, taken square dancing and devoted time to
Bible Study. Ilo is a loving mother and caring community member. Her many friends can attest to her marvelous culinary skills! She has an artistic flair which has vastly enriched her family, friends and all those who come in touch with her.
Ilo richly deserves being included in the Plaza of Heroines... she is our heroine
With love, Ilo's daughters
Judy Klinger - 1966
Janice Johnson - 1962 1/31/95 |
