Mensinger v. Hass

— The-question presented is whether decedent’s widow may retain the homestead for life in lieu of her distributive share in decedent’s real estate. See section 561.12, Code, 1946 (10146, Code, 1939).

Frank Mensinger died intestate May 1, 1936, the owner of a homestead in Clinton here in controversy and a one-fifth interest in real estate- in Camanche. He left a widow, Wilhelamena, a son, Maynard, two daughters, Julia and Fernanna, and an infant son, Gerald, who died about eight months later. Maynard brought this partition action in September 1947 against his mother and the two minor daughters…