Charpel Hauswirth

February 9, 2011

Charpel W. Hauswirth, 91, died on Thursday, February 3, 2011, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Corwith, with Reverend Beatrice Kinzler officiating. Burial was in the Corwith Cemetery.

Charpel William Hauswirth, was born on September 27, 1919 in Havelock, Iowa, the son of William and Hilda (Hauswirth) Oesterle. At a young age, Charpel went to live with his uncle, Roland and Neva (Johnson) Hauswirth, who later adopted him. He attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from the Corwith High School in 1937. On February 22, 1940, Charpel married his high school sweetheart, Lillian Edna Johnson. They began the first four years of their life together farming in Havelock. In 1944, they moved to a farm southwest of Corwith, where they farmed until 1990. Charp and Bunny built a house on the south end of Corwith where they have lived ever since.

Farming was Charpel's passion, a passion he continued until the age of 90. He farmed many years with his son, Rick and his grandson, Keith, later joined the operation. Charp was a very progressive farmer, adapting to the changes. He started with horses and ended with GPS guidance equipment.

Charpel was a long-time member of the Corwith United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and member of the board. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and served many years on the Corwith Co-op Board as the board secretary. His greatest joy was being with his wife, his children, four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Lillian "Bunny" Hauswirth of Corwith; two children, Richard "Rick" Hauswirth and his wife, Cheryl of Corwith and Jeanne Taylor and her husband, Larry of Urbandale; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Julie Stiller and her husband, Noel of Chanhassen, Minnesota and their children, Ryan, Kami and Brodie; Keith Hauswirth and his wife, Angie of Corwith and their children, Kyle, Andrew and Kara; Tina Callan and her husband, Pat of Hanover, Minnesota and their children, Carter and Cade; and Tracy Freeburg and her husband, Capt. Tyler Freeburg of Oceanside, California and their children, Jakob and Kael. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Charpel was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Neva Hauswirth and his biological parents; a son, David Hauswirth; and three sisters, Cleone Hueschen, Marvella Gulliford and Shirley Galloway.

Mildred Studer

February 16, 2011

Mildred Studer, died on Friday, February 4, 2011, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. She was 93.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley, with Father Randy Schon officiating. Burial was in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Mildred Flora Studer, was born on April 29, 1917 in Zalma, Missouri, the daughter of Frank and Pearl (Stilts) Fox. She attended the Wesley Township Country School and later graduated from the Britt High School. After high school, Mildred attended Hamilton Business College for a year and a half and then returned to Wesley where she worked in the bank until her marriage. On October 9, 1946, Mildred was united in marriage to Mark Studer at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. After their marriage the couple farmed south of Wesley and Mildred worked as a bookkeeper at the Farmers Co-op in Wesley for 18 years, retiring in 1984.

Mildred enjoyed spending time with family and friends and the many visits she received from them. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Co-op Bookkeepers Association and the St. Joseph Catholic Church.

She is survived by her children, Lavonne Newlin and husband, Jerry of Meadeville, Missouri, Louise Davis and husband, Roy of Boonton Township, New Jersey and Mark A. Studer of Wesley; three grandchildren, Tracy Studer and wife, Mandie of Wesley, Kristin Studer of Ames and Andrew Davis of New York, New York; four great-grandchildren, Johnny, Kirsty, Ace and Chance Studer; sister, Louise and Tom Vitzthum of Laurens; brother, Bill Fox of Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mark on July 29, 2001; brother, Franklin Fox; sister, Genevieve Nicholson; and an infant brother and an infant sister.

Arrangements were handled by he Oakcrest Funeral Services of Wesley. Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

Isabel Parker

February 16, 2011

Isabel Parker, 84, of Britt, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011, at the Kanawha Community Home in Kanawha.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 11, at 1:30 p.m., at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt, with Pastor Stan Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held on Thursday, February 10, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Isabel Thompson (Martin) Parker, the daughter of Robert and Laura (Thompson) Martin, was born on September 1, 1926, on the family farm north of Britt. She was raised in the Britt area, attending school and graduating from the Britt High School. After graduation, Isabel attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, receiving her teaching certificate. She taught in Manson, Algona and Britt. Isabel was united in marriage to Gail Parker on June 29, 1952, at her parents home. She taught for a few more years in Britt before raising their family and helping on the farm.

Isabel was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. She loved spending time with her family and was very proud of the way she kept her home.

Isabel is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gail of Britt; her two children, Tom Parker of Seattle, Washington and Ellen (Les) Beery of Highland, California; sisters, Anna Lou Martin of Seattle, Washington and Eleanor Lynn Martin of Des Moines; brothers, Ralph Martin of Rockford and Rodger (Doris) Martin of Osage; along with her nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Jim and John.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the FCWM (Free Church Women's Ministry).

Erlis J. Steven

February 23, 2011

Erlis J. Steven, 89, of Sartell, Minnesota, died on Monday, February 7, 2011.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 10, at the Riverside Evangelical Church, Sartell, Minnesota. Interment was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Erlis J. Steven, was born on October 1, 1922 in Britt, to Nicholas and Gerda "Yardie" (Anderson) Burgardt. She graduated from the Britt High School in 1939 and from the LaJames Beauty College in Mason City in 1940. She married Wilbur "Bill" Steven on February 9, 1943 in Neosho, Missouri. She owned and operated a beauty shop in Algona while Bill was at war in the South Pacific during WW II. She had to move out of her shop when the United States built a German prisoner of war camp in Algona. They lived in Algona until moving to Sartell in 1950. Erlis and Bill owned and operated the Commodore Club in Sartell for 20 years. She worked for 18 years at the Sartell High School as a custodian and also helped in the kitchen.

Erlis was a member of the Riverside Evangelical Church, Sartell American Legion Post 277 Auxiliary and the St. Cloud Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 622.

Survivors include her sons and daughters, Craig of Sartell, Rochelle of Coon Rapids, Vicki (Bob) Nieman of Little Falls, Von of Vacaville, California and Peggy (Marty) Moran of Monticello; brothers, Clayton (Dorothy) Burgardt of Little Falls, Connie (Norma) Burgardt of Britt and John (Imogene) Burgardt of Britt; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill on May 8, 2000; infant brother, Alvin; and sister, Marilyn Glynn.

Robert Artes

March 2, 2011

Robert Artes, 94, of Britt, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2011, at the Hancock Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 26, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Britt. Burial immediately followed the service in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, February 25, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Robert Berdell Artes, son of Walter and Louise Artes, was born on May 28, 1916 at Ionia, Iowa. Bob graduated from the Ackley High School in 1934 and Gates College of Business two years later. Bob was united in marriage to Kathleen Arends on June 22, 1941 in Iowa Falls. He was called to duty for his country and shipped out on November 24, 1942, on the S.S. Queen Mary for England. Bob served overseas for nearly four years before returning home to his family. He served in the Army Air Force 336th Squadron. During his stay in the service he received three promotions. His last rank was sergeant. When Bob returned home from England he and Kay settled in Britt, where he owned and operated Artes Produce, retiring in 1973.

Bob was an active member of numerous community organizations. Bob was the oldest member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt, where he worshipped for over 65 years. Bob had many interests and hobbies. He had a passion for fishing that included annual trips to Canada, as well as when he introduced his new wife to his favorite pastime on their honeymoon. Golfing, traveling, playing cards with friends, keeping a watchful eye on his two farms in Hancock County and spending 27 winters in Florida kept him busy. Bob never seemed to have an idle moment. His catnaps were the fuel that kept him going as he headed out to a new project. Sitting still was not an option in his full and rich life. Bob had a strong faith that followed him wherever he went.

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Kay; their three children, Tom (Carol) Artes, Carol (Larry) Haugland and Jim (Monica) Artes; grandchildren, Kristie, Jason, Shanna, Ashley, Jordan, Meghann, Katie and Erin; great-grandchildren, Dianna, Alexandra, Cassandra, Andrew, Robert, Abby and Sean; and sister, Frances Kurth.