Erlene Schutter

January 18, 2012

After a long struggle with cancer, Erlene Schutter, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2012, in Hospice, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center, Algona.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Monday, January 16, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka, with Pastor Robert Wolfert officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Erlene W. Mayland, was born on June 24, 1934, to Fred and Etta (Bruns) Mayland at their rural home in Britt. She was baptized and was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Britt. Erlene graduated from the Britt High School in 1952. Following graduation, she worked at the Britt Pantorium. On April 11, 1958, she was united in marriage to Franklin LeRoy Schutter. They made their home on the family farm adjacent to Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka. Their union was blessed with three children, Anita, Marvin and John. Her brother, Herman Mayland lived with them for 18 years and was considered a part of this family. Erlene baked delicious, homemade angel food cakes for the special occasions of her family, friends, and others.

Her husband, Franklin, passed away on March 12, 1982. Following his death, the family remained on the farm. She began working at the Titonka Care Center, first as a dietary aid and then as a cook. She enjoyed creating intricate, delicate handwork of every nature, including quilting, crocheting and embroidery. She worked at the quilt shop in Buffalo Center following her employment at the care center. In her spare time, Erlene took great pleasure in spending time with her sisters, Marie Ann and Helen, brother-in-law, Hank and her sister-in-law, Ina, playing cards and going on bus trips. She loved her grandchildren dearly and enjoyed attending all of their activities.

 Left to cherish her memory are her children, Anita Jane Eden and husband, Steven of rural Wesley, Marvin LeRoy Schutter and wife, Janet of Spencer, John Franklin Schutter and wife, Karla of rural Titonka; four grandchildren, Eric, Thomas, Christie and Jeneé; brother, Walbert Mayland, Sr.; sister, Helen Gremmer and husband, Henry; sisters-in-law, Ina Mayland and Beverly Mayland; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Agnes and Paul Christ; and many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Erlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Franklin; siblings, Herman, William, Engaline, Jeanette, Ben, Henry Lewis, Donald, Ernest and Marie Ann; sister-in-law, Caroline Mayland; brothers-in-law, Stoffer Gremmer and John Wilson.

Arrangements were handled by the Oakcrest Funeral Services of Titonka.

Elaine M. Buzicky

January 25, 2012

Elaine Margaret (Nowak) Buzicky, 78, of Britt, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2012, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, January 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Rev. Dennis Miller officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery near Duncan. Visitation was held on Thursday, January 19, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt, with an FCSLA (Catholic Workmen) and Rosary Society rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials, which will be donated in Elaine's name to charity.

Elaine, the daughter of Joseph and Ella (Kalis) Nowak, was born on June 23, 1933 at Wells, Minnesota. She attended the St. Casimir's Catholic School and the Wells High School in Wells. She attended St. Mary's School of Nursing at Rochester, Minnesota. Upon graduation, she worked at the Wells Hospital as a nurse's aide for four years and Immanuel Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota for a year. On June 28, 1960, Elaine was married to John F. Buzicky at the St Casimir's Catholic Church in Wells. They farmed south of Duncan and raised their five children. Later in life, Elaine worked at Prairie View Apartments in Garner for three years and at Duncan Heights as a nurse's aide for 12 years.

Elaine was a member of the St Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Rosary Society in Duncan and a member of the Catholic Workman FCSLA branch #51, where she served as reporter for 15 years. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #315 in Britt. Elaine enjoyed her family, grandchildren, cooking and baking, embroidery, gardening and flowers.

She is survived by her five children, Myron Buzicky (Loida Martinez and son Christopher) of Queen Creek, Arizona, Karen Connor (husband Brad and son Ian) of Britt, Mark Buzicky (wife Julie, daughter Ashlea and son Austin) of Queen Creek, Arizona, Sharon Jannusch (husband Matt and son Luke) of Hudson, Wisconsin and Mike Buzicky (wife Tina and sons Chase and Lake) of Hudson Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2006; her parents; grandson, Nicholas Connor; brothers, Ray, Ambrose and Jacob Nowak; and sisters, Jane Schultz and Alvera Formanek.

The Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt, was in charge of the arrangements.

Clarence Seebeck

January 25, 2012

Clarence Seebeck, 87, of Britt, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 21, at 10:30 a.m., at the Britt Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Britt Ceremonial Honor Guard provided military graveside services. Visitation was held on Friday, January 20, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

William Clarence Seebeck, was born on September 2, 1924 in Wright County, Iowa, to Charles and Cora (Abbas) Seebeck. He was baptized in the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. When Clarence was four years old, his family moved to a farm south of Britt. He received his education in the Erin Township Country School. Clarence entered the United States Army in 1948 and was stationed at Keyuchi, Japan. He was honorably discharged from the Army in late 1949. Clarence was united in marriage with Genevieve Ruter on March 5, 1951. To this union was born four daughters. The family made their home on the Seebeck family farm. In September of 2005, after living 77 years on the family farm, Clarence and Gen moved to Britt.

Clarence was a member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, where he had served as a deacon. He became a member of the Britt Christian Reformed Church when the couple moved into Britt. Clarence enjoyed going to church, farming, fishing, playing cards and talking politics.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gen; four daughters, Peggy (Ron) Eisenman, Vicki (Mike) Matern, Jane (Jon) Swenson, all of Britt and Jean "Buff" (Larry) Wolters of Prosser, Washington; eight grandchildren, Dave (Sarah) Eisenman, Joel (Paige) Eisenman, Steve Eisenman, Rachel (Cory) Schrank, Tyler Swenson, Molly Swenson, Luke Wolters, Jacob Wolters; five great-grandchildren, Cole, Campbell and Reed Schrank, Paxton and Cooper Eisenman; brother, George (Pearl) Seebeck of Sunnyside, Washington; sister-in-law, Tillie Seebeck of Minneapolis, Minnesota; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Charles in 1985, Louie in 1996, Ben in 2000 and Henry in 2005; sisters, Marie Prull in 1991 and Cornelia in infancy.

The Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt, was in charge of the arrangements.

Frances Sonius

January 25, 2012

Frances Sonius, 99, of Woden, died on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, January 25, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with Rev. Robert Wolfert officiating. Burial will be in the Bingham Township Cemetery south of Woden. Visitation was held from 4-6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Woden and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Frances Sonius, the daughter of Anton and Elizabeth (Urban) Schwab, was born on October 2, 1912, on a farm near Schittwa, Bohemia. In 1923, she emigrated to America with her sister coming through Ellis Island and settling in Webster City to live with their aunt. Frances attended rural school and helped families in the area with house chores, cooking and anything else that needed tending. She later moved to Woden to help a family where she later met and married her husband, Harm Sonius on February 27, 1932 in Woden. They farmed for thirty-seven years south of Woden, retiring in 1967 and moving into Woden.

She enjoyed her family, making afghans, baking lemon and chocolate chip bars and volunteering her time at the Woden Senior Citizens Center. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, WELCA and was a charter member of the Women's Club and the Woden Senior Citizens.

Frances is survived by her three children, Shirley (Heinz) Engel of New Hampton, John (Judy) Sonius of Britt and Richard (Linda) Sonius of Osceola; a son-in-law, John (Deb) Haugen of Klemme; fifteen grandchildren, Laura (Mark) Zipse, Wayne Engel, David (Renae) Engel, Julie Haugen, Deanna Haugen, Paul (Ginger) Sonius, Scott (Becky) Sonius, Lisa (Jeff) Meyer, Katrese (Donald) Ebbers, Kevin (Laurie) Merryman, Kerry Jo (Jacob) Smith, Regina (Rick) Postier, Barry (Amanda) Sonius, Daniel (Melissa) Sonius, Anthony (Sara) Sonius; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harm on March 13, 1980; daughter, Gloria Haugen on March 31, 1989; an infant son, Anton; six sisters; and two brothers.

The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Glenn R. Kronemann

February 1, 2012

Glenn Robert Kronemann, 84, of Carpenter, died on Friday, January 27, 2012, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, of a sudden illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, February 1, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Father Jack McClure, CPPS, officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage, with military honors at the grave by the Walter T. Enneberg American Legion Post 358 of St. Ansgar. Visitation was from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Glenn was born on March 20, 1927 in Rock Township, Mitchell County, the youngest of nine children to Emil and Mary (Neuman) Kronemann. He attended country school in Rock Township. Glenn served in the Army Air Force during WW II in the Pacific. He was united in marriage to Dolores Wagner at the Sacred Heart Church in Osage, on August 21, 1950. They farmed near St. Ansgar until 1970 when they moved to Britt. They moved to Carpenter in 1990. Glenn was the drummer for the Grafton Boys Band for 40 years.

He was a member of the St. Ansgar American Legion Post 358. Glenn enjoyed playing his drums, hunting, fishing, gardening and listening to music. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Dolores of Carpenter; his eight children, Douglas (Linda) of Osage, Diane (Lyle) Passmore of Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, Nancy (Marvin) Trenary of Kanawha, Lynn (Daniel) Doughan of Britt, David of Crystal Lake, Susan Marshall of Gig Harbor, Washington, Wayne (Michelle) of Britt and Brian of Kanawha; brother, Lloyd Kroneman of Grafton; 22 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; three brothers; and a great-grandson.

The Champion Bucheit Funeral Home of Osage, is in charge of the arrangements.

Donnabelle Moats

February 8, 2012

Donnabelle "Donna" Moats, 86, of Britt, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2012, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 11, at 11:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Pastor Robert Dodge and Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial services at the church, on Saturday, February 11.

Donna, the daughter of Frank and Clara (Rust) Baxter, was born on April 17,1925 at Sheffield. Donna was united in marriage with Tom Moats on August 15, 1947 at Oakland, Maryland. Donna lived in Britt most of her life, with the exception of the 20 years Tom was in the Air Force. Following Tom's discharge in 1966, the couple moved to Britt where Donna was employed as manager of the hot lunch program at the Britt Schools. She was a special friend to many students.

Donna was a member of the Ladies VFW, ladies coffee group that met at Mary Jo's Hobo House every morning and a ladies card club in Britt. She loved to travel and go out to eat.

Donna is survived by two sisters, Doris Lou Hilpipre of Clarion and Phyllis Kaye Hughes of Clear Lake; special friends, Al and Jill Olson; and niece and nephews, Debra Ott, Terry J. Hilpipre, Bill Baxter, Jim Baxter, Jeff Hughes and David Hughes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom in 1985; brother, Carroll Baxter; and two nephews, Thomas Hughes and Gary Hilpipre.

The Ewing Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. www.ewingfh.com

David L. Gobeli

February 1, 2012

Rev. David Lee Gobeli, 63, of Mason City, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit of North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m., at the Grace United Methodist Church, Mason City. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City and then one hour before the services on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in the Meservey Cemetery, Meservey. Family suggests memorials to the Grace United Methodist Church or the Hospice of North Iowa.

David was born on March 30, 1948, at the North Iowa Mercy Hospital in Mason City, the son of Lester and Avis (Wilson)) Gobeli. David grew up on the family farm north of Meservey. He was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Meservey. David had serious health problems from birth and at the age of eight suffered from a very serious kidney illness that only by the grace of God did he survive. He attended the Meservey Community School until the eighth grade; then the Meservey-Thornton Consolidated Schools until graduating in1966. After graduation, David held down different jobs one including working at Mercy Hospital where he met Sandra Miller. Dave and Sandi were married on July 12, 1969 at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Mason City.

The greatest blessing in his life was the birth of their son, Christopher David Gobeli, in February 1977. Dave, Sandi and Chris had some wonderful vacations. Dave shared his love of gardening with Chris. He was always so proud of Chris. It meant so much to him that he was able to participate in the marriage of Chris to Samantha Bohn. The second and third greatest joy was the birth of his two grandsons, Ian and Isaac. They were precious to him and it was important to him that he baptized both of them.

For the first ten years of their marriage David drove semi, during the summer months for Mitchell Transport, in Mason City. During the winter months he hauled livestock for different companies including Bonner Trucking. In 1978, health problems forced him out of trucking. During the next several years he did everything from working in a packing plant, steel and construction work. During that time, he also went back to college and graduated with a degree in Industrial Electrical Maintenance at North Iowa Area Community College.

David was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ all of his life. He had many health problems all of his life but he never questioned his faith and he trusted that God was always with him. For many years Dave and Sandi were youth leaders at Grace United Methodist Church, Mason City. He enjoyed helping the youth cut down and sell wood to earn money to buy a bus. He considered them all his kids and loved it when he would hear from one of them. In 1990, he found his real calling and entered the ministry. In 2001, David was ordained an Associate Member and Deacon of the United Methodist Church. During his twenty years in the ministry, he served the Zion (Sheffield), Ventura, Morgan, Lee Center, Bradford, Hancock and Silver Creek United Methodist Churches. In December 2008 health problems forced him to retire. While at Morgan, Lee Center and Bradford he led a Recovery Bible Study that was very important to him. He also had a truck stop ministry, where he enjoyed having coffee, talking politics and sharing his faith.

David loved gardening and raising roses. He enjoyed having coffee and sharing his faith with others. He didn't mind talking politics also.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandi of Mason City; son, Christopher (Samantha) Gobeli and grandsons, Ian and Isaac of Britt; brothers, Daryl (Norma Jean) Gobeli and Donald Gobeli; sisters-in-law, Jeanyce Gobeli, Marlene Gobeli and Barbara Lindquist; sister and brother-in-law, Rhonda and Chip Hurd; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Avis Gobeli; mother-in-law, Maxine Chaney; father-in-law, Clarence Miller; brothers, Allan and Leonard Gobeli; sister-in-law, Marge Gobeli; and half-brother, Irwin Lindquist.

The Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.