Grace T. Larson

March 28, 2012

Grace T. Larson, 98, of Britt, died on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, March 9, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt, with Rev. Stan Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Evangelical Free Church Christian Women's Ministry.

Grace Thelma Larson, the daughter of Fred and Helen (Schulte) Frohling, was born on October 5, 1913 at Belmond. She attended country school and graduated from the Belmond High School. Grace continued her education at a beauty school in Waterloo and then worked as a beautician in the area for several years. On June 25, 1941, she was married to Norris Larson at her parent's home in Rowan. They made their home on an acreage northwest of Britt, where they farmed and raised their children. In 1978, they moved into Britt and in 1990 retired from active farming.

Grace and Norris enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona for many years. After Norris passed away in 1993 she continued to live in Britt until moving to the Summit House when it opened. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, quilting and music. She was a member of the Evangelical Free Church and FCWM. Grace also sang in the church choir for many years and taught Sunday School.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Mardelle Larson of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; son, Calvin (Barb) Larson of Britt; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norris; and a brother, Herman Frohling.

Glenn DeBerg

March 28, 2012

Glenn DeBerg, 65, of Britt, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at his home in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, March 16, at the Christian Reformed Church in Britt, with the Rev. Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 15, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Glenn, the first of nine children, was born in Sibley, on February 8, 1947, to Alvin and Frances (Mulder) DeBerg. Being the big brother to so many siblings helped Glenn develop the leadership and management skills that would prove useful throughout his working life. He graduated in 1965 from the Sibley High School and worked at several auto and construction-related jobs. Glenn always had an interest in horses, cars, and motorcycles, and you could usually find a restored or modified classic car or truck, or a sweet Harley Davidson in his garage. Glenn even owned a car dealership in the late 1980's where he bought and sold Corvettes.

Glenn's career in concrete and construction took him to many locations and provided clients with highly skilled labor and a first-rate product. He owned and operated B&G Construction where his workmanship was envied by many and appreciated by everyone who used him. Glenn made many close friends wherever he worked or lived, especially in Britt, where he has resided since 1995. He spent last winter in southern Texas where he enjoyed the beautiful weather and developed many new, loving friendships.

Glenn lived a bold and content life. Although he spent most of his adult life doing things his way, he believed in Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. And in spite of his strong, independent attitude, a desire to learn and grow in Christ had been rekindled in recent years. To some degree, "a blessing in disguise," the sickness that took Glenn's life was a humbling experience, which allowed meaningful reunions, and loving bonds to be re-established with friends and family members, for which we are all grateful.

Glenn was married to Ramona Anderson in 1966. Their children are: Kent DeBerg of Spencer, Kevin DeBerg of Spirit Lake, and Koreen DeBerg of Washington, D.C. He was married to Darla Frerk in 1975 and their children are: Jill DeBerg of Primghar and Ryan (Dawn) DeBerg also of Primghar, and Lora (Jim) Pierce of Spencer. His six grandchildren are: Kasey, Dillon, Devin, Jacob, Reyna and Suri. Glenn has spent the last 17 years of his life with his loving companion, Bettie Vega of Britt.

Glenn leaves behind his mother, Frances DeBerg Harms of Boyden; two brothers, Arlyn (Kris) DeBerg of Phoenix, Arizona and Ardell (Kris) DeBerg of Vergas, Minnesota; six sisters, Marlys (Stan) Korthals of Boyden, Helen Kaye (Les) Broek of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mary Jane (Larry) Klaahsen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Colleen (Ardell) Niemeyer of Boyden, Marilyn (Lem) Maurer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Caroline (Shaun) Hatfield of Lewiston, Idaho; two bonus brothers, Doug (Jeanette) Harms of Johnston and Steve (Judy) Harms of Slayton, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Glenn to Glory was his father, Alvin DeBerg in 2003; and his bonus Dad, Johnny Harms in 2011.

The DeBerg family would like to thank all of those who helped make Glenn's last few months very meaningful and comfortable. We cherish his memory together, and look forward to a joyous heavenly reunion when we, like Glenn, can say that we are "Finally Home."

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

Leroy Stalzer

March 28, 2012

Leroy C. Stalzer, 87, of Britt, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 24, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Rev. Dennis Miller officiating. Burial was in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, March 23, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Leroy Charles Stalzer, was born on January 14, 1925 on a farm near Haverhill, the son of William and Sophia (Jansen) Stalzer. Leroy lived with his family in Haverhill; Amarillo, Texas; State Center; Renwick; and Wesley. Leroy graduated from the Britt High School in 1951. Leroy worked on the family farms as well as milking cows for 20 years. He worked for the city of Britt until his retirement. Leroy married Evelyn Dorothy (Loy) Steenlage on August 19, 1972. They lived in Britt.

Leroy served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, January 1949 to January 1950. He remained in the reserves and was called back to serve his country from January 1951 to Labor Day, 1951. His brother, Ralph, was leaving the U.S. when Leroy was returning.

 Leroy was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the VFW. He always cherished his time with family and friends. Leroy enjoyed playing cards, fishing, gardening (with great results), bowling and napping with a houseful of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leroy is survived by five children, Bob (Bobbi) Steenlage of Galesville, Wisconsin, Les (Janet) Steenlage of Coralville, Jerry (Sonja) Steenlage of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Nancy Steenlage Hrubes of Thompson and Cyndi (David Gerdes) Steenlage of Kanawha; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Stalzer; sisters-in-law, Josephine, Gladys and Alice Stalzer; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn D. on July 29, 2008; his parents, William and Sophia; brothers and sisters-in-law, Linus (Lois), Cletus (Ellen), Elmer, Iva Lu, Ralph and Harry; one grandson; one granddaughter; two nieces; and one nephew.

The family suggests memorials directed to your choosing, the Hospice of North Iowa, Cancer Society or Cerebral Palsy.

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

Edward J. Lang

April 4, 2012

Edward J. Lang, died on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at his home in Port Aransas, Texas.

Memorial services were held at Aransas Harbors, Texas, on Monday, March 26 and his memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on July 7, at the St. Henry's Catholic Church in Marshalltown. Ed was cremated per his wishes. Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Memorials will go to Ed/Jo Lang's Scholarship at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa.

Edward was born at home on the Peterson farm in Marshalltown, the fourteenth child of Sylvester and Anna (Oetker) Lang. He attended grade school and high school at St. Mary's, Marshalltown. His college career began at Marshalltown Jr. College and was completed at Loras College, Dubuque, where he graduated with the class of 1955. During these years he was a student/athlete, a basketball standout. He earned entrance into Loras' 1000 Point Club in three years. Years later he was honored with his induction into Loras College's Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a loyal supporter of Loras. He and his wife, Jo, endowed a scholarship at Loras College bearing their names. After Loras College, Ed attended Mount St. Bernard Seminary and was ordained with the class of 1959. For fifteen years he served and ministered to various parishes in spiritual and educational roles.

In 1975, Ed moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, seeking a change in his life, career and work. He was a licensed painting/decorating contractor there in the beautiful West, which filled his heart and soul. On May 29,1981, he married Jo Marie Sampson of Sheridan, Wyoming, an elementary school teacher. Ed worked extensively in establishing a halfway house for recovering alcoholics in Sheridan. He also became interested in Hospice volunteer work. In 1990, Ed and Jo packed themselves off to Germany for a seven-year stint with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools. They made the most of their opportunities to travel throughout Europe.

Ed and Jo retired to Port Aransas, Texas and Britt. He was a "Summer Iowan" returning there to visit family and friends, to raise vegetable gardens, to continue volunteer work, serving on the Hospice Board of Directors, volunteering for Hospice of North Iowa. He indulged his passions for reading and walking and continuing to develop his deep spirituality. Ed was blessed with the skill of being a compassionate and active listener. Ed loved "tinkering" and spent many happy hours doing just that! He could fix, reconfigure or reinvent just about anything.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jo; two brothers, Andrew of Urbandale and David (Martha) of Ballwin, Missouri; and by his sister, Sr. Joan Lang of Oak Park, Illinois. He was the cherished and treasured uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence, Richard, Urban, Harold and Gerald; and by his sisters, Bertha, Claretta, Adeline, Bernice, Bernadetta and Mary Alice.