Paul Skarda

November 7, 2012

Paul J. Skarda, age 95, of Ames, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2012.  

Visitation was from 3-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 4, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, Ames, with a scripture service at 5:00 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 5, at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames, with Father Jim Secora presiding. Burial was in the Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Paul was born in Bolivar, Missouri on January 2, 1917, to Charles and Helen (Kellner) Skarda. He married Mildred Kvidera in 1941. She preceded him in death in 1961. He married Pauline (Urich) Kuhlman in 1965. Paul graduated from high school in Diagonal, Iowa and attended the Creston Jr. College and the Northern Iowa Teachers College which is now more commonly known as UNI, each for two years. He joined the U.S. Air Force on July 1, 1943 and was stationed at the Kelley Air Field in San Antonio, Texas. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 as a Captain. His lifetime career was in education, being superintendent at Frederika, Elma, Corwith-Wesley, Britt, the State Department of Education moving to Ames as assistant superintendent before retiring in 1983.

His retirement was spent serving on the Board of Heartland Senior Services and lobbying for AARP. He was the recipient of an "Outstanding and Dedicated Leadership Award" from AARP and an "Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame Award" for Story County. He was a member of the American Legion Post #37 and The Knights of Columbus 4th degree in the Monsignor Supple Assembly.

The couple enjoyed the weeks at Anchor Inn in Spring Lake, Minnesota, where they enjoyed fishing, time on the lake and entertaining family and friends. He was a Hawkeye fan and had season football tickets for many years. He and Pauline lived a very active lifestyle with trips to family gatherings and their trips to Texas in the winter months.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred; son James; and granddaughter, Anna.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline of Ames; daughter-in-law, Jennifer of Iowa City; daughter, Shirley (Michael) of Burnsville, Minnesota; and step-son, Paul (Kathryn) Kuhlman of Keota; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 6 step-great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Cecilia Catholic Church or Heartland Senior Services.

Harold Johnson

November 21, 2012

Harold Johnson, 93, of Britt, passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the Hancock County Health System in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 7, at 2:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt, with Pastor Robert Dodge and Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the Ewing Funeral Chapel on Wednesday.

Harold LeRoy Johnson, was born on September 29, 1919, to Edward and Hedvig (Willodson) Johnson in Britt. He was the second of their four children. He graduated from the Britt High School in 1937. He worked at the Princess Theatre, Brooks Grocery and the Candy Kitchen, where he learned to make his "famous" chocolate malts. On September 29, 1941, he married Alice Genevieve "Gen" Bower of Mason City. From 1942–1946, Harold was in the Army, stationed on Fischer’s Island off the Connecticut coast. He was in the Intelligence Division, coding and decoding secret messages, while Gen worked at the Army Hospital as a dietician. After World War II ended, they returned to Britt and built several houses. They also built and operated the Sunset Roller Rink on 9th Avenue West in the early to mid-1950s. In 1954, they welcomed the birth of their only child, Terri. During this time period, Harold worked for the post office as well. He delivered mail on a Star Route for several of the smaller towns in the area.

Harold and Gen owned and operated the Bayside Resort on Leech Lake near Walker, Minnesota, from 1961–1964. After selling the resort, they returned to Britt and Harold began working at the Britt Tech Corp. He also worked with his brother-in-law, Paul Francis, resurfacing slate chalkboards in schools. Beginning in 1974, he road-tested motor homes at Winnebago. In 1991, Harold and Gen bought and remodeled their current home in Britt.

The couple enjoyed roller-skating, bowling, fishing and hunting. Harold was a sports fan, especially the Vikings and Twins. He loved the outdoors and took every opportunity to be outside doing yard work, growing tomatoes and visiting with neighbors. His great sense of humor sustained him, his family, and friends.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Terri Lauderback of Britt and her special friend, Gary Wilcox of Spencer; granddaughters, Lia Lauderback of Britt and Alissa Lauderback of Britt; sister, Ruth (Keith) Palmer of Sac City; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Gen; brothers, Bill Johnson and Rudy Johnson; son-in-law, Garo Lauderback; along with other in-laws, nieces and nephews.

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

Linda Hillenga

November 14, 2012

Linda Joyce Hillenga, 67, of Britt, passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 9, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., at the Woden Christian Reformed Church in rural Woden, with Pastor Harrison Harnden officiating. Burial was in the Woden Christian Reformed Church Cemetery. Visitation was held on Thursday, November 8, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Kanawha Christian School.

Linda was born to James and Charlotte Trulson, on July 7, 1945 in Britt, Iowa. Linda graduated from the Britt High School in 1963. She married Marvin Hillenga in 1963 and they lived together in Woden before relocating to Britt in 1993. Linda was a loving mother and wife and was passionate about making a difference in lives of those in her community.

Linda was an active member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church. She also loved to travel with her husband trucking around the nation.

Linda is survived by her parents, James and Charlotte Trulson of Britt; loving husband, Marv of Britt; three children, Candi Harringa of Des Moines, Taffy Hillenga of Des Moines and Shane (Diane) Hillenga of Johnston; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Mike (Violet) Trulson of Richardson, Texas, Pat (Deb) Trulson of Britt and Tim (Holly) Trulson of Britt.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Penny Rae Hillenga.

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

Velma Gourley

November 21, 2012

Velma Aletha Gourley, 94, of Algona, died on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

Mass was held on Saturday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley, by Father Peter Nguyen. Interment was in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Corwith.

Velma was born on June 29, 1918 near Corwith, to Joe and Venia (Miller) Giebel. She was schooled in Britt and on September 8, 1934, was married to Lyle Gourley in Lancaster, Missouri. The couple farmed in the Garner, Mason City and Corwith areas. They then operated the "J" Motel in Lake City from 1957–1974, when they sold the motel, retired and moved back to Corwith.

Velma was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. She was active in each church in which she was a member, leading the junior and adult choirs. Her faith was very important to her as she was active in Christian education. She was an artist too but her greatest enjoyment was her family. Velma became a resident of the Algona Manor Care Center in Algona in July 2011.

Survivors include her children, Jay Gourley and wife, Nancy of Corwith and Sharon and husband, Eugene Kelch of Algona; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sisters, Carol and husband, Norman Wallen and Carmine and husband, Dean Faust.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle in 1992; one daughter, Shirley Kay; and son, Lyle Dwight "Butch".

Sally Devine

November 28, 2012

Celestine Rose Lorenz-Devine, of Britt, left us for the joy of heaven on Saturday, November 17, 2012. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, November 21, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt, with Rev. Dennis Miller and Rev. Don Czapla officiating. Burial was in the St. John’s Cemetery in Duncan. Visitation was held on from 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 20, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt. Catholic Daughters of the Americas rosary were said at 7:30 p.m. A scriptural wake service was held at 8:00 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National Right to Life or Birth Right.

Sally was born on October 15, 1925, on a farm south of Duncan. She grew up a proud Czech Catholic, dedicating her life to God and the Blessed Virgin. Sally worked on a family farm throughout her lifetime and was much needed during the absence of her two brothers who served in World War II. She graduated with a nursing degree from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids as part of the Military Medical Cadet program in 1943. She continued a long career in nursing and health care. Sally was an independent woman long before it was popular. After serving as a nurse in Britt, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis, Sally volunteered her services to the Jesuits Missions where she served for nearly two years as a nurse and midwife for small villages in British Honduras (Belize) and native Indians of Eastern Guatemalans in Central America. She delivered more than 30 babies, helped improve the health care of Honduras, and the people of the undeveloped region. After returning to the states, she took advantage of her youth to travel, taking world trips on church pilgrimages to South America and Europe.

Upon returning to Duncan to care for her elderly parents, Sally eventually took on the position as Director of Nurses at Hancock County Hospital in Britt. It was there that she was reacquainted with bachelor, Paul Devine, her partner and husband for 55 years. Paul and Sally made their home on a farm two miles North of Corwith where they have resided ever since, continuing to farm to the present. Their home was blessed with five children after a miscarriage and one stillborn. Sally continued to nurse, teach nurses’ aide classes, maintain a huge vegetable garden, bake, cook, and can all their food. She successfully owned and operated the Corwith Café for years with the help of her daughters and daughter-in-law. She worked tirelessly for the pro-life cause and carried a torch for the unborn.

Sally will be immensely missed by her husband, Paul Sr.; son Paul, Jr., (Roxy), Noah, Bria, Abraham, Eli and Zachariah; daughter, Mary (Tom) Murphy, Hollie and Megan; daughter, Tricia (Curt) Witt, Desi and Ally; daughter, Anny (Steve) Dunivin, Anabel; daughter, Barbara (lovingly known as Auntie Barbie to all of Sally’s grandchildren); sister, Trudy (Eugene) Burns; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Antoinette Lorenz; brothers, John (Ruth) and Norbert (Anne) Lorenz; sisters, Rita Lass and Irene Jackson; and her infant son, Joseph.

Le Roy George Love
July 20, 1924 - November 20, 2012

Le Roy G. Love, 88, of Britt, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at the Hancock County Health System in Britt.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 24, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 23, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Le Roy was born on July 20, 1924 in Mason City, Iowa, to Hattie (Castle) and Willis Love. He was a veteran of WW II, serving three years in the U.S. Navy. He had enlisted in the Navy while in his senior year of high school, so he never graduated. Through the efforts of his daughter, Lyla he was able to receive his high school diploma on his 80th Birthday. On December 9, 1945, he married the love of his life, Lillian Mae Blair in Pensacola, Florida. They made their home in and around Britt, where for the next forty years he worked as a building contractor, leaving a legacy of many houses and buildings in Britt.

He was a member of the American Legion for sixty-seven years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to gun shows and antique sales and riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed vacationing in Florida and eating seafood.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years, Lillian; children, Lyla (Warren) Hamand of Nora Springs, Tom (Jane) Love of Jacksonville, Florida, Alan (Jennie) Love of Mason City and Laurie (Don) Homan of Cedar Rapids; 9 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Josine Louise (Benson) Korsa

December 5, 2012

Josine Louise (Benson) Korsa, 74, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at her home.  

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 27, at 10:30 a.m., at the Britt Evangelical Free Church in Britt, with Pastor Jason Boomgarden officiating. Burial was at 1:00 p.m., in the Crystal Lake Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake. Visitation was held on Monday, November 26, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church. 

Josine, the daughter of Vernal and Vera (Benedict) Benson was born on June 2, 1938. She lived on the family farm near Crystal Lake and attended the Crystal Lake community schools, graduating in 1955. After graduation she attended Waldorf College in Forest City, receiving her teaching degree. On May 5, 1959, she married the love of her life, Joe Korsa. They made their home in the Forest City area, where she taught in the Forest City school district. They moved into Crystal Lake in the mid 1960’s and she began teaching at the Woden-Crystal Lake and Titonka elementary schools. After retiring from full time teaching, she worked as a teacher’s aide for the W-CL school. Later she served as the assistant postmaster in Crystal Lake and worked at the Crystal Lake Public Library. Her life was dedicated to family and education. 

Josine and Joe loved to travel, taking the kids on many summer vacations. Over the years they continued to travel, spending many summers at the Iowa State Fair, local county fairs, parades, and city celebrations. On their longer trips, they traveled to various national parks, with their last two trips to Alaska and the Grand Canyon. She spent many days at these events with Joe and shared many of their happy times with friends and family.  

Josine is survived by her sons, Jeff (Laura) Korsa of Crystal Lake and Jim (Angie) Korsa of Lakeville, Minnesota; six beloved grandchildren, Kasey, Caleb, Michaela, Allie, Tyler and Trevor; one brother, Bruce (Cleone) Benson of Westby, Wisconsin; two brothers-in-law, Bob (Myrna) Korsa of Franktown, Colorado and Bernie (Sandie) Korsa of Garner; one sister-in-law, Fran (Al) Tvedt of Fair Grove, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Joe. 

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

Harold Schwab

November 28, 2012

Harold August Schwab, 95, of Britt, died on Thursday, November 22, 2012, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. After repeated strokes, Harold became disabled and lived at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital beginning in July of 2008.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, November 26, at the Church of the Nazarene in Britt, with Pastor John Paulus officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, was in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please honor Harold's love of farming with donations to the Hancock County Agriculture Museum.

Harold was born to William Henry and Clara Josephine (Anderson) Schwab on their farm northeast of Corwith, Boone Township, Hancock County on October 1, 1917. Harold and his older brother, Lenord, grew up on this farm settled by his grandparents, George and Emma (Sellmeyer) Schwab. George, Emma and their sons, John, William and Frank moved to Stilson, Iowa from Peru, Illinois, when Will was 13 years old. Their horses, machinery, and furniture were shipped by rail and loaded off onto a tall snow bank at the Stilson depot. For a year, they rented a house nearby. Their home was built on unbroken prairie they purchased for $8 an acre in 1893. George and Emma lived on this farm until they retired to Britt in 1910.

Harold attended the Boone township country school and Corwith High School. He met Astred Pearson at the Britt skating rink. Astred graduated in the spring of 1940 from the Britt High School and was hired by Rex Puffer to teach country school northwest of Britt. They married on March 14, 1941 in the Radio Chapel in Mason City, a popular place to marry at that time. The couple lived and farmed with Will and Clara until the parents retired. Harold loved farming and purchased and sold several farms over the years. Harold and Astred entertained and enjoyed many family get-togethers. The couple first attended the United Brethren Church in Stilson until they joined the Britt Church of the Nazarene. They were very active in the church for many years. Harold enjoyed all kinds of farm events in the community, especially auctions. Like his parents, Harold liked to travel. Harold and Astred visited friends and relatives throughout the United States and Canada. They also traveled to Europe, Russia and Israel. The couple met many nice people from their travels. They retired to Britt in 1978. Harold continued to farm for several years after retirement for as long as he was able.

He is survived by his wife, Astred of Britt; daughter, Marlys Talidis and her son, Jim, of Rockford, Illinois; sons, Duane Schwab of Corwith and Dennis (Connie) Schwab of rural Britt and their two children, Brandon (Sara) Schwab and Lindsay (Nolan) Thilges; daughter, Joy Schwab of Monroe, Wisconsin; daughter, Darlene Schwab of Madison, Wisconsin; two great-grandchildren, Carter and Colin Schwab; his only remaining cousin and good friend, Wayne Anderson who farmed near Stilson; and two nieces, Lucille (Ken) Carlson and Eleanor (Mike) Swan.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, William in 1957 and Clara in 1976; brother, Lenord; sister-in-law, Mae; and one grandchild, Stefanie Talidis.

Evelyn Tegtmeyer

December 5, 2012

Evelyn Irene Tegtmeyer Dolphin, of Polson, Montana, passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2012, of natural causes.

Memorial services will be held in January. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Evelyn's memory to the SPCA or other charity of your choice.

Born on April 6, 1925 in Britt, Iowa, to Louis and Marie Tegtmeyer, she married Bruce Robert Dolphin on May 29, 1943. In 1958, they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where they raised their family and in 1977, they　moved to Polson. Evelyn devoted her life to her family, friends, her gardens, and her many cats and dogs. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and friend to many. She lived a life filled with love and kindness to others. Evelyn will be greatly missed. Her presence will always be in our hearts.

Evelyn　was preceded in death by　her beloved husband, Bruce; her parents, Louis and Marie Tegtmeyer; her siblings, Louise, Augusta, Mary, Emma and Louis Jr.; and her grandson, Travis Dolphin.

She is survived by her children and spouses, Timothy and Barbara Dolphin, Irene Naylor, Charlene and Dale Dolphin-Chavie and Laurie and David Motter; her 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and by numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

Mable DeGroote

December 5, 2012

Mable DeGroote, 94, of Algona, formerly of Corwith, died on Monday, November 26, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Society, Algona.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 29, at 2:00 p.m., at the St. John Lutheran Church in Corwith. Burial was in the Corwith Cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday.

Mable Leona DeGroote, was born on May 2, 1918, to Lewis and Amelia (Nelson) Olson at Livermore. She and her twin sister, Myrtle were baptized as infants at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode. She was a graduate of the Bethany High School, Mankato, Minnesota and attended Commercial College in Mankato. Mable worked for a year in a doctor’s office in LuVerne. She was united in marriage to Carvel Risvold of Corwith at the Zion Lutheran Church in LuVerne on November 9, 1940. They made their home in Corwith, where their three children were born. After Carvel’s death on June 28, 1968, Mable continued to live in Corwith where she and James Veldhouse were married on October 4, 1969. They spent many winters in Florida until James’ death on October 7, 1988. Mable continued to live in Corwith and was married to Robert DeGroote on July 15, 1995. They made their home in Corwith until they moved to Algona in March, 2007.

Mable’s life was centered around her family and her church, St. John Lutheran. She served St. John in many capacities from organist to Sunday School teacher. She also took an active part in her circle until her health failed.

Mable was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Henry Olson and Earl Olson; her sisters, Olive Olson, Lila Nelson, Rhoda Brockman, Aleda Hanselman, Agnes Solli and Myrtle Hanselman; and her husbands, Carvel Risvold and James Veldhouse.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Robert DeGroote; her sons, Richard Risvold and David Risvold; her daughter, Beth Macaulay and her husband, David; her grandsons, Bill and wife, Katie Macaulay and their daughter, Caitlyn and Eric Macaulay; sister, Edna Hanselman; and many nieces and nephews.

The Oakcrest Funeral Services of Corwith, was in charge of the arrangements.
www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.