12/28/01

Floyd Clarence Christopherson, age 80, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the son of Lawrence and Leona Brown Christopherson on September 17, 1921, in rural Butler County, near Aplington, Iowa. He graduated from Aplington High School in 1939. On April 19, 1941, Floyd married Lorraine Frey in Allison, Iowa. The couple made their home in rural Aplington where they farmed for over 40 years. They moved into their home in Aplington in 1979. Floyd was in fellowship with the Christians at the Hitesville Gospel Hall where he served as an elder, enjoyed sharing as a public speaker what he had studied, and visiting in the community. He also enjoyed serving as a volunteer night chaplain at Allen Hospital, and reading and studying his Bible. At 11:35 a.m., Monday, December 17, 2001, Floyd died at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, Iowa, from pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant sister, Marlys Christopherson. Floyd is survived by his wife, Lorraine Christopherson, Aplington, Iowa and two sons, Allan of Rapid City, SD and Tommy of Ackley, and one daughter, Elaine Nordman of Dunkerton, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Floyd is also survived by one brother, Vinton, of Parkersburg, Iowa; and two sisters, Irene Kramer and her husband, Siefert, Allison, Iowa; and Myrna Kluiter and her husband, LaVern, of Parkersburg, Iowa. Funeral Services were held Friday, December 21 at Hitesville Gospel Hall in Aplington with Tommy Christopherson, Robert Orr, Allan Christopherson, Leonard DeBuhr officiating. Casketbearers were Larry Brandt, Bud Williams, Tim McCandless, Jeff Kramer, Dallas Kluiter and Scott Barrett. Internment was Hitesville Cemetery, Aplington with Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

12/28/01

James A. Eichhorn, 86, of Clarksville, Iowa, died Thursday, December 20, 2001, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo from complications of a stroke. He was born on December 28, 1914, near Clarksville, the son of Adolph and Estella (Elliott) Eichhorn. He was baptized and later confirmed in the Methodist Church and attended Butler #9 country school near his home. Jim graduated from the Shell Rock High School in 1932 and then attended Iowa State University in Ames where he studied Agronomy. Following his studies, Jim returned to the Eichhorn Family Farm, where he worked with his father. On February 15, 1939, he was united in marriage to Helen G. Zimmerman in the Methodist Church parsonage, Dunkerton, Iowa. The couple moved to the Eichhorn Family Farm where they farmed and raised livestock. In the early 1980’s, Kevin Leisinger began helping them with the farm operation, and became their “adopted” son. In July of 1998, Jim and Helen sold the livestock, rented the land, and slowed down, but they continued to help with the day to day chores and live on the farm. On December 3rd of this year, Jim suffered a stroke, was transferred to the Waverly Hospital and then airlifted to Allen Memorial Hospital. He was a longtime member of the Shell Rock United Methodist Church, and for years he and Helen have been members of the Farm Bureau. Jim loved to farm and care for his livestock, but his greatest passion was his family. He was a history buff, and loved to read, especially the National Geographic. Jim is survived by his living wife of almost 63 years, Helen of Clarksville; his two daughters and their husbands, Jean and Terry Griffen of Urbandale, Iowa, Karen and Donald Patterson of Troy, Michigan; two grandchildren: Amanda Patterson of Baltimore, Maryland, and Jeffrey Patterson of Troy, Michigan; and Jim and Helen’s special friend, Kevin Leisinger of Shell Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons: Allen and Michael Griffen; and by one sister, Mary Estella Gaskill. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2001, at the Methodist Church in Shell Rock with burial in the Riverside Cemetery, Shell Rock. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Shell Rock was in charge of arrangements.

Jennie Baskins, age 86, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Harm and Grace (Hartema) Williams on March 1, 1915, in Butler County, near Allison, Iowa. She was baptized into the Christian faith on September 21, 1915, at the Evangelical Church. She received her education from a rural country school near her home in West Union, Iowa, while her father was working for the Rail Road. Jennie was confirmed on April 23, 1933, at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Butler Center, Iowa. On June 20, 1950, Jennie Williams was united in marriage with Romane Baskins. They made their home and lived in the Aplington area. She owned and operated the Lunch Box Café in Aplington. She also worked at the Ackley canning factory and later was a cook at many other restaurants in the area. Jennie retired in 1989. Jennie enjoyed fishing with her husband Romane and in her spare time she liked to do crafts and to crochet. She always found time for her nieces and nephews especially for her niece, Darla. In April of 1995, Jennie moved to the Maple Manor Village in Aplington. She died there on Thursday, December 20, 2001, at 7:32 a.m. of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband Romane Baskins on April 18, 1959; her parents; three brothers, Jerry, Harold and Herman Williams; three sisters, Hattie Jurgena, Ann Springer and Dena Reints; and one nephew, Randy Uhlenhopp. Jennie is survived by a sister, Geraldine Uhlenhopp of the Allison Care Center. Graveside Services were held Saturday, December 22 at Harlington Cemetery in Waverly with Rev. Bill Carpenter, Hospice Chaplin officiating. Casketbearers were Keith Uhlenhopp, Kenny Uhlenhopp, Steve Uhlenhopp, Gary Uhlenhopp, Nick Buseman and Cole Buseman. Interment was in Harlington Cemetery, Waverly, with Redman - Schwartz Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

                                       updated by Marie Thompson  January 2, 2002

LuElla H. Liddle, 81, of Plainfield, Iowa, died Monday, December 31, 2001, at her home of natural causes. LuElla was born February 18, 1920, the daughter of August and Minnie (Eikemeier) Buls in Douglas Township, Bremer County, Iowa. She attended school in Douglas Township and graduated from Waverly High School in 1937. On June 9, 1940, LuElla was united in marriage to Paul Liddle at the St. John United Church of Christ, Siegel, rural Waverly, Iowa. In 1941 they moved to the Guy E. Liddle farm, northeast of Plainfield where LuElla continued to raise her family. LuElla was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, Sunday afternoon drives, traveling and most of all, spending time with her family. LuElla is survived by her husband Paul of Plainfield; six children and their spouses: Carol DeBuhr and Don Krukow of Dumont, Donna and Larry Taylor of rural Waverly, Floyd and Margaret Liddle of Denver, Sharon and Fred Clark of Cedar Falls, Ronald and Marla Liddle of Waverly, Shirley and Danny Harrington of Plainfield; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Elmer Buls; one sister, Lorena Laube; two grandchildren, Terry and Karla Taylor. Funeral services were held Thursday, January 3, 2002, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Western Douglas at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be given to Waverly Home Health Care, Bremer -Butler Hospice or to the church. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly was in charge of arran-gements.

Viola T. Nolte, 87, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away December 25, 2001 at the Dumont Care Center of natural causes. She was born September 6, 1914 in Butler County, Iowa to Rube and Henrietta (Rewerts) Freese. Viola attended Dumont High School and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was married on December 6, 1938 in Butler County, to Henry F. Nolte. Viola was a school teacher. She was also a member of the Dumont United Methodist Church in Dumont. Viola was active in the United Methodist Church Women’s Group. She was also a Sunday school and Bible school teacher. Viola enjoyed flowers, music, gardening, and while she was able, cooking, spending time with her family and having coffee with friends. Viola is survived by a two sons: Alvin and wife Dianne Nolte and William and wife Kathleen Nolte, all of Dumont; a daughter Carlene Wiarda of Ackley; brother Rueben and wife Eleanor Freese of Dumont; sister Ida Mae Pfaltzgraff of Osage; sister-in-law Beth Freese of Ham-pton; nine grandchildren; thir-teen great grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother Carl. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2001 at the Dumont United Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Tharpe officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Mrs. Beryl Reed accom-panying the duet of Gene Brown and Carryl Uhlenhopp. Ushers were Jim Hanson and Harold Reents. Pallbearers were Todd Nolte, Wade Nolte, Henry Nolte, Chris Balvanz, Chad Wiarda and Jeffrey Wiarda. Final resting place was in the Dumont Cemetery. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont was in charge of arrangements.

Raymond Julius Heine, age 81, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Walter and Agnes (Ringleb) Heine on April 19, 1920, in Butler County, near Clarksville, Iowa. He received his education from a country school near his home. Raymond farmed until entering the United States Army on November 14, 1941. He served in Europe during WWII and fought in the D-Day Invasion at Normandy and in the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of Bulge. He was awarded the Silver Battle Star for his service to his country. On June 21, 1946, Raymond was united in marriage with Marie Fank at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg. The couple made their home and farmed near Clarksville, Iowa. They moved to a farm south of Parkersburg in 1948, and in 1958 they moved to their present home in Parkersburg. Raymond worked at the New Hartford Elevator managing the Feed Mill. Raymond began working for Dale Hassman in 1965, as a Sales and Serviceman. He later worked for Kenny Oldenburger, selling grain bins. Raymond retired in the fall of 1984, but continued working part time delivering Winnebagos until 1993. Raymond was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church. He was a member of both the Aplington AMVETS and the American Legion for 50 years. Raymond was a fun loving man and enjoyed getting together with friends. He loved his family and cherished the visits from his grandchildren. At 4:55 a.m. Thursday, December 27, 2001, Raymond died at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother. Raymond is survived by his wife, Marie Heine of Parkersburg; one son, Leland Heine and his wife, Nadene of Hustisford, Wisconsin and their children, Todd Heine, Vince Heine and Leah Heine; one daughter, Linda Luiken and her husband, Arnie of Steamboat Rock, Iowa and their four children, Ryan Luiken and his wife, Kristy, Karla Luiken, Traci Luiken and Trudi Luiken; one great grandson, Cody James Nelson; two sisters, Edna Edeker of Allison, Iowa, and Celia Leisinger and her husband, Clarence of Waverly, Iowa. Funeral Services were held Monday, December 31 at theFirst Congregational Church in Parkersburg with Rev. Ron Bartlett officiating. Casketbearers wereTodd Heine, Vince Heine, Ryan Luiken, Mervin Edeker, Dean Deike and Joe Wallbaum. Full Military Rites were conducted by Parkersburg American Legion post #285.

Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery at Parkersburg with Redman - Schwartz Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

01/07/02

Ralph Edward McDaniel, Jr. Age 46, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Ralph Edward, Sr. and Anna Maria Gherardi McDaniel, on February 3, 1955, in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from Central High School in Waterloo in 1973 and attended Upper Iowa University in Waterloo. On June 2, 1992, he married Beth Anne Ryan in Waterloo, Iowa. The couple made their home in Waterloo and in 1995, moved to their present home in Parkersburg. Ralph was employed at John Deere in Waterloo for 24 years where he was a Senior Heat Treat Technician. Ralph was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Christ Renews His Parish. He liked to play cards and enjoyed collecting John Deere memorabilia. At 4:20 a.m., Monday, December 24, 2001, Ralph died at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa, from complications of cancer. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ora and Goldie McDaniel, and his maternal grandparents,Giorgio and Concetta Gherardi. Ralph is survived his wife, Beth Anne McDaniel of Parkersburg, Iowa; two sons, Alex McDaniel and Connor McDaniel and a daughter, Lita McDaniel at home; and Lindy McDaniel and Kori McDaniel, both of Waterloo, from a previous marriage; his parents, Ralph, Sr. and Anna McDaniel, Finchford, Iowa; two sisters, Sandy (David) Slack, Traer, Iowa; and LuAnn (Mark) Andera, Cedar Falls, Iowa and one brother, Bob (Holly) McDaniel Evansdale, Iowa. Funeral Service were held Friday, December 28 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parkersburg with Fr. Dennis Quint officiating. Casketbearers were Mark Andera, Dave Slack, Bob McDaniel, John Schwennen, Jim Cole and Rick McDaniel. Interment was in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo with Redman-Schwartz Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.

Gladys Willeke, age 83, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of William and Clarissa Amy Woodyard Oxenreider on July 1, 1918 in Lacona in Warren County, Iowa. She graduated from Lacona High School and attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa and finished teacher training at Simpson College in Indianola. Gladys taught kindergarten through 8th grade in rural country schools in the Lacona area; 2nd and 3rd grade in Aplington and 6th grade in East Moline, Illinois. During World War II, Gladys served her country in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. She was stationed in San Francisco, California where as member of the Signal Corps she repaired radios and performed clerical support work. On January 31, 1946, Gladys was united in marriage with Irvin Willeke in San Francisco, California. The couple returned to Aplington where they established their home. Gladys continued to be active in education by working as a 4-H Club Leader, head of the junior department Sunday School at the Aplington Baptist Church, and as a remedial reading and substitute teacher in the Aplington School District. Gladys pursued her interests in travel, sewing and cooking and was an avid reader, especially enjoying history and biography. At 4:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 26, 2001 Gladys died at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Willeke; her parents; four sisters, Laura Humke, Jennie McCormick, Marvel Edgington and Wilma Humke. Gladys is survived by her daughters, Linda Willeke, Mason City, Iowa and Janice Willeke, Austin, Texas; her son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Cynthia Willeke, Edina, Minnesota and their daughters, Clarissa and Allison; a sister-in-law, Mildred Willeke, Aplington, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 29 at the Aplington Baptist Church with Rev. Marlin Mohrman Rev. Donald Patet officiating. Casket Bearers were Rex Humke, Dwight Humke, Mahlon Edgington, John Humke, Steve Haugstad and Bob Frey Military Rites were conducted by Aplington Amvets Post #102. Interment was in Pleasant View Cemetery at Aplington with Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

01/07/02
 

Elisabeth Berends, age 97, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the youngest of eight children of Siebe and Elisabeth J (Helmers) Arends on February 19, 104, in Butler County, near Aplington, Iowa. She attended Aplington Reformed Church with her family. Elisabeth received her education from a rural country school near Aplington. On June 30, 1931, Elizabeth Arends was united in marriage with Fred F. Berends. They were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Elisabeth and Fred made their home in the Parkersburg area their entire lives. They had three children, Freddie and a set of twin girls, Elisabeth and Esther. Elisabeth enjoyed helping Fred on the farm and raising chickens. She spent her time gardening and canning. Elisabeth liked listening to music and singing German songs. She enjoyed afternoon cups of tea with her family. On December 2, 1997, Elisabeth moved to the Maple Manor Village in Aplington. She died there on Friday, December 28, 2001 at 3:10 p.m. of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Berends on December 19, 1972; one son, Freddie Berends on October 26, 1996; one son-in-law, Wendell VanDeest in 1985; two sisters, Grace Lauterbach and Flossie Frey; five brothers, Fred, Jans, Eppe, Helmer and Siebe Arends. Elisabeth is survived by two daughters, Elisabeth Marks and her husband, JB of Allison, Iowa and Esther VanDeest of Hampton, Iowa; a daughter-in-law, Patricia Berends of Parkersburg; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; one step great great grandchild. Funeral services were held Monday, December 31 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg with Rev. Paul Schaedig officiating. Casketbearers were Kevin Marks, Kurtis Marks, Jim Stow, Ricky Berends, Randy Berends and Barry Marton. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery at Parkersburg with Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Graveside Services for Ruth P. Toll, age 94, of Laurie, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 18, 2002 at the Oak Hill Cemetery, New Hartford, Iowa. Ruth died Sunday, January 13 at the Laurie Knolls Care Center, Laurie, Missouri from natural causes. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at the Kidwell-Garberf Funeral Home in Laurie, Missouri. Memorials may be directed to the Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg was in charge of local arrangements.

Berniece Canon, 97, of Dumont, Iowa died on January 8, 2002, at the Franklin General Hospital, Hampton, Iowa, of natural causes. On May 17, 1904, Berniece was born the daughter of Alvin M. and Alta E. (Fransham) Allen of Dumont. She graduated from the Hampton High School in 1923, and received her teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. On October 9, 1926, Berniece was united in marriage to Hildie W. Canon in New Hampton, Iowa. She taught one year southwest of Dumont in a country school, and then two years at New Albion, Iowa. She was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont and also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Rebekah’s Lodge. Berniece is survived by three sons: Keith W. Canon of Seminole, Florida, A. Thadd Canon of Dumont, and Joseph M. Canon of Salem, Oregon; a daughter: Lee Ann Canon of Dumont and six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Berniece was preceded in death by her parents, husband, nine brothers and sisters and one grandson. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 11, 2002 at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont with Rev. Mike Shaffer officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Mrs. Beryl Reed accompanying soloist Dawn Groszkruger. The ushers were Harold Reents and Harley Cuvelier. Pallbearers were Mike Allen, David Allen, Matt Homer, Kent Wilkinson, Mark Wilkinson and LeNeil Wilkinson. Final resting place was in the Harlan Cemetery, rural Dumont, Iowa. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont was in charge of arrangements.

Bea Tindall passed away on January 3, 2002 at her home in the Indianapolis, Indiana area after a battle with cancer. Bea was born on December 27, 1947. She is survived by her three children, two daughters: Angie Bertram of Dumont and Gina De Vries of Greenwood, Indiana; a son: Scott Rathbone of New Hampton and five grandchildren; one sister: Daisy Jones of Sumner; and two brothers: Rene Jacobs of Dumont and Michael Jacobs of Sumner. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, ex-husband, and a nephew. A Memorial Service was held for Bea on January 5, 2002 in Indianapolis, Indiana.