12/07/03

Grace L. Klingbeil, 95, of Allison, passed away Monday, December 1, 2003 at the Allison Care Center. She was born April 11, 1908 in Juda, Wisconsin, daughter of T.L. and Ida (Shafer) Newman. Grace graduated from the Juda High School and received her teaching certificate from Green County Normal in Monroe, Wisconsin. She taught in a rural school in the Green County area. On January 20, 1932, she was married to Erwin L. Klingbeil at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They made their home in Postville where she was a substitute teacher in the local schools. In 1949 they purchased the Allison Tribune and were publishers until 1974. Grace was a member of the Allison United Church of Christ and also a longtime member of the P.E.O. in Postville and Clarksville. She was a member of the Eastern Star, where she served as Worthy Matron. She was also active in the White Shrine in Waverly and Cedar Falls. She served on the Allison Library Board for a number of years and was active in many local organizations. Grace is survived by her son, Jerry (Norma) Klingbeil of Allison; a sister: Marion Swartz of Spring Hill, Florida; a grandson: Wayde (Diane) of Gilbert; two granddaughters: Julie (Steve) Miller and Jana (Steve) Sachs, both of North Liberty; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin in 1963; a son, Richard in 1986; and a grandson Troy in 1998. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 5, 2003, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison, Iowa with Pastor Eileen Johnson officiating. Pallbearers are Wayde Klingbeil, Tyler Klingbeil, Jesse Klingbeil, Steve Miller and Steve Sachs. Final resting place is in the Allison Cemetery with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison in charge of arrangements.

Velma M. Santee, 93, of Dumont, Iowa passed away December 10, 2003 at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. She was born April 17, 1910 in Dumont to Fred and Carrie (Becker) Hilliker. Velma graduated from the Dumont High School in 1929. On May 16, 1931, she married Herbert Santee in Clarion, Iowa. Velma was a homemaker. She was a member of the Dumont Reformed Church. Velma is survived by two daughters: Lois Gallope of Dumont and Lila LaRue of Stone Lake, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, two brothers, one grandson and one great-grandson. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2003 at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont with Rev. Bob Scholten officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Mrs. Beryl Reed accompanying the soloist, Mrs. Norman Brown. Pallbearers were Chad Elness, Douglas Santee, Dennis Santee, Steven Santee, Raymond Wickham, and Scott Chisholm. Final resting place was in the Hitesville Cemetery rural, Aplington, Iowa with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont in charge of arrangements.

12/22/03

Rev. William Jelle Tjaden, age 92, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the son of Jelle and Anna Marie (Hopkus) Tjaden on February 15, 1911, in Woden, Iowa. He received his education and was a graduate of Crystal Lake High School in 1929. He continued his education and attended the University of Dubuque for four years. Following his graduation from the university he attended seminary for three additional years and graduated in 1938. During this time he was a student Pastor at Hill Presbyterian Church in Galena, Illinois. On June 9, 1938, he became an Ordained Minister and served as a pastor for over 50 years. On September 4, 1938, William was united in marriage with Pearl Geselbracht at Hill Presbyterian Church in Galena, Illinois. He began his ministry at Zion Presbyterian Church in Schapville, Illinois for 14 years. They moved to Mechanicsville, Iowa in 1952 and he was pastor for four years at the First Presbyterian Church. Also during this time, he was a supply pastor for Coon Creek Church in Lisbon, Iowa. In 1956, he became the pastor at Waukon First Presbyterian Church, Waukon, Iowa, and retired after serving there for 22 years. Following his retirement, he served as Interim Pastor in Postville, Iowa, New Amsterdam at Holman, Wisconsin, Winnebago, Minnesota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarksville, Iowa. He later moved to Clarksville to live close to his son, Bill. He continued to serve and supply at Unity Presbyterian Church of Clarksville and Presbyterian Churches in Aplington and Denver, Iowa. He was honored by serving on the Board of Directors at the University of Dubuque, the Moderator of Galena Presbytery, the Moderator of the former Synod of the West, Board of the Trustees Bethany Home in Dubuque, Commissioner of General Assembly four times and Moderator of Presbytery of Cedar Rapids. Pastor William previously was a member of the Clarksville Lions Club and the Kiwanis in Waukon. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. On Monday, December 8, 2003, Pastor William died at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls, Iowa, from natural causes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Tjaden in 1974; three sisters: Sena Kramer, Alene Schulter and Anna Tjaden; and four brothers: Steven, Ben, Ruben and Ralph Tjaden. Rev. William is survived by three sons: David (Carol) Tjaden of Waterloo, Iowa, William (Nancy) Tjaden, Jr. of Jewell, Iowa, and Calvin Tjaden of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, George (Marian) Tjaden of Edina, Minnesota; and one sister, Margaret Tjaden of Garner, Iowa. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2003 at the Unity Presbyterian Church of Clarksville with Rev. Reuben Topp and Pastor David Walters officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Yvonne Rambo accom-panying the congregational singing “How Great Thou Art” and “Rock of Ages”. Funeral services were also held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, December 11, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church in Waukon, Iowa with Rev. Larry Olson officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Ellen Thiele accom-panying vocalist, Susan Counters and the congregational hymns “Faith of our Father” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Casketbearers were Todd Tjaden, Scott Tjaden, Tamae Tjaden, Tom Tjaden, Dave Tjaden Jr., Paul Tjaden, Ruth Tjaden, Forest Kramer, Shannon Plum and Roger Heiken. Memorials may be directed to the family. Interment was in the Oakland Cemetery in Waukon, Iowa with Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Clarksville in charge of arrangements.

                      Posted on 12/22/2003 by Gene Manning

12/23/03

Leonard William Olmstead, 85, of Waverly, died Sunday December 7, after a long illness. Memorial Service are set for 1:30 PM Thursday. December 18 at the Bartels Lutheran Home Chapel in Waverly. Inurnment will follow the services at the Shellrock Cemetery. The Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa is in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include two daughters, Mardel Skinner and her husband, Larry, of Waverly, Janise Lebeck and her husband, Don of Clarksville, four sons, Gary and his wife, Norma of Cedar Falls, Larry and his wife, Karen of Waverly, Steve and his wife, Cheryl, and Frank and his wife, Jackie all of Mesa, AZ., and one brother, Elton of Waverly, 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and special freind Lavina Diercks. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Lenny, two brothers, Hubert and Wilford. Leonard was born on Oct. 22, 1918 in Osage, the son of William and Mildred Reed Olmstead, He married Alpha F. Ball on Jan. 18, 1942 in Mason City. They were later divorced. He was a self-employed cabinetmaker for over 30 years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and loved spending time in the out doors; gardening, fishing and hiking. A memorial fund has been established in Leonard’s name.

12/23/03

 Frieda Mary Laube, age 85, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of William and Luella Rohwedder Garbes on July 25, 1918, in Clarksville, Iowa. She received her education at a country school near the family home. On January 23, 1938, Frieda Garbes was united in marriage with Robert Laube in Clarksville, Iowa. The couple’s first home was north of Clarksville, where they rented one of the Heery farms. Bob and Frieda farmed various farms they rented in the Clarksville area and later bought their own acreage south of Clarksville. In 1989 they built a home in Clarksville and moved into town. Frieda was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarksville, where she faithfully attended Sunday Service. She was a homemaker, farmwife and had been a cook at Bremwood Children’s Home in Waverly. She was a tremendous flower and vegetable gardener and loved to sew, crochet and knit. Frieda enjoyed reading, especially the Capper’s Weekly and the Reader’s Digest. She loved to cook for the family when they gathered. Frieda died on Friday, December 05, 2003, at the Waverly Municipal Hospital in Waverly, Iowa, from natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert Laube on October 16, 2002; her parents and two sisters, Rosie Miller and Elnora Wefel. Frieda is survived by one daughter, Joyce Ann (Larry) Adams of Coal Valley, Illinois; three sons, Jerry Robert (Kathi) Laube of Atlantic, Iowa, Donald Lee (Sandy) Laube of Altoona, Iowa, and David Allen Laube of Bloomington, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Kimberly Law, Scott Laube, Kelly (Mark) Bjork, Michael (Donna) Laube, Lisa (Troy) LaRue, Jeffery Laube, Autumn (Clint) Thompson and Sarah Laube; eight great grandchildren; two step-great grandchildren; one brother, Leo (Gladys) Garbes, Clarksville, Iowa; and two sisters-in-law, Elsie Ness of Waverly, Iowa, and Sophie Witte of Guerneville, California. Funeral Services were held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Clarksville, Iowa with Pastor David Walters officiating. Organist was Sharon Leerhoff. Congregational Hymns were “Rock of Ages,” “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” and “Amazing Grace.” Honorary Casketbearers were her Guardian Angels and her Grandchildren, Casketbearers were Darrell Kelm, David Kramer, Bob Kelm, Dean Wefel, Fred Kelm and Ronald Miller. Interment was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel United Church of Christ or Allison Health Care Center. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Clarksville, was in charge of arrangements.

12/23/03

Connie Nelson Smith, 50, of Clarksville, died Thursday, December 4, 2003. Funeral services were held at Willim Funeral Home in Clarion on Monday, December 8. Rev. Curt Miner of the United Church of Christ Congregation, Clarion officiated the 11 a.m. service. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Willim Funeral Home of Clarion was in charge of arrangements. Connie Nelson was born April 30, 1953, the daughter of Roger and Doris Nelson. On May 6, 1988 she and Jim Smith were married. After a 13 year marriage they went their separate ways. Connie worked at Pete & Shorty’s for 12 years. She enjoyed her work, people, gardening, yard work and animals. Connie is survived by her parents-Roger and Doris Nelson; brother-Larry and wife, Debbie of Clarion; two nieces and nephews; good friend-Bruce Bivens of Clarksville; many aunts and uncles. Preceding Connie in death are her grandparents- John and Elma Nelsen and Glen and Eva Swope

12/23/03

William “Bill” Sells, age 84, of Hampton, Iowa and formerly of Clarksville, Iowa, was born August 28, 1919, in New Hartford, Iowa, the son of William and Emma Jane Ackerson Sells. He received his education in the New Hartford school. Bill was united in marriage with Hilda DeGroote on April 10, 1941, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The couple first lived in Waterloo, where he worked at Rath Packing Co. and John Deere Tractor Co. They later moved to New Hartford and Clarksville. Bill had operated his own TV repair shop and worked with Walter Perkins in Clarksville. He worked at Shield Bantam in Waverly for 32 years where he was a Final Inspector in Quality Control. Bill and Hilda moved to Hampton in November, 2001. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville. Bill enjoyed playing softball on the Shield Bantam team. He liked to spend time woodworking on crafts in his home. He liked to bake and cook for the family and enjoyed watching and feeding the squirrels near their home. Bill died Sunday, November 30, 2003, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Hilda Sells who died August 20, 2002; his parents; thirteen siblings and a son-in-law, Dan Muller. Bill is survived by one son, Bill (Deb) Sells, Jr., Iowa Falls, Iowa; three daughters, Donna (Fred) Kelm, Clarksville, Iowa; Mary (Merlin) Hibner, Garner, Iowa; Linda (Dan) Brammer, Hampton, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2003, at St. John Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Iowa with Pastor David Nelson officiating. Organist was Lois Roose. Vocalist Dawn Simons sang “Heaven Is Sounding Sweeter” and “One Day At A Time.” Congregational Hymns were “Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.” Honorary Casketbearers were Joe Sell, Vicki Putney, Bayly Bucknell and Sherri Freiberg. Casketbearers were David Kelm, Britain Bucknell, Kelly Muller, Lori Backer, Jeff Muller, Jodi Oldenburger, Teresa Shaw and Jeremy Sells. Interment was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Clarksville, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family

12/23/03

Donald Weichers, age 81, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the son of Peter and Dena Walters Weichers on September 4, 1922, near Dumont in Butler County, Iowa. He received his education in a country school near his home. Donald was united in marriage with Irene Lois Brinkman on January 7, 1942, in Bethany, Missouri. The couple farmed in the Kesley area after they were married. Donald and Irene operated the switchboard in Kesley. He delivered the Waterloo Courier after he retired from farming in 1996. Irene died September 27, 2000, after which Donald moved to Maple Manor Retirement Village in Aplington. He was a member of Dumont Reformed Church. Donald enjoyed fishing and hunting and was always willing to work. Donald died Wednesday, December 3, 2003, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Weichers; his parents; four sisters, Anna Miller, Hazel Goodsell, Bernice DeVore, and Dena Noelting and three brothers, Dick, John and Raymond Weichers. Donald is survived by one son, Dennis (Trudy) Weichers, Cedar Falls, Iowa; one daughter, Sandra (Pastor James) Ites, of Waterloo, Iowa; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Brett Weichers, Brad (Shantelle) Weichers and Jordan and Jakob; Brandi (Jordan) Patton, Hunter and Tyler; Terry (Tracey) Ites and Emily and Katie; Scott (Sherry) Ites and Samuel, Stephen and Sayli; and one sister, LaVerda (Bob) Kressig, Waterloo, Iowa. Funeral Services were at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2003, at the Dumont Reformed Church, Dumont, Iowa. Officiating the service was Rev. Bob Scholten, the organist was Jim Siebrands, the vocalist, Toni Mabie sang “The Road To Zion” and the congregational hymns were “Just As I Am” and “Blessed Assurance.” The Casketbearers were Scott Ites, Terry Ites, Brad Weichers, Jordan Patton, Danny Bell and Brett Weichers. Interment was at the Dumont Cemetery, Dumont, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Aplington, Iowa were in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

12/23/03

James E. Coonley, 93, of Hampton, Iowa, died on December 8, 2003 at the Franklin General Hospital, Hampton, Iowa of natural causes. On March 27, 1910, he was born the son of John Edward Coonley, Sr. and Sadie (Trier) Coonley in Iowa City, Iowa. James graduated from the Hampton High School. He was married to Joan M. Wilson. He was a partner in the Coonley & Coonley Law Firm and was a member of the Hampton United Methodist Church. James was admitted to the practice of law in 1934 after studying under Judge Evans, than Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court. He was Franklin County Attorney from 1935 to 1943 and during that time prosecuted the first successful drunken driving case using a blood test as evidence of intoxication. He was Hampton City Attorney from 1972 to the present time. He was licensed to practice before the Untied States Supreme Court. James was past president of the Franklin County Bar Association and was also active at the state level with the Iowa State Bar Association. He practiced law uninterrupted for 69 years and was still active in the practice of law up to the time of his death. James was involved in several banking organizations over the years culminating in the formation of United Bank and Trust Company. He was chairman of the board for the bank at the time of his death. He was a member of Anchor Lodge #191 and was also a member of the El Kahir Shrine. He was past president of the Hampton Kiwanis Club. James hobbies included horseback riding, golf, and travel. Survivors include his wife Joan Mary Coonley of Hampton; son John E. and wife Elaine Coonley of Hampton; two grandsons: John R. and Philip Coonley of Hampton; two nieces: Laurie Warfel of Wheaton, IL and Jennifer LaBonte, of Payson, AZ; a nephew Mike Wilson of Iowa City; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Cleve and wife Marilyn Wilson of Parkersburg, Iowa. James was preceded in death by his parents, two sons James Jr. and Craig and two brothers Bob and John. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2003 at the Hampton United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Miller and Rev. Jon Anderson officiating. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton in charge of arrangements.

12/23/03

Rieke A. Rieken, 86, of Allison, Iowa, passed away December 5, 2003 at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. He was born July 18, 1917 in Butler County, Iowa to Gerhard and Hendericka (Damhuis) Rieken. Rieke was baptized on August 26, 1917 and confirmed on April 14, 1935 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg. Rieke attended schools in rural Butler County. He was married on June 2, 1940 in Allison to Bernice Wubbena. Rieke was a farmer all of his life and enjoyed farming. He was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison where he served on the Church Council three times and was past President of the Congregation. Rieke is survived by his wife Bernice Rieken of Allison; daughter Marietta and husband Wayne Sargeant of Waverly; two brothers: Peter and wife Frederika Rieken of Hayfield, Minnesota and Anton (Tony) and wife Lorraine Rieken of Marshalltown; two sisters: Rosie Riggins and Annie Rieken, both of Allison; and two sisters-in-law: Roberta Rieken of Edgewater, Maryland and Virginia Rieken of Waverly. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Henry, George and Albert, and one sister Mattie. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2003, at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison with Rev. Jerry Laehn officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Mrs. Cecil Radcliffe accompanying the congregational singing. Pall bearers were Jim Eckhoff, Tom Eckhoff, Randy Rieken, Richard Eckhoff, Stan Wubbena and Edward Wubbena. Final resting place was in the Allison Cemetery with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison in charge of arrangements.

12/22/03

Faith E. Betts, 73 of Evansdale, died Sunday, December 14, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home. She was born on July 1, 1930 in Afton, Iowa. Faith married Phillip D. Betts on April 22, 1948 in Osage. Faith enjoyed camping at blue.grass festivals with her beloved husband of 55 years. She was a member of Cedar Valley Community Church where she was very devoted in her faith and a member of the women’s fellowship. Her family enjoyed her numerous sewing and craft projects. Faith loved her family dearly. Survived by: her husband, 1 son, Larry D. (JoAnn) Betts of Clarksvil1e, 2 daughters, Patricia A. (James) Cook from Waterloo, Bonita M. (William) Wiegert of Stanley; 5 Grandchildren, Kelly Cook, Korey Cook, Jaime Christensen, of Waterloo, Aaron Betts of Waverly, Jeremy Betts of Cedar Falls, 3 Great Grandchildren, Brett, Dalton & Brodie, 1 step Great Grandchild, Curtis. She was preceded in death by parents. Services will be held at 1 :00 P.M.. Thursday, December 18 at Cedar Valley Community Church with burial in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 Wednesday at the Kearns, Huisman-Schumachcr Chapel on Kimball and 1 hour prior to service time at the church. Memoria1s may be directed to the family or Cedar Valley Hospice.

                Posted on 12/23/2003 by Gene Manning

12/25/03

Edna Louise Wiebke, 85, of Allison, Iowa passed away December 19, 2003 at the Dumont Care Center. She was born December 18, 1918 in rural Butler County, Iowa to Ernst and Sophie (Wiegmann) Pronge. Edna attended rural Butler County Schools. She married Orville Wiebke on January 2, 1938 in Vilmar. Edna was a homemaker. She was a member of St. John’s EV. Lutheran Church and WELCA, a member of the Legion Auxiliary in Allison, a member and volunteer for American Cancer Society, and was active in the church and sang in the church choir. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and yard work and bird watching. She especially enjoyed her family and grandchildren. Edna is survived by her son Larry and wife Evelyn Wiebke of Van Horne, Iowa; daughter Carol and husband Dennis Henning of Allison, Iowa; sister Maxine McKinney of Montezuma, Iowa; and grandchildren: Chad and wife Megan Henning, Jodi and husband Blaine Doerrfeld, Kelli Henning, Melissa and husband Jeremy Jurgens; great grandchildren: Gracie Jurgens, Jerik Jurgens, Cooper Doerrfeld, Brooks Doerrfeld; sister-in-law Fern Wiebke of Allison, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers Bill, Vern, Milo and Gene. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2003 at St. John’s EV. Lutheran Church, rural Greene, Iowa with Rev. Mark Walker officiating. Special music was provided by Barb Wagner accompanying the congregational singing. Pallbearers were Chad Henning, Megan Henning, Jodi Doerrfeld, Blaine Doerrfeld, Kelli Henning, Melissa Jurgens, Jeremy Jurgens and Jordan Henrichs. Final resting place was in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Greene, Iowa. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

12/25/03

Harold W. Meester, age 87, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Will and Ida (Agena) Meester on January 16, 1916, rural Grundy County on the family farm near Parkersburg, Iowa. He received his education from a country school near his home in Pleasant Valley Township. Harold and his twin brother Harvey lived on the family farm all of their lives. During World War II, Harold enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Belgium, France and Germany for four years, where his primary duty was a cook. Harold worked all his life as a farmer. He loved spending time working on the farm and in the fields. Through the years he also took great pride in his corn and bean crops. In his early years he raised Black Angus cattle and Draft horses. He was a life long and faithful member of the Reformed Church of Stout, Stout, Iowa. In his later years he enjoyed window farming. Harold was known as a good neighbor, a staunch Republican and a life long conservative. Harold died Wednesday, December 17, 2003, at the Grundy Care Center, Grundy Center, Iowa, from natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, a twin brother, Harvey Meester and Jake Meester; and three sisters, Esther Hartman, Emma Andreessen and Anna Renken. Harold is survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2003 at the Reformed Church of Stout in Stout, Iowa. Rev. David Powers and Rev. Maxine Renken Gram officiated. The organist was Elaine Schnell, vocalists were Rev. Maxine Renken Gram, Roger Renken, Genevieve Renken Weisbrodt. They sang “Old Rugged Cross,” and “Amazing Grace.” Congregational hymns were “Abide With Me,” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Honorary Casketbearers were Lester Mennen and Raymond Van Hauen. Casketbearers Robert Everts, Mike Meester, Alan DeBerg, Robert Aswegan, Lee Aswegan, and Brenton Marts. Military rites were conducted by the Parkersburg American Legion Post # 285. Interment Stout Cemetery, Stout, Iowa. Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2003, at the Reformed Church of Stout, Stout, Iowa. Officiating were Rev. David Powers and Rev. Maxine Renken Gram. Organist was Elaine Schnell. Vocalists were Rev. Maxine Renken Gram, Roger Renken and Genevieve Renken Weisbrodt. Special hymns were: “Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.” Congregational Hymns were “Abide With Me” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Honorary Casketbearers were Lester Mennen and Raymond Van Hauen. Casketbearers were Robert Everts, Mike Meester, Alan DeBerg, Robert Aswegan, Lee Aswegan and Brenton Marts. Military Rites were conducted by Parkersburg American Legion Post #285. Interment was in Stout Cemetery, Stout, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel, Aplington, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

12/25/03

 Dena Lindeman, age 100, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Harm and Swanetta (Mulder) Kramer on June 13, 1903, in Butler County, east of Aplington. She received her education from a rural school in Grundy County, near Aplington. On February 25, 1931, Dena Kramer was united in marriage with William Lindeman at her parent’s home in Parkersburg, Iowa. They settled on a farm two miles west of Buck Grove. In 1949 they moved to town in Aplington when Bill became a carpenter. Dena was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Parkersburg, where she served on the Ladies Aid and was the oldest living member of the church. Through the years Dena always took great pride in keeping her house spick and span. She enjoyed cooking and especially baking sugar cookies for all of her family. When any of her relatives were ill, Dena was always there to help take care of them. She loved visiting over coffee with her nieces and nephews and friends when they would stop by. Dena died Friday, December 19, 2003, at the Presbyterian Village, Ackley, Iowa from natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Lindeman; her parents; five brothers, Harm, Henry, John, Lambert and George Kramer; and six sisters, Swanetta Harms, Grace Oldenburger, Minnie Jansen, Sena Johnson, Tena Kramer, Trientje Wallerstein and one in infancy. Dena is survived by one son, Wenlyn (Shirley) Lindeman of Iowa Falls, Iowa; two granddaughters, Joie (Raef) LaFrentz of Boston, Massachusetts, and Wendy Lindeman of Dallas, Texas and one grandson, Michael Lindeman, Omaha, Nebraska; one great grandson, Nicholas Lindeman of Kansas City, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at the Christian Reformed Church, Parkersburg, Iowa with Rev. Frank Pott. Organist was Janet Johnson. Vocalist Charleen Kramer sang “One Day At A Time.” Congregational Hymns were “Great Is Thy Fairthfulness” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” Casketbearers were Larry Jansen, Neal Oldenburger, Kelly Kramer, Jim Behrens, Dennis Lindeman and Larry Lindeman. Interment was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Aplington, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Parkersburg, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

12/25/03

Funeral services for Clara Louise Dralle, 94, Allison, were held Saturday, December 20, 2003, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran 5 Church, Vilmar, Rural Greene, with Pastor Mark Walker officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, at Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene and will continue at the church on Saturday one hour before services. Clara Louise Wirth was born October 12, 1909 in Red Bud, Illinois, a daughter of Ferdinand and Lizetta (Bense) Wirth, and died Wednesday December 17, 2003, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith, and received her education in the rural schools in Illinois. At the age of twenty-two she came to Greene where she met her husband Fred H. Dralle. They were married on January 31, 1932, in Ruma, Illinois. They began farming on the Clikeman place, one mile north of Greene, for twelve 5 years. In 1940 they purchased their present farm where they remained for the rest of their lives. Fred and Clara enjoyed six winters together in Texas before his death on March 29, 1985. She continued to winter in Texas until this last year. Clara was an active member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Vilmar. She enjoyed gardening flowers, travel, playing cards and Dominos. Clara is survived by her daughter Marilyn (Duane) Windhorst of Mazeppa, MN, two grandchildren: Brenda (Mark) Debner and Todd Windhorst; four great-grandchildren: Ryan, Rachel, Nathan, and Matthew. She was preceded in death by her husband, her son Werner Dralle in 1971, four sisters, and four brothers.