10/31/04

Services are pending for Rev. Calvin Schnucker, age 99, of Mesa, Arizona at Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in Aplington. Rev. Schnucker died Sunday, October 24, 2004, at a care center in Mesa of natural causes. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church in Aplington with inurnment in Pleasant View Cemetery.

10/31/04

Paul Liddle , 86, of Plainfield, Iowa, died Saturday, October 23, 2004, at his home following complications of cancer. Paul was born on May 27, 1918, in rural Plainfield, Iowa, the son of Guy E. And Dorothy M. (Broder) Liddle. Paul attended rural country school near Plainfield. Following school, Paul began his career farming. On June 9, 1940, Paul was united in marriage to LuElla H. Buls at St. John United Church of Christ, Siegel, in rural Waverly. The couple made their home on the Guy E. Liddle farm in 1941, where Paul spent his life farming and raising his family. Paul was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Western Douglas. He enjoyed traveling, going out for dinner, going to chuck wagon races and tractor pulls, farming, his John Deere collection and especially spending time with his family. Paul is survived by his six children, 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 and Shirley and Danny Harrington of Plainfield; 19 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; three brothers, Leonard Liddle of New Hampton, Laurence Liddle and his wife, Liz of Plainfield, Wendal Liddle and his wife, Ellen of New Hampton; and one sister-in-law, Ortha Liddle of Nahsua. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LuElla on December 31, 2001; two grandchildren, Terry and Karla Taylor; and one brother, Owen Liddle.. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Western Douglas, with Rev. Kim Thacker officiating. Burial was in Harlington Cemetery in Waverly. Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.

10/31/04

Lorraine Lewis, 86, of Allison, Iowa, died on October 24, 2004 at the Allison Care Center of natural causes. On June 24, 1918, she was born the daughter of John Henry & Loretta Marie (Durand) Brinkman in Kesley, Iowa. She was raised near Kesley and attended Kesley schools. She married Virgil Lewis who was a laborer. Lorraine enjoyed crocheting and writing. Survivors include a son Ronald and wife Dixie Lewis, of Marshalltown, IA; brother Earl Brinkman of Cedar Falls, IA; ten grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren; two great-great grandsons and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at the Oak Hill Cemetery rural Bristow, IA. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, rural Bristow, Iowa with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

10/31/04

Florence Lucille Miller passed away on October 20th, 2004, at the Allison Care Center in Allison, Iowa, after having reached the age of 79 years, 3 months, and 5 days. Florence was born on July 15, 1925, at Clarksville, Iowa, to parents William and Alma (Freese) Alexander. Florence graduated from Dumont Community High School in 1942. On her birthday, July 15, 1943, she married Arnold Dean Miller, in the home of her parents in rural Dumont. Florence and Arnold farmed from 1943 to 2000 in and around the Dumont and Aredale areas until they sold their farm in 2003. Florence and Arnold recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Florence learned the value and necessity of hard work early in life as she helped her father care and provide for her seven siblings after the passing of her mother. She continued to work side by side in the farming operation with Arnold for over 60 years. Florence was knwon for her excellent cooking skills, her positive attitude even in the face of adversity, her willingness to help others; and her positive response of “I’m all right”, despite the toll that Parkinsons disease had taken on her body in her later years. Flroence was a member of the Dumont United Methodist Church, a member of the United Methodist Women’s Circle, and the Butler County Farm Bureua Women’s Committee and the Parkinsons Support group. Florence was proud of her grandchildren, loved them very much, and enjoyed providing for them whenever possible. She was a devoted wife, a caring and loving mother and a friend to all. Florence is survived by her husband Arnold Miller of the Allison Care Center; two sons: Randall and Deb Miller of Ames and Kendall and Alaine Miller of Bloomington, Illinois; four grandchildren: Kimberly (Josh) Heine of Rochester, Minnesota, Greg Miller of Ames, Nathan Miller of St. Louis, Missouri, and Craig Miller of Ames. Flroence was to be blessed with her first great grandchild in December at the time of her death. Also surviving are brothers: David Alexander of Clarksville and Richard Alexander of Pilger, Nebraska; sister Alma Jean (Jack) Sims of Des Moines, and step sisters: Sue (Larry) Moran of Hampton and Phyllis (Heinie) Cassman of Delhi. Flornece was preceded in death by her parents William and Alma Alexander, her step mother Minnie Alexander, a brother John Alexander and a step brother Billy Gordon. Florence will be remembered for her kind and gentle nature, her positive attitude, her sense of humor, her love, her caring and sharing, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her! Flroence secured her place in heaven by her deeds and faithfulness while here on hearth. May God Bless Her! Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2004 at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont with Rev. Terra Amundson officiaitng. Special music was provided by organist Deb Gerdes accompanying Mark Gerdes. Ushers were Tom Van Dyke and Dennis Mennen. Pallbearers were Greg Miller, Josh Heine, Nathan Miller, Craig Miller, Mike Day and Darl DeArmoun. Final resting place was in the Dumont Cemetery with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

10/31/04

Joyce Arlene Clemens, 86, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away october 17, 2004, at the Dumont Care Center in Dumont, Iowa. She was born on July 21, 1918, in Bremer County, Iowa, to Walter and Bessie (Shores) Tanner. Joyce was a 1937 graduate of Cedar Falls High School. She was married to Donald R. Clemens on May 20, 1939, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Joyce worked as a homemaker, and was also an Avon representative for over twenty-five years. She was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont, Iowa. Joyce was very active in church, Ladies Aid, and Church Choir. She is survived by her son Ron and wife Rhoda Clemens of Paola, Kansas, son Gary and wife Shirley Clemens of New Hartford; brother Richard and wife Ann Tanner of Eugene, Oregon; eight grand-children and ten great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, one brother and one grandson. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 21, 2004 at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont with Rev. Merrill Siler officiating. Special music was provided by orangist Mrs. Beryl Reed accompanying soloist Mrs. Norman Brown. Ushers were Don McWilliams and Bob Barber. Pallbearers were Ron Clemens, Gary Clemens, Kent Clemens, Randy Clemens, James Clemens and Matthew Clemens. Honorary pallbearers were Paul Gerdes, Marvin Siler, E. J. Griner, Vern Bushbaum, Edward Smith and Beryl Reed. Final resting place was in the Dumont Cemetery with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

10/31/04

Elisabeth Arlene Van Hauen was born December 6, 1919, near Parkersburg, Iowa. She was the daughter of Ait and Grace (Arends) Lauterbach. Soon after she was born she was baptized at the Reformed Church in Aplington, Iowa. Later they moved to the Clarksville area, where she received her education in the rural schools and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1937. Elisabeth was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville, on April 14, 1935. Her memory verse was Matthew 9: verse 6. When she was younger she cleaned homes in the area. On June 16, 1946, she was married to Harvey Van Hauen of Clarksville. They started farming south of Clarksville and lived there ten years. They then moved to the Shell Rock area, where they lived for many years. Elisabeth was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville. Through the years she enjoyed doing church work. She was an active Luther League member, and later taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. Elisabeth loved her family and grandchildren. In her spare time she was an avid gardener and spent many hours canning. On October 20, 2004, Elisabeth died at the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville, of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Van Hauen on October 1, 1994; her parents; and one brother, Ait R. Lauterbach. Elisabeth is survived by two sons, Harold (Linda) Van Hauen of Clarksville, IA, and Darwin Van Hauen of Conrad, IA; one daughter, Elisabeth (Larry) Clark of Clarksville, IA; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Ashleigh and Jeremy Van Hauen, Jennifer and Heidi Clark, Cynthia Henninger and Gregory Van Hauen; three step grandchildren, Valerie Hinders, Dean Jepsen and Joanne Jepsen; and two great granddaughters, Cassandra Henninger and Ashlee Van Hauen. Funeral Services were held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2004, at St. John Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Iowa with Rev. David R. Nelson officiating. Organist was Deb Knudson. Congregational Hymns were “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Borning Cry.” Casketbearers were Martin Lauterbach, Dean Jepsen, Eugene Lampe, Stanley Lauterbach, Wendell Arends and Bernie Viet. Interment was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Clarksville, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

10/31/04

Anna Matilda Nevenhoven, age 95, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born September 4, 1909, the daughter of Jacob and Susie (Meester) Bergman on a farm near New Hartford in Grundy County, Iowa. She received her education in the New Hartford School. Anna was united in marriage with Charles Nevenhoven on January 17, 1934, in a church parsonage in Lenox, South Dakota. The couple farmed near New Hartford from 1934 until 1966. They moved to Grundy Center after they retired and later moved to Parkersburg in 1983. Anna had become a resident of Maple Manor in Aplington July 29, 2004. She was a life time member of the Reformed Church of Stout where she attended every morning and evening service until her health failed. She was active in the Women’s Guild and Dorcas Society. Anna was a farm wife and a homemaker and enjoyed watching her sons and later her grandchildren, play sports in high school and in college. Later when they coached, she continued to follow their teams. Anna and Charlie were Fan’s of the Year for Aplington High School in 1988. In the past, she enjoyed bowling, bingo, attending craft fairs and selling crafts. Anna died Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at Maple Manor Village, Aplington, Iowa, of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Nevenhoven on January 5, 1989; her parents; four sisters, Martha Boelman, Ella Dreesman, Hannah Miller and Henrietta Bergman; and seven brothers, Jake, Hillard, George, Joe, Andrew, Theodore and William Bergman. She is survived by two sons, Duane (Sally) Nevenhoven, Aplington, Iowa and Kenneth (Christie) Nevenhoven, Long Grove, Iowa; four grandsons, Greg (Melody) Nevenhoven, Todd (Melissa) Nevenhoven, Christopher (Cinderella) Nevenhoven and Jonathan Nevenhoven; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler, Tayler, Courtney, Madison, Ivy, Quinten and Belen; one sister, Rose (George) Pothast, Grundy Center; one sister-in-law, Henrietta Nevenhoven, Aplington, Iowa; one brother-in-law, William Dreesman, Cedar Falls, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Marian Bergman of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2004 at the Reformed Church of Stout, Stout, Iowa with Rev. David Powers officiating. The organist was Darlys Wiese. Congregational Hymns were “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “How Great Thou Art” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Honorary Casketbearers were her grandsons, Greg Nevenhoven, Todd Nevenhoven, Christopher Nevenhoven and Jonathan Nevenhoven. Casketbearers were Jake Bergman, Harlan Bergman, Robert Bergman, Alvin Miller, Ron Nevenhoven and Larry E. Ressler. Interment was in Stout Cemetery, Stout, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Parkersburg, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

10/31/04

Elizabeth Miller, 89, of Clarksville, formerly of Cedar Falls, died Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 25, 2004, at the Charles City Assembly, Charles City. Burial was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville. Lillith Elizabeth Miller was born October 10, 1915, in Butler County, the daughter of Carlyle and Ruth E. (Darby) Miller. She graduated from the Clarksville High School in 1935. By November of 1935, she was a fully trained telephone operator in Clarksville. Mid-way in her 13 years at Clarksville with Northwestern Bell she became the Chief Operator. When dial service came to Clarksville she was transferred to the Waverly business office, then to Cedar Falls and finally to the Waterloo District Engineering office where she worked 30 years of her 45 years with Northwestern Bell, retiring in 1981. Elizabeth was a born again Christian and an active member of the Charles City Assembly. She was also a member of Telecom Pioneers. Elizabeth enjoyed traveling. During her working years she traveled with her sisters in the United States and Europe and after retirement she continued traveling in the United States including Alaska and also to Nova Scotia and Japan. Living family members include two sisters, Ada Miller of Clarksville and Corinne (Bernard) Martz of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Elvera Miller of Lockport, Illinois; a niece and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Francis in 1988; and a sister, Margaret in 2001. Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City, was in charge of arrangements.

                    Posted on 11/02/2004 by Gene Manning

11/06/04

Funeral services for LaVonne J. Pyatt, 72, Greene, were held Tuesday, November 2, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor Paul Uzel officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene. LaVonne June Eliasen was born August 11, 1932, East of Horton, Bremer County, a daughter of Clarence Emil and Mildred Leona (Coffman) Eliasen, and died Friday, October 29, 2004 on her 54th Wedding Anniversary, at her home in rural Greene. She received her education in the rural Butler and Floyd County Schools and graduated from the Charles City High School in 1950. She worked as a secretary for the Charles City High School and later White Farm Equipment Co. in Charles City. On October 29, 1950 she was united in marriage to Charles Eugene Pyatt at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene. They farmed in the rural Greene area and to this union were born seven sons. She was baptized and became a member of the First Presbyterian Church on March 26, 1948. She faithfully served her church as an Elder, Clerk of the Session, member of the Presbyterian Women and funeral committee. She served on the Committee of Ministry of the North Iowa Presbytery. LaVonne will be remembered for the many cakes she made for weddings and other special occasions. Her favorite activities include preparing large meals for her family, sewing and traveling. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Charles Pyatt of Greene, her children: Steve Pyatt of Maple Grove, MN, Stan (Rhonda) Pyatt of Greene, Stew (Cyndi) Pyatt of Greene, Tom (Beverly) Pyatt of Gisbourne, New Zealand, Tim (Kathy) Pyatt of Mason City, Tony (Michelle) Pyatt of Owatonna, MN; Ten grandchildren: Adam (Jan), Laurie, Sara, Scott, Elizabeth, Ryan, Brittany, Joshua, Joel, and Grace; one brother Walter Eliasen, of Pueblo, CO. LaVonne was preceded in death by her son Scott on September 7, 1973; and her parents. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the LaVonne J. Pyatt Memorial Fund in care of the family. Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene was in charge of arrangements.

11/06/04

Funeral services for Nancy S. Doeden, 55, of Allison were held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 30, at the United Church of Christ in Allison. Nancy Sue Carr was born May 17, 1949, in Des Moines, a daughter of James Edward and Alice Gertrude (Heskett) Carr Jr., and died Monday, October 25, 2004, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly. She graduated from the Saydel High School in 1967 and attended La’James School of Beauty in Des Moines. She was employed by Charles Salon and later J.C. Penny Co. as a beautician for twenty-two years. On April 22, 1978 she was united in marriage to James Emory Doeden at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They made their home in the Des Moines area until 1993 when they moved to Allison. She was last employed as a beautician for the Allison Care Center until her recent illness. Nancy was a member of the United Church of Christ in Allison, Des Moines Chapter No. 89 O.E.S. and was currently a member of Franklin Chapter No. 77 O.E.S. in Hampton. Nancy had served as Worthy Matron of both chapters and was currently a District Instructor of the Grand Chapter of Iowa O.E.S. She was a member of the Shell Rock Music Association, Allison Community Club, and the Allison Women’s Club. Her interests included sewing, reading, and collecting antiques. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband, James of Allison, her daughter, Alyssa Doeden of Allison, her step-daughters: Jennifer Anderson of Waukee, Christie (Claude) Smith of Nevada; her son: Stephen Doeden of Allison; six grandchildren: Andrew Doeden, Ashlie Doeden, Jenna Doeden, Claude Smith, Jessica Smith, and Oliver Smith; one sister Judy (Gil) Gillman of Des Moines, one brother Tom (Nina) Carr of Altoona; her mother-in-law Shirley Doeden of Allison; sister-in-law Jacqueline (Alan) Schoneman of Clarksville, and brother-in-law Jay Doeden of Washington D.C. Nancy leaves to join her parents, her sister Ann Mattix, and father-in-law Omke Doeden. The planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Nancy S. Doeden Memorial Fund in care of the family at P.O. Box 537, Allison, Iowa 50602-0537. Burial was in the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville. Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene was in charge of arrangements.

11/06/04

Emma Lou Ford, 64, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away October 25, 2004, at her home in Dumont, Iowa. Emma was born on January 5, 1940, in Jefferson County, Alabama, to Theodore R. and Ora Mae (Neil) Robbins. She received her high school education in Punta Gorda, Florida. She was married to J.C. Moree at Punta Gorda, Florida in 1958, and he preceded her in death in 1960. Emma worked as a Telemarketer Supervisor for CTC in Dumont until her retirement in 1999. She was a member of the Moose Lodge 2121 in Punta Gorda, Florida. She enjoyed playing Scrabble, crocheting, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, going to the casino and dancing with Bill. She is survived by her daughter Sandra and husband Bobby Justice of Dumont; two sons: Shawn and wife Kathy Ford of Taylor, Michigan and Steven F. Ford of Taylor, Michigan; two brothers: Timmy L. Robbins of Guin, Alabama and Bobby G. Robbins of Winfield, Alabama; two sisters: Betty Jean Dozier of Glen Allen, Alabama and Linda Dickinson of Guin, Alabama; and numerous grandchildren and great grand-children. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband J.C. Moree in 1960, faithful companion of 18 years William Pencook, and two brothers Ted and Paul Robbins. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont with Rev. Tom Healey officiating. Special music was “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Pallbearers were Keith Justice, William Justice and Brandon Justice. Final resting place was in the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

                      Posted on 11/08/2004 by Gene Manning

11/15/04

Rev. William Robert Fegan, 80, died on October 29, 2004 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. Funeral service will be on Monday, November 1, 2004 at 1:30 PM at the United Church of Christ, Osage, Iowa with Rev. Robert Melhorn officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar is in charge of arrangements. Bob was born on June 10, 1924 in Mora, Minnesota to Charles and Eldona (Black) Fegan. His schooling included Bemidji State College with a BA in history, Meltonville College in Meltonville, Kansas and Garret Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He married Vivian Anderson on June 26, 1946 in rural Turtle Lake, Wisconsin by Vivian’s father, Rev. E.E. Anderson. Bob served churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. He served on numerous Association and Conference committees and including chairing the Church and Ministries Committee. After retiring in 1989, Bob and Vivian moved to St. Ansgar. After spending 15 years in St. Ansgar they just recently moved to Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake, Iowa. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Edward; two sisters, Ruth Fegan and Jean Foster. He is survived by his wife Vivian of Clear Lake; daughter, Rachel (Steven) Schwartz of Fairfax Station, Virginia; three sons, David (Barbara) Fegan of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Steven (Theresa Cain) Fegan of Bayville, New Jersey, Mark (Becky) Fegan of Bellevue, Nebraska; 9 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; one sister, Betty Gregerson of VanBuren, Indiana.

11/15/04

Calvin Thomas Schnucker, age 99, of Mesa, Arizona, was born November 26, 1904, in German Valley, Illinois, the son of George Melchior and Emma Goeldner Schnucker. He was named to honor two great theologians, John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas. In 1922 Calvin graduated from the Pleasant Prairie Academy in German Valley, Illinois. On January 1, 1928, he married Wilhelmine Meyer of Aplington, Iowa. In June of 1929, he graduated with a BA in Education from Iowa State Teachers College. In 1932 he received the Bachelor of Divinity degree from New Brunswick Seminary. While a student at the seminary, Calvin organized and served the First Community Church of Clifton, New Jersey. After graduation he served the Ramsey Reformed Church at Titonka, Iowa from 1932 - 1942 when he was called to be professor of Rural Church at the Dubuque Theological Seminary. From 1936 to 1946 he was the executive secretary of the Iowa Christian Rural Fellowship. In 1956 Calvin became the Dean of the Seminary, a position he held until he retired in 1970. He was nationally known for his expertise in the rural church which was reflected in his book, How to Plan the Rural Church Program. Calvin was also instrumental in an important ecumenical education experiment involving Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque Seminary, the Aquinas Institute, and the University of Iowa School of Religion. Upon his retirement to Glendale Gultch in Colorado, he researched its history and wrote a chap-book on the history of Left-Hand Canyon. He was a member of a number of groups including the Council of Theological Education of the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. which presented him its Distinguished Service Award in 1970; the Yacht Club of Dubuque, a Deputy for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and Sigma Tau Delta. Although he began his ministry as a member of the Reformed Church in America, he ended Honorably Retired as a member of the United Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, October 24, 2004, Calvin died in Mesa, Arizona of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilhelmine, two sisters and five brothers. Calvin is survived by his two daughters, Florence Van Wagner of Rocheport, Missouri, Joyce May of Apache Junction, Arizona, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Memorial Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 4, 2004 at the First Presbyterian Church, Aplington, Iowa. Officiating were Rev. Robert Schnucker, Rev. Greg Smith and Rev. Sarai Beck. Organist was Lenée Pollock. Congregational Hymns were “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “God of Our Father.” Special music was provided by a duet of Russ and Leland Meyer who sang “The Love of God” and “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone.” The Chris Schnucker Family sang “Fairest Lord Jesus.” Inurnment was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Aplington, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel, Aplington, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

11/15/04

Elizabeth Kramer, 89, of Aredalc, Iowa, passed away October 31, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa. She was born on December 3, 1914, in Aredale, Iowa, to Wilford and Beatta (Folbrecht) Pell. She graduated from Hansell High School and from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She taught school in rural Aredale, Hansell and the Hampton area before her marriage to Paul Kramer on June 18, 1942 in Rural Franklin County, Iowa. They farmed and raised their children on the Kramer homestead where their son, Tom, resides. Elizabeth was a faithful member of the Aredale United Methodist Church in Aredale, Iowa. She was active in the Better Way Club in Bennezette Township, and in the UMW at the United Methodist Church in Aredale. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter Paula and husband Ken Beene of Burnsville, Minnesota, son Tom Kramer of Greene, granddaughter Kristi Kanter of Burnsville, Minnesota, step granddaughter Kenna and husband Bryan Morgan of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, step granddaughter Carolyn and husband Todd Werner of Flower Mound, Texas, sister-in-law Viola Weber of Cedar Falls, four step great grandchildren Dylan, Kennedy, Lauren and Savannah. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Ardys Hottell. Arrangements by Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Homes.

11/15/04

Melvin James Crosby, known as Jim to many, passsed away at his home in Lyle, Washington on October 21,2004. He was 92 years old. He was born in Greene, Iowa on November 8, 1911 to Jenny (Belknap) Crosby. Jim grew up on a farm in Iowa. He was a hard worker and held various jobs such as working as a carpenter, at a filling station, as an ice man and even plucking chickens. In 1931 he married Vera O’Neil and to that union one child, Phyllis was born, Vera died in 1935. On May 15, 1939 Jim married Eunice Pickar in Iowa. 1941 brought a big change for the couple, as Jim went to work for what would later become Burlington Northern Railroad and they moved to Wishram, Washington. Jim and Eunice lived in Wishram until 1972 and then moved to Lyle, Washington. In 1974, he retired from the railroad. Mr. Crosby loved horses. He got his first horse, a Tennessee Walker, in 1964 and through the years he dedicated himself to training and showing the breed. He traveled all over Washington, Oregon and California to show his Tennessee Walking horses. Mr. Crosby is survived by his wife Eunice of Lyle Washington and his daughters Phyllis Gronberg of Dumont, Iowa and Karen Harville of Thomaston, Georgia. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church in White Salmon, Washington. Mr. Crosby was interred at the White Salmon Cemetery.

11/06/04

Funeral services for LaVonne J. Pyatt, 72, Greene, were held Tuesday, November 2, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor Paul Uzel officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene. LaVonne June Eliasen was born August 11, 1932, East of Horton, Bremer County, a daughter of Clarence Emil and Mildred Leona (Coffman) Eliasen, and died Friday, October 29, 2004 on her 54th Wedding Anniversary, at her home in rural Greene. She received her education in the rural Butler and Floyd County Schools and graduated from the Charles City High School in 1950. She worked as a secretary for the Charles City High School and later White Farm Equipment Co. in Charles City. On October 29, 1950 she was united in marriage to Charles Eugene Pyatt at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene. They farmed in the rural Greene area and to this union were born seven sons. She was baptized and became a member of the First Presbyterian Church on March 26, 1948. She faithfully served her church as an Elder, Clerk of the Session, member of the Presbyterian Women and funeral committee. She served on the Committee of Ministry of the North Iowa Presbytery. LaVonne will be remembered for the many cakes she made for weddings and other special occasions. Her favorite activities include preparing large meals for her family, sewing and traveling. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Charles Pyatt of Greene, her children: Steve Pyatt of Maple Grove, MN, Stan (Rhonda) Pyatt of Greene, Stew (Cyndi) Pyatt of Greene, Tom (Beverly) Pyatt of Gisbourne, New Zealand, Tim (Kathy) Pyatt of Mason City, Tony (Michelle) Pyatt of Owatonna, MN; Ten grandchildren: Adam (Jan), Laurie, Sara, Scott, Elizabeth, Ryan, Brittany, Joshua, Joel, and Grace; one brother Walter Eliasen, of Pueblo, CO. LaVonne was preceded in death by her son Scott on September 7, 1973; and her parents. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the LaVonne J. Pyatt Memorial Fund in care of the family. Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene was in charge of arrangements.

                     Posted on 11/16/2004 by Gene Manning

11/27/04

11/27/04
 

11/27/04
 

11/27/04