07/01/2010

Jerry Alan Vance

Jerry Alan Vance, age 67, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the son of Russell and Alma (Wedeking) Vance on August 1942, Clarksville, Iowa. He received his education from the Clarksville Community School and graduated high school in 1960.

On September 14, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage with Janet Lee Hahn at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarksville. They made their home in Clarksville where they farmed and milked dairy cows until Jerry's retirement in 2008. To this union three children, Anita, Rodney and Marcie were born. The couple were later divorced.

Jerry was a member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarksville where he also was confirmed. He enjoyed going hunting, fishing, trapping and playing cards with his friends and family. Jerry loved taking his grandsons fishing and often reminisced about the time his year old grandson caught his own limit when they were fish-together. He went deer hunting every season since the age of sixteen . and always went trapping until he no longer could walk well enough. He "was an avid baseball and softball fan but especially liked to follow the girls’ softball team. 

Gloria May Lewis 

Gloria May Lewis, 65, of Bristow, passed away June 25, 2010, at Dumont Wellness Center in Dumont. Iowa.

She was born on November 9. 1944, in Hampton, Iowa, to Donovan "Doc" and May (Barnett) Day. Gloria graduated from Greene High School in 1963. She later received her BME from Houghton College in New York, and a Masters in education and music performance from Drake University.

Gloria was united in marriage to John T Lewis on July 23, 1976, at the Bennezette Wesleyan Church in Bristow. She was a music instructor at Indiana Wesleyan University for four years and taught at the Tripoli Community School district, as a K-12 music instructor, a librarian TA.G. teacher.

Gloria was a member of the Bennezette Wesleyan Church, where she was secretary of the church board. She was a choir director and organist at various churches throughout her life. Gloria enjoyed music and most of all her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband John T. Lewis of Bristow, daughter Carmen Lewis of Bristow and daughter Jeanne Lewis of Bristow. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, aunt Alice Barnett, aunt Ruth Barnett and uncle Raymond Barnett.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at the Bennezette Wesleyan Church in rural Bristow. Burial took place in the Dumont Cemetery. Officiating the service was Pastor Tim McGuire. Organist\vas Belva Krukow with soloist Wendy Noyes. Pallbearers were John Zimmerman, Dylan Green, Max Green, Bob Atkinson, and Ben McGuire.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont was in charge of arrangements.

Leila Kruger 

Leila Kruger, age 85 of Decorah, IA died  Monday, June 21, 2010, at Nursing Home in Decorah,  after battling rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid vasculitis for many years.

Leila Sophia (Smorstad) Kruger was born on January 9, 1925, the daughter of Otto L. and Florence (Ludeking) Smorstad, on the family farm in Glenwood Township. Leila was baptized in Decorah on March 17, 1925 and confirmed on July 23, 1939 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon, IA.

She attended the Pagan country school and graduated from Waukon High School in 1943. She worked for IC Penney in Waukon and moved to Decorah in 1958. Leila worked as a secretary at Bolson Feeds and also worked at the Decorah Greenhouse. Leila then worked from 1960-75 as a secretary in the superintendent's office of the Decorah Community School District. She retired in 1975, due to her declining health. Leila enjoyed gardening and took great pride in her flower beds. She enjoyed collecting knick-knacks, watching TV, making cherry pies, animals, (especially her dogs), keeping up with Current events, and visiting with family and friends.

Leila's survivors include her daughter: Patricia (Bruce) Fenneman, Clarksville, IA. One son, John Kruger, Decorah, IA. Two grandchildren: Amy (Nathan) Hoover, West Des Moines, lA, and Kathryn Fenneman, Des Moines, IA. One great grandchild: Benjamin Hoover.

Leila was preceded in death by her parents: Otto L. and Florence (Ludeking) Smorstad. One brother: Leslie (Helen) Smorstad.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 25 with the Rev. Wayne Hagen officiating. Organist was Kathy Murray. Casketbearers were Patricia Fenneman, Bruce Fenneman, Amy Hoover, Nathan Hoover, John Kruger, and Kathryn Fenneman. Interment was in the Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, Iowa.

Schuter-Balik Funeral Home, Decorah, was in charge of arrangements.

Edith Maxine (Wiegman) Ressler

Edith Maxine (Wiegman) Ressler, 83, of Bristow, Iowa, passed away July 3, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison in Allison, Iowa, She was born December 8, 1926, in Butler County, Iowa, to Fred William and Charlotte Annette (Dralle) Wiegman. She was baptized and confirmed in the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, Iowa. Edith attended country schools through 8^th grade and graduated from the Allison High School.  

She was united in marriage to Robert Rae Ressler on March 10, 1946, in Allison, Iowa. Bob and Edee owned and operated the grocery store in Bristow for several years; she then worked at the Dumont locker and Folkerts seed farms, before going to Allison Bristow Schools as a cook for 19 years, where she loved the work and the kids. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church III Allison, where she was active in the church circles. Edith enjoyed fishing in Canada, gardening, flowers and operating a home coffee shop (free) for many friends and neighbors. She also enjoyed attending auctions and collecting glassware and crafts.  

Edith is survived by her husband Robert Rae Ressler of Allison, daughter Kathryn Mary Ressler of Cedar Falls, daughter Doris Jeanne & husband Keith Rindels of Montezuma; daughter Ann Elizabeth & husband Ross Grafft of Osage, grandchildren, Robert (Erin) Rindels, Missy (Curt) Roach, Ryan (Carrie) Grafft, Randi (Kara) Grafft, Ranae (Grant) Norland, Reese Grafft, great grandchildren, Austin and Tyler Rindels, Bailey, Garret and Madison Roach, Robert Grafft and Gabriel Grafft and sister-in-law Marilyn Shultz.  

She was preceded in death by her parents (Fred and Charlotte), one brother (James Wiegman) and brother-in-law (Roger Shultz).  

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 7, at St, James Lutheran Church in Allison. Burial was in the Allison Cemetery. Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank officiated the service.  

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, Allison, was III charge of arrangements.

Anderson and  Young

Services for former Butler County resident Maezene Belle Wamsley Anderson and her husband, William Harold Anderson, and her daughter, Frances Anne Young, and her son-in-law, Roger Adams Young will be held 011 July 24, 2010 in Clarksville, Iowa, at the Clarksville AMVET Hall at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and stay for fellowship and a luncheon following the services.

Interment will be in Lynwood Cemetery the same afternoon and those that wish to attend the interment are welcome to be present.

Viola Vem "Vi" Gersema 

Viola Vem "Vi" Gersema, age 78, of New Hartford, died Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.  

Viola was born on May 22, 1932, in Butler County, Iowa, the daughter of John and Nellie (Murphy) Davis. She attended the Clarksville School and in 1987 graduated from New Hartford High School.  

On January 13, 1950 Viola was united in marriage to Chris Gersema in Clarksville, Iowa. During .her life she worked as a domestic engineer, at Kwik Star, and as a cashier at Wal-Mart where she later retired. Viola was a member of the New Hartford Baptist Church and she also volunteered at the New Hartford Elementary. Her enjoyments included quilting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, and using the computer.  

Viola's memory is honored by her husband, Chris Gersema Sr. of New Hartford, Iowa, six children; Chris E. (Hattie) Gersema Jr. of Marshalltown, Iowa, Vicky Smith of Overland Park, Kansas, Sheryl (Duane) Faas of Ames, Iowa, Rose A. Davis of Overland Park, Kansas, Duane (Carol) Gersema of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Scott Gersema of Lee's Summit, Missouri, thirteen grandchildren, twenty two great grandchildren, and a brother, Ronald Roberts of Sierra Vista, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven sisters; Wilma Jurgens, Mavis Doty, Verda League, Clara Klebs, Dorothy Wade, Pauline Wheelan, and Lucille Haber, and five brothers; Fred, Verlan "Bud", Jerry, and Victor Davis and Paul Roberts. 

Funeral services were held Friday, July 2, 2010, at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly with Reverends Ben Epley and Richard Johnson officiating. Private burial was in the Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Cedar Falls.  

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Hospice and online condolences may be made at www.kaisercorson.com.

Beverly May Roose 

Beverly May Roose, age 85, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of Herbert and Mary (Neal) Wedeking on September 29, 1924, at the Waverly Mercy Hospital, Waverly, Iowa. She attended Wilcox Country School, rural Clarksville, graduated from the Clarksville High School in 1942 and continued her education at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa.  

On June 19, 1946, Beverly was united in marriage with Lyle "Mic" Roose at the Unity Presbyterian Church, rural Clarksville, Iowa. The couple made their home in Clarksville their entire married life. Beverly was a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She also answered their business phone for Clarksville Oil Company which they owned and operated for 40 years.  

Beverly's love and passion was caring for her family along with her love for the Unity Church and its members. She was a very active and lifelong member of Unity Presbyterian Church where she had been a former Treasurer, an Elder, Clerk of Session, in charge of the Memorial Fund and taught Bible School. The Church Groups she participated in were the Unity Presbyterian Woman's Group, the Husband and Wife Mariners Group, was a member of the Church Choir and the Director for many years and had also sung at many weddings and funerals.  

The community groups she enjoyed were Bridge Club, Needle Work Club, the local Girl Scouts when Anne was young and the Clarksville AMVETS Auxiliary. In her spare time she enjoyed crossword puzzles, feeding the birds, and reading especially when it came to politics and religion. Beverly had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell jokes and stories. Through the years music and going dancing with Mic were a big part of their enjoyment. Her favorite musicians were Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller and 1'ommy and Jimmy Dorsey. She also enjoyed spending time camping with their 5^th Wheel, which brought many wonderful family memories.  

Beverly died Thursday, July 1, 2010, at the Community Nursing in Clarksville of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her parents.  

Beverly is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lyle "Mic" Roose of Clarksville, IA; one daughter, Anne (Dave) Johnson of Clarksville, IA; one granddaughter, Jill Johnson of Clarksville, IA; and one brother, Neal (Arlene) Wedeking of Clarksville, IA.  

Funeral Services were held Saturday, July 3, 2010 at the Unity Presbyterian Church rural Clarksville, Iowa, with Pastor Stephen W. Keve officiating. The organist was Paula Miller and the congregational hymns were "In The Garden," "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" &"Near To The Heart Of God." Casketbearers were Jim Roose, Jason Roose, Mitchell Roose, Dan Roose, Jim Wedeking and John Wedeking. Flower committee was Ray and Kathie Needham, Neil and Mavis Bolin and Craig Bolin.

Committal service was held at the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family of Beverly Roose.  

Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Earl Kenneth Freeman 

Earl Kenneth Freeman was born July 10, 1930, at Independence, Iowa, the son of Kenneth and Marion Taylor Freeman. He grew up near Winthrop, Iowa, where he graduated from Winthrop High School with the class of 1948. During the Korean Conflict, he served his country in the Army from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953.  

Earl was united in marriage to Joan Berniece Randall on October 30, 1953, at Waterloo. To this union were born two daughters, Pamela and Janet. The family lived in Waterloo where Earl worked for thirty-seven years in the accounting department of the U.S. Post Office years. Joan entered into her eternal rest on November 3, 1983.  

Earl was united in marriage to Twila Mae Oitzman on December 27, 1992, at Dumont, Iowa. They made their home in Dumont and wintered in Mesa, Arizona.  

Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing. He was especially close to his family, enjoyed socializing with his many friends, and was noted for his quick wit and his charming smile.  

He was an active member of the New Hope United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post 360, both of Dumont.  

Two weeks short of his 80^th birthday, Earl Freeman entered into his eternal rest on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa, following a lengthy illness.  

Proceeding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Joan; his brother, George Freeman; and brother-in-law, Lester (Bud) Fawcett. 

Survivors include his wife, Twilaof Dumont; two daughters: Pamela (Chuck) Frost of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Janet (Brian) Christensen of Waterloo: three sons: Doug (Glenda) Oitzman of Gilbert, AZ; Jeff (Janet) Oitzman of Gilbert, AZ; and Tim (Molly) Oitzman of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; his grandchildren: Laura

(Donald) Sweeney of Cedar Falls; Meghan (Matthew) Horan of Cedar Falls; Tyler Christensen of Waterloo; Krystal (Paul) Stegmaier of Marquette Heights, IL; Abby Oitzman of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; Ashley and Paige Oitzman of Gilbert, AZ; Teddy and Megan Oitzman ofRancho Santa Fe, CA; his great grandchildren: Isabella Horan and Landon Stegmaier; his brother,Richard "Dick" (Ellen) Freeman of Fairfax; his sister, Kathryn Fawcett of Independence; his sister-in-law,Lucille Freeman of Sumner.

A memorial fund has been established.  

Funeral services were held Monday, June 28, 2010, at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont, with Rev. Larry L. Pauley and Rev. Doug Tharp officiating. Music was provided by pianist,Phyllis Gronberg, and soloist, Dawn Grozkruger. Casketbearers were Tyler Christensen, Matt Horan, Donald Sweeney, Shaffer Ridgeway, Mike Thornburgh, and Jeff Bigler.

Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery at Waterloo.

The Fawcett Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winthrop, IA assisted the family with arrangements. To send a message or to sign the online guest book, go to www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

07/15/2010

Michael Dale Brown

Michael Dale Brown, 59, died peacefully while sleeping at home on Saturday, July 10,2010.

Mike was bom on May 16, 1951, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Dale and Elaine Brown. He grew up in Allison, Iowa, and graduated from Allison-Bristow in 1969.

In 1971, -he married the late $onna Koester and they had two children, Thomas Michael and Angela Lynn. The couple later divorced.  

He Iived in the Chariton area for nineteen years in which he was a city policeman and deputy sheriff for Lucas County and he also worked as an art technician in the marketing department at Hy-Vee. He moved to Marshfield, Missouri, and held several positions in different companies, including supervisory roles. In August of 2008, he moved back to his home in Allison and cared for his mother until his death.  

Mike loved sports and was an avid Hawkeye fan and especially loved the Chicago Bears and New York Yankees.

Although not an avid golfer, he very much enjoyed anytime he would get the chance to play.

Mike enjoyed music and was a lover of the Beatles. In his earlier years, he played guitar in some rock and  roll bands.

Mike was a loving son, father, brother and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew him.  

Mike is survived by his son, Thomas (Stacey) of Norwalk, daughter Angela (Rob) ofAdel, mother Elaine of Allison, sister Bemita (Ron) Norine of Fort Dodge, brother Dave (Julie) of Nevada, sister Jaime (Calvin) Helmus of Rock Valley, sister Charlene (Steve) Fink of Columbia,  South Carolina, grandsons Adam and Alex, granddaughter Lennon, six nephews and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father Dale.  

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 14 at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank officiated the serviee. Burial took place in the Allison Cemetery. Officiating was Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank. Organist was Arleen Radcliffe. Pallbearers were Ron Norine, Steve Fink; Tyler Norine, Rod Mennen, Calvin Helmus and Rob Grossman. Honorary pallbearers were Adam Albertr Alex Alberts, Carter Norine, Ryar. Fink, Gordon Brown, Jason Helrnus, TJ Helmus, Carson Norine, Jack Ronchetto, Jim Tognacci, Lou Tognacci, Warren Tilton, Tawny Anderson and Lauren Fink.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Mae Hoerman (nee Baker) 

Shirley Mae Hoerman (nee Baker), 75, of Rome, Wis., passed away June 29, 2010. A memorial service was held Saturday, July 10, at Port Edwards United Methodist Church, 411 Wisconsin River Road, Port Edwards, Wisconsin.

She was born July 28, 1934, in Ames, to Henry Everil and Viola (Boelk) Baker.

Shirley enjoyed many years as an elementary school administrative assistant. Crafts, cooking and sewing enriched her life. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family and friends. She will be missed by all.

She was the beloved wife of Vern L. Hoerman; loving mother of Susan (Mike) Levon, Stephen (Mary) Boerman, Stewart (Cindy) Hoerman and Scott (Donna) Hoerman; grandmother of Sarah, Justin (Jenna) and Anna Levon, Rebecca and Jeffrey Hoerman, Derek, Dana and Darsi Hoerman, John (Zoe) and Adam Grad; great-grandmother to Vivienne Grad; sister to Harlan (Katherine) Baker. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Charles Elwyn (Celia) Baker and Alan (Betty) Baker; and sister, Norma (Keith) Eubank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Methodist Christian Women's Club of the Port Edwards United Methodist Church.

Robert Urban "Bob" Oligschlaeger 

Robert Urban "Bob" Oligschlaeger, age 87, of Aplington, Iowa, died Friday, July 9, 2010, at the Maple Manor Village in Aplington, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life Service was held Monday, July 12, 2010, at the Bethel Reformed Church in rural Aplington. Burial will be held at a later date.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg assisted the family with arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, Disabled Veterans of America or Maple Manor Village. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

07/22/2010

Fred H. Winterberg

Fred H. Winterberg, age 96, of Aplington, Iowa, died Thursday, July 8, 2010, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, of natural causes.  

Funeral Services were held Monday, July 12, 2010, at the First Reformed Church in Aplington.  

Memorials may be directed to the family. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Dorothy Mae Stotler 

A Funeral Mass for Dorothy Mae Stotler, 90, of Greene, was held Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, Greene, with Rev.Msgr. Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.  

Dorothy died Friday, July 16, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison. 

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Dorothy Stotler Memorial Fund 201 N. Grove, Greene, IA 50636. 

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, Greene.

Donald C. Ruth 

Donald C. Ruth, 78, of Clarksville, IA passed away Saturday, July 17, 2010, at his home.  

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  

Donald Carl Ruth was the son of August and Clara Ruth. He was born January 5, 1932 on his parent's farm in Bremer County. Don worked at a creamery in Benson, IA and later at the creamery in Sumner, IA. He then did correspondence courses for TV repair' and opened his own TV repair business in Sumner and later in Grundy Center and Parkersburg; he retired in 1993 and greatly enjoyed fishing.

On December 28, 1950 he married Florence Frey, they were later divorced. Donald married Mary Skubinna on September 17, 1982 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.  

Don is survived by his wife, Mary; 3 children, Sharon (Ron) Shoup of Grundy Center, IA, Ron (Rose) Ruth of Carroll, IA, and Jeff (Teri) Ruth ofAnoka, MN; 1 brother, Ralph Ruth; 2 sisters, Marjorie Pruin and Joyce Rademaker; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; and a stepson Neil (Donna) Skubinna of Swansborough, NC and Peanut (his beloved cat).  

He was preceded in death by his parents August and Clara Ruth; a son Michael, a grandson Scott, 2 brothers, John and Ed Ruth, and a sister, Doris Ward.  

Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com.

Kent James Stahl

Kent James Stahl, age 50, of Aplington, Iowa, died Thursday, July 8, 2010, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion, Iowa, of natural causes.  

Funeral Services were held Monday, July 12, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church in Aplington. Burial was held in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Aplington.  

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in Aplington was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Family of Kent.  

Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Anna Oldenburger 

Anna Oldenburger, age 96, of Parkersburg, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at the Maple Manor Village in Aplington, Iowa, of natural causes. 

Funeral Services were held Friday, July 16, 2010, at the Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg, Iowa with Rev, Bill Carpenter, Cedar Valley Hospice Chaplin, officiating. Burial was held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Iowa immediately following the funeral service.  

Memorials may be directed to the family of Anna, Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Phyllis Miller 

Chester Clarence Vander-Werf