Lester “Red” Dralle was born April 26, 1941 in Bristow, Iowa: the son of Viola Dralle Roberts. 

He was baptized at the Vilmar Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greene, Iowa. On August 1, 1959 Red was married to Alice Cannegieter. He worked at Chech’s Grocery Store while growing up. Red then was a salesman for Kirby Sweepers; he was the top salesman for many years. He then worked at Rath Packing and opened Red’s Motors in the Evansdale/ Waterloo, Iowa area.

Red was owner/operator of Red’s Motors and Limo Service in Waterloo. He had a passion for racing and collectible cars. Red spent four decades behind the wheel at area race tracks, and was track champion many times over. Most of all, Red loved his sons, grandchildren, family and friends. Lester “Red” Dralle Not only did he say whatever was on his mind, but with just a few short words you knew where he was coming from, you knew what he meant and you knew there was no regret – ever.

Red passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, from a massive stroke at the age of 69.

He is preceded in death by a son Michael Lee Dralle and his maternal grandparents Henry “Zeke” and Lottie Dralle.

Red is survived by his mother Viola Roberts of Grundy Center; 3 sons: Rick and Bruce of Waterloo and Brian (Paola) of Porto Pozza, Italy; 4 grandchildren: Alicia, Marianna, Domenico and Nicholas of Porto Pozza, Italy; 3 sisters: Connie Hensley of Waterloo, Mary (Barry) Block of Grundy Center and Susan Halfpop of Phoenix, Arizona; 2 step-daughters: Shelly and Deb and his four-legged companion Freeway. Red will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 30, 2010, at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, An Overton Family Service, Waterloo, was in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at: www.overtonservice.com.

Ruth Aurelia Matthias

Ruth Aurelia Matthias, age 97, of Waverly, Iowa, was born the daughter of William and Agnes (Faber) Gross on June 29, 1913, in LaMoille, Illinois.

Ruth attended rural country school in her early years and later graduated from the Wartburg Normal School in Waverly, Iowa. Ruth Gross and Paul Carl Matthias were married on September 20, 1935, at the Clarion Lutheran Church in LaMoille, Illinois, beginning a relationship of love and devotion which endured for 68 years. To this union four children were born. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Dundee, Iowa, followed by Clarksville, Iowa, where Paul served as the Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church from 1940 to 1976.

Ruth later moved to Waverly, Iowa, where she lived at Bartel’s Lutheran Home. Ruth was a past member of St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville, where she served as organist, Sunday School Teacher and was active in various church groups. She also was a member of the Women’s Club in Clarksville.

Ruth was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly since 1976. In her free time, Ruth enjoyed sewing, baking, knitting and crossstitching. Ruth was a loving mother and very supportive of Paul during his years in the ministry.

Ruth died Sunday, October 24, 2010, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly, Iowa, from natural causes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Paul C. Matthias on September 5, 2003; her parents; one son, James David Matthias and one sister, Eleanor Christensen.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Paul Frederick (Dixie) Matthias of Tacoma, Washington and Robert William (Laura) Matthias of Sparta, North Carolina; one daughter, Ruth Ellen (Ted Benjamin) Matthias of Santa Monica, California; six grandchildren, Philip, Mark, Todd, James, Benjamin and Rachel; five great-grandchildren; one brotherin- law, Arthur (Betty) Matthias of Bellevue, Washington and one sister-in-law, Ruth Trautman of Chicago, Illinois.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 29, 2010, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waverly, Iowa. The services were officiated by Pastor Al Koeneman and Pastor Paul Schaedig. The organist, Jon Reuss, accompanied with the congregational hymns, “Beautiful Savior,” “O Day Full Of Grace,” and “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less.” The Casketbearers were Philip Matthias, Todd Matthias, Benjamin Freed, Mark Matthias, Jim Matthias, and Larry Henning. Nancy Maifield organized the Flower Committee. Interment was at the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to her family and on line condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com. 

Misty Rose Rodriguez Subia

Misty Rose Rodriguez Subia, 26, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away October 29, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 6, 2010, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, Iowa. There will be no visitation. Ryan Kramer will officiate the service.

Robert (Bob) Ressler

Robert (Bob) Ressler, 86, of Allison, Iowa, passed away November 5, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

He was born September 19, 1924, in Butler County, Iowa, to Hubert William and Sena Carrie (Frerichs) Ressler. Robert was baptized at the Butler Center Church and confirmed at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Robert attended country schools until 6th grade and then attended & graduated from the Allison High School.

He served his country in the United States Army during World War II in the EGR for three years. Robert married Edith Maxine Wiegman on March 10, 1946, in Allison, Iowa. He owned and operated the grocery store in Bristow for several years, was in the lumber business in Allison, Dumont, Bristow & Hampton, and also worked for REC and the Allison Creamery.

Robert was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Allison and was also a member of the Allison Amvets and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, carpentry, garage door sales & service and playing cards especially cribbage. Robert was the mayor of Bristow for ten years, was on the Church Council for twelve years and was on various City committees. He also enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Robert is survived by 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, Gabriel Grafft, Robert Grafft and sister, Marilyn Shultz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Mary Jean, one sister in infancy, and a brother-in-law, Roger Shultz.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 8, 2010, at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, Iowa, with burial in the Allison Cemetery. Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank will officiated the service. Military services were provided by the Allison Amvets. Organist was Arleen Radcliffe with soloist Shirley Wubbena. Instrumentalist was Robert S. Crumley. Pallbearers were Robert Rindels, Ryan Grafft, Randi Grafft, Reese Grafft, Curt Roach and Grant Norland. Honorary Pallbearers were John Harms, Mel Kramer, Bud Schueler, Jim Wubbena, Lyle Scroggin and Cecil Radcliffe.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Homes was in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Jensen

Ruth Jensen, 87, of Waverly, died Saturday, November 6, 2010, at her home.

Ruth was born September 5, 1923, in Clarksville, Iowa, the daughter of William and Ella Mae (Raines) Miller. She graduated from Waverly High School in 1940. On October 26, 1941, she was united in marriage to Wayne Jensen at Peace United Church of Christ in Waverly.

Ruth worked in the cafeteria at the Waverly Sales Co. for thirteen years. She farmed alongside Wayne while raising their two children. She cared for the lawn and garden, canned the harvest, and butchered chickens, among other daily chores on the farm.

Ruth was a hardworking woman who was very proud of keeping her home clean. She loved playing cards, reading and being read to. She especially loved the visits from family and friends. Wayne passed away September 23, 1999.

Ruth was a longtime member of Peace United Church of Christ in Waverly where she served in the choir, women’s guild, and as a Sunday school teacher.

She is survived by her daughter Sandy (Lloyd) Martin of Tripoli; son Bruce (Becky Winkey) of Waverly; three grandsons, Joel Martin, Jeffrey (Ann) Martin, John (Kathy) Martin; three great grandchildren, Emma, Jacob, and Christopher Martin; and her best friend, Beverly Wedeking of Plainfield, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne, and brother Bill Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2010, at Grace Baptist Church (Peace United Church of Christ) in Waverly with burial in Harlington Cemetery, Waverly.

Memorials may be directed to Peace United Church of Christ Building Fund and on-line condolences may be left for the family at www.kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Wayne Seehusen

Roger Wayne Seehusen, age 67, of Parkersburg, Iowa passed away Friday, November 5, 2010.

Roger went to his eternal home to be with the Lord after a courageous six year battle with cancer at the Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 8, 2010, at the Christian Reformed Church in Parkersburg, Iowa. The services were officiated by Pastor Russell Boersma. Interment was at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to his family and on line condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com. 

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Leslie “Les” A. Palmer

Leslie “Les” A. Palmer, 58, of Bristow, Iowa, passed away November 1, 2010, at his home in Bristow.

Funeral service was held at Thursday, November 4, 2010, at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Burial took place in the Oak Hill Cemetery in rural Bristow. Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank officiated the service. On line condolences may be left at www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.

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

Daniel Gregory Lucas

Daniel Gregory Lucas, age 14, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the son of David and Michelle (Busching) Lucas on December 1, 1995, in Massilon, Ohio.

He attended Clarksville Community Schools and was currently in the 8th Grade. Daniel was always full of life and took things as they came. He had a love for all sports, but especially was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.

Daniel enjoyed spending time with his family as well as their two St. Bernards, Otto and Bear. Those who knew Daniel will always remember him blowing kisses to the ladies, but most of all, the heart of gold that he had.

Daniel passed away Saturday, November 13, 2010, at his home in Clarksville, from complications of Lesch-Nyhan disease.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Fenton Lucas and Gale Lucas; maternal grandparents, Laverne and Ruth Busching; two uncles, Dan Lucas and Ken Howard.

Daniel is survived by his parents, David and Michelle Lucas of Clarksville, Iowa; one brother, Keith Lucas of Clarksville, Iowa; grandparents, Roy and Joyce Ludy of Malvern, Ohio; many special friends and family members.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at the Clarksville High School – West Gym, Clarksville, Iowa. The services were officiated by Pastor Val Swinton. Pianist, Jenny Hulme, accompanied with the congregational hymns, “Amazing Grace” and “Away In a Manger.” Vocalist, Travis Bouska, sang “On Eagle’s Wings.” Special music included, “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye,” “Angel’s Among Us,” and “My Girl.” The Casketbearers were Al Mews, Chris McClain, Zachary Jacobs, Dominic Peters, Matt Bryan and Bob Swenson. Interment was at the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville, Iowa.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home were in charge of the arrangement.

Memorials may be directed to his family and on-line condolences may be left at www.Redman-Schwartz.com.

Larry Frerichs

Funeral services for Larry Frerichs, 75, of Greene were held Friday, November 12, 2010, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Vilmar with Pastor Mark Walker officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Larry Dean Frerichs was born on October 9, 1935, in Parkersburg, Butler Co., Iowa, a son of Fred and Mary (Stickley) Frerichs and died Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

He grew up in rural Allison, Iowa. He received his education by attending rural school and graduated from Allison High School with the Class of 1954. On April 20, 1958, Larry was united in marriage to Lavone Landers at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene.

Soon after his marriage, Larry was drafted into the United States Army. He was discharged in 1960. Most of Larry’s working life was spent working for Carnation/Nestle Corporation in Waverly where he worked for 32 years as a machinist.

He retired in 1997. His favorite retirement pastimes were hunting and fishing with his grandkids. He enjoyed all the activities of his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lavone; three sons: Brad (Carol) Frerichs of Alexander, Brit (Becky) Frerichs of Bristow, Bryan (friend Jill) Frerichs of Bristow; 6 grandchildren: Chance Frerichs, Lindsay (John) Brinkman, Jenny Frerichs, Dylan Frerichs, Lee Frerichs, Cody Frerichs; 2 stepgrandchildren: Dan Ross, Katie Turner; four great-grandchildren: Derek and Laney Brinkman, Avery and Haley; 2 step-greatgrandchildren: Jade and Jarret Turner; 2 sisters: Linda (Roger) Landers of Dumont, Karen Kettwig of Clarksville; and his beloved dog, Butch.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Peggy Lebeck; one brother, Carroll Frerichs.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Larry Frerichs Memorial Fund in care of the family at 20228 160th St., Greene, Iowa 50636.

Arrangements were entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. Greene. www.reidsfuneralchapel.com.

Donald Eugene Winkowitsch

Donald Eugene Winkowitsch, 79, of Allison, Iowa, passed away November 10, 2010, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

He was born March 29, 1931, in Quinn, South Dakota, to Theodore and Ethel (Franken) Winkowitsch. Donald attended country schools in South Dakota. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Donald was united in marriage to Irene Crawford on July 26, 1954, at the Reformed Church in Dumont. He owned and operated Winkowitsch Trucking and farmed on the family farm. Donald enjoyed fishing, especially trips to Canada, hunting, trapping, gambling, farming and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Irene Winkowitsch of Allison, son Dennis Winkowitsch of Allison, daughter Sandy Hildebrand of Allison and her children Samantha and Matthew, son Steve Winkowitsch of Allison and his children Holly Winkowitsch and special friend Ryan Roepke and her children Janae and Alaynna and Zac (Debbie) Winkowitsch and their children Caydlyn, Dallas and Steven, son Danny (Dawn) Winkowitsch of Clear Lake and his children Brittany Winkowitsch and Trista (Jon) Hauge and their daughter Jadyn, sister Mamie (Paul) Rottink, brother Jim (Sylvia) Winkowitsch, sister Beverly (Robert) Boyd, brother Clifford (Lila) Winkowitsch, sister Janet (Don) Bangs, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Sheldon, Russell and Teddy, sisters Donna Osterdorf and Vivian Wildeboer and son-inlaw Scott Hildebrand.

Officiating the service was Pastor Jeff Fiet. Organist Jim Siebrands accompanied the congregational singing. Funeral services were held Friday, November 12, at the Dumont Reformed Church in Dumont. Burial took place in the Allison Cemetery. Pastor Jeff Fiet officiated the service. Military services provided by the Dumont American Legion. Pallbearers were Terry Crawford, Tim Winkowitsch, Steve Boomgarden, Daniel Winkowitsch, Kevin Bangs and Kenny Winkowitsch.

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

Christina Winkowitsch

Christina Winkowitsch, age 81, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Funeral services were held Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Dumont Reformed Church with burial in the Bethel Reformed Cemetery, rural Aplington.

Christina was born on November 16, 1928 on a farm in rural Aplington, the daughter of Albert and Jennie (Jungling) Haats. She attended country school at rural Aplington. Christina was united in marriage to Lawrence Winkowitsch on September 11, 1944 at the Bethel Reformed Church. She had worked as a CNA at the Dumont Care Center and was a member of the Dumont Reformed Church.

Christina enjoyed flower gardening, coffee with family and friends, and was a loving mother.

Christina is survived by her husband, Lawrence of Ackley; her children, Kristin Muller of Ackley; a son, Darwin and his wife, Delores of Allison; a daughter, Verda Mobley and her husband, Daniel of Ackley; a daughter, Laurie Morris and her husband, Chuck of Cedar Falls; 7 grandchildren; several greatgrandchildren; and two sisters, Hannah Miller of Parkersburg and Judy Junker of Waverly. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Ted.

Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Gerald E. Viet

Gerald E. Viet, 80, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away November 15, 2010, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, November 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont. Burial will take place in the Dumont Cemetery.

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

Paul H. Gerdes

Paul H. Gerdes, 82, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away November 16, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

Paul H. Gerdes was born July 9, 1928 to Dirk and Stena Greenfield Gerdes at the family farm, rural Dumont. He was educated through the eighth grade at Madison 4 country school. He went on to graduate from Reisch Auctioneer School at Mason City.

Married to Margaret Becker on September 1, 1950 at St. John’s Evangelical Reformed Church in Ackley, Iowa. he and Margaret made their home for 60 years in the same house he was born in. Paul was a lifelong farmer, raising corn, soybeans, hogs, and cattle. He started out farming with teams of horses and graduated to his treasured JD Gator.

Paul was a 4-H leader, served on the County Compensation Board, was a member of the Soybean Association, was active in the Republican Party, served on the Dumont Community School Board, and was a member of the Dumont Lions Club. He was very active in Butler County and state Farm Bureau having served as president, voting delegate and several other offices and responsibilities. He was named a Master Swine Producer, which was quite an Paul H. Gerdes accomplishment in its day.

Paul was a member of IPLA (Interstate Producers Livestock Association) and served on the board of directors. He was also a seed sales dealer for DeKalb for many years. Paul was a member of the Dumont Reformed Church and was a gifted lay speaker and shared his faith and messages with many area church congregations. He was a Gideons member and he and Margaret very much enjoyed their fellowship with other Gideon members. Paul also made calls on Butler County jail prisoners, sharing his faith and giving Gideon Bibles.

Paul is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughter Marilyn (Roger) Freeman of Clear Lake, son Mark (Deb) of Aredale, grandchildren David (Shanna) Freeman and Andrea (Derek) Nyhus of Plymouth, MN, Jodi (Harv) Demuth of Osage, Kelli (Shane) Roenfanz of West Des Moines, and Maggie Gerdes of Waverly, great grandchildren Tyler Nyhus, Josephine Freeman and Morgan Nyhus, brothers Robert (Darlene) Gerdes of Allison and Herman (Donna) Gerdes of Stomsberg, NE, sister-in-law Hazel Fuller and brother-in-law J. Frederick Freese of Ackley along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, infant brother, and nephew (Doug Gerdes).

Funeral service was held Saturday, November 20, 2010 at the Dumont Reformed Church in Dumont. Burial took place in the Dumont Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Fiet and Rev. Doug Tharpe officiated the service. Organist was Sheril Brodbeck with Special Music by Maggie Gerdes. Pallbearers were Mark Gerdes, Roger Freeman, David Freeman, Derek Nyhus, Harv Demuth, Shane Roenfanz. Honorary Pallbearers were Shanna Freeman, Andrea Nyhus, Jodi Gerdes-Demuth, Kelli Roenfanz and Maggie Gerdes

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

George Reiners

George Reiners, 90, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away November 16, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa.

He was born February 6, 1920, in Dumont, Iowa, to Jake and Louis (Penning) Reiners. George attended Dumont Community Schools. He served his country in the United States Army Air Force during WWII from 1943 to 1945. George was united in marriage to Edna Mae Meinders on January 7, 1941, in Bethany, Missouri. He worked at Community Co-op, after retirement he drove school bus, a milk route and also worked part time for the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont.

George was a life time member of the Dumont Reformed Church and was one of the oldest living members of the Dumont Reformed Church. He was a member of the Dumont American Legion for sixty-nine years. George was Mayor of Dumont and also was on the Butler County Fair Board. He enjoyed dancing, bowling, reading and sports. George and Edna also hosted foreign exchange students from Greece, Uruguay, Chile, Yugoslavia, Germany and Japan. He loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. George was proud to be a part of the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., back in September.

He is survived by his wife Edna Reiners of Dumont, son Gary and wife Venita Reiners of Fort Dodge, granddaughter Amy and husband Denny Thilges of Johnston and their children Lauren, Madison, Abbie and Jake Thilges, grandson Randy and wife Sabina Reiners of North Liberty and their children Ezra, Mischa and Pryor Reiners, grandson Terry and wife Emily Reiners of Grimes and their daughter Grayce Reiners, sister-in-laws Phyllis Card and Francis Meinders-Severs & brother and sister-in-law Duane and Mary Lou Sieberts.

George was preceded in death by his parents Jake and Louis, son Randy, daughter Cindy Reiners and granddaughter Natalie Reiners.

Funeral service was held Friday, November 19, 2010 at the Dumont Reformed Church in Dumont. Burial was in the Dumont Cemetery. Pastor Jeff Fiet officiated the service. Military services were provided by the Dumont American Legion. Organist was Jim Siebrands with Soloist Gary Sheppard. Pallbearers were Greg Maifield, David Dohlman, Keith Meinders, Tim Sieberts, Dwight Card and Jim Siebrands. Honorary Pallbearers were Doug Card, Steve Meinders, Todd Sieberts and Dale Pecha.

In Liu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

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

LaVeta Mae Liekweg

LaVeta Mae Liekweg, 91, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away November 18, 2010, at the Leahy Grove Independent and Assisted Living in Hampton, Iowa.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at the Hampton United Methodist Church in Hampton. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery.

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