North Central Iowa
Genealogical Society
Box 237
Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

Obituary Archive

Floyd County

Charles City Press

801 Riverside Drive
Charles City, IA 50616

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Leo Foxen

NEW HAVEN-- Leo Foxen, 65, of New Haven, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002, suddenly of a cardiac event at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Leo farmed and was employed at White Farm Equipment in Charles City for 33 years. In 1992 Leo started L & M Machine Shop in Riceville, retiring in 1999.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Interment will be at the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven with the graveside service by the Osage American Legion Post #278. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage where there will be a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Leo is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, of New Haven, one son: Gene Foxen and his son, Cody, of Emporia, Kan., four daughters: Ann and John Maas and their children, Ben and Pete, of Kasson, Minn.; Joan and Brad Butterfield and their children, Alison, Rhiannon and Sara, of Charles City; Jane Foxen of West Des Moines and Lisa Foxen of Stewartville, Minn. He is also survived by four sisters: Mary Lucena (Don) Eden of Titonka, Alice Wilkens of Nora Springs, Delores (Urban) Hemann of Austin, Minn., and Mary Coleman of Shawnee Mission, Kan., and one brother: Don Foxen of rural Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Francis Foxen and John Robert Foxen.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, (641) 732-3706.


Carroll Zielstorf

Carroll Zielstorf, 90, a resident of 1841 Cedar View Road, Charles City, died Saturday, August 3, at Riverside Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. The Rev. Sarah Rohret-Odoom, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, and from 9 a.m. until service time on Thursday.

Carroll Leon Zielstorf was born April 6, 1912, at Charles City, the son of August and Stella (Strong) Zielstorf. He attended the Charles City High School. Carroll married Cleone Wright in 1941 and they later divorced. On December 26, 1956, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Winters at Charles City. Carroll farmed and also worked at the Oliver Corporation for twelve years, and drove school bus for twenty-one years. He was a member of West Saint Charles United Methodist Church, the 60+ Card Club at Floyd, Senior Citizens, and the Heritage Club. Among the things he enjoyed most were farming, fishing, and playing cards.

Living family members include a son, Larry Griffin and wife Amy of Las Vegas, Nev.; a grandson, Larry Paul Griffin; two granddaughters, Sherry Goss and Tammy Whitney; and a great grandson, Micheal Whitney, and two great granddaughters, Christin Whitney and Brandy Goss.

His parents; wife in 1992; a son, Allan Zielstorf; a sister, Gladys Danielson; and a brother-in-law, Fred Danielson, preceded him in death.

Hauser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Ruby Warren Canelli

WATERLOO - Ruby A. Warren Canelli, 77, of Waterloo, Iowa, died on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002, at her residence in Waterloo, of natural causes. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Charles City.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly with a 6 p.m. Rosary Service and a 7 p.m. Scripture Service. There will be one hour of visitation before the service at the church on Thursday. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Ruby was born on March 17, 1925, in Charles City, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Springer) Caruth. She attended parochial school in Charles City and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School. On June 7, 1943, she was united in marriage to Ivan F. Warren in Camp Hood, Texas. The couple lived in the Waverly area where Ruby worked at Carnation as a lab technician, a job she held for 34 years. Ivan passed away on February 6, 1975. She was then married to Albert A. Canelli on December 31, 1976, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly. They lived in Waverly until moving to Waterloo in 1981. Albert passed away on April 4, 1998.

Ruby is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Vallory & Duane Meier of Waterloo, and Connie & Richard Van Dyke of Cedar Falls; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Shirley Andorf of Cedar Falls, Irene Kepple of Ionia, and Alice Grady of Mason City; and one brother, William Caruth of Chandler, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ivan; her husband, Albert; one son Ivan Warren Jr.; two sisters, Marion Jeannetti and Roseanne Caruth; and two brothers, Harold Caruth and Cecil Caruth.

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


Peggy G. Brinkman

GREENE - Peggy Gwendlyn Brinkman, 71, of 255152 Division St.,

Clarksville, died Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, at the Floyd County Hospice at Charles City. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene with Pastor Gary Hatcher officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene.

Reid's Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements


Kenneth J. Reams

MARBLE ROCK - Kenneth James Reams, 85, of 1755 Aureola Drive,

Marble Rock, died Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, at Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at Reid's Funeral Chapel in Marble Rock with Rev. Tom Healy officiating. Burial will be in Westside Cemetery in Marble Rock.

Reid's Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements


Arlene Reser

Arlene Reser, 90, a former resident of 103 Rob Roy Lane, Charles City, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. The Rev. Paul Wilcox, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, will officate. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday in the Rockwell Cemetery at Rockwell.

The family will greet friends from 9 a.m. until service time on Friday. The Hauser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Arlene Tourtellott Reser was born March 17, 1912, in Cerro Gordo County, the daughter of Frank and Lulla (Bell) Tourtellott. She graduated from the Rockwell High School, received her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College, and also attended Wartburg College. Arlene taught school at the Sheffield-Chapin School for twenty-three years, retiring in 1972. She moved to Charles City in 1994. Arlene was a member of the Methodist church.

Living family members include a daughter, Mary Helmers and husband Dennis of Charles City; a son, Don Reser and wife Joan of Aredale; four grandchildren, Mark Helmers, Scott and Kevin Reser, and Jill Bassett; two great grandchildren, Kristal and Travis Reser; and two step great grandchildren, Brandon and Tyson Bassett.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, and three brothers.

Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City is in charge of arrangements.


Bernice M. (Nash) Snelson

Marble Rock - Bernice Miriam Nash, 79, of 620 Katrina Drive, Tipp City, Ohio, and formerly of Marble Rock, died Aug. 7, 2002 at the Harborside Nursing Home in Troy, Ohio. Graveside services for Bernice M. (Nash) Snelson will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Hillside Cemetery in Marble Rock. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Reid's Funeral Chapel in Greene.

Reid's Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. (641) 823


Johann "John" A. Paulsen

Nora Springs - Johann "John" A. Paulsen, 87, of Nora Springs, died Saturday, August 10, 2002 at the Nora Springs Care Center.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002 at the United Methodist Church, 202 North Hawkeye, with the Reverend Lisa Locoh officiating. Interment will follow at Park Cemetery, Nora Springs. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5 until 8 p.m. at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 North Hawkeye, and also for one hour prior to services at the church.

John was born February 27, 1915 in rural Nora Springs, the son of Hans and Katerine (Witt) Paulsen. He attended country school outside of Nora Springs before helping full time on his parents farm. John was united in marriage to Rosella Jane Dancliff on March 4, 1942 in Nora Springs. They lived on several farms near Nora Springs before moving to a farm near Marble Rock. When John retired after a lifetime of farming, the couple moved back to the town of Nora Springs. In his retirement, John enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening, playing cards and meeting friends for coffee at the Nora Inn Restaurant. He was a member of the Kiwanis and the United Methodist Church.

John is survived by two daughter and their husbands, Mary Jane and Daryl Rockow of Mankato, Minn., and Julie Ann and Jim Westphal of Athens, Ga., four grandchildren, Jeff Rockow of Minneapolis, Minn., Brad Rockow and his wife, Lindsey, of Ft. Worth, Texas, Emily Westphal of Athens, Ga., and Curt Westphal of Davenport, one sister, Dora Uker of Nora Springs, one sister-in-law, Geri Dancliff of Cheyenne, Wyo., and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosella in 1995, an infant sibling, a brother, Chris Paulsen and a sister, Inga O'Rourke.

Memorials may be directed to the John A. Paulsen Memorial Fund, 236 Skyline Court, Mankato, MN 56001 or 230 Brickleberry Ridge, Athens, GA 30605.

Sheckler Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. 641-749-2210.


Lodema Stuart

DAVENPORT - Lodema Stuart, 56, of Bettendorf, formerly of Charles City, died Sunday night, Aug. 11, 2002, at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The Halligan-McCabe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A funeral mass will be held, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianny Catholic Church in Bettendorf. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Davenport.

Lodema Leah Monroe Stuart was born Dec. 30, 1945, in Charles City, the daughter of Bernard and Susie (Haag) Monroe. She attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1964. On Aug. 31, 1968, she married Ronald Stuart at St. Michael's Church in Nashua. The couple later moved to St. Louis and then settled in Bettendorf. Lodema was employed for many years by Dr. Dave Fritz in Davenport.

Lodema is survived by her husband, Ronald of Bettendorf; one daughter, Lisa and her husband Mark Schafer of Olathe, Kan.; two sons, Scot Monroe Stuart and his wife, Ashleigh, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Andrew Stuart of Bettendorf; three grandchildren, Stuart and Peter Schafer and Duncan Stuart; her mother, Mrs. Susie Monroe of Charles City; a brother Joe Monroe of Charles City; a sister, Mary Castle of Burlington; and two nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Monroe, and a brother, Gregory Monroe.


Lodema Stuart

DAVENPORT - Lodema Stuart, 56, of Bettendorf, formerly of Charles City, died Sunday night, Aug. 11, 2002, at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The Halligan-McCabe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A funeral mass will be held, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianny Catholic Church in Bettendorf. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Davenport.

Lodema Leah Monroe Stuart was born Dec. 30, 1945, in Charles City, the daughter of Bernard and Susie (Haag) Monroe. She attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1964. On Aug. 31, 1968, she married Ronald Stuart at St. Michael's Church in Nashua. The couple later moved to St. Louis and then settled in Bettendorf. Lodema was employed for many years by Dr. Dave Fritz in Davenport.

Lodema is survived by her husband, Ronald of Bettendorf; one daughter, Lisa and her husband Mark Schafer of Olathe, Kan.; two sons, Scot Monroe Stuart and his wife, Ashleigh, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Andrew Stuart of Bettendorf; three grandchildren, Stuart and Peter Schafer and Duncan Stuart; her mother, Mrs. Susie Monroe of Charles City; a brother Joe Monroe of Charles City; a sister, Mary Castle of Burlington; and two nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Monroe, and a brother, Gregory Monroe.


Paul J. Richards

Paul J. Richards, 72, of 300 Spriggs St., Charles City, died Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, at the Immaculate Conception Church, with Monsignor Stanley Hayek officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, with full military rites.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City. A rosary will be read at 4:30 p.m., and a wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Paul Richards was born Sept. 26, 1929, in Washington County, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Blanche (Rich) Richards. Paul joined the Navy on Jan. 22, 1952, and was honorably discharged on Sept. 25, 1953. Paul was united in marriage to Mary Anne Foxen on Feb. 25, 1956 in Mason City, and then moved to Charles City in 1957. To this union they had four children. Paul worked for White Industries as a welder for 37 years. He was a member of the VFW of Charles City. Paul had a cabin on the Mississippi where he loved to spend his weekends fishing, boating, and ice fishing. He also enjoyed playing cards, snowmobiling, and playing pool at home. He enjoyed go-carts, and working on his garden. Paul loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. Paul also enjoyed traveling.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mary, of Charles City; three children, Paula and her husband, Max, of Orlando, Fla., Julie and her husband, Leland, of Independence, David Richards, of Prior Lake, Minn.; one sister, Norma Davis, and her husband, Vernon, of Marshalltown; two brothers, Bob Richards, of West Burlington, Ron Richards, of Mt. Pleasant; one step-sister, Elvira Sporing, and her husband, Eugene, of Canyon City, Colo.; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; one son, James Richards; a half-sister; and step-mother

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Nickolas "Jim" Noss

Nickolas "Jim" Noss, 74, a resident of 1834 Cleveland Ave., Charles City,

died Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral services for Jim Noss will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Monsignor Stanley Hayek, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 4 until 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002. Visitation will continue on Thursday morning until time of service at the funeral home.

Jim Noss was born April 29, 1928, at Dougherty, the son of William and Matilda (Albrecht) Noss. Jim attended schools in Dougherty and Rockford area until moving to California at the age of 17 where he graduated high school. Through his younger years in California he owned many motorcycles and raced them frequently. While living in California for over 40 years, he and his brother Toby owned and operated Noss Trucking Company in Clarksburg, Calif. Jim decided to move back to the Rockford area around 1989 and then on to Charles City where he enjoyed his retirement. His retirement was not a slow one as he still was extremely active in volunteer work at Hospice of North Iowa with his wife Norma. Jim was known for his very hard work ethic that even showed in his appearance of his acreage that he kept mowed like a golf course. There were many prize possessions throughout his life but no two like his Triumph motorcycle and beloved dog Ben. Following a devastating stroke on Aug. 1, 2002, Jim is now at peace.

He is and will always be missed by those that loved him including his wife Norma Noss of Charles City; two sons, Gary Noss and wife Debbie of Sacramento, Calif., Larry Noss & wife Richel of Sacramento, Calif.; two daughters, Shari Coomes and husband Kent of Sacramento, Calif., Marianne Grzelak and husband Dean of Clarksburg, Calif.; Jim's children's mother who resides in California; two step-sons, Marc Zorzi of Ionia, Zolton Zorzi of Sacramento, Calif.; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; eight siblings; many nieces and Nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenny and sister Francis.

The family suggests memorials be directed to Hospice of North Iowa Charles City site in his name.


 Raymond Cosgrove

Raymond Caryl Cosgrove, 85, of Charles City, passed away suddenly Aug. 16, 2002, at the Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, Colo. Mr. Cosgrove was traveling with his daughter and son-in-law, Kay and John Petterson, of Norwalk, when he suffered a heart attack. Memorial services for Caryl Cosgrove will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. The Rev. E. Dwayne Madsen, pastor of the Norwalk United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Pierpont Cemetery, Pierpont, SD.

The family will greet friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the church.

Raymond Caryl Cosgrove was born Sept. 6, 1916, in Codington County, S.D., to Pierre and Vera Cosgrove of Henry, SD. On May 15, 1942, Caryl married Janet Parrott in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Caryl served for five years in the U.S. Army during WW II. Following his discharge, Caryl worked as a bulk oil dealer for Standard Oil Company. He worked for Standard Oil for over 30 years, living in Gary, Flandreau and Winner, S.D.; Cambridge and Glenwood, Minn. In 1978, Caryl and Jan moved to Charles City. While living in Charles City, Caryl was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Lions Club, AARP, the Charles City Senior Citizens organization, and he was a life member of American Legion #0174 and the VFW #3815. Caryl volunteered to help many community organizations. He also enjoyed woodworking, clock making, flower gardening and reading. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Living family members include a daughter, Kay and son-in-law, John Petterson of Norwalk; two grandchildren, Susan Petterson of Burnsville, Minn., and Michael O'Neal-Petterson and wife Catherine of Pasadena, Calif.; three great-grandchildren, Samantha and Damon Tweedy and Zo‘ O'Neal-Petterson; one sister, Jean Shelsta of Casper, Wyo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Janet, who died January 6, 2001.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of North Iowa Charles City site or directed to the family.

The Hauser Funeral Home at Charles City is in charge of arrangements.


Raymond F. Merrill

Raymond F. Merrill, 81, of 1000 Terrace Rd. Apt. #42, Charles City, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, with Rev. Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Interment was at Sunnyside Memory Gardens, with full military rites.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Raymond F. Merrill Memorial Fund.

Raymond F. Merrill was born Nov. 25, 1920, at Woodland, Wa., the son of Floyd and Clara (Deitzman) Merrill. Raymond joined the Army on Aug. 20, 1942, in Camp Dodge, and served in the European Theater during WWII, receiving an honorable discharge at Camp Gruber, Okla. on Sept. 26, 1945. Raymond was united in marriage to Evelyn Johnson on Aug. 2, 1945, in Plattsmouth, Neb. To this union they had seven children. Raymond worked for Salsbury Chemicals for thirty years, then retiring in 1980. Raymond was a lifetime member of the VFW of Charles City, a member of the Military Order of Cooties, served on the VFW honor squad, a Charter Member of the Amvets, a scout leader for 26 years, and was a member of Floyd County Sheriff's Reserve.

Raymond enjoyed going up North to fish at the Beaver Dam Lodge in Minnesota, woodworking, and traveling. Raymond loved spending time with family. He had a friendly handshake and smile. Raymond will be missed by family and friends.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of Charles City; seven children, Linda LaBarge, of Bellevue, Judy and her husband, Art Ernst, of Charles City, David and his wife, Debbie, of Mt. Vernon, James and his wife Coleen, of Independence, Mo., Steven and his wife, Penny, of Charles City, Mark and his wife, Angie, of Kansas City, Mo., and Jon Merrill, of Charles City; 20 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, and six brothers.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Merlin R. Merrick

CLINTON - Merlin R. Merrick of Clinton, formerly of Rockford, passed away Aug. 19, 2002, following a lengthy illness. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Mary; a son, Roger Merrick, and daughter Karen Thal, both of California; two brothers, Charles Merrick and wife, Margaret, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Hollis Merrick and wife, Lucile, of Rogers, Ark.; and a sister, Marjorie Lockhart and husband, Robert. Also surviving are three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Ora Merrick, and his first wife, Luella.


Georgia L. (Cmelik) Medellin

MARBLE ROCK -- Funeral services for Georgia L. (Cmelik) Medellin, 30, of 522 West Camp Wisdom, Duncanville, Texas, and formerly of the Marble Rock area will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, 2002 at Reid's Funeral Chapel in Greene with Pastor Paul Uzel of the First Presbyterian Church of Greene officiating. Burial will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Marble Rock.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time on Monday at the funeral chapel.

Georgia Lorraine Cmelik was born June 16, 1972 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Mason City, a daughter of Robert Karl and Mary Francis (Diesburg) Cmelik, and died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002 near Temple, Texas.

She received her education at the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Public Schools where she graduated in 1990. While in high school, she was a cheerleader and a member of the softball and volleyball teams. She later attended Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo.

Georgia moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where her brother was stationed in the armed forces. She became employed in the communications field in Honolulu, where she met Juan A. Medellin, who was also in the service. They were married on May 23, 1994 and shortly thereafter they moved to Fort Riley, Kan.

Following his discharge they moved to Texas, where she became employed by Spirit of Dallas, where she was working at the time of her death.

She was a devoted mother, always finding time to look after the special needs and wants of her family. Georgia loved life and lived it well, giving love and joy to many. She will be missed but has given her family and friends many happy memories.

Those thankful for having shared Georgia's life include her children: Aimee, Alex and Angel; her parents: Mary and Russell OKones of Clear Lake and Robert and Linda Cmelik of Waterloo.; maternal grandmother and namesake Georgia (Rex) Diesburg of Clear Lake, paternal grandmother Helen Cmelik of Waverly; three sisters: Laurie Lee of Glendale, Ariz., Dana and Bret Layland of Callao, Utah, and Amanda Cmelik of Waterloo; four brothers: Bret Okones of West Liberty, Dan and Michelle Lee of Rentin, Wash., Kent OKones of Lisbon and Nathan Cmelik of Ames.

She leaves to join her sister, Corey OKones who died Aug. 20, 1999, her maternal grandfather Norbert Diesburg and paternal grandfather Robert Cmelik Sr.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Georgia L. Cmelik Medellin memorial fund in care of the family or at the First Security Bank and Trust, Box 246, Marble Rock, 50653-0246.

Reid's Funeral Chapel of Marble Rock (641-397-2689) is in charge of arrangements


Maxine Cox Olin

Maxine Cox Olin passed away, in Brookings, S.D., on Aug. 22, 2002, after a lengthy illness. She was a former resident of Charles City, Waterloo and Minneapolis, Minn.

She is survived by one brother, Ira Howard Jr. and his wife of Miller, S.D.; three nieces: Jean (Dale) Groesbeck of Charles City, Judy (Tom) Courtney and Joanne (Jersey) Jermier of McKinney, Texas; two nephews, Richard (Jane) Howard of Brookings, S.D. and Terry (Marsha) Howard of Miller, S.D.; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Cox, and her second husband, Charles Olin, five sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held Sept. 7, 2002, at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.


Kyle C. Jorgenson

DECORAH - Kyle C. Jorgenson, 19, of Decorah died Sunday evening,

Aug. 25, 2002, at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah of complications from cancer. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at 3:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College with the Revs. Michael Blevins and Michael Blair officiating. A private family burial will be in Six Mile Grove Lutheran Cemetery in rural Lyle, Minn. There is no visitation.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is handling the arrangements


Frances A. Smalley

OSAGE - Frances A. Smalley, age 88, of Osage and formerly of Orchard, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven with the Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Interment will be at the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven.

Visitation is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today, Friday, Aug. 30, 2002, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage where there will be a Scripture Service at 7 p.m., followed by a Rosary. Visitation will continue one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Frances was born July 25, 1914 in rural Alta Vista, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Emma (Koudelka) Kobliska. She was united in marriage to Melburn Smalley on Nov. 14, 1933, in Charles City. They farmed the Smalley Family Farm near Orchard until 1988, when they retired. They continued to live on the farm until 1998 and then moved to the Evergreen Retirement Home in Osage. She was a life time member of NABA. She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven and the Altar Society.

Frances is survived by three daughters: Janet Penney and her husband Gregg of Minneapolis, Minn., Karen Fox and her husband Ivo of Orchard, Joyce DuShane and her husband Neal of Fort Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters: Amy Hennagir of Charles City, Pauline Nockels and husband Don of Mesa, Ariz.; Lorraine Talyat of Pismo Beach, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Melburn A. Smalley in 2001; two sisters: Helen Smalley and Arlene Greenwood.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage is in charge of arrangements.


Velma Billings

Velma M. Billings, 75, of 1321 Missouri Ave.,Charles City, died Wednesday Aug. 28, 2002, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday Aug, 30, 2002, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles City, with Rev. Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, Charles City.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time today at the church.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Velma M. Billings Memorial Fund.

Velma was born on March 2, 1927, in Charles City, the daughter of Richard and Hattie (Morcom) Hoeft. Velma graduated from Charles City High School in 1944. Velma was united in marriage to Richard Hoeft on June 14, 1945, in Nora Springs. To this union they had three children. Velma was a member of the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, and helped with the Church Circle. Velma enjoyed going fishing up north into Minnesota with her grandkids. Velma also enjoyed gardening, picking raspberries, rhubarb, and her pets. Velma loved spending time with family going on picnics, and was a great cook. Velma will be missed dearly by family and friends.

Velma is survived by two sons; Richard Billings and his wife, Toni, of Ft. Dodge; Duane Billings and his wife, Sally, of Ionia; and one daughter; Shirley Ferch and her husband, Ernie, of Charles City. She was a grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of eight.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ilo in 1987; two sisters; Eulalia, and Vivian; one brother; Laverne.