Bernice Freiberg

Bernice Freiberg, 86, of Charles City, died Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City.

Funeral services for Bernice Freiberg will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor LaVonne Kaasa, of Grace United Methodist Church, Floyd, will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Visitation will continue Friday an hour prior to the service.

Bernice Louise Greenzweig was born April 12, 1919, on the family farm in rural Floyd County, the daughter of Henry and Alma (Achenbach) Greenzweig.

She was raised and educated in Charles City and graduated from Charles City High School before attending Cosmetology School in Mason City. She was united in marriage to Bob Wayburn Freiberg on Aug. 26, 1947, in Osage. The couple made their home in Charles City where she continued to work as a cosmetologist until her retirement.

Bernice was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed gardening and plants.

Living relatives include her son Ron Freiberg and wife Dawn; daughter Karen Chromicz and husband Tom; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Donald, Bernard, and Harold.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

        Posted on 11/02/2005 by Gene Manning

Laevanch Carman

Laevanch Carman, 82, of 607 7th Ave. in Charles City, died at her home on Sunday morning, Nov. 6, 2005.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St. in Charles City.

Roger F. Boggess

Roger F. Boggess, 62, of 221 14th St. SE in Mason City and formerly of Nora Springs and Charles City, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005 in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov.7 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania in Mason City with Rev. Bill Poland officiating. Following the service at the church, cremation will take place at Cremation Services of NI in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home.Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov.6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. SE in Mason City.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Roger F. Boggess Memorial Fund.

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to the family on the www.fulletonfh.com website.

Roger Francis Boggess, the son of Jesse and Mildred (North) Boggess, was born at the Cedar Valley Hospital in Charles City on March 15, 1943, the sixth of eight children to his parents. He was educated in the Bassett and Charles City Community Schools and spent time in his young adulthood in the Navy.

Roger was united in marriage to Norma Waterman, whom later died in August of 1990. They became the proud parents of two sons, Bradley and Steven. Roger later married Ingrid Ennen. They were thrilled when son, Troy joined their family.

Roger was always known as a hard worker throughout his life. He was a perfectionist and paid great attention to every project he undertook. Currently, Roger was the grounds manager at Gracious Estates-Brenton Industries in Mason City and also had his own small business, Roger B’s Small Job Specialists, where he excelled as a handyman. With his abilities, he could fix just about anything!

Roger’s love of spending time outdoors was evident his entire life and found great joy in hunting, fishing and riding horses. He was highly energetic and is well-remembered for his smile, full laugh, sense of humor and his teasing nature. Roger had the gift of meeting and maintaining friendships with many and would assist anyone at anytime who asked for his help. He treasured the time spent in public and had a special respect for his employers and co-workers.

Some of Roger’s interests and leisure activities included being involved in the Cedar Valley Saddle Club in Osage, the Timberline Team Penners in Aredale, the Mason City Trailriders, dining out for meals, watching pro wrestling, attending services at the Wesley United Methodist Church and cooking, especially cheesecakes.

Roger was fond of country western music, his love of Percheron and quarter horses and riding along the river on his horse and wearing his signature cowboy hat and boots.

Roger will be dearly missed by his relatives and friends.

He is survived by his sons, Bradley (Holly) Boggess of Runnells, and Troy Boggess of Clear Lake; Carol Ver Helst of Nora Springs; Karen Harris and grandson, Drake Shimon of Mason City; his step-daughter, Kathryn Ver Helst -Hunt of Manly; his step-son, Donald Ver Helst of Hanford; his siblings, Ron (Carol) Boggess of Floyd, Allen (JoAnn) Boggess of Ogden, Randy (Dianne) Boggess of Charles City, Darlys Michaelis of Charles City and Vonda Boggess of Eldora. Roger will also be a cherished memory of his grandchildren, Trevor Wright and Courtney and Austin Boggess and numerous other relatives and friends.

Preceding Roger in death are his parents, Jesse and Mildred Boggess; his son, Steven in June of 2003; his sister, Marla Dralle; his brother, Lowell Boggess; his first wife, Norma Boggess; his brother-in-laws, Mike Michaelis and Clarence Dralle and his nephew, Kevin Boggess.

Larry “Joe” Gansen

MASON CITY - Larry “Joe” Gansen, 62 of Mason City died Friday, Nov. 4, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8 at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave. with Rev. Jo Frahm Watkins and Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. on Monday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Interment will be in Elmwood - St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Larry “Joe” Clair Gansen was born Dec.12, 1942 the son of John “Jack” and Thelma (Harris) Gansen in Marble Rock. Joe attended schools in Marble Rock and graduated from Marble Rock High School in 1960. He was united in marriage to June Marie Wilcox on Jan. 27, 1962 in Marble Rock. Joe began working at Oliver (White Farm Equipment) then Koehring Crane in Waverly. He then went to work for United Hydraulics in 1969 and continued working there until 1976 when he became the plant manager for both the Waverly and Hampton plants. Joe then began working at Seabee Corporation in Hampton in 1976 where he worked until 1995 eventually serving as the executive vice president. In 1995, he joined Kaydon Fluid Power in Hampton, serving as vice president of manufacturing from which he retired in 2000. Following his retirement, Joe worked for both Sear’s and Mill’s Fleet Farm. Joe loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and was especially proud of his gun collection. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, served on the board of the Franklin County Development Association and was presently serving as the president of the West Ridge Condominium Association.Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, June of Mason City; son, Joe E. Ganson, daughter, Jackie Ann Vogelgesang and husband Robert; grandchildren, Sydney Marie Vogelgesang, 5, Spencer Robert Vogelgesang, 3. all of Mason City; mother, Thelma Gansen of Marble Rock; brother, Tony Gansen and wife Dian of Round Rock, Texas and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Gansen; grandparents, Galen and Ella Harris and William and Elizabeth Gansen; mother and father-in-law, Carl and Marie Wilcox; brothers-in-law, George Wilcox and Joe Erickson.

Major Erickson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Leo Pint

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City for Leo Pint, 87, Charles City, who died on November 6, 2005, at the Salsbury Baptist Home.

         Posted on 11/06/2005 by Gene Manning

C.S. ‘Mac’ Kaiser

GREENE - A funeral Mass for C. S. “Mac” Kaiser, 95, of 14092 Highway 14, Greene will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene with Rev. Msgr. Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greene.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, where there will be a Rosary conducted by the Knights of Columbus at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Scriptural Wake Service at 8 p.m. Visitation will continue Thursday at the church one hour before services.

Charon Stirm Kaiser was born Dec. 12, 1909, seven miles south of LaPorte City, Benton County, a son of Phillip H. and Carrie (Stirm) Kaiser, and died Friday, Nov. 4, 2005, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. He attended the rural Benton County Schools and started farming on the family farm at an early age.

On Dec.12, 1934 he was united in marriage to Mildred Susan Henline, at the United Brethren Church, in Waterloo. Following their marriage they farmed at Aurora.

In 1941, he and his family moved to Grand Junction, Colo. where he was a railroad express agent. In 1951, he moved to the Greene area and farmed for five years and later was employed by the Greene Limestone Company.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene; Nights of Columbus, Charles City Council No. 1409, and the Royal Neighbors.

He is survived by two daughters: Nancy Jean (Mike) Bellomy, of Deer River, Minn. and Vikki (Sidney) Sterling, of Bremerton, Wash.; two sons: Dale (Robie) Kaiser of Grand Rapids, Minn., and Kent (Phyllis) Kaiser, of Black Diamond, Wash.; eleven Grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren; and a very special friend and companion, Madge Burke of Waterloo.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred “Susan” (Feb. 3, 1999), his parents, three sisters: Mildred Sanders, Mabel Baylor and Arlene (in infancy); six brothers: Cato Kaiser, Sheldon Kaiser, Phil Kaiser, Letson Kaiser, Jennings Kaiser, and Paul Kaiser.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the C.S. “Mac” Kaiser Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Chapel, Greene (641) 823-4457.

Steve Grimm

CEDAR RAPIDS - Steve Douglas Grimm, 58, of Las Vegas, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, at Murdoch Funeral Homes and Cremation Center in Marion. Private family interment will follow the service. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service Wednesday.

Steve was born Nov. 17, 1946, the son of Earl and Vera (Howland) Grimm Sr. in Cedar Rapids. He spent much of his younger years raising and training horses and working in rodeos in Iowa and Texas. He served with the U.S. Naval Special Services during the Vietnam War. He served three years in Vietnam. Steve worked for many years as a blacksmith in much of Linn County and later worked as a contractor in Iowa and Las Vegas. On Nov. 24, 1984, he married Shirley Asquith in Las Vegas.Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Las Vegas; his mother, Vera Grimm of Mt. Vernon; a son, John (Jessica) Grimm of Center Point; a daughter, Therese (Mike) Vogel of Marion; four step-children, Tina Seifer, Sidney Watson, Karla Walker and Mike Grimes, all of Las Vegas; two brothers, Louis Grimm of Cedar Rapids and Greig (Marsha) Grimm of Charles City; special aunt, Barb (Don) Dalton of Blue Grass; eleven grandchildren, Jamie, Mason, Andrew, Miya, Sharmaigne, Alison, Nathan, Dayna, Alisha, Bobby and Bryan; eight great-grandchildren, Kashton, Kylar, Jake, Luke, Avery, Jasmine, Tigerlily and Aryanna; and many nieces and nephews including a special niece, Megan Blickenderfer of Nora Springs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Grimm, Sr.; a daughter, Tiffany Dawn Grimm; and his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Cleora Howland.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Steve’s memory.

Leo Pint

Leo Pint, 87, of Charles City, died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, at the Salsbury Baptist Home in Charles City.

Funeral services for Leo Pint will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Bethany Alliance Church. Pastor Kent Sovine will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will continue Wednesday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Leo Fredrick Pint was born June 24, 1918, in Osage, the son of William and Bessie (Mullen) Pint. He received his education at the Floyd school. Leo proudly served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. On May 29, 1953, he was united in marriage to Velma Conaway at Sioux Falls, S.D. Leo worked for 40 years at the Oliver/White Farm Equipment Company retiring in 1975. He was a member of the Bethany Alliance Church and American Legion. His interests included fishing, golfing, camping, woodworking, bowling, playing fast pitch softball serving as pitcher for the Oliver traveling team and coaching Little League serving as president for 10 years. Leo’s family was always very important to him and he always looked forward to spending time with them.

Living family members include his wife, Velma Pint of Charles City; three children, Larry (Nancy) Pint of Manchester, Daryl (Dawn) Pint of Humboldt and Cherie (Greg) Stough of Charles City; 10 grandchildren; a great granddaughter; three brothers, Raymond Pint of Santa Fe, N.M., Robert (Norma) Pint of Bettendorf and William (Verna) Pint, Jr. of Okla.; and a sister, Esther Schwab of Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harold Pint; and a sister, Viola Self.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Laevanch E. Carman

Laevanch E. Carman, 82, of 607 7th Ave., Charles City, died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2004, at her home in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, with Hospice Chaplain, Kathy Graves officiating. Interment will be at Sunnyside Memory Gardens Cemetery, Charles City. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. today at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, Charles City. The visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Wednesday. Those planning memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the family.Laevanch Elaine Carman was born Feb. 4, 1923 in Chamberlain, S.D., the daughter of Paul J. and Emma (Steckelberg) Melchert. She graduated from Chamberlain High School in South Dakota. After graduation, she completed cosmetology school and became a licensed beautician and worked for Luella’s Beauty Shop in Chamberlain, S.D. On Sept. 27, 1947, Laevanch was united in marriage to Gordon Carman in Chamberlain, S.D. Following their marriage, the couple made there home in Mason City, where Laevanch was employed at the Woolworth’s Store. After a few years, they moved to Charles City. Laevanch was employed as a cook at the junior high school in Charles City from 1965 until retiring in 1988. She was a member of V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary in Charles City, and enjoyed volunteering as a Den Mother and Sunday School teacher. Laevanch was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and enjoyed gardening, flowers, fishing and working long hours in her yard. She will be remembered for her love of cooking, her appreciation for nature and her passion for reading. Laevanch had a very special relationship with God it was demonstrated in her daily life, the raising of her children and the kindness she shared with everyone she met in her life. She always had a smile on her face and kind words to express to those she knew. Laevanch’s good deeds and actions came from her heart.

Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in her life are her children, son,Gary (Beverly) Carman of Charles City; twin daughters, Sherry (Galen) Dykstra of West Bend; Karen (Randy) Majewski of Greene, and son, Kenneth Carman of Algona; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Preceding Laevanch in death are her parents; her husband, Gordon Carman on May 7, 1976; four sisters, Iola Melchert, Leora Melchert, Alberta Hoffer, Helara Waugh and her son-in-law, Larry Batton.

Condolences, stories or thoughts may be sent to the family in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home on line at www.fullertonfh.com.

Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, (641) 228-4211, www.fullertonfh.com, is in charge of the arrangements.

          Posted on 11/08/2005 by Gene Manning

Doris M. Norelius

CAMBRIDGE, Minn. - Doris M. Norelius, 94, of Cambridge formerly of Charles City passed away on Friday, Nov. 4, 2005 at the Cambridge Health Care Center.

She was born June 18, 1911, in Charles City to Viva and Mabel (Burns) Lindaman. She was baptized in the Catholic faith as an infant. Doris attended Charles City Schools and graduated from Charles City High School in 1929.

After high school, she collected bills for Scott Barnett Plumbing Company in Charles City. She later worked as a manager for the Ward’s Catalog Store in Stillwater. She met Eric Norelius and they were married in 1944 in Lindstrom. They raised their three daughters while living in Lindstrom. Eric’s family owned the Chisago County Press and after raising their daughters Doris worked at the Pandora Dress Shop in Lindstrom. After her divorce, she moved back to Charles City in 1966 and worked at her family’s business, the Lindemere Dairy. After a tornado destroyed the dairy, she went to work at the A & B Grain Elevator in Charles City as a bookkeeper. She retired at age 65 and remained in Charles City.

Doris spent much of her time traveling, visiting her daughters and grandchildren. In 2004, she moved to Cambridge to be close to her daughter Linda and became a resident of the Cambridge Health Care Center.

Doris baked the best apple pie. She enjoyed baking, canning, needlepoint and caring for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathryn Hayes, brothers Ben, Joe and Jack Lindaman.

Doris is survived by her three daughters Linda and husband Craig Moline of Cambridge, Suzette Norelius of Cumming, Ga., Janan and husband Roger Thompson of Las Vegas, Nev., six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brothers Richard Lindaman of Charles City, Robert Lindaman of Green Valley, Calif., and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Calvary Cemetery in Charles City with Father Carl Ries officiating.

Memorials to the Cambridge Health Care Center, 548 W. First Ave., Cambridge, MN 55008

Arrangements are with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge, Minn. (763) 689-2244 or www.carlsonlillemoen.com.

Ruth J. Waller

ROCKFORD - Ruth J. Waller, 89, formerly of Rockford and a resident of The Haven in the Texas Hill Country located in Kerrville, Texas, died early Wednesday morning, November 9, 2005, at her home in Texas.

Ruth’s Funeral Mass and celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m., November 14, at Holy Name Catholic Church, 507 1st Ave. NW in Rockford. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church, one hour prior to Ruth’s funeral service.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Ruth J. Waller Memorial Fund.

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to the family on the www.fullertonfh.com website.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 302 W. Main Ave. Rockford, Iowa, (641) 756-3311, www.fullertonfh.com is in charge of the arrangements.

       Posted on 11/10/2005 by Gene Manning

Marilyn Benedict

MASON CITY - Marilyn Benedict, 61 of 22 11th St. S.W., died Monday, Nov. 7, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa. A memorial service was held Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Garner Evangelical Free Church, 580 Hwy 18 East, Garner, with Rev. Terry Baxter officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Cedar Memorial, Cedar Rapids. Memorials may be directed to the Marilyn Benedict memorial fund.

Marilyn Joyce Benedict was born Jan. 23, 1944, in Charles City, the daughter of Walter and Lila Cline. She graduated from Charles City high school in 1962. She married James Martin Benedict on Oct.27, 1963. They resided in Cedar Rapids, Chicago and Nashville before moving back to Charles City in 1977. They then moved to Garner in 1984 before moving to Mason City in 2002.

Marilyn worked at David Manufacturing in Mason City for 17 years. For the past three years, she had been a nurse’s aide at Good Shepherd Health Center.

She enjoyed watching football on Sundays and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. She also enjoyed motorcycle trips and attending motorcycle and car shows with her late husband, James. She was a collector of carousel horses, and coffee cups she collected from across the United States. She also enjoyed being with her dog, Honda and her cat, Faith. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother who was a hard-worker and always enjoyed life to the fullest. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and will be truly missed by all the lives she has touched.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Robert and wife Kristine Benedict of Mason City, Erik Benedict of Mason City, Staci Benedict and friend Rick Paulson of Mason City, Hope Starry and husband, Shawn, of Garner; grandchildren, Amber, Angie, and Ashley Benedict of Idaho Springs, Colo., Ethan and Francesca Benedict of Rochester, N.Y., Kathryn, Joseph and Brooke Starry of Garner; brothers, Gary Cline and wife Margaret of Charles City, Dale Cline and wife Cheryl of Charles City; sister, Carol Stayner of Mitchell; brother-in-law, Miles Benedict and wife Lynn of Sioux Falls, S.D.; sister-in-law, Beth Wood and husband Gary of Ohio; best friend, James Buckley of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lila Cline; husband, James M. Benedict; two brothers; and one sister.

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory will be in charge of arrangements, (641) 423-0924.

Helen Blum

MASON CITY - Helen Blum, 104, of Mason City, formerly of Charles City, died Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, at USA Healthcare in Mason City.

Funeral services for Helen Blum will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Bill Poland, of the Wesley United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Rockford
Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service.

Helen Hesley Blum was born Aug. 4, 1901, in Clear Lake, the daughter of Henry and Bertha (Cook) Hesley. She received her education from the Clear Lake Community School. Helen worked for a time in food service at the Cedar Valley Hospital in Charles City. On May 14, 1939, she was united in marriage to Edgar “Posy” Blum in Charles City. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Helen’s interests included fishing, cooking, canning, gardening, doing yard work and crafts and going on picnics. Her family was always very important to Helen. She looked forward to spending time with them as they included her in their various activities.

In later years, Helen resided with her nephew, Lester (Sue) Hesley of Mason City and Beth Weber. Other survivors include several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on Oct. 5, 1985; four brothers and a sister.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth J. Waller

ROCKFORD - Ruth J. Waller, 89, formerly of Rockford and a resident of The Haven in the Texas Hill Country located in Kerrville, Texas, died early Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, 2005, at her home in Texas.

Ruth’s Funeral Mass and celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m., Nov. 14, at Holy Name Catholic Church, 507 1st Ave. NW in Rockford. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church, one hour prior to Ruth’s funeral service.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Ruth J. Waller Memorial Fund.

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to the family on the www.fullertonfh.com Web site.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 302 W. Main Ave. Rockford, Iowa, (641) 756-3311, www.fullertonfh.com, is in charge of the arrangements.

WEST DES MOINES -Mary Lou Hildebrand, 75, of West Des Moines, passed away at Taylor House on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005.

She was born Mary Louise Hennagir on Jan. 31, 1930 in Charles City.

After 10 years of employment with Northwestern Bell in Charles City, she became a full time homemaker for her family. She spent many years caring for her children and in later years, her grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy.

Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Bob, and her four daughters, Mary (Thomas) Kilbride, of Rock Island, Ill., Carol ( Mark) Hollingsworth, of Des Moines, Nancy (Wain) Main. of Des Moines and Joni (Hal) Holmquist, of Olathe, Kan; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

She is also survived by two sisters, Phyllis (Dick) Knudslien of Virginia, Minn. and Joan Fisher of Kalona.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Hennagir and her three brothers, Don, Dick and Al Hennagir.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15 with rosary at 6 p.m. at Grandview Park Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 with Msgr. Robert Chamberlain officiating. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

       Posted on 11/14/2005 by Gene Manning

James H. Duncan

GOLDEN, Colo. - Jim Duncan, 62, of Golden, Colo., and formerly of Charles City, died peacefully at home on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005, after four years of battling cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Bethany Alliance Church in Charles City. Pastor Kent Sovine will officiate. A luncheon and time of sharing memories will be held following the service at the Immaculate Conception Social Hall. A private inurnment was held on Nov. 12, at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Colo.

James Hubert Duncan was born July 14, 1943, in Charles City, the son of Arvana (Lockey) Boyd and William Duncan. His education was through Floyd County schools and Charles City High School. He attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, graduating with distinction and election to Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Lambda Upsilon. Jim received his doctorate in organic chemistry under the direction of Dr. Robert Shapiro at the University of Colorado. His post-doctoral work was conducted at the Johns Hopkins Medical School, Department of Pharmacology. He then accepted a position as assistant professor with the Department of Pharmacology and Radiology at the University of Florida School of Medicine and research chemist at the University of Colorado.

He authored 14 publications in the areas of synthetic and physical organic chemistry before leaving the field of chemistry. Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit then led him into landscaping and irrigation work, drug and alcohol counseling and finally, retirement from a fine old hardware store in downtown Denver, Colo. His interests included camping, hunting, fishing, photography, music, guitars, woodworking, computers and annual vacations back to his hometown to see family and for delicious Iowa corn.

He is survived by his beloved family: wife, Kathy Duncan; son, Ian Duncan; daughters Deanna Duncan and Cally Goddard; son-in-law, Steve Goddard; granddaughters Alexis and Liena Goddard; mother, Arvana Boyd; father, William (Ruth) Duncan; sisters Jane (Jerry) Hammel, Sharon (Don) Tieskotter and Lori (Bob) Jenkins; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his infant grandson, Kyle Ian; sister, Karen Law; and stepfather, Clarence Boyd (Silly Grandpa).

Contributions may be made to the church of your choice or the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center Foundation or Navitas Patient Foundation.

                         Posted on 11/16/2005

Max Denham

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City for Max Denham, 87, of Charles City, who died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at his home.

                     Posted on 11/17/2005

Boris Kozak

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Boris Kozak, age 96 of Northfield, Minn. passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2005, at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield, with burial at Sunnyside in Charles City, at 3 p.m. Saturday. Visitation will be Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield.

Boris Charles Kozak was born May 17, 1909, in Chicago, the son of Theodore and Katherine (Duda) Kozak. He spent his early childhood in Chicago before moving with his family to a farm near Amboy, Ill., where his father began farming. Boris attended country school and then began working as a farmhand. He eventually ended up farming near Rudd, and working at the Oliver Tractor Factory in Charles City.

On May 16, 1936, he was united in marriage to Helen Luella Handt and they farmed and raised Hereford cattle for over 30 years near Rudd. In 1967, they moved into Charles City where Boris began building houses. In the early 1970s they moved to Prescott Valley, Ariz., where he continued as a carpenter building new homes. Following retirement, they moved to Northfield where their daughter and family lived.

Boris lived and loved life fully as a man of faith. His kind, optimistic personality touched young and old alike. Boris was always happy to contribute his carpentry skills throughout the years, and he enjoyed the fellowship of Adult Sunday School, drinking coffee, playing in the Senior Bell Choir, and cooking soup with his buddies for the mid-week Soup Suppers.

His hobbies were building furniture, playing cards, bowling, and fishing. However, his favorite times were spent with his wife, his daughter and her husband, and Boris’s grandson, Bill. Bill and Boris played board games, card games, put puzzles together, hunted for golf balls, and went fishing in Okoboji.

Boris is survived by daughter, Sharyl (Harvey) Frykman of Northfield; brother, John Kozak of Riceville; and grandson, Bill (Hera) Frykman of Hebron, Ky. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and brother, Roy Webster.

Max Denham

Max Denham, 87, of Charles City, died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at his residence.

A funeral Mass for Max Denham will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries, pastor, will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4-8 p.m. Friday where the Vigil Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary being led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will continue Saturday at the church an hour prior to the Mass.

Max Allen Denham was born Nov. 30, 1917, at Massena, the son of Edgar and Blanche (Erickson) Denham. He graduated from Massena High School and from Iowa State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. Max proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II having been stationed in Pearl Harbor. On Sept. 23, 1944, he was united in marriage to Rita Peebles at Red Oak. Max worked for 34 years at the Oliver/White Farm Equipment Company. During that time, Max and Rita were transferred to Minneapolis and Chicago, and upon retirement, returned to Charles City. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elks and the Oliver Management Club. His interests included playing cards with his friends, woodworking, traveling and camping with his wife Rita, and tending to his garden. Most of all, he enjoyed time spent with his family.

Living family members include his wife of 61 years, Rita of Charles City; two daughters, Judy (John) Smith of Lake Dallas, Texas, and Debra (Mike) Walsdorf of Woodstock, Ill.; four grandchildren, Jenny (Kurt) Slangerup, Christopher and Claire Walsdorf, and Christie Smith; and two great grandchildren, Tave and Vann Slangerup.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dennis Denham in 1976; and a sister, Fay Averill.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

           Posted on 11/18/2005 by Gene Manning

David Snook

David Snook, 17, of Charles City, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, at his residence.

Funeral services for David will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Paul Wilcox, of the Trinity United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Riverside Cemetery.

Friends may come to the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday. Visitation will continue at the funeral home an hour prior to the service.

David Michael Snook was born Dec. 13, 1987, in Mason City, the son of Michael and Sandra (Wilson) Snook. He was a student at Carrie Lane High School and was employed at Sunnyside Memory Gardens rural Charles City. David enjoyed listening to music, playing basketball and video games on his X box, watching the Minnesota Vikings lose with his father, and playing with his cat, Dewey. He especially enjoyed spending time with Kelsi Patten, and their daughter, Kaylin.

Survivors include his parents, Michael and Sandra Snook of Charles City; special friend, Kelsi Patten and their daughter, Kaylin Renee; a sister, Jennifer Snook of Charles City; a brother, Jason Wilson of Charles City; paternal grandmother, Janice Snook of Mason City; maternal grandmother, Karen Uker of Charles City; maternal great-grandmothers, Ardell Sullivan and Doris Wilson both of Charles City; several aunts and uncles, Darin (Chris) Wilson of Clear Lake, Cheryl Zeien and her fiance Brian Ziesman both of Mason City, Patty (Bob) Goll of Ankeny, Jerry (Viki) Tollefson of Mason City, and Kim (Randy) Ellman of Rudd; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dustin “Dutt” Wilson on June 26, 2003; his paternal grandfather, David Snook on May 3, 2004; and maternal grandfather, Delmar Wilson.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Brandau

Donald Brandau, 71, of Charles City, died on Nov. 20, 2005, at his home.

A funeral Mass for Donald Brandau will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries, pastor, will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday where a Vigil Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. followed by recitation of the Rosary at 7:30. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at the church an hour prior to the Mass.

Donald Dean Brandau was born June 24, 1934, in Osage, the son of Milton and Myrtle (Naig) Brandau. He attended school in Osage and Charles City. Donald served his country in the United States Army Airborne. He was united in marriage to Lillian Welter at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Charles City, in September 1955.

Donald spent all of his working years with Walsh Manufacturing until his retirement in the early 90s. He was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed Horseshoe competitions and had won many trophies in competition play throughout the area. He also enjoyed playing cards with his family and worked diligently on his family genealogy.

Survivors include his wife, Lillian of Charles City; daughter, Rose (Kenneth) Kreis of Mason City; granddaughter, Angel Bigelow of Milwaukee, Wis.; one brother, Milton (Maureen) Brandau Jr. and one sister, Jeanne (Bernie) Meyer, both of Charles City. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Mary Lou; one brother, Larry; and two sisters in infancy.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

                 Posted on 11/21/2005 by Gene Manning

George R. Uhlenhopp

GREENE - Funeral services for George R. Uhlenhopp, 75, of 10013 Oak St., Greene, will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene at a later date.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, where there will be a public Scripture Service and time of remembrance at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday one hour before services.

George R. Uhlenhopp died Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the George R. Uhlenhopp Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Chapel, Greene, (641) 823-4457.

Noma M. Backer

GREENE - Funeral services for Noma M. Backer, 93, formerly of 502 N. Fifth St., Greene, will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, where there will be a Public Scripture Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, one hour before services.Noma Margaret (Montgomery) Backer died Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Noma M. Backer Memorial Fund in care of the family 22376 120th St., Greene, IA 50636.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, (641) 823-4457.

Paulette Wright

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City for Paulette Wright, 57, of Alta Vista, who died Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

                      Posted on 11/22/2005

Paulette Wright Doty

Paulette Wright Doty, 57, of Alta Vista, died Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, at her residence.

Funeral services for Paulette Wright Doty will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Sister Jennifer Rausch, pastoral assistant of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, will officiate. Burial will be Riverside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday.

Paulette Mary Wright was born Oct. 16, 1948, at Charles City, the daughter of Forest and Dorothy (Nehls) Wright. She graduated from the Charles City High School in 1967. Paulette was raised in the Catholic faith. Paulette was an avid reader, thoroughly enjoyed home interior decorating, doing crafts, and flower gardening. Her main focus, however, was her family. She always looked forward to spending time with them.

Living family members include her husband, Gary Doty of Omaha, Neb.; three children, Todd (Heidi) Wright Amberson and Aaron Jason Doty and his fianc/e Amanda Miller all of Omaha, Neb., and Sarah Debban Laue and her fiancee Kurt Larson both of Cresco; three grandchildren, Tristin and Braden Laue and Logan Amberson; a sister, Patricia Wright Winterink of Charles City; three nephews, Alan (Joyce) Scholle of Cedar Falls and Mike (Jeanne) Kapler and Ted Kapler both of Waterloo; and an uncle, Clair Nehls of Charles City.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

                 Posted on 11/23/2005 by Gene Manning

Ruth Smith

MARSHALLTOWN - Ruth Smith, 79, of Marshalltown and formerly of Charles City, passed away at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown Sunday, November 20, 2005. Ruth had donated her body to the University of Iowa for Medical Science. A memorial will be held December 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Chapel in Marshalltown. Burial will be at a later date in Sioux Rapids.

Ruth and Emmett Smith had made their home in Marshalltown for 18 - 1/2 years before he passed away in May of 2005.

Those sharing her loss are sisters Geraldine Reed (Robert), Thelma Kellogg (Marvin) and Pauline Tupy (Elmer), all of Charles City; Beverly Kollman (Duane) of Wabasha, Minn.; a brother Calvin Taylor (Delores) of North Prairie, Wisc.; sister-in-law Avis Taylor of Waterville, Minn.; a dear friend Mary Jane and Leo Marion of Cedar Rapids; a Godson Tom Schody of Burlington; all of Emmet’s family; and several nieces and nephews; also the Veterans Home staff and residents.

Preceding her in death are her husband Emmett; son Gregory Pickar; her parents Dorothy and Emil Taylor; brother Jesse; sister Betty Brown; niece Dorothy Kellogg; and brother-in-law Robert E. Reed..

                          Posted on 11/25/2005

Bea J. Rickel

BRISTOW - Funeral services for Bea J. Rickel, 90, of 1005 West St., Bristow, will be 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at the United Methodist Church in Aredale, with Pastor Tera Amundson officiating.

Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Bristow. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene. Visitation will continue at the church one hour before services.

Berniece Jeane McGeachy was born Sept. 27, 1915, the daughter of John Harrington and Ruth Lucinda (Jay) McGeachy, and died Nov. 25, 2005, at her family home in Bristow, leaving this world in the same bedroom and bed she came into this world in, ninety years, one month, and 29 days earlier.

She received her education and graduated from the Bristow High School in 1932. She graduated from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She taught at Kirkman. On Sept. 27, 1935, she was united in marriage to Donald Frederick Rickel in Harlan. During WWII, she worked at the B & G Hosiery in Omaha. In 1950, the family moved to Walnut Grove, Mo. and in 1956 to Davisburg, Mich. until returning to Bristow in 1958. Bea was employed for Wubbena Produce for several years before becoming employed by the United States Postal Service in 1965. She retired as postmaster of Bristow in October 1999. Even though she retired, she never quit working. She answered the telephone for Dr. James Tammeus, DVM, until her death, as well as gardening, canning, cooking, and baking pies for family members. She served on the Oak Hill Cemetery Board for many years.

Living family members include her daughter: Donna (Robert) Dunlap of Rockford, six grandchildren: Debra (David) Lindley of Rockford, Tanya (Brian)Wilcox of Greene, Tamyra (Christopher) Meletiou, Huntersville, N.C., Daniel “Booner” (Angie) Dunlap of Zearing, John (Danatta) Dunlap of Jeffers, Minn., Rick Allen (Stacy) Rieken of Dows; eight great grandchildren: Brooke, Dylan, Colten, Austin, Linne’a, Kaylee, Chevy, Mattison.

She leaves to join her husband who died Oct. 8, 1974, her daughter Melinda Rieken who died April 17, 2000, son-in-law Gary Eberling, and grandson Mathew Dunlap.

Those planing an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Bea J. Rickel memorial Fund in care of the family, P. O. Box 13, Bristow, IA 50611-0013.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, (641) 823-4457,

Eno John “Hap” Reiter

MARBLE ROCK - Funeral services for Eno John Reiter, 95, formerly of 124 Railroad St., Marble Rock, will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005, at Temple Baptist Church in Charles City with Pastor Rick Fessel officiating. Burial will be in the Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City.

Visitation will be form 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene. There will be no visitation at the church.

Eno John Reiter was born Sept, 27, 1910, in Little Rock, Lyon County, the son of Martin and Cora (Cirksena) Reiter and died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005 at the Salsbury Baptist Home in Charles City.

He received his education in rural schools both in the Dike and Janesville areas. As a young man, he worked as a farmhand for a number of years in the Waverly and Janesville area. He was united in Marriage to Isabell Cecelia Hesse on Sept. 1, 1936 in Waverly. To this union were blessed five children.

He moved to Marble Rock in 1944, and found employment with Rockford Brick & Tile. He remained a faithful employee for 30 years retiring in 1976. Eno was known as “Hap” short for “Happy” which characterized of his delightful personality. Much of his life was spent in service to others. Eno loved to work and kept himself busy helping his family and friends.

Living family members include his wife, Isabell, of Charles City, two daughters; Maxine (Jerry) Watkins of Charles City, Marlyss Reiter of Chapin, Iowa; three sons: Melvin (Ann) Reiter of Charles City, Merlyn (Ramona) Reiter of Rockford, Alvin Reiter of Marble Rock; 13 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; one sister: Cora Ann Reiter of Waterloo; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Samuel Richard Reiter, Edward Reiter, Floyd “Flip” Reiter; two grandsons: Melvin Reiter Jr., and Kevin Reiter.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the the Eno John Reiter Memorial Fund in care of the family; 201 Patten Ave, Charles City, IA 50616.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, IA (641) 823-4457

D. Jean Lines

NASHUA - D. Jean Lines, 65, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 23, 2005 at her rural Nashua home.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. Private family inurnment services will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa - Charles City Satellite, 1003 Gilbert St., Charles City, IA 50616.

Jean Lines was born Sept. 27, 1940, in Charles City, the daughter of Lloyd and Ruth (Raymond) Krumrey. She graduated from Colwell High School in 1957 and attended Hamilton Business College for one year. Jean then went to work for Salsbury Laboratories and later for Dr. Baltzell.

She was united in marriage to Richard L. Lines on Aug. 31, 1958 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. They lived in Charles City for one year before moving to Colwell. In 1962, they moved to a farm southeast of Nashua where Richard and Jean started their farming and milking operation. There they built their dream log house. It was later destroyed by a tragic fire and in 2001 Rich and Jean moved to the Lines Family Farm.

Jean was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was an true outdoors person. Jean loved living and working on their farm. She was an avid fisherman, trapper and hunter, especially deer and turkey hunting. She had no children of her own but was godmother to 19 children and was always there for them..

James E. Gansen

ELMA - James E. Gansen, 69, of Elma, died on Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn., after a four-year battle with heart failure. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec.1 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Reverend Ray Atwood celebrating the mass.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, also in Elma with Jim O’Donnell, Mike Zeimetz, Kenneth Gebel, LeRoy Mohrfeld, Greg Gardner and Russ Murphy serving as casket bearers.Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma, where there will be a 4 p.m. rosary and 7 p.m. scripture service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the American Heart Association.

Jim was born on Nov. 25, 1936, to Elmer and Rosella (Frank) Gansen. After graduating from Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma, he worked at the Rath Packing Company in Waterloo. He then served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Following his Army service, Jim worked for the United States Post Office, first in Waterloo, then in Elma, Ionia, Alta Vista, Charles City and New Hampton, retiring as postmaster.

Throughout his life, Jim stressed the primary importance of family and friends to his children. A strong believer in serving his community, he was elected as a two-term mayor of Elma, a school board member and president of the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District, and served as a volunteer firefighter. He also helped spearhead the effort to bring the Colonial Manor nursing home to Elma.

Jim enjoyed shooting the breeze with neighbor Mort; discussing his latest vehicle purchase with neighbor Clara; displaying cat-like reflexes as a third baseman and a basketball-palming prowess that earned him the nickname “Gummy” at I.C. Academy; tinkering with his 1960 Allis Chalmers WD tractor; reminiscing about his ‘58 Chevy, the slickest wheels in the tri-county area (and, according to dad, the reason mom married him); reaching deep into the recesses of mailboxes for “postage due,” wrestling in the living room with his sons; doting on his favorite daughter, Ann; talking politics with his father-in-law, Ed over the Sunday paper; wintering in Arizona with his wife and hiking the mountains; and playing the occasional non-competitive round of golf with friends.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sharon (Beecher), and his five children: Eddie (Christi) of Janesville, Wis.; Bill (Sherri), Ann (Patrick) Loftus, and Dave (Kim) of Cedar Rapids; and Steve (Sondra) of Minneapolis; two brothers, Tom (Diane) of New Hampton and Norb (Mary) of Fredericksburg; his mother-in-law Peggy Beecher of Elma; and his nine grandsons and two granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Ed Beecher.

             Posted on 11/28/2005 by Gene Manning

Roger H. Ponto

POWERSVILLE - Funeral services for Roger H. Ponto, 81, of 2754 290th St., Greene, will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2005, at St. John's United Church of Christ, Pleasant Hill, rural Nashua, with burial in the church cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene. Visitation will continue Thursday one hour before services at the church.

Roger Horace Ponto was born Aug. 3, 1924, in St. Charles Township, Floyd County, a son of Edward Thomas and Grace Adelia (Walker) Ponto, and died Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at the Hospice Unit of the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

He received his education in the rural Pleasant Grove Township Schools and graduated from the Charles City High School in 1940. He entered the United States Army as an aviation cadet in the 3510th AAF Base Unit on Feb. 1, 1943. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the 139th Army Airways Communications Squadron Nov. 23, 1944. He was awarded meritorious Service Insignia while serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater in Japan. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 6, 1946.

On Aug. 27, 1950 he was united in marriage to Betty Mae Allen at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Pleasant Hill. To this union four children were born.

Roger worked as a carpenter and did construction work in the Floyd and Butler county areas for several years. In 1952, he became an insurance agent with the Floyd County Mutual later becoming secretary-manager until his retirement in 1991. Following his retirement, he enjoyed working around his home and doing various woodworking projects, which he gave to his grandchildren. He enjoyed going fishing and hunting.

He was a faithful member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Pleasant Hill, of which he was a member of the church consistory; former member of Cornerstone Lodge 251 A.F. & A.M. of Marble Rock; American Legion; and former clerk of Pleasant Grove Township (1992-1998).

Living family members include his loving wife, Betty, of Greene; three sons, Jim (Laura) Ponto of Iowa City, Keith (Lily) Ponto of Cedar Rapids, Mark (Donna) Ponto of Greene; seven grandchildren, Kevin, Erin, Eric, Evan, Zeke, Michael and Renee and one great-grandson, Cooper.

He leaves to join his daughter, Lori Jean Ponto (1970); his parents; a sister, Jean, and her husband, Howard Shaw; brother, Merlyn Ponto, and a brother who died in infancy.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Roger Ponto Memorial Fund in care of the family 2754 290th St., Greene, IA 50636.

Carlton ‘Sonny’ Reetz, Jr.

IONIA - Carlton ‘Sonny’ Reetz, Jr., 67, of Ionia, died on November 28, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral Services for Carlton Reetz Jr. will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at the Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City. Pastor A.C. Wegner of Faith Bible Chapel will be officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City, from 4-8 on Thursday. Visitation will continue at the funeral home an hour prior to the service.

Carlton Frederick Reetz, Jr. was born Jan. 1, 1938, in Charles City, the son of Carlton and Darlien (Phillips) Reetz, Sr. He was raised and educated in the area. Carlton worked in the foundry for White Farm for over 35 years. He later worked in several hog farrowing units in the Charles City area. He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

Living family members include daughter Deanna Titus of Elma; son Michael (Jodi) Reetz of Charles City; daughter Leann (Dave) Durnan of New Hampton; son Brad (Lauri) Reetz of Floyd; son Stacy (Jen) Reetz of Appleton, Wis.; eight grandchildren, Brittney, Rachel, Danielle, Mikala, Brandon, Benjamin, Jacob and Aidyn; a sister, Barbara (Duane) Boggess of Charles City; and brother Jim Reetz, of South Bend, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Sharon Sadler.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Erma L. Bartels

GREENE - Erma L. Bartels, 94, of Rogers, Ark., formerly of Greene, died Monday, July 12, 2005, at Highland Health Care in Bella Vista, Ark.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005, at 2 p.m., at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, with interment of cremains in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Vernon A. Hobert

Vernon A. Hobert, 83, of Charles City, died November 29, 2005, at the Chautauqua Guest Home, 9th Street, in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at Fullerton- Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., in Charles City, with Pastor Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

The family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to Vern’s service Thursday at the Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home.

Vern was born on May 31, 1922, in Charles City to Albert and Lillian (Reckner) Hobert. He grew up in the Charles City, Rockford and Marble Rock areas, lived on a farm for much of his childhood and graduated from Rockford High School. He married Lois Wilhelms on June 14, 1946. Vern was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City.

Vern was employed at Salsbury Laboratories/Solvay for 47 years, holding the position of assistant research scientist and retiring in 1989. He continued farming until September of 2005. His passions were family and family vacation trips, diagnostics and working with fluorescent antibodies to develop poultry antisera at Salsbury and farming. Vern was a testament to the adage that if you love what you are doing you will never work a day in your life. Vern also enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren, listening to the Guy Lombardo orchestra and delighted in Norman Rockwell illustrations.

Vern was like so many in his generation of Iowans. He was neither rich nor famous and he did not desire to be either. He was an honest, hard-working, God fearing man who was devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed by those who love him until we are together again.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Lois Hobert; three children, Mark Hobert (Rhonda Weintz) of Davenport, Ben Hobert (Ann) of Westwood Hills, Kan., and Karen Gardner of West Branch; grandchildren, Meredith, Mallory and Hannah Hobert, Ryan Weintz, and Lyle and Joan Gardner; brother Lowell Hobert (Ruby) of Greene, sister Darlene Eggena (Harm) of Rockford, and many nieces and nephews.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Connie (Eggena) Hill.

Memorials may be directed to the Diabetes Society of Iowa or to St. John Lutheran Church, Charles City.

The family of Vern Hobert thanks Pastor Dennis Niezwaag, Dr. David Schweizer and the staff at 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home for their compassion and caring.

Dr. Harold L. Brenton

MASON CITY - Dr. Harold L. Brenton, 80, of Port Orange, Fla., formerly of Mason City, died Sunday, November 27, 2005, at his home in Port Orange.

Funeral service will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday Dec. 10, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake. Interment will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, with full military honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veteran's Memorial Association. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE, Mason City, (641) 423-2372 www.colonialchapels.com.

              Posted on 11/30/2005 by Gene Manning