Posted on 11/07/2008 by Gene Manning

Theodora Jean Lundgren was born to Carl and Else Lundgren Sept. 23, 1943, in Elizabeth, Union County, N.J. She began her career as a dancer (the youngest) on Broadway and performed in West Side Story, Destry Rides a Again, Red Head and others before graduating from Abraham Clark High School (Roselle, N.J.) in 1961.

She lived and worked in New Jersey as an executive secretary for Wilcolator and then “The Money Store” until 1971, when she suffered injuries from a traffic accident in Florida while visiting her parents. She remained in Florida and after a long recuperation continued as an executive secretary and became involved with community theater in the area where she met her husband Michael (from Rockford). They were married July 1, 1977 in Sarasota, Fla., and that fall moved to Hawaii, where she continued her executive secretarial skills with the NAPA distribution center while her husband worked for Hawaiian Printing, a division of Vanier Graphics.

The couple moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 1982, accepting a transfer when Vanier Graphics opened a new plant. While in Hawaii the couple developed a wood crafting business (exotic hardwood boxes) and in Texas Teddi opened a gift shop, Rare Discovery, selling her husband’s woodcrafts, supplemented with appropriate and unique hand crafted art. Within the year Michael resigned from Vanier and the couple went full time in the gift and craft business, traveling to art shows, producing and selling a succession of crafts.

Around 1986 Teddi developed her own craft — exquisite and unique hair pieces, earrings and broaches — made from natural feathers from wild and exotic birds. Her work was featured in the November 1990 issue Sunshine Artist, a national publication. And she also became the Texas (and later Iowa) reporter for that magazine. Many artists and craftsmen still thank her for her vital information and the wit and charm in her column.

The couple moved to Marble Rock in 1988, continuing in their travels coast to coast, transitioning from feather art to hardwood kaleidoscopes. Teddi not only helped with the production of the scopes, but also expertly handled the enormous task of almost daily applying and booking shows, the bookkeeping and actual sales at the shows. During this time the couple participated in some of the finest shows in at least 33 states. In 1996, in an effort to reduce the degree and distance of travel, Teddi developed a unique and highly successful soy candle, using natural fragrance and essential oils. Some may remember her kiosk during the Christmas seasons at Southbridge Mall in Mason City, and the feature article in the Globe Gazette on Dec. 18, 1999.

Failing health precluded continuing with the candle production, traveling, and selling at shows after 2002 and instead some may remember Teddi at local auctions, enthusiastically bidding on almost anything, and particularly collectible glassware. She ran a lively and successful business on Ebay. Michael continued producing kaleidoscopes on a limited basis and also repaired and restored antique and collectible cuckoo clocks. When no longer able to get to the auctions, she continued the Ebay business with scopes and clocks.

By 2006 her medical needs made scope and clock production more and more difficult. Instead of giving up, she discovered a whole new area in which to excel. She became a home agent for a California flower company, taking phone sales and customer service over the internet. The computer was her window to the world. In spite of the increasing, enormous physical restrictions in later life, she remained as active, enthusiastic and gregarious as the Broadway show dancer. She leaves literally hundreds of dear friends nationwide—indeed world wide.

She was preceded in death by her father in August 1982 and 20 years almost to the day by her mother in 2002.

She is survived by three cousins, Gail, Ellen and Joan, and her husband, Michael, and feathered son, Vinnie.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 423 Bradford St., Marble Rock, 888-823-REID.

Keith was born Jan. 18, 1930, in his home near Nashua, the son of Howard Donald and Gladys Inza (Kiffner) Carr. He married Norma Elenz on June 9, 1962, in Manchester. He was employed by Collins Radio/Rockwell for 43 years, retiring in June of 2000. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War from 1951-1953 and was honorably discharged in 1953.

Living family members include his wife of 46 years, Norma; daughter, Kim (Joel) Wichgers of Urbana; son, Kurt Carr of Cedar Rapids; and daughter, Kay Carr of Cedar Rapids; twin brother, Kenneth (Pat) of Floyd; brother, Marvin (Mitzie) of Charles City; and sister Alice Larson of Callender.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Gladys Carr; brothers, H. Allen Carr and Myron Carr; and brothers-in-law Edward Larson and Glenn Parr.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

                     Posted on 11/19/2008 by Gene Manning

Visitation is today (Nov. 21) from 3 p.m. until the time of service at 8 p.m. at the Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. 

Born Dec. 7, 1935, in Charles City, Iowa, she was the wife of Lynn; mother of Linda (Darryl) Rosenzweig, James (Gina) and Beth Bauman; grandmother of Rebecca and Joshua Rosenzweig, Alenna Abbatemarco and Anan Bauman; and sister of Marilyn (Paul) Anderson, Jeanne Riley and Darrell and Gordon (Sandy) Waidelich. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 150 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606 or the charity of your choice. For information, call (847) 253-0224.

Funeral services for Marjorie Funk will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Howardville Wesleyan Church, rural Floyd.  Pastor Gordon Berryman and Pastor Marty Miller will officiate.  Burial will be in the Howardville Cemetery, rural Floyd.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.  Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Marjorie Mae Towner Funk was born April 9, 1917, at Howardville, the daughter of Charles and Lelia (Noah) Towner.  She graduated from the Colwell High School.  On October 22, 1936, she was united in marriage to Orren Funk at her parent’s home in Howardville.  She was a member of the Howardville Wesleyan Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School.  Her interests included spending time with her family and being involved with the Howardville Wesleyan Church.  

Living family members include her six children, Linn (Janet) Funk of Cedar Rapids, David (Diane) Funk of Brown Deer, Wis., Errol (Sheryl) Funk of Milwaukee, Wis., Clare Lowell of Hollidaysburg, Pa., Duane (Karen) Funk of Cedar Rapids and Rolan (Beverly) Funk of East Troy, Wis.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and a sister, Meredith (Paul) Kindschi of Grand Rapids, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter, Erin Funk; daughter-in-law, Barbara Kunzman Funk; and a stillborn sister, Wanda.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Howardville Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 205 Rudd, IA 50471.

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

                      Posted on 11/21/2008 by Gene Manning

The funeral service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Riceville. Father Ray Atwood will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Riceville. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville. Scripture will be said at 5 p.m. and the Rosary will be said at 7 p.m.

Michael was born March 26, 1933, to Thomas and Loretta (Drew) Mitchell at his family home in Davis Corners. In 1952, he graduated from Cresco Public Schools. On Nov. 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to Delphine Reicherts at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven. To this union they were blessed with eight children. After a struggle with cancer, Delphine passed away in 1978, leaving Michael to raise their four youngest children. On June 21, 1985, he was united in marriage to Joan Ohm at our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lourdes. They are currently members of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church of Alta Vista.

Mike’s biggest love was spending time with his family. He celebrated life in every moment and was always happiest when surrounded by those he loved. Michael had an innate ability to entertain and brighten up any room he entered, usually bringing his polka tapes and occasionally his portable dance floor. His grandchildren always knew that Grandpa Mike could be counted on for a stick of Big Red or Juicy Fruit gum or an invitation to join him in a polka dance. He enjoyed working on the farm, proudly proclaiming himself the “Hayman,” as well as hauling grain and hay across the state. He also enjoyed attending community festivals, especially thrashing events. He loved camping at the Mid-Summer Mitchell Madness weekend, where he was always the first one to arrive to greet and lend a helping hand to everyone. He appreciated a good meal more than anyone and could give the best descriptions of the experience. Mike found joy in every aspect of life and truly appreciated the little things.

Michael will be sadly missed by his wife Joan of Elma; eight children: James (Carla) Mitchell of Fayette, Randall (Kathy) Mitchell of New Hampton, Cindy (Lyle) Wendland of Charles City, Rebecca (Jay) Dohlman of Riceville, Christine (Steve) Dunn of Kansas City, Elizabeth (Kurt) Christensen of Riceville, Jeffrey Mitchell of Minneapolis, David (Bridgette) Mitchell of Decorah; his brother, Merle Mitchell; two sisters, Mary Dvorak and Loretta Brown; two brothers-in-law, Alex Adams and Gervase Hemann; 26 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; six stepchildren: Randy, Rick, Sue, Sharyl, Gary and Jacki; 16 step grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Delphine, his parents, Thomas and Loretta Mitchell, his in-laws, Loy and Romel Reicherts, Ray and Marian Wilson, his sisters-in-law, Lucille (Reicherts) Adams and Patty (Reicherts) Hemann, his brothers-in-law, Truman Dvorak and Harley Brown.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, (641) 985-2242, is in charge of the arrangements.

The Knoll Family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, at The Hauser Funeral Home, 9th St. and S. Main, in Charles City, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Memorial service will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 a.m., with Father Carl Ries officiating.

Jill was born May 20, 1958 in Charles City. She was a very active member of Saint Frances of Assisi Catholic Church of Laughlin A. F. Base, Women’s Bible Study and Coordinator of Hospitality Ministry. Jill was awarded Teacher of the Year for the 2007-2008, an inspiration to all who worked with her and the children she taught. She worked with the Student Council, started an Art Club, and helped with tutoring. She loved all her students and often referred to them as “Her Kids.” She didn’t have just two daughters, she had a whole school full of children.  Jill was a member of the Home Economics Committee for Texas Agriculture, and was Chairman of the Diabetes Committee, Winter Texans, active part of First Friday Artwalk, Team Captain for Relay for Life and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. 

She is survived by her husband Howard Knoll of Del Rio; daughters Cris Norton of Miami, Okla., and Eve and husband Adam of San Antonio, Texas; father Ed Frein of Charles City; sister Jean and her husband Steve Stienkamp of Ogden; brother Jay and wife Tracey Frein of Charles City; grandchildren Rebecca and Dalton Norton of Miami, Okla.; also nephews Paul and Neil Reese and Josh, Jeremy and Jacob Frein.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Mae Frein, and son-in-law TSgt. Jason Norton.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established at the Bank & Trust in memory of Jill — “The Jill F. Knoll Memorial Scholarship Fund.” Donations can be made to account No. 3435016.  

Funeral arrangements are with G. W. Cox Memorial Funeral Home, of Del Rio LTD, 114 Fletcher Drive, Del Rio, Texas. 78840  Ph: (830) 775-2000.

                      Posted on 11/25/2008 by Gene Manning

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008 at Nashua United Methodist Church in Nashua with Pastor Lundula officiating. Nelda Shepard will be the organist and lead the congregation in the singing of “How Great Thou Art”. Janice Edson will sing “Somewhere My Love” and “I’ll Walk With You” and “Good Night and Good Morning”. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua (641) 435-4134 and then one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the family. On-line condolences may be left for Martha at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua.

Martha Louise Peterson was born March 20, 1921 on the family farm near New Hampton, the daughter of George F. and Gladys (Leachman) Johnson. She was raised in the rural New Hampton area and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1939 and attended Iowa State Teachers College. Martha taught in rural school for five years. She was united in marriage to Roger H. Peterson on July 11, 1943 in Bremerton, Wash. To this union a son, Roger Dean and a daughter, Mary Kay were born. They farmed in the “Republic area” for 25 years and Martha was a 4-H leader for 15 years and also served as Justice of the Peace for 7 years before moving to Allison in 1970. Martha wrote a weekly column for the Allison Tribune for 20 years. Following Roger’s retirement, they moved to their lake home in Nashua. Martha wrote a weekly column “Reflections” for the Nashua Reporter. She would make us think back to when times were somewhat less complicated. Roger passed away June 17, 1996. Martha continued to live in her home until moving to Cedar Vale Assisted Living in Nashua this year. Martha was a member of Nashua United Methodist Church, Republican Women, Garden Club and organized the Firefly Club in Allison. She enjoyed the lake, her flowers, quilting and traveling and especially loved her family.

Martha is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Eileen Peterson of Summerfield, Fla.; her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Kay and Mel Holtz of Billings, Mont.; two grandsons, Steven Holtz and Mel (Tracey) Holtz, Jr ; a great-grandson Caleb Holtz; two brothers, Lloyd Johnson of Nathrop, Colo. and Gerald Johnson of New Hampton; also her foreign exchange daughter, Birgitta Ohlsson of Sweden.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roger; her parents; a sister, Mary Ann Muench; a brother-in-law, Robert Muench and two sisters-in-law, Virginia Johnson and Marilyn Johnson.

The funeral service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Riceville. Father Ray Atwood will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Riceville. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville. Scripture will be said at 5 p.m. and the Rosary will be said at 7 p.m.

Michael was born March 26, 1933, to Thomas and Loretta (Drew) Mitchell at his family home in Davis Corners. In 1952, he graduated from Cresco Public Schools. On Nov. 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to Delphine Reicherts at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven. To this union they were blessed with eight children. After a struggle with cancer, Delphine passed away in 1978, leaving Michael to raise their four youngest children. On June 21, 1985, he was united in marriage to Joan Ohm at our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lourdes. They are currently members of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church of Alta Vista.

Mike’s biggest love was spending time with his family. He celebrated life in every moment and was always happiest when surrounded by those he loved. Michael had an innate ability to entertain and brighten up any room he entered, usually bringing his polka tapes and occasionally his portable dance floor. His grandchildren always knew that Grandpa Mike could be counted on for a stick of Big Red or Juicy Fruit gum or an invitation to join him in a polka dance. He enjoyed working on the farm, proudly proclaiming himself the “Hayman,” as well as hauling grain and hay across the state. He also enjoyed attending community festivals, especially thrashing events. He loved camping at the Mid-Summer Mitchell Madness weekend, where he was always the first one to arrive to greet and lend a helping hand to everyone. He appreciated a good meal more than anyone and could give the best descriptions of the experience. Mike found joy in every aspect of life and truly appreciated the little things.

Michael will be sadly missed by his wife Joan of Elma; eight children: James (Carla) Mitchell of Fayette, Randall (Kathy) Mitchell of New Hampton, Cindy (Lyle) Wendland of Charles City, Rebecca (Jay) Dohlman of Riceville, Christine (Steve) Dunn of Kansas City, Elizabeth (Kurt) Christensen of Riceville, Jeffrey Mitchell of Minneapolis, David (Bridgette) Mitchell of Decorah; his brother, Merle Mitchell; two sisters, Mary Dvorak and Loretta Brown; two brothers-in-law, Alex Adams and Gervase Hemann; 26 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; six stepchildren: Randy, Rick, Sue, Sharyl, Gary and Jacki; 16 step grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Delphine, his parents, Thomas and Loretta Mitchell, his in-laws, Loy and Romel Reicherts, Ray and Marian Wilson, his sisters-in-law, Lucille (Reicherts) Adams and Patty (Reicherts) Hemann, his brothers-in-law, Truman Dvorak and Harley Brown.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, (641) 985-2242, is in charge of the arrangements.

The Knoll Family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, at The Hauser Funeral Home, 9th St. and S. Main, in Charles City, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Memorial service will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 a.m., with Father Carl Ries officiating.

Jill was born May 20, 1958 in Charles City. She was a very active member of Saint Frances of Assisi Catholic Church of Laughlin A. F. Base, Women’s Bible Study and Coordinator of Hospitality Ministry. Jill was awarded Teacher of the Year for the 2007-2008, an inspiration to all who worked with her and the children she taught. She worked with the Student Council, started an Art Club, and helped with tutoring. She loved all her students and often referred to them as “Her Kids.” She didn’t have just two daughters, she had a whole school full of children.  Jill was a member of the Home Economics Committee for Texas Agriculture, and was Chairman of the Diabetes Committee, Winter Texans, active part of First Friday Artwalk, Team Captain for Relay for Life and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. 

She is survived by her husband Howard Knoll of Del Rio; daughters Cris Norton of Miami, Okla., and Eve and husband Adam of San Antonio, Texas; father Ed Frein of Charles City; sister Jean and her husband Steve Stienkamp of Ogden; brother Jay and wife Tracey Frein of Charles City; grandchildren Rebecca and Dalton Norton of Miami, Okla.; also nephews Paul and Neil Reese and Josh, Jeremy and Jacob Frein.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Mae Frein, and son-in-law TSgt. Jason Norton.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established at the Bank & Trust in memory of Jill — “The Jill F. Knoll Memorial Scholarship Fund.” Donations can be made to account No. 3435016.  

Funeral arrangements are with G. W. Cox Memorial Funeral Home, of Del Rio LTD, 114 Fletcher Drive, Del Rio, Texas. 78840  Ph: (830) 775-2000.

                       Posted on 11/26/2008 by Gene Manning

                                   Posted on 11/30/2008 by Gene Manning