Published
1 April 2011

Claude E. Christensen

CEDAR FALLS — Claude E. Christensen, 85, of Cedar Falls, died Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at Sartori Memorial Hospital.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Richardson Funeral Home, Cedar Falls, with interment in Sunnyside Memorial Gardens in Charles City. Military Honors conducted by Cedar Falls AVMETS Post 49. Public visitation from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and for one hour before services Saturday.

He was born June 30, 1925 in Greene, the son of Hans P. and Clara E. (Druschel) Christensen. He married Shirley A. Hushagen on June 29, 1947, in Waterloo. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was employed in shipping and receiving with Herrick Refrigerator Company for 28 years and then with Newkirk Sales Company for 17 years. He served as Commander of AMVETS Post 49 from 1972 to 1973, Commander of AMVETS 3RD District from 1973 to 1974, and First Vice Commander of AMVETS Department of Iowa.

Living family members include: his wife, Shirley; a son, Keith (Mary), of Defiance; a grandson, Steven (Cheryl) Christensen, of St. Marys, Kan.; a grandson-in-law, Kent Appelhanz, of Montrose, Colo.; nine great-grandchildren: Andrew, Maria, Christopher, Melissa and Zachary Christensen, Joseph, Dominic, Benedict and Marianne Appelhanz.

He was preceded in death by: two brothers, Kenneth and one in infancy; three sisters: Emma Parsons, Nellie Horn and Margaret Bray; and a granddaughter, Angela Appelhanz.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49 Honor Guard.

Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.

Published
4 April 2011

Robert H. Franke

Robert H. Franke, 89, of Charles City, died Friday, April 1, 2011, at Cedar Health in Charles City.

Memorial services for Robert Franke will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Dave Byrd, chaplain with Iowa Hospice, will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.

The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service.

Robert Herman Franke was born March 18, 1922, in Floyd County, the son of Ludwig and Jesse (Meek) Franke. He received his education from rural Floyd County schools. On Nov. 8, 1945, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Inman. Robert farmed for 13 years and was employed at Oliver/White Farm Equipment Company for 26 years. He also was a volunteer fireman for 10 years. Robert was a member of the Royal Neighbors Fraternal Organization and past member of the Moose Lodge. For 26 years, he was a softball pitcher in northeast Iowa and southern Minnesota. Robert was a perfectionist and that showed itself in his beautiful lawn, vegetable garden, orchard and woodworking projects.

Living family members include his wife Marjorie Franke, of Charles City; two children, Doug (Kathy) Franke, of Charles City, and Vicki (Dave) Stone, of Mason City; four grandchildren, Bridgette (Bryan) Quade, Brandon (Lindsey) Franke, Tanya Borts and Toni Lewis; four great-grandchildren, Makenzi and Zackary Quade, Autumn Lewis and Brandon Borts; and a sister, Inez Marzen, of Greene.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Edna Franke; and a brother-in-law, Ed Marzen.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Published
4 April 2011

Henry W. Galing

Henry W. Galing, 80, of Alta Vista, died Friday, April 1, 2011, at Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City.

There will be a graveside service for Henry on Monday, April 4, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery west of Elma. Online condolences for Henry’s family may be left at www.conway-kolbetfuneralhome. com.

Conway-Kolbet Funeral Homes, (641) 394-4331, is in charge of the arrangements.

Published
5 April 2011

Robert J. (Bob) Eggert

Robert J. (Bob) Eggert, 88, passed away Feb. 28, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 8, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main St., Charles City, (641) 228-3397. Pastors Dennis Niezwaag and David Werges officiating. Members of the family will be present from 9:30 a.m. to the time of service.

Inurnment will be held at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

Published
5 April 2011

Dorothy “Pat” Haughey

PUEBLO, Colo. — Dorothy “Pat” Haughey, 89, was born July 11, 1921, in Charles City and moved to Pueblo, Colo., in 1946. She passed away there March 30, 2011.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the George McCarthy Historic Chapel in Pueblo.

Pat was a founding member of the Irish Club and a past State Commander of the Navy Mothers Club of America. She enjoyed mahjong, bridge, poker and “Quarters,” where she was known as “Pat the Piranha.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Mable Adams; two siblings; husband, Bruce; and daughter, Barbara.

Pat is survived by her children, Roger (Siripan) Haughey, David Haughey, Jeanne (Don) Palumbo, Karen (Trenton) Creed; grandchildren Karen, Bryan, Michael, Janessa, Kati; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made in Pat’s name to the Sangre de Cristo Hospice through the funeral home. Online condolences at www.georgemccarthyfuneralhome. com.

Published
5 April 2011

Mary Pat Huffman

Mary Pat Huffman, 71, of Charles City, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 4, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A funeral Mass for Mary Pat Huffman will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery at Dougherty.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4-8 p.m. Friday where there will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 4:30 p.m. and the Rosary prayed at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Mary Pat Backer Huffman was born April 18, 1939, at Dougherty, the daughter of Francis Backer. She was raised by her grandmother Mayme Backer. Mary Pat graduated from Saint Patrick’s School at Dougherty. On June 22, 1957, she married Chester Huffman. They later divorced. Over the years Mary Pat worked at A&W, babysat, was a nurse aide at 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home, Comprehensive Systems, cleaned houses and the school. She also sold Avon and Amway for several years. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting, playing 500, listening to 50s music, playing the piano, dancing, bicycling, camping, fishing, family gatherings and was learning to play Texas Hold’em Poker. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Living family members include four children: Renee (James) Waechter, David (Laura) Huffman, Daniel Huffman and special friend Ruth Ungs and Susan (Shawn) Richard, all of Charles City; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Martin (Sherri) Werner, of East Dubuque, Ill., Larry (Cathy) Werner, of Dubuque, and Ron (Susan) Werner, of Davenport; and a sister, Kathy Lehman, of East Dubuque Ill.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; mother; a brother, John Werner; and three sisters, Bernice White, Mary O’Harrow and Lucille Morehouse.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Published
7 April 2011

Deloris Reynolds

Deloris Reynolds, 94, formerly of Mason City, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis.

A memorial service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Mason City at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. SE in Mason City from 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Mason City Senior Citizen Center or to Wesley United Methodist Church. Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 123 Second St SE, Mason City, (641) 423-8676. www.fullertonfh.com, is in charge of arrangements.

Published
7 April 2011

Kenneth P. Johnston Jr.

Kenneth P. Johnston Jr., 68, of Ionia died Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services were held Friday April 1, at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, Nashua with Pastor Jane Keel of Messiah Lutheran Church, Charles City presiding. Interment was in the New Hampton City Cemetery with Jeremy Johnston, Seth Johnston, Jared Johnston, Derek Bean, Brandon Parks, Jeridan Parks, and Madison Clay serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers include Nichole Schultz, Bradon Roth, Madysen Roth, and Alivia Parks. Full military interment honors by the New Hampton VFW and American Legion.

Online condolences for Ken’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome. com.

Kenneth Petor Johnston Jr. was born July 20, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa the son of Kenneth and Jean (Sulentic) Johnston, Sr. He graduated from Charles City High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 23, 1964. On June 10, 1968, he was honorably discharged as a sergeant.

On July 20, 1968, Kenneth was united in marriage to Karen Kuker in Charles City. The couple enjoyed three children together and many happy years of marriage. Kenneth worked alongside his father, before working for Wastewater Treatment Management in Clear Lake. He then went on to become a police officer working in Clear Lake and New Hampton. He worked for John Deere until health issues forced him to retire.

He worked over 10 years as the Floyd County Director of Veteran Affairs and was a service officer to many area veterans organizations. He was proud of his service, and was always looking out for fellow Vietnam veterans. He assisted on many local disaster drills in Charles City. He was active with Toys for Tots and delivered groceries annually around Christmas to families in need. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and friend.

Kenneth is survived by his father, Kenneth L. Johnston Sr., of Nashua; his ex-wife, Karen, of Charles City; a son, Jeremy (Roxane Clay), of Ionia; two daughters, Jennifer Johnston, of Elkader, and Lana (Dave) Cournia, of Jackson, Wis.; two brothers, Peter (Becky) Johnston, of Ionia, and Mike (Carolyn) Johnston, of Clarksville; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanne.

Published
8 April 2011

James T. Tucker

NEW HAMPTON — James T. Tucker, 45, of New Hampton, died April 3, 2011, at his home.

A private family service will be held at Conway- Kolbet Funeral Home at a later date. Online condolences may be left for Jim’s family and friends at www.conway-kolbetfuneralhome.com.

James Thomas Tucker was born on March 5, 1966, to Larry and Phoeba (Rodgers) Tucker in Moline, Ill. He graduated from Moline High School in 1984. On Sept. 5, 1986 Jim was united in marriage to Terry Merritt in Rock Island, Ill. The couple lived in Andalusia, Ill., before moving to New Hampton in 1993. Jim was employed with Waste Management in Mason City at the time of his death. Jim enjoyed playing golf, watching football and spending time with his family.

He is survived by mother, Phoeba (Wayne) Popp, of Ionia; his wife, Terry, of New Hampton; his children Ashley (Cory) Hammer, James Tucker, and Taylor Tucker, all of New Hampton; his brothers and sisters, Wendy (Harlan) Peters, of New Hampton, Brian Van Dewalle, of Moline, Ill., Scott Van Dewalle of Moline, Ill.; several aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father Larry Tucker.

Conway Kolbet Funeral Homes, 115 N. Broadway Ave., New Hampton, (641) 394-4331 is in charge of the arrangements.

Published
8 April 2011

DeLoris Reynolds

MASON CITY — DeLoris Reynolds, 94, formerly of Mason City, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis.

A memorial service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Mason City at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.

Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 8 at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. SE in Mason City from 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Mason City Senior Citizen Center or to Wesley United Methodist Church. Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com. Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 123 Second St. SE, Mason City, (641) 423-8676, www.fullertonfh.com is in charge of the arrangements.

Published
8 April 2011

Glenn Stangl

OSAGE — Glenn Henry Stangl, 84, of Osage, died Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors at the grave by Osage V.F.W. Post 7920. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m.

Sunday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 7 p.m. Glenn was born Jan. 16, 1927, in Mt. Carmel in Carroll County, the son of Frank and Julia (Bruning) Stangl. He was one of 12 children. Glenn attended Mt. Carmel School and graduated in 1944 from Carroll High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during WW II in May of 1945. He served in the 88th Division in Italy and was honorably discharged in February of 1947. Glenn married Margaret Vogt on Oct. 18, 1949. To this union, five children were born. Glenn, Margaret and family moved to Elma in Howard County, in 1971 from Atlantic. Glenn retired in 1991 after 42 years of farming.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Stangl, of Osage; five children: Judy Stangl, of Springfield, Mo., Randy (Janet) Stangl, of Charles City,, Jean (Darryl) Delfs, of Council Bluffs, Janelle (Robert, Sr.) McDonough, of Hermitage, Penn., Ron (Diane) Stangl, of Charles City; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eunice Reising, of Breda, Cedella Danzer, of Carroll and Marilyn (Dennis) Berg, of Arcadia; two brothers, Merle Stangl, of Atlantic, and Warren (Laura) Stangl, of Claremont, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Information available and condolences accepted at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 702 State St. in Osage, (641) 732-3706, www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.

Published
11 April 2011

Darrin Oberholtzer

Darrin Oberholtzer, 1, of Alta Vista, died Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services for Darrin Oberholtzer will be held 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Deerfield Mennonite Church, Cheyenne Avenue, Ionia, with the family meeting at the Oberholtzer home at 8:45 a.m. Visitation will be at the Luke Oberholtzer home, 5405 100th Street, Alta Vista, IA, Tuesday, April 12, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m.

Darrin Burkholder Oberholtzer was born May 29, 2009, at Alta Vista, the son of Luke and Ethel (Burkholder) Oberholtzer.

Living family members include his parents, of Alta Vista; four siblings, Kyle, Kendra, Keri and Karla Oberholtzer, all at home; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Martha Oberholtzer, of Leola, Penn.; maternal grandparents, Lloyd and Esther Burkholder, of Ephrata, Penn.; and maternal great grandfather, Paul Burkholder, of Ephrata, Penn.

Kindly omit flowers.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Published
11 April 2011

Paul Arthur Keenan

ALBANY, Ga. — Paul Arthur Keenan died on Monday, April 4, 2011, at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Ga.

He was born on Nov. 15, 1920, in Albany, son of P.A. and Martha (Mattie) Wilkerson Keenan. He graduated from Emory University in 1942. He served both in the enlisted forces and as an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II and returned to Emory to obtain a law degree. Paul met his future wife, Lucile Dennison Wells, in an early morning law school class. On July 7, 1948, he and Lucile married, and he welcomed her daughter Jere into the Keenan family.

He and G. Stuart Watson formed the Albany law firm Watson & Keenan in 1948. The declining health of his father later pulled him into the senior Keenan’s business affairs, and he left the law firm to head up Keenan Auto Parts, Co. and its affiliates, currently units of the CARQUEST organization.

Elected to the Dougherty County Commission in 1965, he served as its chairman for 16 years. Paul Keenan was elected Mayor of Albany in 1993 and re-elected two years later, so serving during the flood of 1994, the greatest natural disaster in Albany history.

He is survived by his wife, Lucile Dennison Keenan; daughter Jere Wells Keenan Brands and her husband Harold; sons William Paul Keenan, Alexander Stuart Keenan, and Dr. David Louis Keenan and his wife Kelly; grandchildren Ed, David and Peter Brands, John and Jean Keenan, Bill, Kyle, Caroline and Colleen Keenan; along with great-grandchildren Lucile Roze and Cyrus Paul Bransel.

Paul Keenan has donated his body to the Emory University School of Medicine. A memorial service will be held in Albany at a later date. Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home in Albany, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorials to: the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI – Albany, 2213 Chapman Rd. Albany, GA 31707; Albany Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1436, Albany, GA 31702; Darton College Foundation: Servant Leadership Program, 2400 Gillionville Rd., Albany, GA 31707.

Published
11 April 2011

Jeanette Schilling

Jeanette Schilling, 78, of Charles City, passed away Friday morning, April 8, 2011, with family at her side. She was under the impressive and tender care of the Floyd County Medical Center, along with North Iowa Hospice, for the past 10 days.

A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m., April 13, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City. Father Carl Ries will preside over the Mass. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8 in the evening on Tuesday, April 12. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. and a Vigil Scriptural Wake Service will follow at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning at the church. Jeanette Agnes Scheer was born in Fresenden, North Dakota, daughter of Elmer and Johanna (Jordan) Scheer. She grew up in Stacyville, where she met and later married “J.A.” Jean Anthony Schilling. They were married in June of 1952 at a U.S. Naval Base in Ventura, Calif., and would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this summer.

They raised their family of eight, largely in Charles City where Jeanette practiced as an LPN for nearly 30 years. She worked at various Chautauqua nursing homes and the Floyd County Hospital. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Teresa Circle.

Over the years, Jeanette’s amazing gardens adorned various streets in town and gardening was her favorite hobby. She enjoyed blackjack, bridge, traveling, country music and her girlfriends. She loved baking and cooking and is famous for her orange rolls. Above all, Jeanette adored her family and their gatherings. She was a lover of life and passed this on to all her children and their children.

She is survived by her husband, Jean Schilling and their eight children: Debra and Jon Rompf, Kathryn and Steve Block, both from California, Rebecca Schilling, of Iowa, Steven Schilling of Michigan, Laurie Schilling, of Minnesota, and Ann Brooks and Jennifer Schilling, both of Charles City; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Donald and Jean Scheer of Denver.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Kay Hatten; and a brother, Jerry Scheer.

She was loved dearly by all of her family and will remain with us in spirit always.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Published
11 April 2011

Robert D. Mark

OSAGE — Robert Duane Mark, 88, of Osage, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage where he was a long-time resident. The care and friendship he received from the staff and residents was indeed exceptional.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 14, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Pastor Paul Brown of the First Baptist Church officiating. Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery with Military Honors by Osage American Legion Post 278. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Residents’ Fund at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion- bucheitfuneralhome.com Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, (641) 732-3706, is in charge of arrangements.

Published
12 April 2011

William R. Astor

Patricia A. Stevens, 79, of Charles City, died Saturday, April 16, 2011, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

A funeral Mass for Patricia Stevens will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries and Monsignor Stanley Hayek will concelebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday where the Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Wednesday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Patricia Agnes Sullivan Stevens was born June 13, 1931, at Estherville, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Maloney) Sullivan. She graduated from Estherville High School. On Aug. 31, 1950, she was united in marriage to John “Jack” Stevens at Holy Family Catholic Church in Estherville. They moved to Charles City in 1958. Patricia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Saint Anthony Circle and Rosary Society. Patricia enjoyed playing bingo and cards. Family was very important to Patricia. She enjoyed the family gatherings and looked forward to spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters and great-granddaughter.

Living family members include her husband, John “Jack” Stevens, of Charles City; a daughter, Jackie Gade, of Waterloo; two granddaughters, Jennifer Gade and Teresa (Steve) Paulsen; a greatgranddaughter, Addison Caray Paulsen; and a sister, Margaret Mary Roberts, of Estherville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jerry Sullivan; and a sister, Catherine McIlwraith.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family atwww.hauserfh.com.

 

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Published
18 April 2011

Edwin W. Diesburg

Edwin W. Diesburg, 92, of Ionia, died Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Cedar Health Care Facility in Charles City.

Mass of Christian burial for Edwin will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia with Fr. Mark Osterhaus celebrating. Burial will be in St. Boniface Cemetery at Ionia.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at Ionia Funeral Home in Ionia with a 4 p.m. rosary and 7 p.m. scriptural wake service, and will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the services on Wednesday. Online condolences for Eddie’s family may be left at www.conway-kolbetfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Edwin William Diesburg “Eddie” was born Sept. 19, 1918, in Ionia, the son of Theodore and Susan (Klassen) Diesburg. He attended St. Boniface School in Ionia. As a young man, he worked for area farmers and gave his earnings to his parents to support the family after the Great Depression. Eddie served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941-45 in the Japanese Theatre. On May 23, 1943, he was united in marriage to Avis Spurbeck at St. Boniface Catholic Church. After Eddie’s honorable discharge from the Army in 1945, the couple moved to Ionia where he started his tank wagon and service business known as Diesburg Oil Co. Eddie was strongly associated with the Catholic Church, especially St. Boniface where he was an altar boy and carried bricks for the construction of the new church. He maintained a strong faith in God. His enjoyment came from his family, especially during holidays and summer vacation in Minnesota at Twin Lakes.

Eddie is survived by two daughters, Donna (Hut) Vass, of Staunton, Va., and Marilyn (Joe) Rochford, of Charles City; two sons, Daniel (Rhea) Diesburg, of Charlotte, N.C., and Kenneth (Lynn) Diesburg, of De Soto, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one brother, A.J. (Wishy) Diesburg, of Ionia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Avis on Aug. 31, 1997; one daughter, Patricia Diesburg; two brothers, Cletus and Roy Diesburg and three sisters, Magdeline Eernisse, Kadie Brown and Edith Adler.

 

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Published
19 April 2011

Donna E. White

Donna E. White, 85, of Charles City, died Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Cedar Health in Charles City.

A funeral Mass for Donna White will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Church Social Hall, where the Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. and a Vigil Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue after 1:30 p.m. at the church on Wednesday.

Donna Elizabeth Ward was born Dec. 18, 1925, in Wesley, the daughter of William and Tracy (Goetz) Ward. On Jan. 8, 1947, she was united in marriage to Gilman White in Charles City. Donna was a registered nurse and the school’s head nurse for many years. She volunteered all around town. Donna received an award from the Governor of Iowa for volunteering at nursing homes and received 30 year recognition from the Chautauqua Homes for calling BINGO. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, BPW and PTA. Her interests included knitting and gardening, especially roses, she was known as the Rose Lady. Donna was a wonderful caregiver, who loved people.

Living family members include her husband, Gilman White of Charles City; two children, Steve White of Charles City and Janice (Steve) Barnett of Phoenix, Ariz.; two grandchildren, Michelle (Chris) Lewis of St. Louis Park, Minn., and Matthew Wolfe of Phoenix, Ariz.; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Emily Lewis; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Gerald and DuWayne White; two brothers, William and Faye Ward; and one sister, Iva Mae Smith.

Memorials may be directed to Arthritis Research.

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

 

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Published
19 April 2011

James ‘Jim’ C. Koehler

James “Jim” C. Koehler, 70, of Nashua, died Saturday, April 16, 2011, at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, April 20, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua with Pastor James Mann officiating.

Interment will be in Beckwith Cemetery, rural Colwell, with Clyde Clark, Steve Deutsch, Rick Deutsch, Allen Deutsch, Herb Decker, and Harry Koehler serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Steve Hildebrand, David Lutz and Art Saiz, Jr. Military Honors will be conducted by Nashua VFW Post 6729.

Friends may greet the family from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, Nashua. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

James Charles Koehler was born April 23, 1940, in Orchard, the son of Les and Idell (Moore) Koehler. He attended school in Rockford, graduating in 1958. On Dec. 11, 1966, he was united in marriage to Marie Lutz at the United Church of Christ in Colwell. To this union, two children were born. James worked for Salisbury’s for 11 years in Charles City. He worked a number of odd jobs, driving truck and working for farmers. He enjoyed fishing, dancing and eating his peanut butter sandwiches.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Marie; a daughter, Pam (Steve) Hildebrand, of Mason City; a brother, Harry (Janet) Koehler, of Waterloo; two brothers-in-law, David Lutz. of Charles City and Harland Lutz. of Cedar Falls; two sisters-in-law, Beverly Schmitt. of Hampton. and Betty Jean Bruening. of Waucoma; and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy, James Jr.; two brother, Billy Koehler and one in infancy; one sister, Lois Saiz. www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

 

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Published
19 April 2011

Becky J. Reams

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City for Becky J. Reams, 59, of Charles City, who died Monday morning, April 18, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

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Published
19 April 2011

Wilbur Landers

GREENE — Wilbur Landers, 95, of Greene, died Monday, April 18, 2011, at the Liebe Care Center in Greene. Arrangements are incomplete at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, Greene, (641) 823-4457, www.reidsfuneral.com.

 

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Published
20 April 2011

Douglas Mc Donald

Douglas Mc Donald, 43, of Alden, and formerly of Charles City, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services for Douglas Mc Donald will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Bethel Baptist Church, 1206 Cedar St., Iowa Falls, with Pastor Steve Hill officiating. A time of visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at the Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls. Burial will be at the Northlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

Memorial may be directed to the family c/o his wife: Kristy Mc Donald, P.O. Box 245, Alden, IA, 50006. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Douglas Dean Mc Donald was born Feb. 13, 1968, at Charles City, the son of Roger Dale and Sharon Kay (Baldwin) Mc Donald. He attended the Charles City Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1986. He joined the United States Air Force on Oct. 1, 1986, serving as a Communication Computer Systems Operator until Jan. 31, 1989. On July 21, 1990, Doug was united in marriage to Kristina Ann Kiroff at Iowa Falls. To this union two children were born: Shelly and Sami. Doug was an operations manager for Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls. He attended the Bethel Baptist Church, Iowa Falls.

Doug Mc Donald is survived by his wife: Kristy Mc Donald, of Alden; his children, Shelly (Chris) Warnecke, of Iowa Fall,s and Sami Mc Donald, of Alden; his granddaughter, Elizabeth Warnecke, of Iowa Falls; parents Sharon and Roger Mc Donald, of Mason City; his brothers: Darrell (Cecelia) McDonald, of Des Moines, Jason (Suzanne) Mc Donald of Charles City, Christian (Karen) Mc Donald, of Nashua; his maternal grandmother, Donna Baldwin, of Charles City; his paternal grandfather, Chester Mc Donald, of Charles City; his mother and father- in-law, Sharon and James Kiroff, of Iowa Falls; a brother-in-law, Adam Kiroff; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Darrell Baldwin; and his paternal grandmother, Laura Mc Donald.

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ST. ANSGAR — Allen G. Koethke, 79, of St. Ansgar, died on Saturday, April 16, 2011.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, with Rev. Barbara Finley-Shea officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery, Toeterville.

Allen George Koethke was born on Jan. 5, 1932, the son of Elmer and Lydia (Schroeder) Koethke. Baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, he attended church there all his life serving as a deacon and on cemetery committee.

Allen attended Drown Country School through eighth grade and graduated from St. Ansgar High School. He was active in FFA, 4-H and rural youth group.

Allen lived on the family century farm most of his life. He was a grain and livestock farmer, raising Guernsey cows and hogs. On July 19, 1981, he married Karen (Newton) Bruggeman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lydia Koethke; a sister, Viola Holstad and a brother, Glen Koethke.

Allen is survived by his wife, Karen Koethke, of St. Ansgar; two stepchildren, Jim Bruggeman, of Clear Lake, and Robin (Doug) Bless, of Toeterville; five grandchildren: Amanda (Cory) Ransom, Samantha Bruggeman, Jonathon and Lizzie (Fusilier) Bless, Jacob and Jesse Bless; two great-grandchildren Dayne and Ruby Rose Ransom; two nieces Vicki Suhl, of Worcester, Mass., and Nancy (Scott) Anderson, of Hartsel, Colo.; a rother-in-law, Arnold Holstad, of Mason City; and a sister-in-law, Noreen Fink, of Osage.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, (641) 713-4920, is in charge of arrangements.

 

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Published
20 April 2011

WATERLOO — George W. Paul, 95, of Waterloo, died Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at Allen Memorial Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Locke Funeral Home in Waterloo, with burial at 2 p.m. Monday at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

Visitation will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday at Locke Funeral Home, where there will be a 6:30 p.m. Masonic Service by Waterloo Lodge No. 105 A.F. & A.M.

He was born April 3, 1916 in Alpha, the son of Oscar and Mayme Selig Paul. George graduated from Charles City High School in 1934; he attended University of Iowa College of Medicine studying in the X-ray program. He married Hallene A. Hoskins Sept. 7, 1940 in Clarinda. She died Jan. 4, 2000.

George worked for Fischer Manufacturing, Hart-Parr Tractor Manufacturing, and as an X-ray technician for Dr. Kestel and for John Deere Medical Department. He worked for Picker Corporation as an x-ray equipment salesman 41 years retiring in 1981.

George has been a member of Waterloo Masonic Lodge No. 105 A.F. & A.M since 1943, Iowa Consistory since 1950 and a member of El Kahir Shrine Temple since 1951. He helped to organize the Oriental Band and was a member for seven years and director for one year. He was a Shrine delegate to the Imperial in 1962, El Kahir ambassador in 1961, Organized El Kahir Cycle Patrol in 1961 and was Captain for six years, a Potentates Aide 1968 and 1969. He was a member of El Mecca Board of Trustees, president of El Mecca Shrine Club in 1966, organized the Potentates Escort in 1967, president of Central States Shrine Motor Corps in 1971, 50 year member of Waterloo Elks Lodge No. 290; 50-year member of member of U.C.T.; and a member of Royal Order of Jesters since 1994.

George is survived by a brother Robert J. Paul, of Burlington; a niece, Jean Semelhach, of Charles City; and longtime friend Mary Runyan, of Cedar Falls.

He is preceded in death by his wife, two sisters: Marian Paul and Erla Wiedeman, and a brother Gordon Paul.

Memorials may be made to the El-Kahir Shrine Transportation Fund. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralHome.com.

The Locke Funeral Home in Waterloo, (319) 233-6138 is in charge of the arrangements.

 

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Published
22 April 2011