No new obituaries published on line on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 February 2012

Armella “Mellie” Knapp, 72, of 1117 Walnut Ave., Charles City, died Saturday Feb. 4, 2012 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
 

Per her wishes she will be cremated with private family services at a later date.
 

Mellie was born on April 11, 1939 at Osage the daughter of Claude and Velma Willsher. She was married to Carl Knapp on Nov. 3, 1956, in Charles City. Mellie’s life revolved around farming with her husband Carl and raising their three children.
 

Mellie is survived by her husband of 55 years Carl, daughters Cindi (Dennis) Shanks, Deb (Mike Pappas) Smith, and son Chuck (Deanne) Knapp; along with nine grandchildren.
 

Her parents, one grandchild, and one great-grandchild preceded her in death.
 

Condolences may be sent to the family at 117 Walnut Ave., Charles City, IA 50616. In lieu of flowers, memorial monies sent to the family will be given for Alzheimer’s research.
 

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

GREENE — Funeral services for Janet L. Schipper, 73, of Greene will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor John Hanna officiating. Private burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.
 

Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m on Sunday, Feb. 5, at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. with a scripture service at 2:30 p.m.
 

Janet LaVonne Maxwell was born on Feb. 20, 1938, in Coldwater Township, Butler County, a daughter of Galen and Edna (Merfeld) Maxwell and died Thursday, Feb. 2, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Janet Schipper Memorial Fund 502 N. Fifth St. Greene, IA 50636.
 

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

Kenneth William Farrell

NEW HAMPTON — Kenneth William Farrell, 66, of New Hampton, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at the Country View Care Center in Waterloo, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Holy Family Parish – St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev.

Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed on the casket by his daughters and son-in-law, Todd Suhr. Son-in-law James Neuzil will be the lector. His 10 grandchildren will present the offertory gifts.
 

Interment will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery with John Farrell, Jerry Farrell, Jim Howe, Jim Trainor, Al Hejna and Todd Suhr serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Whalen, Richard Briggs, Larry Braniff, Kevin Sutton, Jim Farrell, Steve Farrell and his grandchildren.
 

Friends may greet the family from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Online condolences for Kenny’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.  Kenneth William Farrell was born Oct. 9, 1945, in Charles City, the son of Joseph and Maxine (Marker) Farrell. He grew up in North Washington and attended St. Mary’s Grade School in North Washington through the eighth grade. The Farrell family moved to Charles City where Kenneth finished his education and was a graduate of the Charles City High School Class of 1963. On March 20, 1965, he married Julaine Howe. The couple was blessed with five daughters. Kenneth and Julaine made New Hampton their home where they raised their family. Kenneth began working at John Deere in Waterloo in 1966 and retired after 32 years in 1998.
 

Kenny’s interests include working on cars, snowmobiling and his passion for stock car racing. Over the years he had numerous wins and track championships. His car number was 78 and he was a legend in the local racing circuit for more than 35 years. He also enjoyed driving the support vehicle for all his daughters on RAGBRAI. His wife, Julaine died on Dec. 11, 2010, at the age of 62.
 

Survivors include five daughters; Shelly (Todd) Suhr, of New Hampton, Karri Simpson, of Cedar Rapids, Penney (James) Neuzil, of Ft. Atkinson, Robyn (Tony) Crawford, of New Hampton, Kelley Farrell, of Cedar Rapids; 10 grandchildren, Dylan Suhr, Levi Suhr, Nolan Hromidko, Brock Hromidko, Rylee Simpson, Paige Nelson, Curtis Nelson, Taylor Neuzil, Ashlee Crawford and Caycee Crawford; his mother, Maxine Farrell, of Charles City; two brothers, John Farrell, of Charles City, Jerry (Sherry) Farrell, of Hudson; two nephews, Jim (Brandi) Farrell, of Johnstown, Colo., Steve Farrell, of Goose Lake; his mother-in-law, Bernadine Howe, of Rockford, two brothers-in-law, Dennis (Diane) Howe, of Mason City, James (Rhonda) Howe, of Rockford; three sisters-in-law, Janelle (Dana) Larson, of Rudd, Diane Howe, of Rockford, Kathy (Bryan) Hobbs, of Rudd.
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, his father and one nephew, Rodney Farrell.

Gregory Merfeld, 51, of Agoura Hills, Calif., and formerly of Nashua, died Jan. 22, 2012, in California of complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
 

Living family members include his wife, Sheri; children Trent and Amanda; his parents Maurice “Mick” and Sharon Merfeld, of Nashua; a brother, Tim (Carrie) of Oakland, Calif.; and a sister, Suzan (Keith) Turner, of Rockford.

Patricia Ann (Togersen) Ellis
 

Patricia Ann (Togersen) Ellis, 66, of Bonner Springs, Kan., passed away Jan. 29, 2012, due to complications from heart surgery at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. She chose to donate her body and organs to science and, at her request, no services were held.

Pat was born on Feb 17, 1945, in Virginia, Minn. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1963 and lived in rural Floyd County until 1985, then in Allamakee County until 1996. She then moved to Wyandotte County, Kan., where she was employed by the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools as the Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. Pat spent much of her free time quilting and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elvin Togersen, of Mason City.
 

Living family members include her children: Tami (William) Vetter, of Charles City, Travis (Karin) Ellis, of Blue Springs, Mo., Elissa (Darrell) Keiser, of Grandview, Mo., and Dr. Jessica Ellis, M.D., of Davenport; a brother, Gary Togersen, of San Jose, Calif.; her mother Burnette Togersen, of Tucson, Ariz.; and four grandchildren: Sara, Zachary and Mason Ellis, and Gabrielle Stanley, all of Missouri.

Cards and memorial contributions can be sent to Tami Vetter, 1730 March Ave., Charles City, IA, 50616. Memorial contributions will be donated to the KSCPS library for books.

Donald J. Quint

Donald J. Quint, 86, of Iowa City, died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, at Mercy Hospice in Iowa City.

Following services on Feb. 6, burial took place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Hospice of Iowa City.
 

Don was born on April 22, 1925, in Worthington, the son of Nick and Frances (Warburg) Quint. He was raised on the family farm in Worthington and later moved to Winthrop, where the family continued to farm.
 

On Sept. 16, 1947, Don married Donna Fry in Lamont, where the couple lived for a short period of time until moving back to Winthrop, and later moving to Iowa City in 1971. Don worked for the Iowa City Community School District and The University of Iowa where he retired from in 1987.
 

In his free time, Don loved woodworking, attending the Old Threshers Reunions and spending time with his family. He lived his life “one day at a time” for 42 years.
 

Survivors include his wife Donna, of Iowa City; five children: son Gary (Melinda) Quint, of Charles City, daughter Connie Ward Berends (Donald), of Coralville, son Michael Quint (Roger), of Dallas Center, daughter Cindy Slutts (Kevin), of Iowa City, and daughter Mary Lovetinsky, of Iowa City; a sister, Margaret Mangrich, of Winthrop; sisters-in-law Joan Quint, of Independence, and Alice Quint, of Marshalltown; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
 

Don was preceded in death by his parents; a step-father, Carl Quint; two brothers, Nick Quint and Howard Quint; two sisters: Dorothy Soppe and Marie Quint; and a son-in-law, Bill Ward.

Eula Mehmen

GREENE — Eula Mehmen, 86, of Greene, died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Arrangements are incomplete at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, Greene, (641) 823-4457.

Sylvia Steinberg

Sylvia Steinberg, 94, of Charles City, died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at Floyd County Medical Center, Charles City. Graveside services will be held at Beckwith Cemetery on Friday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City is in charge of arrangements.
 

Sylvia Bertha Fenneman Steinberg was born Dec. 21, 1917, the daughter of Herman and Rosa (Wedeking) Fenneman in rural Butler County. She attended rural country schools near Clarksville. On May 16, 1940, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles City, she was united in marriage to Louis Steinberg. To this union, five children were born. Sylvia enjoyed going to auctions, gardening flowers and vegetables, and crocheting.
 

Living family members include three daughters, Evelyn Fisher, of Nashua, JoAnn (Charles) Tobin, of Floyd, Bernita (David) Koestner, of Webster City; a son, Bernard (Deb) Steinberg, of Charles City; six grandchildren, Jon Fisher, Randy Fisher, Mike Tobin, Ed Tobin, Talena Mayfield, Jamie Steinberg; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1977; a son, Donald Steinberg; a brother, Herbert Fenneman; and two sisters, Fern Kreger and Hazel Becker. Online condolences may be left at www.hauserfh.com.

GREENE — Funeral services for Eula Mae Mehmen will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene with Rev. Msgr. Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery, Greene.
 

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene with a 7 p.m. Scriptural Wake and Rosary conducted by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday one hour before services.
 

Eula Mae (Kramer) Mehmen was born March 28, 1925, in rural Marble Rock, Floyd County, the daughter of Matt and Lola (Heinz) Kramer, and died Feb. 8 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. She was baptized at St. Mary’s in Roseville. At the age of three, her family moved to the present farm east of Greene where she has lived her entire life. She attended grade school at Dayton No.2 and Sacred Heart Academy in Greene. She graduated from Greene High School in 1943. She worked for Maurice Jones at the Iowa Recorder (Greene Recorder). She was later employed for Helen Swartzrock at the Corner Dress Shop and for Schwab & Peet at the Drug Store in Greene. She was united in marriage to Jake Mehmen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene on April 22, 1946. To this union were born two daughters, Jolene and Diane. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially those time they spent at the farm. She will always be remembered for her homemade noodles and chicken noodle soup. She enjoyed mowing lawn, gardening and working with flowers. She also enjoyed several bus trips they took during the winter months.
 

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene, St. Catherine’s Circle and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

She is survived by her husband, Jake, of 65 years; two daughters: Jolene (Dennis) Edwards, of Greene, and Diane (Michael) Grant, of Mason City; four granddaughters: Kristin (Shahram) Malek, of Maple Grove, Minn., Julie (Jamie) Lubbert, of Canton, Mo., Jenna (Doug) Akers, of Des Moines, and Jessica (Andy) Rye, of Mason City; nine great-grandchildren: Noah Hagemeister, Reed Schneider, Luke Schneider, Collin Lubbert, Taylor Lubbert, Jason Rye, Aspen Rye, Mason Akers and Kayla Akers, and nieces and nephews.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and Lola Kramer; her sister, Irene Stuntz; and brother-in-law, James Stuntz.
 

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Eula Mehmen Memorial Fund in care of the family.
 

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

No new obituaries published on line on 11, 12 February 2012

Henrietta M. Shuler, 93, of Charles City, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at Cedar Health in Charles City.
 

Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Rudd.
 

Henrietta Maxine Hinders Shuler was born April 24, 1918, in Greene, the daughter of Henry and Jenny (Busma) Hinders. She grew up in rural Butler County, and graduated from Greene High School. On Feb. 15, 1941, in Dubuque, she was united in marriage to Raymond C. Shuler. She taught rural country school in Butler and Floyd Counties before her marriage and also while Ray was serving in the war. The couple had three children. She was very active in the Rudd United Methodist Church and served as a Lay Minister. Henrietta enjoyed growing vegetables in her garden, visiting with friends and family, and traveling on many bus tours throughout the United States.
 

Surviving family members include three children, Joan (Keith) Conroy, of Jefferson, Raymond (Mickey) Shuler, of Rudd, Virginia (Gary) Warner, of Denver; eight grandchildren, Sue (Bert) McDaniel, of Eldon, Diane (Jeb Ball) Conroy, of Jefferson, Heather (Paul) Chambers, of Charles City, Jennifer (Cory) French, of Rochester Hills, Mich., Jon (Angela) Conroy, of Des Moines, Carrie (Scott) Gleason, of Denver, Jeremy (Gretchen) Shuler, of Mineral Point, Wis., Brett (Andrea) Warner, of Borger, Texas; and 12 great grandchildren.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and seven brothers and sisters, Clarence Hinders, Forest Hinders, Ann Groniga, Genevieve Tiemens, Berniece Stewart, John Hinders, and one sibling in infancy.

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

Norma J. Thomas, 86, of Charles City, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at Cedar Health in Charles City.
 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb.14, at 10:30 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 705 Third Ave., Charles City, with Pastor Jane Keel officiating. Burial will be at Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City. Visitation will be on Monday, Feb. 13, from 4-7 p.m. at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City and one hour prior to services at the church.
 

Norma was born Oct. 18, 1925, in Plainfield.
 

She married William Thomas on Nov. 26, 1976. She spent most of her adult life living in Charles City where she worked for Comprehensive Systems before retiring in 1981. Much of her time was spent working with Foster Grandparents where she served for more than 20 years receiving numerous awards. She spent her last few years at Cedar Health where she continued serving in a number of capacities.
 

Norma was preceded in death by her husband William in 2008 along with her parents.

Norma is survived by her two children: Dan “Samlee” (Dim) Monroe, of Fortworth, Texas, and Nancy (Dennis) Schriever, of Marble Rock; brother, Lee (Betty) Bauman, of Medinah, Ill.; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
 

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Iowa Hospice.
 

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

Florence A. “Grannie” Roberts 95, formerly of Cedar Terrace South, Charles City, died Friday morning, Feb. 10, 2012, at Cedar Health.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, at Immaculate Conception Catholic church, 106 Chapel Lane, Charles City. Officiating will be Sister Diana Blong. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and again one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. A rosary was held on Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Florence Anna was born to William and Frances Grube in Elma.She was one of five children. She graduated with the class of 1934 from Immaculate Catholic School. After graduation she moved to the Chicago area and was employed as a nanny for five years. During the war she was employed in a factory manufacturing gas masks for the Army. During that time she met and fell in love with her future husband. They met at dances at the USO club, and shortly before he was sent overseas to serve his country in the Army she was united in marriage to Clifford Roberts on May 30, 1942 in Chicago. While he was overseas she worked for Bell Telephone Company as an operator. Following Cliff’s return in 1945 they remained in Chicago, moving back to Charles City in 1946. During their early years she remained at home to raise her five children and then worked for Ray’s Pizza Factory. All during her life she loved crafting, especially ceramics. She also planted her flower and vegetable gardens and was known for her bread pudding and pumpkin bars. On Friday nights she and Cliff were found spending time playing cards on a rotating schedule at different friend’s homes. The family loved to camp, go to the VFW for dances, visit upper Michigan to visit relatives and spend time in the winter in Texas near their daughter. Grannie did lots of volunteer work, including helping with bingo at the 9th Street Chautauqua home, helping with funeral dinners at Immaculate Conception Church, was a member of St. Francis Circle, which was started by her mother, and participating in the Fountain of Youth Craft workers at the Senior Center. In her spare time she read Western Novels and played with her favorite Yorkshire dog, B.B.

Those surviving Florence include her three children: Diane Garrett, of Charles City, Duane and wife Jeannie Roberts, of Garner, and Debra and husband Frank Fouts, of Clovis, N.M.; 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Her parents, husband Clifford on July 28, 1978, Son Dale and Daughter Darlene Brand, three grandchildren Troy Kielty, Travis Dana, and Tara Roberts, two sisters Hazel Galant, Marcella Boynton, and two brothers John Paul and Ralph Grube preceded her in death. Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, (641) 228-4211, www.fullertonfh.com is in charge of the arrangements.

Virgil A. Leaman, 75, of Charles City, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at Floyd County Medical Center.
 

Funeral services for Virgil Leaman will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City with Pastor Jim Beranek of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at the funeral home an hour prior to the service.

Virgil A. Leaman was born Sept. 7, 1936, at Charles City, the youngest of seven children to Earle and Luella (Hoger) Leaman. Virgil graduated from Charles City High School in 1954. He lived his entire life in Charles City. In October of 1955, he was united in marriage to Dolores Marrs. To this union a son, Victor, was born. The couple later divorced. Virgil worked various jobs over the years. He worked as a salesman for Bankers Life Insurance Company, at Salsbury Laboratories, and for 14 years after retirement delivered chick’s for Hoover’s Hatchery. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and bird watching. He restored several General Motors cars for which he enjoyed taking to car shows with Vic and his grandsons. Virgil’s prize car was his 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport. He loved cheering on his Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings.
 

Living family members include his fiancée, Delores Haberkorn, of Charles City; his son, Victor “Vic” A. (Pam) Leaman, of Omaha, Neb.; two grandsons, Daniel A. (Rebecca) Leaman, Derick A. Leaman, all of Omaha, Neb.; a sister, June Wentworth, of Carefree, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Vincent A. Leaman; four brothers, Carlyle, twins Richard and Robert, Dale Leaman; and a sister, Allene Corbin.
 

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

John Lair, 71, of Charles City, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, suddenly in his home.

Funeral services for John Lair will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens rural Charles City.

Friends may call Wednesday at Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. and at the church an hour prior to the service.
 

John Plummer Lair was born March 12, 1940, in Mason City, the youngest child of Virgil and Berdell (Sampson) Lair. He grew up on the family farm and attended school at Rock Falls until 10th grade. He then attended Charles City High School, graduating in 1958. He was employed at White Farm for 26 years. In 1963, he served in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1965. On Feb. 14, 1970 in Blooming Prairie, Minn., he was united in marriage to Cheryl Crandall. To this union, four children were born. In 1985, he began working for the United States Post Office. His job took him to Perry in 1989, where he worked as a rural mail carrier. Shortly after retirement in 2004, John and Cheryl returned to Charles City. He had a large collection of toy tractors, beer signs and marbles. He didn’t miss many sales and auctions in the area, and would even travel to neighboring states to find a good deal. He looked forward to coffee with his friends at Hy-Vee and playing cards. He took his dream trip to Alaska with Cheryl in 2011. He loved his grandchildren and will be deeply missed.
 

Living family members include his wife Cheryl; four children, Kelli (Tom) Judisch, of Sumner, Dean Lair, of Charles City, Jennifer (Brock) Granzow, of West Des Moines, and Katie Lair, of Charles City; 10 grandchildren, Kason, Cael, Cameryn, Karly, Jordyn, Ryeleigh, Wesley, Levi, Sara, and Layla; a brother, Fred (Janet) Lair, of Grove, Okla.; a sister, Patty (Fred) Jones, of Bloomington, Minn.; and his mother-in-law, Wilma Crandall, of Charles City.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Virginia Grouette and Mary Ann Warnke.
 

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

Robert C. (Bob) Mapes, 93, lifetime resident of Charles City, died Sunday Feb. 12, 2012, at Cedar Health Care Facility of Charles City. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday Feb. 16, at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City. Officiating will be Dave Byrd Chaplin of Iowa Hospice. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday at the Fullerton Hage Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery, Floyd.
 

Bob was born on Oct. 12, 1918, to Charles L. Mapes and Ada P. Uhe. He received his education a Lincoln school in Charles City and graduated from Charles City High School in 1936. Sometime after high school he traveled with a rodeo that was run by a man by the name of William Bushbomb. Bob really enjoyed this because he had a love for horses especially quarter horses. Throughout his life he had many jobs. In Minnesota he worked for Northern Pomp Co., and in Charles City he worked for both Charles City Granite Works and the Oliver Tractor plant. His favorite work was his love of farming.
 

After the tornado in 1968, Bob helped reseed a baseball diamond at Wildwood Park in Charles City. The Parks Dept. honored him by engraving “Mapes Field” on a wooden sign that is attached to a post that stands next to the park. He also helped rebuild the town in many other ways when he got a job with Allied Redimix. Helping the community was how he felt that he could give back to a place he loved and called home.
 

After Bob retired from farming, he continued to work at the jobs he could do that included driving for Charles City Taxi, lawn care, snow removal and cutting trees down with a saw blade attached to his skid loader. It was important to Bob he keep busy because he could not handle just sitting around doing nothing.
 

On June 29, 1958 Robert was united in marriage to Shirley C. Kirschman Davis and they had a daughter Julie Pauline born Dec. 19, 1960. When Bob wasn’t working he could be found sitting in his comfortable chair watching a sports game such as football and basketball or working with his hobbies including woodworking, welding and gardening. His love above all things was spending time with family and having coffee with his friends at Hy-Vee and McDonalds.

Robert is survived by two daughters, Susan (Davis) Mrs. Gary Ketelsen, of Davenport, and Julie McClintock, of Charles City; one sister, Margjoie Groth, of Charles City; one granddaughter, Sarah Greenwalt, of Davenport, and one grandson, Willis Robert Harris, also of Davenport; two nephews Pastor Charles Groth in Kentucky and Pastor Terrance Groth in Missouri.
 

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Shirley; his parents; one brother, Roger; one grandson, Michael; a niece and one nephew.
 

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the American Cancer Society.
 

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

Keith E. Kock

MASON CITY — Keith E. Kock, 50, of 2010 S. Jefferson Ave, Mason City, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center-Mason City.
 

Funeral services tentatively are set for 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. SE, Mason City. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Interment will follow services in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.
 

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Keith Kock memorial fund.

 Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com The Fullerton Funeral Home in Mason City, (641) 423-8676, is in charge of the arrangements.

CEDAR FALLS — Janice Marie Menning, 61, of Cedar Falls and formerly of Charles City, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at her home.
 

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls, with burial at Fairview Cemetery in Denver, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, and one hour before service at the church.
 

She was born April 20, 1950, in Waterloo, the daughter of Robert and Florence (Kemmerick) Gerk. Janice married Richard Menning in April of 1983 in Waterloo and they later divorced. She was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Charles City and earned her BSN degree from Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. Janice was a nurse until her retirement in 1983. She was a volunteer at both the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Birth Right. Janice was a loving and dedicated mother and enjoyed spending time with her girls. She enjoyed celebrating the holidays and baking.

Survivors include her five daughters: Missy (Russ Powers) Menning, of Estherville, Katie Menning, of Denver, Lisa Menning and Renee Menning, both of Cedar Falls, and Jill Menning, of Iowa City; her mother, Florence Gerk, of Charles City; a brother, Dave (Cindy) Gerk, of Greeley, Colo.; three sisters: Linda (Chuck) Refer, of Victor, Connie (Dan) Conrad, of Cedar Falls, and Lisa (Karry) Thersen, of Charles City; a brother-in-law, Steve Krokowski, of San Antonio, Texas, and her best friend, Kelly Kirchoff, of Denver.

Janice was preceded in death by her father; a sister, Carol Krokowski; and her mother and father-in-law, Helen and Don Menning.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established at a later date. Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.

The Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, 1825 W. 12th St., Cedar Falls, (319) 266-7525, is in charge of the arrangements.

MASON CITY — Keith E. Kock, 50, of 2010 S. Jefferson Ave, Mason City, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center-Mason City.

Funeral services tentatively are set for 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. SE, Mason City. Officiating will be Pastor Jason Boyd of Faith Bible Church, Charles City. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow services in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Keith Kock memorial fund. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com

Keith Edwin was born at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington D.C., the son of Alfred “Jack” and Jennet Kock. He graduated with the class of 1981 at the Greene High School. He attended NIACC in Mason City and then Devry University. He then returned to North Iowa and worked for Alexander’s technical department until its closing, Minnesota Rubber in the maintenance department, AMPI and was currently employed with Cargill. Keith was an avid hunter of pheasants and deer, and fished many of the streams, ponds and lakes around north Iowa. He was known as a giving and caring person and loved being in social situations with his family and friends. Never a person to say no he would travel anywhere to help someone, always refusing pay or gifts for his work. Keith was excellent with computers and would often have the latest models and repaired his old ones. One of his hobbies was playing computer games against players all over the world. The last several years were spent with his best friend and fiancée Kim Swanson. They attended concerts, enjoyed movies and dinner and would often be found at the Surf Ball Room in Clear Lake.
 

Those surviving Keith are his mother, Jennet Kock, of Charles City; fiancée Kim Swanson, of Mason City; sister Charlene and husband John Sorbo, of Holmen, Wis.; two brothers, Daniel and his wife Becky Kock, of Algonquin, Ill., and Kurt Kock, of Charles City; nieces and nephews Jamie Miller, Jennifer, Jonna and Jacqueline Sorbo, Lindsay and Tyler Kock; grand nieces Kalista and Gabriel Miller; and his current favorite Maltese-poo dog, Boo.
 

His father in June 2000, grandparents and his other favorite dog Ben preceded Keith in death.

Fullerton Funeral Home in Mason City, (641) 423-8676, www.Fullertonfh.com is in charge of the arrangements.

Ann Francis Fisher, 87, of Nashua, died Monday evening, Feb. 13, 2012, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.
 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nashua with Rev. Carl Ries celebrating the Mass. Private family interment will be held at a later date in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Nashua.
 

Friends may greet the family from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb.17, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Nashua where there will be a 3 p.m. Rosary. Visitation continues from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences for Ann's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome. com Ann Francis Fisher was born Sept. 3, 1924, in Greene, the daughter of Joseph B. and Edith C. (Levine) Korinke. She received her education at St. Mary’s School in Greene. Ann left school early and worked for 25 cents a day in order to help with family expenses. She also lived in Rockford, Ill., as a young girl working at a chemical company.
 

On Oct. 7, 1945, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert Gerald Fisher. The couple were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua and the wedding was blessed by Father Flynn. To this union four children were born. The couple made Nashua their home where they raised their family. Ann cleaned, wallpapered and painted many homes in the Nashua area. She also made and decorated wedding cakes. In her free time she loved to play cards, go dancing, cooking and spending time with family. She was a long-time member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Bernadette Circle and the Nashua Senior Citizens. She will be forever missed and dearly loved by her family and friends.
 

Survivors include two daughters, Karen (Larry) Leach, of Pueblo, Colo., and Bobbi Rowe (George Dressing), of Nashua; two sons, Kent (Sandi) Fisher and Mike Fisher (Jessica Lester), all of Nashua; one sister, Shirley (George) Anderson, of Spokane, Wash.; seven grandchildren: Robin, Nikki, Kim, Jessica, Stacy, Molly and Brock; and 13 great-grandchildren.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Kay Shirley; sons-in-law, Robert Buchholz and Gary Rowe; five brothers, Bob, Jim, Jack, Joe and Don Korinke; and one sister, Mary Gillette.

Marian Ayers, 81, of Charles City, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo.
 

Funeral services for Marian Ayers will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the church during the hour prior to the service.
 

Marian Janan Spurbeck Ayers was born Oct. 6, 1930, at Charles City, the daughter of Dale Carey and Myrtle (Hereid) Spurbeck. She graduated from Charles City High School in 1948 and in 1955 from Allen College of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. On Feb. 6, 1956, she was united in marriage to Dr. E.V. Ayers. Marian played a pivotal role in the formation of the nursing departments of the Chautauqua Guest Homes and served as chairman of the board for the Chautauqua Corporation prior to her death. She was a member of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Other memberships included the YMCA, Cedar Ridge Golf Course and Wildwood Women’s Golf Association. Marian was a Charles City Women’s Golf Champion and an excellent racquet ball player during her younger years. She also served on various boards. Marian was an avid follower of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and enjoyed golfing and playing sports. During the past several years, she volunteered at both 9th and 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Homes for resident events and especially at Riverside Senior Living where she visited daily and was involved in the lives of each and every tenant. Family was very important to Marian, especially her grandchildren. She taught them all to play cards and other board games and attended each and every activity they participated in.

Living family members include two sons, David (Susan) Ayers and John (Angie) Ayers, both of Charles City; a step daughter, Susan Jespersen, of Charles City; 11 grandchildren, Eric Ayers, Jessica (Philip) Hoy, Sarah (Chase) Meusel, Christopher Ayers, Jake Kiroff, Cody (Meghan) Kiroff, Abby Ayers, Olivia Ayers, Sean (Jenn) Jespersen, Scott (Jill) Jespersen and Megan Jespersen; six great-grandchildren, Maylee Hoy, Sloane and Jakob Jespersen and Christian, Norah and Elise Jespersen; and a brother, Wayne (Sarah) Spurbeck, of Waverly.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Dr. E.V. Ayers, in 1990.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.
 

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

Obituaries can also be found online at www.charlescitypress.com.

Ralph V. Thornton

Ralph V. Thornton, 87, of Charles City, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at his home.
 

There will be a Celebration of Life reception from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Charles City YMCA. Inurnment will be at a later date.
 

Ralph Vernon Thornton was born May 13, 1924, at Keokuk, the son of Nobel and Opha (Brown) Thornton. He graduated from Keokuk High School, Eastern Montana University and furthered his education at the University of North Dakota. Ralph proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II, serving aboard the USS Barataria AVP33 in the South Pacific. On Sept. 25, 1969, he was united in marriage to Judith Luchau. Ralph was a YMCA youth director in Keokuk from 1946-1953 and at Billings, Mont., from 1953-1960, executive director at Grand Forks, N.D., from 1960-69 and at Charles City from 1969 until his retirement in 1988. He then did part time work with the YMCA Foundation until he was unable because of poor health. Ralph was a member of the Noon Kiwanis, Floyd County Historical Society and Charles City Art Center. He was a collector of Coca Cola memorabilia. Ralph will always be remembered for his emphasis on fitness with running being of most importance.

Living family members include his wife, Judith Thornton, of Charles City; six children: Sandra Willier, of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Douglas (Sharon) Thornton, of Rock Hill, S.C., Jeff (Diane) Thornton, of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Scott Thornton, of Ft. Myers, Fla., Gail (Mike) Sullivan, of Grand Forks, N.D., and Gary Christianson, of Algona; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two nieces and two nephews.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Loren; and a sister, Betty Hornung.
 

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the Charles City YMCA Foundation, 800 Hulin St., Charles City, IA 50616.

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

Marlys Baldwin

Marlys Baldwin, 81, of Charles City, died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.
 

A funeral Mass for Marlys Baldwin will held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Church. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
 

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. on Monday where the Rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m.

Marlys Mary Carpenter Baldwin was born Feb. 19, 1930, in Chickasaw County, the daughter of Howard and Anna (Jenn) Carpenter. She graduated from North Washington School. On April 16, 1953, she was united in marriage to Willis Baldwin at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. Over the years Marlys worked at Eddie’s Mini Mart and in the Relief Office at the Floyd County Court House. Marlys was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She enjoyed bowling, roller skating in her early years, flowers, bird watching, socializing and traveling in retirement years. Marlys also volunteered as an election official. She also was an Oliverette for the Oliver Corporation.
 

Living family members include four children, Jeff (Diane) Baldwin, of Mason City, Becky Miller, of Minnetonka, Minn., Cathy (Kevin) Snow, of Rochester, Minn., and Mike Baldwin, of Lakeville, Minn.; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Lindsey) Baldwin, Stefanie and Steven Baldwin, Erin Mays, Callie and Ryan Miller, Kari Snow, and Sydney and Trevor Baldwin; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Jillian Mays and Raylin Miller; two brothers, Herb (Alice) Carpenter, of North Washington, and Jerome Carpenter, of Ionia; a sister, Bernice Flick, of Ionia; and many nieces and nephews.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on Nov. 28, 2006; a brother, Russell Carpenter and a sister, Eleanor Rosonke.
 

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

Gerald “Bud” Kingery, 82, of Charles City, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.
 

Funeral services for Bud Kingery will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Pastor Jim Beranek will officiate. Burial will be in Westside Cemetery at Marble Rock.
 

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Gerald William Kingery was born June 27, 1929, in Floyd County, the son of Donald and Charlotte (Barth) Kingery. In 1946 he graduated from the Marble Rock School. On May 27, 1949, he was united in marriage to Viola “Vi” Blum. They farmed south of Charles City until retiring in 1991 at which time they moved to Charles City. Over the years, however, Bud sold insurance for Farm Bureau and Security Underwriters, was an Archer Oil dealer and a salesman for Moews seed corn. Bud also produced seed corn for Fontanelle. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Methodist Men, Midis and served as an usher. His interests included golfing, bowling, dancing, fishing, woodworking, playing fast pitch softball and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Bud’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to him and he took every opportunity to share life’s experiences with them. Bud also shared his life in another way and that was by being a tissue donor through the Iowa Donor Network.
 

Living family members include his wife, Viola “Vi” Kingery, of Charles City; four children, Barb (Rich) Stewart, of Floyd, Judy (Dave) Kock, of Fort Atkinson, Kim (Doug) Bohlen, of Charles City and Kevin (Kim) Kingery, of Greene; eight grandchildren, Kasey Stewart, Brad (Ann) Cook, Brent (Nikki) Kock, Craig (Libbie) Kock, Brian (Kelli) Bohlen, Dan (Sheena) Bohlen, Erin (Justin) Jensen, and Heather (Jesse) Gifford; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Maynard (Lorraine) Kingery, of Charles City; and a sister, Fran Wahman, of Indianapolis,Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents; a great-granddaughter; and three brothers, Raymond, Leroy and Junior Kingery.
 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to charity of donor’s choice.
 

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

ROCKFORD — John J. Van Laere, 97, of 19 Fifth St. N.E., Rockford died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at the Rockwell Nursing Home, Rockwell.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday Feb. 21, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 805 E. Main Ave., Rockford. Rev. Judy Wooton and Rev.

Bob Scheurer will officiate. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
 

John was born on Aug. 1, 1914, in Lafayette, Ind., to Al and Louise (Newart) Van Laere. On Nov. 24, 1936, he married Alberta Grius. After his marriage the couple moved to Swaledale where John was a self employed carpenter. The family later moved to Rockford in 1951 where John continued his carpentry work. John enjoyed horses and at one time was a jockey. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. He retired in 1981 yet continued to make many wood projects for family and friends. Later in Life he met his special friend Dolores Muller, and for the last 20 years John and Dolores enjoyed traveling together and seeing family and friends.
 

John was an outgoing family man who was always thinking of his family telling others stories and sharing a joke. With his carpentry work he helped build a number of homes including some in Rockford. He made a number of baby beds, chairs, rockers and other projects for family members and friends. Many thought that he was a doctor of wood. He loved fishing and many would say that he had one hand on the fishing pole and the other on a minnow. He loved to dance and he continued going out to dance until the age of 95. He truly loved life to the fullest. His philosophy of life was to be fair and honest with all, along with seeing the goodness in other people.
 

John is survived by his son Jack (Sue) Van Laere; one daughter, Joann Moye; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren; along with his very special friend Dolores Muller.
 

Preceding John in death were his parents, three brothers, wife Alberta, one grandson, one great-granddaughter, one great-great-granddaughter and son in-laws Melvin Mohring and Wendell Moye.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fullertonfh.com.

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

MT. PLEASANT — Betty Healy, 67, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, at Park Place Long Term Care Unit in Mt. Pleasant.
 

According to Betty’s wishes, her body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Assembly of God Church, 109 W. South St., with Pastor Walt Graffam officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Assembly of God Church.
 

Online condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.
 

The daughter of Orlo and Marie Olga (Springer) Bigelow, Betty Marie was born on May 10, 1944 in Bassett. She graduated from New Hampton High School. She then attended the Cedar Fall College of Beauty in Cedar Falls. On Sept. 3, 1976, she married John Joseph Patrick Healy at the First United Methodist Church Chapel. He preceded her in death on Jan. 16, 1999.
 

Betty worked as a beautician for many years in Charles City. After moving to Mt. Pleasant in 1973, Betty and her husband owned and operated the All American Sweet Shoppe.
 

Betty was a volunteer at the Quarter Maybe More Store in Mt. Pleasant. Her hobbies included playing card games, going to casinos, and collecting Betty Boop memorabilia. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family. A member of the Assembly of God Church, Betty was involved in the Women’s Ministries.
 

Survivors include two daughters, Collette (Otto) Groenewald, of West Point, and Susanna Millard, of Mt. Pleasant; three grandchildren: Cory Rodriguez, Jennifer Millard and Mikayla Millard; four great grandchildren: Jasper, Jacob, Lilly and Destiny; and one brother, Ralph (Lorraine) Bigelow, of Charles City.
 

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, John; two brothers LeRoy Bigelow and Raymond Bigelow; and one sister, LeOra McFate.

The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel in Mt. Pleasant, (319) 385-1998, is in charge of the arrangements.

Alberta ‘Jean’ Benedict

Alberta “Jean” Benedict, 87, of Charles City died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at Floyd County Medical Center, Charles City.

Funeral services for Jean Benedict will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City.
 

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation continues Friday an hour prior to the service at the church.
 

Alberta Jean Roepke Benedict was born Dec. 25, 1924, in Oelwein, the daughter of Lewis C. and Vera E. (Trumbauer) Roepke. She grew up in Waterloo and graduated from West High School in January of 1943. Following graduation, she worked for one year at John Deere Tractor Company. In August 1944 she entered nurses training at Moline Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing under the Cadet Nurse Corp. with a three month affiliation at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She graduated in 1947. While on vacation in 1945, she met her future husband. On June 23, 1948, she was united in marriage to Edwin Benedict at St. John Lutheran Church, Waterloo. To this union, four children were born. After moving to Charles City, she worked at Cedar Valley Hospital which is now Floyd County Hospital until retirement in 1989. She will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and a nurse who was always “on call” whenever the family needed nursing care.
 

Living family members include her husband of 63 years, Edwin; three children, Rebecca (Gary Miessler) Benedict, of Northfield, Minn., Randall (Sue) Benedict, of Fridley, Minn., Greg (Yvonne) Benedict, of Mason City; six grandchildren, Shelby (Joel Pals) Zirbel, Katie Zirbel, Ben (Anna) Zirbel, Nick (Lacey) Zirbel, twins: Rachel and Naomi Miessler; three great-grandsons, Anthony Zirbel, Jamison Zirbel, Ethan Zirbel; one great-granddaughter, Emma Jean Zirbel; two step-grandchildren, Sean Samford and his three children, Jessica (Larry) Conley and their three children; a son-in-law, Jim (Suzi) Zirbel of Charles City; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Roepke of Midland, Texas; and a large extended family.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Cynthia Zirbel in 2004; two brothers, Robert Roepke in 1996, and John Roepke in 2007.
 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Cindy Zirbel Christian Preschool Memorial Fund at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main St., Charles City, IA 50616, or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.
 

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

ROCKFORD — Arlene E. Trettin, 92, of 601 E. Main, Rockford, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at Zion Lutheran Church, 805 E. Main St., Rockford. Officiating will be the Rev. Robert Schuerer. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church and again one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Zion Lutheran Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.
 

Arlene Eleanor was born June 6, 1919, the daughter of Edward A. and Emma Koehler in Ulster Township, Floyd County. She was one of six children. She graduated with the class of 1936 from Rockford High School and then received her teaching certificate from the State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. For the next eight years she taught at several rural schools in the North Iowa area.

On June 17, 1945 she was united in marriage to George Trettin at Zion Lutheran Church. They made their home and raised their family over the next 66 years, living at their current home for many years. Arlene remained active in her church being a Sunday School teacher, a member of WELCA church circles, and being an Advisor for 20 years with the Young Mothers Group. Her favorite things to do were to provide for and nurture others. She spent many hours cooking and canning produce from her large vegetable garden. When it came time to freeze and preserve, it was usually a family affair with all the children helping. One of Arlene’s loves was cooking and recipe hunting. Often her evening hours were spent browsing through magazines looking for new dishes to try out on her family. Later in life, her large family meal spreads were the makings of legend. As her family matured, Arlene’s gardening interest shifted to flowers, lots and lots of flowers. She was also an avid painter of ceramics and wall paintings with her rose portraits being real enough to smell. She loved little children and often would stop and talk to them.
 

Arlene is survived by her husband George, of Rockford; three of their surviving children: Constance “Connie” and her husband Roger Baylor of Sherrill, Carol Boring, of Orcas Island, Wash., Karen Trettin, of Charles City (daughter-in-law), and Timothy and his wife Denyce Trettin, of Rockford; nine grandchildren: Jill (Paul) Skyles and Susan (Nathan) Hedlund, Josh, Jeremy, Zachary and Katrina Boring, Kelly and Cole Trettin and Ashley Trettin; six great-grandchildren; her brother Donald and wife Liz Koehler, of Rockford; and sister-in-law Myra Koehler, of Charles City.

Her parents, son Michael Trettin, son-in-law Mel Boring, sisters Wilma Damgaard and Mildred Kruse, and brothers Lloyd and Dale Koehler preceded Arlene in death.

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

DES MOINES — Beverly (Moon) Nash, 77, passed away Feb. 19, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, at Chapel Hill Gardens.
 

Beverly Jane Nash, daughter of Claire and Willma (Crabtree) Moon, was born May 14, 1934 in Rockford. She was raised near Charles City and graduated from Charles City High School in 1952. Beverly enjoyed all kinds of crafts, fishing, and going to the casino. She and Raymond have wintered in Mojave Valley, Ariz., for the past 17 years.
 

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings: Geraldine Magilton, Mary Clapp, Jack Moon and Bill Moon; and her cats, Sam and Radar.
 

Those left to remember Beverly include her husband of 58 years, Ray; her sons, Mark and Nick; and her siblings: Keith (Gloria) Moon and Joanne (Douglas) Kutschat.

For those desiring, memorial contributions are suggested to Opportunity Village in Clear Lake.

The Merle Hay Funeral Home in Des Moines, (515) 278-4633, is in charge of the arrangements.

Randall Lampman
U.S. Marine Corps  WWII

Randall Lampman, 86, of Charles City died Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at Floyd County Medical Center, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery at Rudd. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.
 

Randall Arlie Lampman was born May 27, 1925, in Blue Hill, Neb., the son of Dedrick and Janette (Buntjer) Lampman. He graduated from Blue Hill High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 9, 1943. He served in the Asiatic Pacific area and was honorably discharged on Nov. 9, 1945, as a Private First Class. Upon his return, his family had moved to Charles City. Randy has lived as a member of this community ever since.

On Aug. 4, 1951, he was united in marriage to Anna Mae DeWalle at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union, two children were born. He worked for 39 years at White Farm in Charles City as a foundry supervisor and later in the pattern shop. He retired in 1987. Randy was a member of the VFW, enjoyed working at home on various woodworking projects, spending time with his friends around town at his favorite establishments, drinking coffee at Hy-Vee with his friends from White Farm, and eating supper at the bowling alley.
 

Living family members include one son, Al (Denise) Lampman, of Waterloo; three grandchildren: Kelsey Ann Lampman, of Lakeville, Minn., Lisa Kettvig, of Manly, and Matt (Jessica) Chambers, of Mason City; and five great-grandchildren: Nathan, Nicholas, Mattie, Noah and Kody.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Anna Mae in 1987; a daughter, Diana Chambers; a brother, Loran Lampman; and two sisters, Gertrude Philipp and Lena Ahrens.
 

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

In loving memory of Jim Dean Jurrens who passed away Feb. 9, 2012, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas.
 

Jim was born on March 12, 1947, to Madeline (Bigg) Jurrens and Robert Jurrens in Charles City, where he grew up. Jim served his country in the Army and was in Vietnam in 1968-1969. Upon his return, he met and married Marnie Waters in Colorado on Sept. 6, 1969. They later moved to Minnesota in 1972, where they had two children, Kendra and Jimy. In 1988, they moved to Texas and made Pottsboro their home. Jim retired from Blockbuster Warehouse in 2002 due to a terminal illness. He battled his illness until his death on Feb. 9, 2012. Jim’s world revolved around his two grandchildren, Farrin and Caston. In his retirement Jim enjoyed camping with Marnie and his grandchildren.
 

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Marnie Jurrens; his children Kendra and Jimy; his grandchildren Farrin and Caston, all of Pottsboro, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Cherrie and Darrin Schiltz, and two nieces, Kimberly Schiltz, all of Albert Lea, Minn., and Amanda Schiltz, of Royal Oak, Mich.; a sister-in-law, Sue Jurrens (Skeet), of Mexico; a niece, Alicia (Mike) Tobin, and a nephew, Chris Jurrens, of Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Beth Waters, of Canon City, Colo.; and special friends Johnny Walker of Texas and Darrell and Jenny Ross, of Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Madeline Simmons and Robert Jurrens; as well as his brother Skeet Jurrens.
 

Jim lived a full and happy life full of achievements. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and many friends. The family held a private memorial service in Texas.

Mary Lou Reams, 63, of Charles City, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Arrangements are pending with the Hauser Funeral Home, in Charles City, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com.

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James Murray

James Murray, 78, of 405 N. Iowa St., Charles City, died Sunday Feb. 26, 2012, at Cedar Health in Charles City. Arrangements are pending at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home in Charles City.

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

 

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Posted on 27 February 2012

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Mary Lou Reams

Mary Lou Reams, 63, of Charles City, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
 

A funeral Mass for Mary Lou will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Riverton Cemetery, rural Charles City.
 

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday where the Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service will be held at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue Wednesday at the church an hour prior to the service.

 

Mary Lou Johnson Reams was born July 1, 1948, at Charles City, the daughter of Ralph and Jessie (Warren) Johnson. She graduated from Charles City High School in 1966 and later continued her education at Capri School of Cosmetology. On July 9, 1966, she was united in marriage to Wallace “Wally” Reams. They lived in Charles City all of their lives where she would spend her days as a beautician. Mary Lou was very accommodating, always willing to meet the needs of her elderly clientele. Her interests included bowling, going to the casino and collecting Indian memorabilia. Mary Lou’s family was always very important to her and she took every opportunity to share in the events of their lives no matter where it may be.
 

Living family members include her husband, Wallace “Wally” Reams, of Charles City; three daughters: Jennifer (Justin) Geerts, of North Washington, and Ginger (Corey) Schmidt and Lindsay Reams, both of Charles City; six grandchildren: Lowen Reams and special friend, Lindsay Lewis, Tanner Schmidt, Dalton Reams and special friend, Leah Brekke, Keaton Geerts, Tayler Schmidt and Cade Schmidt; and many extended family members.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents.
 

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

 

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James Murray

James Murray, 78, of 405 N. Iowa St, Charles City died Sunday Feb. 26, 2012, at the Cedar Health Care Facility of Charles City.
 

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday March 1, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 106 Chapel Lane, Charles City.
 

Officiating will be Rev. Carl Ries and Sister Diana Blong. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Charles City. Family and friends may call from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday Feb. 29, at the Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. A Scriptural Prayer Service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 

James was born on Sept. 22, 1933, in Charles City, to Austin P. and Estelle C. (Keogh) Murray. He graduated from Charles City High School and then married Doris Gabel on Oct. 4, 1952, in Roseville. This union was blessed with four children.
 

Jim was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and Knights of Columbus. He served on the ASC County Committee for several years and served his country in the Army. He enjoyed spending time with family and had a life-long love for farming and green tractors. He enjoyed flying and having his own plane in which he loved giving the grandkids rides for a quarter. He would give them 50 cents when they got back on the ground (the best quarter they ever spent!). Last but not least Jim enjoyed “quality time” with his coffee buddies.

Jim is survived by his wife Doris; children: Michael J. (Meg) Murray, Joanne M. (Pat O’Reilly, Lori A. (Gary) Mehmen and Teri L. (Gary) Pettit; grandchildren: Dennis Murray, Niklas Neymeyer, Kimberlyn (Matt) Burlage, Jesse (Renae) Mehmen, Crystal (Mike) Eckhoff, Corey Pettit, Lyndsay (Nick) Clark, Danielle (John) Pettit-Majewski, Leah (Tom) Halvorson; step-grandchildren: Shawna O’Reilly and Kelly (Ken) O’Reilly-Alber; and 17 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, two brothers, and father- and mother-in-law, Oscar and Dorothy Gabel.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.
 

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, (641) 228-4211, Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome, is in charge of arrangements.

 

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Posted on 28 February 2012

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John F. Paulus, Jr.

 

NEW HAMPTON — John F. Paulus, Jr., 81, of Ionia, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at Cedar Health in Charles City, with his family by his side.
 

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 2, at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington with Father Mark Osterhaus and Msgr. John Hemann celebrating.
 

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Washington.
 

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, with a 4:30 p.m. rosary and a 7:30 p.m.

scriptural wake service at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the mass on Friday. Online condolences for John’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice or Hospice of North Iowa.

John Francis Paulus was born on Nov. 21, 1930, to John and Helen (Krapp) Paulus near Nora Springs. He attended school in Nora Springs and country school near Deerfield. On Sept. 27, 1949, he was united in marriage to his loving wife, JoAnn Dowd at Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City. His lifelong passion was farming so the couple made their home on a farm in rural Ionia where they have lived their entire married life. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, playing cards and spending time with his family at the family farm pond that he built. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge and a lifetime member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
 

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, JoAnn, of Ionia; the couple’s children, Jean (Ed) Hegtvedt, of Charles City, Roger (Judy) Paulus, of Elma, Judy (Mike) Gebel, of Lawler, Joe (Jane) Paulus, of Ionia, and Shelly (Troy) Reicks, of Charles City; grandchildren, Jerry (Julie) Hegtvedt, Kim (Lon) Isakson, Wendy (Lenny) Luft, Julie (Aaron) Boge, Jon (Amy) Paulus, Ryan (Katie) Paulus, Amber (Adam) Markham, Amy (Josh) Reis, Jeremy (Roxanne) Hyke, Brittany (Paul) Damjanovic, Brandon Diesburg, Chris Paulus, Matt Paulus, Kelli Paulus, Quinten Reicks and Marjie Reicks; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Eunice Paulus of Renton, WA and Doris Olson of Osage, as well as several nieces and nephews.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marjorie; grandson, Justin Hyke; brother, Gerald Paulus; twin brothers in infancy; sister, Patricia Gilbert and brothers-in-law, Alvin Gilbert and Robert Olson.