Leonard F. Recker dies at 91

Published: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 11:34 AM CDT

Leonard F. Recker, age 91, of Alta Vista, died Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Father Ray Atwood celebrating mass.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at AltaVista.  Military rites will be provided by Paul Johann VFW Post 4069.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2011 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma, with a Scriptural Wake Service at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Online condolences for Leonard’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Leonard Frank Recker was born on February 25, 1920 to Clement and Ida (Willenborg) Recker in New Hampton.  He attended school at St. William’s School in Alta Vista.  Leonard worked on the family farm until 1941 when he entered the US Army and served his county in WWII.  He was wounded in battle in France for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.  Leonard received his honorable discharge in 1945.  He worked on the family farm until his marriage to Ann Pecinovskyon September 20, 1950 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin.  In 1951 the couple moved to a farm west of Alta Vista where they farmed until moving to Alta Vista in 1979, where Leonard has lived to the present. 

Leonard enjoyed morning coffee at Schucky’s, playing cards, watching football and helping out on the farm.  He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista and had served on the parish council.  He was also a member of the Order of Foresters and the VFW Paul Johann Post 4069, of which he was past post commander.

Leonard is survived by his son Tom (Kay) Recker of Alta Vista; three grandchildren Nicholas Recker of Denver, Co., Sara (Brad) Blickley of St. Augustine, Fla. and John Recker of Ames; two brothers Edwin Recker of Elma and Joseph (Margaret) Recker of New Hampton and sister-in-law Madonna Recker of Elma. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clement and Ida Recker; wife Ann in 1994; four children Kenneth, Merlin, Joseph and LuAnn; three brothers Arthur, Aloys and Herbert; and two sisters Rose Nortness and Clara O’Neill.

Leonard E. Liddle dies at 88

Published: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 11:24 AM CDT

Leonard E. Liddle, age 88, of New Hampton, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at New Hampton Nursing and Rehab Center in New Hampton.

Funeral services for Leonard will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Rev. Kevin Frey officiating.  Burial will be in New Hampton Cemetery at New Hampton.

Visitation will be held from 4:-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton.  Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  Online condolences for Leonard’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. 

Leonard Eugene Liddle was born on June 25, 1923 to Guy and Dorothy (Brader) Liddle in Horton.  He attended ruralschool in Horton.  Leonard worked at the Nashua DX Station and was a farm hand for several area farmers.  Leonard was united in marriage to Arlene Lohmann on November 28, 1948.  After their marriage the couple moved to New Hampton where they farmed.  In 1957, Leonard and Arlene purchased their farm north of New Hampton and in 1985 he purchased an acreage north of New Hamptonwhere he has lived ever since. 

Leonard enjoyed recycling metals and picking up cans, gardening and selling his produce at the farmer’s market, socializing at farm sales and cutting wood.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, National Farmers Organization, Farm Bureau and a blood donor.

Leonard is survived by his children Duane (Peggy Drewelow) Liddle of Waverly, Dale (Judy) Liddle   of Fredericksburg, Dixie (Peter) Zeien and David (Micky) Liddle, both of New Hampton;   14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother Laurence Liddle of Plainfield; two sisters-in-law Ellen Liddle of New Hampton and Elnora Vohsmann of Waverly; one brother-in-law Lavern (LaVonne) Lohmann of Independence and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Arlene in 1995; one grandson Michael Zeien; his brothers and sisters-in-law Paul (LuElla) Liddle and Owen (Ortha) Liddle; brother Wendal Liddle; sister-in-law Liz Liddle and brother-in-law Ted Vohsmann.

Richard L. Larsen dies at 75

Published: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 11:54 AM CDT

Richard L. Larsen age 75, of Elma,  died on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at Colonial Manor in Elma.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m .on Friday, July 8, 2011 at St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church near Elma with Pastor Dave Byrd officiating.  Burial will be in St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma.  Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Online condolences for Richard’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Richard Lee Larsen was born on December 22, 1935 to Victor and Helen (Groth) Larsen in Elma.  He attended Riceville Schools and graduated from Riceville High School in 1954.  Richard then farmed in the Elma area.  He was united in marriage to Shirley Lucas on November 17, 1956 at St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in the Elma area where they raised four children.

Richard enjoyed playing cards, camping and wintering in Texas for 10 years.  He especially enjoyed his family and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Maple Leaf Lutheran Church where he was a very active member and had been President of the church council.  He was a Howard County Board Trustee and had received the Howard County Conservation Farmers Award.

Richard is survived by his wife Shirley of Elma; three sons Jimmy (Cathy) Larsen of Alta Vista, Bryce (Mary Ellen) Larsen of Elma and Kevin (Carmen) Larsen of Elma; one daughter Julie (Kenneth) Miller of Wyeville, WI.; four grandchildren Jennifer (Dave) Hubka, Nicolette (Chad) Hastings, Melissa (Jason) Frye and Jackie Larsen; tengreat grandchildren; one brother Charles (Betty) Larsen of  Elma; four sisters Myrna (Francis) Jacoby of Waterloo, Katie (Jim) Rieken of Riceville, Norma (Bud) Pontenberg of Waterloo and Irene (Roger) Heyingof New Hampton. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Helen Larsen; brother Gordan Larsen and two granddaughters Ashley and Stacie Larsen.

Barton F. Stone dies at 59

Published: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 5:06 PM CDT

Barton F. Stone, 59, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away peacefully at home, on June 26, 2011 after a two year battle with ALS.

He was born in New Hampton, Iowa and resided in Las Vegas for the past 20 years.

Barton was a graduate of Fredericksburg High School in 1970. He graduated in 1975 from the University of Iowa with a degree in Political Science. Bart was an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1977 to 1984, where he obtained the rank of Lieutenant. Following his military service, he lived in Orlando, Florida and was employed by Embassy Suites as an accountant. He then moved to Las Vegas and was an original cast member of the MGM Grand as an accountant. More recently he was employed by Expedia.

Online condolences for Barton’s family may be left at  www.davisfuneralservices.com.

Bart is survived by his life partner, Jimmy Johnson of Las Vegas; his mother Norma Allen Meltzer of Las Vegas; and siblings, Kevin of Fredericksburg, IA, Arlen of Morgan Hill, CA  and Susie of Las Vegas. Services for Bart were held in the home of his mother on June 29.

Hildegard M. Zweibohmer dies at 95

Published: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 4:16 PM CDT

Hildegard M. Zweibohmer, age 95, of Alta Vista, died Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2011 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Monsignor John Hemann celebrating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Alta Vista.

Visitation will be from 4- 8 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2011 with a 4:30 p.m. Rosary and Scriptural Wake Service at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Online condolences for Hilda’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Hildegard Marie Zweibohmer “Hilda” was born on March 7, 1916 in Alta Vista, to Herman and Mary (Koci) Galing.  She attended country school and St. Mary’s Catholic School in North Washington.  On November 17, 1936, Hilda was united in marriage to Hubert Zweibohmerat Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington.  After their marriage, the couple moved to a farm northeast of Alta Vista until 1973 when they retired and moved into Alta Vista.  For several years she was a housekeeper for Fr. Paul Ouderkirk.  In June, 2010 Hilda moved to Colonial Manor in Elma where she resided until her recent illness.  She was an active member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, The Rosary Society, ACCW and Catholic Order of Foresters.

Hilda is survived by her six daughters and two sons, Rose (Jerome) Marion of Ionia, William (Sharon) Zweibohmer of Elma, Marlys (John) Recker of Roswell, Ga., Joseph (Donna) Zweibohmer of Elma, LaVonne (Bill) Majerle of Stoughton, Wisc., Rita Sinnwell of Charles City,  Theresa (John) Barnes of Cresco, IA and Linda (Jim) Kobliska of Alta Vista; 30 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Rosella Reiss of Charles City; sisters-in-law, Ruby Galing of Alta Vista, Helen (Adrian) Freidhof of New Hampton and Armella Zweibohmer of Decorah.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Hubert on March 16, 1989; her parents; two sisters, Agnes Eichenberger and Helen Geerts; two brothers, Bernard and Henry Galing, as well as three grandsons, Michael and Kevin Marion and Steven Sinnwell.

Roland L. Weiss dies at 73

Published: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 4:23 PM CDT

Roland L. Weiss, age 73 of Nashua died Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center, New Hampton.



A memorial Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nashua with Rev. Carl Ries celebrating the Mass. Offertory gifts will be presented by Roland’s grandchildren; Carla Rosenbaum, Sarah Weiss, Megan Weiss, Dallas Weiss, and Paige Franzen. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Dustin Weiss, Tyler Sisson, Matt Rosenbaum, Nick Sisson, Logan Sisson, Ethan Franzen, and great grandson Alex Chevchuc.



Friends may greet the family 4 - 7 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home where there will be a 4 p.m. rosary. Visitation continues at 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.



Roland Lavern Carl Weiss was born February 21, 1938, in the Pearl Rock township in rural Chickasaw County on the family farm, the son of Max and Vada (Herzog) Weiss. He attended rural country schools and Nashua High School graduating in 1957. He worked for Waterloo Concrete after graduation. On May 14, 1960, he was united in marriage to Darlene Flatness at the St. Michael’s Rectory in Nashua. To this union, five children were born. Roland was a farmer, milked cows, and also worked at Hydrotile for 30 years. He retired from farming in 1991, and began working at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton where he was presently employed. He was a member of the saddle club, enjoyed gardening, being around family, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys.



Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Darlene; two sons, Carl Weiss of Clinton, Robin (Shelly) Weiss of Nashua; three daughters, Deb (Dale) Schwickerath of New Hampton, Sandy (Clark) Sisson of Omaha, NE, Jamee (Phil) Franzen of Plainfield; eleven grandchildren; one great grandson; two brothers-in-law, Norman (Monica) Flatness of Minneapolis, Allen (Cookie) Flatness of Inwood, WV; his mother-in-law, Margaret Flatness of Northwood; two sisters-in-law, Geneva Weiss of Plainfield, Donna (Warren) Fridley of Northwood.



He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Stanley; and a granddaughter Chrystie Sisson.  Online condolences may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Irene C. Dietzenbach dies at 90

Published: Thursday, July 7, 2011 1:37 PM CDT

Irene C. Dietzenbach age 90 of Waucoma died Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waucoma with Rev. Marvin Salz celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed on the casket by her children. Ron Nolte will be the lector and the offertory gifts will be presented by Karla Dietzenbach, Karen Dietzenbach and Jeanette Thiele.

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waucoma with Don Denner, Bob Denner, Keith Dietzenbach, Sheryl Dietzenbach, Jeff Thiele and Julie Price serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are all of Irene’s card playing friends.

Friends may greet the family 4 - 8 p.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waucoma, where there will be a 5 p.m. Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary and a 7 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Saturday.  Online condolences for Irene's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Irene Catherine Dietzenbach was born March 19, 1921, in St. Lucas, the daughter of Theodore and Helena (Balk) Meyer. She received her education at St. Luke’s Grade School in St. Lucas. On June 4, 1940, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, St. Lucas, she married Hugo Dietzenbach. To this union six children were born. The couple raised their family and farmed southeast of St. Lucas until retiring and moving into Waucoma. Irene loved gardening and raising flowers as well as baking bread and pies, playing cards, listening to polka music and crocheting. She especially enjoyed time visiting with her friends and grandchildren. Memberships include St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include two sons, Ken (Mary Jane) Dietzenbach, Dennis (Cathy) Dietzenbach all of Waucoma; three daughters, Norma (Thomas) Denner of Lees Summit, MO, Mary (Joe) Thoma of Riceville, Ruth (John) Emery of Lawler; sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Urban (Lucy) Dietzenbach of Cresco; three sisters-in-law, Marie Huber of New Hampton, Louise Dietzenbach, Helen Dietzenbach both of St. Lucas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter in infancy.

Maurice “Smokey” Condon dies at 87

Published: Thursday, July 7, 2011 1:57 PM CDT

Maurice “Smokey” Condon, age 87, of Dunkerton, formerly of New Hampton, died on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Holy Family Parish – St. Joseph’s Center in New Hampton with Father Mark Osterhauscelebrating mass.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at New Hampton.  Military honors by the New Hampton American Legion Post #38 and the New Hampton VFW Post 5238.

Visitation will be 5 - 8 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2011 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton with a Scriptural Wake Service at 7 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Online condolences for Maurice’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com

Maurice “Smokey” Condon was born on June 4, 1924 to John and Clara (Sweet) Condon in New Hampton.   He attended St. Joseph’s School in New Hampton.  Smokey worked for several area businesses until he enteredthe U.S. Army in 1942.  He served his country during WWII in the European Theater in the 17thAirborne Division.  Smokey received a Purple Heart for the wounds he received.  After his honorable discharge, Smokey was employed by B&P Silo Company of New Hampton and Rausch Brothers Trucking of Ionia.  He later was employed by Wilbert Vault Company in Waterloo.  Smokey was married to Barbara Wells on May 17, 1982.  The couple made their home in Dunkerton, where Smokey has lived ever since.

Smokey enjoyed playing Bingo, visiting relatives, Cubs baseball, and Hawkeye sports.  He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church-Barclay, the New Hampton American Legion Post 38 and the 17th Airborne Division Association.

Smokey is survived by two brothers John Condon of New Hampton and Mike (Jane) Condon of Metuchen, New Jersey; several nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Pat (Dale) Cutsforthof Bell Vista, Ariz. 

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Clara Condon, wife Barbara, two sisters Helen Roths and Mary Coen; one brother James; and niece Pat Roths.

Larry Whisenhunt dies at 50

Published: Thursday, July 7, 2011 2:07 PM CDT

Larry Whisenhunt, age 50, of Elma, Iowa, died on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the VA Hospital in Des Moines.

Arrangements are with Conway-Markham Funeral Home of Elma. You may contact us at 641-393-2461.

Merle Schwickerath dies at 52

Published: Friday, July 8, 2011 2:18 PM CDT

Merle Schwickerath, 52, passed away July 6, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center.

A Visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 10 at Ankeny Presbyterian Church, 317 SE Trilein Dr., Ankeny. Memorial Services will be 10 a.m., Monday, July 11 at the church.

Merle was born October 15, 1958 to Paul and Louise (Burgart) Schwickerath in New Hampton. He graduated from UNI and worked for Affiliates Management Company. He enjoyed target shooting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Cheryl Schwickerath of Ankeny; children, Chad and Hillary; father, Paul; siblings, Gordon, Vicki (Ken), Glen (Laura), and Judy; mother-in-law, Darlene; niece, Jenny; and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Louise and father-in-law, Bob.

Doris H. Martin dies at 73

Published: Monday, July 11, 2011 9:56 AM CDT

Doris H. Martin, 73, of Charles City, died Friday, July 8, 2011 at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services for Doris Martin will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Pastors David Werges and Dennis Niezwaag will officiate.  Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens rural Charles City.

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

Doris Helen Springer Martin was born February 12, 1938, at home in rural Nashua, the daughter of Amos and Helen (Marovetz) Springer.  She graduated from Nashua High School.  On September 4, 1957, she was united in marriage to Clayton Martin at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.  For many years Doris worked as a dispatcher for the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office.  She was a member of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Her interests included genealogy, fishing, yard work and going to flea markets.  Family was important to Doris and she always looked forward to attending any activities that her grandchildren were in.

Living family members include her husband, Clayton Martin of Charles City; four children, Susan (Mike) Hyland of Colwell, Shelia (David) Hill of Urbandale, Clayton Linn Martin of Charles City and Stacey (Dan) Corrigan of Cedar Falls; nine grandchildren, Stephanie Riles, Robert and Kaitlin Hardiman, Taylor Hill, Cassandra, Sara and Jennifer Martin and Nathan and Matthew Corrigan; five sisters, Dorothy (Henry) Mohring of Ionia, Madonna (Ervin) Mohring of Charles City, Lorraine (Ralph) Bigelow of Charles City, Darlene Martens of New Hampton and Beverly (Dave) Bray of Des Moines; and a sister-in-law, Gennie Springer of Charles City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Khristina Riles; and a brother, Gordon Springer.

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.

Clet Koshatka dies at 89

Published: Monday, July 11, 2011 1:08 PM CDT

Clet Koshatka, age 89, of Protivin, died Monday, July 04, 2011 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, Iowa on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.  The Officiating Clergy was Rev. Marvin Salz, the servers were Riley & Nicole Meirick, the lector was Jennifer Seman, the gifts were carried by Hannah & Elizabeth Koshatka, the Eucharist Ministers were Donna Dietzenbach, Irene Bruess, and Victor Fencl, the Organist was Marlene Pecinovsky, the singers were, Harlan Mikota and Miriam Humpal, the Casket Bearers were David Bouska, Kelly Koshatka, Jennifer Seman, Molly Koshatka, Benjamin Koshatka, Alison Patterson, Bennett Klimesh, Hannah Koshatka and Elizabeth Koshatka. The Interment was in Holy Trinity Cemetery at Protivin, Iowa, with Military Rites by American Legion Post 605 and VFW Post 4561.

Cletus William Koshatka was born in Sumner Township, Winneshiek County, the son of William and Adella (Jirak) Koshatka.  He attended the rural school near his home, and graduated from Rudolphinum High School in Protivin with the Class of 1940.  Following his education, he helped his father on the farm until he joined the Naval Air Corps in December of 1942.  He served during World War II, with most of his duty located in the South Pacific.  Clet was discharged in January of 1945 and attended the American Institute of Business (AIB) in Des Moines.  Clet worked in a machinery distribution plant for about two years while he lived in Des Moines.

On June 25, 1947, Clet was united in marriage to Alfreda Mihm at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas.  Following their marriage, they moved to a farm in the Protivin area where he started farming.  In 1949, Clet started selling Ferguson tractors, establishing Clet Koshatka Farm Equipment.  He was active in running the business for over 50 years, partnering with his son Don beginning in 1992.  He was very pleased that this business remained in his family when his son, Don, purchased the business within the last ten years.  Koshatka Farm Equipment still serves the customers Clet appreciated so much with the commitment he started.  To Clet, his family was important as well as his business, customers, employees, farm, associates and friends.  He was always very considerate of customers’ needs and would go out of his way to help them get their machines working and back in the fields.  Clet was proud of the military men and women who served this country, loved working the farm with a tractor and watching the crops grow.  He enjoyed learning about history, liked to travel, and loved playing cards with his friends and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He and Alfreda honeymooned in Washington D.C. and since that time Clet made an effort to visit every state capitol, seeing them all except Alaska.

Clet was a 60 year member of the Protivin American Legion, the V.F.W., the Iowa Implement Dealers Association serving as an officer, a former member of the Protivin fire fighters, and a charter member of the South Winn Country Club.

Surviving Clet is his wife, Alfreda, three children: Ken (Mary) Koshatka of Hershey, Pa., Mary Kay (Lyle) Klimesh of Wilmette, Ill. and Don (Connie) Koshatka of Ridgeway; eight grandchildren: Kelly Koshatka, Jennifer (Michael) Seman, Molly Koshatka, Benjamin (Cassie) Koshatka; Dr. Alison (Bryce) Patterson, Bennett Klimesh; Hannah and Elizabeth Koshatka; and three great grandchildren:  Cade Koshatka, Laird Patterson and Grace Koshatka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Kathleen Ann, and one brother, LuVerne Koshatka.

Elisabeth "Betty" Lynch dies at 94

Published: Thursday, July 14, 2011 1:16 PM CDT

Elisabeth "Betty" Lynch age 94 of New Hampton died Monday, July 11, 2011, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A Memorial Mass will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Holy Family Parish – St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass.

Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the Mass in the gathering space adjacent to the church. Inurnment to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Hampton. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, New Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences for Betty's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Elisabeth was born July 6, 1917, in Chariton, the youngest daughter of Frank and Grace (Carter) Kestler. She graduated from Chariton High School. She attended Chariton Junior College and finished her college education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She taught three years in Waucoma, at the public school and 17 years as a reading teacher at New Hampton Elementary School, retiring in 1982. In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling, reading, visiting with friends and family, and especially loved time with her grandchildren.On June 18, 1940, she was united in marriage to Harry Lynch at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma. To this union, five children were born. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton, a Gold Star member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

Survivors include three children, John (Margaret) Lynch of Sterling, Ill., twin daughters, Jane (Henry) Howardson of Clark, SD, and Janice (James) Koenigsfeld of Ionia; 9 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1978; a daughter, Gracemary; a son, Steven Lynch; two granddaughters, Amber Howardson, and Mary Beth Howardson; two brothers, Richard Kestler, and Hal Kestler; and a sister, Pauline Balk.

Robert "Bob" C. Franke dies at 79

Published: Monday, July 18, 2011 9:15 AM CDT

Robert "Bob" C. Franke, age 79 of New Hampton died Sunday July 17, 2011 in Rochester Minnesota.

Online condolences for Robert maybe left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton.

641-394-4334

Karla K. Parks dies at 60

Published: Monday, July 18, 2011 3:09 PM CDT

Karla K. Parks, age 60, of Brooklyn Park, Minn., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 17, 2011.

A memorial service will be Friday, July 22, 2011 at 1 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Valley Community Presbyterian Church, 3100 Lilac Drive N., Golden Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Presbyterian Clearwater Forest or ALS Association-MN Chapter.

Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel, 763-533-8643

Karla is preceded in death by her parents, Melbert “Swede” and Shirley Holzer; and brother-in-law, Stephen McKibbin.

She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Jim; children, Jessica (Mark) Musta and Brian (Megan); granddaughter, Adrian Musta “Grammy’s Sunshine”; siblings, Steve (Susan) Holzer, Karen McKibbin and James (Lyn) Holzer. 

Robert "Bob" C. Franke dies at 79

Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 11:49 AM CDT

Robert C. “Bob” Franke age 79 of New Hampton died Sunday evening, July 17, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011, 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 wife Edna and their five sons. The offertory gifts will be presented by Anna Franke, Claire Franke, Alexa Franke and Kate Franke. Lectors will be Betty Pell and Bianca Franke.

Friends may greet the family 3 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, New Hampton where there will be a 5 p.m. scripture service and a 7:45 p.m. rosary. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the Mass on Thursday.

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Hampton with Brandon Franke, Tyler Franke, Dale Krietzer, Dan Franke, Brian Franke and Kevin Corcoran serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Grant and Jack Franke. Full military honors will be conducted by the Lawler American Legion Harold Redman Post 279.

Robert Charles Franke was born October 10, 1931, in North Washington,  the son of Vern and Florence (Barnes) Franke. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Hampton and was a 1949 graduate of the New Hampton High School. On May 4, 1954, he entered the United States Army. He was a member of the signal supply company stationed in Yokahama, Japan where he supervised Japanese Nationals. He was honorably discharged on April 14, 1956, with a rank of Private First Class.

On June 6, 1959, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, he was united in marriage to Edna Gerleman. To this union, six children were born. The couple initially lived in Charles City until moving northeast of New Hampton where they farmed from 1961 until present. Bob was also employed at the former Oliver/White Farm in Charles City from 1958 until 1983. Bob began working in parts order layout until his promotion to supervisor. In 1967, he received another promotion to general foreman remaining in this capacity until the company closed.

Memberships include the Harold Redman American Legion Post 279 in Lawler, Holy Family Parish, the Farm Bureau, the NRA, Pheasants Forever and a coach for 4-H Softball. He enjoyed fishing, playing euchre, golfing, and farming. He especially loved times spent wintering in The Villages, Florida, and time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Edna; five sons, Michael (Deniz) Franke of Clive, John (Jody) Franke of Clear Lake, David (Jane) Franke of Nora Springs, Patrick (Melanie) Franke of Johnston, Jeffrey (Natalie) Franke of Clive; 13 grandchildren, Bianca, Brandon, Claire, Kate, Anna, Lauren, Maria, Tyler, Alexa, Ashley, Grant, Jack, and Grace Franke; his mother-in-law, Cecilia Gerleman of Decorah; six sisters-in-law, Mary Franke of Cedar Falls, Marie (Ronald) Kreitzer of Cresco, Margaret (Bob) Koenigsfeld of New Hampton, Mardell (Larry) Corcoran of Ettrick, Wisc., Betty (John) Pell of Urbandale, Phyllis (Ron) Prybelski of Austin, Minn; a brother in law, Paul (Rita) Gerleman of Calmar.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sara Lynn on July 13, 1994; brother, Jim Franke; and his father-in-law, Edmund Gerleman.  Online condolences may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Roy F. Coil dies at 74

Published: Friday, July 22, 2011 10:20 AM CDT

Roy F. Coil, 74, of Stuart, formerly of Greenfield and New Hampton, passed away July 19, 2011 at his home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m.. Monday, July 25th at the New Home Lowry Church in Keenes, Ill. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the New Home Lowry Cemetery immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Hospice and/or New Hampton Lions Club and/or the Stuart Rescue Unit in care of Johnson Family Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Stuart, Iowa 50250. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Roy was born October 14, 1936 in Keenes, Ill. to Voris and Clara Bell (Wilson) Coil. He grew up in the Keenes area and graduated from Bluford High School in 1954.

Roy was united in marriage to Patricia Crabtree in Mt. Vernon, Ill. on April 6, 1958. Together they had three children; Kathy, Calvin, and Sherry. They made their home in Mt. Vernon, Ill. Greenville, Ill.; Green Bay, Wisc. Greenfield, and New Hampton.

Roy had a lifetime career working for the Farm Service Company (FS) since 1961. He started out as a fuel delivery staff, and worked his way into management. During his career he was a sales manager, operations manager, general manager, and worked in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Roy retired in 2001 from his position as the operations manager at Advantage FS in New Hampton, Iowa. He quickly learned that retirement was not for him, and returned to Advantage FS as a consultant until his failing health dictated his full retirement in 2005.

Roy was a longtime member and past president of the Lions Club in New Hampton. He enjoyed time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren, his dogs, and puttering in his barn or garage. He loved to argue and banter over politics, religion, and his beloved Green Bay Packers. Following the death of his wife in 2010, Roy moved to Stuart, where he enjoyed spending time with his son and grandchildren.

Roy is survived by three children, Kathy Coil of Madison, Wisc. Calvin (Gina) Coil of Stuart,  and Sherry Frisch of New Hampton. He has five grandchildren, Aaron, Casey, Jessica, Kirk, and Tabitha, as well as three great grandchildren, Haley, Asher, and Logan. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Norma Lou), of Mt. Vernon, Ill. and a sister, Lois DeJournett of Bluford, Ill.. Roy also has a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and the Bluford Kids, all of whom will miss him greatly.

Lila Myrtle Crabtree dies at 86

Published: Monday, July 25, 2011 10:27 AM CDT

Lila Myrtle Crabtree, age 86, of Fredericksburg, Iowa passed away on July 24, 2011 at her home with her family by her side.

Funeral services will be 10:30am on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg with Pastor Shirley Hoffmann Will officiating.  Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Fredericksburg with Max Bentley, David Sipe, Justin Steege, Kevin Crabtree, Michael Reicks, Tom Rieck, Charles Hingst, Christopher Sill, Matthew Sill, Michael Sill and Caleb Sill serving as casket bearers.

Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2011 at United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Arrangements are being handled with Conway-Markham Funeral Home of New Hampton 641-394-4331.  Online condolences for Myrtle’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.

Lila Myrtle Thompson was born on July 10, 1925 to Albert and Anna (Larson) Thompson in New Hampton.  She attended school in Lawler and New Hampton.  Myrtle took care of area families in New Hampton and Waterloo.  She was united in marriage to Max E. Crabtree on January 10, 1943 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple farmed near Fredericksburg where they raised their five children.  They continued to live on the farm until 2011 when they moved to their present home at Whispering Willows in Fredericksburg.  Myrtle enjoyed cooking big meals for her family and taking good care of her family.  She loved to dance, her church activities, her church family, and farming beside Max.  Myrtle was a loving and caring wife and mother.  She loved the Lord.

She was a member of United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg, Social Culture Club and Mothers and Others Club.

Myrtle is survived by her husband Max of Fredericksburg; children Sharon Sipe of Center Point, Karolyn Sill of Scottsdale, Ariz., Susan (Ken) Steege of West Union, David (Stacy) Crabtree of Mt. Vernon,  and Lisa (Rod) Reicks of New Hampton; brother Donald (Jean) Thompson of Waterloo; 23 grandchildren; soon to be 24 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Anna; four brothers Lloyd, Harley, Orlando and Francis; one sister Maxine Roth and one great granddaughter Brandi Bentley.

Jeff Anthony Hageman dies at 55

Published: Monday, July 25, 2011 9:40 AM CDT

Jeff Anthony Hageman, age 55 of Fredericksburg, formerly of Fort Atkinson, died Friday, July 22, 2011, at his home of natural causes. 


Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday July 25, 2011, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, interment in St. John's Cemetery, Fort Atkinson. 


Friends may greet the family 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg . Further visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences for Jeff’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Denny Bouillon dies at 64

Published: Monday, July 25, 2011 10:02 AM CDT

Denny Bouillon age 64 of rural Ionia,  died Friday, July 22, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.



Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at St. John United Church of Christ-Pleasant Hill, rural Nashua with Rev. Linda Myren presiding. 



Interment will be in the church cemetery with Rod Hanawalt, Ty Hanawalt, Rick Deitsch, Mike Bigley, Rich Greenlee and Austin Gavello serving as pallbearers. Military interment rights will be conducted by the Ralph Nicholson Nashua VFW Post 6792.



Friends may greet the family 4 - 7 p.m. Monday at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Tuesday.  Online condolences for Denny’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Denny

Ransom Bouillon was born January 2, 1947, in Charles City, the son of Ransom and Jennie (Janssen) Bouillon. He received his education in Charles City. In 1964, after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and joined the Navy Reserves until 1970. Following the Navy reserves, Denny served in the National Guard until 1974. 

In May of 1966 in San Diego, Calif., he married Dorothy Shipley. To this union three children were born. The couple later divorced.

On August 21, 1970, in Charles City, he married Connie Vetter. To this union two sons were born. Denny worked at Hydrotile from 1968-1973 and joined Terex Crane from 1978 until 2008, retiring after 30 years.. He also worked for North Iowa Fabrication in Rockford, from March until December of 2008. 

Denny had been the Local 411 President, the recording secretary for North Central CAP, enjoyed chuck-wagon racing, golf, pool league, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.



Survivors include his wife, Connie; five children, Cindy (Tom) Gavello of Livermore, Calif., Kevin Bouillon of Brentwood, Calif., Steve (Carrie) Bouillon of Kansas City, Mo., Randy “Rudy” (Jenny) Bouillon of New Hampton and Brandon (Christina) of Nashua; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Joyce (Cal) Wood of Ionia; Joann (Darrell) Schmidt of Charles City, Mary (Bill) Mooberry of Charles City and Kandi (Duane) Eddy of Nashua; two brothers, Jerry (Marilyn) Bouillon of Greene and Louie (Barb) Bouillon of Charles City.



He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife’s parents, Arnold and Irene Vetter.