Alvin Francis Myers dies at 80

Published: Thursday, June 2, 2011 1:28 PM CDT

Alvin Francis Myers age 80 of New Hampton, died Wednesday morning, June 1, 2011, at the Traditions Assisted Living in West Union.



A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday June 3, 2011, at Holy Family Parish - St. Mary’s Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Placing the pall will be Tom and Jim Myers. . Ann Bennett will be the organist accompanying Mike Carlin and the Holy Family Resurrection Choir. Lectors for the service will be Pam and Virgil Pickar. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Janae Myers and Jace Myers.

Burial will be in St. Mary‘s Cemetery, New Hampton with Aaron Simms, Kyle Burlage, Dale Sheridan, Steve Kappes, Steve Gossling, Larry Tieskoetter, George Tieskoetter and Ken Gossling as pallbearers.



Friends may greet the family 4 - 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 5:30 p.m. scripture service. Further visitation will be 8 - 9:30 a.m. Friday morning before the service at the funeral home.  Condolences may be left and video tribute viewed at hugebackfuneralhome.com. 

Alvin was born January 28, 1931, in Waucoma, the son of Phillip and Emma (Liebold) Myers. He received his early education from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waucoma and continued to receive his GED from the New Hampton School District. On April 30, 1952, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, Alvin was united in marriage to Theresa Anna Gossling. To this union six children were born. 



Alvin was inducted into the United States Army, 7th Division NPO B Battery 15AAA in Korea on September 9, 1952, and was honorably discharged in 1954. The couple started farming in Jackson Junction upon Alvin returning from the army. Their oldest son Tom, was born in Jackson Junction before they moved in 1960 to their farm in New Hampton. They farmed there until his retirement.



Alvin enjoyed restoring old tractors. He also loved traveling with Theresa by bus all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Playing cards with the “4 Kings”, Putter Pals and his family was a favorite pastime along with going to Polka dances.

He was a member of Holy Family Parish, the American Legion and Knights of Columbus.

Alvin is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Theresa; six children, Tom (Kathy) Myers of Plymouth, Minn., Jim (Mindy) Myers of Decorah, Ann (Mark) Simms of Albia, Dan Myers of New Hampton, Lee Myers of Wylie, Texas, and Joe (Susan) Myers of Marion; nine grandchildren, Nicole (Kyle) Burlage of Marim, Janae Myers of Plymouth, Minn, Nathaniel, Mason and Emily Myers of Decorah, Aaron Simms of Broken Arrow, Okla, Andy (Amanda) Simms, Port Angeles, WA, Jace and Tate Myers of Marion; one sister, Irene (Gerald) Lensing of Lawler; one brother, Raymond (Gladys) Myers of Ridgeway.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Emma Myers; one sister, Florence (Francis) Sheridan; and many faithful dogs, all named Duke.

Robert “Robob” Adams dies at 48

Published: Thursday, June 2, 2011 2:34 PM CDT

Robert “Robob” Adams age 48 of New Hampton died Monday, January 17, 2011, in New Hampton.

Inurnment will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Calvary Cemetery.

Robert “Robob” Adams was born October 9, 1962, in New Hampton the son of Stephen L. “Boobie” and Edna Mae (Babcock) Adams. He received his education in New Hampton and was a graduate of the Class of 1981. On June 28, 1985, at St. Joseph Church, New Hampton, he married Renae Matthews. To this union two children were born. The family moved to Las Vegas in 1987 where he worked at Phillips Supper Club and the Food For Less grocery store. The couple later divorced. Bob moved back to New Hampton where he worked for Beatrice in Fredericksburg and had currently been working at Tri-Mark in New Hampton. In his free time he loved playing Texas Hold’em, spending time with friends, family, especially his grandchildren. He loved being a grandpa and a Green Bay Packer fan.

Survivors include his one daughter, RaeAnn Shoars of Waverly; three grandchildren, Cadence Piersol, Harleigh Piersol, Royce Shoars; four sisters, Roxanne (Bruce) Gabrinski of Webster, WI, Mary “Toots” Adams (Pete Nehls) of New Hampton, Sue (Andy) Matthews of Nashua, Michelle (Digger) White of Alta Vista.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Ryan in 2007; brother-in-law, Dean Peters and a great-niece, Remie Peyton.

Geraldine “Jerry” Townsend dies at 90

Published: Friday, June 3, 2011 3:00 PM CDT

Geraldine “Jerry” Townsend, age 90, of Plainfield, died Thursday, June 2, 2011, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at the Plainfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Dennis Burns officiating.  Burial will follow at the Willow Lawn Cemetery in Plainfield.  Visitation will be held on Monday, June 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Memorials may be directed to Jerry’s family and online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. 

Jerry was born on August 4, 1920, in Oelwein, the daughter of John and Grace (Goldsberry) Trower.  She was raised in Fairbank, Aurora, and Bremer, graduating from the Waverly High School In 1938, with her normal training certificate in teaching.  Jerry then taught country school at the Douglas and Fremont Township Schools near Plainfield.  On July 17, 1941, Jerry was united in marriage to William Townsend in Lancaster, Missouri.  She then spent her time raising and supporting her children, helping on the farm, and occasionally substitute taught at Bremwood in Waverly.  Jerry was a member of the United Methodist Church in Plainfield, PTA, and Women Of The Moose in Charles City.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, knitting, making quilts for all her grandchildren, crossword puzzles, dancing, fishing, talking on the CB radio, where her handle was Jelly Bean, and traveling with Bill in their motor home.

Jerry’s memory is honored by her husband Bill of Plainfield, four children, Alan (Marilyn) Townsend of Basehor, Kansas, Linda Hartema of Bloomington, Illinois, Marj (Cecil) Krull of Clarksville, and Rita (Gerald Pierson) Townsend of Des Moines, eight grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and a brother, Warren Turner of Edgewater, Florida.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Burnett Trower, and a grandson, Aaron Townsend.

Berniece Rochford dies at 94

Published: Thursday, June 9, 2011 3:33 PM CDT

Berniece Rochford age 94 of New Hampton died Wednesday morning, June 8, 2011, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2011, at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Placing the pall will be Abbey and Cari Knowlton, Kelly Karkoske, Gail Johnson, Hannah and Olivia Rochford. Lector will be Paul Trewin and the offertory gifts will be presented by Michaela and Isabell Gonzales, Mia and Molly Trewin.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton with Richard Trewin, Keith Rochford, Andrew Rochford, Nathan Rochford, Justin Elliott and J.J. Rochford serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Tammy Gitch, Monica Geerts, Mary Ann O’Neill, Peggy Lester, Anna Mary Carr and Ila Mihm.

Friends may greet the family 3 - 8 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2011, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 4 p.m. rosary and a 7 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Online condolences for Berniece's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com. 

Gertrude Berniece Rochford was born January 31, 1917, in Lawler, the daughter of Charlie and JoHannah (Kipp) Finnegan. She received her education in the Stapleton 6 Country School and graduated from the Lawler High School in 1935. On November 25, 1936, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lawler, she married Charles Merle Rochford. To this union seven children were born.

After raising her family, Berniece worked in the elementary school cafeteria for 10 years and also worked ten years on the cake line at the former Sara Lee Bakery retiring in 1982. She and Merle were longtime members of St. Joseph Parish and Rosary Society, had been a Sara Lee Union Steward, and a member of the National Farmers Organization. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards, spending winters in Texas and visiting with friends.

Survivors include her husband of over 74 years, Merle; four sons, Charles (Connie) Rochford of Rochester, MN, Jerry (Jean) Rochford of New Hampton, Michael (Sandy) Rochford of Cedar Rapids, Rock (Peggy) Rochford of Cedar Rapids; three daughters, Sharon Trewin of New Hampton, Patricia Knowlton of Ionia, Roxann (Karl) Podratz of Rochester, Minn; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two step great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Cornell (Nina) Finnegan, Gerald (Grace) Finnegan, Doris Elaine (John) Munger.

James Lang dies at 72

Published: Thursday, June 9, 2011 3:42 PM CDT

James Lang, age 72 of New Hampton died Wednesday evening, June 8, 2011, at his home.

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

Online condolences for James' family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com 641-394-4334.

Mark Thomas Huffman dies at 64

Published: Monday, June 13, 2011 9:53 AM CDT

Mark Thomas Huffman, age 64 of Norcross, died June 11, 2011.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Bill Head Funeral Home Lilburn/Tucker Chapel.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to to the service. Arrangements By Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory Lilburn/Tucker Chapel 770-564-2726.

Mr. Huffman is survived by his wife, Anne Huffman, of Norcross; daughter, Dominique Nicole Huffman, of California; brothers, Michael (Donna) Huffman, Daniel (Sue) Huffman, and John Huffman; sister, Pat (Dennis) Ruffridge; brother-in-law; Dick Recker, all of Iowa, step daughters, Sherri Baldwin, of Maysville, Ga., and Teri Gerrin, of Alto, Ga; 2 grandchildren, and 4 step-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Rosemary Huffman; a sister Peg Recker and a brother-in-law Dan Schwickerath.

LaVonne M. Testroet dies at 81

Published: Monday, June 13, 2011 2:13 PM CDT

LaVonne M. Testroet age 81, of Lockport, Ill. passed away peacefully Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Silver Cross Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, 11:30 a.m. from the O’Neil Funeral Home Chapel, 1105 E. 9th ST. (159th ST.), Lockport, to St. Joseph Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. Visitation Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

She was born in Iowa and lived in Lockport for 14 years. A faithful member of St. Joseph Church in Lockport. LaVonne was a professional seamstress, an accomplished calligrapher and graphic artist, was a window dresser for several department stores, loved quilting, needlework and crafting. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and entertaining.

Preceded in death by her parents Henry and Irene (Hilsman) Schluetter and her brothers Roger and Dale Schluetter. 

Survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Thomas, her children Gregory (Ligaya). Lise (George) Grafton, Melissa (Dave) Marsden, Renee Testroet and Eric (Rhonda), eight grandchildren Timothy, Trevor, Dylan, Benjamin, Ryan, Colin, Richard and Aubrey and a sister Wilma Orthaus. Numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Lucille E. Schluetter dies at 91

Published: Monday, June 13, 2011 2:00 PM CDT

Lucille E. Schluetter, age 91, of New Hampton, formerly of North Washington, passed away on Sunday June 12, 2011 at New Hampton Care Center in New Hampton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington with Father Mark Osterhaus celebrating the mass. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery at North Washington.

Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 with 4:30 p.m. Rosary and a 5:30 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 Thursday. Online condolences for Lucille’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to North Iowa Hospice.

Lucille Elizabeth Schluetter was born on July 6, 1919 to Edward and Amelia (Radamacher) Gardner on the family farm near North Washington. Lucille attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1937. She was employed as a waitress in Charles City for several years. Lucille was united in marriage to John Schluetter at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. The couple made their home in North Washington until 1991 when Lucille moved to New Hampton. She worked for Tri-Mark in New Hampton until her retirement. Lucille enjoyed quilting, music, playing the organ, dancing and playing cards. She was a lifetime member of Immaculate Conception Church, as well as a member of Immaculate Conception Rosary Society. 

Lucille is survived by her children, Carol (Ray) Panoch of New Hampton, Robert Schluetter of New Hampton and Lola Palmersheim of Omaha, Neb; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, John; one daughter, Doris; one son, Ivan; three sisters, Lenora Roths, Myrtle Baltes and Merita Ketterman.

James Lang dies at 72

Published: Monday, June 13, 2011 10:10 AM CDT

James “Jim” Leroy Lang age 72 of New Hampton died Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at his home.

Friends may greet the family 2 - 6 p.m. Sunday, June 12, 2011 at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton. Online condolences for Jim's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Interment will take place 4 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Union Grove Cemetery, rural Northboro.

James was born November 23, 1938, in Shenandoah, the son of Paul and Bea (Bolton) Lang. He received his education in Shenandoah graduating from the high school there in 1957. He then attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College for one year. On September 7, 1958, at Northboro Methodist Church, Jim was united in marriage to Ann E. James. To this union, four children were born. 

Jim had worked for many years as a meat cutter and butcher having worked for Knittles Grocery and Meat, The Shenandoah Locker, Essex Locker, Corning Locker, The meat department at Family Foods in New Hampton, 15 years at the Protivin Locker and also at the Ionia Locker. He also worked as a truck driver for National By-Products. In his free time he enjoyed wood-working, home remodeling and beer-making.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; two sons, Terry (Joan) Lang of Raymond, Jeff (Sheila) Lang of Readlyn; two daughters, Lacy (Matt) Rucker of Bedford, Lisa Lang of Iowa City; his mother, Bea Lang of Vinton; a brother, Duane (Pat) Lang of Essex, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father; and a sister, Paula Gravel.

Angelica Lynn (Hereid) Ellanson dies at 39

Published: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 3:32 PM CDT

Angelica (Angie) Lynn passed away Sunday, June 12 at Spooner Health Systems after a sudden illness.

Visitation will be Friday, June 17 from 4-8 at Hugeback Funeral Home in New Hampton. Services are planned for Saturday, June 18 at 10:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton. Burial will follow.

Angie was born on Jan. 21, 1972 to Dennis and Judy (McMullen) Hereid in New Hampton. She was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner and graduated from Sumner Community Schools in 1990.

Angie attended the University of Northern Iowa and Allen College, graduating with a BSN in 1996. She earned her MA in Art from St. Scholastica in 2006, and the Board of Nursing granted her a license as a Certified Nurse Practitioner in 2006 as well. Angie worked as a registered nurse at Spooner Health Systems and as a nurse practitioner at the Duluth Clinic in Spooner, Wisconsin. She also donated time at a free clinic. 

Angie was united in marriage with Doug Ellanson on June 25, 1999 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sumner.

Angie was a member of the Washburn County Child Death Board, the National Nursing Association, and Ducks Unlimited. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, and gardening. She was also an avid snowmobiler and a Harley Davidson enthusiast. Angie loved working with her patients, especially children and the elderly.

Angie is survived by her husband, Doug, her children, Luke Wagar-Ellanson, Kennedy, and Ty, all of Sarona, Wisconsin; her parents, Dennis and Judy Hereid, Sumner; two brothers, Shawn (Donna) Hereid, Tripoli, and Drew Hereid, Waterloo; and seven nephews.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Arthur and Evelyn (White) McMullen; paternal grandparents, Merle and Adis (Knutson); and a brother, Adam, in infancy.

Eli James Grove, newborn

Published: Thursday, June 16, 2011 2:54 PM CDT

Eli James Grove, newborn son of Zach Grove and Abby Rhoades, Eagle Grove was called to his heavenly home May 10th, 2011 at 6:03 p.m.

He was born at 4:32 p.m. that same day at Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines.

He will be greatly missed by his parents, sister Klaire, identical twin brother Aiden; paternal grandparents, Steve and Denise Grove of New Hampton, and Peg Leach Danhour of Clear Lake; maternal grandparents, Shelly and Kent Keith, Fort Dodge, and Chad and Sheri Rhoades of Olathe, KS; and many loving great-grand-parents,great-great grand-parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A private memorial service was held June 4, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge.

Beatrice Havlik dies at 99

Published: Monday, June 20, 2011 10:40 AM CDT

Beatrice Havlik, age 99, of Elma, died Sunday, June 19, 2011 at her home in rural Elma.

Arrangements are being made with Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma. Online condolences for Beatrice’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. For further information please contact 641-393-2461.

Beatrice A. “Bea” Havlik dies at 99

Published: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 1:00 PM CDT

Beatrice A. “Bea” Havlik, age 99, of Elma, died Sunday, June 19, 2011 of natural causes at her home in rural Elma.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes, with Monsignor Walter Brunkan celebrating. Burial will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at Lourdes following the mass.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 with a 7:30 p.m. Rosary at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday. Online condolences for Beatrice’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Bea was born on January 3, 1912 along with her twin sister Beata, to Frank and Emma (Navratil) Praska. Bea attended rural and parochial schools and was united in marriage to Adolph Havlik, Sr. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on October 20, 1931. To this union were born four children, Bea Marr, Dr. Frank A. Havlik, Adolph, Jr. and Clem. Bea was a housewife, mother and farm helper throughout her lifetime. She was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church her entire life. Bea will be remembered as kind, generous, and a hard worker who was eternally concerned about her family and one who believed in education. Bea loved gardening, cooking and crocheting until poor sight took that luxury from her. Bea’s exemplary prayer life was most important to her throughout her lifetime and consumed the greater part of her days the past several years.

Bea is survived by her daughter, Bea Marr of Riceville; sons, Adolph, Jr. of Ionia, and Clem (Jan) of Cedar Falls; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one step-great-great-great-grandchild along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph, Sr. on January 3, 1987; her son, Dr. Frank on June 4, 1967; daughter-in-law, Joan Havlik on June 2, 2007 and son-in-law, Robert Marr on July 29, 2010; her siblings Joseph Praska, Emma Clynch and, twin sister, Beata Kubik and one great-grandchild, Destiny Havlik.

John R. Kottke dies at 78

Published: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 2:25 PM CDT

John R. Kottke, age 78, of Fredericksburg, died Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Harvest Church in New Hampton with Pastor Rod Ankrom officiating. Burial will follow the lunch in Rose Hill Cemetery at Fredericksburg.

Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2011 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Online condolences for John’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Harvest Church and Fredericksburg Pioneer Power Club.

John Richard Kottke was born on March 7, 1933 to Frederick and Edna (Zieske) Kottkein New Hampton. He attended Kottke Rural School-District 1 near his family’s farm and graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1951. John farmed the family farm where he has farmed all of his life. He also was employed as a security guard at Sara Lee in New Hampton for 21 years. On January 1, 1956, John was united in marriage to Jeanette Emkesat at the Fredericksburg Peace Church. To this union two children were born, Jay and Jan. 

John enjoyed traveling across the Unites States, restoring tractors in his retirement and gospel music. He was a member of Harvest Church, as John had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior. He was a charter member of the Fredericksburg Pioneer Power Club, and was also a charter member of the Chickasaw County School Preservation Foundation.

John is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette of Fredericksburg; his children, Jay (Robin) Kottke of Phoenix, Ariz. and Jan Kottke of San Bernardino, Ca; their grandchildren, Rebecca and Rachael Kottke, both of Eagan, Minn; his brothers, James (Helen) Kottke of Fredericksburg, Charles (Pam) Kottke of Fredericksburg and Eugene (Judy) Kottke of Sumner; his sisters, Virginia (Dave) Cutsforth of Waterloo and Agnes (Clarence) Moore of Hanson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Herman(LaVonne) Emkes of Denver, Fred (Susie) Emkes of Cedar Falls and George (Molly) Emkes of Albuquerque, NM and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Edna Kottke.