Arthur L. Groen dies at 95

Published: Thursday, May 5, 2011 10:48 AM CDT

Arthur L. Groen, age 95 of Shell Rock, formerly of Nashua died Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at the Waverly Health Center.



Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday May 7, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church, Nashua with Pastor Tom Hagen officiating.



Friends may greet the family 5 – 8 p.m. Friday May 6, 2011, at the Hugeback and Chenoweth Funeral Home, Nashua. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.



Interment will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, Charles City.  Online condolences may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Sister Mary Eugene Goss

Published: Monday, May 9, 2011 10:27 AM CDT

Sister Mary Eugene Goss, PBVM, of Dubuque, formerly of Lawler, died on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Sisters of Presentation Convent in Dubuque. 

Visitation will begin Monday, May 9, 2011 at 4 p.m. 

Mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m. at Sisters of Presentation Convent in Dubuque, IA.

Mary De Sloover dies at 85

Published: Monday, May 9, 2011 10:29 AM CDT

Mary De Sloover age 85 of New Hampton, formerly of Waucoma died Sunday, May 8, 2011, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton. 641-394-4334

Sister Mary Eugene Goss dies at 87

Published: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 2:47 PM CDT

Sister Mary Eugene Goss, PBVM, age 87, died on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Mt. Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque.

Funeral services were Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at Mt. Loretto Motherhouse, with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Eugene, daughter of Ambrose and Florence (Canty), was born Margaret Mary Goss on June 19, 1923, in Lawler.  She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in September of 1941 and professed her perpetual vows on May 16, 1947.

She received her BA from Loras College, Dubuque, and her MA from the University of Notre Dame.  Her teaching career took her to Waukon, Mason City, Key West, Charles City, Farley, Algona, Wahlert High School, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, and Storm Lake. 

Sister retired to Mt. Loretto in 1996 and promoted and organized the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” and the Alzheimer’s Association “Memory Walk” for Mt. Lorettoparticipants and donors for the past 15 years.  She felt privileged to be of service to senior sisters by running errands, attending to chores, or just sitting and praying with them.  She enjoyed crafting, growing plants, reading, crossword puzzles, music, prayer and community service.  Grateful for each day, Sister Eugene recently commented, “Whatever, God has in mind for the future, I am content with that…”

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Eugene (Ann) Goss, Joseph (Signora) Goss and her sister Madonna (George) Guenther.  Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 Condolences for Sister Eugene's family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.

Arthur L. Groen dies at 95

Published: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 10:44 AM CDT

Arthur L. Groen, age 95 of Shell Rock, formerly of Nashua died Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at the Waverly Health Center.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday May 7, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church, Nashua with Pastor Tom Hagen officiating.

Friends may greet the family 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday May 6, 2011, at the Hugeback and Chenoweth Funeral Home, Nashua. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Interment will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, Charles City with grandsons Steve Groen, Darren Groen, Mike Croll, Doug Croll, Todd Duryee, and Ed Houlahan serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Art’s granddaughters Suzy Duryee, Dawn Houlahan, Abby Croll, Angie Croll, Nessa Groen, and Robyn Groen.

Arthur LeRoy Groen was born February 17, 1916, in Hardin County, Iowa, the son of Pete and Dena (Eckhoff) Groen. He attended rural country school and helped on the family farm until the age of 14 when he left home and began working as a hired hand near Charles City. On May 23, 1943, Art was united in marriage to Madelon Ann Beekman at St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City, IA. To this union, three children were born. Over the years the couple farmed mainly in the Nashua area until retiring in 1982. In retirement, Art enjoyed fishing trips to the Mississippi River, refurbishing old trunks and furniture, and a good nap after lunch.

A long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua, Art belonged to the Lutheran Brotherhood and the men’s dart ball team which he enjoyed thoroughly until his health prevented him from participating any longer. Never known to turn down a game of cards, he and Madelon belonged to a 500 card club and a canasta club for over 50 years. In 2005, Art moved to Shell Rock and Healthcare Center, where he received excellent care and frequently received visits from family and friends. Art was a very generous, kind hearted person and will be missed by many.

Survivors include two sons, Larry (Linda) Groen of Nashua, Darrell (Juanita) Groen of Waverly; a daughter, Karla (Bruce) Croll of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Steve (Robyn) Groen of La Jolla, CA, Suzy (Todd) Duryee of Marble Rock, Darren (Nessa) Groen of Waverly, Dawn (Ed) Houlahan of Posen, IL, Mike (Abby) Croll of Des Moines, Doug (Angie) Croll of West Des Moines; seven great grandchildren, Samantha and Carly Duryee, Peyton Groen, Connor and Dylan Houlahan, Lauren Croll, and Molly Croll; two brothers; Ray Groen of Waverly, Marvin “Bud” Groen of Waterloo; three sisters, Ethel (Bernard) Buskhol of Holland, Dorothy Brocka of Bristow, Beaulah (Gerry) Vetter of Nashua; and many nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Madelon; his parents; a step-mother, Pauline Groen; three brothers, Irvin, Wilbur, and Bernard Groen; three sisters, Ione Gosch, Ruth Ellerman, and Marlys Schrage; and a granddaughter, Sandy Groen.  Online condolences may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Larry Lee Biermann dies at 45

Published: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 3:39 PM CDT

Larry Lee Biermann, age 45, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Tripoli, passed away Monday, May 9, 2011, at University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m., at Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli, with Reverend Marilyn Sargent officiating.  Inurnment to be at a later date. Public visitation will be Wednesday, May 11 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Faith United Church of Christ, 408 South Main Street, Tripoli, and one hour before the services on Thursday.

Larry was born April 23, 1966 in Waterloo, the son of John and

Marlys (Stumme) Biermann. Larry was a lifetime member of Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli, where he was baptized and confirmed.  He went to school and graduated from the Tripoli High School, and went on to graduate from Hawkeye Institute of Technology in Waterloo, with a degree in Graphic Arts.

On August 20, 2009, Larry was united in marriage to Russell Driskill in Providence Town, Massachusetts. Larry

and Russell made their home in Cedar Rapids.

Larry worked as a Graphic Arts Designer. Early in his career, he was employed at Seifert's and was promoted to the position of V.P. of Seifert’s Marketing. While employed there, he was responsible for advertizing in over 125 stores on both the east and west coasts. For a period of time, he owned his own business, known as LLB Creative in Cedar Rapids.  As a graphic artist, he was recognized for his work by

the Advertising Federation of Cedar Rapids, winning a number of ADDY awards.

In his spare time he enjoyed showing Arabian horses and spending time with his four legged “kids” Louis Lee and the girls. Larry also enjoyed being outside, enjoying gardening and raising his prize tomatoes.

Larry is survived by his spouse, Russell Driskill of Cedar Rapids; his parents, John and Marlys Biermann of Tripol; a sister, Linda (Wayne “Andy”) Anderson of Tripoli; two brothers, Lawain (Marcella) Biermann of Tripoli, and Lowell (Linda) Biermann of Tripoli; seven nieces and nephews; many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as his four legged “kids” Louis Lee and the girls.

He is preceded by his maternal and paternal grandparents; a cousin, Mark Homeister and four uncles, Harold Meyer, Laverne Biermann, Virgil Biermann and Erwin Blasberg.

The family suggests memorials be given to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or to the United Church of Christ Accessibility Fund, 408 South Main Street, Tripoli, IA. The S.K. Rogers Funeral Home, Sumner, is in charge of arrangements, ph. 563-578-1800. Online condolences may be left at www.skrogersfuneralhome.com.

Herbert J. Roethler Jr. dies at 89

Published: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 4:44 PM CDT

Herbert J. Roethler Jr., age 89 of New Hampton, formerly of Nashua and Ionia, died Monday, May 9, 2011, at the New Hampton Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2011, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Ionia, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed by Herbert's three daughters. Lectors for the service are Sister Carla Popes and Theresa Buss. Giftbearers are Richard Kalkbrenner and Gary Halvorson. Music for the service will be provided by Ann Bennett, organist and the Immaculate Conception Men's Choir.

Interment will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, Ionia with Chris Roethler, Dale Roethler, Dave Roethler, Dana Kiene, Michael Hiltgen and Bob Friedman serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are Shelly (Tony) Kozak, Lori (Dana) Kiene, Christine (Michael) Hiltgen, Adam Eickhoff and Jacob Halvorson. Military honors will be conducted by the Nashua VFW Post.

Friends may greet the family 4 - 7 p.m. Thursday at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 7 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the funeral at church.  Online condolences for Herbert's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Herbert John Roethler Jr. was born May 15, 1921, in West Bend, the son of Herbert and Clara (Fishbach) Roethler. He received his education in three Chickasaw County country schools, Jacksonville Township, West of Ionia and in Deerfield Township. He entered the United States Coast Guard on November 16, 1942, and was honorably discharged on November 17, 1945. On April 19, 1944, in Asbury Park, NJ, he married Rose Mae Green. To this union three daughters were born. The couple briefly farmed near North Washington and then moved to Ionia where they farmed until retiring. His wife Rose died on October 2, 2000, at the age of 74. On October 2, 2003, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Ionia, he married Mary Popes Mahoney. The couple resided between their homes in Ionia and Nashua until Herb became a resident at the New Hampton Care Center in April 2010. He enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, dancing and always made time to visit.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; three daughters, Mary (David) Sandberg of Waynesville, Mo., Jean (Richard) Kalkbrenner of Ankeny and Patricia (Gary) Halvorson of Alta Vista; four grandchildren, Shelly (Tony) Kozak of Bejing, China, Lori (Dana) Kiene of Ankeny, Christine (Michael) Hiltgen of Ankeny and Adam Eickhoff of Charles City; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Veronica Roethler of Alta Vista; his wife’s children, Susan (Bob) Kreiner of Brooklyn, Theresa (Brad) Buss of Waverly, Virgene (Neal) Huegel of New Hampton, Laureen (Dean) Nelson of Plainview, Minn., Kathleen (Randy) Mitchell of New Hampton, Stephen (Sue) Mahoney of Ionia, Patrick (Judy) Mahoney of Kersey, Colo., Michael (Brenda) Mahoney of Nashua, Phillip (Mary) Mahoney of New Hampton, Timothy (Rose) Mahoney of Martinsville, Ind., Matthew (Marie) Mahoney of Ionia; 31 step-grandchildren; 16 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Rose Mae; two great-grandchildren, Lily and John Hiltgen; two sons-in-law, Joe Wheeler and Roger Schmidt; two brothers, Francis Roethler and Clair Roethler; one sister-in-law, Norma Roethler.

Kadyn Jade Halverson dies at 7

Published: Thursday, May 12, 2011 10:11 AM CDT

Kadyn Jade Halverson, age 7 of Kensett, died Tuesday, May 10, 2011, from a tragic accident.  

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Bethel United Methodist Church, Manly, with Pastor Don Preston officiating. Interment will be at Kensett Cemetery.  

Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, and then one hour before the service on Saturday at the church.  The family suggests memorials to the Kadyn Jade Halverson Memorial Fund.  

Kadyn was born on Sept. 21, 2003, in Phoenix, the daughter of  Matthew M. Kellogg and Kari L. Halverson.  

Kadyn was presently attending Northwood-Kensett Elementary School, where she was a student in the first grade.  

Kadyn enjoyed listening to music (Black Eyed Peas and Hannah Montana); watching TV (especially Sponge Bob and ICarly); playing softball, soccer, camping, fishing, roller skating, bowling, swimming; attending school; bicycling and loved flowers. Kadyn loved playing with her brother Kyler and her many cousins.

Kadyn was an extremely loving and caring little girl bringing smiles and joy to all.  

Kadyn is survived by her mother, Kari Halverson and stepfather, Ryan Meyer, of Kensett; her father, Matt Kellogg and stepmother Mandy Smith, New Hampton; brother Kyler Meyer of Kensett; maternal grandparents, Ladeena Halverson, Phoenix, Ken Halverson (Becky Mast) Benson, Minn., and Dennis and Kathy Meyer, Northwood;  paternal grandparents, Randy and Barb Kellogg, New Hampton, and Melony Smith, Elma; maternal great-grandparents, Thelma Winterhalt, Yuma, Ariz., Mickey and Marilyn Halverson, Geneseo, Ill., Dale and Shirley Meyer, Kensett, Vern and Floris Yezek, Manly, and Delores Jaeger, Benson, Minn.; paternal great-grandparents, Marvin and Thelma Kellogg, Charles City, Marvin and Marilyn Njus, New Hampton, Dennis and Wanda Meyer, Elma, and Joe and Jeanne Smith, Jerico; aunts and uncles, Brandi Halverson (Jesse Boles), Laine Halverson (Recco Barlow), Heather (Brian) Tank, Kristen Meyer, Travis and Tori Meyer, Jamie Smith, Mitchel Smith, Josh Smith, and Lee Smith.; and many great aunts and uncles, cousins and a host of friends.  

She was preceded in death by an uncle Benjamin Mast, Grandfather Mike Smith, Great-Grandpa and Grandma Bray, Great-Grandpa Floyd Willis, and Great Aunt Dorothy Kellogg.  

Connor Colonial Chapel, of Northwood is in charge of arrangements.

Erma White Booth dies at 88

Published: Monday, May 16, 2011 10:24 AM CDT

Erma White Booth, age 88 of Arlington Heights, Ill formerly of Nashua, Iowa died Saturday May 14, 2011, at the Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington.

Arrangements are pending with Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua. 641-435-4134

Daniel Peters dies at 50

Published: Monday, May 16, 2011 3:59 PM CDT

Daniel R. Peters, age 50, of New Hampton, died Monday, May 16, 2011 at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo.  

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Center in New Hampton with Father Mark Osterhaus celebrating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at New Hampton.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, and will continue at the church one hour prior to the service.  Condolences may be left for Daniel’s family at www.conway-markhamfh.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Daniel Raymond Peters was born on May 23, 1960, the son of Harold and Norma (Hovey) Peters in New Hampton.  Daniel attended school in New Hampton.  While in high school, Daniel was involved in a car accident which left him a quadriplegic.  His parents have been his caregivers at their home in New Hampton since this accident.  Daniel enjoyed playing cards with his card buddies, surfing the web, playing games and Facebook, as well as, car trips out of town, going to the casino and having his family around him.

“Danny is now free to do the things he was not able to do since his accident.”  “Danny Ray, you were and always will be our Ray of Sunshine!”

Danny is survived by his parents, Harold and Norma Peters of New Hampton, his sisters, Gloria Fox and Cathy (Rod) Janssen, both of Dumont; his brother Harlan (Wendy) Peters of New Hampton; nieces and nephews, Travis (Kandy) Fox of Ionia, Mick Kulish of Nora Springs, Nicole (Bob) Whitney of Dumont, Keith Janssen of Dumont, Teresa (Corey) Campbell of Coulter, Trisha Fox of Dumont and Mandie Nelson of New Hampton and 14 great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and two nieces, Michelle Kulish and Tina Fox.

Marilyn K. Gitch dies at 75

Published: Monday, May 16, 2011 10:20 AM CDT

Marilyn K. Gitch, age 75, of Fredericksburg died Thursday, May 12, 2011, at her home.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 16, 2011, at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, with Pastor Ronnie Koch officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

Friends greeted the family 5 - 8 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2011, at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church.  Online condolcences for Marilyn may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Marilyn Kay Gitch was born December 7, 1935, on the O’Connell family farm near Fredericksburg in Chickasaw County, the daughter of Elmer and Opal (Grahlman) O’Connell. She received her education in Fredericksburg graduating from the Fredericksburg High School in 1953. On June 23, 1957, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, she married Kenneth August Gitch. To this union three sons were born. The couple farmed south of Fredericksburg on the Gitch family farm. On June 23, 1975, Kenneth died of cancer at the age of 43. Marilyn remained farming with her family until the time of her death. Marilyn enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg.

Survivors include three sons, Craig Gitch, Curt (Brenda) Gitch, Ken (Barbara) Gitch, all of Fredericksburg; one brother, Elmer (Karen) O’Connell of Fredericksburg; six grandchildren, Sondra Gitch, Brittany Gitch, Sarah (Michael) Lawson, Joshua Gitch, Halie Gitch and Rebecca Gitch; two great-grandchildren, Amelia Rose Lawson and Kylie Jane Morrison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Keith O’Connell and Kenneth O’Connell; one sister, Joyce Kinsey.

Linda K. Hickman dies at 63

Published: Monday, May 23, 2011 10:14 AM CDT

Linda K. Cox-Hickman, age 63, of Fall River, Wisc., formerly of Charles City died Thursday, May 19, 2011 at her home in Fall River.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City with Monsignor Stanley Hayek celebrating.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City.

Visitation will be from 4 - 7 p.m. with a 4:30 p.m. Rosary on Monday, May 23, 2011 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma.  Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.  Online condolences for Linda’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfuneralhome.com.

Linda Kay Hickman was born on September 22, 1947 to Virgil and Betty (Muetz) Cox in New Hampton.  Linda attended school in Colwell and graduated from Charles City High School in 1965.  She attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City.  Linda was then employed by Winnebago Industries for several years on the assembly line.  She moved to Salinas, Calif. where she was employed by Bell Telephone.  On August 26, 1979, Linda was united in marriage to Jim Hickman in Prunedale, Calif.  The couple made their home in Moss Landing, Calif.  After Jim’s death on November 25, 2000, Linda moved to her present home in Fall River, Wisc.  She enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, and spoiling her grandson, Charlie. 

Linda is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Chuck) Kayser; grandson, Charles Kayser, all of Fall River; her brothers, Larry (Sandy) Cox, Robert Cox, both of New Hampton and Mike Cox of Charles City; her sisters, Patty (Al) Good of Forest City, IA and Ginger (Jim) Darr of Red Wing, MN, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Jim in 2000, brother, Donald and her sister, Elizabeth.

Paul F. Geerts dies at 96

Published: Monday, May 23, 2011 1:03 PM CDT

Paul F. Geerts, age 96, of New Hampton, died Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista, with Fr. Ray Atwood celebrating the mass.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Alta Vista with Curtis Geerts, Brian Geerts, Tony Geerts, Ryan Geerts, Bradley Trask, Andrew Trask and Larry Geerts serving as casket bearers.

Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. with a 4:30 p.m. Rosary and a 6 p.m. Scriptural Wake Service on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Conway-Markham FuneralHome in Elma.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  Online condolences may be left for Paul’s family at www.conway-markhamfh.com.

Paul Frederick Geerts was born on April 4, 1915 to Theodore and Margaret (Brehm) Geertson a farm near Elma.  He attended country school and then worked for area farmers as a farm hand.  On May 17, 1938 Paul was united in marriage to Helen Galingat Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington.  The couple farmed in the Deerfield area all of their married life until retiring and moving to Alta Vista in 1974.  In 2008, Paul moved to New Hampton.  He enjoyed playing cards, taking his grandchildren fishing, reading, farming and family gatherings.  Paul was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church where he was a Trustee.  He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight, the Catholic Order of Foresters, as well as a member of the Alta Vista Farmers Creamery Board.

Paul is survived by his children, Francis (Rosy) Geerts, LeRoy (Mary Lee) Geerts, James (Linda) Geerts, all of Charles City, Vincent (Diane) Geerts of Emmetsburg, Mary Ann (Stanley) Trask and Leonard (Diane) Geerts, both of New Hampton; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; his brother, Daniel (Coletta) Geerts of New Hampton; his sisters, Ruth Kruth of Evansdale, Mabel Geerts of Elma and Monica (Virgil) Marvin of Alta Vista; two sisters-in-law, Monica Geerts and Joanna Geerts, both of New Hampton, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Helen on July 9, 1994; his grandson, Roger Geerts; his brothers, Louis, Andrew and Elmer; his brother-in-law, Everet Kruth and sister-in-law, Katherine Geerts.

Luva Mae Mohrfeld dies at 80

Published: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 11:18 AM CDT

Luva Mae Mohrfeld, age 80, of Elma, died Monday, May 23, 2011 at her home in Elma.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Father Ray Atwood celebrating.  Interment will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery at Elma.

Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. Scriptural Wake Service on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at Conway-Markham FuneralHome in Elma. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Online condolences may be left for Luva Mae’s family at www.conway-markhamfh.com.

Cletus J. Welterdies at 59

Published: Thursday, May 26, 2011 9:05 AM CDT

Cletus J. Welter, age 59 of New Hampton, died Wednesday May 25, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, New Hampton.  641-394-4334 Online condolences for Clete's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Neal J. Reicks dies at 89

Published: Thursday, May 26, 2011 9:22 AM CDT

Neal J. Reicks age 89 of Lawler, died Wednesday. May 25, 2011, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Services are pending with Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Lawler.  Online condolences for Neal's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com  563-238-2764.

Cletus J. Welterdies at 59

Published: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 1:46 PM CDT

Cletus “Clete” J. Welter age 59 of New Hampton died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.



A Mass of Christian Burial was held 1 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2011, at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Music for the service will be provided by the Lau family. Placing the pall will be Pam and their children. Lectors for the service were ZoAnn Bear and Jeanette Hendricks. Presenting the offertory gifts will be Rita Kiefer, Jean Thiesen, Don Welter and Jim Welter. Pallbearers are Terry Theisen, Ken Kiefer, Brian Welter, Dave Dunn, Jim Welter and Don Welter. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Meyerhoffer, Darryl Dietzenbach, Loren Dietzenbach, Ray Wright, Ron Underwood, Richard Welter, Randy Mitchell, J.C. Schnurr, Tony Gotto, LeRoy Bobst and Rick Bliele.



Friends greeted the family 2 - 6 p.m. Sunday at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there was a 5 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues one hour prior to the Mass at church on Monday. A second visitation was held 10 a.m. -  noon, Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Epworth, Iowa with interment in the church cemetery to follow. Condolences may be left and video tribute may be viewed at hugebackfuneralhome.com



Cletus “Clete” J. Welter was born December 6, 1951, in Farley, the son of Carl and Mary (Griffin) Welter. He received his elementary education in Epworth and was a 1970 graduate of the West Dubuque High School. Clete then attended Hawkeye Tech. in Waterloo where he became an electrical technician. On April 24, 1976, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, he married Pamela Miller. To this union three children were born; Angie, Nathan and Megan. 



Clete began working at Sara Lee during construction in 1972 and remained there until its closing. He then worked with Sparboe foods in the same location until the time of his death. Clete was active with his church being involved in the remodeling projects, as an eucharistic minister and the Knights of Columbus. He had served on the Advisory Board at NICC in Calmar, enjoyed fishing, playing cards and Scrabble. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Pittsburgh Steelers Fan.

Clete is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pam; two daughters, Angie (Dave) Dunn of Lenexa, KS and Megan Welter of New Hampton; one son, Nathan Welter of New Hampton; a grandson, Sam Dunn; his mother, Mary Welter of Epworth; two brothers, Don (Alice) Welter of Epworth and Jim (Jackie) Welter of Dubuque; two sisters, Rita (Ken) Kiefer of Rochester, MN and Jean (Terry) Theisen of Excelsior Springs, Mo.



He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Welter; a sister, Sr. Nora Welter P.B.V.M.; a nephew, Eric Welter.

Carl Smith dies at 91

Published: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 1:58 PM CDT

Carl Smith, 91, of Waverly formerly of Ionia, died Saturday evening, May 28, 2011 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at Republic Community Church rural Ionia with Pastor O. Lundula officiating. Mary Jean Parks will accompany the congregation in singing “The Old Rugged Cross”, “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace”. Janice Edson will sing “Church in the Wildwood”.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Nashua with Charles Edson, Daryl Schmidt, Gaylord Knutson, Ronald Knutson, Larry Moine and Leroy Cerwinske will serve as pallbearers. Ralph Feuchtwanger will be an honorary pallbearer.

Friends may greet the family 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua and for one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be directed to the Smith Family.

Condolences may be left and video tribute viewed at hugebackfuneralhom.com

Carl Smith was born February 19, 1920 the second son of Carl B. and Maude (Burbridge) in Butler County. He attended Bushy Mound Country School through the eighth grade and then helped on the family farm. At age 18, he moved with his parents to a farm in Chickasaw County near Republic. He moved back to the Bristow area to work and it was there that he met Alice Rodman. They were united in marriage on June 6, 1943, at the Little Brown Church near Nashua. They started farming the George Fiene farm and later moved to the Fiene home farm in 1952. They purchased the farm in 1973.

Carl served on the rural school board, Nashua Co-op Board for 12 years, County 4-H Committee serving as superintendent of small animals at the 4-H Fair for 16 years. He was a member of Farm Bureau and Republic Community Church for many years. Carl and Alice square danced for over 40 years. In 1989 they started wintering in sunny Florida where they enjoyed gardening and playing cards. Carl cared for his wife Alice during her final illness and she passed away June 15, 1995.

Carl married Leona Wilke on November 14, 1998, at the Little Brown Church. They lived on the farm and wintered in Florida through the spring of 2009. Leona passed away November 1, 2009. Carl moved to an apartment at Eichhorn Haus in Waverly where he resided until his death Saturday evening.

He is survived by his six children, Carol Smith of Waterloo, Sharon (Leon) Harms of Wellsburg, Karen Smith of Waterloo, Kathy (William) Kurth of Coralville, Steve (Laura) Smith of Cedar Rapids and Joyce (Michael) Flynn of Cologne, NJ; one step-daughter, Diane (Dan) Pischke of Hawkeye; one brother, Darwin Smith of Nashua; one sister, Leatrice Einck of Nashua; 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his wives, Alice and Leona; his parents; two brothers, Norman and Lavane Smith; one sister, Marva A. Smith; one brother-in-law, Wayne Einck; two sisters-in-law, Janina and Alice Smith.