Rev. Norman D. Frerking

August 12, 2004

Rev. Norman D. Frerking, 89, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2004, at the Mable Rose Estates Assisted Living in Papillion, Nebraska.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, August 14, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge. Rev. Frerking's body was donated for research to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The Palmer & Swank Funeral Home of Rockwell City was in charge of the services.

Norman D. Frerking, was born on July 12, 1915, at Lake Park. He graduated from the Lakota High School. He attended the University of Dubuque, the University of Iowa, then returned to Dubuque where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity and Masters of Church Music Degrees. Norman was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in 1939, following his studies at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He began his ministry in Lincoln, Nebraska and served at churches in Norrison, Tranquility, Traer and Salem.

On May 28, 1943, Norman was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" Gerda Jensen at Cedar Falls. Following their marriage, they returned to Dubuque, where Norman served as an admissions counselor for the University, while continuing his studies towards a second Masters Degree.

Norman served Presbyterian Churches in Warren, Illinois and later Sac City, Iowa. In 1958, he was called to serve at the Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church in Des Moines and also served as Chaplain at the Des Moines VA Hospital. He "retired" from active ministry but later served churches in Clarion, Fonda, Lytton, Auburn, and Calvary Presbyterian Church near Barnum. He celebrated over 63 years in active ministry in the Presbyterian Church.

Norman is survived by his wife, Betty; one daughter, Judi Crick and husband, Robert of Papillon, Nebraska; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Otto and Claire Dietrick Frerking; and one son, Bruce Frerking.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Pearl Stella Whyte

August 12, 2004

Pearl Stella (Hovland) Whyte, 88, of Goldfield, died on Saturday, August 7, 2004, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 11, at the United Methodist Church in Goldfield. Rev. James Seibert officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial followed in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Pearl Stella Hovland, was born on May 22, 1916 in Eagle Grove, the daughter of Peter B. and Anna Sophia Hovland. Her mother died when she was seven years old. Her father later married Marie Dahlberg.

Pearl graduated from the Eagle Grove High School in 1934. In 1936 she was a rural school teacher. She attended beauty college in Des Moines and operated a beauty shop out of her home for 33 years. She married George "Conger" Whyte, Sr. on April 13, 1939.

Pearl was a member of the Bay View Club and was a prolific writer, china painter and canvas painter. She is remembered for her Christmas Choir Concerts at the church and as an enthusiastic supporter of Memory Lane at the Goldfield Cemetery. She was a nursing home song leader.

She is survived by her daughters, Maureen Cameron and husband, Lyle of Goldfield, Margaret Freeman and husband, Mick of Council Bluffs and Nancy Danielson and husband, Lon of Stuart, Florida; one son, George Conger Whyte Jr. and wife, Marcella of Oakdale, Minnesota; 19 grandchildren; one sister, Verna Wishart of La Palma, California; two brothers, Hal Hovland of Eagle Grove and Ken Hovland and wife, Carol of Vernon, Connecticut; one sister-in-law, Jeanne Hovland of Northridge, California; many nieces, nephews, cousins and her 104 year-old aunt, Gladys Summers.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Conger in 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Bernice Watne (Olaf); brother, Reuben Hovland; sisters-in-law, Judy Hovland, Ruth Richardson (Raynard) and Margaret Whyte; and brother-in-law, Bill Wishart.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Stephen Philip Lyons

August 19, 2004

Stephen Philip Lyons, 63, of Quentin Village, California, died peacefully on Sunday, August 8, 2004 surrounded by his wife, Billie Post, and his children. He died of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

A memorial mass was held on Saturday, August 14, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Magnolia Avenue and King Street in Larkspur. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Marin Community Foundation (designate contribution in honor of Stephen P. Lyons Billie Post ALS and Cancer Fund) at 5 Hamilton Landing, Suite 200, Novato, California, (415) 464-2500, or Hospice of Marin, 21 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, California.

Steve was a proud third generation San Franciscan, born on September 14, 1940, the son of Frances Farrell and Frank Thomas Lyons, both deceased. He grew up in St. Monica's Parish, attended St. Joseph's Seminary, and graduated from the St. Ignatius High School and the University of San Francisco. In 1964 he married Leila Petri and together they raised three children in Mill Valley.

Steve's career led to construction, first working for Dickman Construction. In 1967, he joined Robert Scarth as a labor relations consultant. The business evolved into Scarth-Lyons and Associates, representing contractors and employer associations in all phases of labor relations. He was also one of the founders and President of Professional Players Management Group representing professional athletes.

An adventurous traveler and avid athlete, Steve explored golf courses, ski slopes and running trails in many countries. He excelled in running, where his talent, enthusiasm and dedication resulted in several national and world records. He was also a proud Dipsea Race Black T-shirt winner seventeen times. A member of the San Francisco Olympic Club and Tamalpa Runners, his strength and determination were present in all endeavors, beating colon cancer ten years ago and in his final journey with ALS.

Steve is survived by his wife, Billie Post; three children and their spouses, Paula and Michael Vlaming of Napa, California, Stephen Lyons and Kim De Serpa of Aptos, California and Gina and Jon Hartquist of Novato, California; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Judy Theo Lehner and Ellen Berg, both of Sonoma, California; one nephew and one niece; and many cousins.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Margaret Olive Ebert

August 19, 2004

Margaret Olive Ebert, 84, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2004, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held pn Monday, August 16, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Margaret Wescott, was born on April 14, 1920 in Bremer County, the daughter of George W. and Lillian Belle (Cruthers) Wescott. She grew up around the Sumner area and graduated from the Sumner High School. After graduation, Margaret attended Cornell College and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, where she majored in music. On November 11, 1943, Margaret was united in marriage with Wayne E. Ebert in Sumner.

Margaret worked at the Rath Packing Company in Waterloo and for the Wright County Monitor and Allen Printing in Clarion. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, serving three years as president of UMW and sang in the Methodist Church Choir. Margaret had an interest in patriotic and genealogical organizations; past regent of DAR, state level; past state regent DAC; past state regent Daughters of Colonial Wars; and past president of Colonial Dames 17th Century. She also belonged to several other statewide organizations including Daughters of Founders and Patriots, Dames of the Court of Honor, New England Women, Mayflower Descendants and Descendants of Stukely Westcott. Locally, Margaret was a Den Mother, Leader of Campfire Girls, a member of Eastern Star for over 60 years, 3C's, and past president of P.E.O.

Margaret is survived by one daughter, Barbara Johnson and husband, Jerry of Altoona, Pennsylvania; two sons, Greg Ebert and wife, Jane of Buffalo, New York and Randy Ebert of Melrose, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and one niece and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne in 2001; and one brother, Stanley.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Marcene Ann Davis

August 19, 2004

Marcene Ann (Lein) Davis, 90, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 16, at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Clarion. Pastor Stanley Peterson officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Norway Township Cemetery, rural Kanawha.

Marcene Ann Lein, was born on March 9, 1914 in Kanawha, the daughter of Oscar and Helen (Asbe) Lein. She attended schools in Kanawha, Britt Junior College, and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1937. She did graduate work at the University of Washington and Wyoming.

In 1939 she married Archie McCormick of Britt, who was killed in service during World War II. She later married Ralph K. Davis, then of Port Angeles, Washington.

Marcene worked as a teacher for 23 years, having taught in schools in Illinois, California, Washington and Minnesota. She retired in 1972 after teaching 17 years in Austin, Minnesota. During her teaching years, she was affiliated with the American Association of University Women and with Delta Kappa Gamma, educational honorary. During World War II, she worked for the United States Treasury Department, which was moved from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, Illinois for the duration of the war.

After her retirement, Marcene returned to Port Angeles, Washington, where she was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chapter HG, P.E.O., Minnesota Retired Teachers Association, and Gold Star Wives of America. In June 2002 she moved to The Meadows in Clarion.

Marcene is survived by one son, Brent Davis and wife, Debra of Deerfield Beach, Florida; four granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; step-brother, Paul Thompson and wife, Elena of Madison, Wisconsin; three nephews, Roger Espe and wife, Nancy of Bonita Springs, Florida, Steven Espe and wife, Gail of Des Moines and Mitchell Espe and wife, Christine of Newbury Park, California; brother-in-law, Lawrence Espe and wife, Alice of Clarion; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Archie McCormick; two sisters, Lois Espe and Lorraine Lein; and step-mother, Ruth Thompson Lein.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Lorna May Ressler

August 26, 2004

Lorna May Ressler, 81, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2004, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

Private family services were held on Saturday, August 21, at the Fairview Cemetery in Dows.

Lorna May Wright, was born on January 31, 1923 in Canby, Oregon, the daughter of Fred and Hattie (Van Dyke) Wright. She attended grade school at Beaver Creek, Oregon and her freshman year of high school at Oregon City. In 1937, she moved with her family to a farm near Osage and graduated from the Osage High School and Parsons College in Fairfield, with a degree in Business Administration and Social Work.

In 1943, Lorna married John Blankenship at Martinez, California. They moved from Mason City to Eagle Grove in 1954 and were the parents of one daughter, Carol. John preceded her in death on February 3, 1986.

Lorna worked as a licensed cosmetologist and had her own beauty shop for a number of years. She also worked for the State of Iowa as a caseworker for ten years. In May of 1993, Lorna married Arthur Ressler.

Survivors include one daughter, Carol Hanson and son-in-law, Norman of Dows; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; husband, Art Ressler of Eagle Grove and his children, Deb, Mary, Jean, Dan, Doug, John, Perry, Barbara and Troy and several grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; and one brother, Don Wright.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Margaret Melinda Dannen

September 23, 2004

Margaret Melinda Dannen, 46, of Indianola, died on Tuesday, August 31, 2004, after a lengthy illness.

Services were held on Friday, September 3n at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianola. Graveside services were held at the Williams Cemetery.

Margaret Melinda Ubbenn was born on August 23, 1958 in Iowa Falls, the daughter of Melvin and Marilyn (Schutt) Ubben. She received her education at the Williams Elementary School and graduated from the Northeast Hamilton High School in 1976. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 1980 with an accounting degree. In 1992 she received her Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. She worked as an accountant for the Burton Tracy Agency in Clarion, Iowa State University in Ames, Creighton University in Omaha, and Mercy Health Systems in Des Moines as an accounting manager.

On July 22, 1989, Margaret was united in marriage to Thomas Dannen of Melbourne at the Faith Lutheran Church in Clive.

Survivors include her husband, Tom of Indianola; Tom's parents, George and Marie Dannen; sister-in-law, Debra (Ed) Schmidt; brother-in-law, Douglas Dannen; four nephews and one niece; mother, Marilyn Ubben; aunts, uncles, cousins and many loving friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin in 1991; grandparents; aunts, uncles and cousins.
© Wright County Monitor 2004