May 2, 2007

Harold Kocourek

Harold Kocourek, 88, passed away at Medford, Mass. on Sunday, March 29, 2007.
He was a Pearl Harbor survivor of WWII. He was retired as an engineer on the Boston-Maine Train.
Harold is survived by a daughter, Kathy Kocourek; son, Harold Jr.; a grandson, Robby, all of Medford; and a sister, Laurleen Fatland, of Clear Lake.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; parents, Mr. and Mrs. (Gae) Adolph Kocourek; brothers, Gae, Roland, and James; and a sister, Cleo.

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Banks

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Banks, 60, 1104 7th Ave N., Clear Lake, died Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at her home. A memorial service was held Monday, April 30, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. According to her wishes, her body has been cremated. An Inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, will take place at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Kathleen A. Banks Memorial Fund.
Kathy was born Dec. 29, 1946 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Donovan and Shirley (Tagesen) Havnen. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1965. Kathy married Don Banks on March 26, 1966 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City. She worked at McDonalds in Clear Lake for over 20 years. She was a member of the Moose Lodge in Mason City and the Muddy Pond CB Club with her handle "White Owl". She was an avid Hawkeye fan, loved to knit, watch birds, plant flowers and enjoyed her doll collection.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Don Banks, Clear Lake; a son, Chad Banks and his special friend, Sarah Schaack, Mason City; grandchildren, Joshua and Jordan Banks, Mason City; brothers, Don Havnen, Andover, Kan., Jim Havnen and his wife, Pam, Ankeny, Iowa, Matt Havnen, Nora Springs, Iowa, Mark Havnen, Florida;a sister, Mary Lynn Kolb and her husband, Doug, Clear Lake; father-in-law, Fred Banks, Clear Lake; and sister-in-law, Nancy Mullan and her fiancé, Jim Pilgrim, Clear Lake.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Luella Banks; daughter-in-law, Lori Banks; brother-in-law, Terry Mullan; sister-in-law, Wendy Havnen; and several nieces.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

May 9, 2007

Walter (Walt) Nickerson

Walter (Walt) Nickerson, 81, 13713 Indigo Ave., Clear Lake, died Thursday, May 3, 2007 at his home. A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 8, at Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Full military honors were presented by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be given to the Walter Nickerson Memorial Fund.
Walter was born July 3, 1925 in Clear Lake, the son of Raymond and Leola (Fern) Nickerson. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1942. In July of 1944 he entered the United States Army. He served his country and participated in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. He married Alfa Jaspersen on Dec. 10, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. After his discharge he began farming in 1947. He and Alfa eventually had a small Holstein dairy cow milking operation up until 1964. He then left farming and sold dairy equipment and milk coolers. From 1968 to 1975 he worked at Decker's Packing Plant and farmed south of Ventura. At that time he went to work for his brother, Dick, until 2004. Walter was a former 4-H member of the Lake's Ambitious Feeders and later was leader from 1952-1960. In 1968 he got involved in the Purebread Suffolk sheep industry; raising a 20-head flock until 2004. One of his fondest memories was having his grandson, Todd, help with pig chores and teaching him how to drive the tractor. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his son and two of his grandchildren show lambs at the North Iowa Fair.
Walter was an active Cerro Gordo County Democrat and served on the Central Committee for many years. Caucus time was special for him and he enjoyed talking politics with anyone (even lively debates with Republicans) anywhere, anytime. Walt and Alfa enjoyed dancing at the Surf and V.F.W. He loved music and enjoyed watching his granddaughter, Katy, dance at her recitals. Walt was active in Pheasants Forever, promoting conservation and planting many acres of natural grasses in several counties in North Iowa. From 1984 until the present Walt served on the Cerro Gordo County Extension Council. He received the "Distinguished Extension Council Member Service award in 2000." He worked with all but one County Extension Director and reminisced about 4-H and extension work. He also was awarded the 4-H Alumni Award with his son in 2000. Walt enjoyed playing 500 and Pinochle whenever a game was to be played. He enjoyed watching college and professional sports on TV. One of his most enjoyable experiences was his visit to Washington D.C. in 2004 to see the World War II Memorial with his wife, son and daughter-in-law. Walt really enjoyed watching his grandchildren and friends play pool down in the basement. He always shared a "Little Debbie" with them and kept in contact with them and a good story repeated many times over kept them intrigued and happy.
Walt was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, and lifetime member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Democratic Central Committee, and Extension Council.
Walt is survived by his wife, Alfa Nickerson, Clear Lake; two children, Charlene Gillman and her husband, Leroy, Earlham, Iowa and Allen Nickerson and his wife, Sue, Clear Lake; four grandchildren, Todd Gillman and his wife, Barb, and their children, Bethany, Jason, Alex and George, Garland, Texas; Sheri Monroe and her husband, Galen, and their daughter, Genny, Little Rock, Ark., Andrew Nickerson, Mason City, and Katy Nickerson, Clear Lake; brother, Richard Nickerson and his wife, Pauline, Clear Lake; four sisters, Clare Vietor, Roseville, Calif., Ruth Quintus, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Pauline Krukow and her husband, Carl, Clear Lake, and Arlene Olson and her husband, Myron, Marion, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald and Gerald.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Dave Stricker Jr.

Dave Stricker Jr., 91, of 17396 Kingbird Ave., died Thursday, May 3, 2007, at Willow Pointe Assisted Living.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed to the Dave Stricker Memorial Fund.
Dave Jr. was born Oct. 6, 1915, in Mason City, the son of Dave Sr. and Katie (Meier) Stricker. He began farming with his family and taking care of dairy cows. He was united in marriage to Marie Speaker on Nov. 6, 1938 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mason City. Dave also worked for the Sugar Beet Factory in Mason City. Dave and Marie moved north of Clear Lake in January of 1944, where he continued to farm. He retired in 1999. In 2002, Dave and Marie made their home at Willow Pointe Assisted Living.
Dave is survived by his children, Richard (Linda) Stricker, Manly, Iowa, Marlen (Nancy) Stricker, Clear Lake, and Nadine (Wayne) Schallock, Mason City; grandchildren, Kristie (Chris) Niemi, Minneapolis, Minn., Derek Stricker and significant other, JoAnna Dobyns, Clear Lake, Sara (Jeremy) Truax, Clear Lake, Jacob and Jason Schallock, both of Mason City; great-grandchild, Taylor Stricker; step-grandchildren, Bill Case, Donny Case and significant other Michelle, and Gary (Sandy) Case; step-great-grandchildren, Austin, Abby, and Zia Case; two brothers, Harold (Mary Ann) Stricker, Orchard, Iowa and Ralph (Geraldine) Stricker, Mason City; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dave Sr. and Katie Stricker; wife, Marie Stricker; sisters, Thelma Purviance and Leah Haag; brothers, Ben and Ron Stricker; and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Stricker.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Paul Vincent Paulus

Paul Vincent Paulus, 69, 1214 6th Ave S., Clear Lake, died Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, May 5, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Fr. John R. Tilp officiating. Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Military Honors were provided by Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be given to the Paul V. Paulus Memorial Fund.
Paul was born Nov. 9, 1937, in rural Floyd County, Rockford, Iowa, the son of Albert A. and Anna Marie Paulus. He attended county school for Kindergarten ­ 3rd grades, and Rockford Public School 4th ­ 12th grades. He worked for various construction jobs and for Goodyear and Firestone Tire Company. He was drafted into the U.S. Army August 1960. He was honorably discharged in August 1962. He ed home and attended Mason City Junior College, receiving an AA degree. He attended UNI where he received a BA degree and three years later he received his MA degree. Paul taught at Forest City for two years and spent the next 29 years with the Clear Lake Community Schools, retiring in 1997. He worked as custodian for St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Paul married Sharon E. Olson on Aug. 28, 1965, in Rockwell, Iowa and to this union four children were born. Paul was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus #7098 chapter, charter member of Mended Heart #222 chapter, Vice President of the Iowa Council of Math Teachers and 48 Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his hobbies included carpentry, camping and gardening.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sharon Paulus, Clear Lake; four children, Dr. Karen Anderson and her husband, Ken, Clear Lake, Keith Paulus, Waverly, Iowa, Ronda Mieras and her husband, Bucky, Chanhassen, Minn., and Ryan Paulus, Palo, Iowa; brothers, Joe Paulus, Rockford, and Dr. Nicholas Paulus, Bloomington, Minn.; sisters, Alberta Montag and her husband, Jerald, Rockford, Mary Paulus, Mason City, and Barbara Bass, Mason City; four grandchildren, Kaleb, Karter and Katelyn Ann Anderson and Reagan Mieras; and several nieces and nephews and his favorite canine companion, Sparkle.
Paul was preceded in death by both parents, Albert and Marie Paulus; and one brother, Lawrence Paulus.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

May 16, 2007

Irene M. Schultz

Irene M. Schultz, 89, a resident of Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City, Iowa, and formerly of Nora Springs, Iowa, died Sunday, May 6, 2007, at North Iowa Mercy Medical Center, Mason City.
Memorial services were Saturday, May 12, at the United Methodist Church, Nora Springs, with the Rev. James Turner officiating.  Inurment will be in the Park Cemetery, Nora Springs, at a later time.  Family suggests memorials to the Alzheimers Foundation, Nora Springs United Methodist Church or Clear Lake Opportunity Village.
(Alice) Irene Morgan Schultz was born April 18, 1918, at Bonair, Iowa, the daughter of Neva Bawden Morgan and Leon  Morgan.  She grew up on farms in the Bonair, Lime Springs, and Cresco area along with her brothers Paul, Eugene and David and her sisters, Janette and Edith.  Irene attended rural schools until high school, then Cresco High School, where she graduated in 1935.
Following high school, she attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, earning special awards for shorthand and citizenship.  Upon completion of her secretarial training she worked at the Mason City Congregational Church office.  While living in Mason City with friends she met Percy Schultz of Nora Springs.  They were married at the Congregational Church on Feb. 4, 1940.  Together, they farmed on what is now the century family farm north of Nora Springs.  To their union two children were born, Thomas and Jacqueline.
In addition to being a farm wife, Irene worked at the ASCS office in Mason City, enjoying the daily contact that gave her with farmers from all over the county.  She was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and was especially active in the Nora Springs United Methodist Church, its mission programs, and UMW.  Some years ago, she compiled a written history of the church, of which the Schultz family had been members since the 1880s.
Irene was also active in Sunshine Circle, Rebekahs, the North Iowa Genealogy Club, the Kinney Pioneer Museum, Grey Ladies, and WTCU.  She served as an officer for many years in her Rebekahs chapter and was involved in regional and state activities.  She volunteered in the Genealogy Room at the Mason City Library, took pride in her membership in the DAR, and greatly enjoyed trips with her friends to Salt Lake City, Utah for family research as well as trips to Denver, Colo. to visit her daughter, and trips to West Virginia and Washington D.C. with her sister.  Irene spent numerous hours at auctions, adding to her collection of antiques.  She delighted in spending time with her granddaughter, Lisa, and with her great-grandchildren, Alex and Allison.  Cooking was among her special skills, earning her the nickname "Grandma Yum Yum."
A victim of Alzheimer's Disease, Irene spent her final years at Good Shepherd Care Center in Mason City, where she enjoyed their church services, jigsaw puzzles, bingo, music activities, and the compassionate care of their staff.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Percy; her son, Tom; her brother, Eugene; and her parents. 
Left to celebrate her life are her daughter, Jacqueline and husband, Darrell Chayne, Aurora, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Pat Schultz, Nora Springs; Granddaughter, Lisa and husband, Steve Templeton, Clear Lake; great-grandchildren Alex and Allison Templeton; two sisters and brothers-in law, Janette and Walter Howe, Keokuk, Iowa and Edith and Tom McAplin, Villisca, Iowa; and two brothers and three sisters-in-law,  Paul and Evelyn Morgan, Cresco, Iowa, and David and Phyllis Morgan, Arlington, Iowa, and Verna (Mrs. Eugene) Morgan, Calif.  Also left to cherish her memory are numerous nieces and nephews.
Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs, was in charge of arrangements.

Lynn W. Greiman

Lynn W. Greiman, 59, of 1600 10th St. S.E., Mason City and formerly of Garner, Clear Lake and Waterloo, Iowa, died early Thursday morning, May 10, 2007 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 12, at Fullerton Funeral Home, Mason City with the Rev. Edward Bard officiating. Interment was in the Concord Cemetery, Garner.
Those wishing to extend memorials may wish to direct to the Lynn W. Greiman Memorial Fund in the care of his family. Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to the family on the www.fullertonfh.com website.

Adam Louis Pinkele

Adam Louis Pinkele, 26, 1308 7th Pl. N., Clear Lake, died Thursday, May 10, 2007 at his home.  A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 15, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.  Memorials may be given to the Adam L. Pinkele Memorial Fund. 
     Adam was born July 7, 1980 in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, the son of Donald and Louise (Nelson) Pinkele.  At the age of six he was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.  He attended school in Ft. Dodge until second grade. His family moved to Osceola in 1989 where he attended school through his junior year.  He moved to Clear Lake where he graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1999.  Adam graduated from NIAAC in 2003 with an AA degree in business.
     He was a regional ambassador for MDA for three years. He enjoyed attending MDA Camps at 4-H Campgrounds, Luther, Iowa and Camp Courageous at Monticello, Iowa.  He enjoyed being on the computer, attending classes at NIAAC, history, reading, following the Hawkeyes and the Vikings, watching Michael Jordon and the Chicago Bulls.  He was very close with his family, especially his two nieces, whom he called "the Munchkins."  Adam had a great sense of humor and understood human nature as well as anybody. 
     Adam is survived by his parents, Donald and Louise Pinkele, Clear Lake; one brother, Andrew Pinkele and his wife, Nancy, Eagle Grove, Iowa; two nieces, Samantha and Jolet, Eagle Grove; and his paternal grandparents, Louis and Geneva Pinkele, Eagle Grove.
     Adam was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mark and Phyllis Nelson.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Ronald Bruce Wilson Sr.

Ronald Bruce Wilson Sr., 71, of Orange Park, Fla., passed away on Friday, April 27, 2007 in Tallahassee, Fla. Ron was laid to rest on Monday, April 30, in Orlando, Fla.
Ron was born in Iowa and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1953. He later moved to Florida. He was a loving husband and father. He was an Army veteran. He had retired as manager for Avis Rent-A-Car. He was an active Elks Club member and an avid golfer.
Ron is survived by his three sons, Dr. Les Wilson and his wife, Vickie Erwin-Wilson of Tallahassee, Robert Wilson and his wife, Dana, of Green Cove Springs, Fla., and Ronald Wilson of Green Cove. He is also survived by one sister, Maree Ridgeway, of Winter Park, Fla. and 10 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy Wilson, and his son, Randy Wilson.

Marvin L. Jensen

Marvin L. Jensen, 75, of 415 N. Shore Dr., Clear Lake, died Friday, May 11, 2007 at the V.A. Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa.  A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Joel Jensen officiating.  Visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Wednesday.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.  Military Honors will be provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Memorials may be given to the Marvin L. Jensen Memorial Fund.
     Marvin was born April 24, 1932 in Hanlontown, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Olga M. (Giere) Jensen.  He graduated from Hanlontown High School.  He attended Luther College in 1951-1952.  He later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 ­ 1956. 
     Marvin played on a pool team at Ellie's By the Lake, was an avid asparagus patch hunter, loved gardening, raising vegetables at Dave DeBell's, and watching birds.  He has been battling cancer for the last five years. 
     Marvin worked approximately 25 years through the labor union. He worked on many jobs in Missouri and Central Iowa.  He also had a route in Southern Minnesota for several years for Guardian Photo. 
     Marvin is survived by his nephew, Joel Jensen, and his wife, Irene, Ankeny, Iowa; nieces, Mary Jane Lionberger, Phoenix, Az. and Jennifer Ceccarelli, Holebrook, Az.; four great-nieces and nephews, Michelle Jensen, Renee Jensen, Heather Lionberger, Caleb Lionberger; and his special friend, Mary Lee Sweeten, Clear Lake.
     Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Vern Jensen and an infant sister, Marilyn.

Deloras V. "Duff" Garrison

A graveside memorial service for Deloras V. "Duff" Garrison will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2 p.m. at Clear Lake Cemetery. Deloras died Jan. 21, 2007 in Beatrice, Neb. He was a former employee of Northern Natural Gas Company in Ventura.

May 23, 2007

Troy Ray Thompson

Troy Ray Thompson, 39, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Thursday, May 17, 2007 at his home in Windsor Heights. A memorial gathering was held Sunday, May 20, at Westover Funeral Home.
Troy was born March 17, 1968 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Terry and Sherri Thompson. He was a graduate of Mason City High School, North Iowa Community College, University of Iowa and Pratt Art Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was assistant manager for Walden Book Store.
Troy was an artist. He spent a great deal of his time painting caricatures, reading books, going to movies, collecting memorabilia, going to Broadway plays, and cooking. Troy enjoyed the little things in life. He was a kind person. He attracted a vast array of friendships. Troy loved to go to work, loved spending time with his friends, laughing for hours. He loved spending time with his nephew and nieces. Troy also loved the time he spent with his parents, laughing and loving his family.
Troy is survived by his parents, Terry and Sherri Thompson; his sister, Tristi Finstad and her husband, Jim, and their children, Tucker, Madison and Paisley; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, the Rev. Walter Ray and Audrey Thompson, Lester and Loretta Baird; and two uncles, Doug Baird and Carl Schlesselman.
A memorial has been set up to provide an art scholarship in Troy's name.

Mayzee Wright

Mayzee Wright, age 72, of Osage, Iowa, died Monday, May 21, 2007, at her home in Osage.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 25, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Dennis Hanson and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before services at the church.
Mayzee was born July 2, 1934, at Riceville, Iowa, the daughter of Emil and Minnie (Reckner) Ring. Shortly after her birth, Mayzee's mother died. Two years later, her father married Alene Klobassa, who raised Mayzee and Alene's two daughters, Lois and Marlene. Mayzee graduated from Riceville High School at the age of 16. She moved to Osage and worked at the Farm Bureau office. She met Eugene Wright and they were married on Dec. 14, 1952 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. Mayzee worked for Cummings and Kratchmer Law Firm for 25 years. Eugene and Mayzee started Wright Plumbing and Heating in 1977, where she worked until the present time. Mayzee enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening, crocheting, knitting, shopping, and playing cards and bridge with friends. Mayzee and Eugene had a cottage on Clear Lake for 15 years, where she spent many happy days on the lake.
Mayzee is survived by three sons, Dean Wright and wife, Julie, of Clear Lake, and their children, Nicholas and Diana; Douglas Wright and wife, Jean, of Osage, and their children Jonathan, Stephanie and Emily; David Wright and wife, Cornelia, of Clear Lake, and their children, Justin, Jaden and Hailey; two sisters, Lois Dinger of Riceville and Marlene (Glen) Dillon of Cresco, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene Wright in 2004; and a granddaughter, Chelsey Marie Wright.
Champion - Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, was in charge of arrangements.

Arthur "Art" F. Kuhlman

Arthur "Art" F. Kuhlman, 72, of 400 Highway 18 West, Clear Lake, died Thursday, May 17, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.
Art was born the son of Harvey F. and Mildred (Stathiem) Kuhlman, in rural Northwood, Iowa. Following his graduation from Northwood High School Art served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After his discharge from service he ed to Northwood and worked for the Railroad. Art married Dorothy Johnson on Aug. 25, 1955. He later drove semi truck for a number of years throughout the United States and his wife, Dorothy, enjoyed traveling with him. Art was a former member of the Moose Lodge in Mason City.
Art is survived by his three children, Jo Ann Jensen of Minnesota, Harvey Kuhlman of Mason City, and Vickie (Don Jr.) Nichols Fett of Clear Lake; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Kella Lodge of Charles City, Iowa and Audrey (Dean) Coyle of Floyd, Iowa; brother, Elton Kuhlman and special friend, Frances, of Manly, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, LuVerne Kuhlman; an infant sister and brother.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Hans W. Bruntjen

Hans W. Bruntjen, 87, Clear Lake, died Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City. Iowa. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 25, 11 a.m., at Galilean Lutheran Church, Highway 18 W., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jeff Ungs officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Memorials may be given to the Galilean World Hunger Appeal.
Hans was born March 18, 1920 in Bad Zwischenahn, Germany, the son of Hermann and Helene (Diers) Bruntjen. He came to this country in 1949 with his wife and daughter. Hans' greatest enjoyment was fishing in Canada and woodworking.
Hans is survived by his wife, Ilse; daughters, Jean, Katherine, and Teresa; two grandchildren, Tara and Andy; three great-grandchildren, Morgan, Maddison and Taiyo; and many friends.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

May 30, 2007

Rita Donelle Grogan Cusack

Rita Donelle Grogan Cusack, 83, of Clear Lake, formerly of Chariton and Fonda, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2007 at the Good Shepherd Center, Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 5, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake, with the Rev. John Tilp officiating.  Rita Donelle donated her body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City.  Inurnment will be at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Chariton, Iowa.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa, St. Patrick's Catholic Church or the Clear Lake Arts Center.
Rita Donelle was born on April 4, 1924, in Beaconsfield, Iowa, the daughter of Michael John Grogan and Bernice G. (Eason) Grogan.  She graduated from Chariton High School in 1941.  She attended the University of Missouri and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the St. Joseph School of Nursing at Creighton University of Omaha, Nebraska.  She later completed a B.A. in education from Buena Vista in Storm Lake and a Master's Degree from Drake University.  She also completed further graduate work at the University of Iowa in geriatrics.
On Dec. 27, 1951, Rita Donelle was married to J. W. 'Bill' Cusack of Creston, Iowa.  Throughout their marriage the family enjoyed living in Chariton and Fonda, as well as spending summers at Lake Okoboji.  Rita Donelle had a varied career as she worked at the Lucas County Hospital and taught for both Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Fonda and the Iowa Central College Vocational Hayes School project in Storm Lake.  Her husband, Bill, passed away in 1977 and she ed to Chariton.  She retired in 1994 as a gerontologist with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Knoxville, Iowa. 
Rita Donelle moved to Clear Lake and enjoyed participating in many activities in the community.  She participated in classes at the Clear Lake Arts Center and North Iowa Area Community College.  She especially enjoyed writing as a result of John Skipper's Creative Writing classes.  She was a volunteer at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer docent at the MacNider Art Museum.  She enjoyed reading and was a member of several book clubs.  She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter LE, American Legion Auxiliary, Clear Lake Women's Club, Clear Lake Friendly Garden Club, National Association of Retired Federal Employees and Mensa.
Rita Donelle is survived by her son, Michael, of Minneapolis, Minn., and daughter, Mary Alexander and husband, Tom, of Clear Lake.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Caitlin and Patrick Alexander, both students at the University of Iowa.  Also surviving are her sister, Mary Siddall and husband, Gene, of Ada, Mich.; her mother-in-law, Mary Cusack of Creston; sister-in-law, Ann Drake and husband, John, of Edina, Minn.; and brother-in-law, Thomas Haney of Asheville, N.C.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. 'Bill" Cusack; two sons, John William II and Matthew Gerard; her parents, and a daughter-in-law, Karen Swanson Cusack.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake handled arrangements.

Betty Marsh

Betty Marsh, 79, 1406 2nd Ave N., Clear Lake, died Monday, May 21, 2007 at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.  A funeral service was held Saturday, May 26, at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.  Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Betty Marsh Memorial Fund.
     Betsy Adeline "Betty" was born Oct. 6, 1927, in Rural Garner, Iowa, the daughter of John A. and Rosina (Maitland) Hyde.  She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1945.  Betty married Albert Marsh on Aug. 11, 1946 at the First United Methodist Church in Mason City, Iowa.  They lived on a farm south of Clear Lake until they moved into town in the early 1970's. 
     Betty enjoyed dancing at the Surf, sewing, being in her flower garden, watching birds and squirrels out her kitchen window.  She collected owls.  Betty was a member of the Jolly Jane Club and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. 
     Betty is survived by her husband of 60 years, Albert "Al" Marsh, Clear Lake; five children, Jim Marsh, Clear Lake, Jerry Marsh and his wife, Pam, Norwalk, Iowa, Robert L. Marsh, Clear Lake, Cheryl Goodman and her husband, Jeff, Andover, Minn. and Susan Thompson, Jesup, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, Douglas Marsh, Angel Marsh, Arica Marsh, Cody Marsh, Kendra Lillibridge, Christopher Reynolds, Kelly Stoltzman, Joshua Marsh, Lori Marsh, Kelly Vickroy, Adam Marsh, Stephanie Marsh, Lindsay Marsh, Shawn Goodman, Tony Goodman, Jodi Goodman and Jason Thompson; and 12 great-grandchildren.
     Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Russell and Kenneth Hyde; three sisters, Vera Hanson, Velma Jasperson and an infant sister, Mildred.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Gene B. Sherman

Gene B. Sherman, 76, of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, May 23, 2007.  Visitation will be held at the Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home Wednesday, May 30, from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a scriptural wake. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 31, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake.  Inurnment will follow at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa for the amazing work they do, or to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
  Gene and his twin sister, JoAnn, were born March 12, 1931, in Sioux Falls, S.D. to Gladys and Floyd Sherman.  He graduated from Mason City High School in 1949.  At MCHS Gene played football, basketball and was on the tennis team.
Gene was married to Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Noll, of Clear Lake, on Sept. 20, 1950.  The marriage produced four sons: William (Bill), of Eugene, Ore., Robert (Bob), of Van Nuys, Calif., and Thomas (Tom) and John, both of Clear Lake.
Shortly after Bill's birth in 1951 the family moved to Brookings, S.D., where Gene worked for his father's roofing company until 1961. While in Brookings, Gene took up the game of golf, which became a lifelong passion.  In 1961 the growing family, now including Bob and Tom, ed to Clear Lake where they owned and operated the G.B. Sherman Roofing Company.  Opportunity once again knocked in South Dakota when in 1968, Gene's father retired and invited the family to take over his roofing company.  A devastating fire at the roofing company warehouse and subsequent business challenges in South Dakota brought Gene, Betty, Bob, Tom and their newest addition, John, back home to Clear Lake for good in 1972.  The G.B. Sherman Roofing Co.,  resumed operation in the North Iowa area and the family purchased a small 20 acre farm on 27th Ave. S.  To indulge Gene's passion for golf Gene, Betty, and the boys turned the farm into the Oak Hills Golf Course, which is still operated today by the Tom and Sheila Sherman family.  Around 1978 the Shermans also purchased the Lake Theater, which they continue to operate.  In a final offering to his golfing muse, Gene, Betty and John built the Arrowhead Golf Course.  Arrowhead was built against all odds, on a low-lying marginal wetland across from the entrance to Clear Lake State Park and stands as a testimony to Gene's tenacity and perseverance.
Gene's family and long-time friends will remember a powerful, vital man with an infectious laugh who loved a good time.  His common sense and native intelligence guided many complex projects to successful completion.  Emphysema and polyneuropathy wreaked havoc on his health in later years.  But even as his health failed, he continued to oversee the family businesses, build beautiful balsa wood and fabric model airplanes, and follow the golfing news, from Clear Lake High School's recent successes to the professional golf tour.  Mercifully, his pain and suffering are over and his family rejoices in his release.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; sons, Bill, Bob, Tom and John; and grandsons, Jason, Tony and Tyler.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Alta Bourrie (Ray Bourrie), of Flint Mich., Inez Hubbard (Robert Hubbard), Mason City, and JoAnn Jewell (Duane Jewell), Mason City.