Funeral services for Dan Barta were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, at the St. Joseph’s Worship Center with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco. Rev. Henry Charipar officiated. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dan, 77, died Wednesday, August 1, 2001 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Daniel Clarence Barta was born August 18, 1923 in Winneshiek County, near Spillville, the son of Frank and Barbara (Kabela) Barta. He attended school in Spillville and also attended a rural school near Jerico in Chickasaw County. Following his schooling, he returned home to help with the farming. He then moved to California for a few years and moved back to Iowa settling in New Hampton, then Decorah, then Cresco, and finally to Cedar Rapids where he worked in a large restaurant as a cook. When he retired, he moved to Arkansas and found that he didn’t like it there and moved back to Cresco in the early 1980s.

On March 17, 1954 he married Kathryn Eidenschink at Galena, IL. Kathryn died in January of 1995.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church and also of the Catholic Workman.

He liked to garden, do woodworking, and care for his small apple orchard.

He is survived by one daughter: Sharon Stussy of Lansing; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother: Leonard of Cresco; and two sisters: Adeline Kovarik of Cresco and Margaret Hruska of Apache Junction, AZ.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; five brothers: Julius, Edward, Frank, Emil, and August and one sister: Tillie.

Viola Wiltgen

Funeral services for Viola Wiltgen of Calmar were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 3 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, with interment in St. Aloysius Cemetery, both in Calmar. Rev. Donald Hawes, Rev Robert Hirsch, and Rev. Vincent Simon officiated. Pall bearers were her grandchildren: Chad Wiltgen, Casey Wiltgen, Jason Uhlenhake, Chris Wiltgen, Travis Wiltgen, Josh Uhlenhake, and Brittany Wiltgen. French Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Viola, 79, died Wednesday, August 1, 2001 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI, following a lengthy illness.

Viola Anastasia Wiltgen was born August 4, 1921 on a farm near Ft. Atkinson, the daughter of James and Mary (Vsetecka) Wagner. She attended St. John’s School in Ft. Atkinson and Winneshiek County country school.

On September 15, 1942 she married Richard Wiltgen at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ft. Atkinson by Rev. W. A. Dostal. They farmed near Calmar until 1962. They started Wiltgen Construction in 1945, where Viola was the bookkeeper until 1985, when they sold the business to their son, Garry. Viola also managed the Trailer Court for many years.

Viola liked to play cards, cut hair, read, square dance, sew, bake and travel. She was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband Richard of Calmar; one daughter: Janet Uhlenhake of Calmar; three sons: Gerry of Calmar, Garry of Calmar and Gene of Onalaska, WI.; and seven grandchildren.

Viola was preceded in death by one grandson; her parents; four brothers: Edward, Clarence, Roman, and one brother in infancy; and one sister: Mary Ann Leibold.

Katherine Wheeler

Funeral services for Katherine Wheeler of Lime Springs were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 7 at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco. Rev. Tim Sir officiated. Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery at Cresco.

Katherine, 72, died Saturday, August 4, 2001 at the Regional Health Services of Howard County.

Katherine Ellen Wheeler was born December 11, 1928 in rural Ionia, the daughter of Grover Cleveland Columbus and Altha Ellen (Roberts) Simmons.

She is survived by her husband Paul; seven children: Donald Zimmer of Janesville, Deborah Hughes of Frankville, Renee Russett of Frankville, Kim Hageman of Cresco, Lesia Stuelke of Center Point, David Zimmer of Mabel, MN and Michael Wheeler of Ashburn, VA; 19 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and one brother: Kermit of California.

Katherine was preceded in death by two granddaughters; one grandson; her parents; and a brother: Kenneth; and two sisters who died in infancy.

Genevieve Pecinovsky

Funeral services for Genevieve Pecinovsky were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 9 at the St. Joseph’s Worship Center, with interment in Calvary Cemetery, both at Cresco. Rev. Gary Krapfl, pastor of St. Benedict’s Church in Decorah officiated. Pall bearers were mostly her grandchildren: Chris Lentz, Andrea Pecinovsky, Carrie Pecinovsky, Maureen Pecinovsky, Jonathan Pecinovsky, and niece Nancy Wilson Slykhuis. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Genevieve, 85, died Sunday, August 5, 2001 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco where she has made her home since August of 2000.

Genevieve Louise Pecinovsky was born August 21, 1915 in Des Moines, the daughter of Raymond and Louisa (Ullius) Wilson. As a young girl, the family moved to Howard County area where Gen attended the rural school. She then attended two years of school at the Harmony High School. Following her schooling, she came to Cresco to find employment. She worked at the KuTee Shop, Fred Lowry Drug, and Harshbergers Paint.

On April 23, 1935 she married Arthur Pecinovsky at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cresco. They made their home in Cresco all their married life. Gen was baptized at St. Joseph’s Church to which she became a member.

She belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society and was a former member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Her hobbies included, bowling, crafts and making afghans for her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Arthur; one daughter: Carol Foley of Cresco; one son: David of Dudley, MA; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, one brother: Richard of Harmony, MN; and one sister: Mary Lietz of Granger, MN.

Genevieve was preceded in death by one son: Gary; one grandson; one great-grandson; her parents; and three brothers: Henry in childhood, an infant, and Virgil.

Angela Baker

Funeral services for Angela Baker were held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8 at the Conway Funeral Home with interment in Calvary Cemetery, both at Cresco. Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiated.

Angela died Monday, August 6, 2001 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Angela Baker was born December 15, 1921 in Chickasaw County, on a farm near Protivin, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Tupy) Zeman. She attended the Catholic grade and high school in Protivin.

On April 6, 1942 she married Gilbert Baker. Angela enjoyed her life by working with her husband on the farm and raising her children. Dancing for Angela and Gilbert was most of their outings and entertainment. After her mother was killed in a car accident, she took on another chore. Her brother Louie had been stricken with polio at an early age and she took care of him for twenty years until he died.

Her last years were spent with Tom and Gayle on bus tours and trips to Branson, where she got a chance to hear and see entertainment that she had not seen before.

She is survived by one son: Tom of Cresco; and one daughter: Gayle Klimesh of Fayette.

Angela was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert at age 55, her parents; three sisters: Hattie Kukral, Leona Mashek, and Pauline Prochaska; and two brothers: Louie and Clarence.

Connie Brinkmann 

Funeral services for Connie BrinkmAuann were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13 at the First Lutheran Church in Cresco. Rev. Gary Lee officiated.

Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco. Pall bearers were: Joel Lillegraven, Gary Aspenson, Dianne Dubose, Jacob Lee, John Lee, Mike Lillegraven, Jim Aspenson, Julie Aspenson, Jackie Lee, Jeff Lee, Carrie Rover, Mark Aspenson, Janet Blessum, and Jens Lee. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Constance Jean (Hagen) Brinkmann was born January 15, 1954 in Decorah. She was baptized on February 7, 1954 at Glenwood Lutheran Church, Decorah. Connie was confirmed October 26, 1969 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco. She graduated from Crestwood High School in 1972 and Waldorf College two years later. In 1976, she graduated from Luther College with a bachelor's in Business Administration.

On July 14, 1984 she married Wes Brinkmann at First Lutheran Church in Cresco. Connie died August 9, 2001.

During her seventeen years of marriage, Connie worked diligently to raise her children. She was very devoted to the life of her church. She also devoted much of her time to the community by working with Opportunity Homes, Spectrum Industries, Meals on Wheels, the new Jr. high and elementary school bond issue, and recently the North Iowa Community College Satellite School in Cresco.

She is survived by her husband Wes of Cresco; her children: Nora of Rochester, MN, John of Decorah, and Jarred of Cresco; her parents: Dean and LaRue Hagen of Decorah; paternal grandmother: Myrtle Hagen of Decorah; two brothers: Richard of Cresco and David of Marion; and one sister: Georgiann Hagen of Boone.

Connie was preceded in death by her grandparents: Jacob and Anna Lee; and Adolph Hagen.

Esther Moen

Funeral services for Esther Moen of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13 at the French and Balik Funeral Home in Decorah with Tom Schneider officiating. Interment was in the Russell Cemetery, Decorah.

Esther, 89, died Thursday, August 9, 2001 at her home following a lengthy illness.

Esther Melvina Moen was born August 16, 1911 in Firesteel, SD the daughter of Ingert and Marie (Danielson) Brovold. She moved with her family to Decorah in 1912 and attended country schools and the Decorah schools.

On October 10, 1932 she married Norman “Pete” Fitch in Omaha, NE. She and Pete lived in Chicago, IL, Clarinda, Spencer, back to Decorah and then to California. After Pete’s death in 1954 in California she returned to Decorah. Esther married Emmons M. Moen on June 5, 1955 in Las Vegas, NV. They then moved to California from 1955-57 and returned to Decorah, where they farmed near Decorah, retiring in 1990.

Esther enjoyed reading and was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

She is survived by two sons: William Fitch of Dubuque and David Fitch of Decorah; one daughter: Georgene Fitch of Decorah; and 11 grandchildren.

Esther was preceded in death by her two husbands; her parents; and one step-son: James Moen.

Gerald Foughty

Funeral services for Gerald Foughty of Osage were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville with Rev. Herschel Hawf officiating.

Interment was in the Hampton Cemetery in Hampton.

Gerald, 86, died Saturday, August 11, 2001 at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospital in Osage.

Gerald Franklin Foughty was born June 4, 1915 in Hampton, the son of Franklin Devello and Pearl Gertrude (Blain) Foughty. He attended local schools. Gerald served his country in the United States navy during World War II.

In November of 1934 he married Nancy Polen. He worked as a salesman for Wynn's Oil. After moving to California, Gerald worked at Lockheed for many years. In February of 1963 he married Eva Marie Held in Winter Haven, CA. After Eva's passing, he married Augusta Fay Hicks.

He is survived by two daughters: Judith Privett and Sam Matsunaga, both of Sacramento, CA; two sons: Timothy of Charlotte, NC and Mark of Camarillo, CA; six stepchildren; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; step great-grandchildren; and one sister: Genevieve Heins of Riceville.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Eva Marie; one daughter: Joyce Jenkins in 1995; his parents; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers.

Mabel Rembold

Funeral services for Mabel Rembold were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lime Springs with interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs.

Rev. Linda Johnson officiated. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Mabel, 94, died Friday, August 10, 2001 at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in Sumner.

Mabel F. Rembold was born July 9, 1907 in rural Chester, the daughter of John Albert and Frances Cordelia (Smith) Johnson. She graduated from Lime Springs High School in 1925 and attended Iowa State University.

On July 10, 1934 she married Arthur Rembold. Mabel taught in several rural schools, Arlington, Clermont, Little Cedar and Lime Springs, retiring in 1973.

She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Easter Star, Retired Teachers and the JC Club.

She is survived by two daughters: Kay Morris of Los Alamos, NM and Carol Greenfield of Sumner;10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother: George of Chester; and one sister: Nellie Miller of Chillicothe, IL.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband; one brother: Allen; two sisters: Lucille Johnson and Clarice VanZante; twin grandsons; and a granddaughter.

Esther Moen

Funeral services for Esther Moen of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13 at the French and Balik Funeral Home in Decorah with Tom Schneider officiating.

Interment was in the Russell Cemetery, Decorah.

Esther, 89, died Thursday, August 9, 2001 at her home following a lengthy illness.

Esther Melvina Moen was born August 16, 1911 in Firesteel, SD the daughter of Ingert and Marie (Danielson) Brovold. She moved with her family to Decorah in 1912 and attended country schools and the Decorah schools.

On October 10, 1932 she married Norman "Pete" Fitch in Omaha, NE. She and Pete lived in Chicago, IL, Clarinda, Spencer, back to Decorah and then to California. After Pete's death in 1954 in California she returned to Decorah. Esther married Emmons M. Moen on June 5, 1955 in Las Vegas, NV. They then moved to California from 1955-57 and returned to Decorah, where they farmed near Decorah, retiring in 1990.

Esther enjoyed reading and was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

She is survived by two sons: William Fitch of Dubuque and David Fitch of Decorah; one daughter: Georgene Fitch of Decorah; and 11 grandchildren.

Esther was preceded in death by her two husbands; her parents; and one step-son: James Moen.

G. Pecinovsky

Funeral services for Genevieve Pecinovsky were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 9 at the St. Joseph's Worship Center, with interment in Calvary Cemetery, both at Cresco.

Rev. Gary Krapfl, pastor of St. Benedict's Church in Decorah officiated. Pall bearers were mostly her grandchildren: Chris Lentz, Andrea Pecinovsky, Carrie Pecinovsky, Maureen Pecinovsky, Jonathan Pecinovsky, and niece Nancy Wilson Slykhuis. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Genevieve, 85, died Sunday, August 5, 2001 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco where she has made her home since August of 2000.

Genevieve Louise Pecinovsky was born August 21, 1915 in Des Moines, the daughter of Raymond and Louisa (Ullius) Wilson. As a young girl, the family moved to Howard County area where Gen attended the rural school. She then attended two years of school at the Harmony High School. Following her schooling, she came to Cresco to find employment. She worked at the KuTee Shop, Fred Lowry Drug, and Harshbergers Paint.

On April 23, 1935 she married Arthur Pecinovsky at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cresco. They made their home in Cresco all their married life. Gen was baptized at St. Joseph's Church to which she became a member.

She belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society and was a former member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Her hobbies included, bowling, crafts and making afghans for her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Arthur; one daughter: Carol Foley of Cresco; one son: David of Dudley, MA; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, one brother: Richard of Harmony, MN; and one sister: Mary Lietz of Granger, MN.

Genevieve was preceded in death by one son: Gary; one grandson; one great-grandson; her parents; and three brothers: Henry in childhood, an infant, and Virgil.

Angela Baker

Funeral services for Angela Baker were held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8 at the Conway Funeral Home with interment in Calvary Cemetery, both at Cresco.

Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiated.

Angela died Monday, August 6, 2001 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Angela Baker was born December 15, 1921 in Chickasaw County, on a farm near Protivin, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Tupy) Zeman. She attended the Catholic grade and high school in Protivin.

On April 6, 1942 she married Gilbert Baker. Angela enjoyed her life by working with her husband on the farm and raising her children. Dancing for Angela and Gilbert was most of their outings and entertainment. After her mother was killed in a car accident, she took on another chore. Her brother Louie had been stricken with polio at an early age and she took care of him for twenty years until he died.

Her last years were spent with Tom and Gayle on bus tours and trips to Branson, where she got a chance to hear and see entertainment that she had not seen before.

She is survived by one son: Tom of Cresco; and one daughter: Gayle Klimesh of Fayette.

Angela was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert at age 55, her parents; three sisters: Hattie Kukral, Leona Mashek, and Pauline Prochaska; and two brothers: Louie and Clarence.