Funeral services for Enster Haugstad of Spring Grove, MN were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3 at Wilmington Lutheran Church in rural Spring Grove with Pastor Elizabeth K. Stempinski officiating.

Interment was in Wilmington Church Cemetery. Roble Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Enster, 87, died Thursday, January 30, 2003 at his home.

Enster Norman Haugstad was born October 1, 1915 in rural Spring Grove Township, the son of John Haugstad and Sarah (Vick) Haugstad Wiste. He attended Spring Grove High School, and was a lifelong Spring Grove area resident.

On October 3, 1942 he married Gertrude Minerva Myhre at Wilmington Lutheran Church, in rural Spring Grove. He worked as a hired man on farms in and around the Wilmington, Spring Grove areas. Enster was a dairy farmer and also worked for 13 years at a Dairy Herd Improvement Supervisor. Last year, they sold their farm and moved to Spring Grove.

He was an avid sports fan, both watching his grandchildren play and watching the Minnesota Twins.

He was a member of Wilmington Lutheran Church, in rural Spring Grove.

He is survived by his wife Gertrude of Spring Grove; one son: Keith of spring Grove; three daughters: Gwen Allen of Mabel, MN, Carol Arneson of Cresco, and Lois Poshusta of Calmar; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three step great-grandchildren.

Enster was preceded in death by one son: Byron; his parents; one sister: Martha Garness; and one step brother: Robert Wiste.

William Kuhn

Funeral services for William "Bill" Kuhn of Las Vegas, NV, formerly of Elma, were held on Wednesday, February 5 at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Kuhn of Peosta and Fr. Robert Peckaweitz officiating.

Interment was in Palm Valley Memorial Park, Las Vegas.

William, 70, died Friday, January 31, 2002 at his home in Las Vegas of a heart attack.

William Kuhn was born January 24, 1932 in Osage, the son of Clarence and Millie (Meirick) Kuhn. He was raised in Elma and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1951. He served in the U.S. Air Force.

Upon his discharge from the service in 1956, he married Catherine Melchionne. He was employed by DeLuca Coors Beer Distributorship 20 years, serving as general manager many years. He then built the Magic Wand Truck Stop also in Las Vegas which he owed and operated until his recent retirement.

He is survived by his wife Catherine; three sons: Cliff, Mark, and Paul; three daughters: Lisa DeLong, Nadine Sekavec, and Lynda Murphy, all of Las Vegas; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother: Joe of Port Aransas, TX; and four sisters: Mary Ann Goings and Carol Eckerman, both of Evansdale, Helen Hites of Tacoma, WA, and Dolores Allen of Littleton, CO.

Artis Bigalk

Funeral services for Artis Bigalk of Lancaster, CA will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6 at Lancaster United Methodist Church.

Interment will be in Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster.

Artis, 78, died Saturday, February 1, 2003 at her home.

Artis Mae Bigalk was born September 6, 1924 in Columbia, SD, the daughter of Arthur and Hulda (Roth) Baudoin. When Artis was three or four years old the family moved to Cresco on the Roth farm. She attended country school. She went to high school, graduating in 1941 at 16 years old. At 18, she entered Saint Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester, MN. She became a Registered Nurse. She accepted a nursing job at St. Joseph's Hospital in Cresco. She worked there for three months, until October 1946 and moved to Anaheim, CA.

On March 21, 1947 she married Gerald Bigalk. They lived in Pomona, Chino, Claremont, and Palmdale before moving to Lancaster in September 1957. They built a commercial printing business into a highly successful opeation. Printing Service Center was sold in May 1991.

She was a member of many organizations and social clubs.

She is survived by her husband Gerald of Lancaster; two daughters: Barbara Joyce Thornhill of Grand Terrace, CA and Marcia Jean Desjardins of Furlong, PA; an adopted daughter: Irma Atillo of Temecula, CA; and four grandchildren.

Rosemyra Fletcher

Funeral services for Rosemyra Sexton Fletcher of Ridgeway will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7 at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in Bluffton with Rev. Henry Charipar officiating.

Interment will be in St. Bridgets Catholic Church Cemetery.

Friends may call on Thursday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Schluter Balik Funeral Home and also after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Friday morning. There will be a rosary at 4:00 and a scripture service at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Thursday.

Rosemyra, 82, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at the Chautauqua Ninth Street Guest Home in Charles City following a short illness.

Rosemyra is survived by one sister: Eileen Wilkins of Decorah.

Rosemyra Fletcher

Funeral services for Rosemyra Sexton Fletcher of Ridgeway will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7 at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in Bluffton with Rev. Henry Charipar officiating.

Interment will be in St. Bridgets Catholic Church Cemetery.

Friends may call on Thursday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Schluter Balik Funeral Home and also after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Friday morning. There will be a rosary at 4:00 and a scripture service at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Thursday.

Rosemyra, 82, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at the Chautauqua Ninth Street Guest Home in Charles City following a short illness.

Rosemyra is survived by one sister: Eileen Wilkins of Decorah.

Harold Christopher

Funeral services for Harold Christopher of Bluffon, rural Decorah will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 5 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Interment will be in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah.

Harold, 79, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at Winneshiek County Hospital.

A full obituary will appear in next week's issue of the Times Plain Dealer.

Hazel Dybvik

Funeral services for Hazel Dybvik of rural Harmony, MN will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, February 5 at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony with Rev. Jim Radatz officiating.

Interment will be in Greenfield Cemetery. Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Hazel, 84, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah.

Hazel Dybvik was born September 27, 1918 in Winneshiek County, the daughter of John and Luella (Askelson) Lunningdal. She attended school in Howard and Winneshiek Counties.

On September 20, 1938 she married Orval Dybvik of Harmony at the Little Brown Church. She was a homemaker and took an active part in their farming operation.

She was a member of Greenfield Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed gardening, yard work, flowers, cooking, baking, crocheting, reading, playing cards and games, and dancing.

She is survived by her husband Orval; one son: John of Harmony; two daughters: Sharyl Haugen of Stewartville and Connie Hovey of Harmony; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Hazel was preceded in death by an infant son; one grandson; her parents; and one sister: Ethel Moen.

Merlyn Vote

Funeral services for Merlyn Vote of Riceville will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6 at the Riceville United Methodist Church in Riceville with Rev. Michael Carey officiating.

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville on Wednesday during the hours of 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Merlyn, 72, died Monday, February 3, 2003 at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Merlyn Leroy Vote was born November 27, 1930 in Pocahontas County, the son of Clarence Guy Vote and Evelyn Edith Erickson Vote. He attended school in Pocahontas, Burnside and graduated from Riceville High School.

On Decembert 8, 1951 he married Arlys Moses at the Riceville United Methodist Church. He served as a soldier in the U.S. Army from 1952-1953. After returning home, Merlyn worked for the Farmers Telephone Company, was a partner with Kenneth Hammerstrom operating H&V Electric in Riceville. He and Arlys moved to their present hoe in August of 1962 and he began farming. He also was a substitute rural mail carrier and then a full-time mail carrier while he was farming. Merlyn retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1986. He also operated the Riceville Bowling Alley from 1968-1978.

He is survived by his wife Arlys of Riceville; one son: David of St. Ansgar; one daughter: Lisa of Ackley; two grandchildren; one sister: Ann Padget of Waterloo; and two brothers: Bernard of Riceville and Roger also of Riceville.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Clarence Jr. and Bruce.

Rita Hruska

Memorial services for Rita Hruska were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3 at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Inurnment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Rita, 78, died Friday, January 31, 2003 at the Hillview Health Care Center in LaCrosse, WI where she has lived the last few months.

Rita Anna Hruska was born January 1, 1925 in Winneshiek County, east of Cresco, the daughter of Anton and Mary (Leferink) Reicks. She received her education at St. Joseph's School. Prior to her marriage she did house work for people.

On January 28, 1947 she married Edward J. Hruska at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. They lived on the farm southwest of Cresco.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Church, and its Altar and Rosary Society.

When she was able, she had a big garden and loved to crochet and embroider.

She is survived by her children: Norma Jean Hruska of LaCrosse, WI and Kenneth of Cresco; two grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one sister: Edith Bigalk; and two brothers: Bernard and Irven, both of Cresco.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Edward in 1996; her parents; and one brother: Leonard.

Gerald Schmitz

Funeral services for Gerald "Jerry" Schmitz of Fort Atkinson were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Festina with Rev. Robert Ament officiating.

Schluter Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Gerald, 50, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 as a result of a car accident in Festina.

Gerald Carl Schmitz was born May 17, 1952 in West Union, the son of Edmund and Irene (Hageman) Schmitz. He attended St. Marys Catholic School in Festina and graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1970. Jerry farmed near Festina until he took a job as a sub-carrier in the Fayette Post Office in 1991. In 1996 he started as a rural mail carrier in Calmar. He also worked part-time at the Farmers Coop in Fort Atkinson.

On September 9, 1978 he married Marti Tieskotter at the Assumption Catholic Church in Little Turkey. They later divorced.

He enjoyed playing softball and was an avid sports fan. He was a member of the rural Mail Carriers Assn.

He is survived by two sons: Jeff of Ames and Curt of West Union; one daughter: Kelli Schmitz of West Union; his mother: Irene Schmitz of Ossian; and one brother: Paul of Mabel, MN.

Gerald was preceded in death by one son: Jon Michael; and his father: Edmund.

Inez Springer

Funeral services for Inez Springer of Cresco were held on Saturday, January 25 at the Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers were: Alan Ernst, Mike Ernst, Tom Ernst, Dale Ernst, Cathy Benz, Bebbie Ernst, Mary Ernst, Karalee Sirles, Kim Register, Shelene McDermott, and Cheri Sharp. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Inez, 97, died Monday, January 20, 2003 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Inez H. Springer was born August 18, 1905 in Howard County, near Schley, the daughter of Michael and Veronica (Novak) Barnes. She received her education at the Assumption School. Following her education she became housekeeper for the parish priests at the Assumption Church.

On October 27, 1924 she married William Springer at the Assumption Church in Cresco. They later divorced. She worked many years for J.C. Penney Co. in Cresco.

She was a member of Assumption Church, its Altar and Rosary Society, and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She also belonged to the A to Z Sewing Circle. She loved to sew, crochet, bake, and play cards.

She is survived by her children: Elaine Ernst of Waterloo, and Kevin of LaSalva Beach, CA; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Mark of Clinton and Russell of Cresco; and two sisters: Celesta Murphy of Bountiful, UT and Darlene Thompson of Santa Maria, CA.

Inez was preceded in death by three children: Dewain, William F., and LaDon; her parents; six brothers: Harry, Cornelius, Kenneth, Edmund, Cyrus, and Virgil; and three sisters: Winifred Bily, Delores Burni, and Georgianna Kovarik.

Andrew Heying

Funeral services for Andrew "Dick" Heying of Alta Vista were held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Elma with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista. Mike, Arlene, and Marie Heying placed the pall. Pallbearers were: Ferdie Steinlage, Dan Heying, Matt Cerwinske, Larry Heying, LaVerne Cerwinske, and Richard Freidhof. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Andrew, 80, died Monday, January 27, 2003 at his home in Alta Vista of natural causes.

Andrew Heying was born August 19, 1922 in rural Alta Vista, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Holthaus) Heying. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista and received his education at St. Williams Parochial School, also in Alta Vista.

On October 9, 1946 he married Marie Deutsch at North Washington by Fr. Louis Gerleman. They moved to the Jerico area, where they farmed, living there until 1993, when they retired and moved to Alta Vista.

He loved the outdoors. Some of his favorite pastimes were playing cards and traveling.

He is survived by his wife Marie; four sisters: Agnes Cerwinske of Alta Vista, Eleanor Webb of Alta Vista, Gertrude Freidhof of Elma, and Alice Freidhof of Waterloo; and one brother: Francis of Alta Vista.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Geneva at age two; and three brothers: Norbert, Louis, and Linus.

Rosemyra Fletcher

Funeral services for Rosemyra Fletcher of Ridgeway were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7 at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in Bluffton with Rev. Henry Charipar officiating.

Interment was in St. Bridgets Cemetery in Bluffton. Pallbearers were: John Sexton, Joe Henry, David Sexton, Scott Courtney, Patrick Sexton, and Shelby Courtney. Schluter Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Rosemyra, 82, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 following a short illness at the Chautauqua Ninth Street Guest Home in Charles City where she has been a resident since October of 2002.

Rosemyra Fletcher was born March 18, 1920 in Bluffton, the daughter of William Patrick and Mary (Curran) Sexton. She attended and graduated from Decorah High School in 1937. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls in 1940. Rosemyra taught school in Cuba for two years. She then went to work for the Bates and Rogers Construction Company as a secretary in Alaska.

On February 28, 1949 she married Orville Wilbur Fletcher in Kentucky. They moved throughout the midwest. They retired in Newcomerstown, OH and Orville died in 1987. She returned to Iowa in 1994 and lived in Ridgeway.

She enjoyed knitting, quilting, playing cards, solitaire, and traveling and especially a trip to Ireland. She was a member of St. Bridgets Catholic Church in Bluffton.

She is survived by one sister: Eileen Wilkins of Decorah.

Rosemyra was preceded in death by her husband Orville; her parents; two brothers: Francis and William; and one sister in infancy: Ruth.

Emma Wilberding

Funeral services for Emma Wilberding of Elma will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, February 12 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Alta Visa. Glenn and Marie Wilberding will place the pall. Pallbearers are: Cyril, David and Gary Wilberding, Randy Burke, Michael Whalen, Timothy Grover, and Kraig Hultman. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Emma, 96, died Saturday, February 8 at Colonial Manor in Elma of natural causes.

Emma Barbara Wilberding was born December 10, 1906 in Storm Lake, the daughter of John and Clara (Moser) Meyer. She was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Marshalltown and received her teacher certificate at State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She taught in the country schools in Marshall and Jasper Counties.

On May 28, 1938 she married A.E. Wilberding at St. Mary's Church in Grinnell. They lived near Marshalltown before moving to a farm near Alta Vista. They moved to New Hampton in 1967 and in 1972 moved to McAllen, TX. They returned to New Hampton in 1987. She has been a resident of Colonial Manor Home in Elma since January of 1994.

She is survived by one son: Glenn of Elma; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister: Geneva of Tomah, WI; and two brothers: John of Hackensack, NJ and Cecil of Sun City, AZ.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband Tony in 1988; one granddaughter; three sisters: Thelma, Irene, and Ursula; and three brothers: Ralph, Myron, and Roy.

Earl Kluender

Funeral services for Earl Kluender of Cresco will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 13 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco.

Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Earl, 80, died Monday, February 10, 2003 at Evans Memorial Home.

Earl George Kluender was born January 4, 1923 in Lake Benton, MN, the son of Herman and Emma Kluender. He attended Iowa State University before joining the Army Air Force during World War II. He served his country as a B-17 pilot with the 100th Bomb Group, flying more than 20 missions before the war ended.

On September 9, 1944 he married Norma Schuknecht before leaving to serve in England. Upon his return, they farmed near Paullina and Harley. Earl started working for the Huntting Grain Elevator Company. In 1960, he was appointed the manager of Huntting Elevator in Cresco, where he worked until 1976. At that time he became the Fertilizer Manager for the United Shippers Cooperative in Cresco until his retirement in 1986.

He is survived by six children: Duane of Janesville, WI, Connie Rathert of Rapid City, SD, Janice Abele of Lake Mills, LuAnn Heisinger of Whitewood, SD, Lori Bronner of Cresco, and David of Cresco; 17 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and two sisters.

Richard Ratcliff

Richard Ratcliff, 65, died Wednesday, January 29, 2003 in his home following a long illness.

There will be no services. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa.

Richard Victor Ratcliff was born July 11, 1937 in Cresco, the son of Richard V. and Elsie (Goldsworthy) Ratcliff Sr. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1955.

On January 22, 1977 he married Patricia Jacobsen in Grinnell. He held many management positions for GTE for several years, retiring in 1991. In 1992, he joined Tama State Bank and functioned as a business development officer until obtaining his real estate license, at which time he became a mortgage loan originator for Tama State Bank and a real estate salesman for an affiliated Realty company retiring in 1993.

He graduated from Woodbury University in Burbank, CA with Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Business Management, and Finance degrees. He also graduated from the Dale Carnegie Supervision and Management Seminar.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Enright Schroeder American Legion Post 73 in Tama. He had also been a member of the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce and City Council in Tama.

He enjoyed playing golf and tennis.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; his mother: Elsie Ratcliff of Mission Viejo, CA; three sisters: Janet Speelman of Mission Viejo, CA, Rita Bourhenne of Lamita, CA, and Diane Karella of West Minister, CA; and two brothers: George of Cresco and Darryl of Lawndale, CA.

Harold Christopher

Funeral services for Harold Christopher were held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco with Rev. Lewis Flanigan officiating.

Interment was in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah. Pallbearers were: Danny, Steven, Lee, Dillon, and Dexter Christopher, and Justin Ryan.

Harold, 79, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at the Winneshiek Memorial Hospital in Decorah.

Harold Christopher was born February 25, 1923 in Prosper, MN, the son of Karl and Veta (Davis) Christopher.

On June 1, 1957 he married Victoria Romo in Monterrey, Mexico. After they married, they moved to Bluffton. He was a painter and carpenter by trade and had painted most of the barns and homes in the surrounding area. Every year, he would move his family to Texas. In 1979, he was disabled by a stroke that paralyzed his left side. He resided at home until 1995, when he moved to Greenlea Manor in Mabel, MN.

He also served his country as a World War II veteran.

He is survived by his wife Victoria; six children: Timon of Decorah, Marc of West Plains, MO, Eunice Hamilton of Decorah, Noe of Stevensville, MT, Elizabeth Feuerhelm of Lansing, and Esther Kuhn of Decorah; 20 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers: Darwin of Decorah and Francis of San Diego, CA; two half brothers: Fred Christopher of Powderville, MT and Karlie Christopher of Hesper; and two half sisters: Rosemary Christopher of Fountain, MN and Faye Marlow of Decorah.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Carsten and Lawrence.

Florence Fitzgerald

A Mass of Christian Burial for Florence Fitzgerald of New Hampton was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center in New Hampton with Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, rural Elma. Florence's children placed the pall. Pallbearers were: T.J. Rasmussen, Tom Fitzgerald, Jeff TeKippe, Chris Fitzgerald, David Fitzgerald, Ryan Gansen, Aaron Pyfferoen, and Amy Gohr. Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Florence, 88, died Sunday, February 2, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Florence Fitzgerald was born July 20, 1914 near Elma, the daughter of Joseph and Marie C. (Lensing) Freidhof. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Lourdes and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1932. After high school she taught country school in Chickasaw and Howard Counties, as well as CCD at Our Lady of Lourdes.

On May 26, 1936 she married Raymond Fitzgerald at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. They resided on a farm near Lourdes, where she stayed until Raymond's death on August 17, 1972. In 1973 she moved to New Hampton. Florence was a caretaker for several families while living in New Hampton.

She was a member of the Holy Family Parish, A.C.C.W., Catholic Daughters of Americas, Court Joan of Arc #388, Rosary Society, and the Mercy Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary in New Hampton.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading, cooking, baking, and gardening.

She is survived by nine children: Pat Rasmussen of Leawood, KS, Eugene of Stuart, Margaret TeKippe of New Hampton, Paul of Forest City, Jack of Waterloo, Diane Gansen of New Hampton, Denise Pyfferoen of Rochester, MN, Dennis of Elma, Michael of Tulsa, OK; 45 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; three brothers: James of Elma, Gene of Elma, and Ray of Waterloo; and one sister: Marie Catherine Deutsch of New Hampton.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband Raymond; one grandson; her parents; and two brothers: Vincent and John.

Stephen Kinney

Funeral services for Stephen Kinney of Hemet, CA, formerly of Elma, were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Stephen, 96, died Monday, January 27, 2003 at the Rose Garden Residential Care Center in Mentone, CA of natural causes.

Stephen Edward Kinney was born September 11, 1906 in Elma, the son of Stephen and Katherine (Biwer) Kinney. He attended Catholic schools until the seventh grade and was involved in farming most of his young adult life in Iowa. In 1929 he worked for two years on the Ford Motor Company line in Detroit, MI returning to Elma when his father died in 1932.

In February of 1949 he married Florence Marr in Waterloo. They lived in Elma. In August of 1949 they sold their farm and auctioned off their household belongings to move to San Bernardino, CA where they started a poultry farm. They continued to run the poultry farm until the 1970s. They moved to Hemet in 1979 and in the last few years lived in Loma Linda and Highland, CA.

He is survived by one daughter: Susan Kelly of Redlands, CA; one son: Larry of Hemet, CA; four grandsons; and one sister: Lorene Osterman of Bremerton, WA.

Stephen was preceded in death by his wife Florence in April of 2001; and his parents.

                        Posted by Gene Manning on 3/13/03

Vicky Garmen

Memorial services for Vicky Garmen of New York, NY, formerly of Clinton and Elma, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma.

Inurnment will be in the Howard Cemetery, also in Elma.

Friends may call an hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Vicky, 44, died Tuesday, February 4, 2003 at New York Hospital Cornell after a long illness.

Vicky S. Garmen was born June 12, 1958, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Brandt of Clinton. After graduating from Clinton High School, she followed her love of singing by earning degrees in music from Simpson College in Indianola and the University of Arizona, Tucson.

On June 22, 1985 she married Charles Garmen of Elma. They moved to New York City. Her musical experiences ranged from singing opera and concert performances in New York, Russia and Japan, to singing church music. She worked for the Broadway United Church of Christ and most recently for an agency of the United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband Charles of New York; her parents; one brother: Kenneth of Clinton; and her maternal grandmother: Luella Skiles of Mt. Carroll, IL.

Marie Sullivan

Funeral services for Marie Sullivan of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 17 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Marie's children placed the pall. Pallbearers were her grandsons: Jason Cenek, Chris Sullivan, Corey Straw, Jason Sullivan, Jamie Sullivan, and Justin Sullivan. Hugeback-Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Marie, 85, died Thursday, February 13, 2003 in New Hampton of natural causes.

Marie Catherine Sullivan was born May 7, 1917 in Early, the daughter of Frank and Louise (Dorneden) Eckerman. At an early age, the Eckerman family moved to a farm near Lourdes and Marie attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. She then taught in rural Howard County Schools.

On June 14, 1943 she married Leo Sullivan at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes. They moved to the Sullivan family farm near Elma. Leo died on August 25, 1993. On May 15, 2001 their son Alan died and Marie moved to Elma where she has lived since.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Rosary Society. Bowling and playing cards were activities Marie enjoyed. She was also an excellent cook.

She is survived by two sons: Mike of Fairbank and Bill of Protivin; two daughters: Barb Hugeback of New Hampton and Susie Cenek of Cresco; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers: Jean of Mason City and Don of Lime Springs; and one sister: Wilma Sullivan of Cedar Falls.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Leo; one son: Alan; her parents; three brothers: Arthur, LeRoy, and Jack; and one sister: LaVerne Nosbisch.

                                   Posted by Gene Manning on 2/20/03

Tom Lynch

Funeral services for Tom Lynch of Decorah were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21 at St. Benedicts Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Gary Krapfl officiating.

Interment was in St. Benedicts Cemetery in Decorah. Honorary pallbearers were: Jannan Malanaphy, Audrey Halverson, Bob and Rosie Jewell, Bud and Rita Jirak, Cletus and Maxine Brincks, Gene and Franny O'Brien, and Leonard and Ardith Triska. Pallbearers were: Jeff Lynch, Mitch Dahlen, Brian Lynch, Dennis Sersland, Mike Halverson, and Mike Malanaphy. Schluter Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Tom, 77, died Saturday, February 15, 2003 at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah from pneumonia.

Thomas Raymond Lynch was born June 26, 1925 in rural Bluffon, the son of William and Grace (Donlon) Lynch. He attended rural schools as well as Decorah High School.

On October 26, 1949 he married Dolores Frana at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. He worked for Miller High Life beer distribution in his early years. Later, he and Dolores Doly operated a restaurant/bar business for a short time in Ossian. He worked for the Wonder Bread Company for over 20 years.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter, woodworker, and card player. He enjoyed watching the Packers, Cubs, and Hawkeyes. He was a member of St. Benedicts Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife Dolores of Decorah; nine children: Theresa Lynch of Decorah, Charles of Iowa City, James of Decorah, Michael of Rochester, MN, Dorothea Dahlen of Decorah, Tom of Eau Claire, WI, Mary Koukkari of San Jose, CA, Lori Agusta of LaGrange Park, IL, and Bob of Decorah; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one brother: Norman of Cucamonga, CA.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Bill; and four sisters: Beatrice Lynch, Mary Utley, Dorothy Stortz, and Anastasia Sadler.

Casimir Zdun

Funeral services for Casimir "Casey" Zdun of Harmony, MN formerly of Prosper, MN were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22 at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church in Burr Oak with Rev. Hans Floan officiating.

Interment was in Orleans Cemetery near Ridgeway. Mengis Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Casey, 89, died Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah.

Casey was born June 17, 1913 in Chicago, IL the son of John and Mary (Dzik) Zdun. The family relocated to Granton, WI when he was young where he received his education. As a young man, he learned the trade of cheese making and worked as a cheese maker in Wisconsin and later in Frankville. He then relocated to Prosper where he owned and operated the Prosper Cheese Company.

On March 8, 1941 he married Arline Scott in Prosper. He was drafted into the military and served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was stationed in Memphis, TN and India where he was responsible for the motor pool.

Following military service, they returned to Prosper where they made their home. He operated the Prosper Garage.

He enjoyed motorcycles and owned several Harley Davidsons. He was a membr of the Burr Oak Lutheran Church. a life member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by one sister: Mayme Czarnecki of Mesa, AZ.

Casey was preceded in death by his wife Arline, his parents; five brothers: Joseph, Edward, Ernie, Emil, and John; and one sister: Mary.

James Friedhoff

Funeral services for James Friedhoff of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 24 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers were his seven sons. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

James, 85, died Thursday, February 20, 2003 at his home in Elma of natural causes.

James L. Friedhoff was born October 22, 1917 at Elma, the son of Joseph and Marie (Lensing) Freidhof. He was a 1935 graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma.

In 1940 he married Anicetus Ferrie at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cresco. They farmed east of Elma and later moved to a small farm south of Elma. He was employed for over 20 years at the Howard County Equity until retirement.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and later Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. He was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters St. Joseph Court #878 Elma.

He is survived by four daughters: Sister Margaret Friedhoff, RSM of Milwaukee, WI, Sharon Friedhoff of Tucson, AZ, Mary Johnson of Tucson, AZ, and Connie Friedhoff of Mosinee, WI; seven sons: Francis Friedhoff of Elma, James J. Friedhof of Apple Valley, CA, Irven Friedhoff of Columbia, MO, Don Friedhoff of Elma, Gerry Friedhoff of Lime Springs, Paul Friedhoff of Urbandale, and Larry Friedhoff of Cedar Rapids; 22 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers: Eugene Freidhof of Elma and Raphael Freidhoff of Waterloo; and one sister: Marie Catherine Deutsch of New Hampton.

James was preceded in death by his wife Anicetus in 1981; one son: Dennis; his parents; one sister: Florence Fitzgerald, and two brothers: John and Vince Freidhof.

                                  Posted on 02/28/2003 by Gene Manning