Funeral services for Adeline "Addie" Ameling of Waterloo were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4 at Queen of Peace Parish, St. John's Worship Center.

Interment was in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball handled the arrangements.

Adeline, 74, died Friday, February 28, 2003 at Covenant Medical Center of cancer.

Adeline M. Ameling was born May 12, 1928 in Cresco, the daughter of Arthur T. and Bertha P. (Weber) Grimm.

On February 2, 1960 she married Richard Ameling. He died on February 25, 1993. She was employed at the Rath Packing Company, Chamberlain Manufacturing and the Waterloo Courier.

Adeline was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, bowled on the Sunrise Senior League, and was an avid gardner and nature lover.

She is survived by three sons: Richard of Festina, Steven and Alan, both of Traer; four daughters: Sharon Lange of Waterloo, Norma Ameling of South Haven, MN, Susan Ameling of Rochesrer, MN, and Linda Crisman of Waterloo; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; seven brothers: Donald of Waterloo, Raymond of Hudson, Frederick of Rochester, MN, Gene of Riceville, Roy of Rochester, MN, Ronald of Riceville, and Dennis of Waterloo; and three sisters: Rosella Thompson and Bernita Bottema, both of Waterloo, and Karen Peik of Rochester.

Adeline was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one brother: Paul; and one sister: Shirley Koontz.

Jason Parcel

Funeral services for Jason Parcel of Mason City formerly of Riceville, were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 3 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville with Rev. Michael Parris officiating.

Interment was in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in Riceville. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Jason, 27, died Thursday, February 27, 2003 in Mason City.

Jason James Glen Parcel was born May 30, 1975 in Osage, the son of James and Sharon (Rosenberg) Parcel. Jason was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville. He attended Riceville schools and graduated from Riceville Community High School in 1994. He was employed at Murphy's U.S.A. in Mason City.

He enjoyed music, and playing his guitar.

He is survived by his parents: James and Sharon Parcel of Riceville; one son: Trae Dozark of Riceville; two sisters: Michelle Rush of Mason City and Melanie Ostrander of Jewell.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents: Glenn and Arlene Rosenberg and Glen and Leona Parcel.

Carlyle Natvig

Funeral services for Carlyle Natvig were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3 at the Saude Lutheran Church in Lawler with Rev. Harvey Abrahamson officiating.

Interment was in Saude Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers were his grandchildren. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Carlyle, 92, died Thursday, February 27, 2003 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco of natural causes.

Carlyle E. Nativg was born December 12, 1910 the son of Carl and Amelia (Treider) Natvig. The family resided in the Saude area of northern Chickasaw County. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith in the Saude Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was a member all his life. He was educated in the rural schools and later attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis where he studied engine mechanics. He briefly was employed as a sander for Fisher Body in Flint, MI, then returned home to help his father farm and worked for Chickasaw County as a Road Maintainer Operator.

On June 18, 1937 he married Gladys Drewelow at Boyd. They rented and later purchased the farm of cousin Carrie Natvig, where Carlyle had been employed as a youth. He resided there all his life, until moving to the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco on February 28, 2002.

He was an avid outdoorsman who taught his children to ski, skate, and care for farm animals. He hunted fox yet into his 80s. He served on the Chickasaw County Conservation Board more than 30 years, the Utica Township Election Board and as a Trustee for his home congregation at Saude.

He is survived by his wife Gladys; three children: Jean Forde of Decorah, Vern of Aurora, CO, and Mark of Lawler; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Carlyle was preceded in death by one daughter: Carol Malek; his parents; three brothers: Julian, Ledru, and Orlo; and two sisters: Oriette and Cordelia.

Kenneth Bronner

Memorial services were held on Thursday, February 6 at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, MT for Kenneth Bronner, formerly of rural Cresco.

Kenneth, 89, died Monday, February 3, 2003.

Kenneth Albert Bronner was born February 23, 1913, near Cresco, the oldest son of Albert and Addie Bronner. He enjoyed helping his grandfather farm with horses and participating in high school football, wrestling, and track. After graduation he established his own farm near Cresco.

In 1936 he married Alvina Torkelson and they had three daughters, Kay, Judy, and Gayleen. Later he worked for the Rath Meat Packing Co. in Waterloo, and married Martha Schmidt in 1949 and they had one son, Craig. Ken did construction work in Denver, CO then moved to Hot Springs, SD where he was involved in construction and logging, then took a job monitoring the boilers at the Army Depot in Edgmont, SD. In 1970 he moved to Minneapolis and in 1975 to Great Falls, MT where he continued to work in construction until retiring in 1987. He married Edna White in Kalispell, MT on September 17, 1998.

He enjoyed fishing, dancing, and country western music. He was raised in the German Lutheran faith.

He is survived by three daughters: Kay Helland of Bode, Judy Johnson of Humboldt, and Gayleen Dunphy of Livermore; one son: Craig of Kalispell, MT; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one brother: Robert B. of Lime Springs.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his three wives; his parents; and two brothers: Eldred and Clarence.

Sam Lucas

Funeral services for Sam Lucas were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco with Pastor Allen E. Hermeier officiating.

Interment will be in the New Oregon Cemetery in the spring. Pallbearers were his grandchildren.

Sam, 86, died Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Sam Lucas was born December 14, 1916 in Howard County, the son of John and Eva (Linderman) Lucas. He attended country school in Vernon Springs and quit school at an early age to help support the family.

On January 31, 1937 he married Sarah Kerst. Sam worked at various jobs until 1953 when he started work for the state highway commission. He retired in 1981 after 28 years of employment.

He enjoyed fishing, going to car races where he had his own seat with his name on it.

He is survived by three daughters: Shirley Larsen of Elma, Sharon McIntyre and Sandra Bruening, both of Cresco; eight grandchildren; two step grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three step great-great-grandchildren; one sister: Grace Lewis of Cresco; and three brothers: Lawrence of Cresco, John of Yuma, AZ, and Ron of Tampa, FL.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife Sarah on December 9, 1966; one daughter Norma Jean died in infancy; two great-granddaughters; his parents; four sisters: Mary Zobeck, Clarabell Meyers, Blanche Thorson, and Goldie Conklin; and four brothers: Bill, Owen, Willard, and Francis.

Edward Panos

Funeral services for Edward Panos of Lawler were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Marvin Salz officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Cemetery in Lawler. Edward's three children placed the pall. Pallbearers were: Paul Gebel, Joe Balik, Chad Busta, Duane Busta, Scott Busta, Kevin Busta, Dan Busta, and Randy Busta. Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Edward, 75, died Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at his home.

Edward F. Panos was born December 2, 1927 near Little Turkey, the son of Frank and Frances (Shileny) Panos. He attended rural country school in that area.

On November 22, 1954 he married Lorraine Busta at the Assumption Catholic Church in Little Turkey. They made their home in Lawler for the last 43 years. Ed was employed at Roverud Construction in Spring Grove, MN, as a truck driver for 30 years until his retirement in 1993. His wife Lorraine died on October 15, 1995.

His favorite pastime was playing cards, along with baseball and fishing. He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler.

He is survived by one son: Edward, Jr. of Mitchellville; two daughters: Ann Schaufenbuel of St. Lucas and Mary Flick of Ionia; and three grandchildren.

Edward was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine; one step daughter: Bonnie; his parents; and five brothers: George, Stanley, Louie, Bill, and August in infancy.

                                  Posted by Gene Manning on 03/06/2003

June Christopher

Memorial services for June Christopher were held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 at Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Interment was in Bluffon Cemetery in rural Bluffton.

June, 72, died Friday, March 7, 2003 at the Winneshiek Memorial Hospital of multiple health complications.

June Marie Christopher was born June 3, 1930 the daughter of August and Beatrice (Saunders) Bergmann in their Bluffton home. She attended several area schools through the eighth grade. She then went to work for several local families, helping with children and chores.

She married Larry Christopher and they farmed for many years. In later years, June moved to Decorah. She did volunteer work at the Aase Haugen Home.

June had several lengthy hospital stays at the LaCrosse Gundersen Lutheran Hospital. In 2002, she moved into the Aase Haugen Home.

She is survived by two sons: Eber of Mt Vernon, MO and Tim of Decorah; one daughter: Susie McConnell of Decorah; brothers and sisters: John of Denver, Marvin of Bluffton, Evelyn Hogenson of Decorah, Ruth Logsdon of Decorah, Marguerite Perkins of Loma, CO, Karlie of Hesper, Rosemary Christopher of Fountain, MN, Fred of Powderville, MT, and Faye Marlow of Bluffton; along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

June was preceded in death by her husband Larry; her parents; two sisters: Kathleen Rakow and Marjorie Darling; and one brother: Alvie.

Mildred Eisele

Funeral services for Mildred Eisele of Fredericksburg were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8 at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg with Pastor Joan Fumetti officiating.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Pallbearers were: Doug Baker, Keith Selck, Cory Larsen, Todd Larsen, Lee Selck, and Gary Schulz. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Mildred, 75, died Monday, March 3, 2003 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo of cancer.

Mildred M. Eisele was born January 13, 1928 in rural Chickasaw County, west of Fredericksburg, the daughter of Peter and Magdalene (Kottke) Arne. She was baptized at the Boyd American Lutheran Church and confirmed in June of 1941, at the former Evangelical & Reformed Church (UCC) in Fredericksburg. Mildred graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1945 and then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She also graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly.

On May 23, 1948 she married Edwin Eisele. They went to Western Europe, Scandinavia, Canada, Mexico and various places in the United States.

She enjoyed needlework, reading and traveling.

She is survived by her husband Edwin; and one sister: Elizabeth Larsen of Ft. Meyer, FL.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; one sister: Maren Marie Arne; and one brother John.

Laurena Hennings

Funeral services for Laurena Hennings of Fredericksburg were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg with Pastor Ronnie Koch officiating.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Pallbearers were: Dan Roth, Don Heim, Dale Schwerin, Jerry Hennings, Russ Bradley, and Harold Pries. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Laurena, 79, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at her home of an apparent heart attack.

Laurena H. Hennings was born November 22, 1923 in Bremer County, Fremont Township, the daughter of Fred and Birtha (Foelkse) Everding. She received her elementary education in Fremont Township and attended Readlyn High School.

On May 20, 1948 she married Harvey Emil Hennings at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Readlyn. They resided in Waverly from 1948 until 1956 when they moved to Waterloo. In 1961 they moved to Fredericksburg where Laurena began work at Meinerz Creamery in the Mozzarella Packaging Department. She retired from Beatrice Cheese/ConAgra in 1990 after 18 years.

She loved gardening, baking and collecting dolls and clocks. She enjoyed tending her fish and flowers.

She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg.

She is survived by her husband Harvey; three sons: Robert of Sumner, Dennis of Fredericksburg, and James of Fredericksburg; three daughters: Sharon Miller of Tripoli, Phyllis Hurd of Fredericksburg, and Kandi Attleson of Fredericksburg; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one brother: Arnold of New Hampton.

Laurena was preceded in death by one son: Roger; one grandchild; her parents; one brother: Elmer; and two sisters: Mardella Biermann and Hilda Everding.

Clarence Kapler

Funeral services for Clarence Kapler of Jackson Junction were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Marvin Salz and Rev. James Secora officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. His wife and children placed the pall. Pallbearers were: Brenda Boleyn, Michael Kapler, Jennifer Kapler, Bradley Best, Carrie Best, Adam Kapler, Amy Kapler, Abby Kapler, Joy Kapler, Kelsey Kapler, and Destiny Kapler. Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Clarence, 83, died Saturday, March 8, 2003 at the Oneota Riverview Care Facility in Decorah after a short illness.

Clarence John Kapler was born September 7, 1919 in Cresco, the son of Lee and Otilda (Rotter) Kapler. He received his education at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Cresco.

On November 3, 1943 he married Eleanor Zweibohmer at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar. They made their home on a farm near Jackson Junction. Clarence farmed all his life near that area. He also worked for the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service (ASCS) for over 30 years. He had a fondness for listening to polka music. He loved taking care of his animals, especially his dogs.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor; four sons: Gerald of Waverly, Leo of Fort Dodge, Dale of Waterloo, and Richard of Hawkeye; one daughter: Susan Best of Ft. Atkinson; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and one sister: Dorothy Wolter of Cherry Valley, IL.

Clarence was preceded in death by one daughter: Sonja Kapler; and his parents.

Lillian Mattke

Funeral services for Lillian Mattke of Fredericksburg were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11 at the United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg with Pastor Bob Connors officiating.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Richard Mattke, Michael Stover, Gary Stover, Wayne Lienau, Dale Miller, and Amos Brandenberg. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Lillian, 84, died Thursday, March 6, 2003 at the Sunrise Guest Home in Fredericksburg after a lengthy illness.

Lillian E. Mattke was born September 30, 1918 on a farm two and one half miles southeast of Fredericksburg, the daughter of Herman and Emma (Klotz) Mattke. She attended Social Center Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1936. She moved with her parents to their home on the east edge of Fredericksburg in 1936. She and her sisters operated a small hatchery, hatching and selling ducklings and goslings.

She came to reside at the Sunrise Guest Home in February of 2000.

She is survived by one brother: Glenn of Fredericksburg; and two sisters: Ethel Mattke and Florence Hill of Fredericksburg.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters: Marie Mattke and Edna Mattke.

Joyce Liddle

Funeral services for Joyce Liddle of Fredericksburg, formerly of Nashua, were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 10 at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua with Pastor Kent Sovine officiating.

Joyce, 42, died Thursday, March 6, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Joyce A. Liddle was born May 17, 1960 in Clarksburg, WV, the daughter of Fransisco and Voreda (Jennings) Marcurella. She graduated from Nashua High School in 1978.

On August 4, 1979 she married Daniel Liddle at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua. She has lived in Fredericksburg and was manager of Hardee's in New Hampton for five years.

Joyce was a collector. She especially liked porcelain dolls and the toys from Hardee's, McDonalds and Burger King.

She is survived by her husband Daniel of Phoenix, AZ; one son: Daniel, Jr. of Fredericksburg; three daughters: Jeanette Liddle of Fredericksburg, Peggy Coble of Stanchfield, MN, and Holly Hickman of Fredericksburg; four brothers: John Marcurella of Orange, CA, James McGonigal of Mabelton, GA, Sean McGonigal of Waco, GA and Shawn McGonigal of Buchanan, GA; six grandchildren; one grandmother: Ruby Collura of Rock Island, IL; and two sisters: Judy Marcurella of Nashua and Margaret Mueller of Fredericka.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; and her grandfather: John Callura.

Geneva Vagts

Funeral services for Geneva Vagts were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco with Rev. Allen Hermeier officiating.

Interment will be in the spring in the New Oregon Cemetery. Pallbearers were her grandchildren and their spouses. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Geneva, 83, died Saturday, March 8, 2003 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse.

Geneva Meranda Vagts was born December 9, 1919 in rural Winneshiek County, the daughter of Herbert and Mabel (Gunderson) Milbrath. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at the First Lutheran Church in Cresco. She attended rural school in Howard County and graduated from Cresco High School in 1937. She worked at the Elms Cafe during her high school years.

On August 22, 1939 she married Gareth Vagts in the parsonage of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco. They farmed for the next 30 years on a farm south of Cresco.

They were also parents to a foreign exchange student from Norway during her stay in Cresco.

She enjoyed playing bridge, gardening and her church work. She also enjoyed her years as a teacher's aide in the Cresco School System. Annual fishing trips to Minnesota or Canada and a lake home in Wisconsin enhanced her love of the outdoors.

She is survived by her husband Gareth; her children: Dale of Cresco, Muriel Hucul of Royal Oak, MI, and Ann Kach of Cresco; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother: George of Cresco; and three sisters: Hazel Amundson of Decorah, Ethel Moen of Elkader, and Audrey Ott of Cresco.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother: Lester.

                             Posted by Gene Manning on 03/13/2003

Jerome Heying

Funeral services for Jerome Heying of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 17 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

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

Jerome, 80, died Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at the Colonial Manor in Elma of natural causes.

Jerome Anthony Heying was born April 11, 1922 at Belgrade, MN, the son of Ernest and Mary (Elenz) Heying. He attended rural schools near his family's home. Following his schooling, Jerome worked as a farm hand for neighbors. He served in the US Army during WWII in the South Pacific and occupation of Japan at Hiroshima. Shortly after his discharge he moved to Elma and worked for Art Gansen.

On October 12, 1949 he married Mary Thompson at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. They resided in Elma. Jerome later worked for the City of Elma. They moved to New Hampton where he ran a Skelly Station for three years before returning to Elma and working for the Howard County Equity. He worked for the Equity for 24 years until he retired in 1986.

During is retirement he worked on tractors, lawn mowers, and helped at the Conway Funeral Home.

He enjoyed reading, puzzles, bowling, fishing, and playing cards. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Elma American Legion John Frahm Post 597.

He is survived by his wife Mary; nine children: Michael of Elma, Suzanne Murphy of Elma, Mary Louise Cutsforth of Cresco, Nancy Johnson of Rochester, MN, Jerome Jr. of New Hampton, Jane Prescott of Tampa, FL, William of Fayette, Anita Brooks of Jamaica, and Daniel of Belfair, WA; 20 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; three brothers: Elmer of New Hampton, Paul of Anaheim, CA, and Ernest of Fallon, NV; and four sisters: Bernie Schefers of Richmond, MN, Irma Huczek of Chicago, IL, Gen Linhoff of Anaheim, CA, and Delores Schloeder of Richmond, MN.

Jerome was preceded in death by one son: Brian; one granddaughter; his parents; four brothers: Sylvester, Ambrose, Gilbert, and Leander; and one sister: Mary Ann Geers.

William Quirk

Memorial services for William Quirk of Breezy Point, MN were held on Tuesday, March 11 at St. Alice Catholic Church in Pequot Lakes, MN with Rev. George Zeck officiating.

Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

William, 68, died Friday, March 7, 2003 at his home in Breezy Point.

William James Quirk was born December 6, 1934 in Lawler, the son of William and Marie (Canty) Quirk. He graduated from Lawler High School and went on to Upper Iowa University to further his education. He majored in business.

On May 9, 1964 he married Ramona Pierce at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Minneapolis. He worked for Rothchild Financial in St. Paul for many years. He retired in 1988 and they made their home in Breezy Point.

He enjoyed fishing for walleye and watching sports, especially football.

He is survived by his wife Ramona; two daughters: Penni Schneewind of Prior lake, MN and Cathy Quirk of Rosemount, MN; two grandchildren; and four brothers: Lowell of Rochester, MN, Tom of Ft. Wayne, IN, Bob of Breezy Point, and Frank of Burnsville;.

William was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister in infancy.

Robert Holthaus

Funeral services for Robert "Bob" Holthaus of rural Calmar were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina with Monsignor Cletus Hawes officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Festina. Pallbearers were: David Timp, Steve Meyer, Todd Scheidel, Cleo Holthaus, Robert Lensing, Randy Holthaus, Ron Bodensteiner, Derald Tieskoetter, and William Holthaus. Schluter Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Robert, 80, died Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah.

Robert J. Holthaus was born September 28, 1922, the son of Joseph and Anna (Schmitt) Holthaus on a farm near Festina. He attended Our Lady of Seven Dolors School in Festina.

On April 21, 1975 he married Sandra Bullerman. He spent his life farming.

He enjoyed farming, the outdoors, the birds, and card playing. He was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Parish in Festina and the South Winn. Country Club.

He is survived by his wife Sandra of Calmar; two step daughters: Jeanie Chipera of Calmar and Kimberly Steggal of Waverly; two step sons: Gary Bullerman of Gilbertville and Scott Bullerman of Fort Madison; nine step grandchildren; three brothers: Walter of New Hampton, Cyril of Castalia, and Rufus of Tomah, WI; four sisters: Oda Lensing of Decorah, Esther Timp of Calmar, Alice Scheidel of Decorah, and Dolores Meyer of Calmar.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Nilus; and two sisters: Sylvia Bodensteiner and Hedwig Tieskoetter.

Leo Berst

Funeral services for Leo Berst of Woodbury, MN, formerly of New Hampton were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center in New Hampton with Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating.

The pall was placed by his children and daughter-in-law. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton. Pallbearers were: Dave Swenumson, Paul Swenumson, Art Swenson, Mike Spolidoro, Mark Spolidoro, and Dan Marner. Hugeback Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Leo, 93, died Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at the Woodwind Hospital, Woodbury, following a heart attack.

Leo Michael Berst was born January 13, 1910 in rural Winneshiek County near Jackson Junction, the son of Charles and Rosa (Ott) Berst. He attended rural country school through eighth grade and at the age of 14 started farming full time.

On June 16, 1932 he married Florence Swenson at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Ft. Atkinson. They farmed north of Lawler until 1947. They moved to New Hampton and Leo began working for the New Hampton Light Plant. He worked there until retiring in 1971. They remained in New Hampton until 1978. They moved to an apartment in their daughter and son-in-laws home in Woodbury, MN.

He loved to fish and wood-working.

He is survived by one son: Carl of Washington; two daughters: Carol Marner of Chariton and Laurie Spolidoro of Woodbury, MN; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother: Melvin of Frederika; and one sister: Rosa Lukes of New Hampton.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife Florence on July 2, 1992; one son: John; one great-granddaughter; his parents; and four brothers: Charles, Clarence, Victor, and Arnold.

                                     Posted by Gene Manning on 03/20/2003

Jan Vojik

News of the sudden death of Mayor Jan (Honza) Vojik of Protivin, Czech Republic was received last week in Protivin, Iowa.

Mayor Vojik was the first Mayor to serve Protivin after their country became free. He served from 1989 to October of 2002. Jan Vojik was 59 years old at the time of his death on March 1, 2003. He is survived by his wife Marie. They had no children.

Mayor Vojik visited Protivin, Iowa on two separate occasions to help celebrate Czech Days and became acquainted with many people here. He also welcomed visitors from Iowa who visited Protivin, Czech Republic.

Dale Irvin

Funeral services for Dale Irvin of Riceville were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating.

Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dale, 84, died Monday, 17, 2003 at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospital in Osage.

Dale Irvin was born May 9, 1918 in rural Acme, the son of Arthur Chester and Harriet (Saevy) Irvin. He attended rural schools in the Acme area and graduated from Riceville High School in 1936. Dale joined his family in farming.

On March 5, 1946 he married Jean Marr at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville.

He enjoyed camping and traveling. He worked as a sales representative to North Iowa Grain Equipment. He lived on the family farm until his retirement. In his retirement years he hauled livestock until 1997.

He is survived by his wife Jean of Riceville; two sons: Larry and Scott, both of Riceville; one daughter: Carol of Ankeny; three grandsons; and one sister: Ione Stephens of Fairfax, VA.

Dale was preceded in death his parents; one brother: Adrian; and one sister: Lu Ann Saathoff.

Donald Houdek

Funeral services for Donald Houdek were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24 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: Joe Houdek, Jr., Jennalee Houdek, Jordan Houdek, Jeralyn Houdek, Jelyssa Houdek, Miranda Houdek, Erin Houdek, and Carl Houdek. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Donald, 68, died Friday, March 21, 2003 at the Regional Health Services of Howard County Hospital.

Donald Frank Houdek was born June 12, 1934 near Protivin, in Chickasaw County, the son of Carl and Mayme (Shileny) Houdek. He was baptized at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin, received his Holy Communion at the Holy Cross Church in Schley, and was confirmed at the Assumption Church in Cresco. He attended the New Oregon #7 school and spent two years in Germany while in the Army. Upon returning from the service, he started farming.

On April 26, 1958 he married Bernita Hammond of Cresco at the Holy Cross Church in Schley. They farmed south of Cresco for 44 years.

He was a member of the Assumption Parish for over 60 years. Don was a tractor enthusiast and had many toy tractors in his collection. He was also an avid fan of crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his wife Bernita; two sons: Joe of Cresco and Robert of Lawler; two daughters: Kathy Sommer of Denver, CO and Mary Butikofer of Eureka, MT; and eight grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and one brother: Lyle.

James Kovarik

Funeral services for James Kovarik of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lourdes with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Lourdes. Michael Langham and Melanie Long placed the pall. Pallbearers were: Jerry Smith, Paul Sir, Nick Grimm, James Marik, Lloyd Neubauer, and Kenneth Maruska. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

James, 72, died Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at his home of an apparent heart attack.

James J. Kovarik was born February 24, 1931 north of Lourdes, in Howard County, the son of James A. and Katherine (Falada) Kovarik. He was a lifetime member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where he was baptized and confirmed. Jim attended grade school at the Paris #9 rural school, he attended school at Lourdes and graduated from Cresco High School in 1950. Following his schooling, he returned to the farm to help. 1955-1957 he worked for the Central Iowa Telephone Co., 1957-1966 he worked for the Howard County Ag Stabilization and Conservation Service, 1966-1975 he was a field assessor, from 1975 to 2001 he was the Civil Defense and Emergency Management Director, and from 1979 until present he was the General Relief/General Assistance Director.

Jim lived on the home farm taking care of his mother until her death in 1975.

He was active in the Boy Scouts, being scoutmaster for the Lourdes Troop 172. In 1995 he joined the Red Cross and was on their board of Directors and was involved in family services. He served on the Howard County Historical Preservation Board. He was an artist, photographer, and was a ham radio operator.

He is survived by one brother: Edward of Forest Park, GA; and one sister: Frances Langham of Marion

James was preceded in death by his parents.

Kenneth Novotny

Funeral services for Kenneth Novotny of Decorah were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin with Rev. John A. Moser officiating.

Interment was in Holy Trinity Church Cemetery in Protivin. Pallbearers were: Randy Bruess, Larry Gehling, Steve Gjere, Kevin Kovarik, Dan Hayek, and Tom Humpal. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Kenneth, 42, died Wednesday, March 19, 2002 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Kenneth James Novotny was born September 1, 1960 the son of Donald and Mary Ann (Kalishek) Novotny. He was baptized and confirmed in the catholic faith at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin where he has been a lifetime member. He attended school at South Winneshiek in Calmar.

On March 4, 1989 he married Shelly Peters in Ridgeway. They later divorced.

Kenny has been employed at Art's Mill and Camcar. Lately he has been farming and trucking.

He liked farming and animals, especially cattle. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his children: Ethan, Emily, and Mitchell of Ridgeway; his mother: Mary Ann of Protivin; four brothers: Neal of Cupertino, CA, Duane of Fort Atkinson, Jeffrey of Ridgeway, and Gary of Decorah; and three sisters: Wanda Hulbert of St. Charles, Dorene Lyke of Rochester, MN, and Diane Kipp of New Hampton.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father.

Irvin Rue

Funeral services for Irvin Rue of Ridgeway were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway with Rev. Phillip Olson and Rev. Ginny Olson officiating.

Interment was in Lincoln Cemetery in rural Ridgeway. Pallbearers were: Gary Hovden, Roger Kratz, Harold Rue, Kelvin Rue, Marc Rue, and Dean Ryan. Fjelstul Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Irvin, 89, died Saturday, March 15, 2003 at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco of complications from pneumonia.

Irvin Lester Rue was born November 15, 1913 at home in Ridgeway, the son of Lou and Inga (Hovden) Rue. He was baptized at Lincoln Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway on December 21, 1913 and was confirmed there on May 20 1928. He was a graduate of Ridgeway High School.

On November 28, 1935 he married Alice E. Schorr in Decorah.

Irvin was a long-time farmer in Lincoln Township at their farm on the Madison Road. He bought his farm in 1941 and they farmed there until 1989 when they sold it to his nephew, Kelvin Rue, and moved to Ridgeway.

He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway where he was active and served on the Cemetery Board. He moved to the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco in December of 1999.

He is survived by two sons: Dale of Los Angeles, CA and Darryl of St. Louis, MO; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister: Pearl Hoagland of Waterloo.

Irvin was preceded in death by his wife Alice on October 26, 1995; his parents; three brothers: Harold, Garvin, and Alton; and one sister: Arlene Beaumont.

Richard Kirkpatrick

Funeral services for Richard Kirkpatrick of rural Lime Springs were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco with Rev. Ray E. Atwood, pastor of St. Stephens Church in Chester officiating.

Inurnment will be later this spring in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.

Richard, 65, died March 15, 2003 at his home north of Lime Springs after a long battle with cancer.

Richard Arthur Kirkpatrick was born March 25, 1937 in Iowa City, the son of Harry and Effie (Carolan) Kirkpatrick. He was raised in the Lime Springs, Cresco area. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at the Assumption Catholic Church, and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1955.

On January 27, 1958 he married Charlotte M. Roberts in Emmetsburg. They made their home in the Lime Springs area. He was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Chester. They participated in many demo derbies. Richard was a heavy equipment operator and spent most of his time making roads in all parts of the State of Iowa.

As he would say, "playing in the dirt" was his hobby.

He is survived by his wife Charlotte; three sons: Richard of Lime Springs, Robert of Keswick, and Randy of Chester; one daughter: Connie Miller of Lime Springs; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister: Mary Garnatz of Minnesota.

Richard was preceded in death by one son: Ronald; and his parents.

Dolores Worple

Funeral services for Dolores Worple of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Rev. John Hemann officiating.

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

Dolores, 83, died Monday, March 17, 2003 in New Hampton at the home of her son Lavern H. Worple of natural causes.

Dolores Charlotte Mary Worple was born September 6, 1919 at Cresco, the daughter of Fred and Mary (Ondrasek) Kaatz. She was baptized and confirmed in to her faith at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cresco. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Cresco and graduated from Cresco High School in 1937. She was employed as a receptionist and cook at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Cresco, a sales clerk at the National Five and Dime Store, and at the Wolf Store in Cresco. In 1948 she and her mother and brother Harold H. Kaatz moved from 804 North Elm Street to Elma to establish the Blue Bird Tavern and Cafe.

On December 30, 1950 she married Levern Worple by Rev. Paul Bodensteiner at the Immaculate Conception Church Rectory. Dolores and Vern and Harold Kaatz established a business called the Shopette Store selling gifts and clothing which she operated and managed for 38 years.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Elma and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society Band Group 5.

She loved music, flowers, and dancing.

She is survived by her husband Levern E. of Elma; one son: Lavern H. of New Hampton; three grandsons; and two great-grandchildren.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother Harold.

James Venable

Graveside services for James Venable of Lawton, OK, formerly of Cresco were held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 at Post Cemetery in Fort Sill, OK with Chaplain Jim McGuire, Hospice of Lawton Area, Inc. officiant.

Pallbearers were the Military Honor Guard.

James, 58, died Monday, March 10, 2003.

James David Venable was born September 9, 1944 in Landgraff, WV, the son of Evelyn (Lawless) and James Elmer Venable.

On July 12, 1963 he married Judy A. Bowman in Spray, NC and they later remarried on October 25, 1999 in Lawton, OK. Jim retired from the United States Army at the rank of Master Sergeant after 26 years of service.

He was a member of the Methodist Faith.

He is survived by his wife Judy A. of Cresco; one son: Jay of Cresco; two daughters: Jean D. Manning of Bloomington, MN, and Julie Frazer of Cresco; six grandchildren; his mother and step-father: Evelyn and Leslie Jarrett of Logan, WV; one brother: Gary of Lakeland, FL; and two sisters: Judy C. Runnels of Hattieburg, MS and Pam Osborne of Oceana, WV.

James was preceded in death by his father.

                                    Posted by Gene Manning on 03/27/2003