Mary Gunderson

Funeral services for Mary Gunderson were held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco with Rev. Gary Lee officiating.

Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Mary, 90, died Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at Sauer Memorial Home in Winona, MN.

Mary Eleanor Gunderson was born February 19, 1914 at Bloomfield Township (east of Ossian), the daughter of John V. and Tillie A. (Peck) DeCou. She graduated from Ossian High School in 1932 and attended college at Fayette where she earned a teaching certificate. She taught country school in Iowa for one year.

On November 2, 1935 she married Ralph T. Gunderson. They farmed at Ossian, Hesper, and Mabel, MN. In 1963 they moved to Cresco where they owned a small farm feed store and later retired in 1970.

She is survived by two sons: Gerhardt of Winona, MN and Herbert of Port Charlotte, FL; two daughters: Maryann Forsythe of Winona, MN and Bette Josephson of Rochester, MN; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Donald of Decorah and Paul of Sioux Falls, SD; and one sister: Evelyn Underbakke of Mabel, MN.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ralph; her parents; and one infant brother.

Arnold Ott

Funeral services for Arnold Ott of New Hamtpon were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 27 at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton with Msgr. Carl Schmitt officiating.

Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Hampton. Pallbearers were: Duane Ungs, Raynold Ott, Susan Ott, Karen Ottt, Russ Ott, Bill Heying, and Hans Cordes.

Arnold, 83, died Monday, February 23, 2004 at his home in New Hampton of natural causes.

Arnold Michael Ott was born October 8, 1920 in St. Lucas, the son of Joseph and Theresa (Hackman) Ott. He received his education from the St. Lucas Catholic School. On August 27, 1942, he entered the service. He was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. Following service Arnold worked construction in Iowa City for many years until retiring and moving back to New Hampton.

He is survived by three brothers: Alvin of Waterloo, Joseph of Waterloo and Jerome of New Hampton; and two sisters: Loretta Drewelow of Waterloo and Imelda Ungs of New Hampton.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Alfred, Albert, and Arthur; and two sisters: Adelia Coburn and Margaret Williams.

Christine Peterson

Funeral services for Christine Peterson of New Hampton will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, March 3 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma with Rev. Marshall Monthei officiating.

Interment will be in Howard Cemetery in Elma. Pallbearers are: Robert J. Rahlf, Ben Haar, Jason Post, Jerry Haar, Mike McKimmy, and Jeff Rahlf.

Christine, 26, died Friday, February 27, 2004 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City from complications of pulmonary hypertension.

Christine Denise Peterson was born August 5, 1977 at Ft. Hood, TX, the daughter of Clarence Dale and Charlotte (Rahlf) Ganske. She moved to New Hampton with her family when she was three years old and attended kindergarten in New Hampton. The family moved to Elma when she was five and she attended Crestwood Public Schools and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1995. While in high school, she was active in band, where she played the clarinet, choir, and was in the orchestra during plays. After graduation, Christine worked at the Riceville Community Rest Home, Colonial Manor in Elma, Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, and Ross Marketing in New Hampton. She has lived in New Hampton since 1999.

Christine enjoyed working on the computer, playing the piano and her clarinet, music, playing board games, going fishing, playing go-fish, and video games with her boys. She was a member of the Afton Aces 4-H Club.

She is survived by two sons: Aaron Michael and Austin Sean Peterson; one daughter: Autumn Denae Keiffer; her father: Clarence Ganske; her parents: Dr. Alvin R. and Charlotte M. Peterson of Elma; one sister: Amanda Rae Peterson of Elma; and paternal grandmother: Alice Peterson of Elma.

Christine was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather; and maternal grandparents.

Isabelle Gansen

Funeral services for Isabelle Gansen of Elma were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Monsignor John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Pallbearers were: Keith Roethler, Dennis O'Brien, and Dave and Kenneth Fangman. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Isabelle, 95, died Friday, February 27, 2004 at the Colonial Manor in Elma of natural causes.

Isabelle Ann Regina Gansen was born November 14, 1908 on a farm near Jesup, the daughter of Eugene Frances and Henrietta Jane (Myer) Brennan. She was baptized at Saint Athanasius Catholic Church in Jesup. She attended country schools near her home. On October 18, 1918, when Isabelle was nine years old, the Brennan family moved to a farm near Elma. She made her First Holy Communion and was Confirmed at the Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. She attended Immaculate Conception school and graduated in 1926. After high school, Isabelle began nurses training in Rochester, MN. She later began work at the Howard County Equity as a bookkeeper. In 1932, she moved to Eagle Center.

On June 5, 1933 she married Art Gansen at the Immaculate Conception Church in Elma by Father Donnelly. They made their home in south Elma until 1934 when they bought their present home in Elma. In 1942 they purchased the old Borg building from Louis Kobliska where they sold Desoto and Plymouth cars, Allis Chalmers machinery, parts, livestock, feed, and seed. Isabelle and Art spent many years wintering in Edinburg, TX.

Isabelle enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge and bowling. She was an 85 year member of the Immaculate Conception Church and a member of the Rosary Society.

She is survived by two daughters: Lois Greenlee of Mason City and Dorothy Drilling of Clive; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters: Ruth Piegors of Waterloo, Rosemary Boggee of Independence, and Jeanette Lentz of Waterloo; and two brothers: Eugene of Homosassa, FL and Robert of Cedar Falls.

Isabelle was preceded in death by her husband Art in 1995; her parents; three sisters: Elizabeth Brennan, Katherine Beaumaster, and Marie Masterson; and four brothers: Joe, Bernard, William, and one in infancy.

Judy Pietersen

Funeral services for Judy Pietersen of Lakeville, MN were held on Tuesday, February 24 at Grace United Methodist Church in Burnsville, MN.

Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. White Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Judy, 55, died Saturday, February 21, 2004 at her home after nearly a two-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Judy A. Pietersen was born May 19, 1948 in Cresco, the daughter of Neil and Dorothy Gassett of Lime Springs. After high school, she attended and graduated from La'James Beauty College in Mason City. Judy worked several years at various hair salons in the area and was working in Charles City the day of the destructive tornado in 1968.

On April 12, 1969 she married William Pietersen in Lime Springs. They made their home in St. Paul where Judy continued her profession as a cosmetologist. They moved to Lakeville in April 1975 where they have lived since. Judy had worked in the dental field for more then 15 years, most recently as an Ortho-Analyst for Delta Dental in Minnesota. She won multiple achievement awards during her tenure there. She also continued to work part-time as a hairdresser.

She is survived by her husband Will; three children: Paige Beach of Lakeville, Patrick of Lakeville, and Tara of Duluth, MN; one grandson; her mother: Dorothy of Lime Springs; and one sister: Jean Stopperan of Windsor, CO.

Judy was preceded in death by her father: Neil.

Loretta Rausch

Funeral services for Loretta Rausch of Fort Atkinson were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2 at St. Johns Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Rev. John Moser officiating.

Interment was in St. Johns Catholic Church Cemetery in Fort Atkinson. Schluter - Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel handled the arrangements.

Loretta, 83, died Friday, February 27, 2004 at her home following a short illness.

She is survived by eight daughters: Bernice Hosting of Fort Atkinson, Sister Jean Ann Rausch, FSPA of Sioux City, Judy Jenison of Randall, Norma Crist of Marietta, GA, Marilyn Garvey of Ankeny, Theresa Ryan of Marengo, Diane Bruecken of Waukee, and Eileen Tosh of Cedar Rapids; three sons: Robert of Waucoma, Dave of Fort Atkinson, and Paul of Austin, MN; one sister: Barbara Jirak of Waucoma; and five brothers: James Croatt of St. Lucas, Matt Riha of Cresco, Leonard Riha of Madison, WI, Francis Riha of Waucoma, and Dan Riha of Waucoma.

Posted on 03/05/2004 by Gene Manning

Palma Behrens

Funeral services for Palma Behrens will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12 at St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls.

There will be no visitation, her body was cremated. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Palma, 87, died Friday, March 5, 2004.

Palma Lillian Behrens was born on Palm Sunday, April 16, 1916 in the Saude community near Cresco and Protivin, the daughter of Henry O. and Clara (Vaala) Borlaug. She attended New Oregon #8 rural school in Howard County through eighth grade. This one-room schoolhouse is now located at her childhood farm which is owned by the Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation. She attended Cresco High School for three years and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1934. From 1935-1939 she taught in rural schools in Howard and Chickasaw Counties. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College in 1940 and taught at Delhi in 1940-1941.

On June 1, 1941 she married Virgel E. Behrens at the Saude Lutheran Church. He died December 22, 1972. Palma began teaching kindergarten in Cedar Falls in 1953 and retired in 1982. She received her B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa.

She was active in the Sartori Hospital Auxiliary, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Guild, Cedar Falls Historical Society, Cedar Falls Community Playhouse, Cedar Falls Lutheran Home Auxiliary, St. John Lutheran Church, International Questors, Sons of Norway (Charter member), Tuesday Club, and PEO.

She is survived by one daughter: Judith Reed of Lehigh; one son: Ted of Cedar Falls; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother: Dr. Norman E. Borlaug of Dallas, TX; and one sister: Charlotte Culbert of Cresco.

Palma was preceded in death by her husband.

Ralph Greenslade

Funeral services for Ralph Greenslade were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 4 at Burr Oak United Methodist Church in Burr Oak with Rev. Anita Bane officiating.

Interment was in Burr Oak Church Cemetery in Burr Oak. Pallbearers were: Ben Lange, Dave Lange, Lowell Lange, Lynn Martinson, Dave Nauman and Curtis Stoops. Fjelstul Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ralph, 86, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Ralph Greenslade was born July 28, 1917 at home in Bluffton Township, Winneshiek County, the son of Rupert and Ruth (Taylor) Greenslade. He graduated from Burr Oak High School in Burr Oak.

On November 21, 1939 he married Audrey B. Manning at Burr Oak United Methodist Church in Burr Oak. They both worked at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL. Ralph served as a Private in the U.S. Army at North Camp Hood, TX during World War II. He left the service early so they could move to rural Granger. There he worked with his brother-in-law, helping him farm. Ralph and Audrey moved back to Burr Oak and were partners in the Shelley-Greenslade General Store in Burr Oak. Ralph also worked for Winneshiek County for several years, in the road maintenance department, retiring in 1982.

On December 7, 1991 he married Shirley R. Benson at Burr Oak United Methodist Church.

Ralph loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of Burr Oak United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; one daughter: Nancy Riker of Burr Oak; one son: Tom of Lima, MT; 10 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife Audrey on October 1, 1977; his parents; one sister: Dorothy Nauman; and his step father: Tony Alman.

Edna Westby

Funeral services for Edna Westby of Decorah will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, March 10 at the Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah with Rev. Bryan Robertson officiating.

Interment will be in Lutheran Cemetery.

Edna, 93, died Monday, March 8, 2004 at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home where she had made her home since February 28, 1996, following a sudden illness.

Edna Louise Westby was born February 17, 11911 at home in Pleasant Township, Winneshiek County, the daughter of Eldine and Regina (Thorsen) Ellingson. She was baptized and confirmed at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. Edna attended rural school in Winneshiek County.

On November 25, 1935 she married Clifford G. Westby at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. Edna was a waitress for many years. They lived in Seattle, WA, Pensacola, FL and Alameda, CA before retiring and moving back to Decorah.

Edna was a member of Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah.

She is survived by one sister: Anne Ranum of Northglenn, CO.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband Clifford on March 10, 2000; her parents; two sisters: Olga Malli and Evelyn Burreson; and two brothers: George and Lloyd in infancy.

Robert Leferink

Funeral services for Robert Jean Leferink were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 8 in Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel in Carencro with Rev. Bill Melancon, pastor of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church officiating.

Interment was in Evangeline Memorial Gardens in Carencro. Melancon Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Robert, 70, died Friday, March 5, 2004 in Baton Rouge General Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA.

Robert was a native of Cresco and a resident of Lafayette. He was a dairy farmer in Cresco, a Systems Analyst Businessman in Lafayette and a restaurateur in Naples, FL and was owner of "The Cajun Hideaway Caf/". He was a veteran of the military, having served with the Air Police in the U.S. Air Force.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie Lee Bergeron Leferink of Lafayette; three sons: Michael of Carencro, Randall of Naples, FL, and Dean of Dade City, FL; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Virginia Grimm of Columbus City and Janet Krejcarek of Lakeview, MN.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Harry B. Leferink and the former Marie Henkes.

Gertrude Rassman

Funeral services for Gertrude Rassman of Claremont, MN will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 12 at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN with Rev. Dennis Pettyjohn officiating.

Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.

Visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Thursday, March 11 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and on Friday, March 12 at St. John Lutheran Church from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Gertrude, 97, died Sunday, March 7, 2004 at Fairview Nursing Home in Dodge Center, MN.

Gertrude Rassman was born February 2, 1907 in Davis Corners, the daughter of Edwin and Albertina (Vagts) Heide. Gertrude attended school in Cresco where she graduated in 1924. She was employed by Northern Iowa Telephone Co.

On February 8, 1928 she married John Rassman in Cresco. They farmed for several years in the Cresco and Riceville communities. In 1951 they moved to Claremont where they continued farming. Gertrude took a job at the Owatonna Canning Co. where she was employed for 18 years.

She is survived by three sons: Eugene of Owatonna, Gordon of Owatonna, and Robert of Saranac Lake, NY; three daughters: Betty Buss of Claremont, Loretta Moe of Owatonna, and Mary Anderson of Kasson, MN; 34 grandchildren; 72 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband John; two sons: Wayne and Allen; two grandsons; one great-granddaughter; her parents; two brothers: Oscar and Clarence; and one sister: Hilda.

Kathryn Richardson

Funeral services for Kathryn Richardson of Fredericksburg were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 6 at the United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg with Pastor Rose Calderon-Kahn officiating.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Pallbearers were her grandchildren: Ryan Richardson, Russell Richardson, Robyn King, Wesley King, Cody Griffin, and Crystal Griffin. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Kathryn, 88, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 at the New Hampton Care Center of natural causes.

Kathryn Marie Richardson was born May 1, 1915 in Nashua, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Jones) Tracy. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Nashua. She attended school in Osage and in Nashua, graduating from Nashua High School in 1932. Kathryn attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL for two years and then attended Iowa State University for three years where she graduated with a major in household equipment. Kathryn demonstrated ice refrigeration in Atlanta, GA and Danville, VA. She was then a representative for Club Aluminum where she worked as a demonstrator in Detroit and Chicago. She later became the Extension Home Economist in Floyd, Mitchell and Chickasaw Counties.

On December 26, 1943 she married Laurence H. Richardson at the United Methodist Church in Nashua. They owned and operated the Richardson Apple Orchard between Lawler and Fredericksburg for many years. Laurence died on October 11, 1986. Shortly thereafter, Kathryn moved into Fredericksburg where she lived until becoming a resident of the New Hampton Care Center in 1992.

She is survived by two sons: Larry of Richmond, TX and Roy of Knoxville; two daughters: Kay Jensen of Knoxville and Nancy Griffin of New Hampton; five grandchildren; three step grandchildren; three brothers: Merton of Nashua, Duane of Nashua and Leon of Tuscon, AZ; and one sister: Mary Anne Stanley of Nashua.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband Laurence; one granddaughter; and her parents.

Arthur Rolfes

Funeral services for Arthur "Art" Rolfes of Calmar were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 6 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Interment was in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Cemetery in Calmar. Pallbearers were: Halverson Giesen American Legion Post #266. Schluter - Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel handled the arrangements.

Arthur, 84, died Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at the Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union following a lengthy illness.

Arthur Francis Rolfes was born December 20, 1919 in Freeport, MN, the son of Michael and Frances (Sabelka) Rolfes. At age six, he moved with his family to California, lived there for a year and moved to Lawler. He attended country school near Lawler and helped his family farm. He served in the US Army during World War II from October 1941 to February 1947, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.

On October 2, 1950 he married Lillian Stika at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. They moved to Calmar in 1952 where Art operated Rolfes Jewelry Store, where he was a watch repairman and jeweler until he retired in 1995.

Art enjoyed fishing, talking politics, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and jig saw puzzles.

He is survived by his wife Lillian of Calmar; two daughters: Mary Welch of Calmar and Annette Evenson of Harmony, MN; one son: David of Calmar; two step grandchildren; one brother: Elmer of Marion; and one sister: Marie Van Houten of Abilene, TX.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: John and Leo; and two sisters: Victoria Kout and twin sister, Mildred Quirk.

Posted on 03/12/2004 by Gene Manning

Joseph Brannon

Funeral services for Joseph Brannon were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Marvin Salz officiating.

Interment was in St. Rose Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Randy Buchheit, Edward Mihm, Jim Hoey, Ronald Nolte, Bill Burke, and Bob Hauer. Burnham-Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Joseph, 49, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004 of suffocation while emptying a grain bin in Cresco.

Joseph Brannon was born August 12, 1954 at New Hampton, the son of Leonard and Roberta (Adams) Brannon. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma. He graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1972. In 1974 he received an associate degree from NIACC and was a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in farm operations.

His life was spent in farming and commercial grain operations. He was presently employed at the Winneshiek Cooperative Association in Cresco.

He enjoyed reading and sporting events.

He is survived by parents: Leonard and Roberta Brannon of Waucoma; two sisters: Beatrice Bodensteiner of Fredericksburg and Janice Kerner of Knoxville; two brothers: Charles of Rochester, MN and Edward of Waucoma.

Joseph was preceded in death by his grandparents.

April Moore

Funeral services for April Moore of Eglin Air Force Base in Florida were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16 at Notre Dame Parish, Assumption Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

The pall was placed by her family. Interment was in Phillips Cemetery at Bonair. Honorary pallbearers were: Frank Fulsom, Jay Ahern, Mike Neubauer, Dave Neubauer, and Trevor Witt. Pallbearers were: Karl Neubauer, Brian Neubauer, Marty Thomas, Dean Rasmusson, Dusty Burnikel, Craig Witt, Randy Clapp, and Duane Mittelstadt. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

April, 29, died Monday, March 8, 2004 at her residence at 101 Gafney Road, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

April Lorraine Moore was born February 23, 1975 in Cresco, the daughter of Cheryl (Witt) Neubauer and Richard Neubauer. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith in the Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. She graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco in 1993. She continued her education at Northeast Iowa Community College at Calmar.

On June 15, 2001 she married William Joseph Moore at Cresco. April was employed as a customer service representative for the Eglin Credit Union.

She is survived by her husband William; one son: William Andrew; her mother: Cheryl Mittlestadt of Lime Springs; her father: Richard Neubauer of Lime Springs; brothers and sisters: Brian Neubauer of Lime Springs, Crystal Neubauer of Waterloo, Rachel Neubauer of LeRoy, MN, Michelle Neubauer of Lime Springs, Karl Neubauer of Lime Springs, and Dani Jo Mittelstadt of Lime Springs; her paternal grandparents: Vince and Betty Neubauer of Cresco.

April was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Art and Louise Witt.

Julia Ollendieck

Funeral services for Julia "Judy" Ollendieck of Ridgeway were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Notre Dame Parish - St. Joseph's Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers were: Rodney, Terry, Brian, and Mike Ollendieck and Tom Bodensteiner. Honorary pallbearers were her nieces and nephews. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Judy, 63, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah of cancer.

Julia Ollendieck was born July 17, 1940 at the Winneshiek County Hospital in Decorah, the daughter of Frank and Bertha (Scheidel) Hemesath. She was baptized by Msgr. Michael Tiltgen and confirmed in her faith at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. Judy attained her education and graduated from St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic High School in 1958. In 1960, she graduated from the Rochester School of Vocational Nursing. She continued to work at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester until she was married.

On July 31, 1961 she married Gerald Ollendieck at St. Francis de Sales in Ossian. They lived a short time in Cresco. They moved to Calmar and started a Laundromat. Judy worked several years at the Winneshiek County Hospital and the Decorah Medical Associates. They purchased their farm located east of Ridgeway in 1970. While farming, Judy also worked for Rockwell-Collins for 20 and one half years. The Ollendieck's began the housing development, "Plantation Country View" in 1995. In January 2000, Judy retired from Rockwell-Collins to begin a business, "Plantation Vinyl Products. This business was sold to sons, Rodney, Terry, and Mike in 2002.

Judy was a member of the Notre Dame Rosary Society. She enjoyed traveling, her flowers, and collecting angels.

She is survived by her husband Jerry of Ridgeway; one daughter: Glenda Bodensteiner of Decorah; four sons: Rodney of Ridgeway, Terry of Ridgeway, Brian of Mason City, and Michael of Ridgeway; six grandchildren; two brothers: Francis of Ossian and James of Chicago, IL; and two sisters: Lucy Hageman of Ossian and Donna Kuennen of Cresco.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; one sister: Therese Hemesath; and five brothers: Robert, Edmund, Charles, Mark, and Benedict.

Don Hanson

Funeral services for Don Hanson were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 15 at the LeRoy Lutheran Church in LeRoy, MN with Rev. Thomas Kolden officiating.

Interment was in LeRoy Lutheran Cemetery. Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Don, 76, died Friday, March 12, 2004 at the Adams Health Care Center in Adams, MN where he has resided for a short time.

Don A. Hanson was born April 6, 1927 near LeRoy, MN the son of Bert and Freda (Petersen) Hanson. He graduated from LeRoy High School.

On May 14, 1947 he married Donna Thompson at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, MN. Don started Hanson Tire Service in 1960 until his semi-retirement in 1983 at which time he sold the business to his partner Ronnie Eastvold. They continued to operate Hanson Tire Service in Rochester and Cresco. He also became a part owner and served on the Board of Directors of the First State Bank in LeRoy. He had also served on the LeRoy Commercial Club, LeRoy Lutheran Church Council and Trust Boards, and the Root River Country Club Board and was a fireman for 24 years and served as fire captain and fire chief.

Don enjoyed fishing, his hunting dogs, pheasant hunting, golfing, bowling, and playing cards.

He is survived by his wife Donna of LeRoy; three daughters: Jeanie Thorson and Barb Billings, both of Cresco, and Kris Jacobsen of Cannon Falls; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers: Kenny Hanson of Dorchester, Joe Hanson of Kasson, Dennis Hanson of Rochester, and Bob Papach of Florida; and two sisters: Betty Christy of Waterloo and Carol Ann Bauer of Tampa, FL.

Don was preceded in death by one granddaughter; his parents; and one brother.

Ashton Almond

Funeral services for Ashton Almond, formerly of rural Lime Springs, were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Lime Springs with Rev. Candraeah Carey officiating.

Interment will be at a later time in the spring at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs.

Ashton, 91, died Wednesday, February 25, 2004 in Fresno, CA.

Ashton Arthur Almond was born December 6, 1912 near Lime Springs. His mother was Malissa Paulson.

At age 18, he married Daisy Johnson and they farmed at Milford, Round Lake, and Okoboji. The purchased a farm near Welles, MN where he lived for many years. His wife passed away in the late seventies.

Some years after Daisy's death, Ashton retired from farming and moved to Albert Lea, MN, where he worked as a Pinkerton Guard in the Wilson Meat Packing Plant.

In 1982, he married Mae South from Los Angeles, CA. They moved to Visalia, CA where Ashton worked in real estate. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Visalia, CA.

He is survived by his wife Mae in California; four step daughters; and one sister in Iowa.

Ashton was preceded in death by his first wife Daisy.

Joseph Ptacek

Funeral services for Joseph Ptacek of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Msgr. John Hemann and John Ptacek concelebrating the mass.

The pall was placed by his children. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Pallbearers were: Robert Ptacek, Daniel Ptacek, Jeffrey Ptacek, Matthew Deutsch, David Deutsch, and Monty Meyer. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Joseph, 82, died Friday, March 12, 2004 at the Colonial Manor in Elma of natural causes.

Joseph William Ptacek was born February 27, 1922 in Howard County, the son of Anton and Almie (Vonasek) Ptacek. He attended rural country school and began farming at an early age.

On June 2, 1942 he married Rosalia Meier at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. They made their home on a farm east of Elma for 61 years. He was life-long farmer and in his spare time he loved to go fishing.

He is survived by his wife Rosalia of Elma; one son: Paul of Elma; two daughters: Diane Ptacek of Little Canada, MN and Linda Deutsch of Waverly; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother: Reverend John Ptacek of Farley; and one sister: Teresa Dumsky of Sugar Creek, MO.

Joseph was preceded in death by two sons: Michael and James; his parents; and three brothers: Clem, Frank, and Ray.

Constance Eaton

Funeral services for Constance "Connie" Eaton of Elkader were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader with Rev. Jim Klosterboer and Rev. Marshall Hahn officiating.

Interment was in East Side Cemetery in Elkader. Honorary pallbearers were: Michelle Eaton, Michael Eaton, Emily Cordes, Elizabeth Cordes, Christopher Burns, Kyle Burns, Kendra Burns, Nathan Eaton, and Danielle Eaton. Pallbearers were: Wally Vreeman, Bud Albertson, Tom Daily, Harlan Eaton, Kevin Lau, Kenneth Lemka, Malcolm Whittle, and Donald Newbern. Leonard Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Constance, 69, died Friday, March 12, 2004 at Central Community Hospital in Elkader following a long illness.

Constance J. Eaton was born March 13, 1934 in Cresco the daughter of Melvin and Delia (Seim) Daily. She was baptized on March 13, 1939 and confirmed on April 2, 1944 at the First Congregational Church in Cresco. She graduated from Cresco High School.

On April 3, 1955 she married Charles Irwin Eaton in Cresco. They made their home in Elkader where Connie worked as a secretary for Farm Service for several years. She worked as a secretary for Clayton County Farm Bureau for 18 years until her retirement.

She was a member of Eastern Star. She was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church and its various women's groups.

Constance loved going for walks, collecting humming birds, angels, and mice.

She is survived by her husband Chuck of Elkader; her children: Chuck, Jr. of Elkader, Lori Burns of Elkader, and Brett of Elkader; and nine grandchildren

Constance was preceded in death by her parents; one sister: Jane Bauer; and three brothers: Myron, and two in infancy.

Clyde Thompson

Funeral services for Clyde Thompson were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco with Rev. Phillip Olson officiating.

Interment will be at a later date in the spring at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs.

Clyde, 100, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at Rotary Ann Home in Eagle Grove.

Clyde Vivian Thompson was born September 14, 1903 at Knox County, IN the son of Robert and Blanche Thompson (Coonce), he was raised and educated near Worthington, IN.

On December 20, 1922 he married Maysel Archer. He worked as a coal miner, before moving to Iowa in 1925 where he worked as a farm hand. Later farming on his own near Hardy in 1943. They purchased a farm near Lime Springs in 1956 and continued farming until 1973. He retired that year and moved to Ridgeway. He still helped nearby farmers and he and Maysel raised a huge garden and beautiful flowers. After Maysels death in 1986, he lived at the same home until May of 1999 when he entered Rotary Ann Nursing Center in Eagle Grove where he could be closer to his son and daughter.

He is survived by one son: Milford of Fort Dodge; one daughter: Vivian Markmon of Hardy; two sisters: Mina Vinsand of Humboldt and Mildred Twait of Dextor, MN; many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Clyde was preceded in death by his wife Maysel; one daughter: Maxine Larson; one son: Warren; two grandchildren; his parents; one brother: Robert; and one sister: Lula.

Mercedes Ryan

Funeral services for Mercedes Ryan of Harmony, MN will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, March 17 at Nativity Catholic Church in Harmony.

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

Mercedes, 89, died Saturday, March 13, 2004 at the Harmony Health Care in Harmony.

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

Posted on 03/19/2004 by Gene Manning

Anthony Burke

Funeral services for Anthony Thomas Burke will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma.

Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Elma.

Friends may call an hour prior to services at the church. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma is handling the arrangements.

Anthony Thomas Lee Burke, son of Randy and Jenny (Wilberding) Burke of Elma, was stillborn Saturday, March 20, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Anthony is survived by his parents Randy and Jenny Burke of Elma; one brother: Jayden; maternal grandparents: Glenn and Marie Wilberding of Elma; and paternal grandparents: John and Eleanor Burke of Elma.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents.

James Hale

Funeral services for James "Jim" Hale were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 22 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Faribault, MN with Rev. Allan Nelson officiating.

Interment was in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault. Boldt Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

James, 65, died of a sudden illness in the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA on March 17, 2004. He became ill while on a motor coach tour.

James Frederick Hale was born July 3, 1938 the son of F. Stuart and Lillian Hale. He grew up on a farm just outside of LeRoy, MN and graduated from LeRoy High School. He continued his education at Iowa State University graduating in 1960.

On May 31, 1959 he married Jane Grover in Cresco. Right after college, he taught Vocational Agriculture for five years and then began a 20-year career in agricultural sales and management. More than 20 years ago, he became a motorcoach driver with Faribault Transportation and Northfield Lines. He and his wife also co-owned Friendship Travel Group.

Jim's hobby was collecting antique tractors. He was an active member of the Rice County Steam and Gas Engine Club. He enjoyed old time music. He was a long-time member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Faribault.

He is survived by his wife Jane; two daughters: Barbara of Adams, MN and Joan of Faribault, MN; one son: Brian of Pine Island, MN; four grandchildren; his mother: Lillian Hale of LeRoy, MN; and two brothers: Jerry of Rochester, MN and John of Winona, MN.

Jim was preceded in death by his father: Stuart.

Mercedes Ryan

Funeral services for Mercedes Ryan of Harmony, MN were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17 at Nativity Catholic Church in Harmony.

Interment was in Plymouth Rock Cemetery in Plymouth Rock. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Mercedes, 89, died Saturday, March 13, 2004 at the Harmony Health Care in Harmony.

Mercedes Mary Ryan was born August 11, 1914 in Winneshiek County, the daughter of Walter and Winnifred (Cashman) Ryan. She graduated from Cresco High School in 1931. She went to Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque where she graduated in 1935 as a registered nurse. She worked at Mercy Hospital as a night supervisor for five years. In 1941, she joined the United States Army Nurse Corps as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed at Fort Leonardwood, MO for one year.

Merceds volunteered for overseas duty and was sent to Australia with the 155th station hospital for two years. While there, she enrolled in School of Anesthesia with the Harvard Unit. For one year she was stationed on Moratai Island in the Netherland East Indies. Upon returning to the United States in 1945, she was assigned to Shiek Army Hospital in Clinton where she took further study in anesthesia. She was honorably discharged from the service in 1946 ending her ranking as Captain. She then attended Saint Francis School of Anesthesia in Peoria, IL for 12 months, graduating as a certified registered anesthetist nurse. She was employed at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL for three years. Mercedes moved to Mason City working at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for 29 years, retiring in 1979.

She is survived by one brother: Roger of Harmony.

Mercedes was preceded in death by her her parents; five sisters: Catherine Hill, Eileen Botelho, Lavonne Addison, Betty Ryan, and Alice Lavonne Ryan; and four brothers: Vincent, Donald, Martin, and William J.

Leona Sattler

Funeral services for Leona Sattler of Lawler were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Marvin Salz officiating.

The pall was placed by Leona's grandchilddren. Interment was in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Lawler. Pallbearers were: Bill Moore, Duwane Bruch, Donald Moore, Bradley Moore, Shane Smith, and Dennis Franzen. Honorary pallbearers were Donald Arens and Tom Berst. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Leona, 72, died suddenly Sunday, March 14, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Leona Mary Sattler was born May 7, 1931 in rural Chickasaw County near Little Turkey, the daughter of Victor and Mary (Jirak) Berst. She attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Lawler.

On November 10, 1949 she married Duwane Bernard Sattler in Chicago, IL. They lived their entire lives in Lawler. Leona helped clean houses for several Lawler families for many years.

Leona enjoyed crocheting and gardening. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and Rosary Society.

She is survived by one daughter: Mary Ann Moore of Oelwein; two sons: Bill of Lawler and Mike of Sumner; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters: Valaria Franzen and Delores Franzen of New Hampton; and one brother: Charles of Des Moines.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband Duwane on May 9, 1987; her parents; and one brother: Adrian.

Percy Ullom

Funeral services for Percy Ullom of Chester will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, March 24 at the Hindt Funeral Home in LeRoy, MN with the Rev. Candi Carey officiating.

Interment will be in Chester Hill Cemetery.

Percy, 80, died Friday, March 19, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Percy LeMoyne Ullom was born January 20, 1924 in LeRoy, MN the son of Harold Richard and Borghild Elise (Lunberg) Ullom. Percy attended school in Beaver Township and graduated from Chester High School in 1941.

On June 16, 1945 he married Winnifred Cray at her home in Chester. Percy farmed his entire life. Starting with his dad in Minnesota and then at the time of his marriage in 1945 moving to Chester. He and Melvin Alden farmed for many years south of Chester and in 1971 his son Bob joined the operation. Percy was forced to retire in January 1999 after unsuccessful heart surgery.

Percy was baptized and was a life long member of the Chester Methodist Church. He served on the town council, Chester-Lime Springs co-op board, county boards, Chester school board, and Chester telephone board. He was also a member of the Chester Hill Cemetery board for nearly 30 years and served as president. He also helped organize softball in the Chester Community and coached the 12-18 year old team for many years. Percy was also a conservationist and in appreciation for his work with wildlife he was named Howard County and Northeast Iowa Wildlife farmer of the year in 1988. He placed second in the state competition.

He is survived by his wife Winnifred of Chester; two sons: Rick of Chester and Bob of Chester; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother: Bill of LeRoy, MN.

Percy was preceded in death by his parents.

Carmelita Underwood

Funeral services for Carmelita Underwood of New Hampton will held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, March 24 at Holy Family Parish - St. Joseph Center in New Hampton with Monsignor Carl Schmitt officiating.

Her children will place the pall. Interment will be in in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Hampton. Pallbearers are: Ron Underwood, Jay Underwood, Jim Petersen, Tim Carolan, Jim Gilbert, and Sharon Kipp. Honorary pallbearers are: Earl Drewelow, Harvey Drewelow, Ray Wiley, Ervin Stansberry, Louis Sostak, Arnie Tierney, Mike Underwood, Carol Davies, Eric Gilbert, Chris Bonk, Jolene Redmond, Alitia Farrell, Denise Bell, Sean Carolan, and Andrea Herman. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Carmelita, 91, died Friday, March 19, 2004 at the New Hampton Care Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Carmelita Theresa Underwood was born November 15, 1912 in rural Chickasaw County, near New Hampton, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Lentz) Brown. She received her education from country schools and the St. Mary's Catholic School. She graduated from New Hampton High School in 1930. She enjoyed being on the basketball team in high school.

On July 23, 1930 she married Claude Underwood at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Hampton.

She cooked at area restaurants throughout her married life. She enjoyed quilting and made over 75 quilts for her family. She was an avid gardener and baker, canning and cooking until she had to leave her home in 2001.

She was a member of Holy Family Parish - St. Joseph Center and Rosary Society.

She is survived by two sons: Justin of New Hampton and Larry of Chicago, IL; three daughters: Lola Gilbert of Waterloo, Donna Petersen of Grand Rapids, MI, and Kay Carolan of Minneapolis, MN; 19 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Carmelita was preceded in death by her husband Claude on December 11, 1987; one daughter: Mary Ann Undrwood; one son: Claude, Jr.; one grandson; five sisters: Mary Toestroet, Josephine Kobliska, Regina Haus, Delores Gaffney, and Rose Brown; and three brothers: Louis, Thomas, and Herbert.

Romana Lentz

Funeral services for Romana Lentz of New Hampton were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23 at Holy Family Parish - St. Mary's Center in New Hampton with Monsignor Carl Schmitt and Rev. Linus Rasing officiating.

Her children placed the pall. Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Hampton. Pallbearers were: David Rasing, Dennis Rasing, Dan Rasing, Chuck Lentz, Bob Lentz, Dean Schmitz, and Brian Schmitz. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Romana, 89, died Friday, March 19, 2004 at the New Hampton Care Center.

Romana Lentz was born June 12, 1914 in rural Chickasaw County west of North Washington, the daughter of Joseph and Magdalena (Freidhof) Huegel. She attended St. Mary's School in North Washington through 12th grade.

On September 5, 1933 she married Raymond Lentz at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. They farmed near North Washington until 1970 when they moved to New Hampton.

Romana loved gardening, canning, and playing cards. She was a member of Holy Family Parish and Rosary Society.

She is survived by one son: Ronald of Monroe Center, IL; three daughters: Jeanne Lentz of Bloomington, MN, Kathleen Rasing of Cedar Falls, and Joyce Schmitz of Urbandale; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister: Rita Burgart of New Hampton.

Romana was preceded in death by her husband Raymond on September 15, 1988; her parents; two brothers: Leonard and Leo; and five sisters: Clara Huegel, Margaret Marion, Sr. Mary Lucille Huegel, Olivia Orthaus, and Lucille Nosbisch.

Posted on 03/26/2004 by Gene Manning