Gary D. Gebel

ALTA VISTA — Gary D. Gebel, 64, of Alta Vista, died suddenly Friday, May 26, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of an apparent heart attack.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Reverend Ray Atwood celebrating the mass. Jane Karels was the organist and accompanied the St. Bernard’s Choir and those in attendance singing “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” “Amazing Grace,” “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” and “On Eagles Wings.” Lector for the service was Ann White. Selena Christiansen and Pam Gribben presented the offertory gifts. Sue Mahoney were the eucharistic minister and Becky Mahoney, Miranda White and Brian Mahoney were the mass servers. The pall was placed by Gary’s sister and three brothers.

Burial was in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery with Julie Malik, Patrick McAvoy, Kelly Gebel, Ann White, Sue Mahoney, David Gebel, Pam Gribben, Selena Christiansen, Ben Gebel, and Luke Gebel serving as casket bearers.

Friends called from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma, where there was a 4:00 p.m. Catholic Order of Foresters rosary and 7:00 p.m. scripture service. Visitation was also an hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Gary David Gebel was born March 27, 1942, at New Hampton, IA, the son of Arthur and Rosemary (Sullivan) Gebel. He received his education at St. William’s Catholic School in Alta Vista, graduating in 1960. Following the death of his father, Art, in 1962, Gary took over the family farm south of Alta Vista where he remained ever since. Gary also served as caregiver for his mother until her death on December 30, 2003.

Gary enjoyed caring for livestock, traveling the countryside, and in his younger years he enjoyed horses and going to the sale barn.

He was a lifelong member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista and a 50 year member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include his three brothers Steve Gebel, Dick (Joan) Gebel both of Alta Vista, and Dennis (Terri) Gebel, Cedar Falls; a sister Mary (Joe) McAvoy, Alta Vista and 10 nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Bob Gebel.

Monday, June 5, 2006 3:03 PM CDT

MESA, AZ — Robert E. Schlindwein, born in New Hampton on December 13, 1939, died in his home in Mesa, AZ, May 19, 2006. He was 66 years old. A Private Memorial Mass was held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Monday, May 22, in Mesa, AZ. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley at www.hospiceofthevalley.org or 7227 E. Pueblo Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85208.

Survivors include his wife Linda; daughters Cynthia Scheurenbrand, Brenda Schlindwein-Wickerd, and Sarah Somasegaran; sons Robert Jr. Schlindwein and Brian Schlindwein; one sister, Mary Fliger; two brothers James Schlindwein and Richard Schlindwein; and six grandchildren.

Eugene Blong

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:44 AM CDT

CRESCO - Memorial services for Eugene "Gene" J. Blong of Cresco, IA will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2006 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco. Rev. Robert Ament will preside and Rev. Kenneth Gehling wil be the Homilist. Suzanne Ollendick will accompany Joe Wacha. Gifts will be presented by their children. Lector will be Jerry O'Donnell. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco, IA.

Visitation will be held at the Conway Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7 and at the church one hour prior to services on Thursday.

Conway Funeral Home in Cresco is handling the arrangements.

Eugene, 69, died Friday, June 2, 2006 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Eugene Joseph Blong was born on January 10, 1937 in West Union, IA, the son of Philip and Florence (Wilhelm) Blong. As a small boy, the family moved to Cresco, where Eugene was educated through the 10th grade at Notre Dame High School. His father died and Eugene willingly helped at home. During school, Gene worked at West End Grocery, and later started working for DECO at Decorah and at Donaldson Co.

On August 7, 1967, he was united in marriage in Waverly to Rosemary Bloeser of Denver whom he met at a dance. They made their home in the Cresco area on the farm they rented from his mother and then purchased the farm three miles north of that one, and farmed together with his wife until age 58. He was a salesman for Jacques Seed Corn Company becoming a county supervisor. He also used a roto tiller for farming and became known as the "Rotovater man". He worked for a period for the Co-op. Gene and Rosemary worked briefly at Wheel Inn and LeRoy Products. They moved into Cresco two years ago. He was a member of Notre Dame Parish, belonged to the Wildlife Club, and in his spare time enjoyed his family, dancing, playing pool and cards, and hunting pheasants and deer.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; children: Renee (Greg) Romig of Sioux City, IA, Raymond of Cresco, IA, Regina Blong of Preston, MN, and Rinetta (Ron) Fravel of Cresco, IA; three grandchildren: Anastasa and Blake Blong and Randy Fravel; his mother: Florence Blong of Rochester, MN; and one brother: Donald (Martha) Blong of Panama City, FL.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Philip; and one brother: Dennis in infancy.

George S. Brush

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:44 AM CDT

PALM HARBOR, FL - A memorial service for George S. Brush of Palm Harbor, FL will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 17 at the Maxwell Methodist Church in Maxwell, IA with Rev. Dean Kelly officiating. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. with full military honors at a latter date.

George was the high school counselor in the Crestwood Schools from 1961-1965.

George, 83, died Saturday, May 13, 2006 at Mease Dunedin Hospital.

George was born on June 14, 1922 the son of Leila Shaffer and George Cutter Brush of Oak Park, IL. George was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church in Oak Park. He was also in Boy Scouts. He attended elementary, middle, and high school in Oak Park, graduating in 1940. While attending Eureka College he enlisted in the Navy V-12 program in 1942. He completed his V-12 program at Columbia University in New York graduating as an Ensign on April 13, 1944. He was promoted to Lt. jg in July 1944, served as captain of LCI (L) 1009 and was honorably discharged on February 13, 1946. Later in the year, he received a degree in psychology from Eureka College. He received his Masters degree in education and counseling from the University of Montana in 1958.

George married Jeane Crawford of Flanagan, IL on April 15, 1944. They became the parents of five children: George LeRoy, Binnie Lou, Brooksie Lee, Iven Crawford, and Carl Byron. They lived in Illinois, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Guam, Iowa and Florida.

George's work included real estate agent, retail sales, teacher, driver's education teacher, principal, guidance counselor and coaching. After retirement he was a substitute teacher and tutor.

George was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Phi Beta Kappa, Eureka College Men's Quartet, Cresco church choir, Lion's Club of Ainsworth, Iowa. National Education Association, Des Moines area Council for International Understand-ing, Highland Lakes Men's Chorus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mid-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Military Officers, USS LCI National Association and Tampa Bay Culinary Club.

George loved life, people, travel, education, music, kind deeds, photography, and family.

Surviving family includes his wife Jeane of Palm Harbor; daughter: Brooksie and Doug Miller of Maxwell, IA; sons: George and Maureen of Elkhorn, NE; Iven and Gail of Des Moines, IA and Carl of Des Moines, IA; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; and one sister: Jeannette of Palm Harbor, FL.

Preceding him in death were his parents George and Leila; his wife's parents Iven and Martha Crawford; his daughter: Binnie and his great-grandson: Isaac Robert Miller.

James Harms

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:44 AM CDT

CRESCO - Funeral services for James E. Harms of rural Cresco, IA were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 at Stvanger Lutheran Church in Ossian, IA. Interment was in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Wellsburg, IA at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2006.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

James, 65, died Monday, May 29, 2006 at Aase Haugen Home in Decorah, IA.

James E. Harms was born on January 25, 1941 the son of Ibeling W. and Evelyn (Riekena) Harms in Ackley, IA. He attended country school and briefly Wellsburg school. He farmed with his father until his father's death in 1974. He continued with the registered and grade Holstein herd. He was well known in the industry. After the herd dispersal in 1997, he did dairy work in herds for Kenny Moellers of Cresco, and AMK farms of Calmar, IA until his retirement in March of 2006.

James married Beverly Cordes Zimmerman on October 25, 1975 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wellsburg, IA.

He is survived by his wife Bev; five step children: Bruce Zimmerman of Hubbard, IA, Keith (Diane) Zimmerman of Evansdale, IA, Roger (Vicki) Zimmerman of Charles City, IA, Joyce Casey of Soddy Daisy, TN, and Jana Johnson of Woodstock, GA; 19 step grandchildren; one step great grandchild; eight siblings: Delah (Bill) Friedel of Cedar Falls, IA, Eileen (Larry) Smith of Morrison, IA, Edna Williams of Waterloo, IA, Clifford (Pam) Harms of Wellsburg, IA, Gary (Meg) Harms of Wellsburg, IA, Darrell (Charlotte) Harms of Cedar Falls, IA, Darwin (Kathy) Harms of Morrison, and Barbara Harms of Grundy Center, IA; two aunts: Mary Stahl of Wellsburg, IA, and Arlene Junker of Wellsburg, IA; 20 nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law: Bill Friedel; seven uncles: Theodore "Tommy" Harms, Willie Harms, Dick Harms, Alfred Harms, Elmer Harms, Edwin Stahl, Willard Riekena; three aunts: Lena (John) Freese, Mable (Louis) Janssen, Gladys Korte; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Don Klingle

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:44 AM CDT

CRESCO - Don W. Klingle passed away May 17, 2006 at the Augustana Health Care Center in Minneapolis, MN.

He was born April 5, 1941, the son of F.L. "Bud" and Clara (Clemmer) Klingle in Cresco, IA. He graduated from Cresco High School, the University of Wyoming, BS and the University of Utah Law School. He was an attorney in Salt Lake City, UT for a number of years.

He married Linda Bowman in 1963 and they were divorced in 1971. He was a victim of multiple sclerosis and returned to Cresco in the mid 1970s and married Carol Buehrle in 1979. He also served as Mayor of Cresco during this time period.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Minneapolis; one daughter: Michelle Dyker of Chicago; a step son: John; two sons: Mathew Klingle of Maine and David Bowman of California; two grandsons; two brothers: Dr. F.L. Klingle of Dade City, FL, and Robert Klingle of Slayton, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Burial was at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco, IA.

Wyatt Edward Meirick

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:44 AM CDT

ALTA VISTA - Wyatt Edward Meirick, the son of Herb Meirick and Melissa Retterath of Alta Vista was stillborn Thursday, June 1, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Private family graveside services will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista.

Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma is handling the arrangements.

Wyatt is survived by his parents; half brother: Dustin Meirick of Alta Vista; half sister: Holly Meirick of Alta Vista; maternal grandparents: Ron and Terri Retterath of Elma; and paternal grandfather: Dale Meirick of Alta Vista.

Wyatt is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother: Marjorie Meirick.

Alan Wohlsdorf

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:44 AM CDT

CRESCO - Funeral services for Alan P. Wohlsdorf of Cresco, IA were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2006 at the United Methodist Church in Cresco with Rev. Michael Carey officiating. Soloist was Marcia Murray and organist was Mary Ellen Turnmire. Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco. Pallbearers were: Caleb Wohlsdorf, Matthew Wohlsdorf, Shane Vorwald, Jake Greenslade, Jed Greenslade, Duane Vorwald, and Randy Greenslade. Honorary pallbearers were: Kay and Larry Barnes, Shirley and Dennis Berglund, Jane Hudson, and Brad Alan Berglund.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Alan, 95, died Monday, May 29, 2006 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco, IA where he had resided for two and one half years.

Alan Pierce Wohlsdorf was born in Chickasaw County, IA, on February 14, 1911, the son of Herman and Mary (Pierce) Wohlsdorf. He was the oldest of six children. They lived three miles North of Lawler, near the old school house, then moved to a farm across the road from the Howard County Residential Care Facility. Alan helped his father with the farming and they milked 12 cows, and then they moved to a 200 acre farm near Kendallville. Alan was 15 and plowed with two horses and a one row plow. Then they moved to a farm west of Cresco. When Alan was 16 or 17 his father quit farming and moved out east of Cresco and Alan went to work for Met's Construction who was paving highway 9 from Lansing to the Howard County line. He had a 1932 Dump Truck and hauled cement, gravel and rock to the mixer. When the paving was completed he continued to haul sand for a living which he shoveled by hand.

In 1942 he was drafted into the Navy, along with several other men from Cresco. He spent the majority of his two years as an electrician aboard an aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Rudyerd Bay. He earned a Bronze Star for performing his duties above and beyond the call of duty. After he got out of the Navy he started making block, first by hand and built the block plant in 1947, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1973.

He married Irene Paul in 1933 and they had two sons, Ronald and Roger. Alan and Irene lived all of their married life in Cresco until Irene passed away in 1985. In 1987 he married Mona (Goetsch) Huhe and they were married a short time until she passed away in 1990.

Alan always enjoyed his visits with his guests, especially his daily afternoon coffee parties and playing with his grandchildren. All of his life he was a great fan of the automotive industry and loved his cars. He loved to travel and he and Irene spent many winters in Arizona.

Alan is survived by one son: Roger, and daughter-in-law, Malvera; and five grandchildren: Timothy Wohlsdorf, Gregory Wohlsdorf, Sheri Greenslade, Kim Wohlsdorf and Wendy Vorwald; seven great-grandchildren: Jessica Wohlsdorf, Caleb Wohlsdorf, Shane Vorwald, Catalina Vorwald, Matthew Wohlsdorf, Jake Greenslade, and Jed Greenslade; and one brother, Donald Wohlsdorf.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; one son; Ronald, and daughter-in-law: Kay; his second wife, Mona; his parents; sisters: Arlene Hosek, Clara Hornberger, and Ruth Wohlsdorf, an infant brother; and an infant great-granddaughter.

          Posted on 06/06/2006 by Gene Manning

Elsie Lenora Franzen

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Elsie Lenora Fanzen, age 87 of Lawler, died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Marvin Salz celebrating the Mass. The pall was placed by Elsie's seven children. Lector for the service was Barb Schaufenbuel. Mass servers were Jack McKone and Pat Sheridan. Nicole Steege served as crossbearer. Music was provided by Ruth McKone as organist and John Cuvelier, vocalist, singing "Be Not Afraid" for the opening song, "Here I Am Lord" as the offertory song, "Peace is Flowing" for the communion song and "How Great Thou Art" as the song of farewell. Offertory gifts were presented by Larry and Lenny Franzen.

Interment was in the church cemetery with Elsie’s grandsons, Bill Franzen, Kyle Armbrecht, Bobby Ohm, Neal Franzen, Tony Franzen, Rick Ohm and Dan Randall as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Elsie’s granddaughters, Lauri Franzen, Traci Steege, Carrie Armbrecht, Stacy Randall, Cherie Schnieder and Jennifer Franzen.

Friends called from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there was a 4:00 p.m. Catholic Daughters of Americas Rosary and a 7:00 p.m. Scripture Service followed by a Video Memorial Tribute. Visitation continued on Saturday for one hour prior to services at the church. Online condolences for Elsie may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com

Elsie was born October 29, 1918, in Jacksonville Township, north of New Hampton, IA, the daughter of Milo and Nora (Randall) Wilkie. She attended rural country school near the five corners in Jacksonville Township.

On November 1, 1941, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, she married Arnold Franzen who was from St. Lucas. To this union 10 children were born. Elsie stayed at home to raise her family and moved from the country into Lawler in the late 1950’s.

Elsie loved listening to polka music, baking, playing cards, word puzzles and sewing. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Memberships include the Lawler Senior Citizens and Catholic Daughters of America.

Survivors include her two sons; Larry (Mary) Franzen, and Lenny Franzen, all of Fredericksburg. Five daughters; Gerri (Bob) Randall, Eyota, MN, Leona (Fred) Murray, Fredericksburg, Linda (Ken) Schaufenbuel, Lawler, Lorraine (Ray) Armbrecht, Fredericksburg and LeAnn Franzen, Lawler; daughter-in-law, Darlene Franzen, New Hampton; 13 grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one brother, Lee Wilkie, Hawkeye; four sisters-in-law; Delores Franzen, New Hampton, Darlene Franzen, Lawler, Theresa Berst and Valaria Franzen both of New Hampton; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Arnold on June 13, 1971, three sons; Lyle, Leo and LaVerne Franzen and a great grandchild.

Edna Hamlow

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Fredericksburg — Edna Hamlow, age 86, of Fredericksburg, died Friday evening, June 9, 2006 at her home.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, both in Fredericksburg. Karen Downes will be the organist, accompanying those in attendance singing How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, What A Friend We Have In Jesus and Heaven Is My Home. Daryl Sauerbrei, Bernal Koehrsen, Michael Lee, Chad Peters, Adam Ellison, Andrew Liebsch, Nathan Hunemuller and Ann Ellison will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 14 at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Online condolences for Edna may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com <http://www.hugebackfuneralhome.com> Edna E. Hamlow was born on April 18, 1920 on the family farm near Oran, Iowa the daughter of William and Alvina (Strempke) Reiter. On November 26, 1941 she married Loraine Hamlow in Fairbank, Iowa at the St. John’s Lutheran Parsonage. To this union three daughters were born. They spent much of their lives together farming in the Independence, Oelwein, Fairbank, Sumner and Fredericksburg areas, retiring in 1973. Aside from farming, Edna also worked for 23 years at the Sunrise Guest Home in Fredericksburg.

She enjoyed the time spent with her cat, Alfred, quilting, sewing, gardening and looking through photo albums of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edna was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Lutheran Ladies Aide.

Survivors include her her three daughters: Doris (Willis) Sauerbrei, Ames, IA; Helen (Romaine) Lee, Tripoli; Beverly (Rodney) Ellison, Omro, WI; eight grandchildren: Daryl Sauerbrei, Urbandale, Wanda Koehrsen, Iowa Falls, Stephanie Peters, Chigy, Switzerland, Jennifer Liebsch, Ogden, Melissa Hunemuller, Tripoli, Michael Lee, Waverly, Ann Ellison, Appleton, WI, Adam Ellison, Eureka, WI; seven great-grandchildren: Samantha and Alec Sauerbrei, Courtney and Danielle Koehrsen, Brady, Hannah and Noah Peters and her best friend Alfred, her cat.

Preceding her in death were her husband; parents; one granddaughter, Jean Marie Sauerbrei; brother, William Reiter and one sister, Viola Ott.

Alvin G. Junker

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Nashua — Alvin G. Junker, 78, of rural Nashua died Friday afternoon, June 9, 2006 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at First Baptist Church, 105 Chapel Lane, Charles City.

Interment will be in the Allison Cemetery at Allison with Military Rites by Nashua V.F.W. Post # 6792. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua. Further visitation will be for one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Harold Klotz
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 4:29 PM CDT

Fredericksburg — Harold Klotz, 96, of Fredericksburg, died Sunday, June 11, 2006, at his home.

Funeral Services are pending with Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg.

(563) 237-6212

Marie Recer
 

Alta Vista — Marie Recker, 84, of Alta Vista, died Thursday, June 08, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Reverend Ray Atwood celebrating the mass. Theresa Burke was the organist and accompanied the St. Bernard Choir and those in attendance. Lector and eucharistic minister for the service were Judy Sinnwell O.S.F and Marie’s nieces presented the offertory gifts. Mass servers were Zeb Marvin and Brian Mahoney. Placing of the pall was performed by Marie’s nieces, nephews and sister-in-law.

Burial was in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery with Syl Whalen, Seth Whalen, Andy Sinnwell, Tom Recker, Ken Northness, and Dick Rausch serving as casket bearers.

Friends called from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the New Hampton Care Center.

Marie Recker was born February 5, 1922 on the family farm east of Alta Vista, the daughter of Charles F. and Rose (Hermsen) Recker. She attended St. William’s Catholic School in Alta Vista. After her schooling Marie worked on her parent’s farm performing household chores as well as farm work. After her father’s death, Marie remained on the farm with her mother and following her mother’s death, Marie became a resident of the New Hampton Care Center. With the help of the staff, caregivers and residents, she called the New Hampton Care Center home for the past 38 years. Despite her handicap, Marie enjoyed many things; visits from family and friends, outings with family and friends, spending a week each summer at Camp Courageous, and working on creative crafts at the Care Center. Marie also enjoyed a special relationship with her roommate Rita Rausch, Rita’s family and Barbara Winter, all of whom were great friends and companions to Marie.

Marie was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alta Vista. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Taisa Recker, Alta Vista and 14 nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters and their husbands, Nita (Elroy) Northness and Adella (Urban) Sinnwell; five brothers and two sisters-in-law, Ambrose (Winnie) Recker, Ray (Evelyn) Recker, Leon Recker, Louis Recker and Edwin in infancy.

                                    Posted on 06/14/2006 by Gene Manning

Thalia Eva Huffman
Thursday, June 15, 2006

Ionia— Thalia Eva Huffman, 85, of Ionia passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 13, 2006 at New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in New Hampton. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2006 at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua with Pastor Mary Hatch officiating. Cremation and inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Nashua at a later date.

Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.

Thalia Eva Huffman was born May 22, 1921 on the family farm near Ionia, Iowa, the daughter of Lyle C and Esther (Morse) Huffman. She attended elementary school at Chickasaw and graduated from Ionia High School in 1939. She then attended American Institute of Business in Des Moines graduating in 1940. She then went to work in Des Moines. Thalia enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp and served from 1944 to 1946 during WWII. Following her military service she attended the University of Iowa where she earned her B.A. in 1949. She went to work for the Kemper Insurance Company and later became the personal Secretary for Mr. Kemper. She was the editor of Employee Publication at her retirement in 1976. Thalia traveled throughout the United States and overseas with the Kemper Co.

Following her retirement she returned home to care for her parents and enjoy her hobbies of reading and especially fishing. In 1999, as her health failed, Thalia moved to the New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in New Hampton.

Survivors include her sister, Virginia (Nelson) Brahn of Ionia: a sister-in-law, Eva Huffman of Mankato, MN; several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Stanley Huffman.

Harold A. Kotz
Thursday, June 15, 2006

Fredericksburg — Harold A. Klotz, age 96, of Fredericksburg, died Sunday June 11, 2006, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2006, at the Hillcrest Baptist and Brethren Church, Fredericksburg, with Pastor Ron Pinckney officiating. Eva Mae Niewoener will be the organist with Gene Niewoehner as vocalist singing "The Lord's Prayer" and joining the congregation with "Amazing Grace" and "Beyond the Sunset". Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg, with Dean Renz, Sam Renz, Bill Cashman, John Cashman, Dale Miller and Loren Mattke as casketbearers. Honorary casketbearers are Kenneth Klotz, Curt Waggoner and Scott Waggoner.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Online condolences for Harold may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com <http://www.hugebackfuneralhome.com>

Harold Alvin was born September 6, 1909, on the same farm where he died. He was the son of Herman Frederick and Frieda Helen (Bruckhoff) Klotz. He attended the Pleasant Grove #7 country school and the Fredericksburg High school. As a young man he enjoyed playing baseball with friends and built a lathe to make their own bats. He also spent his time making various pieces of furniture. Harold worked digging tile lines for 20 cents a rod and worked for $1.00 a day as a farm hand.

On August 17, 1932, he married Viola May Reiser at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union, four children were born. The couple farmed northwest of Sumner for 10 years, before purchasing the family farm near Fredericksburg. He had many side jobs during the years while farming. As a young farmer, he sold battery-operated fencers and wind chargers to charge the batteries before rural electricity. He also sold Funk’s Bros. seed corn. After the REC came through he purchased many gas engines which were installed on reel lawn mowers during the war years when he worked with his cousin, Edwin Klotz. Edwin could get the mowers but had no access to engines. With his cousin owning the local hardware store, the men began selling, installing and repairing televisions.

Harold also worked with the John Deere Implement in Fredericksburg setting-up new equipment and in their repair shop where he cleaned, sanded and painted tractors. He sold Scorpion Snowmobiles for a brief time with Ron Kocher as well as custom combining for local farmers. Harold also spent time woodworking.

Harold did all these jobs as a side-line to farming which was his first love. He was always busy and planned an agenda for the following day.

He enjoyed fishing his entire life and took flying lessons from Carl Mikes in 1946. In 1947, he purchased his own plane and enjoyed 23 years of flying. He and his wife Viola traveled out west a few weeks each summer and spent time fishing in Minnesota. Harold also went deer and elk hunting in Colorado.

Survivors include his two daughters; Shelba Jean (Carl) Renz, Denver, IA and Joyce (Arlo) Waggoner, Sunnyside, WA. Six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his wife on October 13, 1995 and two sons; Wayne in 1997 and Harlan in 2002.

Alveda Robinson
Thursday, June 15, 2006

New Hampton — Alveda Robinson, 100, of New Hampton, died Monday, June 12, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Funeral Services were 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 14 at Jerico Lutheran Church, rural New Hampton with Reverend Kent Dethlefsen officiating. Mary Dethlefsen was the organist and accompanied those in attendance singing “Nearer My God To Thee” and “Abide With Me.”

Burial was in the church cemetery with Jeff Routier, Brad Routier, Jay Roberson, Robert Dreckman, Keith Anderson, and Paul Tweit serving as casket bearers.

Friends called an hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Jerico Lutheran Church.

Alveda Robinson was born May 23, 1906, on a farm in Jacksonville Township near Jerico, the daughter of Alfred J. and Gertrude (Halvorson) Uglum. She was a 1924 graduate of New Hampton High School and went on to receive her teachers training. Following her teachers training, Alveda taught in various schools in Chickasaw and Howard counties. On April 7, 1935, she was united in marriage to Alve L. Robinson. This union was blessed with one son Lowell. The couple farmed in the Jerico and Lourdes area, until Alve’s death on June 18, 1969. After her husband’s death, Alveda remained on the farm until moving to New Hampton in 1981. She has been a resident of the Kensington Place in New Hampton for the past year and a half.

Throughout the years on the farm, Alveda always kept a large garden and tended to the berries and fruit trees. She enjoyed playing euchre and 500 at the Senior Center, now the Chickasaw Centre in New Hampton. She was a member of the Jerico Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her son Lowell (Mary) Robinson, Johnston, IA; two granddaughters, Laura Routier, Ankeny and Linda (Jack) Sullivan, Johnston; two great grandsons, Brad Routier and Jeff Routier; two great-granddaughters, Barbie Sullivan and Susie Sullivan.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Alve L. on June 18, 1969; one brother Ed Uglum; two sisters, Florence Gordon and Sylvia Dreckman.

Joyce A. Willadsen
Thursday, June 15, 2006

New Hampton— Joyce A. Willadsen, 68, of New Hampton, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at her home in New Hampton.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 16 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Reverend Kevin Frey officiating. Dennis Strum will be the organist and will accompany those in attendance singing “Here I Am Lord.” Peter and Phyllis Willadsen will be the vocalists singing “When You Pray” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Burial will be in the New Hampton Cemetery with Charles Albrecht, Rick Boeckman, Bill Schilling, Carl Ross, Stan Perkins, Darrell Albrecht, Chris Willadsen and Adam Schilling serving as casket bearers. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton and an hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Joyce Ann Willadsen was born March 29, 1938, in Sumner, IA, the daughter of Lorenz & Viola (Flanscha) Albrecht. She was a 1956 graduate of Fredericksburg High School. After school she worked as a hardware store clerk. Joyce was later united in marriage to Lorne Willadsen on June 7, 1959 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg. Following their marriage the couple resided in New Hampton, where she was a homemaker and attended Trinity Lutheran Church where she was an active member of the church and ladies organizations.

Throughout her life Joyce worked various jobs, most recently retiring from Theisen's in 2001, after having worked there for more than 10 years. She enjoyed quilting, playing cards with her friends, visiting family, gardening, canning and baking and volunteered at the Carnegie Cultural Center.

Survivors include her mother Viola Albrecht, Fredericksburg; three sons Jeffrey (Susan) Willadsen, Fleming Island, FL, Timothy (Sophie) Willadsen, Orange Park, FL, Daniel (Laura) Willadsen, Eaton, CO; one daughter Susan (Buzz) Van Arsdale, Greeley, CO; seven grandchildren Zachary, Dimitry, Emma, Indira, Mason, Sarah and Wyatt; aunts; one uncle; sisters-in-law and many close cousins.

Preceding her in death was her husband Lorne (July 22, 1982); and her father Lorenz (December 10, 1987).

                     Posted on 06/15/2006 by Gene Manning

Jesse W. Cero

Monday, June 19, 2006 3:43 PM CDT

CHARLES CITY - Jesse W. Cero, age 17 of Charles City & Nashua, died Wednesday morning, June 14, 2006, at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa Mason City of injuries he received in an A.T.V. accident near Marble Rock.

Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 19 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City with Msgr. Stanley Hayek officiating. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua.

Visitation was Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua. A 6:30 p.m. scripture service was held at the funeral home also on Sunday. Further visitation were for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Memorials may be directed in Jesse’s name to: Rick Hicok, 221 Cedar St, Nashua, IA 50658.

Paul L. Munson

Monday, June 19, 2006 3:43 PM CDT

Madison, WI — Paul L. Munson, 84, of Madison, WI, formerly of Jerico, died Thursday, June 15, 2006 at Oakwood Village in Madison.

Funeral services were 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 19 at Jerico Lutheran Church, rural New Hampton with Reverend Kent Dethlefsen officiating. Mary Dethlefsen was the organist and accompanied those in attendance singing “Rock Of Ages,” “There Is A Safe and Secret Place,” “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say,” and “Abide With Me.”

Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by the Alta Vista VFW Post 4069. Casket bearers were Dale Roberson, Wayne Natvig, Gene Anderson, Tom Roberson, Dan O’Brien, and Mark Anderson.

Friends called from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton and an hour prior to services at the church.

Paul Lowell Munson, son of Thomas W. and Anna (Robinson) Munson was born on April 4, 1922 on the family farm near Jerico, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in the Jerico Lutheran Church. Paul attended a rural school, Jacksonville Township District No. 2, in Chickasaw County and graduated from New Hampton High School with the class of 1940. He then attended Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN, for one year before transferring to the University of Iowa where he earned his B.A. degree. Paul entered the Navy's V-12 college training program during World War II and earned a commission. His tours of duty were in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was a Lt. Junior Grade when he was discharged after three years of service. Following the war, he earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. He became a salesman for Uarco Business Forms in Waterloo. Paul moved to Chicago as a sales trainer and then in 1952 to Milwaukee, as the sales manager of that territory. After twenty years he began working as a salesman for Research Institute of America, a major publisher of tax information. The family lived in Oshkosh and then in Milwaukee during those years. He retired in 1987. Paul was an active member and held various offices in the churches he attended during his lifetime. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Oshkosh and the Lion's Club in Glendale. Paul was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He came home on leave to marry Geraldine Anderson on Nov. 22, 1944, in the Jerico Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his his wife of 61 years, Geraldine; three children, Bradley (Danna) of Rockford, Ill., Barbara (David) Markham of Olympia, Wash., and Bruce (Ann) of Madison; his five grandchildren, Kelley Munson Duva, Stephanie Munson Helminger, Scott Munson, Vanessa Munson, and Lisa Munson. They loved to visit their "Papa" and have warm memories of their play with him. He always brightened when he saw his two great-grandchildren, Bradley Duva and Kyle Helminger. Preceding him in death was his parents; and six siblings, Anna Amble Tufte, Alice Natvig, Sigrid Miller, Harold Munson, Henry Munson and Ruth Roberson Prideaux.

Norbert C. Ondrashek

Monday, June 19, 2006

Norbert C. Ondrashek, age 69 of New Hampton, died suddenly Saturday evening, June 17, 2006, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton

Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 21 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center with inurnment in Calvary Cemetery, both in New Hampton.

Friends may call 3:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 4:00 p.m. rosary and a 7:00 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to services at the church. On-line condolences for Norb may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com 641-394-4334 Norbert was born December 5, 1936, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Charles and Mary Rose (Pecinovsky) Ondrashek. He was raised in the Protivin area and received his education in rural country schools. On June 8, 1959, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, he married Patricia Ann Blong. To this union four children were born. The couple initially farmed in the Protivin area for 12 years and in the early 1970’s moved near Jerico where they continued farming. Norbert also worked for the Department of Transportation from 1977 until becoming ill in 1981. He was a member of Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center and a 50-year member of the Catholic Knights. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Patricia; three daughters; Arlene (Joe) Kuhn, New Hampton, Lorene (Jeff) Reeves, Waterloo and Judy Ondrashek, Alta Vista; one son, steven Ondrashek, Denver, CO; seven grandchildren, Paula and Jim Kuhn, Dennis Brandenburg, Randy Mai, Desarae Heying, Brianna and Jacob Reeves; one great-granddaughter, Sadie Songer; one brother, Lawrence (Rosalin) Ondrashek, Lawler. Preceding him in death was his parents and a brother, Robert Ondrashek.

                     Posted on 06/20/2006 by Gene Manning

Susan I. Baldwin

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:34 PM CDT

Services held for Susan Baldwin

Funeral services for Susan I. Baldwin of Ogelsby, IL, formerly of Cresco, were held Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Cresco, IA. Burial was in the New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco, Iowa handled the arrangements.

Susan, 34, died Saturday, June 10, 2006 due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in Illinois.

Susan Irene Baldwin was born on November 16, 1971 at Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, CA, the daughter of Joseph M. and Shirley L. (Solomon) Hayek. She was baptized on December 25, 1971 at Assumption Parish in Cresco, IA. She attended school at St. Joseph's, Notre Dame and Crestwood.

She married Doug Blaess on April 28, 1989 to which three children, Alex, Bethany, and CaLee, where born. They later divorced. She married Corey Baldwin on January 1, 2000 and they had one child, Danielle.

Susie's favorite pastime was spending time with her family and friends. She loved life and always lived it to the fullest. She also loved to be involved in her childrens' sports and when she could get away she rode with Corey in the semi. She also loved spoiling her nieces and nephews and was waiting for the birth of her brother's new baby girl.

She is survived by her husband Corey; four children: Alexander, Bethany, CaLee, and Danielle, all of Ogelsby, IL; her mother: Shirley (Dale) Bigalk of Cresco, IA; father: Joe (Char) Hayek of Donnellon, FL; her sister: Jodi (Donnie) Kappes and their son Codey, of Cresco, IA; two brothers: Mike (Deana) Hayek of Rolf, IA and their children Daivian, Preston, Devon and Ben, Jon

(Francie) and their daughter Angelina of Cresco, IA; her grandfather: Wayne Solomon of Cresco, IA, her mother-in-law: Leone of Cresco, IA; her father-in-law: Stan of Ennis, TX; a brother-in-law: Clark (Rhonda) and their children Clinton, Jared, and Brandon of Menomone, WI; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She will be met in heaven by her grandmother: Edith Solomon; grandparents: Adolph and Deloras Hayek; two uncles: John and Jay Hayek; one aunt: Donna Donlan; and her husband's grandmother: Clara Kilby.

Marcella Svobada
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Services to be held for Marcella Svoboda, 88

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Marcella "Marcie" Svoboda of Protivin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 22 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. Interment will be held in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Cemetery in Protivin.

Friends may call 3 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hugeback's Protivin Funeral Home where there will be a 4:00 p.m. Rosary, 6:00 p.m. Scripture Service and a 6:30 p.m. Video Memorial Tribute. Further visitation will be Thursday morning from 8 - 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Marcella, 88, died Saturday, June 17, 2006, at the Bethesda Meadow Nursing Home in Ellisville, MO.

                          Posted on 06/21/2006 by Gene Manning

Ruth E. Straw

New Hampton — Ruth E. Straw, age 58 of New Hampton, died Sunday, June 25, 2006, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center in New Hampton. The lector will be Kari Huffman. Offertory gifts  will be presented by Chris and Staci Dahl.

Interment will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery with J.C. Schnurr, Terry Weigel, Dan Feuling, Tom McDermott, Kevin Kennedy, and Terry Shannon as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Ruth’s nieces and nephews, Brian Straw, Mitch Straw, Tony Straw, Zach Soukup, Sybil Soukup, Hans Soukup, Tracy Straw and Tammy Straw.

Friends may call 4:00 - 9:00 p.m Tuesday at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Visitation continues an   hour prior to the service at church. Online condolences for Ruth may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Ruth was born September 15, 1947, in New Hampton, Iowa the daughter of Harry and Clara (Busta) Soukup. She attended St. Joseph Grade School and was a 1965 graduate of the New Hampton High School. She attended the Patricia Stevens School in Chicago studying fashion merchandising. Ruth worked at Marshall Fields while in Chicago and then  moved to Waterloo where she worked at New York Fashion.

On May 3, 1969, in Cedar Falls, she married Bill Straw. To this union two daughters were   born. The couple initially lived in Cedar Falls and moved to New Hampton in 1971. Ruth and Bill owned and operated Straw’s Country Store Pizza Kitchen from 1973-1981. Ruth was then employed by the New Hampton School System as the Hot Lunch Supervisor from 1986 to present. The couple also owns and operates Chaff’s Restaurant in New Hampton. Under an adverse illness, Ruth maintained a loving relationship with her husband, daughters, grandson and her many other friends and family.

Survivors include her husband, Bill; two daughters, Stephanie (Gary) Maske, Christine Straw, both of Waterloo; a grandson, Carter Dale Maske, Waterloo; one brother, Bob (Betty) Soukup, New Hampton and a sister, Margaret (Hal) Hoge, San Jose, CA; one aunt, Therese Busta, Cresco; several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, James Karl Soukup.