Funeral services for Florence B. Barnes of Cresco will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco.
    Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Conway Funeral Home and visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until services today, Wednesday, Dec. 9.   
    Conway Funeral Home in Cresco is handling the arrangements.
    Florence, 90, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at her home.
    Florence Bernetta Sanderson was born July 18, 1919 in Thief River Falls, Minn., the only daughter of Carl and Caroline (Brenno) Sanderson. She lived for a short time in Minneapolis, and eventually moved to the Schley area, where she attended school. Following her education, she helped out at home and also helped at various other homes.
    On May 19, 1947, she married Thomas S. Barnes at St. Ansgar. Following their marriage, they made their home in Cresco where Florence raised their two children and worked for U-Save Grocery, then West Side Grocery and eventually worked 10 years at Sara Lee in New Hampton.
    Florence faced many challenges in her life where her strength and independence came to her aide. She took care of her son who died at an early age. She also took care of her parents and eventually her husband after his accident. Florence was able to hold her first great-grandchild in the last couple of weeks.
    In her early years, Florence liked to fish with Tom and would spend many weekends on the Mississippi. In later years, she would crochet and enjoyed reading until her eyesight failed. She enjoyed playing cards and belonged to a card club. Florence's dog was also important to her.
    Florence is survived by two children: Carolyn (Larry) Lepa of Lincoln, Neb. and David (Laurie) Barnes of Rochester, Minn.; two grandchildren: Cari (Michael) Frerichs and Ryan Lepa; three step grandchildren: Chris (Sherrie) Meyers, Tricia Meyers and Dan Meyers; and one great-grandchild, Tavin.
    She was preceded in death by one son: Dennis; her parents; and two brothers: Theodore Sanderson and Leonard Sanderson.
 

    Funeral services for Karen G. Hanneman of Cedar Falls were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 at Nazareth Lutheran Church Chapel in Cedar Falls. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.
    Friends were to call from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Richardson Funeral Home in Cedar Falls and for one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.   
    Karen, 68, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly from complications of a stroke.
    Karen Grace Hanneman was born Dec. 2, 1941 in Cresco, the daughter of Floyd H. and Grace L. (Hanni) Williams. 
    On Dec. 30, 1962 she married Duane E. Hanneman in Cresco.
    Karen graduated from Cresco High School and attended Luther College in Decorah. In addition to being a homemaker, she was employed by Davis Paint and Sherwin-Williams stores in Cedar Falls, retiring on Jan. 1, 2000.
    Survivors include her husband, Duane; a son: Steve (Kristin) of Marshall, Minn.; three daughters: Carmen (Matt) Morgan of Waterloo, Laureen (Dusty) Trent of Ankeny and Allison (Dan) Staudt of Marble Rock; 10 grandchildren; and one brother: Darrell (Mary Lou) Williams of Marion. 
    She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister: Myrtle.

 

    David J. Dusheck, 57, of Hudson, Wis. and formerly of Eagan, Minn. died Monday night, Dec. 7, 2009 at the Christian Community Home in Hudson. A private service is being planned by the family with the O'Connell Funeral Home.
    David James Dusheck was born July 21, 1952, the son of Cletus and Barbara (Russ) Dusheck in Cresco. His mother was of Welch heritage, and he maintained contact with several of his Welch relatives. David graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cresco in 1970.
    In 1972, he married Ellie Birmingham. David was drafted into the US Army and served from 1972-74 at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC. Upon his honorable discharge, he went on to work almost 20 years as an employee of Ozark Airlines and TWA. He then had a career change and found his calling as a software tester for Unisys, which he took great pride in.
    In his free time, he loved to play softball, fish and golf. He was also an avid Packer fan. David's sense of humor, ability to laugh at himself, and his sincerity will be missed by all who knew him.
    David is survived by sons: Nathan (Angie) Dusheck of Eden Prairie, Minn. and Reid Dusheck of Douglas, Ariz.; daughter: Meaghan (Tony) Peters of Bloomington, Minn.; and their mother: Ellie Birmingham; grandchildren: Alec and Aidan Dusheck and Emma and Stephen Peters; sisters: Barbara (Bill) Durbahn and Susan (Brian) Ness; extended family and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Shirley Smith; and brothers: Allen and Dennis.
 

    Funeral services for Donald J. Regan of Fairfax were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 at St. Patrick Church in Fairfax with Father Dustin Vu officiating. 
    Friends were to call Friday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Patrick Church. A rosary was held at 6 p.m. followed by a vigil service.
    Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids handled the arrangements.   
    Donald died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 at his home.
    Don was born at home in Schley, Iowa the son of Christina A. Marshick (Marik) Regan and Richard E. Regan. He grew up in Cresco, but the majority of his life was lived in Fairfax. He worked at a variety of occupations including Collins Radio, Link-Belt Speeder, Goss, Cedar Valley Asphalt, and L.L. Pelling.
    Survivors include his wife Betty; daughter: Jodie Regan (Garrison Babberl); the apple of his eye granddaughter: Raven Babberl, all of Cedar Rapids; three sisters: Peg (Ross) Campion of Eyota, Minn., Midge (Ben) Dawson of Rochester, Minn. and Patty (Francis) Lybbert of Cresco; and many nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepfather: John Grant; and four brothers: Dick, Bill, Ron, and Clarence.
 

     Carolyn Morrison, 94, of Kimberly, Wis. died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009 at the Grand Horizons Community Based Residential Facility located in Kimberly, Wis where she had resided with her husband for the past 13 months. A memorial service is being planned by the family for a later date. Interment will be held at a later date in Pittsburg, Iowa.
    Jansen Fargo Funeral Home in Kimberly, Wis. is handling the arrangements.
    Carolyn Elwood Morrison was born June 10, 1915 the daughter of Lester and Grace Pope in Brooklyn, N.Y. She graduated from Adelphi Academy (1928) and then Pratt Institute (1932) where she completed a Bachelors Degree in Teaching and Fine Arts. She accepted a professional teaching position at Iowa State University in Ames. It was there she met the love of her life, Raymond W. Morrison.
    They were married on December 20, 1941 and the two interrupted their education and careers to travel about the country for military training. Carolyn resided in Brooklyn with her mother after Raymond was deployed to Europe in August, 1944. Over the years, they resided in Terrytown, N.Y., Northbrook, Ill., Milwaukee and Philadelphia. During these years, Carolyn raised her family (children Guy, Anne and Mark Morrison).
    An avid volunteer, she accumulated a long list of beneficiaries of her thoughtful, dedicated service.
    Carolyn was an art historian, avid reader, and loving spirit whose commitment to God, family and community was unshakable.
    Over the years she served on numerous philanthropic boards, was actively involved in teaching and educational activities at each of her churches, and served others with perhaps her greatest passion, art and art history. She served as a docent for the Milwaukee Art Center for many years and taught history of religious art in all the communities she lived.
    She overcame many barriers in her life and was fond of saying that she, along with her lifelong friend Grace Halpin, were able to "see beyond the barriers" to new possibilities. As a woman in the early part of the 20th century, she defied odds and completed a professional education. She struck out on her own and held a teaching position at a major Midwest University. She overcame cancer at age 50 and brought her love of art to all the communities in which she lived.
    After she was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, she became a champion for low vision persons in her community by starting a support and education group which continues to this day.
    Carolyn and her husband retired in 1980 and moved to Cresco. There, Carolyn continued her mission of service to God and community by volunteering in numerous causes. She was rewarded for her efforts in 2001 with a volunteer award personally presented to her by Iowa's Governor.
     Carolyn suffered from Alzheimer's disease over the last years of her life.

    A Celebration of Life for Kathleen A. Juffer of Mason City was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 at Grace Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Scott Davis officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. 
    A gathering of family and friends was held 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations in Kathy's name be given to the Patty Elwood Center.   
    Kathleen, 59, died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 at the Good Shepherd Health Center from complications related to early-onset Alzheimer's Disease.
    Kathleen Ann Juffer was born Dec. 15, 1950 in LeMars, the daughter of Kenneth and Phyllis (Miller) Clark of Larabee. She spent the early years of her life on the family farm in Cedar Township. Among her happiest memories were that of being a farm kid, helping her mom and dad with chores on the farm, and the time she spent going to school in Larabee. After her father was tragically killed in a car accident in 1959, her mother returned to college to earn her teacher's degree and the family eventually moved to Cherokee. Kathy graduated from Cherokee Washington High School in 1969 and went on to earn her B.A. in elementary education from Morningside College.
    Kathy taught first grade at Homer, Neb. and at the Ridgeway Elementary Center in the Howard-Winnesheik School District. While living in Cresco, she was also active in the Elm Street Singers and the United Methodist Church. 
    On April 26, 1982 she was married to Kent H. Juffer at the United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant by the Rev. Wayne Wasta. With the addition of their first daughter to the family in 1985, Kathy decided that she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. Kathy's biggest joy in life was the time she spent raising their two daughters, Megan and Katie. Kathy loved to travel with her family, with her favorite place being Bodega Bay, Calif. Kathy had a special love of music and enjoyed playing the piano and singing. 
    Kathy was a wonderful mother and wife. She was always happy to help her friends. Unfortunately, her illness, which started in 2001, robbed her of some of the qualities that made her special. Even though she knew something was wrong, she didn't let it stop her from enjoying life and her family and friends.
    She entered the memory unit at Good Shepherd in April, 2009.
    Kathleen is survived by her husband, Kent; their two daughters: Megan of New York, N.Y. and Katie of Mason City; brother-in-law: Kirk Juffer and his wife, Sonja of Shorewood, Wis.; sister-in-law: Jennifer Juffer of Red Granite, Wis.; sister-in-law: Sheila Clark of Pierre, S.D.; mother-in-law: Mary Jane Juffer of Plano, Texas; nieces: Gudrun and Helen Juffer of Shorewood, Wis.; nephews: Gus Juffer of Madison, Wis., Aaron Clark of Pierre, S.D. and Matthew Clark of Savage, Minn.; and a special cousin: Larry Fraser and his wife, Connie of Hutchinson, Minn.
    She was preceded in death by her parents,; a sister: Karen; and a brother: Kenny.

    Funeral services for Carl Wedderspoon of Cresco were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.    
    Carl, 85, died on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 at his home.
    Carl Wedderspoon was born Mach 19, 1924 in Cooperstown, N.Y. the son of James and May (Allen) Wedderspoon. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942-1946. He operated the Schley Store for several years and was employed at the Cresco Liquor Store for over 45 years until November of 2009. Carl flew on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 4, 2009 to be recognized with World War II veterans and toured the War Memorials. He was a 60-year member of the American Legion.
    Carl enjoyed traveling, car racing, playing cards, family and his many friends from the liquor store.
    He is survived by nine children: Cindy (Bob) Fullerton of Ankeny, Curtis Wedderspoon of Cresco, Sid (Vickie) Wedderspoon of Willard, Ohio, Steve Wedderspoon of Dubuque, Candy (Randy) Smith of Nora Springs, Donna (Doug) Bruening of Cresco, Diana Wedderspoon of Adana, Turkey, Craig (Karen) Wedderspoon of Waukon and Clark Wedderspoon of Marshalltown; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Nola and Alta of New York; along with several nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his wife Gen; his parents; and two brothers: Arthur and James.

    Funeral services for Marie R. Brackin of Rochester, formerly of Harmony, Minn. will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009 at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony with Pastor Robert Stoskopk officiating. Interment will be in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco following the service at 1:30 p.m. 
    Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church.
    Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony, Minn. is handling the arrangements.   
    Marie, 83, died on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 after a short stay at Season's Hospice in Rochester.
    Marie R. Mohs was born March 13, 1926, in Cresco, the daughter of Carl and Sophia (Henning) Mohs.
    Marie married Richard "Dick" Brackin in 1947. They lived in Cresco until 1966. They moved to Harmony, Minn. where she worked alongside her husband at his business, Harmony Cold Storage, until it was sold in 1985. They moved to Rochester.
    She remained a longtime member of Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony and was a dedicated member of the Naomi Circle. Marie enjoyed sewing, baking, listening to music, and caring for the family dogs and backyard wildlife. She loved spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren.
    Marie is survived by her daughter: Kathleen (Glenn) Roberts of Rochester; brother: Roger (Barbara) Mohs of Bend, Ore.; grandchildren: Michael (Monica) Roberts of Henderson, Nev., Heather Roberts and Megan (Nick) Campion of Rochester; great-grandchildren: Miranda and Mariska Roberts; sister-in-law: Bonnie (Donald) Ford of Lake Forest, Ill.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; brother: Kenneth Mohs; and a brother, in infancy.

    Funeral services for Bob Webster of Lawler were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at Saude Lutheran Church in rural Lawler with Pastor Daniel Larson officiating. Organist was Maria Smith. Pallbearers were: Aaron Anderson, Adam Anderson, Tyler Underwood, Nathan Underwood, Michael Holdren, Michael Eischen, Nolan Webster and Tim Knutson. Military honors were conducted by the Lawler, American Legion Harold Redman Post #279. 
    Friends were to call Monday, Dec. 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continued for one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.   
    Bob, 74, died peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family.
    Bob Webster was born Dec. 3, 1935, in Cresco, the son of Donald K. and Grace H. (Lindsay) Webster. He received his education in Cresco and was a 1954 graduate of Cresco High School. On Sept. 29, 1954, Bob enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the 5th Infantry in Germany. He was honorably discharged as SP3 on Sept. 28, 1956, in Portland, Ore.
    On July 5, 1958, he married Anna Steensland at the Saude Lutheran Church in rural Lawler.
    Bob was a crop and livestock farmer for over 50 years. He also worked 25 years for the Oliver and White Tractor Company in Charles City and 10 years for Tri-Mark in New Hampton.
    Bob loved farming, especially livestock production. He and his wife Ann enjoyed more than 50 years on the family farm near Saude. He spent many happy hours working with his children and grandchildren in his farm shop, woodworking and restoring tractors. He rarely missed a local auction, collected Oliver memorabilia, raised collie dogs and grew the best sweet corn in the county.
    He was a member of Saude Lutheran Church, holding many offices and the Harold Redman American Legion Post #279 of Lawler.
    He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Ann; three sons: James (Joy) Webster of Cedar Falls, Michael (Denise) Webster of New Hampton and Brian Webster of Ames; two daughters: Susan (Gene) Anderson of Lawler and Debra (Ron) Underwood of New Hampton; eight grandchildren: Aaron (Kristin) Anderson, Adam Anderson and fiance Jill Kirby, Rachel (Michael) Holdren, Nathan (Tara) Underwood, Tyler Underwood, Laura Underwood, Raelyn Webster and Nolan Webster; two great-grandchildren: Trice Anderson and Aiden Underwood; one brother: Donald (Kathryn) Webster of Ames; two sisters-in-law: Sara (Larry) Knutson of Cedar Rapids and June Webster Stephen of Charles City.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister: Betty Gooder; two brothers: Charles H. Webster and William Webster; and nephew: Lee Knutson.

    Memorial services for James B. May of Ridgeway were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating. Organist was Doris Thompson. Dan Silhacek was cantor along with the St. Wenceslaus Choir singing. Agnes Soukup was the lector.       
    James, 66, died on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, Wis.
     James Bernard May was born May 21, 1943, the son of James and Sophie (Rosewicz) May in Aurora, Ill. Jim attended Aurora High School in Aurora, Ill. He then attended body shop school and finished his apprenticeship in 1958. He was a Heavy Wreck rebuilder in the Chicago area from 1958-71. He moved to California in 1971, and was employed at different body shops. He worked for Billington Welding, where he built race cars and helped to fix them up after a day at the races at Sears Point.
    On Nov. 28, 1983, he married Lori Sterzing in Modesto, Calif. He then opened his own body shop and built a home in California. Jim was also a pilot and built his own Kr-2 Experimental Aircraft. He even built the aircraft radio from scratch. He was in the process of building a helicopter before we deciding to move to Iowa. He loved to fly. He also built his own specialty cars and rebuilt several Porsche's with souped up race engines. He enjoyed his motorcycles, snowmobiles and all his other toys.
    Jim and Lori moved to Ridgeway three years ago. Jim was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville,  and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
    Jim is survived by his wife: Lori May of Ridgeway; three daughters: Misty Cooley of Silt, Colo., Brandy Clemons of New Castle, Colo. and Bernadette May of Rifley, Colo; two sisters: Nadine Smith of Lime Springs and Janice Clark of Aurora, Ill.; his mother-in-law: Gloria Sterzing of Peshtigo, Wis.; one sister-in-law: Krystal (Mike) Wolfe of Marinette, Wis.; one brother-in-law: David (Barbara) Sterzing of Marinette, Wis.; along with many nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Sophie (Rosewicz) May; his sister: Sharon May; and father-in-law: Loren Sterzing.

Posted on 24 December 2009

Michael Triplett, 60

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
 

    Memorial services for Michael J. Triplett of Littleton, Colo. were held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 at Light of the World Catholic Church with Father Michael Palakovich officiating. Musicians were Bob Klimek and Jenai Kailey. Interment was in Fort Logan National Cemetery with military honors by the United States Army All Veteran's Honor Guard.
    Aspen Mortuary handled the arrangements.   
    Michael, 60, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 at his home.
    Michael John Triplett was born July 6, 1949 in Fort Dodge, the son of Jim and Marie Triplett. He attended school in Rolfe, Iowa and graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 serving in Viet Nam. He received two purple hearts, a bronze star and other Army commendations. Mike was wounded and spent two months in the Saigon Hospital before being transferred to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, Colo. It was here he met a young lady who was visiting the wounded servicemen.
    He later married Jeanne Bader on April 17, 1971 in Protivin. They made their home in Denver, Colo. where Mike worked in the construction field. He also worked at United Bank for a short time until he started with the Post Office in 1975 when they moved to Littleton. He retired from the post office in 2006 after 31 years.
    Mike enjoyed traveling, bowling, golfing, playing cards, neighborhood get-togethers and being with his grandchildren and family. He was an avid Bronco, Nuggets and Rockies fan.   
    He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; daughters: JoAnna (Derek) Korte of Arvada, Renee (Clint) Vider of Pueblo; grandsons: Bane and Cyric Korte and Chance and Mason Vider; his mother: Marie Triplett of Johnston, Iowa; brothers: Joe (Josephine) Triplett of Washington, Iowa, Tom (Marcy) Triplett of Montrose, Colo, Larry (Millicent) Triplett of Salina, Kan., Jim (Zola) Triplett of Sand Springs, Okla., Dick (Margarida) Triplett of Romoland, Calif.; a sister: Luann (Don) Overton of St. Charles, Iowa; his father and mother-in-law: Robert and Mary Bader of Protivin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his father; and a sister, Mary, at birth.

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James McConnell, 76

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
 

    Funeral services for James "Jim" McConnell of Cresco will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. 
    Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco with a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church today, Wednesday, Dec. 30.   
    Jim, 76, died on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009 at his home.
    James McConnell was born Sept. 15, 1933, in Bluffton Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (McCormick) McConnell.    
    On October 26, 1954, he married Shirley A. Sexton.
    His career expanded for more than 40 years in the local Dairy Industry (Wisconsin Dairies and Foremost Dairies). He also enjoyed hobby farming. He loved collecting tractors, from toys to the big ones.
    Jim is survived by his wife, Shirley; five children: Richard of Washington, D.C., Linda, Mike (Lori), Tim, all of Cresco and Kate (Kevin) Praska of Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren: Zach Bethke, Emily and Jesse McConnell of Cresco, Evon and Cori Praska of Rochester, Minn.; one sister: Mary Jane McCabe of Mabel, Minn. and one brother: Frank (Mary) McConnell of Cresco.
    He was preceded in death by one son: Joseph; his parents; and three brothers: Lucian, Edward and Roger.

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Gayle Hudecek, 70

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

    A Mass of Christian Burial for Gayle M. Hudecek of Cresco was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 at Notre Dame Church in Cresco with Rev. Richard J. Ament officiating. Lector was Barb Prochaska, gifts were carried by her grandchildren and Eucharist Minister was Gabe Klimesh. The organist was Suzanne Ollendick and the cantors were Bootie Kapler and Joe Wacha. Pallbearers were: Corey Klimesh, Loren Klimesh, Rich Klimesh, Larry Kriener, Kent Klimesh and Dale Kriener. Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Spillville.   
    Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
    Gayle, 70, died Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 in Cresco.
    Gayle Marie Hudecek was born August 8, 1939, the daughter of George and Augusta (Houdek) Klimesh on the Klimesh Family Farm near Spillville. She attended rural schools and in May 1957 she graduated from Rudolphinum School in Protivin.
    On October 7, 1958, she married Martin D. Hudecek at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. To this union four children were born. They later divorced. Gayle worked many different jobs throughout her life. She was a communications officer at the Howard County Law Enforcement Center, she catered the food kitchen at the Cresco Livestock Market, and was a Floral Designer at the Plantpeddler.
    Gayle enjoyed many hobbies from gardening, polka dancing, horseback riding, barrel racing when she was younger, and snowmobiling. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and loved attending all their sporting events.
    She is survived by her four children: Greg (Theresa) Hudecek of Protivin, Lori (Tim) McMahon of Charlotte, N.C., Kim Soukup of Cresco and Mitchell Hudecek of Detroit, Mich.; five grandchildren: Shellie (Tim) Gebel, Mike Hudecek, Meagan Soukup, Landon Soukup and Taylor Swift; one great-grandson: Austin Gebel; two sisters: Greta (Herman) Kriener of Spillville and Gloria Klimesh of Waterloo; three brothers, her twin brother: Gordon (Shirley) Klimesh of Spillville, Gabriel (Mary) Klimesh of Spillville and Gary Klimesh of Rock Island, Ill.; one sister-in-law: Alice Klimesh of Calmar; and two brothers-in-law: John (MaryAnn) Hudecek of Columbus, Ind. and Jerry (Shirley) Hudecek of Mason City.
    Gayle was preceeded in death by her parents; two sisters: Georgina Andera and Gwendolyn Klimesh; two brothers: George Klimesh Jr. and Glen Klimesh; and one brother-in-law: Frank Hudecek.

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Vernon Behrens, 94

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
 

    Vernon Behrens, 94, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco following a brief illness.
    Graveside services for Vernon F. Behrens of Cresco will be held in the Postville Cemetery in Postville at a later date.
    Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Postville is handling the arrangements.
    Vernon Fred Behrens was born Dec. 28, 1914 in rural Lawler, the son of Diedrich and Christina (Brandt) Behrens.

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Leonard Fox, 94

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
 

    A Mass of Christian Burial for Leonard J. Fox of Riceville was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville with Rev. Ray. E. Atwood officiating. Readers were Patricia Fox, Marilyn Reis and Bernard Fox. Gift carriers were Teresa Duhon and Daniel Fox. The organist was Anna Mae Roethler and the vocalists were his grandchildren. Leonard deeded his body to the Mayo Foundation. Inurnment will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Riceville.   
    Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
    Leonard, 94, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage following a short illness.
    Leonard John Fox was born July 13, 1915, on the Fox home farm in Mitchell County, Iowa, the son of Peter and Clara (Miller) Fox. He attended the Douglas #3 School near his home and graduated from Riceville High School. Following his education, he farmed, did hand tiling of fields with his brother and ran a gravel truck. With the start of WW II, Leonard started working at a munitions plant in Minneapolis, where he met his future life partner.
    On October 9, 1942, he married Margaret M. Arens. After the birth of their first son, they moved to a farm two miles west and two miles south of Riceville. Two years later, they moved to the farm they called home, five and one-half miles south of Riceville. They raised their 10 children on this farm and in 1983, they moved into Riceville.
    Leonard was very active. He farmed, served as a Director of Douglas #3 for many years and was supportive of all his children's activities throughtout all of their school years.
    He served as a Mitchell County Supervisor for eight years, was president of the Mitchell County Farm Bureau, was on the Mitchell County Fair Board, was on the Church Council and served on the building committee. Leonard was also on the committee when the landfill was opened and served on the board of the Osage Elevator.
    Leonard is survived by six sons and three daughters: Dennis (JoAnn) Fox of Rochester, Minn., Diane (Orville) Engelhardt of Humble, Texas, Bernard Fox of LaMotte, Iowa, Marilyn (Ron) Reis of Lime Springs, Duane (Jill) Fox of Park City, Utah, Pete Fox of Leland, Iowa, Richard Fox of Riceville, Patricia Fox of Chanhassen, Minn. and Greg (Becky) Fox of Riceville; 28 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Marie McCabe of Torrence, Calif. and Margaret (Bud) Brownlee of Oroville, Wash; one brother-in-law: Tom Palm; two sisters-in-law: Geraldine Fox and Mary Fox; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; one daughter: Kathryn Foster; one grandson: Wade Foster; his parents, Peter and Clara Fox; two sisters: Helen Palm and Virgilia Dunlay; and two brothers: Ralph and Richard Fox.

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Thomas Kingsley, 82

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
 

    A Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Kingsley of Harmony, Minn. was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at the Nativity Catholic Church in Harmony. Interment was in St. Agnes Cemetery in rural Cresco.   
    Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony handled the arrangements.
    Thomas, 82, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2009 at the Harmony Health Care Center in Harmony, Minn. where he resided for five years.
    Thomas Kingsley was born Oct. 13, 1927 in La Crosse, Wis. the son of Joseph and Rita (Hanlon) Kingsley. He grew up in the rural Plymouth and Harmony areas, and graduated from Harmony High School.
    On April 11, 1950 he married Maxine Nolan in Preston, Minn. Together they farmed in the Harmony and Preston areas until 1968 when he purchased the dairy business known as Kingsley Dairy. He operated the business until 1990. Tom also drove school bus for 35 years.
    He is survived by his wife Maxine of Harmony, Minn.; six sons: Steven (Teresa) of Vienna, Va., Gerald (Debra) of Bellevue, Neb., David (Leanne) of Harmony, Minn., Bruce (Liza) of Cresco, Allan (Dana) of Waseca, Minn. and Kerry (Jane) of Harmony, Minn.; four daughters: Susan Mills of Beaverton, Ore., Judith (James) Schnitzler of Decorah, Jane Iverson of Clear Lake and Karen (Dean) Fox of Rochester, Minn.; 29 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Mary (Robert) Vitse of Rochester, Minn. and Teresa Bremseth of Harmony, Minn.
    Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and infant twin grandsons.

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Margaret Freel, 91

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
 

    Funeral services for Margaret Freel of Lime Springs were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009 at the United Lutheran Church in Chester. Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs.

    Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.    

    Margaret, 91, died on Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 at her home.

    Margaret Geraldine Freel was born January 25, 1918 in Goldfield, IA, the daughter of Edwin and Minnie (Espe) Holm. She attended rural schools in Wright County Iowa and graduated from Belmond High School, a Normal Training school, where she also took a correspondence in teaching.

     On May 18, 1943 she married Robert Freel in the United Lutheran Church in Chester where they continue to be members. She taught for 10 years in the rural schools in Chester and Forest City townships before and after her marriage. Continuing her life long value for education, she worked for 16 years in the Howard-Winneshiek schools as a teacher's aid and secretary.     Margaret was a member of the United Lutheran Church in Chester where she was superintendent and teacher in the Sunday School for many years. She was also active in the church women's group where she served as an officer in past years. She enjoyed reading and handiwork and thoroughly enjoyed being with her brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren.

    She is survived by her husband, Robert of 66 years; her children: Kathy (Ken) Loux of Atlanta, Ga., Karen Freel of Chicago, Ill. and Marilyn (Ron) Neuerburg of Eldora; five grandchildren: Brent (Jamie) Loux, Kristen (Loux) Hewett (Todd), Mike (Laurie) Neuerburg, Beth (Neuerburg) Deutmeyer (Josh) and Tom Neuerburg; sisters: Phyllis Leslie and Shirley Wells of Fairfield Bay, Ark.; brothers: Richard (Georgia) Holm of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Roger (Janet) Holm of Clarkston, Mich.; and sisters-in-law: Madeline (Freel) Lowry of Riverside, Calif. and Beverly (Freel) McGlothlen of Spirit Lake.

    She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother: Rowland Holm.

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Posted on 29 December 2009 by Marie Thompson

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