Tuesday, November 03, 2009
A Mass of Christian Burial for Georgine Berka of Cresco will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco.
Conway Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Georgine, 85, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 at the Cresco Care Center.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
A Mass of Christian Burial for John "Jack" T. Burke of Elma will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma with Father John Harpel officiating. Theresa Burke will be the organist accompanying the choir in singing “Here I Am Lord”, “Precious Lord Take My Hand”, “I Am the Bread of Life”, “Lead Me Lord”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Song of Farewell”. Pallbearers are: Mike O’Brien, Scott O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien, Nick Burke, Tylor Burke, Aaron Burke and Jake Burke. Honorary pallbearers are John’s grandchildren. Military rites will be provided by the Elma American Legion John Frahm Post #597. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Elma.
Visitation was held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma with a 4 p.m. rosary and a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday.
Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma is handling the arrangements.
John, 81, died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.
John Thomas Burke was born May 13, 1928 the son of William and Alice (Bilek) Burke in Elma. Jack attended country school near Elma. He helped his dad on the family farm until 1955 when he enlisted in the United States Army serving with the 11th Airborne Division until his honorable discharge in 1957. Jack returned home to farm with his dad and brother Norbert. He continued to farm after moving to Elma in 1994.
On Feb. 1, 1958 he married Eleanor Wichman at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lawler. The couple then farmed the Burke family farm.
Jack enjoyed farming and milking cows, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma.
Jack is survived by his wife Eleanor of Elma; 12 children: Ann (Dennis) O’Brien of Elma, John Burke of Cresco, Edward (Sue) Burke of Elma, Joseph (Sandra) Burke of Lime Springs, Patrick (Renee) Burke of Elma, Gene Burke of Elma, Rose (Jeff) Nibaur of Elma, Chuck (Wendy) Burke of New Hampton, Dennis (Janna) Burke of Alta Vista, Rick (Lois) Burke of Elma, Randy (Jenny) Burke of Elma and Kenny (Christine) Burke of Elma; 32 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers: Norbert (Theresa) Burke of Elma, Donald (Fran) Burke of Cresco and Jim (Judy) Burke of Waterloo; three sisters: Phyllis (Francis) Dietrich of Elma, Shirley Mihm of Dubuque and Murilley (Don) McAllister of Richland Hills, Texas.
He was preceded in death by four grandsons: Adam, Brian, Christopher and Anthony; two great-grandchildren: Shelby and Abby; his parents; four brothers: William, Allen, Glenn and Joseph; and one sister: Aleatha.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Sharon L. Bowen, 70, of Irvine, Calif., formerly of Cresco, died Oct. 20, 2009 of pneumonia and kidney failure after a long and courageous fight with metastatic breast cancer.
Sharon Lee Bowen was born October 23, 1938 in Cresco the daughter of Dr. R. B. Helming and Winifred (Mitchell) Helming.
On June 28, 1959 she married Jerry Bowen in Cresco.
She graduated from Cresco High School in 1956 and Iowa State Teachers College in 1958. After graduating from college, she taught school in Forest City, where she met her husband. In 1965, they moved to California.
She enjoyed traveling, collecting jewelry, and for many years she was an active board member of the Orange County Alzheimer's Association.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Jerry; one son: Doug of Huntington Beach, Calif.; one daughter: Ann of Encinitas, Calif.; one brother: Bob (Carol) Helming of Tucson, Ariz.; one sister: Connie (Pat) Taylor of Cresco; nieces: Lori Taylor Puffett and Heather Helming Budner; nephews: Bruce and Brian Helming and Eric Taylor; two great-nieces; and two great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
A Mass of Christian Burial for Agnes M. Riley of Elma will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma with Father Carl Schmitt officiating. Sister Mary Lenore will be the organist accompanying the choir in singing “Be Not Afraid”, “Prayer of St. Francis”, “On Eagles Wings” and “How Great Thou Art”. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Elma.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma with a 4:30 p.m. rosary and a scriptural wake service at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Thursday.
Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma is handling the arrangements.
Agnes, 91, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 at Colonial Manor in Elma.
Agnes Marie Riley was born Nov. 17, 1917 the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Gardner) Budke in Elma. Agnes graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma in 1936.
On Aug. 16, 1949 she married Paul James Riley at Immaculate Conception Church at Elma. Agnes worked at the Elma post office as a clerk for 36 years and retired on Jan. 16, 1983.
Agnes enjoyed genealogy, collecting postal stamps and coins. She enjoyed refinishing family heirloom furniture and harness shop tools. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma, Rosary Society and the United States Post Office Union.
Agnes is survived by two sisters-in-law: Frances Shannon of New Hampton and Josephine Riley of Cape Coral, Fla.; a brother-in-law: Lee (Ronnie) Riley of Charles City; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Paul on Jan. 6, 1995; her parents; a sister: Sister Mary Georgine (Elizabeth) RSM; a brother: George; and a sister-in-law: Mary Catherine Budke.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
A Memorial Mass for Susan "Sue" M. Reiss of Diamond, Mo. will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Chester with Father Ray Atwood officiating.
Midland Cremation Society of Joplin, Mo. is handling the arrangements.
Susan, 47, died encircled by family and friends on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 at her home following a long battle with cancer.
Susan Marie Reiss was born May 16, 1962 in Cresco, the daughter of Charles Morgan and Bernadine "Bun" Kelly. She graduated from Harmony High School in 1980. She earned her Associate of Applied Science Degree from Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minn., in 1982.
On October 14, 1989 she married John J. Reiss in Chester. She worked for several parks within the National Park Service for 27 years and most recently was chief of maintenance for the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond.
Sue was a member of the St. Caneras Catholic Church in Neosho, Mo. She loved fishing, baseball, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Survivors include her husband; her son: Keith; father: Charles and wife Emily of Harmony, Minn.; mother: Bernadine Kelly of Cresco; brothers: Rick (Gin) of Dilworth, Minn., Joe (Lori) of Lake City, Minn., Tim (Bev) of Rochester, Minn, and Tom (Renee) Morgan of Hamden, Conn.; sister: Mary (Harlan) Larson of Lime Springs; stepbrothers: Larry (Rosie) of Rochester, Dwight (Deb) of Harmony and Wayne (Deb) Scrabeck of Sandstone, Minn.; stepsister: Karen Scrabeck (Edward Dains) of Bend, Ore; many nieces and nephews; and her close friend, Jane Forliti.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Funeral services for Lauren H. Iverson of Cresco were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco. Interment was in Orleans Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Cresco.
Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Lauren, 80, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Lauren Harold Iverson was born Jan. 17, 1929 at home in LeRoy, Minn. the son of Grant and Marie (Haga) Iverson. He was baptized on Feb. 3, 1929 into the Christian Faith. At the age of two, the family moved to the family farm nine and one-half miles east of Cresco. Lauren was confirmed at Orleans Lutheran Church on May 23, 1943. He attended two years at Decorah High School, Junior and Senior years at Cresco High and graduated on May 29, 1947, a member of the National Honor Society.
On Oct. 18, 1950 he married Selma Benson at Orleans Lutheran Church. They farmed together for 17 years, and raised their seven children. They moved to New Hampton on July 3, 1973 where he constructed houses for a time before beginning to drive semi truck for Mel Reicks of New Hampton, Johnsrud in Cresco, and Beatrice out of Fredericksburg. He retired in 1993. In 1997 he began driving for Featherlite and retired from there after suffering a stroke on Oct. 13, 2005.
He is survived by his wife, Selma of Cresco; his children: Daryl of Jerico, Debbie (Larry) Peterson of Rochester, Minn., Deann (Galen) Staley of New Hampton, Doreen (Rodney) Ellingson of Cresco, Denise (Christian) Miller of Cresco, Darlene (Randy) Anderson of New Hampton, and David Iverson of New Hampton; 16 grandchildren: Brian (Jill) Peterson, Dean Peterson, Jason (Tami) and Justin (Marcy) Landswerk, Jennifer (Loren) Scheidel, Angeline Doyle, Jess (Nichole) Ellingson, Ross (Emily) Ellingson, Beth (Kory) Huber, Dana Kitchen, Jay (Britni) Anderson, Jill, Kelly, and Gayle Anderson, and Chelsey and Cody Iverson; two step grandchildren: Ben Staley and Teri Miller; great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Lauren Scheidel, Patrick, Collin and Campbell Landswerk, Hayden Landswerk, Rhiannon and Danielle, Adyson and Iver Ellingson and Grady Huber; two brothers: Alton (Ruthie) and Merlin (Carol); and Paco their Shih-tzu.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter-in-law: Cat Iverson.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Funeral services for Emma J. McGee of Raymond were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Raymond. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service. There was a 4:30 p.m. vigil service. Visitation continued at the church for one hour prior to services on Saturday.
Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service in Waterloo handled the arrangements.
Emma, 82, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 at Covenant Medical Center.
Emma Jean McGee was born March 12, 1927 in Cresco, the daughter of John and Vera (Burgess) Walton.
On Sept. 4, 1948, she married Willis J. McGee in Cresco.
She was employed with the Rath Packing Company for 27 years. Emma and her husband farmed near Raymond until retirement.
She is survived by her husband, Willis; one son: Francis "Fritz" (June) McGee of Cherokee, Okla; two daughters: Diane (Lloyd) Roberts of Chicago, Ill. and Jean (Vern) Baumhover of Overland Park, Kan.; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Emma was preceded in death by a daughter: Joan; and two brothers: Robert and Francis Walton.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 
Funeral services for E. Patrick "Pat" Minnick of Rockwell City were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rockwell City with Father Richard S. Ries officiating. Interment was in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Shieldsville, Minn.
Visitation was after 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the Palmer & Swank Funeral Home in Rockwell City with a parish rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a vigil service at 6 p.m.
Palmer & Swank Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Pat, 69, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.
Edward Patrick Minnick was born Oct. 23, 1940 at Minneapolis, Minn. Pat graduated from Cresco High School with the Class of 1958. He then graduated from Loras College in Dubuque.
On Aug. 10, 1963 he married Mary "Marty" Tourville at Elmhurst, Ill. Pat received a Specialist Degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and his Masters Degree from the University of Mankato. In 1972, the family established their home in Rockwell City. Pat worked for the Rockwell City Public School System as the High School Principal for seven years. From 1980 to 1996, he was a partner with Keith Insurance, and then in 1997 he served as the Executive Director of Calhoun County Development. In 2002, Pat retired from Midland Power Cooperative.
Pat was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, Rockwell City Rotary Club, Twin Lakes Golf Club, past Toastmasters award winner, Calhoun Co. Tree Planning Board, Foreign Exchange Program, and active in many other boards and committees.
Pat is survived by his wife Marty; daughters: Susan (David) Smith of Windsor Heights, and Jeanne (Michael) Beck of Minneapolis; sons: Edward (Valerie) Minnick of Urbandale, and Michael Minnick of London, England; seven grandchildren: Madeline, Patrick, Gavin, Lola, Haven, Finn, and Miles; and a sister: Colleen Voves of Cresco.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Catherine Dolores Hunter Minnick; and brothers: Michael and Kevin Minnick.
Posted on 5 November 2009 by Marie Thompson
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Funeral services for Marlys Loveless of Cresco are pending at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.
Marlys, 86, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at the Cresco Care Center.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 
Funeral services for Wayne K. Solomon of Cresco were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.
Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Wayne, 86, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at the Patty Elwood Center in rural Cresco where he had lived for the past two years.
Wayne Kenneth Solomon was born July 17, 1923 in Spencer, the son of Lloyd Sanford Solomon, Sr. and Myrtle Gertrude (Warren) Solomon.
Wayne graduated from Riceville High School, Riceville in 1942. On Jan. 15, 1943, Wayne was inducted into the United States Army at Camp Dodge, Iowa. He served in Italy during World War II as a heavy truck operator hauling supplies. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 4, 1946 at Camp Grant, Ill.
On Feb. 2, 1947, Wayne married Edith Marie Roberts in a double wedding ceremony with Wayne's brother, Lloyd S., Jr., and Edith's sister, Eleanor J., at the First Baptist Church in Cresco. Wayne continued to be an active member of the Baptist Church, serving in many capacities such as Moderator, Deacon, Trustee, Treasurer, Sunday school teacher and lay leader. Wayne was a long-time member of the New Hampton Gideon camp holding many positions with this organization.
Wayne had many jobs, farmer, hardware store employee, policeman, security guard but the one he took most pride in was Director of the Howard County Ambulance Service at Regional Health Services of Howard County. He had really found his nitch in life when he got this job. He often talked about his days at the hospital, the staff and doctors he loved to work with and the patients he took care of that became his friend as he helped care for them.
Wayne had several hobbies. He had a saw and knife sharpening business for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and made picture frames and small toys and yard ornaments. He enjoyed gardening and helping Edith can and freeze produce.
Wayne is survived by three children: Shirley and Dale Bigalk of Cresco, Sharon Solomon of Stewartville, Minn. and Kenneth and Wendie Solomon of Cresco; grandchildren: Donald and Jodi Kappes of Cresco, Jody and Lisa Bigalk of San Marcos, Calif.; Corey Baldwin of Cresco and the late Susan Baldwin; Michael and Deana Hayek of Rolfe; Angel Bigalk of Decorah; Jonathan and Francesca Hayek of Cresco; Shane Solomon of Washington, DC, Dustin Solomon of Rochester and Tim Solomon of Stewartville, Minn., Erin Solomon of Onalaska, Wis., James and Stacy Tumpach of Cottage Grove, Wis., Ron and Denise Rimer of Hillsboro, Ore., Kevin and Tanya Donlan of Decorah and Matt and Jessica Flanscha of New Hampton; great-grandchildren: Codey Hayek of Cresco, Cody and Kirsten Bigalk of San Marcos, Calif.; Alex of Pensacola, Fla., Bethany and Ca`Lee Blaess and Danielle Baldwin all of Cresco; Preston and Benjamin Hayek of Calmar; Dairian and Devin Rice-Hayek of Rolfe; Angelina, Emmalyn, William and Griffin Hayek of Cresco; Bailey, Brandon and Taylor Donlan of Decorah and Rebecca and Katelyn Flanscha of New Hampton; a nephew: Richard Solomon of Cresco; two nieces: Deborah Lamoreaux and daughters, Elizabeth and Kimberley of LaCrosse, Wis. and Bobbi Potter (Jim Tollefson) of Austin, Minn. and children Jamie (Carie) Hoppe, Ethan, Alexis and Austin, and Emmalee of Cresco; Jason (Alicia) Hoppe, Harley, Raven and Rayne-Drop of Ossian; Taylor and Katie Tollefson of New Hampton; many cousins; and a special friend: Leona Winterlin of Great Bend, Kan.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith, on Jan. 4, 2004; "daughter", Donna Donlan; granddaughter: Susan Baldwin; parents: Lloyd and Myrtle; a brother: Lloyd; a sister: Carol Ward; sister-in-law: Eleanor Solomon; two nephews: James Dean and David Carl Ward; wife's parents: Levi and Florence Roberts; and brother-in-law: Earl Roberts.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Funeral services for Ethel M. Dvorak of Cresco were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.
Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Ethel, 80, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco.
Ethel Mae Bigalk was born March 4, 1929, in rural Cresco, Winneshiek County, the daughter of Arthur and Luana (Peterson) Bigalk. Ethel was baptized in the Lutheran Church in Cresco and confirmed at the Greenfield Lutheran Church in rural Harmony, Minn. She attended rural school, Fremont #3 for her first eight years, and graduated from Cresco High School in 1947. She attended Luther College, Upper Iowa University, and the University of Northern Iowa, receiving a B.A. degree in elementary education. She taught 44 years, teaching in Winneshiek County (Nordness), Allamakee County (West Union Elementary), Howard County (Cresco) and Ridgeway Elementaries); she retired in 1991.
On July 22, 1956, she married Thomas Dvorak at the Fremont Lutheran Church in rural Cresco.
Throughout her years, she belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma (International), Retired School Personnel, Hospital Auxiliary, Legion Auxiliary, and Wa-Tan-Ye Service Club. Ethel was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she participated in Rebekah Circle, taught Sunday School for several years, and worked as a curriculum director.
Ethel helped organize the first girls' 4-H club in Fremont Township, Winneshiek County. "The Fremont Northern Stars" was organized in 1948.
Ethel enjoyed scrapbooking, reading, quilting, cross stitching, gardening, canning, cooking, and entertaining. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas of Cresco; a daughter: Brenda Mark of Cedar Falls; a son: Barry (Chris) Dvorak of Cedar Falls; a son-in-law: Kevin Wedeking of Charles City; six grandchildren: Gina (Mark) Arends of Cedar Falls, Sara Mark of Cedar Rapids, Kassy Wedeking of Chicago, Ill.; Kourtney Wedeking of Cedar Falls, and Anna and Abigail Dvorak of Cedar Falls; four great-grandchildren: Blake, Noah, Jace, and Alexis Arends; two brothers: Arlin (Wilma) Bigalk and Dean Bigalk both of Cresco; along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Luana Bigalk; a daughter: Sherry (Dvorak) Wedeking; brothers: Wayne and William Bigalk; a sister and brother-in-law: Doris and Tom Doughty; a nephew: Dan Doughty; a sister-in-law: Rosalie (Hagerr) Bigalk; and grandparents: Ole and Lena Peterson.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Funeral services for Anna Mae Davis of Lime Springs will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 at United Methodist Church in Lime Springs. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Anna, 103, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco.
Anna May Davis was born July 21, 1906. She attended public school in Lime Springs and graduated from Lime Springs High in 1923. Anna May attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon to study Public School Music Education, graduating in 1927. Anna shared her love of music through teaching in Lone Tree, Van Meter and Orange Township before taking a position teaching general music circa 1936 in Decorah. Anna May taught in the Decorah Public school system until 1971. She combined a passion of history and traveling by taking many bus trips throughout her life touring historical sites in the United States. Anna shared that same passion for history locally by serving as the curator of Lidtke Mill for 28 years, retiring from that position at the age of 98.
Anna was also well known in area as an expert genealogist. Anna May was a gifted musician that played the organ for the United Methodist Church in Lime Springs from the time of installation in 1922 on into the new millennium. Anna also possessed a love of horticulture and the outdoors. For many years the residents of Lime Springs enjoyed her beautiful gardens that she spent many hours tending. Anna May spent her final years resting (and still playing "Amazing Grace" on piano) at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Sandy Davis, Bob Davis, Martha (Davis) Blann, John Richard (Dick) Davis, Bill Davis, and Benita (Davis) Van Dyke; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Anna May was preceded in death by her parents: Morgan Benjamin Davis Sr. and Ella May (Pettit) Davis; her aunt: Belle Pettit; and her brothers: Morgan Benjamin Davis Jr. and Roland Davis.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Mass of Christian Burial for Georgine L. Berka of Cresco was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco with Rev. David Beckman officiating. The lectors were Rita Forker and Joe Wacha, servers were Devin Hyke and A.J. Shea, the gifts were carried by Don Berka, Doris Taylor and Debbie Hyke, and Eucharist Minister was Dan O'Brien. The organist was Wendy Schatz and the cantor was Katie Ferrie. Honorary pallbearers were: Kayla Hyke, Natalie Hyke, Tracy Leuchtenmacher and Elizabeth Shea. Pallbearers were: Kevin Carter, Andrew Wolfe, Josh Berka, Trevor Taylor, Tim Shea Jr. and Amanda Shea. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
Conway Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.
Georgine, 85, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.
Georgine L. Berka was born Oct. 2, 1924 in Paris Township, Howard County, seven miles northwest of Protivin, the daughter of Frank J. and Bessie (Landa) Praska. She attended the rural school near her home and following her education, she stayed on the farm and helped her parents with the farming chores.
On June 10, 1946, she married Joseph C. Berka at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin. They farmed for a few years east of Protivin and north of Saude. When they quit farming, they moved into Cresco and owned and operated a gas station. Joe and Georgine owned and operated J & G Hardware for a number of years. She also worked at the Howard County Hospital, cared for the elderly as a Home Aide and worked at the Cresco Meal site.
Georgine enjoyed bingo, going to the boat, knitting, crocheting, gardening, bowling and making kolaches which she sold to many different places. She especially liked having her grandchildren around. She made and decorated wedding cakes and received many blue ribbons at the Howard County Fair for her baking. She was a member of the Assumption and Notre Dame Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society for over 50 years. She was very devoted to the rosary of the Blessed Mother, was a Eucharist Minister at both church and nursing homes. Georgine was always willing to help out anyone at anytime. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by one son: Don Berka of Ridgeway; two daughters: Doris (Tom) Taylor of Versailles, Ky. and Debbie (Lester) Hyke of Cresco; 10 grandchildren: Kevin (Julie) Carter, Josh (Angie) Berka, Andrew (Jennie) Wolfe, Trevor (Amy) Taylor, Tim (Bonnie) Shea, Amanda Shea, Kayla Hyke, Natalie Hyke, Devin Hyke, Tracy Leuchtenmacher; nine great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and A.J. Shea; Beth, Kristina, Chance and Conner Carter; Delaney and Carter Wolfe; Thomas and Wyatt Taylor; two brothers: Leonard (Caroline) Praska of Cresco and Lester (Ruth) Praska of Calmar; one sister: Irene O'Brien of Lawler and special friends Bob Olson and Tim McConnell.
Georgine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Joe on May 19, 2009; and a son-in-law: Phil Wolfe.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Funeral services for Pastor Bill D. Sommerfelt of Cresco, formerly of Waterloo were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at Celebrations First Assembly of God Church in Waterloo. Cremation followed.
Public visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball in Waterloo handled the arrangements.
Bill, 44, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Ridgeway.
Bill D. Sommmerfelt was born Feb. 1, 1965 in Waterloo, the son of Delbert and Vivian (Domer) Sommerfelt.
On July 6, 1984 he married Cheryl Holst in Brandon.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl of Cresco; one son: Drew (Jennifer) Sommerfelt of Reinbeck; two daughters: Rachel (Eric) Opperman of Waterloo and Ashley Sommerfelt of Cresco; three grandchildren: Lexus Walker, Parker Opperman, and Gwenivere Sommerfelt; his parents: Delbert and Vivian Sommerfelt of Independence; three brothers: Terry (Laurie) Sommerfelt of Earlville, Brian (Linda) Sommerfelt of Houston, Texas and Traci (Brandy) Sommerfelt of Antioch, Ill.; one sister: Kimberley Sommerfelt of Independence; many nieces and nephews; and the family dog: Jada.
He was preceded in death by one brother: Wade Sommerfelt.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Funeral services for Orval F. Dybvik of rural Harmony, Minn. will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony. Interment will be in Greenfield Cemetery in Harmony.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Orval, 93, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.
Orval Francis Dybvik was born Aug. 18, 1916 in Winneshiek County, and attended Winneshiek and Howard County Schools.
On Sept. 20, 1938, he married Hazel Lunningdal of rural Cresco at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He was an active member of Greenfield Lutheran Church and treasurer of the Greenfield Cemetery Association. He enjoyed being a part of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's activities and lives. His special interests included his love of farming, caring for his miniature horses and "visiting". His positive attitude and sense of humor will be remembered by all who have known him.
Survivors include a son: John (Julie Andera) of rural Harmony; two daughters: Sharyl (Harlan) Haugen of Stewartville, and Connie (Leland) Hovey of rural Harmony; eight grandchildren: David (Cindy) Haugen of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Dan (Teri) Haugen of Prior Lake, Minn.; Dean (Pam) Haugen of Minneapolis, Minn.; Jed (Robin) Dybvik of Oxnard, Calif., Nola (David) Wradislavsky of Blooming Prairie, Minn.; Kelsey Andera of Cresco; Dawn (Regan) Kucera of Madison, Neb.; and Erin (Darrin) Ludwig of Elma; 14 great-grandchildren: Brian and Alexandra Haugen; Nate and Zach Haugen; Alyse and Lars Haugen; Tiffany and Mackenzie Dybvik; Garrett and Leighton Kubik; Kaylyn and Sidney Kucera; and Will and Grant Ludwig.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; an infant son: Daryl; a grandson: Christopher Hovey; his parents; and one sister.
Posted on 21 November 2009 by Marie Thompson
November 24, 2009  Funeral services for Amanda J. Peterson of Cresco were held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 at the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Mabel, Minn. with Rev. Mary Waudby officiating. Interment was in Trinity Lutheran Church cemetery in rural Mabel.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church.
Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel handled the arrangements.
Amanda, 25, died unexpectedly Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at her home.
Amanda Jo Peterson was born Nov. 2, 1984 in Decorah the daughter of Orlenn "O.P." and Signe (Onsgard) Peterson. She grew up in Canton, Minn. and attended the Mabel-Canton High School. She then attended NICC in Calmar for Early Childhood Development. In 2000 she moved to Cresco and had been working at Sue-Z-Q's Family Dining in Cresco. She was a loving and caring person who enjoyed her children and family. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, pictures, her many friends, and following the Green Bay Packers.
Amanda is survived by a daughter: Brooklyn and a son: Fredrick Stevenson of Cresco; her parents: Signe Peterson of Lansing and Orlenn "O.P." Peterson of Canton; a sister: Jody (Kevin) Robson of Cresco; a brother: Chad Duneman of Mabel; and two nieces: Amber and Abby.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
November 24, 2009
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita M. Schmitt of Fort Atkinson was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at St. John's Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Monsignor Donald Heineman and Rev. Robert Ament officiating. Mass servers were Emily Elsbernd, Amy and Mariah Schmitt. Jeanette Dietzenbach was the organist, Lynette Wheeler was the cantor and soloist and Karen Dietzenbach was the flutist. Songs sung were “Heart of Jesus, Hear”, “Be Not Afraid”, “Blessed Are They”, “Jesus Christ, Bread of Life”, “Open Our Eyes”, "Ave Maria" and “How Great Thou Art”. Lectors were Laura, John and Megan Schmitt, offertory giftbearers were Jeff Schmitt and Sheryl Becker. Pallbearers were: Scott Schmitt, Greg Schmitt, Brian Schmitt, Todd Schmitt, Andy Schmitt and Lucas Elsbernd. Interment was in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.
Schluter-Balik Funeral Home Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson handled the arrangements.
Rita, 86, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 at Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah.
Rita Marie Schmitt was born Oct. 2, 1923, the daughter of Albert and Barbara (Shindelar) Kuhn, near Calmar. She was the second of seven children. She attended St. Aloysius Catholic Church and School in Calmar and graduated from Calmar High School in 1941.
On Oct. 26, 1943, she married John E. Schmitt at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar. Together they farmed one mile southwest of Fort Atkinson for 43 years until they retired and moved into Fort Atkinson.
Rita was a member of St. John's Catholic Church. She was an active member of the choir helping with the directing and organ playing. She was a religion education teacher for 20 years, was in the lay ministry program and served as Parish Guild president. She was a member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters, the Catholic Daughters of America and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was known for her deep faith and the thousands of rosaries she made.
Rita's survivors include her nine children: David (Margaret) Schmitt of Zionsville, Ind., Mary (Ken) Dietzenbach of Waucoma, Mike (Diane) Schmitt of Cresco, Tom (Sandi) Schmitt of Winchester, Va, Paul (Bette) Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, Peter (Susan) Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, Carl (Terry) Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, Ann (Gene) Elsbernd of Fort Atkinson, and Jeanne (Larry) Neuzil of Spillville; along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jeff and Francis Schmitt, children: Ericka, Carter, Adam, Kathy and Kyle; John and Christine Schmitt, children: Alex, Anastasia and Allyson; Sheryl and Michael Becker; Tom, Michael and Karen Dietzenbach; Scott and Emily Schmitt, children: Hannah and Paige; Greg and Stacy Schmitt, children: Claire and Grace; Kimberly and Kristi Schmitt; Brian and Lynn Schmitt, children: Austin, Amanda and Eric; Laura Schmitt; Amanda and Brent Smith, child, Carter; Alissa and Travis Schissel; Todd, Sarah and Megan Schmitt; Willie and Brittany Schmitt; Andy, Ben, John, Amy and Troy Schmitt; Mariah and Jessica Schmitt; Lucas and Greta Elsbernd; Lynette and Tyler Wheeler, child: Isaiah; Melinda, Bethany, Molly and Emily Elsbernd; one sister: Therese Schmitt of Fort Atkinson; two brothers: Anthony (Colette) Kuhn of Cresco and Jerome (Carlene) Kuhn of New Hampton; four sisters-in-law: Anna Mae Kuhn of Calmar, Cordula Doucet of Caledonia, Minn., Rose (Merlin) Rilling of Fort Atkinson and Madonna Schmitt of Fort Atkinson; two brothers-in-law: Jim Bentz of Dubuque and Wilfred Dietzenbach of New Hampton; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband John on June 24, 1987; her parents: Albert and Barbara Kuhn; two brothers: Ray Kuhn in 1997 and Brother Sebastian Kuhn in 2009; one sister: Margaret Mary Bentz in 2004; three brothers-in-law: Alfred Schmitt, Roman Schmitt and Joe Doucet; and three sisters-in-law: Theola (Jim) Schaefer, Leona Dietzenbach and Coletta (Jacob) Busta.
November 24, 2009
Funeral services for Hedwig R. Kach of Cresco will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco. Interment will be in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco.
Friends may call today, Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco from 4-6 p.m. and also one hour prior to services at the church.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Hedwig, 95, died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 at the Eastern Star Home in Decorah.
Hedwig Rose Kach was born August 25, 1914 in Winneshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of Gottfried F. and Rosa (Brugger) Gerber. She attended rural schools through the eighth grade.
On Sept. 4, 1935 she married Milton Alfred Kach. In the fall of 1968, Milton and Hedwig retired from farming and moved to Cresco, where Hedwig worked part-time at the Cresco Bakery.
She is survived by her children: Shirley (Jerome) Erdahl of Cresco, Gloria Hove of Decorah, Gerald (Ann) Kach of Cresco, and Carol (John) Hove of Ridgeway; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton; her parents; two sisters: Anna Leitz, and Freida Huhe; two brothers: Samuel Gerber and Fred Gerber; son-in-law: Paul L. Hove; and a grandson: Kirk John Hove.
Posted on 25 November 2009 by Marie Thompson
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