North Central Iowa
Genealogical Society
Box 237
Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

Obituary Archive

Hancock County

Garner Leader
Garner IA
50438-1236

Britt News Tribune
Box 28,
42 Center Street West
Britt, IA
50423-1655
Kanawha Reporter

P.O. Box 190
Kanawha, IA
50447


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The NCIGS Hancock County Archive



Dorothy M. Farris, 1941-2003

August 13, 2003

Dorothy M. "Dotti" Farris, of Garner, died on Monday, August 4, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. She was 62.

Her memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, August 8, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Cataldo who accompanied vocalist, Connie Wubben and congregational hymns. Ushers were Fred Weiss and Rob Willms.

Honorary bearers were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy M. Farris, the daughter of William and Gladys (Shave) Wallace, was born on July 9, 1941 at Waseca, Minnesota. She grew up in New Richland, Minnesota, where she attended school. She continued her education later in life receiving a bachelor's degree in social work.

On November 18, 1964, she was married to Laverne "Sonny" Farris. They lived in southern Minnesota until 1967, when they moved to northern Iowa. In 1975, they moved to Garner. She worked at the Forest City Hospital, Concord Manor in Garner, Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt and Prairie Ridge in Mason City. Most recently, she was employed with the Hancock County Home Care.

Dotti enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, reading, computers and collecting dolls. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church where she was active in LWML, Bible study, divorce care and human care ministry.

She is survived by her husband, Sonny Sr., of Garner; 9 children, Diane Schmidt and husband, Jeff of Garner, Donna Saltou and husband, Randy of Glenville, Minnesota, Dawn Nedved and special friend, Melvin Wellik of Britt, Barb Parker and husband, Bob of Aurora, Colorado, Dan Farris and wife, Cheryl of Garner, Lori Winter and husband, Jim of Mankato, Minnesota, Kelly Ganseveld of Klemme, Sonny Farris Jr. and wife, Connie of Ventura and Nikki Flugum of Garner; 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are a brother, Dale Wallace and wife, Jen of New Richland, Minnesota; a sister, Rose Treadway and husband, Miles of Center Junction; and two sisters-in-law, Ilse Wallace of Blaine, Minnesota and Lorraine Wallace of Geneva, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and 2 brothers, James and Donnie Wallace.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Bert O'Neel, 1918-2003

August 13, 2003

Bert O'Neel, of Clarion, died on Wednesday, August 6, 2003, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. He was 85.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 9, at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion. The Rev. O. Donovan officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Willim Funeral Home of Clarion was in charge of the arrangements.

Bert O'Neel, the son of Carl LeRoy and Grace (Mahoney) O'Neel, was born on March 20, 1918 in Monticello, Minnesota. As a young child, Bert moved with his family to the Galt-Dows area where he attended school and graduated from the Dows High School.

On October 4, 1941, Bert O'Neel and Maxine Chapman were married at Princeton, Missouri. Living in rural Clarion for 50 years, they raised livestock and farmed over 500 acres. The couple continued to farm after moving to town in 1986.

Bert enjoyed hunting, trap shooting, woodworking and refinishing furniture. He enjoyed working with children and was a 4-H Leader for 20 years. The family hosted the State Mechanical Corn Picking Contest on the farm in 1963.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clarion and served several years as chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was involved in various church renovation projects and was responsible for the mowing and snow removal there for 30 years.

Survivors include his children, Carolyn Threlkeld and her husband, Dennis of Britt and Mitchell O'Neel and his wife, Barbara of Ankeny; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Phyllis Stupka of Clarion.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; his parents; and two brothers.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Jean S. Ambroson, 1919-2003

August 13, 2003

Jean S. Ambroson, 84, of Leland, died on Thursday, August 7, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 9, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, with the Rev. Jacqueline Swanson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Ruth Sheldon who accompanied a vocal duet of Greg and Rosemary Ambroson and congregational hymns.

Casket bearers were Randy Wass, Rick Wass, Greg Ambroson and Jason Ambroson. Burial was in the Forest Home Cemetery, Leland. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Jean S. Ambroson, the daughter of Clarence and Ida (Nonnweller) Evanson, was born on May 8, 1919 at Thornton. At an early age she moved with her family to Forest City where she graduated from high school in 1937.

On October 14, 1938, she was married to Arnold T. "Runt" Ambroson at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland. The couple lived in Leland all of their married life, where she raised their children and helped her husband farm. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting for her family.

She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, where she taught Sunday School and was active in the church circle.

She is survived by her husband, Runt Ambroson of Leland; a son, Vance Ambroson and his wife, Judy of Leland; a daughter, Debra Ward and her husband, Bill of Brighton, Colorado; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bernice Steltzner of Mason City; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Karen Boyd on August 3, 1987; a sister, Norva; and three brothers, Harry, Marshall and Richard Evanson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Accident Fatality

August 13, 2003

Eric Lee Grady of Britt, age 19, was fatally injured in a one vehicle accident Monday afternoon, August 11, 2003. The accident occurred 4 miles west of Klemme and 1/2 mile north on Oak Avenue in Hancock County.

Grady was driving a 1987 Volkswagen south on county gravel Oak Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle and rolled several times. A passenger in the car, Ryan Rosenstiel was treated and released at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Hancock County Sheriffs Office, Garner Ambulance, Garner Fire Department and West Hancock Ambulance.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Eric L. Grady, 1984-2003

August 20, 2003

Eric L. Grady, 19, of Wesley, died on Monday, August 11, 2003, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Funeral services for Eric Grady were held on Saturday, August 16, at the Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne High School in Corwith, with the Rev. John Bates officiating. Music was provided by pianist, Dennis Holmes who accompanied a congregational hymn and a special selection by the Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne students.

Casket bearers were Randy Waltman, Brandon Askeland, Mitch Johnson, Ryan Rosenstiel, Mike Grady and Jason Kunkel. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Wesley. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Eric, the son of Jerry and Theresa (Mausehund) Grady, was born on February 14, 1984, in Iowa City. He grew up in Wesley and graduated from the Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne High School with the class of 2003.

Eric was active in cross country, football, basketball and track at the Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne High School. He also attended the Wesley Youth Group while in high school. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Following graduation, Eric was employed with Hormel in Algona. He recently enlisted in the National Guard.

Eric is survived by his parents, Jerry Grady and his wife, Mindy of Rockford and Theresa Grady and Steve Earles of Wesley; sisters and brothers, Amanda Grady of Wesley, Kaylyn Earles of Meservey, James Grady of Waterloo, Taylor Earles of Wesley, Mitchell Grady of Rockford, Tanner Grady of Rockford and Colby Grady of Rockford; maternal grandmother, Veleta Mausehund and Rick Gremmer of Wesley; maternal grandfather, Larry and Sue Mausehund of Rudd; paternal grandmother, Delores Grady of Rockford; maternal step-grandparents, Chuck and Doris Earles of Britt; maternal great-grandmother, Mary Mausehund of Nora Springs; and many aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Gerald Grady; maternal great-grandfather, Herbert Mausehund; and maternal great-grandparents, Harvey and Velora Hansen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Donna V. Knoll, 1922-2003

August 20, 2003

Donna V. Knoll, of Belmond, died on Monday, August 11, 2003, at the Belmond Medical Center in Belmond. She was 80.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, August 14, at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Belmond, with the Rev. David Beckman and Deacon Nick Schmit officiating. Interment was in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Belmond. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorials to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas or to the donor's choice.

Donna (Gray) Knoll, was born on December 18, 1922, on the family farm at Stilson, rural Hancock County. She was the daughter of George and Evelyn Gray.

Donna was united in marriage to Lynn "Chappie" Knoll in September of 1942. The couple had 14 children, seven sons and seven daughters. Mrs. Knoll was dedicated to her family and making a home for her children. She was a substitute in the Belmond School District for 17 years.

In 1962, Lynn and Donna built and operated Lynn's Supper Club until their retirement in 1980. She was an active member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Rosary Society, and held leadership roles in the Right to Life Organization. She enjoyed golf, music, bridge, and working crossword puzzles when she wasn't spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her 14 children, Michael and wife, Claudla of Ossining, New York, James and wife, Kathy of Corpus Christi, Texas, Mary Luick, wife of the late Michael Luick of Belmond, Paul of Anaheim, California, John and wife, Roylene of Belmond, Dennis and wife, June of Catlin, Illinois, Kathryn Cahill and husband, Bill of Danville, Illinois, Patrice Whitty and husband, David of Lancaster, Wisconsin, Jeannie McWhorter and husband, Pat of Beeville, Texas, Kevin and wife, Deb of Belmond, Elizabeth Barrett and husband, Bernard of Belmond, Angela Olson and husband, Dennis of Belmond, Sherrie Kunecke and husband, Brad of Atchison, Kansas and Matthew and wife, Kim of Wesley; 55 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include five sisters, Ardys, Mary, Rita, Romona, and Joan; and two brothers, Paul and Jerry.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lynn in December of 1997; two sisters; three brothers; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Esther H. Meyer, 1909-2003

August 20, 2003

Esther H. Meyer, of Mason City, died on Wednesday, August 13, 2003, at the USA Healthcare Center, Mason City. She was 93.

Her funeral was held on Saturday, August 16, 2003, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Barb Mrosko. Ushers were Alvin "Pete" Hansen and Mike Duregger.

Casket bearers were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Esther Helena Meyer, the daughter of Herman and Adeline (Greinke) Lemke was born on November 27, 1909, on a farm near Garner. She was baptized on September 11, 1910, and confirmed June 1, 1924. Esther attended the rural schools of Hancock County.

On May 24, 1928, she was married to Harry E. Meyer at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. They farmed southeast of Garner until they retired in 1966 and moved to Mason City. The couple spent many of their winters vacationing in California. Esther enjoyed company giving her guests some of her crochet handiwork. She was a life long member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner.

She is survived by two sons, Dale Meyer (Shirley) of Kensett and Dean Meyer (Mardine) of Kensett; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Meyer of Rancho Cucamonga, California; a sister, Ruth Katter of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Rodger Maynes, Dan (Carol) Meyer, Sue Meyer, Ron (Terri) Meyer, Jeanine (Joe) Mistretta, Randy (Rhonda) Meyer, Tom (Mallssa) Meyer, Dennis (Kathy) Meyer, Barb (Lyle) Jass, Janet (Dave) Solberg, Doug (Pam) Meyer, and Sandy (Dave) Smith; great-grandchildren, Jon, Erin and Ryan Maynes, Michelle (Larry) Washington, Mike (Michelle) Meyer, Christy (Ken) Manaway, Jesseca (Denver) Coulter, Allison (Ruben) Ruiz, Julie Meyer, Rhianon, Morgan and Anthony Mistretta, Amanda, Corey and Colten Meyer, Ryan, Travis and Kristen Meyer, Ben (Morgan) Jass, Betsy Jass, Shannon, Shane and Jeremy (Gina) Solberg and Melissa, Nicole and Courtney Meyer, Connor and Sierra Smith; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Meyer on July 8, 1994; her son, Donald Meyer; a granddaughter, Linda Maynes; her parents; two sisters, Lisa Haes and Martha Heimendinger; and two brothers, Otto Lemke and Paul Lemke.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Carol L. Kline, 1935-2003

August 20, 2003

Carol L. Kline, 68, of Britt, died on Thursday, August 14, 2003, at the North Iowa Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services for Carol Kline were held on Tuesday, August 19, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Pastor Janet Wearda officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements,

Carol L. Kline, the daughter of Orvin and RuBee (Swanson) Friedow was born on August 5, 1935 in Forest City. Carol attended Britt Schools and graduated from the Britt High School with the class of 1953.

On July 17, 1955, Carol was united in marriage with Dennis Kline at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Carol was employed at the Britt News Tribune for over 20 years. She retired from PSI in Belmond in 1992. Carol served as a volunteer at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital following her retirement.

Carol was an avid reader. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, quilting, and beading. She also enjoyed traveling with the Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club, which she served as Secretary.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis; her children, Rick Kline and his wife, Mary of Monticello, Minnesota, Rhonda Bellard and her husband, Larry of Panora, Dan Kline and his wife, Pam of Britt, Denise Jakoubek and her husband, Doug of Britt and Dwight Kline and his wife, Jill of Stallings, North Carolina; grandchildren, Evan, Tony and his wife, Abbie, Tim, Travis, Reed, Lauren, Regan, Adam, Joshua, Danielle, Derica, Makali, Cooper, and Annabeth; and one brother, William Friedow of Britt.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Richard L. Jensen, 1949-2003

August 27, 2003

Richard L. Jensen, of Garner, formerly of Oelwein, died suddenly on Monday, August 18, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City. He was 54.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 22, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein. The Rev. Mark Beesley officiated. Interment will be at a later date. The Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home of Oelwein was in charge of the arrangements. A military memorial was held on Thursday at the funeral home.

Richard L. Jensen, was born on April 30, 1949 at Oelwein. He was the son of Floyd Everett and Wilma Lucille (Albert) Jensen. He graduated from the Oelwein Community High School in 1967 and from Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids in 1976. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the Navy.

On April 9, 1976, Richard Jensen married Susan Jean Fairchild at Oelwein. They later divorced. Mr. Jensen formerly owned and operated the Oelwein Dental Studio in Oelwein for many years. He was currently a dental technician in Garner. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garner and a former member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein. He was a member of the VFW in Garner.

Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth Jensen of Garner; two sons, Andrew Jensen and his wife, Rachel of Sacramento, California and Christopher Jensen of Ft. Hood, Texas.

Also surviving are three sisters, Annette (Mrs. Joseph) Moore of Hiawatha, Kay Jensen of White Sands, New Mexico and Sharon (Mrs. Duane) Johnson of Winfield; three brothers, Ronald Jensen and his wife, Virginia of Independence, Robert Jensen and his wife, Sue of Oelwein and Brian Jensen of Memphis, Tennessee; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Nieves Ochoa Sr., 1947-2003

August 27, 2003

Nieves Ochoa, of Des Moines, died on Thursday, August 21, 2003 at his home. He was 56. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 27, 2003, at the Sunset Funeral Chapel in Des Moines.

Nieves Ochoa was born on April 12,1947 in Hampton, to Larry Ochoa, Sr. and Mary Ochoa. Nieves enjoyed being a shade tree mechanic, fishing, spending time with his grand kids and watching his son race.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta Ochoa; his parents; daughter, Toni Pierce of Washington; sons, Nieves Ochoa Jr. of Buffalo Center and Thomas Ochoa of Des Moines; grandchildren, Joseph, Madeline and Abigail Pierce, Maisen, Avery, Daly, Cheyenne, Ethan and Meeah Ochoa; brothers, Larry Jr. of Florida, Mario of Mason City, Richard of Mason City, Leo of Garner, Louie of Ankeny, Carlos of California and Ev of California.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Elna H. Stearns, 1916-2003

September 3, 2003

Elna H. Stearns, 86, of Garner, died on Monday, August 25, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center, North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 28, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloist, Bill Renner and a congregational hymn. Ushers were Marvin Schoneman and Burke Haberkamp.

Casket bearers were Mike McNutt, Craig Molander, Jeff Molander, Brad Molander, Larry Matson, Bill Matson, Tom Murray and Bob Arhart. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Elna Harbison Stearns, the daughter of William and Christy (Ryan) Harbison, was born on November 5, 1916 at Whittemore. She grew up in Eagle Grove where she graduated from high school.

On January 21, 1948, she was married to Walter Stearns at her parent's home in Garner. Elna was employed by the Bell Telephone Company in Iowa for 45 years, retiring in 1981. Following retirement, she moved to Garner to be near her family. In 1990, she moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner. She enjoyed her family, her job and watching sports on TV.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner, Rebekah Circle and was a former member of the Homemakers Club and Eastern Star.

She is survived by four sisters and a brother, Enola Matson of Chicago, Illinois, Lorene Petty and husband, Jack of Hutchinson, Kansas, Reuel Pruyn and wife, Virginia of Hemet, California, Clare Molander and husband, Royal of Garner and Helene Maley and husband, Dale of Garner; two brothers-in-law, LeRoy Stearns and wife, Florence of Abilene, Texas and Rollo Stearns and wife, Cora of Eagle Grove; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Stearns in 1962; her parents; a brother, Willard Harbison; and two sisters, Jesse Wilson and Billie McNutt.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



William L. Hiscocks, 1931-2003

September 3, 2003

William (Bill) L. Hiscocks, 71, of Garner, died on Monday, August 25, 2003, at his home near Garner, surrounded by his family.

His funeral was held on Thursday, August 28, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Bennett Cepak was the lector. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir and soloist, Brandi Hiscocks. Ushers were Robert Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Casket bearers were Ryan Hiscocks, Emily Hiscocks, Scott Hiscocks, Erin Hiscocks, Michael Cepak, Natalie Cepak and Matthew Hiscocks. Riley Hiscocks was honorary bearer. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

William Lewis Hiscocks, the son of Robert Sr. and Mavis (Rapp) Hiscocks, was born on September 17, 1931 at Algona. He graduated from the Britt High School in 1949. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from November 19, 1952 to October 21, 1954.

On November 20, 1954, he married Irene Chizek at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt. They farmed near Britt until 1965, when they moved to a farm southeast of Garner. In addition to being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bill's friendly wave and quick wit ensured he never met a stranger.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Garner VFW and American Legion. Over the years he served on the following boards: Hancock County FSA, Hancock County tax review board, Ell Township Trustees, North Central FS board in Hampton, Garner Farmer's Co-op Society (President) and the Britt Farmer's Co-op Society. He was honored with a meritorious service award for his service as a 4-H Leader for the Elcon Indians. He was granted service awards from both the Ventura and Britt FFA chapters.

He is survived by his wife, Irene of Garner; four children, Kerry Hiscocks and wife, Denise of Ventura, Kathleen Cepak and husband, Bennett of Southlake, Texas, Mark Hiscocks of Garner and Rita Hiscocks of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Ryan Hiscocks and wife, Brandi, Emily and Erin Hiscocks, Michael and Natalie Cepak, Scott and Matt Hiscocks; and one great-granddaughter, Riley Hiscocks.

He is also survived by siblings, Bonnie Doughan, Don Hiscocks and wife, Gloria, Jon Hiscocks, Dean Hiscocks and wife, Marie, Judy Becker and husband, Mike; and in-laws, Lurene and Ken Pruitt (Alan), Dorothy Hiscocks (Robert Jr.), Kay Hiscocks (Monte), Dale Nielsen (Jane), and Steve Casperson (Nancy).

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Robert Jr., Monte, and Alan Hiscocks; two sisters, Jane Nielsen and Nancy Casperson; a sister-in-law, Beverly Hiscocks; and a brother-in-law, Gene Doughan.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Marie L. Hejlik, 1922-2003

September 3, 2003

Marie L. Hejllk, of Rockwell, formerly of Duncan, died on Tuesday, August 26, 2003, at her home following a short illness. She was 81.

A funeral Mass was held on Friday, August 29, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockwell, with the Rev. Craig E. Steimel officiating. Interment was in the St John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Fullerton Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Marie Lillian Hejlik, was born on May 28, 1922 near Duncan. She was the sixth child of ten children born to Frances (Wellik) and James Drabek. She attended school in Duncan.

On June 5, 1940, Marie Drabek was united in marriage to Raymond Paul Hejlik at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. The couple farmed in the Duncan/Britt area and were the parents of six children. They enjoyed polka music and spending their winters in Texas.

Marie served as a cook at the Newman Catholic High School for ten years. She retired from her position at the school in 1975.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart's Ladies Guild and the Senior Citizens of Rockwell.

Marie is remembered by her family as a fabulous cook. Her leisure activities and interests have included flower and vegetable gardening, canning, tending her strawberry beds, embroidery and quilting.

She is survived by her children, Arnold Hejlik and his wife, Bette of Rockwell, Ronald Hejlik and his wife, Mary of Nashville, Illinois, Kathleen "Kay" Kopacek and her husband, Donald of Britt, Darryl Hejlik and his wife, Suzanne of Fremont, Nebraska, Mari Batty and her husband, Dennis of West Liberty and Jerry Hejlik of Clear Lake.

Survivors also include a sister, Clara Malek and her husband, Ernest of Britt; her brother, William Drabek of Columbus, Wisconsin; 12 grandsons; 7 granddaughters; 9 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in February of 1993; her parents; two sisters and five brothers.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Ervin Harder, 1912-2003

September 3, 2003

Former Garner resident, Ervin Harder, of Ames, died on Tuesday, August 26, 2003, at the Riverside Manor in Ames. He was 91.

A private family service was held. Burial was in the Ames Municipal Cemetery. The Adams Funeral Home of Ames was in charge of the arrangements.

Ervin Harder, was born on July 8, 1912 at Keystone. He was the son of Henry and Mata (Krohnke) Harder. A graduate of the Keystone High School, he graduated from Iowa State University in 1934. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He received his Masters Degree in 1953. He married Rozella M. Stephenson on September 14, 1935 in Austin, Minnesota.

During his 36-year career in education, Ervin Harder served as elementary principal at the Garner-Hayfield Community School from 1958 until his retirement in 1978. Prior to accepting the position at Garner, he was Superintendent of Schools at Shellrock from 1948 to 1958. He taught at Central Webster and Goodell. He enjoyed coaching boys basketball and baseball.

Survivors include his wife, Rozella; a son, Stephen M. Harder of Ames; and two grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and one sister.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Marguerite Upmeyer, 1925-2003

September 10, 2003

Marguerite M. Upmeyer, 78, of Garner, died on Sunday, August 31, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Her funeral was held on Wednesday, September 3, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass and pianist, Mary Etherington who accompanied the church choir and congregational hymns. Ushers were Daryl Upmeyer, Dale Upmeyer and Ed Barkema.

Casket bearers were Neal Woiwod, Mark Waddingham, Chad Upmeyer, Matt Upmeyer, Blake Upmeyer, Tyler Upmeyer, Adam Upmeyer and Dwight Steege. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Chapel of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Marguerite Marie Upmeyer, the daughter of John A. and Mabel (Hein) Borchers, was born on May 22, 1925, on a farm west of Garner in Liberty Township. At the age of two, she moved with her family to a farm north of Garner. They lived there until the early 1930's when they moved into Garner due to her father's illness. Marguerite attended school in Garner until moving with her family to Bellevue, Nebraska, where she graduated from high school. She worked for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Omaha and the Martin Nebraska Bomber Plant. In March of 1946, she returned to Garner with her family.

On April 2, 1946, she was married to Gordon Upmeyer at the Methodist Church in Garner. They farmed southwest of Garner until retiring in the fall of 1973 and moving to their new home in Garner. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Marguerite was also proud of her Grandma Hein who lived to be 94 years old.

She was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, where she sang in the choir for over 40 years, taught Sunday School, was a member of the Women's Fellowship, serving as President three times and belonged to the Adult Bible Class. She was also a member of the O.N.O. Homemakers Club and sang in the Hancock County Chorus for many years.

Survivors include her three children, Kathy Woiwod of Garner and fiancée, Gary Zeitz of Welcome, Minnesota and her three children, Liz Waddingham and husband, Mark and their three children, Megan, Brooke and Ben of Garner, Neal Woiwod of Garner and Susan Steege and husband, Dwight and their son, Cole of Waverly, Doug Upmeyer and wife, Linda of Garner and their five children, Dr. Sara Upmeyer of Columbus, Missouri, Chad Upmeyer of Garner, Matt Upmeyer and Erica of Ankeny and Blake and Tyler Upmeyer of Garner, Ron Upmeyer and wife, Marcia of Garner and their two children, Adam Upmeyer and wife, Denise and their two children, Nicole and Jordan of Garner and Mary Nessert of Garner and her husband, Kirk of Ames.

Survivors also include a brother, Merlin Borchers and wife, Mary Lu of Garner; a sister, Betty Katter and husband, Lyle of Bend, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon on March 13, 2000; her parents; step-father, Earl Henschen; son-in-law, Arlo Woiwod on January 23, 1991; and grandson, Andy Upmeyer on April 20, 1992.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003

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