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



Helen E. Gates, 1917-2003


June 11, 2003

Hancock County native, Helen E. Gates, of Halsey, Oregon, died on Sunday, June 1, 2003, at the nearby Lebanon Community Hospital. She was 85.

A private family memorial service and interment will be held on Wednesday, June 18, at the Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California.

Helen E. Gates, was born on September 19, 1917 near Klemme. She was the third of four children born to parents, Daniel Isaac and Minnie Ellen (Males) Miller. She grew up in the Goodell, Garner, and Klemme areas. After graduating from high school, she married Lawrence Frederick "Bub" Gates on September 26, 1937 in Northwood.

They lived in Klemme before the family moved in 1942 to Reseda, California, where among other places Helen worked 15 years for J.C. Penney. She enjoyed going to dances with her husband, china painting and other crafts, sewing, and her neighborhood Canasta Club. Lawrence died in July of 1990. Four years later Helen moved to Halsey to live with her daughter.

Survivors include her son, Donald L. Gates of Redding, California; daughter, JoAnne Ehlert of Halsey; grandchildren, Ken, Debbie, Nick, Marty, Roxanne, and Cindy; and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; her sisters, Lucille Rickenberger, Doris Eagelston, and Evelyn Shahann; and grandson, Lawrence Frederick.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Ransom L. Allen, 1918-2003

June 25, 2003

Ransom L. Allen, 85, of Clarion, died on Thursday, June 5, 2003, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 9, at the Willim Funeral Home in Clarion. The Rev. Tim Platt officiated. Music was provided by organist, Gary Brandt and pianist, Alberta Kalkwarf. Loren Kalkwarf was the soloist.

Casket bearers were Doug Nelson, Brandon Allen, Mike Nelson, Janelle Dozier, Tyson Allen and Denise Johnson. Honorary bearers were Justen Allen, Stacey Meeuwsen, Angie Jenn, Whitney Allen, Danielle Humphrey, Curt Nelson, Joleen Arnold, Heather Allen, Vickie Watnemoe, Marty Kalkwarf, Dana Allen, Karen Jennings, Kaitlynn Allen and Meredith Kalkwarf. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Ransom L. Allen, was born on March 5, 1918 near Clarion. He was the son of Ira and Hazel (McOullugh) Allen. He attended country school south of Clarion.

Ransom was married to Evelyn Jensen on May 1, 1941 in Fort Dodge. The couple lived in and around the Clarion and Humboldt areas. In March of 1953, Ransom and his family moved to Kanawha, where he farmed until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ and a member of the NFO.

He became a resident of the Concord Care Center at Garner, in January 2003. In late May he was transferred to the Westview Care Center at Britt.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; three daughters, Beverly Nelson and her husband, Duaine of Britt, Donna Abels and her husband, Mike of Kanawha, Maxine Kalkwarf and her husband, Mike of Garner; four sons, Ronald and his wife, Sharon of Superior, Wisconsin, Roger and his wife, Judy of Britt, Keith and his wife, Kelly of Belmond and Mark and his wife, Jill of Belmond; 20 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by three brothers, Manson, Leo "Mac", and Merle of Eagle Grove; and two sisters, Esther Johnson of Fort Dodge and Florence Staelens of Port Byron, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ray; and three sisters, Evelyn Soren, Myrtle Hawkins, and Leona Barnes.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Raymond F. Young, 1928-2003

June 11, 2003

Raymond F. Young, 74, of Garner, died on Saturday, June 7, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

His funeral was held on Monday, June 9, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Lector was Mildred Young. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Special music was provided by Jeff Young and Missy Lackore. Gift bearers were Maynard and Barb Beyer. Ushers were Gene Dankbar, Larry Schisel and Homer Van Oort.

Honorary bearers were his brothers and sister. Casket bearers were Matthew, Keith and Alex Faulken, John Young, Alan Young and Daniel Young. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Raymond Francis Young, the son of Rudolph John and Mary (Simper) Young, was born on September 19, 1928, on a farm west of Garner. He attended country school until the eighth grade and graduated from the Garner High School in 1946. Following high school, Ray worked in construction in the Garner area.

On April 24, 1951, he married LoEtta M. Hanson at the St. Boniface Catholic Church. He served his country in the Marines during the Korean Conflict being stationed in Japan. After his discharge, he returned to Garner and started his own construction business, Ray Young Construction, which he continued until his retirement. He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Garner VFW and American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, LoEtta of Garner; three children, Marcia Faulken and her husband, Bruce of St. Paul, Minnesota, Steven Young and his wife, Renee of Oakland, California and Janel Lau and her husband, Robert of Klemme; seven grandchildren, Matthew Faulken and his wife, Nicole, Keith and Alex Faulken, Elizabeth and Stefanie Young and Jacquelyn and Teressa Lau.

Also surviving are six brothers and a sister, Anthony Young and his wife, Mary of Garner, Mary Ann Stupka of Garner, Robert Young and his wife, Mildred of Garner, Francis Young of Garner, Elmer Young of Garner, Carl Young and his wife, Dianne of Garner and Richard Young and his wife, Sandy of Garner; an aunt, Ann Falada and her husband, Francis of West Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Raymond Stupka; and two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Young and Shirlene Young.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Cynthia C. Lynch, 1954-2003

June 18, 2003

Former Garner resident, Cynthia C. Lynch, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died on Saturday, June 7, 2003 at her home.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 11, at the Philippian Church of God in Christ in Colorado Springs. Private prayer services will be held at Garner at a later date.

Cynthia Charlene (Risius) Lynch, was born on November 15, 1954, to Donald and Barbara (Smith) Risius. She graduated from the Garner-Hayfield High School in 1972.

After graduation, Cindy married Dennis Long and moved to Mason City. There they brought five children into their family. They later moved to Norwalk and eventually to Colorado. The couple divorced.

Cindy later married Allan Lynch and worked as a loan officer in Colorado Springs. She enjoyed crafts, fishing, the Denver Broncos and especially her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Allan Lynch; mother, Barb Nonnweiler and husband, Robert of Garner; father, Donald Risius and wife, Beverly of Marshalltown; sons, Allan, Joseph, Jim and Todd Long and daughter, Crystal, all of Colorado; grandchildren, Devon and Victoria Long of Colorado.

Also surviving are her sisters, Diana Ausborn of Colorado Springs, Bonnie Ausborn and husband, Kenneth of Garner and Christine Nonnweiler of Clear Lake; brothers, Don Risius and wife, Debora of Garner and Todd Risius and wife, Jane of Russelville, Arkansas; also seven step-brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Wayne E. Hollatz, 1928-2003

June 11, 2003

Wayne E. Hollatz, 84, of Ventura, died on Sunday, June 8, 2003, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. He was 84.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 12, at the St. John's Lutheran Church northeast of Garner, with the Rev. Carl Hedberg and the Rev. Scott Kozisek officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Mrs. Louise Boehnke who will accompany soloist, Doug Hayes and congregational hymns. Ushers will be Gene Toppin and Wayne Toppin.

Casket bearers will be Butch Kozisek, Kevin Kozisek, Larry Dietrich, Jerry Hall, Dave Luscomb and Roger Schmidt.

Burial will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church.

Wayne Edward Hollatz, the son of Edward and Anna (Park) Hollatz, was born on July 17, 1918, on a farm near Ventura. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church. He attended St. John's Parochial School and graduated from the Ventura High School in 1936. After high school, he farmed and hauled livestock.

On September 10, 1941, he married Lois Luella Latch at the St. John's Lutheran Church. They lived on a farm west of Ventura. He became a resident of the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake in January of 1999. Wayne enjoyed visiting with friends, fishing, collecting treasures and taking care of animals. He was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church and served on the cemetery committee.

Survivors include a brother, August (Tom) Hollatz and his wife, Barbara of Clear Lake; a sister-in-law, Doris Luscomb of Clear Lake; several nieces and nephews; many cousins and other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois on November 19, 1999; his parents; a brother, Everett Hollatz; a sister, Vivian Hollatz; and a niece, Ann Park.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Arlo F. Sienknecht, 1922-2003

June 18, 2003

Arlo F. Sienknecht, of Garner, died on Sunday, June 8, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. He was 80.

A memorial service was held on Monday, June 9, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. A flag presentation will be conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Arlo Fred Sienknecht, the son of Fred and Laura (Goettsch) Sienknecht, was born on August 20, 1922 near Beaman, Iowa. He graduated from the Gladbrook High School in 1939 and the American Institute of Business in 1942. On November 20, 1942, he entered the U.S. Army and served his country in World War II as a pilot in the European Theatre. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945.

On August 25, 1948, he married Opal Arlene Stauffer. They lived in Lincoln, Iowa, until 1962 when he became the manager of the Farmer's Co-op in Garner. In 1967, he purchased the Garner Farm Supply Store, which he continued to own and operate until retiring in 1993. He was an enthusiastic pilot, golfer and baseball fan.

He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, Garner Lions Club and the Garner VFW and American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Opal of Garner; two sons, Gay Stauffer of Waterloo and Richard Stauffer of Seattle, Washington; two brothers, Leon Sienknecht of Gladbrook and Wayne Sienknecht and his wife, Mae of Gladbrook; two grandchildren, Jodi Murray and her husband, Bill of Wenatchee, Washington and Jay Stauffer of Portland, Oregon; three great-grandchildren, Alex, Matthew and Jessica; a sister-in-law, Ellen Sienknecht of Gladbrook and a friend, Marlene Stauffer of Portland, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clayton and Vincent Sienknecht; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou and Bernice Sienknecht.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Alfred B. Malek, 1924-2003

July 30, 2003

Former Hancock County resident, Alfred B. Malek, of El Cajon, California, died on Wednesday, June 11, 2003. He was 79.

Funeral services were held at the St. John Lutheran Church at El Cajon. Burial was in the Singing Hills Memorial Park.

Alfred Bernard Malek, was born on January 14, 1924 near Hayfield. He was the son of Mike and Mayme Malek. He made is home in El Cajon for 40 years, where he did construction and carpentry work. Mr. Malek and his wife, June had three children, Gayle, Corine and Danny.

He is survived by a sister, Rose Geddes of Garner; a brother, Larry Malek of Dodgeville, Wisconsin; and many nephews and nieces in Chicago and Iowa.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Julius H. Knop, 1906-2003

June 18, 2003

Julius H. Knop, of Garner, died on Friday, June 13, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner. He was 97.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 16, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. The Rev. Robert Bronson officiated. Chris Knop was the lector. Music was provided by organist, Barbara Mrosko who accompanied soloist, Beverly Cataldo and congregational hymns. Doug Phinney and Rob Minims ushered.

Honorary bearers were Leeza Phinney, Julie Livingston, Mona Mimms, Denise Hiscocks, Kim Wilson and Karen Leslie. Casket bearers were Greg Knop, Chris Knop, Mark Knop, Ronald J. Knop, II, Todd Knop and Lee Knop. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner.

Julius Herman Knop, the son of Gustav and Bertha (Schauland) Knop, was born on February 5, 1906, on a farm west of Ventura. He was baptized at the St. John's Lutheran Church near Garner. He attended school at St. John's Parochial School and Hamilton Business College in Mason City.

On August 2, 1927, he married Emma Rose Rayhons at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Rectory in Duncan. The couple farmed east of Garner until 1955, when they retired and moved into Garner. Julius passion for life was exhibited in his woodworking, which he shared with family and friends. He enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, family and friends. His home was always open to share his love for the Lord with all who entered. Julius became a resident of the Concord Center in May of 1992, where his ministry continued. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner.

Survivors include his three sons, Harold Knop and his wife, Ruth of Ventura, Ronald Knop and his wife, Wilma of Ventura and Kenneth Knop and his wife, Virginia of Houston, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Survivors also include two sisters-in-law, Rose Kopacek and her husband, Vincent of Britt and Agnes Rayhons of Garner; a niece, Charlotte Kaster and her husband, Dick of Ventura; and a nephew, Dick Clapper and his wife, Carolyn of Ventura.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma on November 11, 1995; his parents; an infant granddaughter, Cheryl Knop in 1951; and a sister, Alma Clapper and her husband, Lyle.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Duane F. Severson, 1927-2003

June 18, 2003

Duane "Dewey" F. Severson, 76, of Garner, died on Saturday, June 14, 2003, at his home surrounded by his family.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 17, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Lectors were Mike Teigland and Larry Gilbert. Eucharistic minister was Jim Klein. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Marvin and Lawrence Engstler. A flag presentation ceremony was conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Interment was in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery Columbarium in Mason City. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the St. Boniface Catholic Church Building Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.

Duane Franklin Severson, the second of three children of Henry and Helen (Kudej) Severson, was born on April 29, 1927, on a farm near Kanawha. He graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1945. Dewey served his country in the U.S. Army during WW II being stationed in Japan.

On June 8, 1954, he married Helen Engstler at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They made their home in Garner where Dewey was employed by the Hancock County Co-op Oil Association for 37 years. The couple also owned and operated the "R" Motel in Garner for 12 1/2 years. He enjoyed his retirement with his family and friends. Dewey and Helen wintered in Weslaco, Texas, where he spent time with and helped the less fortunate in Progresso, Mexico.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner and the Garner VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Helen of Garner; three children, Pat Gilbert and her husband, Larry of Slater and their three children, Angi, Nicholas and Stephanie, Kathy Teigland and her husband, Mike of Clear Lake and their four children, Anna and her husband Lance, Michael, Laura and John and Mary Klein and her husband, Jim of Le Mars and their four children, Matt, Michelle, Nathan and Emily; a sister-in-law, Gene Severson of Sioux City; and a brother-in-law, Don Benson of Marshalltown; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald Severson; and a sister, Marilyn Benson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Laurine Rasmus, 1927-2003

June 18, 2003

Laurine Rasmus, of Garner, died on Saturday, June 14, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. She was 76.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 18, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating. Music will be provided by Beverly Cataldo.

Casket bearers will be Michael Hegland, David Hegland, Timothy Hegland, James Hegland, Ross Hannam and Ryan Hannam. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Laurine Mata August Rasmus, the daughter of Grover Oscar Lawrence and Dorethea Marie (Eske) Halverson, was born on March 8, 1927 at St. Ansgar. She was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar by Pastor Paul Brammer. She attended school at St. Ansgar and was valedictorian of her high school graduating class of 1945. She received her lab and X-ray technician degree from the Minnesota Institute of Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

She was united in marriage to Wayne Eldon Rasmus on March 25, 1951, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, by the Rev. H. C. Walters. For all 52 years of their married life they resided in Garner, where she was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Laurine held several different jobs during her life time. She first worked as an X-ray and lab technician at the Forest City Municipal Hospital and as a bookkeeper for Yohn Ready Mix in Garner. She was also employed by Drs. Clapsaddle, Dankel and Brownstone in Clear Lake. In her later years, she worked at the Second Hand Shop in Garner and spent many hours baby-sitting for several area families.

Laurine enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She shared her afghans and sweaters with family members. Her two dogs, Keisha and Mitsi, were her pride and joy. She was an avid Yankee fan who felt there wasn't a valid World Series unless the Yankees were playing. She also enjoyed following her nephews' and nieces' athletic events. She followed the St. Ansgar Saints, UNI Panthers and Seattle Seahawks.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne of Garner; a sister, Dorothy Hegland of St. Ansgar; a brother-in-law, Warren Rasmus and his wife, Helen of Garner; and a sister-in-law, Arlene Rasmus of Garner; several nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Wilmer; and two brothers-in-law, J. W. (Bill) Hegland and Dean Rasmus.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Helen G. Thorson, 1915-2003

June 25, 2003

Helen Gaye Thorson, 87, of Kanawha, died on Thursday, June 19, 2003, at the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 23, at the Kanawha Lutheran Church, Kanawha. Janelle Siffring, AiM, officiated. Music was provided by organist, Twila Schroeder who accompanied vocalist, Pat Hartwig and congregational hymns. Bill Dahl and Dudley Johnson ushered. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Kanawha was in charge of the arrangements.

Casket bearers were Larry Cooper, Larry Anderson, Arlan Anderson, Randy Yeakel, Jayson Keiper and Roger Hansen.

Helen, the daughter of Edwin and Marie (Johnson) Varo, was born on October 18, 1915 in Wright County. She attended country school and graduated from the Kanawha High School.

She was united in marriage to Oren (Buryl) Thorson of Elmore, Minnesota in 1935. Most of their married life was lived in Kanawha.

Helen was baptized and confirmed at the Kanawha Lutheran Church and was a member of the Mary Friendship Honor Circle. She was also an honorary member of the Norway Telephone Company where she served on the telephone board. Helen had a love for office work and served as the Kanawha School Board Secretary for 25 years.

Survivors include a son, Gary and his wife, Carmin of Garner; three grandchildren, Todd and his wife, Jill of Lake Mills, Tara of New Hope, Minnesota and Tim and his wife, Erica of Des Moines; two great-grandchildren, Makenzie and Dalton Thorson of Lake Mills; a sister, Ruth Johnson of Banning, California; a brother-in-law, Abe Thompson of Las Vegas, Nevada; and nephews and nieces.

She preceded in death by her husband, Buryl in August 2000; her parents; and a sister, Lois Thompson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Services Held For Schiele Infant

June 25, 2003

Private family services for Cory Ray Schiele, infant son of Jeni and Lance Schiele of West Branch, were held on Friday, June 20, 2003, at the Downey Cemetery in Downey.

Corey was born on Wednesday, June 18, 2003. He weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces and was 14 inches long.

He is survived by his parents, Jeni and Lance Schiele; a brother, Brett; his grandparents, Teri Kayser of Garner, Janann Schiele of Coralville and Howard Kayser of Garner; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Jerry H. Stroud, 1937-2003


July 2, 2003

Jerry H. Stroud, of Malden, Illinois, died on Monday, June 23, 2003, at his home. He was 66.

Funeral services for Jerry Stroud were held at the Norberg Memorial Home of Princeton, Illinois, on Wednesday, June 25. The Rev. Brian Moore officiated. Services were also held on Saturday, June 28, at the Thurman Funeral Home of Norborne, Missouri. Burial was in the Fair Haven Cemetery at Norborne.

Jerry H. Stroud, was born on April 17, 1937 at Corvallis, Oregon. He was the son of Ernest H and Thelma Nadine (Jones) Stroud. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955, graduating first in the Signal Corp, Radio Operators School. He was stationed in Japan as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged in 1957. He married Anabelle McCumber on June 21, 1958 in Norborne.

He began a 34-year career in the agriculture seed business as a Research Assistant with PAG in Carrollton, Missouri. He went into seed corn sales with PAG and transferred to Garner. He was also employed by the Rudy Patrick Seed Co. and the North American Plant Breeders, K-Products of Orange City, and Agri-Pro-NAPB. He retired in 1991. He received various awards and honors during his career and was appointed to the President's Advisory Council of NAPB.

Jerry was involved in Boy Scouts, 4-H and the Jaycees, serving as President of the Garner Chapter. He received many awards in bowling. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Carrollton.

Survivors include his wife, Annabelle Stroud of Norborne; two sons, Keith Stroud of Princeton, Illinois and Randell B. Stroud of Malden; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his mother, Nadine Pryor of Richmond, Missouri; and one sister, Patricia Bates of Norborne.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Stroud; one brother, Larry E. Stroud; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Services For Kyle Hejlik

July 2, 2003

Kyle Steven Hejlik, infant son of Donald and Sarah (Wubben) Hejlik of Britt, died on Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Private family graveside services were held at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Other family members include two sisters and a brother, Alysa, Jacob and Rachel Hejlik; paternal grandparents, Gary and Sally Hejlik of Britt; maternal grandmother, Rosella Wubben of Thompson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Sidney Wubben.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Opal M. Hamilton, 1916-2003

July 2, 2003

Opal M. Hamilton, 87, of Garner, died on Sunday, June 29, 2003, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Her funeral was held on Tuesday, July 1, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Dan McCormick was the lector. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Robert Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Casket bearers were Jeff Honken, Alyssa Nelson, Jason Hamilton, Jesse Hamilton, Jacob Hamilton and Cole Christianson. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Opal Marvea Hamilton, the daughter of Clarence and Edna Josephine (Lovick) Monson, was born on June 6, 1916 at Crystal Lake. She attended and graduated from the Crystal Lake High School.

On October 1, 1938, she was married to Verner James Hamilton at the St. Boniface Catholic Church Rectory in Garner. They lived in Garner their entire married lives. She loved music, animals and being around people.

Opal was an active person and enjoyed being a member in many clubs and organizations in Garner. She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society, Garner VFW Auxiliary, Garner Senior Citizens, Bridge Club, 500 Club, Hand and Foot Card Club and the Knitting Club. She knitted mittens and caps for the RSVP group and was recognized for this effort.

Survivors include her three children, Marvea Smidt and her husband, Ron of Britt, Laurel Christianson and her husband, Mark of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Timothy Hamilton and his wife, Darla of Belmond; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verner "Ham" Hamilton; her parents; a grandson, Matthew Todd Honken; a sister, Sadie Huisinga; and a brother, Marlen Monson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Ronald E. Bredlow, 1927-2003

July 9, 2003

Ronald E. Bredlow, of Garner, died on Sunday, June 29, 2003, at his home in Garner. He was 76.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 3, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David H. Wagner as officiate. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied a vocal duet of Tom and Bill Renner and a congregational hymn. Marvin and Maynard Schoneman ushered.

Casket bearers were Jon Wellik, Dustin Bredlow, Kelly Bredlow, Alan Bredlow, Denis Bredlow, Ronald Millard and Jay Henry. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Ronald Eugene Bredlow, the son of Franklin Arthur and Julia C. (Borchers) Bredlow, was born on June 24, 1927, on a farm near Garner in Liberty Township. He attended Liberty Township School #2 and then the Garner High School graduating in 1944. Ron farmed with his parents for several years.

On March 5, 1950, Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Railsback at the United Methodist Church in Garner. They bought and farmed the family farm until 1967. They moved into Garner where he worked for Yohn Ready Mix for several years. He also worked at the Farmer's Cooperative Society and later for Land O'Lakes. He served as a Hancock County Magistrate for five years, retiring in 1992.

Ron was a life long sports enthusiast with a strong interest in local, area and national sporting events. He especially enjoyed the achievements of his family. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, bird watching and gardening.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, served as an usher and was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a past President and former member of the Garner Lions Club. He was on the membership committee of the Farm Bureau and had served as a 4-H Leader.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Marilyn; four children, Jane Wellik and her husband, Maynard of Humboldt and their two children, Michelle Henry and her husband, Jay and their children, Kayla and William and Jon Wellik and his wife, Mindy and their son, Zane; Gerry Bredlow and his wife, Jodie of Spencer and their three children, Dustin and his friend, Karla Schuldt, Kelly and Ashley; Chuck Bredlow and his wife, Tami of Altoona, and their two children, Katie and Courtney; and Jill Cook and her husband, Steve of Algona, and their three children, Megan, Molly and Emily.

Also surviving are three sisters, Lorain Bredlow of Clear Lake, Marjorie Millard and her husband, Bill of Perry, Missouri and Sheryl Peterson of Clear Lake; two sisters-in-law, Viola Bredlow and Mildred Bredlow, both of Garner; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Bredlow; his parents; three brothers, Glen Bredlow, Marvin Bredlow and LeRoy Bredlow; and a brother-in-law, Larry Peterson; and a sister-in-law, Hazel Bredlow.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003

 

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