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



Evelyn Severson, 1921-2003


October 8, 2003

Evelyn M. Severson, of Leland, died on Wednesday, October 1, 2003, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt. She was 82.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date at the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland. There will be no visitation. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Evelyn Marie Severson, the daughter of Wilford and Anna (Chose) Johnson, was born on August 3, 1921, on a farm in Winnebago County. She attended the Jensen Country School near Lake Mills. On August 3, 1940, she was married to Edward Irving Severson at Scarville. They lived in Leland where she was a homemaker.

In 1999, she moved to the Concord Care Center in Garner. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland and the Ladies Aid.

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Rosalee Severson of Jefferson; two granddaughters, Brenda Severson of Newton and Vicki Warman and husband, Dave of Scottsdale, Arizona; and two great-grandchildren, Jamie and Brandon Warman.

Also surviving are three brothers and a sister, Arthur Johnson and companion, Sophie of Des Moines, Roger Johnson and wife, Janice of Hayfield, Duane Johnson and wife, Virginia of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Sharon Leegaard of Barrett, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ed on February 25, 1985; and her son, Don on September 11, 2003.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Harold P. Juhl, 1923-2003

October 15, 2003

Harold P. Juhl, of Garner, died on Friday, October 10, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City. He was 80.

His funeral was held on Monday, October 13, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Paul Boehnke who accompanied soloist, Jim Abrahamson and congregational hymns. Ushers were Alvin "Pete" Hansen and Al Voss.

Casket bearers were Glen Juhl, Bryce Juhl, Dick Quayle, Harley Branstad, Gary Beers and John Boehnke. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Harold Peter Juhl, the son of Peter and Ethel (Erickson) Juhl, was born on July 25, 1923, on a farm northwest of Garner. At an early age, he moved with his family to Miller, South Dakota. In 1934, the family returned to the Garner area where Harold attended country school. Following his schooling, he farmed with his father near Miller.

On February 17, 1951, he married Elnora Wrede at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. They farmed north of Garner until retiring in 1988. In November of 2001, Harold moved to the Concord Care Center in Garner. He enjoyed visiting with people.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he had served as a Deacon, financial secretary and trustee. He also had served on the board of the Farmer's Coop Society in Garner.

Survivors include his wife, Elnora of Garner; a brother, Ralph Juhl and wife, Emma of Garner; sisters, Anna Mae Beers and husband, Warren of Ventura, California, Fern Branstad and husband, Hubert of St. James, Minnesota, Lorraine Quayle and husband, Robert of Forest City; a sister-in-law, Edna Boehnke of Edina, Minnesota; a brother-in-law, George Wrede of Chesapeake, Virginia; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lawrence Juhl; sisters-in-law, Ruby Juhl Jante and Gloria Wrede; and a brother-in-law, George Boehnke.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Alvina J. Helps, 1907-2003

October 22, 2003

Alvina Jennie (Buss) Helps, age 96, a life long resident of the Klemme area, died on Saturday, October 11, 2003, at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 14, at the Klemme United Methodist Church in Klemme. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Music was provided by organist, Madelyn Priebe who accompanied soloist, Steve Schmidt and several congregational hymns. Duane Pringnitz and Arlyn Waddingham ushered.

Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Everett Guth, Clarence "Dick" Gilpin, Jeff Hinman, John Haugen, Robert Hinman and John Schwichtenberg.

Alvina Buss, was born on July 25, 1907, on a farm east of Klemme. She was the daughter of Elko and Jennie (Harberts) Buss. She attended and graduated from the Garner High School. She taught rural school in Avery Township for several years.

On April 14, 1933, she was united in marriage to Dwight H. Helps at Klemme. Following their marriage, the couple farmed and raised their family east of Klemme. Following retirement in 1960, they moved into the town of Klemme. They enjoyed wintering in Texas.

In addition to farming with her husband, Alvina was a life long homemaker. Favorite pastimes included sewing, quilting and doing beautiful handiwork. She enjoyed music and in earlier years had played the piano. Alvina was an excellent cook and baker. She enjoyed gardening.

She was a member of the Klemme United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Methodist Women's Society. She was a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center for the past four years.

Survivors include two daughters, Eunice Broer and her husband, Lowell of New Providence and Jo Ann VerHelst and her husband, Russell of Klemme; a son, Raymond and his wife, Esther of Klemme; ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Winnie Buss and Dorothy Pringnitz.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Dwight on April 28, 1996; son, Stanley; daughter-in-law, Sylvia Krabbe; three brothers, Rank, Harry and Edgar Buss; two sisters, Hazel Johnson and Gail Becker; and two infant brothers, Franklin and Francis.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Mark Damish, 1966-2003

October 22, 2003

Former Garner resident, Mark D. Damisch, 37, of Arlington, Virginia, died on Sunday, October 12, 2003, as a result of fatal injuries he sustained in a plane accident near Queen Anne, Maryland. He had been flying aerobatic maneuvers in preparation for an upcoming International Aerobatic Club competition.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated for Mark Daniel Damisch at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 25, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tama> with the Rev. Keith Birch officiating.

Burial will be in the St Patrick's Cemetery in Tama, with military honors provided by the Reinig-Fredrich American Legion Post #72, of Toledo. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 8:00 p.m., on Friday, October 24, at the Hand Funeral Home in Tama. The family will be present to greet friends from 5-8:00 p.m.

A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the chapel of the Hand Funeral Home, Tama. A memorial service will be held at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. on November 8. A memorial fund is being established.

Mark Daniel Damisch, was born on April 30, 1986 in Lincoln, Nebraska. His family moved to the Cedar Rapids area. In 1976, his family moved to Garner, where Mark graduated from the Garner-Hayfield High School in 1984 and later from the United States Naval Academy in 1988. He served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot and flight instructor until 1996. He was employed as a computer consultant in Arlington, Virginia. He also served as a pilot in the United States Naval Reserve until 1999, at which time he left as a Lieutenant Commander.

At the time of his death, Mark was employed as a computer consultant at MergeGlobal in Arlington, Virginia. Mark had a passion for aerobatic flying. He recently started skydiving as a hobby.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Damisch, Jr.; his grandfathers, Charles Damisch, Sr. and BerDell DuToit; and a cousin, Martin Sebesta.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Damisch of Toledo; a brother, Terry and his wife, Wendy of Victor; a brother, Ron Damisch and his wife, Gwen of Marengo; a sister, Brenda Damisch of Urbandale; a brother, Kevin Damisch of Cedar Rapids; his grandmothers, Elsie Damisch of Cedar Rapids and Elsie DuToit of Toledo; and seven nieces and nephews.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Valeria V. Bridges, 1912-2003

October 22, 2003

Valeria Varna Bridges, a life long resident of the Klemme area, died on Thursday, October 16, 2003, at the Concord Care Center in Garner. She was 91.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 21, at the Klemme United Methodist Church in Klemme. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Music was provided by Madelyn Priebe, who accompanied soloist, Bev Thorson and congregational hymns. Randy Ridder and John Schwichtenberg ushered.

Casket bearers were Rocky Dippel, Todd Whitman, Andrew Lien, Lyndal Olson, Kevin Gardner and Shane Bridges. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorials to the Klemme United Methodist Church or to the donor's choice.

Valeria V. Koerner, was born on September 6, 1912 in Klemme, the daughter of Albert and Lillian (Lau) Koerner. She attended and graduated from the Klemme High School.

She was a life long homemaker, wife, and devoted mother. Valeria was united in marriage to Glen "Sport" Bridges on April 12, 1935. The couple were blessed with seven children.

Throughout her life, Valeria was dedicated to caring for her family. She cherished activities involving her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening and canning.

Valeria enjoyed camping and traveling. She went on numerous trips to Hawaii. She was active in the United Methodist Church, UMCW, and various other activities at the Klemme United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her daughters, Sharon Gardner and husband, Dick of Lakeview, Arkansas, Berleen Olson and husband, Paul of Webster City, Vicki Murken and husband, Mel of Ankeny, Nyla Bridges and husband, Mike Lien of Holmen, Wisconsin; sons, Gaylon Bridges and wife, Ann of Annapolis, Maryland, Collyn Bridges and wife, Renee of Decorah and Royce Bridges of Avery California; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glen "Sport" Bridges on September 3, 1969; two sisters; and two brothers.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Lillian T. Torkelson, 1916-2003

October 22, 2003

Lillian T. Torkelson, of Garner, died on Saturday, October 18, 2003, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City. She was 87.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 21, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with the Rev. Owen Gaasedelen officiating. Eulogist was Jennifer Talbot. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Torkelson and pianist, Linda Kessler.

Special music was provided by vocalists, Warren Torkelson, Blake Hollis and Lillian's great-grandchildren. Ushers were Dave Luscomb and Jim Thoreson. Casket bearers were Joe Torkelson, Jay Torkelson, James Torkelson, Justin Dixon and Blake Hollis. Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery, southeast of Forest City. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Thelma Torkelson, the daughter of Theodore and Lena (Knutson) Jermeland, was born on September 25, 1916 at Ossian. She was baptized and confirmed at the Stavanger Lutheran Church in Ossian. She attended school at Ossian.

On January 19, 1939, she was married to Joseph Torkelson at her parents' home in Ossian. They lived near Forest City where they farmed and raised their family. On August 30, 1953, Joseph Torkelson died. Lillian continued to live on the farm until 1962, when she moved to Garner.

Lillian was employed as a cook for many years working for the Garner School System for 13 years, Concord Manor in Garner for three years and a few years at the Chuck Wagon Cafe in Forest City. She also helped her son, Warren at the Garner Greenhouse. In 1998, she moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner. She became a resident of Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City in 2003.

Lillian enjoyed gardening, making lefse, needlework and getting together with friends. Family was very important to her. Her latest joy was the arrival of triplet great-grandsons.

She was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller where she was active in many church groups over the years.

Survivors include her children, LeAnn Dixon and her husband, Delton of Mason City, Betty Hollis and her husband, Curtis of Waterloo and Warren Torkelson and his wife, Margaret of Garner; a daughter-in-law, Merna Torkelson of Forest City; three brothers, Joseph Jermeland of Clear Lake, Willard Jermeland and his wife, Vi of Mason City and Ted Jermeland and his wife, Elaine of West Union; a sister, Lavonne Benzing and her husband, Kendall of Monona; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; a stillborn daughter, Jolene Kay in 1953; a son, Clifford in 1989; two grandchildren; her parents; five sisters, Selma Johnson, Merna Walvatne, Leone Mathers, Arlette Austin and Arthel Jermeland; and five brothers, Walter, Arthur, Norman, Jerome and John Jermeland.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Jerome P. Ryerson, 1947-2003

October 29, 2003

Jerome "Jerry" P. Ryerson, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, October 21, 2003, at his home east of Forest City. He was 56.

His funeral was held on Friday, October 24, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, with the Rev. Edward Bard officiating. Music was provided by Lisa May. Honorary bearers were Brad Sharp and Larry Sharp.

Casket bearers were Gene Lackore, Tom Ryerson, Ray Ryerson, Jon Ryerson, Dan Ryerson and Mike Niedert. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Jerome Paul Ryerson, the son of Herbert and Agnes Evelyn (Bakke) Ryerson, was born on July 29, 1947 at Forest City. He attended school at Hayfield and graduated from the Garner-Hayfield High School in 1966. On August 25, 1968, he married Francine Bartik at the Congregational Church in Britt. The couple lived in rural Forest City.

Jerome was employed at Winnebago Industries in Forest City, Fieldstone Cabinetry in Northwood for 20 years and since 1999 at Woodharbor Molding and Millworks in Mason City. He was unable to work since April due to cancer. He enjoyed his family, woodworking and Iowa Hawkeye sports.

Survivors include his wife, Francine of Forest City; two sons, Jay Ryerson and his wife, Sara and their two children, Nicholas and Emily all of Forest City and Aaron Ryerson of Forest City.

Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Tom Ryerson and wife, Marge of West St. Paul, Minnesota, Donna Lackore and husband, Gene of Garner, Ray Ryerson of Clear Lake, Mary Holder and husband, Cliff of Laughlin, Nevada, Doug Ryerson of Anchorage, Alaska, Mike Ryerson and wife, Tinker of Anchorage and Jon Ryerson and wife, Diane of Lone Tree; a sister-in-law, Mary Ryerson of Scarville; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Fern Bartik of Britt; and a sister-in-law, Janis Sharp and husband, Larry of West Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, JoAnn Davis and Sandra Birkey; a brother, Ron Ryerson; and his father-in-law, Willie Bartik.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Farm Accident Claims Life Of Rural Klemme Man

October 29, 2003

KLEMME-A farm-related accident involving a skid loader claimed the life of a rural Klemme man on Wednesday, October 22, 2003.

Norman Eugene Henschen, 67, was pronounced dead at the scene after apparently being crushed, according to the Hancock County Sheriff's Department. The accident occurred on the Henschen farm, north of Klemme, at approximately 5:15 p.m.

Emergency personnel responding to the call were Klemme EMTs, the Klemme Fire Department, the Garner Volunteer Ambulance Service, Garner Fire Department and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Norman Henschen, 1936-2003

October 29, 2003

Norman E. Henschen, 67, of Klemme, died on Wednesday, October 22, 2003, as a result of a farm accident at his home north of Klemme.

His funeral was held on Monday, October 27, at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner, with the Rev. Linzy Collins Jr. officiating. Music was provided by organist, Karen Pedersen who accompanied soloist, Gary Moore and congregational hymns. Ushers were Harlan Carolus and Eldon Pearson.

Casket bearers were Rick Henschen, Steve Lunning, Max Smith, Douglas Mitchell, William Bell and Lynn Bell. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Norman Eugene Henschen, the son of Walter Carl and Dora Pauline (Tschirki) Henschen, was born on March 11, 1936, on a farm east of Garner. He graduated from the Ventura High School in 1954 and continued his education at the Iowa State College in Ames. Following his schooling, he returned home to farm with his father. Norm served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961.

On June 29, 1959, he married Jean Ellen Pollock at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner. They farmed in the Garner and Klemme areas all of their married life. He enjoyed his family, friends, farming and traveling.

Norm was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and trustee and was active on various other committees. He was confirmed at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Klemme. He also served on the Hancock County Coop Oil Board and the Farm Bureau Board.

Survivors include his wife, Jean of Klemme; three children, Brad Henschen and wife, Teresa of Cave Creek, Arizona, Jan Misel and husband, Christopher of Solon and Sheila Isaacson and husband, David of Owings, Maryland; grandchildren, Kara and Katelyn Misel and Helen and Jacob Isaacson, Loren, Nichole and Andrew Kenworthy and Weston Karls.

Also surviving are a brother, Carl Henschen and wife, Margie of Forest City; two step-brothers, Don Brade and wife, Eunice of Charlotte, North Carolina and Bob Brade and wife, Marcia of Manassas, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dora Henschen; step-mother, Bertha Brade Henschen; a sister, Darlene Henschen; and two brothers, Franklin and Walter Henschen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Lee R. Williams, 1916-2003

November 5, 2003

Lee Roger Williams, of Corwith, died on Thursday, October 23, 2003, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. He was 87.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 27, at the United Methodist Church in Corwith. The Rev. Dan Fernandez officiated. Music was provided by organist, Sharon Gourley who accompanied soloist, Jonathan Chambers.

Interment was in the Corwith Cemetery. Casket bearers were Mark Conway, Roger Trettin, Mark Volk, Kenneth Trettin, John Pearson and Todd Seibert. The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Corwith was in charge of the arrangements. Masonic services, conducted by Prudence Lodge No. 205 A.F. & A.M. of Algona, were held on Sunday, October 26.

Lee Roger Williams, was born on October 7, 1916 at Corwith, Iowa, to Fred and Eugenia (Williams) Brand. He attended rural school for eight years and graduated from the Corwith High School in 1934. He attended Britt Junior College for one year and Iowa State University in Ames for one year.

On November 15, 1936, Lee Williams and Betty Belle Masterson were married at Monticello, Illinois. The couple farmed near Corwith for 46 years and also operated Williams TV and Sports Shop for 30 plus years. An avid sportsman, Lee loved his yearly family trips to Canada and later, fishing in Alaska. For 31 years, Lee and Betty enjoyed spending the winter months in southern Texas.

Lee Williams, served on the Corwith School Board many years. He was also a member of the Corwith Co-op Elevator Board, President of the Community Club, Professional Building Board and a member of Pheasants Forever. He was a member of the Corwith Methodist Church and a 48 year member of Prudence Lodge #205 A.F. & A.M. of Algona. His talents included woodworking, carving and building, among others.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Betty of Corwith; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Williams of Girdwood, Alaska; daughter, Patricia and husband, Steven Linn of Solon; a son, Michael Williams and wife, Deb of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Geri Williams of Girdwood, Alaska, Roger Williams and wife, Charlene of Anchorage, Alaska, Shawn Linn of Coralville, Angela Linn of Fairbanks, Alaska; and two great-grandchildren, Lee Pendegraft of Girdwood, Alaska and Ashley Jean Williams of Anchorage.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gary in November of 2000; his mother, father and stepfather.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



Karen A. Monson, 1968-2003

October 29, 2003

Karen A. Monson, of Clear Lake, died on Friday, October 24, 2003, at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City. She was 35.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 29, 2003, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Karen Ann Monson, the daughter of Daniel and Phyllis (Brandt) Sobek, was born on April 29, 1968 at Mason City. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Garner. She was raised in rural Klemme, graduating from the Klemme High School in 1986. During high school she was a cheerleader and was active in 4-H, band, choir and drama. She was also a member of the LYC of the St. John's Lutheran Church.

She attended college at NIACC and UNI, graduating from UNI in 1991 with a degree in elementary education. Karen taught in the Audubon School District for one year after college.

Karen was united in marriage to David Monson on July 18, 1992, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. The couple made their home in Clear Lake, where she was an associate teacher and substitute teacher for the Clear Lake School District. In 1995 she began teaching second grade full time at the Lincoln Elementary School. She was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award in 1999. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church of rural Garner.

Karen's greatest love was her husband and her children. She was very involved with all of their activities, such as ice skating, dance, piano, and Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She also enjoyed scrap booking and working out

Survivors include her husband, David; children, Katie, Alec and Joey, all of Clear Lake; her mother and father, Daniel and Phyllis Sobek of Klemme; sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Jeffry Juhl of Cedar Falls; brothers, Jonathan Sobek of Iowa City and Philip Sobek of Des Moines; father-in-law, Ronald Monson and his wife, Mary Ellen; sisters-in-law, Julie and Hannah Monson all of Clear Lake; brothers-in-law, Kevin Monson of Clear Lake and Bob Monson of Waukee.

Also surviving are her grandmother, Antonia Brandt of Osage; several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John Brandt and George and Anna Sobek; mother-in-law, Grace Monson; and sister-in-law, Brenda Monson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003



James Smith Jr., 1950-2003

November 5, 2003

James L. Smith, Jr., 52, of Britt, died on Sunday, October 26, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 29, at the United Methodist Church in Britt. The Rev. Robert Dodge officiated. A private family burial service was held in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Ewing Funeral Chapel of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Jim, the son of James L. and Doris Corman Smith, Sr., was born on December 19, 1950 in Forest City. He grew up and attended school in Britt, graduating from the Britt High School in 1969. Following graduation, he attended the Sheldon Lineman Vocational School. He returned to Britt to farm with his father.

In September of 1970, Jim was united in marriage with Janet Furst at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple made their home on a farm south of Britt. Jim enjoyed working at Kiefer Built in Kanawha. He was also a reserve officer for the Britt and Kanawha Police Department and has been a reserve officer for the Hancock County Sheriff's Department since 1980. Jim also enjoyed police pistol competition and was last classified as a marksman.

He treasured the time spent with his kids and grandsons. He enjoyed hunting, going out with his Kanawha Harley Group, riding his Harley and going to Sturgis.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt. He became a member of the Iowa State Reserves Law Officers Association in 1980 and served as the Association President in 1987. He was a member of KODA Friends of the NRA and a Lifetime member of the NRA and the Algona Hog Chapter.

Survivors include his wife, Janet of Britt; three daughters and their families, Bobby Jo Andreasen and her husband, Chris and their sons, Austin and Aiden of Des Moines, Marty Smith of Kissimmee, Florida and Jamie Hejlik and her husband, Jason and their son, Jake of Garner; his parents, James L. Sr. and Doris Smith of Britt; three sisters and their families, Debra Trulson and her husband, Pat and their children of Britt, Cyndi Zeigler and her husband, Ron and their children of Swisher and Kristi Hejlik and her husband, Mike and their children of Britt.

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



Eva Kluver, 1927-2003

November 12, 2003

Eva Kluver, of Crystal Lake, died on Friday, October 31, 2003, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 5, at the United Methodist Church, Crystal Lake. The Rev. Gary Marzolf officiated. Music was provided by Kristi Kirschbaum who accompanied soloists, Bruce Wubben and Gary Marzolf. Perry Kirschbaum and Larry Kunkel ushered.

Burial was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery. Casket bearers were Jim Kluver, Julie Verley, Bruce Kluver, Toni Williams, Kent Kluver, David Irons, Kevin Kluver, Sara Anderson, Lynn Kluver, Tim Irons, Tracy KIuver and Jennifer Young. Honorary casket bearers were Mrs. Kluver's great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Eva Kluver, was born on January 12, 1906 in Grimes. She was the eldest of John and Maggie McClain's 13 children. The family moved to Lawrence, South Dakota, where her parents farmed for several years before returning to the Crystal Lake area. She graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in 1925.

On October 12, 1927, Eva McClain was married to Glen Kluver in Britt. To this union, six children were born. The couple farmed in the Crystal Lake area until 1954, when Eva and Glen retired and moved to Crystal Lake.

Eva made her family her first priority. She was a 4-H Leader for several years and served as President of the Crystal Lake PTA. She was a member of the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church for more than 80 years, where she was also a member of the United Methodist Women and circle groups and held numerous offices. Eva also volunteered numerous hours at Duncan Heights.

Survivors include four children, Morris KIuver and his wife, Janice of Britt, Merle Kluver of Garner, Eleanor Kluver of Crystal Lake and Glenys Bird and her husband, Dale of McHenry, Illinois; 12 grandchildren, Jim and Emily Kluver of San Diego, California, Kent and Paula Kluver of Manchester, Lynn and DeEtta Kluver of Britt, Julie and Doug Verley of Canton, South Dakota, David and Nancy Irons of Independence, Kentucky, Tim and Sue Irons of Sioux Fails, South Dakota, Bruce and Marcia Kluver of Britt, Kevin and Vicky Kluver of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, Tracy Kluver of Cedar Falls, Toni and Bryan Williams of Clear Lake, Sara and Charlie Anderson of De Pere, Wisconsin, Jennifer and Barton Young of Vero Beach, Florida; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Also surviving are one brother, Austin McClain and his wife, Kay of Waseca, Minnesota; three sisters, Beulah Brue and her husband, Ernest, Wilma Harang and her husband, Kermit and Blanche Grunhovd and her husband, Kermit all of Lake Mills; son-in-law, Dick Irons of Las Cruces, New Mexico; sisters-in-law: Grace Kluver of Crystal Lake and Amy McClain Jamtgaard of Clear Lake; brother-in-law, Lenard Waage of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glen in 1982; an infant son, James; a daughter, Evelyn Irons; a great-grandson; four brothers, Bill, Johnnie, Andrew and George McClain; and four sisters, Margaret Johnson, Ethel Waage, Velrna Halverson and Velva Bang Miller.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2003

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