Marie T. Henley, 1962-2004
February 11, 2004
Marie
Teresa Henley, 41, of Miller,
died on Friday, February 6,
2004, at the Mercy Medical
Center–North Iowa, Mason City.
Funeral services
were held on Monday, February 9,
at the St. Paul Lutheran Church
in Garner, with the Rev. Robert
Bronson officiating. Music was
provided by organist, Beverly
Cataldo who accompanied soloist,
Doug Hayes and congregational
hymns.
Ushers were Alvin "Pete" Hansen
and Earl Jaspersen. Casket
bearers were Jeff Henley, Brian
Henley, Ken George, David
George, Scott Quastad and Gene
Anhalt. The Cataldo
Funeral Home in Garner was in
charge of the arrangements.
Marie Teresa
Henley, the daughter of Neal and
Helen (Johnston) George, was
born on May 28, 1962 at
Albuquerque, New Mexico. She
attended school at the
Janesville Consolidated School
in Iowa, where she graduated
from high school in 1980.
On May 28, 1993, she was married
to Gregory J. Henley at the
Methodist Church in Clear Lake.
They lived in the Garner area
where they raised their two
sons, Terence, age 11 and
Patrick, age 5.
Her life was devoted to her
boys. Marie was employed at the
Corner Drug Store in Clear Lake.
She enjoyed camping, horseback
riding, gardening, cats, riding
motorcycles with her husband,
Greg and especially, spending
time with her family.
She is survived
by her husband, Greg of Miller;
two sons, Terence and Patrick
Henley; her parents, Neal and
Helen George of Janesville; a
sister, Carol and husband, Gene
Anhalt of Jesup; two brothers,
Ken George and wife, Christy of
Kansas City, Missouri and David
George and wife, Mary of Cass
Lake, Minnesota; many nieces and
nephews; and other relatives and
friends.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Gerald R. Smith, 1931-2004
February 18, 2004
Gerald
"Jerry" R. Smith, 72, of Britt,
died on Monday, February 9,
2004, at the Hancock County
Memorial Hospital, Britt.
Funeral services
were held on Friday, February
13, at the United Methodist
Church in Britt, with the Rev.
Robert Dodge officiating. Music
was provided by organist, Tammy
Johnson who accompanied soloist,
Darcy Eisenman and a
congregational hymn. Drivers for
the family were Don Kopacek,
Charles Earles and Herman
Sweers. Ushers were Dennis Zuehl
and Gary Kahlstorf.
Honorary bearers
were Bradley Harriman, Kevin
Schreiner, Glen Smith, Jim Smith
Sr., Harry Smith and Kenny
Smith. Casket bearers were
Andrew Townsend, Nick Smith,
Nathan Smith, Pat Trulson,
Dennis E. Smith, John Weiland
and Michael Hejlik. Burial was
in the Evergreen Cemetery, with
military rites by the Britt
Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The
Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt
was in charge of the
arrangements.
Gerald Robert Smith, the son of
LeRoy and Martha (Moe) Smith,
was born on December 2, 1931, on
a farm southwest of Britt. He
attended country school at Boone
# 1 and then farmed with his
parents. Jerry served his
country in the U.S. Army from
1954 to 1956, being stationed
most of the time in Germany.
On November 8,
1958, he married Jennie Mae
Gremmer at the United Methodist
Church in Britt. In March of
1959, they bought a farm west of
Britt, where they lived and
farmed for the past 45 years.
Jerry enjoyed spending time with
his family and farming.
He was a life
time member of the United
Methodist Church in Britt where
he served as an usher. He was
also a member of the Britt
American Legion Post No. 315.
Survivors include
his of wife of 45 years, Jennie
of Britt; two daughters, Vicki
Schreiner and her children,
Kevin and Jessica all from
Hutchinson, Minnesota and Bonnie
Melohn and husband, Mark of
Kanawha and her two children,
Jennifer Harriman of Clarkston,
Michigan and Bradley Harriman of
White Lake, Michigan; his son,
Tracy Smith and wife, Michelle
and their children, Kaitlin and
Glen all of Britt; three
brothers, Jim Smith Sr. and
wife, Doris of Britt, Harry
Smith and wife, Pearl of Britt
and Kenny Smith and wife, Nancy
of Britt; many nieces and
nephews; and his father-in-law,
Hemmo Gremmer of Kanawha.
He was preceded
in death by his parents; a
nephew, James Smith Jr.; and
mother-in-law, Nellie Mae
Gremmer.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Emma C. Wacker, 1900-2004
February 18, 2004
Emma C. Wacker,
of rural Garner, died on
Tuesday, February 10, 2004, at
her home. She was 103.
Funeral services
were held at 11:00 a.m., on
Thursday, February 12, at the
Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home in
Klemme. Pastor Jim Haake of the
Highway Chapel Four Square,
Forest City officiated. Burial
was in the Ell Township
Cemetery, Klemme.
Emma Wacker, was
born on February 16, 1900, on
the Wacker family farm in
Hancock County. She was the
daughter of Fred and Anna (Ax)
Wacker. She attended schools at
Klemme and Scotland, South
Dakota and graduated from
Waldorf College with a teaching
degree. Emma taught schools for
a time and later returned to
work on the family farm. She
loved gardening, taking care of
chickens and her Lord. She lived
on the home place most of her
life.
Survivors include
her sister-in-law, Mary Ann
Wacker, wife of the late
Silvanus Wacker of Garner.
Also surviving
are five nephews, Dan Wacker and
Fred Wacker of Garner, Mark
Wacker and his wife, Debi of
Clear Lake, Paul Wacker of Ames
and John Wacker and his wife,
Cindy of rural Garner; and five
nieces, Mrs. Mike (Anita) Wilson
of Goldendale, Washington, Mrs.
Mark (Joanna) Johns of Waconia,
Minnesota, Mrs. Tory (Anna)
Meyer of Bloomington, Minnesota,
Mrs. Cade (Lois) Moore of Eden
Prairie, Minnesota and Mrs. Paul
(Ruth) Tagatz of Stewartville,
Minnesota.
She was preceded
in death by her parents;
brothers, Herman, Rueben and
Silvanus; and sisters, Jane and
Ruby.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Edith Mueller, 1923-2004
February 25, 2004
Edith (Mrs.
Alfred W.) Mueller, age 80, of
Faribault, Minnesota, died on
Friday, February 13, 2004, at
the Pleasant Manor Nursing Home,
Faribault.
A memorial
service was held on Saturday,
February 21, at the St. Luke's
United Church of Christ,
Faribault, with the Reverend Dr.
Mark Noren officiating.
Interment was in the Concord
Cemetery, Garner. The Boldt
Funeral Home of Faribault was in
charge of the arrangements.
Edith, the
daughter of Willi Max and Hedwig
(Holland) Jenke, was born on
February 24, 1923 in Berlin,
Germany. She married Alfred W.
Mueller on November 9, 1946 at
Berlin, Germany. Alfred had
served in the German Army and
was captured in Africa and held
as a prisoner of war in Algona.
In 1949, she and her husband
returned to the U.S. sponsored
by E. G. Greiman of Garner.
She was formerly employed by the
Sioux Railroad in Minneapolis.
She is survived
by special friends, Kermit and
Arlene Greiman and Betty Hughes,
all of Garner and their
families.
She was preceded
in death by her parents; her
spouse, Alfred on February 27,
2003; and a brother and a
sister.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Kevin M. Kluver, 1961-2004
February 18, 2004
Kevin
M. Kluver, of Lake St. Louis,
Missouri, formerly of Crystal
Lake, died on Saturday, February
14, 2004, at the Mercy Medical
Center-North Iowa in Mason City,
as a result of a snowmobile
accident east of Scarville. He
was 42.
Funeral services
were held on Tuesday, February
17, at the United Methodist
Church in Crystal Lake, with the
Rev. Gary Marzolf officiating.
Music was provided by pianist,
Kristi Kirschbaum who
accompanied soloist, Rev. Gary
Marzolf and congregational
hymns. Kent Kluver and Dale Bird
ushered.
Honorary bearers
were Mike Isebrand, Rick Schmidt
and Bob Anderson. Casket bearers
were Jeff Holland, John Joseph,
Terry Derby, Dale Benson, Mike
Hauan, Lynn KIuver, Brett Kluver
and Perry Kirschbaum. Burial was
in the Crystal Township Cemetery
in Crystal Lake. The Cataldo
Funeral Home in Britt was in
charge of the arrangements.
Kevin Merle
Kluver, the son of Merle Orren
and Karen Irene (Brown) Kluver,
was born on April 22, 1961 at
Forest City. He graduated from
the Woden-Crystal Lake High
School in 1979 and UNI in Cedar
Falls in 1983, with a degree in
business administration.
Following his graduation he
moved to Dallas, Texas, where he
was employed at a bank. Kevin
continued his education in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where
he graduated from the FAA
Academy. He moved to St. Louis,
Missouri, where he was employed
as an air traffic controller at
the Spirit of St. Louis Airport.
On August 12,
1988, he married Victoria A.
Piskos at St. Louis. They lived
in Des Moines for a while where
he worked as an air traffic
controller at the Des Moines
International Airport. The
couple returned to St. Louis
where he was employed at the St.
Louis Lambert International
Airport.
Kevin enjoyed
spending much of his time with
his wife, children, and being
active with his neighbors. He
liked to landscape, play
basketball, snowmobile and help
friends with numerous projects.
He enjoyed spending his off duty
time with his family and friends
in the Crystal Lake area,
especially helping his brother,
Bruce on the farm in the fall
and getting together with his
father, Merle and his siblings
as often as possible. Kevin had
a strong sense of family and
took the time to travel to the
people that were close to his
heart.
He was a member
of the Crystal Lake United
Methodist Church, Lake Mills
Snowmobile Club and the National
Air Controllers Association.
He is survived by
his wife, Victoria Kluver and
their daughters, Ashley and
Amber of Lake St. Louis,
Missouri; father, Merle KIuver
of Garner; mother, Karen Kerr
and husband, Bill of Waterloo;
two brothers, Bruce Kluver and
wife, Marcia and their two
children, Brett and Amber all of
Crystal Lake and Tracy KIuver of
Bettendorf; a sister, Toni
Williams and husband, Bryan and
their two sons, Logan and Carson
all of Clear Lake; and many
other relatives and friends.
He was preceded
in death by his stepson, Jason
Schulte in 2002.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Dalia B. Griggs, 1900-2004
February 18, 2004
Dalia
B. Griggs, 103, of Garner, died
on Sunday, February 15, 2004, at
the Concord Care Center, Garner.
Funeral services
will be held at 1:30 p.m., on
Wednesday, at the Zion
Evangelical and Reformed Church,
with the Rev. Darrell Weber
officiating. Music will be
provided by Margaret Jass who
will accompany soloist, Gary
Moore and congregational hymns.
Ushers will be Allan DeWitt,
Alan Jass and Roger Schmidt.
Honorary bearers
will be David Giilespie, Jeff
Reising, her granddaughters and
great-grandchildren. Casket
bearers will be Wendell Davison,
Andrew Davison, Collin Davison,
Ryan Davison, Jeff Kruse and
John Gormley. Burial will be in
the Concord Township Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from
11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the
church until the time of
service. The Cataldo Funeral
Home in Garner is in charge of
the arrangements.
Dalia Bertha
Griggs, the daughter of Henry
and Elizabeth (Ax) Stromer, was
born on July 13, 1900, at the
farm home west of Klemme, in
Liberty Township. She was
baptized and confirmed at the
Immanuel Reformed Church in
Klemme. She completed grade
school at Liberty No. 7 and
graduated from the Klemme High
School in 1919. She attended
Waldorf College in Forest City
and Ellsworth College in Iowa
Falls for advancement in her
teaching career. Dalia taught in
Hancock County rural schools for
20 years. During those years she
was an active member in the
church choir and taught Sunday
School and Bible School.
On December 27,
1938, she was married to Fernon
Griggs at the church parsonage
in Klemme. They farmed east of
Klemme one year and in 1940
moved to their farm near Miller.
She continued to reside there
until she became a resident of
the Concord Care Center in
January of 1994.
She was a member
of the Zion Evangelical and
Reformed Church in Garner and
was a charter member of the
Happy Birthday Club. Dalia will
be remembered as a farm
homemaker and mother who enjoyed
cooking and doing handwork and
quilting. She always had an
interest in teaching and
learning. It was important for
her to keep up on new and
current events. In later years,
a great source of enjoyment was
her love and interest in her
grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
She is survived
by her daughter, Jane Davison
and husband, Willis of Garner;
daughter-in-law, Janan Griggs of
Garner; grandchildren, Jolene
Griggs of Garner, Jennifer Kruse
and husband, Jeff of Pella,
Wendell Davison and wife, Brenda
of Garner, Susan Reising and
husband, Jeff of Willcox of
Arizona, Sara Gormley and
husband, John of Omaha, Nebraska
and Dr. Julia Gillespie and
husband, David of Las Vegas,
Nevada; great-grandchildren,
Andrew, Collin and Ryan Davison,
Leah, Luke and Taylor Reising,
Jason Christopher, Katherine and
Dean Gormley, Jacob Gillespie
and MaKayla Kruse; a foster son,
Ronald Wood of Fort Dodge;
sisters-in-law, Hallie Stromer
and Nellie Burk and husband,
Gerald; and many nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death by her
husband, Fernon in March, 1999;
son, Jay in May, 1995; her
parents; sisters, Drusilla
Hueneman and husband, Victor and
Norma Bienert and husband,
Rudolph; and a brother, Paul
Stromer.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Paul R. Bier, 1931-2004
February 25, 2004
Paul R. Bier, 73,
of Belmond, died on Sunday,
February 15, 2004, at the
Belmond Health Care Center.
Funeral services
were held on Wednesday, February
18, at the Calvary Baptist
Church in Belmond, with the Rev.
Garry Schneider officiating.
Burial was in the Meservey
Cemetery. The Dugger-Ewing
Funeral Home of Belmond was in
charge of the arrangements.
Paul Robert Bier,
was born at Belmond. He was the
son of Henry George and
Priscilla (Pals) Bier. He
graduated from the Belmond
Public High School and Faith
Baptist Bible College. He was an
active member of the Calvary
Baptist Church in Belmond, where
he taught Sunday School and was
church treasurer for over 40
years.
Survivors include
two sisters-in-law, Etta Lou
Bier and Ardis Bier, both of
Garner; several nieces and
nephews; his church family and
numerous friends.
He was preceded
in death by his parents; four
brothers, Warren, Glenn, Lloyd
Sr. and an infant, Lester; four
sisters, Laura, Ethel, Iva and
Wanda.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Clara Malek, 1927-2004
February 25, 2004
Clara
(Drabek) Malek, 76, of Britt,
passed away on Sunday, February
15, 2004, at the Muse Norris
Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason
City, Iowa.
Funeral services
were held on Wednesday, February
18, at the St. Wenceslaus
Catholic Church in Duncan. The
Rev. Michael Schueller
officiated. Music was provided
by organist, Mary Kopacek and
the St. Wenceslaus Church Choir.
Leo Wellik and Melvin Wellik
ushered.
Honorary casket
bearers were Jen Swearingen, Amy
Roberts, Lacey Malek, Kelsi
Hansen and Amanda Edington.
Casket bearers were Jason Malek,
Shane Malek, Casey Malek, Tony
Hansen, Jeremy Malek, Seth
Malek, Nick Roberts, Jamie
Malek, Ryan Malek and Lee
Roberts. Burial was in the St.
John's Cemetery, Duncan. The
Ewing Dugger Funeral Home of
Britt was in charge of the
arrangements.
Clara Malek, was
born on May 8, 1927, on a farm
near Duncan, the daughter of
James and Frances (Wellik)
Drabek. She was the tenth of 11
children. She attended country
school in the Duncan area. She
worked for several years as a
domestic worker for several
families.
She was united in
marriage to Ernest Malek on
April 29, 1947, at the St.
Wenceslaus Catholic Church in
Duncan. They farmed in the local
area until 1977 when they moved
to Britt. Clara enjoyed her
family, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. She enjoyed
quilting, crocheting and baking
for family and others.
She was a life
long member of the St.
Wenceslaus Catholic Church, a
member of the Duncan Rosary
Society and the American Legion
Auxiliary.
Survivors include
her husband, Ernest of Britt;
her children, Darlene (Bill)
Edington of Talihina, Oklahoma,
Duane (Bev) Malek of Britt,
Edwin (Elaine) Malek of Pella,
Gary Malek of Garner, Marvin
(Cheryl) Malek of Garner,
Beverly (John) Roberts of Apex,
North Carolina and Diane (Dann)
Hansen of Kanawha; 15
grandchildren; four
great-grandchildren; and six
sisters-in-law.
She was preceded
in death by her parents; three
sisters; seven brothers; and a
grandson, Brent Malek.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Reva Anderson, 1919-2004
February 25, 2004
Reva
Jacobsen Anderson, 84, of Forest
City, died on Tuesday, February
17, 2004, at the Mercy Medical
Center North Iowa in Mason City,
Iowa.
Funeral services were held on
Saturday, February 21, at the
Fertile Lutheran Church in
Fertile, with Rev. Lee Laaveg
officiating. Burial was in the
Pilot Knob Lutheran Cemetery in
rural Forest City. The
Petersen-Lund Funeral Home was
in charge of the arrangements.
Reva Jacobsen Anderson, was born
on December 29, 1919, on a farm
north of Clear Lake. She was the
daughter of Chris and Laura
(Hansen) Jacobsen. She was
baptized and confirmed at the
Zion Lutheran Church in Clear
Lake. She graduated from the
Clear Lake High School in the
Class of 1937 and was employed
for four years at Snow White
Market and one year for Mathers
Grocery.
On August 1, 1942, she married
Grant Anderson at the Ellington
Prairie Lutheran Church, in
rural Garner. Upon Grant's
return from the service they
farmed their entire married
lives north of Ventura. The
couple had four children, who
along with their spouses
survive, Gary and his wife,
Ramona of Fertile, Linda and her
husband, Craig Ackarman of
Ventura, Shirley and her
husband, Beryl Wubbena of
Bristow, Bruce and his wife,
Dianne of Forest City.
Survivors also include ten
grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren; two
sisters-in-law: Ardith (Mrs.
Edwin) Furness of Garner and
Beverly (Mrs. Roy) Anderson of
Ventura.
Mrs. Anderson was preceded in
death by her husband, Grant in
1987; and her parents, Chris and
Laura Jacobsen; a brother, Lyle
who died in infancy; a
brother-in-law, Roy Anderson;
and a brother and sister-in-law,
Nordahl and Irene Anderson; and
a niece and three nephews.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Ruth Heitland, 1918-2004
March
3, 2004
Funeral services
for Ruth Heitland, 85, of
Buffalo Center, were held on
Saturday, February 21, at the
First Congregational Church in
Buffalo Center. The Rev. Bill
Peake and the Rev. Paul Haugen
officiated. Mrs. Heitland died
on Tuesday, February 17, 2004,
at the Mercy Medical
Center-North Iowa.
Special music was
provided by Phyllis Shortenhaus,
Kathi Nelson and Emily Silber.
Congregational hymns were
accompanied by Jan Missman on
the organ. Casket bearers were
Travis Dontje, Tim Heidecker,
Larry Mountain, Carey Melz,
Scott Heitland, Cdr. Rick
Mountain, Brandon Melz and Randy
Melz. Burial was in the
Graceland Cemetery. The Winter
Funeral Home was in charge of
the arrangements.
Ruth Elaine
Heitland, daughter of Forest and
Emma (Schauf) Fisher, was born
on September 11, 1918 at Forest
City. Ruth grew up in the
Thompson area and graduated from
the Thompson High School.
On October 30,
1934, she was married to George
"Joe" Heitland
Jr. at
Mason City. The couple made
their home in Buffalo Center
where they raised their family
and lived in the same house for
50 years. Ruth worked as a
bookkeeper for the Buffalo
Center Hotel, the Buffalo Center
Creamery, Allis Chalmers and
later for the Larry Sapp Auction
Company. She was also active in
the VFW Auxiliary, the First
Congregational Church, Ladies
Aid, and the Ladies Literary
Circle. She enjoyed sewing,
gardening and cooking for her
family. She looked forward to
traveling to California to visit
her brothers and sisters, and
enjoyed golfing with Joe.
Survivors include
her husband, George Heitland of
Buffalo Center; her children,
Janell (Ivan) Heidecker of
Lakota, Diane (Bill) Mountain of
Vernon Center, Minnesota, Connie
(Harlan) Melzof of Lakota, Terry
Heitland of Long Lake,
Minnesota, Patricia (Gary)
Dontje of Garner; a
daughter-in-law, Adelia Heitland
of Des Moines; 12 grandchildren;
20 great-grandchildren; and one
great-great-granddaughter.
Also surviving
are three sisters, Doris Murphy
of Vancouver, Washington, Faye
Timms of Norwalk and Geraldine
Goumas of Niacc, New York; three
brothers, Marlin (Dell) Fisher
of Thompson, Richard (Margaret)
Fisher of Lafayette, Colorado
and Ramon (Joyce) Fisher of
Humboldt; and many nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded
in death by her parents; two
sons, Denis and Greg; a
grandson, Troy Heidecker; three
brothers, Maurice, Robert and
Carroll; and two sisters, Gloria
Winter and Dorothy Truman.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Walter J. Gorman, 1922-2004
February 25, 2004
Walter
J. Gorman, 81, of Garner, died
on Sunday, February 22, 2004, at
his home following a battle with
cancer.
His memorial
service was held on Tuesday,
February 24, at the St.
Wenceslaus Catholic Church in
Duncan, with Fr. Jerry Blake
officiating. Music was provided
by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who
accompanied the church choir.
Robert Kral ushered.
Honorary casket
bearers were Walter's
grandchildren and spouses.
Interment was in the Crystal
Township Cemetery, Crystal Lake,
with military rites by the
Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.
The Cataldo Funeral Home in
Garner was in charge of the
arrangements.
Walter Joseph
Gorman, the son of Walter James
and Ida (Ingalls) Gorman, was
born on October 24, 1922 at
Hawarden. He grew up in Algona
and graduated from the Algona
High School in 1940. He
continued his education at
George Washington University in
Washington, D.C. and then worked
for the FBI. Walter served his
country during WW II in the
Merchant Marines for four years.
Following his honorable
discharge, he returned home to
Algona.
On October 16,
1949, he married Phylida Scanlan
at the Little Brown Church in
Nashua. They made their home in
Algona, Ventura and in 1960,
moved to Garner. Walter was
employed at Northern Natural Gas
in Ventura for 35 years before
retiring in 1986. He enjoyed
spending time with his children,
grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. He also
enjoyed sitting on the front
porch with his dog, Chloe, and
visiting with friends and
neighbors. His unbelievable
"silly" stories and unique sense
of humor will be missed by all.
He was a member
of the St. Boniface Catholic
Church.
Survivors include
his three children, Gena Greiman
and husband, Fred of Garner, Pat
Gorman and wife, Sharon of
Garner and Toni Gorman and
friend, Toni Castillo both of
San Antonio, Texas; eight
grandchildren, Andrea Greiman
and fiancée, Todd Young of
Garner, Brook Stokes and
husband, Charlie of Austin,
Texas, Melissa Gorman and
special friend, Bob Darg of
Garner, Gail Gouge and husband,
Jeremy of Garner, Jamie Greiman
and fiancée, Nick Christensen of
Ankeny, Luke Greiman of Garner,
Nicole Bruggeman and husband,
Brandon of Klemme and Kate
Gorman and fiancée, Travis Nolte
of Klemme; great-grandchildren,
Taylor Hubbard, Kaden Greiman,
Mykenzie Darg, Brock Gouge,
Kaylee Nolte, Ryan Darg and baby
Stokes and baby Christensen both
due in July.
Also surviving
are a sister, Kathryn Gorman of
Burbank, California; and a
niece, Kathy of California and
her four children.
He was preceded
in death by wife, Phylida on
January 21, 2002; his parents; a
brother, Paul Gorman; a sister,
Ruth Thilges; and
brothers-in-law, Bill Thilges
and Ivan and Pat Scanlan.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Paul A. Thiemann, 1918-2004
March 3, 2004
Paul
A. Thiemann, 85, a life long
resident of Klemme, and a long
time farmer, died on Saturday,
February 21, 2004, at the
Belmond Medical Center in
Belmond.
Funeral services were held on
Tuesday, February 24, at the
Immanuel Reformed United Church
of Christ in Klemme. The Rev.
Donna Buckman officiated. Burial
was in the Ell Township Cemetery
in Klemme. The Tenold-Andrews
Funeral Home of Klemme was in
charge of the arrangements.
Paul Athneil Thiemann, was born
on June 26, 1918, on the
Thiemann family farm, of rural
Klemme. He was the son of
Heinrich (Henry) J. and Minnie
(Schuettpelz) Thiemann. He was
baptized on October 6, 1918, and
later confirmed on March 25,
1932. He attended the rural
Hancock County Schools.
Paul was a farmer for his entire
working career. He began farming
on the Thiemann family farm in
1953 and continued actively
operating the farm until the
early 1980s. Paul loved farming
and was devoted to being a good
steward of the resource he was
given.
Paul Thiemann was united in
marriage to Judy Nieman in
January of 1953. They had no
children of their own. Judy
Thiemann died in January of
1968.
He was later to marry Grace
Blank in August of 1969 at the
Immanuel Reformed Church. The
couple were married nearly 35
years and had two daughters, a
son, and many grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
During his life, Paul enjoyed
the fellowship of friends and
family. He cherished times that
were spent with his family,
grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, teaching
them how to do a variety of
activities and tasks. Paul loved
his life as a farmer and enjoyed
sharing his knowledge of farming
with others. He was an excellent
woodworker who loved to make
handcrafted items for his family
and friends. He enjoyed taking
fishing trips to South Dakota
and Minnesota. He liked to go
camping and treasured time with
family and friends. He enjoyed
music and was a member of the
church choir in earlier years.
Paul was a life long member of
the Immanuel Reformed United
Church of Christ in Klemme,
where he was active as a deacon
and elder for many years.
Survivors include his wife,
Grace Thiemann of Klemme;
daughters, Dianne McCabe and
husband, Doug of Garner, Linda
Brown and husband, Shirley of
Wichita, Kansas; and son,
Kenneth Blank and wife, Jan of
Klemme.
Also surviving are a sister,
Luella Yakel of Klemme;
grandchildren, Hope Wheatcraft
and husband, Dave, Kristine
Enabnit and husband, Allen,
Christopher Brown and wife,
Jayme, Stacey Haviland and
husband, Chris, Jarred Brown and
special friend, Cecilia and
Holly Anderson and husband,
Jamin; nine great-grandchildren;
and many nieces, nephews and
cousins.
He was preceded in death by his
parents; first wife, Judy; and
two sisters, Viola Barz and
Mabel Waddingham.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Karen Jo Weiland, 1955-2004
March
3, 2004
Karen Jo Weiland,
age 48, a resident of
Opportunity Village in Clear
lake, Iowa, daughter, sister,
and aunt to Klemme area
residents, died on Thursday,
February 26, 2004, at her
residence in Clear Lake.
Funeral services
were held on Monday, March 1,
2004, at the Klemme United
Methodist Church in Klemme. The
Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. The
Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of
Klemme, was in charge of the
arrangements.
Karen Jo Weiland,
was born on May 27, 1955 at
Britt, Iowa, the daughter of
Vernon and Elaine (Carlson)
Weiland. At a young age she was
diagnosed as severely
handicapped. Karen began
attending Happy Arc in Garner at
age 12, a school which was
structured for the disabled. She
continued to attend there until
age 21, when she started to go
to the Day Activity Program at
Opportunity Village in Clear
Lake. In October of 1980, Karen
became a full time resident of
the Village and has lived there
since.
Being the big
sister in the family, Karen Jo
always focused on keeping peace
and harmony in the relationships
that surrounded her life. Though
she was unable to speak clearly,
her ability to communicate was
excellent. Karen Jo, "Jo-Jo" as
her father called her, enjoyed
going for rides with her father,
activities that included her
mother and siblings, and going
for ice cream. She liked to look
at magazines and listen to
music.
She looked
forward to family gatherings,
but was also very comfortable
living at Opportunity Village
with her adopted second family
of wonderful caregivers and
resident friends. Karen Jo
enjoyed activities sponsored
through the Village, such as
shopping trips, going to the
fair, and other activities.
Though her life may have not
been normal in the day to day
routine that most people take
for granted, her life touched
countless people through her
warm smile, wonderful
personality, and loving hugs.
She is survived
by her mother, Elaine Weiland of
Klemme; sisters, Kathy and
husband, Verlyn Olthoff of
Klemme, Kay and husband, Joe
Jackson of New Baden, Illinois;
brothers, Kenneth and wife,
Donna Weiland and Kelly and
wife, Deb Weiland all of Klemme;
and nine nieces and nephews,
Travis Olthoff, Brandon Weiland,
Jared and Josh Jackson, K. C.
Weiland, Jayme and husband, Eric
Dougherty, Jennifer Olthoff,
Katie Weiland and Krystal
Jackson.
She was preceded
in death by her father, Vernon.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Clifford Knudson, 1914-2004
March
3, 2004
Clifford Knutson,
91, of Britt, died on Friday,
February 27, 2004, at the
Franklin General Nursing
Facility in Hampton.
Funeral services
were held on Monday, March 1, at
the Ewing-Dugger Funeral Chapel
in Britt. Janelle Siffring, AiM
officiated. Music was provided
by organist, Brenda Smith.
Burial was in the Evergreen
Cemetery.
Clifford Knutson,
the son of Erick and Emma
(Sporaland) Knutson, was born on
September 27, 1914. He was
united in marriage with
Genevieve Koppen in 1932. To
this union, two sons were born,
Eugene and Carlyle.
Clifford farmed
in Wisconsin for a time. He
later moved to the Britt area,
where he was employed by
Winnebago Industries. In 1973,
Clifford was united in marriage
with Blanche (Wieland) Wilson at
the United Methodist Church in
Britt. The couple lived in the
Britt area until moving to the
Franklin General Hospital
Nursing Facility in Hampton.
He is survived by
one son, Carlyle Knutson of
Viroqua, Wisconsin; one sister,
Lila Lunn of Fairmont,
Minnesota; and several nieces
and nephews.
He was preceded
in death by his parents; his
first wife, Genevieve; his
second wife, Blanche; one son,
Eugene; two brothers, Ernest and
John; and two nephews.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Hubert L. Kelser, 1908-2004
March
3, 2004
Hubert Luther
Keiser, of Britt, died on
Friday, February 27, 2004, at
the Hospice of North Iowa in
Mason City. He was 95.
Funeral services
were held on Monday, March 1, at
the First Lutheran Church,
Britt. Janelle Siffring, AIM,
officiated. Music was provided
by Donna Tech, who accompanied
soloist, Marlene Smith and
several congregational hymns.
Chester Eisenman and Mel
Pergande ushered.
Burial was in the
Evergreen Cemetery, Britt.
Honorary bearers were Norbert
Evers, Raymond Evers, Robert
Evers, Jerry Hobscheidt, Bill
Jones, Ivan Norstrud, Neal
Hageman and Lynn Hageman. Casket
bearers were Jon Swenson, Jeff
Short, Jeff Shields, Jim Diemer,
Donald Roberts and Mike Stevens.
The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home
was in charge of the
arrangements.
Hubert Keiser,
was born the son of Charles and
Norma Tripp Keiser on November
12, 1908 in Manchester, Iowa. He
married Della Evers on June 24,
1949. Four children were born to
this union, Charles, Kathleen,
Kristeen and David.
Hubert worked
most of his years in the
hardware business. His last job
was at Swenson's Hardware,
formerly Kreitingers. Mr. Keiser
was a member of the First
Lutheran Church in Britt. He was
a faithful husband and loving
father. His family enjoyed many
fishing vacations in northern
Minnesota, as he was an avid
fisherman. He never missed his
sons sporting events.
Hubert is
survived by his wife, Della;
four children, Charles Keiser
and Norma of Winner, South
Dakota, Kathleen and Steve
Tolbert of Lafayette, Indiana,
Kristeen and Steve Gunderson of
Odebolt and David Keiser and
Rene of Mason City; ten
grandchildren and one
great-grandson.
He was preceded
in death by his parents; and his
three brothers, Dale, Clifton
and Howard.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Lester J. Leerar, 1936-2004
March
10, 2004
Lester Leerar,
67, of Britt, died on Saturday,
February 28, 2004, at the Mercy
Medical Center North Iowa, West
Campus in Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services
were held on Tuesday, March 2,
at the St. Patrick's Catholic
Church in Britt. The Rev.
Michael Schueller officiated.
Music was provided by organist,
Brenda Smith who accompanied
soloist, Louise Zrostlik. Allen
Doughan and Craig Leerar
ushered. Burial was in the St.
John's Cemetery, Duncan. The
Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in
charge of the arrangements.
Honorary casket
bearers were Mr. Leerars
grandchildren, Ryan, Chris,
Sarah, Dylan, Ashley, Jessica,
Michael, Eric, Emily, Kelly,
Brayden, Logan and Jacob. Casket
bearers were Andy Trunkhill,
Dustin Trunkhill, Chad
Trunkhill, Mike Leerar, Ron
Leerar, Greg Leerar and Justin
Leerar
Lester Joseph,
the son of Herman and Lula
Jackson Leerar, was born on
December 23, 1936 in rural
Britt. He attended country
school and then the Britt High
School. Following high school,
Lester began farming with his
parents.
On October 3,
1960, Lester was married to
Teresa Nedved at the St.
Wenceslaus Catholic Church in
Duncan. The couple farmed in the
Britt and Bancroft areas until
they moved to Britt in 1975. At
that time, Lester kept involved
with agriculture by operating a
custom grain business. He later
was employed by Snap on Tools
and then Winnebago Industries,
retiring in 1997.
Lester enjoyed
spending time with his children
and grandchildren. He also
enjoyed his dog, Buddy, being
outdoors, going fishing and
camping. He looked forward to
trips to Branson, Missouri with
Teresa.
He is survived by
his wife, Teresa; five children,
Monte Leerar and his wife, Tammy
of Britt, Marlene Henning and
her husband, Herman of Leland,
Jon Leerar and his wife, Marlene
of Britt, Cory Leerar and his
wife, Jolene of Britt and Jason
Leerar and his wife, Joanie of
Algona; and 14 grandchildren.
Also surviving
are four sisters, Leona Welter
and her husband, Thomas of
Corwith, Darlene Day of Britt,
Linda Foy and her husband,
Charles of Odebolt and Vicki
Trunkhill and her husband
Charles of Algona; two brothers,
Duane Leerar and his wife,
Paulette of Garner and Larry
Leerar and his wife, Lorna of
Britt; numerous nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded
in death by his father, Herman;
and two sons, Marty and Mark.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
Ernest M. Johnson, 1907-2004
March
10, 2004
Ernest M.
Johnson, 96, of Belmond, died on
Saturday, February 28, 2004, at
the Belmond Health Care Center
in Belmond.
Funeral services
were held at 10:30 a.m.,
Wednesday, March 3, at the St.
Olaf Lutheran Church near
Belmond, with the Rev. Lowell
Halvorson officiating. Burial
was in the St. Olaf Lutheran
Church Cemetery. Military
graveside rites were provided by
the Belmond Honor Guard. The
Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of
Belmond was in charge of the
arrangements.
Ernest Johnson
was born May 4, 1907, to George
and Barbro (Charlson) Johnson in
rural Belmond. He attended
country schools in the Belmond
area through the eighth grade.
He was confirmed at the St. Olaf
Church.
Ernest farmed in the Belmond
area for most of his life,
except for a four-year tour of
duty in the Army. He was
stationed in Hawaii for three
years. Following his discharge,
he took flying lessons and
received his pilots license.
On July 19, 1950,
he was married to Sarah Adele
Fetrow. The couple had two sons.
Mr. Johnson served as deacon and
sexton at the St. Olaf Church in
Belmond.
Surviving are his
wife, Adele; sons, George and
Phil and his wife, Laurie;
grandchildren, Darien, Brandon,
Tyler and Jayme; one sister,
Georgia; and several nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded
in death by his parents; three
sisters, Alma, Mildred and
Gladys; and four brothers,
Leonard, Arnold, Kermit and
Harris.
©The
Garner Leader & Signal 2004
|
|