Dwight L. Johnston, 1921-2004

June 9, 2004

Word has been received of the death of Dwight L. Johnston, 82, of Grinnell, on Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at the Mayflower Home Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 5, at the United Methodist Church in Grinnell. The Rev. Len Eberhart officiating. Interment was in the Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. The Smith Funeral Home of Grinnell was in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Johnston was born on November 23, 1921, on a farm near Paullina, to Claude and Hazle Johnston. He attended a country school at Dale Township #5 in O'Brien County, Paullina High School and the State University of Iowa, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1942. He joined the research and development organization of Shell Oil Company at graduation.

He was united in marriage to Elsie M. Ward on July 11, 1945, at the Klemme United Methodist Church.

At his retirement in 1984, he held the position of senior staff research engineer at Shell Oil. His work locations included Los Angeles, San Francisco and Emeryville, in California, with brief assignments in the Netherlands, England and Mexico. From 1942 to 1963, he was engaged in the economic evaluation and design of oil refining and manufacturing processes. He designed ethyl chloride plants near Chester, England and Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, and a hydrogen peroxide plant near Norco, Louisiana. From 1963 to 1984, he led a group engaged in the development of computer tools for the design and optimization of manufacturing processes.

He holds a patent for the manufacture of pivalic acid. From 1978 to 1982, he was on an advisory board at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Boston for a major United States Department of Energy Project.

Upon retirement in Grinnell, he was active in Main Street Grinnell, Grinnell 2000, Grinnell Renaissance, Kiwanis, Second Mile, and at Mayflower Homes. He was an active church member throughout his life and was a member of the Grinnell United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie Johnston of Grinnell; and two sons, Bruce Johnston of Albany, California and Clarke Johnston of Vallejo, California; one brother, William Johnston of Chula Vista, California; two sisters, Joan Bonderman of McKenna, Washington and Carolyn Stamer of Escondido, California.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Ann; and his brother, Vernon Johnston.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

June 16, 2004

Word has been received of the death of Garner native, Michael Brugman Sr., 80, of Peoria, Arizona. Mr. Brugman died on Friday, June 11, 2004, at his home in Peoria.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, June 15, at the VA Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.

Michael Brugman, was born on February 5, 1926 in Garner. He was the son of Lloyd and Maude (Wilkins) Brugman. He graduated from the Garner High School in 1942 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Mr. Brugman was employed by Pacific Finance in Los Angles, California, until he retired to Arizona in 1985.

He is survived by his wife, Delores of Peoria; a son, Michael Jr. of Peoria; a brother, Gene Brugman of Rogers, Arkansas; and sister, Margaret Ross of Cincinnati, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and seven brothers.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Lester Neuberger, 1921-2004

June 16, 2004

Lester W. Neuberger, 82, of Klemme, died on Friday, June 11, 2004, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, with his family at his side.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 14, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme, with full military honors rendered by the Garner Military Honor Guard. The Tenold-Andrew Funeral Home of Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorials to the Klemme United Methodist Church or the donor's choice.

Lester Wayne Neuberger, was born on June 21, 1921, on a farm east of Klemme, the son of Lewis and Sena (Loger) Neuberger. He attended country school and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1939. Following high school he went on to school where he learned to be a machinist. He was employed for a time by Minneapolis-Moline in Hopkins, Minnesota, until the time he entered the service.

On August 9, 1942, he was united in marriage to Frances Schulz at the Klemme Methodist Church. In January of 1943, he entered the United States Army where he served in the European theatre of operations. He was stationed in southern England until D-Day and then spent tenures in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He received many decorations, including the Good Conduct Medal, five Bronze Stars, and the Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon. He was a part of the battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. Lester was honorably discharged on September 1, 1945. On June 6, 1997, he was awarded the French Freedom Medal and the Diploma of Liberation from the Republic of France for the Battle of the Bulge Campaign.

Lester was a long time member of the Garner VFW. After completing his military service, Lester and his wife, Frances farmed for many years on a farm east of Klemme. He was also employed at Armour's Meat Packing, Mason City, as a machinist for 20 years before retiring in 1974. The couple moved into Klemme from the farm in 1986.

Lester was a life time member of the Klemme United Methodist Church. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid fisherman and passed on the tricks and skills of his favorite past time to his grandchildren.

Lester and Frances enjoyed dancing, traveling, and the last 24 years wintering in Weslaco, Texas. He loved to visit with friends and looked forward to daily coffee sessions in Klemme and Garner.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 62 years, Frances; daughter, Claudia; grandchildren, Kari (Neuberger) Eidemiller, Kyle Neuberger, and Aaron and Megan Opheim; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Trevor Eidemiller; daughter-in-law, Sinva (Neuberger) and husband, Randy Opheim; a sister-in-law, Muriel Schulz; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sena and Lewis; sons, Mark in 1975 and Franklin in 1988; brothers, Donald and Melvin; and sisters, Lula, Pearl, and Cora.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Judy A. Murphy, 1955-2004

June 30, 2004

Former Hancock County resident, Judy A. Murphy, 49, of Dayton, died at the University Hospitals in Iowa City, on Saturday, June 12, 2004, following a battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, June 16, at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Dayton. The Rev. Brad Pelzel officiated.

Honorary bearers were Pam Reibseman and Vicki Pigman. Casket bearers were Randy Kunkel, Russell Kunkel, Terry Kunkel, Paul Pigman, John Kunkel and Bill Christie. Burial was in the church cemetery. The Carson Funeral Home, Dayton, was in charge of the arrangements.

Judy A. Murphy, was born on February 9, 1955 at Britt. She was the daughter of Omar and Margaret (Wolfe) Kunkle. She attended Britt schools and graduated from the Britt High School in 1974.

She married Jesse Christie on December 2, 1978. The couple had three children, Michelle, Jon and Derek. They made their home in Klemme and moved to Dayton in 1987. Jessie Christie died on October 7, 1989.

On November 3, 1990, Judy married Bob Murphy at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dayton. They had a son, Colin. Judy was a member of the Christ the King Catholic Church. She was employed at the Security Savings Bank in Lehigh.

Survivors include her husband, Bob Murphy of Dayton; daughter, Michelle Anderson and her husband, Josh of Fort Dodge; three sons, Jon Christie of Tiffin, Derek Christie and Colin Murphy, both at home at Dayton; and two grandchildren, Ethan and Claire Anderson of Fort Dodge.

Also surviving are her parents, Omar and Margaret Kunkel of Britt; two sisters, Vicki Pigman and husband, Paul of Crystal Lake and Pam Reibseman of Wesley; four brothers, Randy Kunkel and wife, Laura of Wesley, Russell Kunkle and wife, Teri of Wesley, John Kunkel and wife, Renae of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Terry Kunkel of Crystal Lake; and mother-in-law, Charlotte Christie of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jessie Christie; a son in infancy: and a sister, Cynthia Kunkel.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Gerald Larson, 1929-2004

June 23, 2004
 
Gerald "Jerry" Larson, 75, of Britt, passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, after a prolonged illness.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 16, at the United Methodist Church in Britt. The Rev. Don Campbell and the Rev. Steve Larson officiated. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Doug Johnson and a congregational hymn. Harry Smit and Dennis Zuehl ushered. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Honorary casket bearers were Duane Diemer, Larry Miller, Paul Horstman, Bill Pritchard, Joe Wellik and Mary Betcher.

Gerald, the son of James and Laurena Jensen Larson, was born on March 17, 1929 in Britt. He was a life long Britt resident, graduating from the Britt High School in 1946. He worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation, retiring in 1987 after 41 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Britt and a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine Temple.

He was united in marriage with Jeanne Brower of Kanawha, on September 11, 1948. The couple had three children, Susan, Charles and Steven. He was a devoted husband and father. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener. He especially enjoyed his vacation home on Big Spirit Lake.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jeanne Brower Larson; daughter, Susan Larson Sieve of Houston, Texas; two sons, Charles Larson of Ames and Steven Larson and his wife, Shelly of Ames; six grandchildren, Amy Sieve of Bryan, Texas, Danny Sieve and his wife, Jennifer of Tyler, Texas, Timothy Larson, Derek Larson, Julie Larson and Natalie Larson all of Ames.

Also surviving are two sisters, Dorothy Larson of West Des Moines and Joanne Larson Muhm and her husband, Don of West Des Moines; and three brothers, Robert Larson of West Des Moines, Glen Larson of Downey, California and James Larson and his wife, Irene of Tucson, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Willis (Bud) Larson, Cecil Larson and Merle Larson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Arlene E. Malek, 1936-2004

July 21, 2004

Arlene E. Malek, 68, of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, died on Monday, June 14, 2004, at the Upland Hills Hospital, due to complications of a heart attack and stroke.

Arlene (Spencer) Malek, was born on April 9, 1936 in Cicero, Illinois. She was the daughter of Walter and Marie (Wojchowski) Spencer. She graduated from the J. Sterling Morton High School in 1954.

She married Lawrence Malek of Cicero on October 8, 1955. The couple lived in Bloomington, Illinois, for 32 years where Arlene was a member of the Illinois Garden Club. They retired to Dodgeville in 1986 where Arlene was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church. She worked at The House on the Rock for 15 years. Arlene loved flowers and was an avid gardener.

Survivors include her husband, Larry Malek of Dodgeville; a son, Mark (Susan) Malek of Spring Green; a daughter, Carol Malek of South Elgin, Illinois; three granddaughters; two sisters-in-law, Marion Spencer of Endwell, New York and Rose Geddes of Garner; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Leroy C. Hollatz, 1918-2004

June 23, 2004

Leroy C. Hollatz, 85, of Garner, died on Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 18, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Carl Hedberg 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 Dean Hollatz, Tom Boehnke, Robert Boehnke, Philip Boehnke, Mark Boehnke, Dale Plath and David Pueggel. Honorary bearers were the Garner Lions Club. Burial was in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, east of Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

LeRoy Carl Hollatz, the son of Carl Fredrick and Emma Elizabeth (Jante) Hollatz, was born on August 20, 1918, on a farm near Garner. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church east of Garner. He attended St. John's Parochial School.

On June 9, 1940, he married Agnes Pueggel at the St. John's Lutheran Church. They farmed northeast of Garner. Agnes died on March 13, 1964.

On February 5, 1966, he married Ann Severson at the St. John's Lutheran Church. In 1970 they moved into Clear Lake. Ann died in 1988. In 1997, he moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner. Besides farming, LeRoy was a hail adjuster and insurance agent. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, farming and golfing.

He was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church where he had served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Congregation, Trustee, was on the building committee and was instrumental in setting up the perpetual care fund for the St. John's Cemetery. He was a member of the Garner Lions Club, was a Hospice Volunteer and was President of the Garner Shipping Association in the 1960's.

He is survived by his two sons, Gary (Sharon) Hollatz of Garner and Stephen (Sophia) Hollatz of Naperville, Illinois; five grandchildren, Jon, Brian and Emily Hollatz and her fiancée, Adam Boge and Timothy and Allison Hollatz; a step-son, Vern (Pat) Severson of Clear Lake; and a step-daughter, Sandra (Roger) Aceto of Des Moines.

Also surviving are a sister, Laura Boehnke of Ventura; two sisters-in-law, Ann Radloff and Dorothy Hollatz both of Garner; a brother-in-law, Arnold (Marlys) Pueggel of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

Leroy was preceded in death by his wives, Agnes and Ann; his parents; sisters, Verna Rankin and Lillian Boehnke; and brothers-in-law, Earl Boehnke, Norman Rankin and Arthur Boehnke.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Freda J. Lein, 1926-2004

June 23, 2004

Former Klemme resident, Freda J. Lein, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, June 16, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. She was 78.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 18, at the Peace Reformed Church, south of Garner with the Rev. Jeff DeBoer officiating. Burial was in the Peace Reformed Church Cemetery. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements. The family requests memorials be directed towards the Peace Reformed Church.

Freda J. Lein, the daughter of Reinhard and Katherine Burma VanGerpen was born on January 25, 1926 in Buffalo Center. She attended schools in Buffalo Center and graduated from the Alexander High School in 1943.

Freda was united in marriage to Arlon M. Lein on May 25, 1946 in Clarion. The couple made their home in Belmond and Klemme, where they raised their three children, Lowell, David, and Susan.

Freda attended and graduated from the La James College in Mason City in 1963. She owned and operated her own beauty shop until moving to the Belmond Apartments in 1999. She enjoyed painting ceramics and collecting dolls. She was a member of the Peace Reformed Church.

She is survived by her two sons, Lowell Lein and his wife, Nancy of Cedar Rapids and David Lein and his wife, Ardith of Sioux Center; a daughter, Susan Wehling and her husband, David of Burnsville, Minnesota; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Also surviving are her special friend, Herman Boelman and his family; a sister, June Christensen and husband, Allyn of Clarion; six brothers, Don VanGerpen and wife, Gervaise of San Diego, California, Dick VanGerpen and wife, Velma of Dows, Pete VanGerpen and wife, Pat of Iowa City, John VanGerpen and wife, Edna of Marion, Larry VanGerpen and wife, Sandra of Grand Forks, North Dakota and Jerry VanGerpen and wife, Marion of Nampa, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arlon; two brothers, Jasper (Bud) and Russell; and a sister-in-law, Nancy.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Forest D. Cutshall, 1913-2004

June 23, 2004

Forest D. Cutshall, 90, of Britt, died on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 22, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt, with the Rev. Bob Nieuwendorp officiating. Music was provided by organist, Jane Anderson who accompanied soloist, Jay Burgardt and congregational hymns. Ushers were Cal Larson and Larry Fox.

Casket bearers were Joe Cutshall, Steve Cutshall, Dennis Cutshall, Roger Steig, Roger Hansen and Dennis Schoenwetter. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Forest Dale Cutshall, the son of John and Ida (Green) Cutshall, was born on December 24, 1913 at DeSoto. He attended school at DeSoto where he graduated from high school.

On February 12, 1947, he married Velda Schoenwetter at her parent's home in Garner. They lived in Hancock County where Forest was involved in farming and other agricultural activities. Velda Cutshall died in 1959.

On December 27, 1962, he married Leta Irene Benson at Oskaloosa. They made their home in Hancock County moving into Britt in 1975. Due to ill health, Forest resided at the Kanawha Community Home. He enjoyed being at home, reading and church activities.

He was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Britt.

He is survived by his wife, Leta of Britt; three children, Vernon, (Iris) Cutshall of Orlando, Florida and their son, Samuel, Floyd (Linda) Cutshall of Corwith and their two children, Jared in the USAF and Sarah, and Lynn Cutshall of Des Moines.

Also surviving are a sister, Emma Cutshall of Webster City; a brother, Leo (Ruby) Cutshall of Webster City; a sister-in-law, Vera Cutshall of Charleston, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

Forest was preceded in death by his first wife, Velda; his parents; an infant brother; a sister, Susie Cutshall; and a brother, Homer Cutshall.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Raymond Stiniker, 1910-2004

July 7, 2004

Hancock County native, Raymond L. Stiniker, 94, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died on Thursday, June 17, 2004.

Raymond Stiniker, the son of William and Augusta (Wolter) Stiniker, was born at Hayfield. He attended and graduated from the Hayfield High School and Waldorf College in Forest City.

He married Luella Pint on February 14, 1939. The couple was married for 56 years.

Survivors include a son, Craig of Albuquerque and a granddaughter, Danielle Stiniker of Lubbock, Texas. Also surviving are two sisters, Gladys Bingham of Norwalk, California and Ella Stoltenberg of Nora Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Luella on June 1, 1995; two brothers, Wesley of Garner and Walter of Payette, Idaho; and three sisters, Laura McFarling of Crystal Lake, Esther Stoltenberg of Belmond and Fern Hamand of Rockford.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Helen L. Erdman, 1927-2004

June 23, 2004

Helen L. Erdman, 77, of Garner, died on Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Her funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 24, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Rev. Msgr. Stanley Hayek officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who will accompany the church choir. Lawrence Engstler will usher.

Casket bearers will be Dick Voortmann, Ron Hejna, Verne Hejlik, Cecil Noble, Gary Schisel and Elmer Young. Burial will be in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 23, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel.

Helen Lavonne Erdman, the daughter of Anthony John and Aurelia Marie (McCoy) Erdman, was born on January 18, 1927 at Milford. She attended school in Marshalltown and then moved with her family to Mason City where she graduated from the St. John's Parochial School. She continued her education at DMACC in Des Moines.

She was employed at Honeywell in Minneapolis and moved back to Des Moines where she worked for an insurance company. In 1986, she moved to Garner to be near her family. Helen was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church and rosary society.

Survivors include her sisters, Donella Erdman of Garner, Kathryn McLeod of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Rose Nelson of Garden Grove, California; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Robert Erdman.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Pearl D. Gatchel, 1920-2004

June 30, 2004

Pearl D. Gatchel, 84, of Garner, died on Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Her funeral was held on Saturday, June 26, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloist, Beverly Cataldo and congregational hymns. Ushers were Marvin and Maynard Schoneman.

Honorary bearers were Harold Hejlik, Art Hejlik, James Gatchel and Gene Tannahill. Casket bearers were Scott Botten, Bob Sniezek, Don Anderson, Dan Dick, Lincoln Harms and Ray Kumsher. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Pearl Daisy Gatchel, the daughter of Lars and Laura (Nielsen) Jorgensen, was born on February 25, 1920 at Garner. She attended school at Garner where she graduated from high school in 1937. Following her schooling, she worked in Garner at the Home Insurance Company and with the county attorney.

On May 4, 1941, she was united in marriage to John C. Gatchel at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They farmed east of Garner where they raised Holstein cattle and sold milk to the Garner Creamery. Pearl enjoyed her family, baking, her vegetable and flower gardens and her cats. She made all of her cakes, cookies and soups from scratch.

She is survived by her three children, Gloria (David) Strasburger of Phoenix, Arizona, Karen (Phil) Binns of Oskaloosa and Roger (Barb) Gatchel of Lakeville, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Debbie Oswald, Kristine Barney, Lance Barney, Scott Botten, Laura Botten, Kimberly Johnson, Amber Gatchel and Jill Gatchel; and several great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are a sister, Rosemary (Gene) Tannahill of Fertile; three sisters-in-law, Doris Claude and Robertine Gatchel, both of Garner and Lou (Lynn) Stayner of Punta Gorda, Florida.; a brother-in-law, James (Kathryn) Gatchel of Garner and many nieces and nephews.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, John on June 12, 1996; parents; a grandson, Eric John Botten; a brother, Ralph Jorgensen; and two sisters, Dagny and Daisy Jorgensen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Emma E. Tlach, 1916-2004

June 30, 2004

Emma E. Tlach, 87, of Garner, died on Saturday, June 26, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Her funeral was held on Tuesday, June 29, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Lector was Anton Trca. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were George Tusha and Leo Wellik.

Casket bearers were Art Linden, Dan Liska, Mike Liska, Raymond Liska, Tom Lucke and John K. Olson. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Emma Eleanor Tlach, the daughter of Charles and Emily (Ptacek) Brcka, was born on September 11, 1916, on a farm west of Garner. She attended rural school at Garfield #8 and continued her education at the Notre Dame Academy in Omaha, Nebraska for her freshman year.

On November 11, 1936, she was married to Paul Frank Tlach at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They made their home on the family farm east of Duncan. After Paul's death in 1985, Emma continued to live on the farm. She enjoyed her family, friends, gardening, cooking and baking. She loved to teach others her cooking and baking skills. Corresponding with family and friends via cards and phone calls kept her relationships current.

She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Rosary Society, the Britt chapter of CD of A and the Birthday Club.

She is survived by her children, Sister Carol Tlach of Walsenburg, Colorado, a member of the Notre Dame Sisters in Omaha, Nebraska and Don Tlach of Garner; two sisters, Agnes (John) Liska of Hayfield and Eleanor (Don) Garrison of Canyon Lake, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Pauline Brcka of La Crosse, Wisconsin and Rose Brcka of Forest City; a brother-in-law, William (Anna) Tlach of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul on April 17, 1985; parents; three brothers, Edward, John and Charles Brcka; an infant sister; and two sisters, Sr. Miriam and Sr. Rosalie Brcka.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Violet M. Nevill, 1908-2004

July 7, 2004

Violet M. Nevill, 95, of Garner, died on Tuesday, June 29, 2004, at the Concord Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 1, at the United Methodist Church in Armstrong. The Rev. Lyndon Roesler officiated. Burial was in the Armstrong Grove Cemetery. The Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Chapel of Armstrong was in charge of the arrangements.

Violet M. (Goodale) Nevill, the daughter of Bard W. and Margaret Irene (Madole) Goodale, was born on September 2, 1908 in Creston. As a child, Violet moved with her family to Diagonal where she received her education and graduated from high school. Violet loved music and excelled at the piano. She was the first ever to receive a school letter in piano in the Diagonal school. After graduation she played the organ for silent movies at the local theater.

On December 28, 1928, Violet was united in marriage to Loren A. Nevill in Creston. The couple made their home on his parents' farm. The family moved to Armstrong in 1940, where Loren was engaged in the implement business. In 1943, they moved to Estherville, where Loren operated Nevill Brothers Implement for many years. In 1966, the couple moved back to Armstrong. Loren Nevill died on April 13, 1991.

Other than music, one of the greatest joys in Violet's life was spending time with her family. Later she moved to Garner to be closer to her son. Due to failing health, Violet was a resident at the Concord Care Center the past two years.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Armstrong where she once had been very active and was church organist. She was also an active member of Eastern Star in Estherville and Armstrong for many years and served as Worthy Matron.

Survivors include her children, Lola Harris of Armstrong, Betty Brant and her husband, David of Terrill and Loren (Skip) Nevlll Jr. of Garner; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Vera Morey of Clearfield and Geraldine Emerson of Corning.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Loren; one daughter, Virginia Sasek; one grandson; one great-grandson; son-in-law, Robert Harris; daughter-in-law, Diane Nevill; her parents; one brother, Charles Goodale and one sister, Margaret Le Pera.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004