Pete Lewerke, 1913-2005

February 9, 2005

Pete Lewerke, of Garner, died on Wednesday, February 2, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. He was 91.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 5, at the Zion Church of the Nazarene in Britt. Pastor Ron McKee and the Rev. Brandt Freeburg officiated. Music was provided by pianist, Frances Freeburg who accompanied a duet by David Lewerke and April Gross. Lyle Meyers and Kenny Shipler ushered.

Casket bearers were Ron Lewerke, Tim Lewerke, Bob Lewerke, Jim Powers, Jeff Powers, Brent Powers, Mark Lewerke, Rich Lewerke, David Lewerke, Tom Langlitz and Eric Imel. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Pete Lewerke, the son of Harm and Jennie (Miller) Lewerke, was born on April 17, 1913 in Ackley. He was united in marriage with Viola Broome on April 5, 1935.

He was a truck farmer for many years before selling out in 1955. He later purchased a milk route in Blue Earth, Minnesota, where he worked for several years. The family moved to Garner in 1961, where he began his own trucking business, retiring in 1985.

He was a faithful member of the Britt Zion Church of the Nazarene. He loved his church and his Lord.

Pete is survived by three sons and two daughters, Bob Lewerke and his wife, Marline of Garner, Wanda Powers and her husband, Jack of Garner, Jerry Lewerke and his wife, Susan of Britt, David Lewerke and his wife, Diane of Prescott, Arizona and Sherry Langlitz of Garner; 20 grandchildren, Ron (Betsy) Lewerke, Tim (Lisa) Lewerke, Bob (Terri) Lewerke, Marcia (Ron) Upmeyer, Jacklyn (Don) Malek, Jim (Pat) Powers, Jeff (Biz) Powers, Brenda (Jim) Haag, Brent (Teri) Powers, Mark (Joann) Lewerke, Rich Lewerke, Andrea (Randy) Hayungs, Eric (Mikki) Imel, Shannon Imel, David (Angela) Lewerke, April (Josh) Gross, Angela Lewerke, Autumn (Dustin) Butler, Tom Langlitz, Nancy (Matt) Anderson; 38 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two brothers, Jake (Ethel) Lewerke of Clarion and Elzo (Betty) Lewerke of Britt; and four sisters, Susan McClain, Jennie (Lynn) Forshee, Rose Brunsen and Eileen (Clifford) Smith, all of Britt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Viola on September 8, 2004; two sisters, Gert Smidt and Ella Bergman; one brother, Harm Lewerke; daughter-in-law, Pat Lewerke (1992); son-in-law, Bill Langlitz (2000); granddaughter, Marne Lewerke (1998); and a great-grandson, Andy Upmeyer (1992).
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Raymond Boehnke, 1915-2005

February 9, 2005

Raymond F. Boehnke, 89, of rural Garner, died on Wednesday, February 2, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 5, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, east of Garner with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Music was provided by organist, Louise Boehnke who accompanied soloist, Joel Doble and congregational hymns. Ushers were Carrol Boehnke and Ed Kotz.

Casket bearers were his grandsons, Michael Brocker, David Needham, Jonathan Needham, Patrick Needham, Matthew Nordman, John Lundebrek and Derek Ziesmer. Honorary bearers were his granddaughters. Burial was in the church cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given in memory of Ray Boehnke to the St. John's Lutheran Church.

Raymond Friedrich Boehnke, the son of Emil and Frieda (Lade) Boehnke, was born on December 1, 1915, on a farm northeast of Garner. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church. He attended the St. John's Parochial School and the Garner High School. Following his schooling, he farmed with his father.

On July 25, 1936, he married Ruby Hage at Algona. They lived on the home farm where they raised their family and Ray continued to farm. Ray also owned a gas truck, which he used to deliver fuel for the Hancock County Coop Oil Company, Garner, until retiring in 1980.

Ray lived on the home farm his entire life. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, bowling, fishing, dancing, playing cards and especially, entertaining his family. He was a life time member of the St. John's Lutheran Church where he was active in various offices.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby of Garner; five daughters, Virginia (Don) Brocker of Woodbury, Minnesota, Barbara Needham of Mound, Minnesota, Kay (Alden) Lundebrek of Starbuck, Minnesota, Patricia (Dick) Nordman of Arlington Heights, Illinois and Rebecca (David) Ziesmer of Belmond; 14 grandchildren, Victoria (Edward) Huebsch, Michelle Holmgren, Patrice (John) Horner, Michael (Deborah) Brocker, David (Robyn) Needham, Jonathan (Kami) Needham, Patrick Needham, Dana (Charles) Parks, John (Heather) Lundebrek, Sarah (David) Solak, Matthew (Karen) Nordman, Angela (Michael) Ryg, Alison Ziesmer and Derek Ziesmer; 37 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Wetterling of Mason City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Norma Smokestad.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Allen Barz, 1924-2005

February 9, 2005

Allen Barz, 80, of Garner, died on Wednesday, February 2, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 5, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, Garner with the Rev. Darrell Weber as officiant. Music was provided by Margaret Jass and Mary Etherington who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Allan DeWitt, Alan Jass, Garland Brinkman and Loren Kalkwarf.

Honorary casket bearers were the Garner Rotary Club and their spouses. Casket bearers were Clayton Greiman, E.D. "Red" Buntenbach, Dean Cataldo, Lynn Smith, Bill Renner and Scott Wood. 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.

Allen Barz, the son of Henry and Clara (Born) Barz was born on June 1, 1924, on the family farm east of Klemme. He attended school at Klemme, graduating in 1941. Al served his country in the U.S. Air Force during WW II. He attended Lakeland (formerly Mission House) College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Al worked at the first National Bank in Klemme for five years and then bought the Wellik Insurance Agency in Garner, which he sold in 1990.

On October 17, 1948, he married Ihlajean Johnson at the Klemme Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ. After moving to Garner, he became a member of the Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church. He sang in church choirs for over 65 years, taught Sunday School and was a youth leader. He was a 50-year member of Rotary, where he was a song leader and a Paul Harris Fellow. For many years he was an announcer for KCMR in Mason City. He enjoyed playing golf and loved entertaining.

He is survived by his wife, Ihlajean; three sons, Mark Barz and his wife, Dalena of Ventura, Michael Barz and Dan Barz both of Minneapolis, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Nathan Barz of Ventura, Erika Kirby and her husband, Bob of Omaha, Nebraska, Nora Muessingmann of Omaha, Nebraska and Melissa Dakin of Fort Collins, Colorado; four great-grandchildren, Chloe and Evan Muessingmann and Samantha and Meredith Kirby.

Survivors also include a brother, Ray Barz of Waupaca, Wisconsin; a sister, Avis Hagen and her husband, Eldon of Klemme; a sister-in-law, Gladys Barz; and his mother-in-law, Gay Horgen of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Elmer Barz and Evert Barz; and a sister-in-law, Viola Barz.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Betty L. Dietrich, 1931-2005

February 16, 2005

Betty L. Dietrich, 73, of Britt, died on Monday, February 7, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 11, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with the Rev. Dr. John Meyer and Janelle Siffring, AiM, officiating. Music was provided by organist, Donna Tech who accompanied a congregational hymn. Special music was provided by her grandson, Landon Dietrich, the church choir and a vocal duet by Beverly and Brent Cataldo. Ushers were Mel Pergande and Duane Hanson.

Casket bearers were Jacob Dietrich, Landon Dietrich, Frederick Miller, Dean Cataldo, Brian Cataldo and Brent Cataldo. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Nashua. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Louise Dietrich, the daughter of Walter and Margaret (Schiess) Reich, was born on November 13, 1931 at Irma, Wisconsin. In 1932, she moved with her family to rural Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where her father had a small dairy farm.

In 1940, due to the death of her mother and later her father, Betty and five of her siblings moved to the Fort Wayne Children's Home in Indiana. She remained in Fort Wayne until she graduated from high school. She returned to Rice Lake and began working at the local radio station.

On November 3, 1957, she was married to the Rev. Merlin Dietrich. She gave birth to their only son, Blake a year later. The family moved to Barnsville, Minnesota in 1959 and then to Nashua in 1968. Following the death of her husband in 1986, she moved to Britt where she was employed at the Britt Public Library until her retirement in 1997. She continued to work part time at the library until the time of her death. Betty was also the resident manager at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt.

She enjoyed her family and friends. Her grandsons were very important to her. Betty kept close ties to her church family in Nashua. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir. She also was active in the Hancock County Little Theater.

She is survived by her son, Blake (Susan) Dietrich of Britt; two grandsons, Jacob and Landon Dietrich; brothers, Edwin (Delores) Reich of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Ernest Reich of Rapid City, South Dakota and Elmer (Lorraine) Reich of Carlsbad, California; a sister, Marcelene Melendy of Lincolnshire, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Merlin Dietrich; parents; brothers, Herman, Robert and Fritz Reich; and sisters, Marie Hunter and Kathrine Stavran.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Hildur Trulson, 1915-2005

February 16, 2005

Hildur Trulson, 89, of Britt, died on Thursday, February 10, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 14, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Janelle Siffring, AiM officiating. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Cataldo who accompanied soloist, Dana Beyers and congregational hymns. Ushers were Duane Hanson and Duaine Nelson. Casket bearers were her grandchildren. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Hildur Martha Christina Trulson, the daughter of Carl and Emily (Johnson) Olson, was born on September 8, 1915, at Mason City. She attended school in Mason City and graduated from the Mason City High School. Following her schooling, she worked at Deckers in Mason City.

On June 21, 1937, she was married to Earl Trulson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived in Britt where they raised their family. Hildur was employed in the dietary department at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt until retiring in 1986.

She enjoyed her family, flowers, playing cards and was an avid Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeye fan. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Britt Senior Citizens.

Hildur is survived by her two daughters, Shirley (John) Tegtmeyer of Britt and Erlis (Bob) Rasmuson of Brainerd, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Robin Earles, Greg (Jolinda) Rasmuson, Todd (Tamara) Rasmuson, Kelly (Marge) Rasmuson, Dana (Jim) Beyers, Holly (Jason) Verly and Rachel Tegtmeyer and special friend, Chris Kabrick; 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gen (Russ) Allen of Duluth, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl in May of 1963; her parents; and two sisters, Edith Olson and Ebba Rothermel.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Anna J. Neswold, 1908-2005

February 16, 2005

Anna J. Neswold, 97, of Britt, died on Saturday, February 12, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, surrounded by her family as church bells were ringing nearby.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 15, at the Grace Baptist Church in Corwith, with the Rev. John Brown officiating. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Wilhite who accompanied soloist, Betty Ann Lewerke and congregational hymns. Special music was provided by her granddaughters, Amy Chase and Jennifer Lindberger. Ushers were Jim Wilhite and Allen Mains.

Casket bearers were Kurtis Ruby, Kent Ruby, Keith Ruby, Matthew Neswold, Eric Neswold, Terry Weiland, Todd Weiland, Troy Weiland, Chris Weiland, David Neswold and Anthony Trulson. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Josephine Neswold, the daughter of Anton and Anastasia (Bina) Malecek, was born on December 31, 1908 at Rolfe. At the age of 10 she moved with her family to a farm near Wesley where she attended country school. Anna was able to read and speak Czech, which she used throughout her life.

On October 6, 1936, she was married to Lloyd Neswold at Wesley. They farmed north of Wesley. In 1951, they moved to Hutchins and continued to farm. After Lloyd died on December 3, 1992, she continued to live on the farm until the last few days of her life. For the past several years, Anna was lovingly cared for by special caregivers in her home.

She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church, Corwith and participated in the Hancock County Hospital Auxiliary and the Gideons Auxiliary. Serving the Lord by word and example best describes Anna's life. She enjoyed reading, traveling, flowers, gardening, being a prayer warrior, and most of all, her family.

Survivors include a daughter, Alice (Morris) Ruby of Clear Lake and their family, Kurtis (Joanne) Ruby and their children, Jason Ruby, Mallory (Robert) Jackson and son, Austin, Kent (Sherri) Ruby and their daughters, Danielle and Taylor, and Keith Ruby and his children, Michael and Melissa; a son, Raymond (Susan) Neswold of Britt and their children, Amy (Mark) Chase and their children, Allyson, Haley, Ian and Gavin, Jennifer (Greg) Linberger and their children, Jessica, Elizabeth, Josiah, Micah, Kathryn and Caroline, Matthew Neswold and Eric Neswold and his son, Eric II; a grandson, Terry (Michele) Weiland and their children, Brant, Sallie and Wade, Todd (Julie) Weiland and their children, Lauren, Bret and Mitchell, Troy (Julie) Weiland and their sons, Nicholas, Anthony and Francis; a son-in-law, Wendel Weiland of Algona and his wife, Mary and their children, Chris (Linda) and their daughter, Kylie and Carleena (Mark) Grandgenett; a son, Larry (Beverly) Neswold of Cedar Rapids and their son, David (Kathy) Neswold and their children, Kyle and Keliesha; and a daughter, Violet (Michael) Trulson of Richardson, Texas and their children, Tamella Trulson, Anthony Trulson and Sarah (Joshua) St. John; and two special friends, Teresa Suby and Margaret Sankey.

Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; a daughter, Elaine Weiland; a granddaughter, Tracie Trulson; her parents; two brothers; and three sisters.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Larry B. Miller, 1933-2005

February 23, 2005

Larry B. Miller, 71, of Spirit Lake, formerly of Britt, died on Friday, February 18, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, February 22, at the United Methodist Church in Britt. The Rev. Robert Dodge officiated. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Gene Guenther and congregational hymns. Ushers were Dennis Zuehl and Harry Smith.

Honorary bearers were Dr. Duane Diemer, Joseph Wellik, Marion Jones and Neil Adams. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the West Hancock High School Scholarship Fund or the Dickinson County Trails Association.

Larry Barnes Miller, the son of Mark Frederick and Katherine Matilda (Barnes) Miller, was born on July 3, 1933, in Des Moines. He graduated from the Britt High School in 1951 and the University of Iowa in 1956.

On September 9, 1956, he married Frances J. Wilimek of Newton. They lived in Des Moines where he was employed with the City Service Oil Company. In 1958, they moved to Britt to join his father in the real estate business. Larry worked in the real estate and farm management business in Britt until 1994. They moved to Spirit Lake where he worked with Hoien Realty until semi-retiring in 1999 and fully retiring in 2005.

Larry's main interest was his family. He enjoyed gardening, golf, fishing, card playing, pool and following the University of Iowa athletics.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt and served as a trustee on the Hancock County Memorial Hospital Board and the Britt Public Library. He was a past president of the Britt Rotary Club, the Britt Industrial Development Corporation and the Britt Country Club. He was a past state president of the Iowa Farm and Land Brokers and was designated as Iowa Farm and Land Broker of the Year in 1972. Larry was also president of the Iowa Association of Realtors in 1978 and was selected as Realtor of the Year for the State of Iowa in 1992.

Survivors include his wife, Fran of Spirit Lake; three children, Sandra (Pete) Wroblewski of Wheaton, Illinois and their two children, Peter and Kaye, David (Laura) Miller of Excelsior, Minnesota and their two daughters, Hannah and Nicole, and Amy (Dr. Randy) Pas and their two children, Tara and Samson of Arnolds Park; a sister-in-law, Mildred Miller of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Monty Miller.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Marcella Johnson, 1914-2005

February 23, 2005

Marcella Johnson, 90, of Britt, died on Saturday, February 19, 2005, at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, February 23, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with the Rev. Robert Dodge and the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who will accompany soloist, Jim Sweers and a congregational hymn. Ushers will be Dennis Zuehl and Harry Smith.

Honorary bearers will be Gilbert Johnson and Leo Kammerer. Casket bearers will be Larry Cline, Ron Ostendorf, Dan Johnson, Brian Johnson, Duane Johnson and Allen Santee. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Marcella Margaret Eva Johnson, the daughter of John H. and Amelia Rose (Fennewald) Mulert, was born on July 22, 1914 in Dubuque. She attended the rural schools of Kossuth and Hancock County.

On November 29, 1934, she was married to Clyde W. Johnson at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. The couple farmed in the Britt and Crystal Lake area until 1963. They moved into Britt in the early 1970s, where Marcella was employed at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital from 1976 to 1983.

In December of 1998, Marcella moved to the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City due to ill health. She enjoyed her family, gardening, crocheting, fishing, playing cards, cooking, going on family vacations and dancing at the Surf Ballroom. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt, UMW, Rebekah Lodge and the Britt Senior Citizens.

Survivors include six children, Richard (Dianne) Johnson of Fort Dodge, Clyde Johnson of Clear Lake, Rose (Neal) Santee of Mason City, Donna (Larry) Cline of Mason City, Shirley (Ron) Ostendorf of Clear Lake and James (Carolyn) Johnson of Des Moines; 20 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; a foster great-grandchild; and ten great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two sisters, June (Leo) Kammerer of Cedar Rapids and Rita Berndt of Moline, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Gilbert Johnson of Mason City; and two sisters-in-law, Ida Mulert and Rita Mulert both of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde, on November 10, 1975; her parents; grandchildren, Steven Cline, Richard Johnson and Debra Sue Johnson; a great grandson, Jeremy Johnson; two brothers, Harold and Kenneth Mulert; and three sisters, Margaret Mulert, Dorothy Johnson and Vivian McGrath.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Ilo Marie Smock, 1909-2005

March 2, 2005

Ilo Marie Smock, 95, of Belmond, died on Monday, February 21, 2005, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Free Church in Belmond, with the Rev. Patrick Kennedy officiating. Burial will take place in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 1, at the Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick Lane South in Belmond and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ilo, the daughter of Levi and Esther (Sampson) Klotzbach, was born on October 16, 1909, in Giard. She attended a country school in Froelich. In 1928, she married William Anderson.

In 1939 she married Leslie Smock. The couple made their home in the Klemme and Kanawha area where Ilo worked as a waitress and in a bakery. After the death of Leslie in 1962, Ilo moved to Wisconsin in 1964. She became a resident of the Belmond Care Center in 2001.

Ilo enjoyed knitting, crocheting, growing flowers, and working in the garden. She especially loved fishing in Canada with her family. She was a member of the Rebbekahs, DAV, IOOF and the 4-H Club.

Survivors include her four sons, Willis and his wife, Charlene Anderson, George Anderson, Darrel and his wife, Judy Smock, Leslie and his wife, Cathy Smock; a daughter, Sheryl and her husband, George Dean; 24 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two brothers, Floyd Klotzbach and Louis and his wife, Janet Klotzbach; and a sister, Phyllis Wilhite; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Smock in 1962; a daughter, Doreen Winterhalter in January of 2005; a son, Noel Anderson at the age of 8 years; two brothers, Walter and Alan Klotzbach; and her parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Charles W. Young, 1926-2005

March 9, 2005

Word has been received of the death on Tuesday, February 22, 2005, of Charles (Chuck) Young, Chuck was born in Garner on July 26, 1926. He moved to California in his early teens and at the age of 16 joined the navy. After the war, he was employed by Sears. He retired to the Vancouver, Washington area. He married Dorene Dickey in 1976.

Survivors include his wife, Dorene; his brother, Donald; sister, Ruth; and his children from a previous marriage. Also surviving are his extended family; a cousin, Barb Young of Garner.

The Davies Cremation was in charge of the arrangements.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Arthur H. Hoeft, 1907-2005

March 2, 2005

Arthur H. Hoeft, 98, of Garner, died on Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 1, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, east of Garner with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Music was provided by organist, Louise Boehnke, who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Glenn Thada, Gene Toppin and Harold Pueggel.

Honorary bearers were Clarke Pollock, Dan O'Keefe, Harold Hall, Victor Knudtson, Henry Bokelman and Lawrence Miller. Casket bearers were Tim Hossler, Rev. Glenn Niemann, John Bokelman, Kevin Schultz, Rahn Brager and Donald Knudtson. Burial was in the church cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, Hospice of North Iowa or the Ventura Senior Citizens.

Arthur Herman Hoeft, the son of Herman and Martha (Reinhardt) Hoeft, was born on February 8, 1907 at Fort Dodge. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church, east of Garner. He attended the St. John's Parochial School. Following his schooling, he worked for various farmers in the Garner and Ventura area.

On February 27, 1934, he married Verona Anne Schultz at her parent's home near Forest City. They farmed in the Ventura, Garner and Clear Lake area. In 1957, they purchased their own farm and in 1966 moved to the home farm. After the death of Verona in 1986, he continued to live on the farm. In 1995, he moved to Prairie View Apartments in Garner.

Art and Verona were active in community card clubs and fund raising for the local community chest drive. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he was a deacon, Walther League and the Ventura Senior Citizens.

He is survived by two children, Darwin (Jerrilee) Hoeft of Custer, South Dakota and Carolyn (Larry) Shadle of Carthage, Missouri; grandchildren, Ann (Tim) Hossler of Beverly Hills, Michigan and Laura (Rev. Glenn) Niemann of Pekin, Illinois; step-grandchildren, Patty (Marty) Allen of Gresham, Oregon, Jerrilee (Paul) Sever of Salmon, Indiana, Renee (Tom) Dickson of Post Falls, Indiana, Dave (Jenny) Squire of Houlton, Wisconsin and Bob (Kathy) Squire of Peru, New York; three great-granddaughters; eight step-great-granddaughters; a step-great-grandson; two sisters-in-law, Irma (Henry) Bokelman of Ventura and Lucille Schultz of Mason City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Verona, on March 23, 1986; his parents; a brother, Lester Hoeft; a sister, Edna Knopf; and a step-great-grandson, Mark Sever.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Hemmo Gremmer, 1911-2005

March 2, 2005

Hemmo Gremmer, 93, of Britt, died on Saturday, February 26, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 1, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied vocalists, Randy and Kym Gremmer.

Casket bearers were Tracy Smith, Jeff Meyer, Randy Gremmer, Mark Melohn, Bill Dallman and Dale Dolphin. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Hemmo Gremmer, the son of Eppo and Jennie (Pomp) Gremmer, was born on April 28, 1911, on a farm north of Wesley. He attended the rural schools near Wesley.

On July 23, 1938, he married Nellie Mae (Kearney) at Garner. They farmed south of Hutchins all of their married life. After Nellie died in 1994, he continued to live on the home farm. In 1998, he became a resident of the Kanawha Community Home. He enjoyed his family, mowing the lawn and working in the garden.

Hemmo is survived by his three children, Jennie Smith of Britt, Beverly (Bill) Spencer of Britt and Kenneth (Carol) Gremmer of Forest City; grandchildren, Vicki Schreiner and her two children, Kevin and Jessica, Bonnie (Mark) Melohn and their two children, Jennifer and Brad, Tracy (Michelle) Smith and their two children, Kaitlin and Glen, Lisa (Lee) Gilbaugh and their two children, Lorienza and Leean, Sara Gremmer and Anna Gremmer; two step-grandchildren, Jeffrey (Thecla) Meyer and son, Matthew and Michelle (David) Gabel and son, Gabriel.

Survivors also include two brothers, Henry (Helen) Gremmer of Britt and Eppo Jr. (Hyla) Gremmer of Britt; two sisters, Gazena Dolphin of California and Anna Grace Dolphin of Olathe, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Julie Gremmer of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie on January 4, 1994; son-in-law, Gerald R. Smith on February 9, 2004; a sister, Annie Gremmer; and six brothers, Pete, Hemme, Stoffer (Stub), Jerry, George and Johnnie Gremmer.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

George E. Gaskill, 1912-2005

March 9, 2005

George Elwyn Gaskill, prominent Corwith area farmer and long time pioneer supporter of rural electrification in Iowa, died on Monday, February 28, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. He was 92 years old.

A celebration of his life was held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, March 4, at the Corwith United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dan Fernandez officiating. Interment was in the Corwith Cemetery. The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Chapel in Corwith was in charge of the arrangements.

George Elwyn Gaskill, was born on May 24, 1912, on the family farm south of Corwith. He was the son of Elwyn Guy and Winnifred (Bravinder) Gaskill. He was a graduate of the Corwith High School and attended Iowa State College before returning home to help his father save the family farm during the depression years.

On June 29, 1933, George was united in marriage with Mildred Chapman at Mayville, Missouri. To this union two children were born. George had broad interests, but farming and family were the primary focus of his life. He acquired a strong interest in rural electrification from his father who was instrumental in bringing electricity to the rural community, including the Gaskill farm. In 1947, George was appointed to fill his father's position on the Hancock County REC Board, a post that he held for many years. He also served on the Cornbelt Regional REC Board and later was elected state president of the Iowa Association of Electric Co-ops.

His interests in the community included strong support for the local schools, the Corwith United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the co-op elevator and the small businesses in town. He was one of the founders of the Corwith State Bank, where he served on the board of directors for many years. He was a 92 year member of the Corwith United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities. He was also a 33rd Degree Mason in the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Shriners.

In retirement, the "Corwith morning coffee club" was an important part of his daily routine. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and travel. He and Mildred cherished their five grandchildren and provided strong advice and guidance at frequent family gatherings.

George was an avid supporter of the Corwith community all his life. He moved to the Summit House Apartments in Britt two and one-half years ago.

Survivors include a son, E. Thurmand and wife, Geraldine of Corwith and a daughter, Georgia Crockett and husband, Paul of Minneapolis, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Beth Anne Gaskill Douglass (David) of Bellevue, Washington, Mark Gaskill (Sandra) of Chesterfield, Missouri, Major David Gaskill (Rebecca) of LaVista, Nebraska, Andrea Crockett Sticha (Timothy) of Plymouth, Minnesota and Allison Crockett Schmidt (Mark) of Simsbury, Connecticut; ten great-grandchildren, Zachary and Benjamin Douglass, Peyton and Jonah Gaskill (Chesterfield, Missouri), Mikaela and Preston Gaskill, Matthew and Sean Sticha and Katherine and William Schmidt.

Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Mrs. William (Beatrice) Gaskill of Stuart; a nephew, Gilbert Gaskill of Des Moines; a niece, Winnifred Gaskill of Stuart; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred; one brother, William; one sister, Marjorie Gaskill Stanton and her husband, Wallace and their daughter, Judith Stanton Bailey; and an infant grandson, James Scott Gaskill.

Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or the Corwith United Methodist Church.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005