Kenneth D. Pannhoff, 1925-2005

July 13, 2005

Former Kanawha and Klemme resident, Kenneth "Kenny" D. Pannhoff, 80, died on Friday, July 1, 2005, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 6, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial with full military honors was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements.

Kenneth Pannhoff, was born on July 23, 1924, the son of John and Anna (Heginger) Pannhoff on a farm northeast of Klemme. He attended the Ell Township, Hancock County Schools. As a young man he worked for various area farmers, before serving in the United States Army as an MP in Germany commencing in 1945.

Following his military tenure he returned to the Garner area where he farmed on his own for seven years. He then was employed for many years with the Hancock County ASCS office. He later was employed by the Forrester Trailer Company in Forest City and for a number of years at the Triggs Trailer Company in Kanawha before retirement.

Kenny was united in marriage to Frances D. Otto on January 13, 1956, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Their union lasted nearly 50 years. The couple lived in Klemme from 1962-82 before moving to Kanawha, where they lived until moving to the Concord Care Center.

In earlier years, Kenny enjoyed taking his family on fishing excursions. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, gardening, music (especially polkas) and was a self taught accordion player. He loved to go dancing. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.

Survivors include his sons, Jim of Forest City, Al and wife, Connie of Swea City and Doug and wife, Tracie of Klemme; two daughters, Patty and special friend, Dan Smith of Klemme and Sharon and husband, Donny Reysack of Klemme; grandchildren, Teri Jo Cohrs of Klemme, Andy Cohrs of Garner, Tanya Harley of Klemme, Jeremy Pannhoff of Mason City, Michael Pannhoff of Klemme, Nathan Pannhoff of Klemme, Ashley Pannhoff of Klemme, Telsie and Brittney Pannhoff of Klemme and Serena and Collin Pannhoff of Swea City; and seven great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two brothers, Merle and wife, Ruth Pannhoff of Mason City and Raymond "Sharky" Pannhoff and wife, Lorena of Ventura; sisters, Mary Clark and husband, Curt of Forest City and Marlene Pannhoff of Mason City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frannie on June 3, 2005; brothers, Dean and Lyle; and sister, Arlene.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005  

Vincent V. Nedved, 1913-2005

July 13, 2005

Vincent V. Nedved, of Garner, died on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt. He was 92.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 8, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Clarence Johanns was the lector. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied the church choir and soloist, Jamie Nedved. Ushers were George Tusha and Kenneth Paca.

Casket bearers were Daniel Vincent Nedved, Brian Nedved, Edward Vincent Smith, Rob Hulse, Randy Weiland, Jeff Christianson and Thomas Richard Smith. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Vincent Victor Nedved, the son of Stanislus "Stank" and Barbary (Kopacek) Nedved, was born on May 2, 1913, on a farm northwest of Garner. He attended the Garfield No. 5 rural school and helped his family on the farm.

On July 2, 1935, he married Agnes Magdalen Hrubes at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They farmed northwest of Garner until retiring in 1990. In September of 1992, they moved into Garner. Vince moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner in 1997 and in March of 2003 to the Westview Care Center in Britt.

He loved to play the accordion and drums. In his younger years he was in the Britt Hobo Band and the Garner City Band. Most recently he was active in the bell choir at the Westview Care Center. He enjoyed his family, grandchildren, playing cards and dominoes.

He was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Catholic Workman Branch No. 51 and had served on the board of directors of the Farmer's Co-op Elevator, Garner.

Vince is survived by his six children, Marian (Richard) Smith of Iowa Falls, Elaine Weiland of Britt, Bernard (Suzan) Nedved of Garner, Marlene (Larry) Christianson of West Memphis, Arkansas, Kathleen (Robert) Hulse of Ankeny and Gerald (Patricia) Nedved of Garner; 23 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Nedved of Mason City, Alice Hrubes of Garner, Margaret Hrubes of Garner, Helen Malek of Garner, Elsie Vavrik of Garner and Mary Trca of Britt; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe (Leona) Hrubes of Britt and Clarence (Joan) Hrubes of Garner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes on November 18, 1996; his parents; two sons-in-law, Gary Turner and Dean Weiland; a granddaughter, Sarah Christianson; a great-grandson, Stephen Fettkether Jr.; brothers, Jim (Christina) Nedved, John (Mary) Nedved, Bill Nedved and Clement Nedved; a sister, Rose (Louis) Panos; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank Hrubes, John Hrubes, Rose (Marvin) Johanns, Sylvester Malek, Frank Vavrik, Arnold Trca, Emily (Ernie) Trca and Ray (Darlene) Hrubes.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Jerry Green, 1946-2005

July 20,2005

Jerry W. Green, 58, of Davenport, died on Monday, July 11, 2005, at his home. A Celebration of Life service was held on Thursday, July 14, at the First Christian Church, Davenport.

Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery, Belmond. The Weerts Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Jerry was born on July 22, 1946 in Mason City, to Carl C. and Dorothy (Mossman) Green. He married Janice Grabbe in Sarasota, Florida on October 9, 2004, after being together for 17 years.

Jerry was a graduate of the Belmond High School and of the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in accounting. For 18 years, he worked as a senior revenue accountant in the finance department, City of Davenport. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Davenport, where he was active as the organist and pianist. He formerly was active in the Garner Jaycees.

Survivors include his wife, Janice; brother, Jon (Judy) Green of Nisswa, Minnesota; nephews, Brad Green of Princeton, Minnesota and Todd Green of Buffalo, Minnesota; three great-nephews and a great-niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Jocelyn Everett, 1987-2005

July 20, 2005

Jocelyn "Jocie" Everett, 18, of Britt, died on Monday, July 11, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services for Jocelyn were held on Friday, July 15, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with the Rev. Robert Dodge, the Rev. Doug Doughan and the Rev. Joel De Boer officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Jocelyn Paige Everett, the daughter of Jeff and Julie Smith Everett, was born on May 21, 1987 in Britt. Jocie grew up in Britt and attended school in the West Hancock Schools, graduating in 2005. As a student, Jocie was active in band and was a cheer-leader for wrestling.

Jocie enjoyed horseback riding with friends, making hemp bracelets and necklaces, and listening to music.

She is survived by her parents, Jeff and Julie Smith Everett; one sister, Sarah; grandparents, Glenn and Beverly Smith of Algona and Beverly Everett and special friend, Rich Gardner of Wesley; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the family dogs, Tala and Roy.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Tom Everett.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Brian Rauk, 1951-2005

July 20, 2005

Brian Rauk, 53, of Forest City, died on Monday, July 11, 2005, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 14, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with the Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home of Forest City was in charge of the arrangements.

Brian J. Rauk, was born in Forest City on December 26, 1951, the son of Carlton and Ruby (Lund) Rauk. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, where he was a life long member. Brian received his education in the Forest City schools, graduated from Waldorf College and attended Iowa State University in Ames.

After Iowa State, he began farming with his father. He married Jan Gesme on July 22,1978, and Forest City has been their home ever since. Brian worked as a rural mail carrier at the Forest City Post Office for over 30 years. He was a Twins and Cyclones fan and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Brian is survived by his wife, Jan of Forest City and their three sons, Kevin and wife, Karla Barkema of Garner, Jay of Ames and Todd of Forest City; his parents, Carlton (Pete) and Ruby Rauk of Forest City; sisters, Diane Rovang and fiancée, Robert Nordin of Eagan, Minnesota, Pam Hertel of Janesville, Wisconsin and Pat Formanek and husband, Doug of Forest City.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Mildred A. Simmons, 1907-2005

September 21, 2005

Word has been received of the death of Mildred A. Simmons, 97, formerly of Garner and Cedar Falls. Mrs. Simmons died on Thursday, July 14, 2005, at the Memorial Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 18, 2005, in Cedar Falls. The Richardson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Mildred A. Simmons, was born on November 13, 1907 in Eagle Grove. She was the daughter of Ira and Rena M. Adson. On April 24, 1925, she was united in marriage to Hollis J. Simmons. She taught school prior to her marriage.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Winnie Jean and Keith Curry of Tampa; and a grandson, Timothy M. Curry of Atlanta, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hollis Simmons on December 8, 1982; and a sister, Selma McMahon.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Reva Waddingham, 1913-2005

July 27, 2005

Reva Waddingham, of Garner, died on Thursday, July 21, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. She was 92.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 26, at the United Methodist Church in Klemme, with the Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Tue who accompanied congregational hymns. Arlyn Waddingham and Calvin Bruggeman ushered.

Casket bearers were Reva's grandchildren. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Reva Mabel Waddingham, the daughter of Ralph Walter and Mabel Ellen (Fuller) Elder, was born on May 15, 1913 at Klemme. She attended school at Klemme, graduating from high school in 1930. Reva received her teaching certificate at Iowa State College in Ames and then taught for a year at the Prairie Queen Rural School near Klemme.

On March 28, 1934, she was married to John "Jack" William Waddingham at the United Methodist Church in Klemme. They farmed southeast of Klemme until retiring from farming in 1971. They moved into Garner where Reva worked at the Concord Care Center, Prairie View Apartments and the Hancock County Care Facility. In 1988, she moved to the Prairie View Apartments.

Reva enjoyed embroidering, fresh flowers every week, puzzles, sports, family gatherings and going to the beauty shop. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Klemme, UMW and the Quilters Group.

She is survived by her six children, John "Bill" (Rosalie) Waddingham of Garner, Thomas Dean (Janice) Waddingham of Thornton, David Ralph (Marie) Waddingham of Garner, Ellen Louise Sobek of Garner, Bruce Gene (Cheryl) Waddingham of Rutherfordton, North Carolina and Ray Allen Waddingham of Garner.

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Deborah (Joe Urbaitis) Waddingham, Jay (Kristi) Waddingham, Paige (Brad) Warren, Kendra (Scott) Pottebaum, Sarah Waddingham, Shelley Witting, Sheila (Keith) Sperr, Sherry (Michael) Loftus, Mark (Elizabeth) Waddingham, Laura Lea (Vincent) Delbrugge and Jason (Gina) Waddingham; and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John in September of 1988; parents; brother, Clarence Elder; son-in-law, Roger Sobek; grandson-in-law, Rick Witting; and great-grandson, Tyson Warren.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Kathleen (Dahl) Anderson, 1928-2005

August 3, 2005

Kay (Dahl) Anderson, of Lakeland, Florida, died on Saturday, July 23, 2005. She was 77.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 29, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Ellsworth. The Rev. Jim Noren officiated. Burial was in the Homewood Cemetery, Ellsworth.

Kathleen Fae Dahl was the third of five children born to Arlen and Carrie Dahl on March 11, 1928, near Ellsworth. Kay grew up on the family farm and attended country school.

Kay met her husband-to-be, Archie Halvorson, at the Radcliffe High School. After high school graduation, while Archie served his country in the U.S. Army, Kay completed a two year degree at Waldorf College in Forest City, and started her teaching career in Radcliffe.

Upon Archie's return in 1948, Kay and Archie were married. The couple farmed and had three sons. The family moved to Arcadia, Florida, where after a brief ranching partnership, they purchased a former dormitory and converted the rooms to apartments.

Kay resumed her teaching career in Fort Ogden, Florida, serving as the only teacher and principal of the small school. In 1963, she earned her Bachelor's Degree from the Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The family moved from Arcadia to Tampa in 1965. Kay taught one year in Tampa at Carollwood Elementary before accepting a teaching position at Winston Elementary in Kathleen, Florida. Archie died in a construction accident on December 14, 1967. The following April, Kay moved her family back to Lakeland.

In 1974, Kay married Howard Forbes, a high school math teacher and long-time family friend from Arcadia, Florida. Kay and Howard shared a love for travel. In 1996, after a long illness, Howard died.

Kay joined a square dance club where she met Thomas Anderson. They were married in 1997. They continued to square dance and travel until Tom died in 2003.

Kay remained active and enjoyed her family and friends and many activities. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Survivors include her three sons and their wives, Vance (Debbie) of Naperville, Illinois, Kim (Debi) of Arcadia, Florida and Jay (Maryellen) of Clearwater, Florida; five grandchildren; a sister, Alyce Ann (William) Katter of Garner; and a brother, Sterling (Sharon) Dahl of Jewel.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Bonnie Kerns Loverink, 1939-2005

August 3, 2005

Bonnie E. Kerns Loverink, of Garner, died on Monday, July 25, 2005, at the Concord Care Center, Garner. She was 66.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, July 28, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with the Revs. Brandt Freeburg and Ron McKee officiating. Honorary bearers were her grandchildren.

Interment will be at a later date in Coatsville, Missouri. Memorials may be directed to the Concord Care Center to help with the purchase of a piano.

Bonnie Earlene Kerns Loverink, the daughter of Earl and Ruth (Makepeace) Burrows, was born on February 16, 1939 at Moulton. She graduated from the Moulton High School in 1957.

On May 25, 1957, she was married to John Kerns at Moulton. They farmed northwest of Lancaster, Missouri for 25 years. After John died in 1984 she moved to Bloomfield and in 1995 to Garner. She resided at the Concord Care Center for most of her time in Garner.

On March 25, 2001, she was married to Everett Loverink. Bonnie was fun loving and always ready to laugh. She enjoyed her roles as a farm wife and mother. She was an avid gardener and fondly nursed baby lambs, calves, chickens and strays. She was a prolific cook with specialties in punches, cakes, pies, crispy fried chicken and canning. Bonnie loved raising flowers and attending social gatherings.

Bonnie was faithful to her church, family and community and was saved at an early age. She attended the Coatsville Church of God Holiness and contributed to services with her talents of singing, piano playing, accordion specials and the folk art of spoon playing. Later she became a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Britt.

She is survived by her husband, Everett of Garner; two children, Jon (Carol) Kerns of Bevier, Missouri and Boneta (Tom) Kozisek of Garner; four grandchildren, Drew Kerns and Andy, Regina and Ryley Kozisek.

Also surviving are two sisters, Lillian Gumm of Emporia, Kansas and Francis (Brandt) Freeburg of Britt; two brothers, Ernie Burrows of Holt, Kansas and Wesley (Hazel) Burrows of Kalona; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, John; daughter, Brinda; sister, Ilah Scott; brother, Alfred Burrows; nephews, Gerald Gumm and James Burrows; and a niece, Marilyn Scott.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Mervin Barkema, 1920-2005

August 3, 2005

Mervin "Merv" R. Barkema, 85, of Klemme, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 29, 2005, at the Immanuel Reformed UCC Church, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Mervin Barkema, was born on May 9, 1920, the son of Hauko and Grace (Liewen) Barkema, in rural Hancock County. He attended school in the Goodell area and served his country during World War II in the Air Force. He attained the rank of Sergeant. Following his discharge, he worked at the Klemme Creamery.

Mervin was united in marriage to Irene L. Schmidt on June 22, 1949, at the Immanuel Reformed Church in Klemme. The couple farmed southwest of town and retired to Klemme in 1998. Mervin enjoyed farming and watching the crops grow. He and his wife, Irene enjoyed spending several winters in Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Irene L. Barkema of Klemme; brother, Harvey Barkema and wife, Irene of Forest City; sisters, Marvel Stadtlander of Sheffield and Jean Ostendorf of Klemme; two sisters-in-law, Norene Barkema of Belmond and Betty Barkema (Mrs. Leland) and brother-in-law, Kurt Ahlstrom of Belmond; also several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Theodore, Leo and Leland.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Vera May Betts, 1916-2005

August 3, 2005

Vera May Betts, of Garner, died on Thursday, July 28, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. She was 88.

Memorial services were held on Monday, August 1, at the United Methodist Church, Garner, with the Rev. Keith Scott officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the Eagle Lake Cemetery, Eagle Lake, Minnesota. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Vera May Betts, was born on September 2, 1916 at Camby. She was the daughter of Clarence and Gertrude (Thompson) Hardin. Vera attended school in Camby and helped her dad on the farm and enjoyed working with the Belgium horses.

On August 28, 1934, Vera married Marion Betts at Atlantic. The couple farmed in the Casey area. In later life, she worked at the Park Clinic as a nurse's aide. Later they moved to Madison Lake to live. She moved to Prairie View in Garner after her husband's death.

They enjoyed spending their winters in Texas. Vera also enjoyed raising flowers, handiwork, fishing, playing cards, bird watching, attending Senior Citizens in Garner and the companionship of her dog, Missy. Vera was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner.

Survivors include her two children, Violet (Dale) Reichardt of Garner and Gary (Bonnie Ann Jacobson) Betts of Lake Crystal, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Renae (Dennis) Haaland, Pamela (Robert) MacDonald, Christina (Roy) Leighter, Donnie Betts, Karla (Eric) Nelson, Annette Betts, Kevin Betts and special friend, Barbara Lloyd, Amber Jacobson, Holly Unander and David Unander; 13 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Jean Betts of Madison Lake, Minnesota; and a sister, Velma Smith of Des Moines.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marion; son, Clarence Betts; grandson, Terry Dale Reichardt; one brother; and three sisters.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Agnes M. Kumsher, 1920-2005

August 10, 2005

Agnes M. Kumsher, of Britt, died on Saturday, July 30, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. She was 85 years old.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, on Tuesday, August 2, with Father Michael Schueller officiating. Mary Lou Weiskamp served as lector.

Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek and soloist, Louise Zrostlik. Casket bearers were Steve Witte, Greg Kumsher, Troy Aukes, Dallas Francis, Roger Kopacek and Tony Raw. Interment was in the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Cemetery in Britt. The funeral services were under the direction of the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, Britt.

Agnes, the daughter of Adolph and Mary Nedved Ptacek, was born on June 24, 1920, on a farm south of Duncan. She received her education and graduated from rural schools. As a young girl she helped friends and relatives with housework and child-sitting.

Agnes was united in marriage with Michael Kumsher on November 22, 1938, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. The couple made their home on the family farm east of Britt until 1997, when they moved into Britt.

She enjoyed gardening, quilting, embroidery and baking kolaches, breads and pies. She was a generous and loving full time wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was her life.

Agnes was baptized at St. Wenceslaus in Duncan. She attended and was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt.

Agnes is survived by her husband, Michael; son, Ronald Kumsher and his wife, Carolyn of Garner; six daughters, Charlene Aukes and her husband, Denny of Forest City, Jeraldine Peterson and her husband, Larry of Corwith, Carolyn DeKruif and her husband, Don of Britt, Darlene Francis and Tim Lyman of Faribault, Minnesota, Judy Thompson and her husband, Jerry of Crystal Lake and Marilyn Kumsher of Britt; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mary Kral of Blair, Wisconsin, Sally Weiskamp of Britt, Marge Schleusner and her husband, Bud of Garner, Frances Doughan and her husband, Allan of Britt; brother, Clarence Ptacek and his wife, Verneil of Garner; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Blanche Witte; brother, Tony Ptacek; sister-in-law, Ileene Ptacek; and three brothers-in-law, Jim Kral, Art Weiskamp and Bob Witte.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Robert J. Witte, 1918-2005

August 10, 2005

Robert J. Witte, of Duncan, died on Sunday, July 31, 2005, at his home. He was 86 years old.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, August 3, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Father Michael Schueller officiating. Lectors were Hilary Vicker and Stacey Stenzel, and Eucharistic Ministers were Allan Doughan, Mary Lou Weiskamp and George Tusha. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek and the St. Wenceslaus Church Choir.

Casket bearers were Todd Young, Scott Weckwerth, Cody Witte, Ian Larsen, Riley Wilson and Jeremy Witte. Honorary casket bearers were Tom Zrostlik, Ron Kumsher, Bill Schultz, Chris Miller, Bob Nedved, Melvin Wellik and Jim Arndorfer. Duane Malek and Gary Schleusner served as ushers. Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Church Cemetery in Duncan, with a military graveside service by the Britt Ceremonial Unit. The services were under the direction of the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, Britt.

Robert John Witte, the son of John and Josephine Arndorfer Witte, was born on October 31, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the St. Benedict Catholic School in St. Benedict. In 1942, Robert enlisted in the Army and served with the 1st Ranger BN-44 as a radio dispatcher. He was awarded a purple heart for injuries received and honorably discharged in October of 1945.

On February 25, 1946, Robert was united in marriage with Blanche Ptacek. The couple farmed in the Britt/Garner area where they raised their family. He was also in the construction business. Following retirement, Robert moved to Duncan where he continued to be active in woodworking.

Robert was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, the Knights of Columbus, the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and spending time with his family.

Robert is survived by nine children, Jean Young of Garner, Donna Weckwerth and her husband, Dennis of Wells, Minnesota, Daryl Witte and his wife, Penny of Manly, Jane Risius and her husband, Todd of Russellville, Arkansas, Steve Witte and his wife, Donna of Britt, Dorene Larsen of Fairmont, Minnesota, Dennis Witte and his wife, Anita of Webster City, Nancy Wilson and her husband, David of Britt and James Witte of Zanesville, Ohio; twenty nine grandchildren; twenty two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Blanche.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005