North Central Iowa
Genealogical Society
Box 237
Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

Obituary Archive

Hancock County

Garner Leader
Garner IA
50438-1236

Britt News Tribune
Box 28,
42 Center Street West
Britt, IA
50423-1655
Kanawha Reporter

P.O. Box 190
Kanawha, IA
50447


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The NCIGS Hancock County Archive



Dixie Ann Dankbar, 1931-2006

April 12, 2006

Word has been received of the death of Dixie Ann (Portwood) Dankbar of Roseville, California. Mrs. Dankbar died on Thursday, April 6, 2006. She was 75.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17, at the St. Clares Catholic Church. Memorials may be addressed to the St. Judes Children's Hospital.

Survivors include her husband, Bernard Dankbar, formerly of Garner; seven children, Dennis (Gail) Dankbar, Chris (Tom) Massick, Kathy (Jerry) Royia, Don (Karen) Dankbar, Kim (Tom) Rozint, Randy Dankbar and Robert (Theresa) Dankbar; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Also surviving are her sisters, Marge Hansen and Patsy Portwood of Mason City; and a brother, Bud Portwood of Harlan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Helen Compton; and a brother, Phil Portwood.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Edna M. Mozack, 1921-2006

April 12, 2006

Edna M. Mozack, 84, of Britt, died on Friday, April 7, 2006, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 10, at the United Methodist Church in Britt with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied congregational hymns. Song leader was Katie Mae Mozack. Ushers were Harry Smith and Dennis Zuehl.

Casket bearers were Andy Hejlik, Chris Hejlik, Ben Bramsen, James Thompson, Ron Thompson and Steve Jennings. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Edna Mae Mozack, the daughter of Cecil DeWitt and Lauretta Belle (Smith) Hildebrand, was born on October 4, 1921 at Mason City. She attended the rural schools of Hancock County. She received her normal teaching certificate and continued her education at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls. She then taught for six years in the rural schools of Hancock County.

On February 18, 1946, she was married to Cyril E. Mozack at Bristol. They farmed east of Britt until 1973 when they moved into Britt. After her family was raised, Edna worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City. She enjoyed her grandchildren, sewing and bus trips.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, United Methodist Church Sewing Group and the Britt VFW Auxiliary.

Edna is survived by her three children, Larry (JoAnn) Mozack of Mason City, Charlotte (Kenny) Hejlik of Britt and Randy Mozack of Mission, South Dakota; grandchildren, Robert Mozack, Jennifer (David) Pals, Katie Mozack, Andrew (Tami) Hejlik and Christopher Hejlik; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Yvonne (Burnell) Geving of Mason City and Sandra (James) Jennings of Mason City; a sister-in-law, Carol Hildebrand of Sun City, Arizona; a brother-in-law, Charles Smith of Britt; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cyril on May 11, 2000; parents; two sisters, Joy Smith and Betty (Roland) Thompson; and a brother, Lee Hildebrand.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Homer Schoenwetter, 1917-2006

April 12, 2006

Homer Charles SchoenwetterHomer C. Schoenwetter, 88, of Garner, died on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m., at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner with the Rev. Tim Diehl officiating. Burial will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme, with military rites by the Klemme Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Homer Charles Schoenwetter, the son of George and Mary (Ludeke) Schoenwetter, was born on August 12, 1917, on the family farm west of Klemme. He was baptized and confirmed at the Liberty Methodist Church. He attended the rural schools of Liberty Township and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1935. After high school, he helped his father on the farm.

Homer served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WW II, being stationed on the island of Saipan as a flight engineer on B-29 Bombers. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1945. He returned home and did construction work and continued to help his father on the farm.

On August 28, 1951, he married Ada Blank at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. They lived on the home farm until 1988 when they moved into Garner. Homer continued to do some farming and gardening after moving to town. In 2005, his farm was recognized as a Century Farm.

He enjoyed watching sports, going to Army Air Corps reunions, farming, feeding cattle, having coffee with his friends and visiting with his family and grandchildren.

He was a member of the Zion E & R Church in Garner where he was active in the Adult Bible study group. He also was a member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church before moving into Garner. Homer belonged to the Klemme American Legion and was a life time member of the Hancock County Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Ada of Garner; two children, Alan (Marlys) Schoenwetter of Springfield, Missouri and Judy (Tim) Griffin of Belmond; seven grandchildren, Shayna Griffin and friend, Daniel Miller, Lucretia Griffin and friend, Ben Warren, Logan Griffin and fiancée, Shy Lucas and Stephanie, Kellie, Joseph and Kacie Schoenwetter; four great-grandchildren, Jaden, Bryson and Brayden Warren and Briley Griffin; a sister, Mildred Lenihan of Tucson, Arizona; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Howard Schoenwetter.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Leroie "Shorty" Shoup, 1923-2006

April 19,2006

Leroie "Shorty" Shoup, 82, of Garner, died on Monday, April 10, 2006, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Private graveside services were held at the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Leroie Eugene "Shorty" Shoup, the son of John Dewey and Ruth Virginia (Locke) Shoup, was born on December 23, 1923, at Nashua. He attended school at Nashua. Shorty was employed at the Garner Bakery for many years. He also worked at the Perkins Restaurant in Clear Lake. In October of 2000 he became a resident of the Concord Care Center in Garner.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Services Held For Donald A. Ausborn

April 26, 2006

Donald (Don) A. Ausborn, age 68, most recently of Duncombe, Iowa, formerly of the Klemme area, died on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, in Laurens, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 14, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond. The Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



August P. Harms, 1953-2006

April 26, 2006

August P. Harms, 52, of Goodell, formerly of Richland Center, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at his rural farm home near Goodell.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 22, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner with Rev. Phil Arnold of the First Reformed Church in Alexander as officiant. Music was provided by Beverly Cataldo. Casket bearers were Kevin Monson, David Monson, Bob Monson, Charles Harms, Michael Douglas and James Brewer. 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.

August Paul "Auggie" Harms, the son of Reno and Ione (Tanner) Harms, was born on August 5, 1953 at Forest City. He graduated from the Garner-Hayfield High School in 1972. Auggie served his country from 1972 to 1978 in the U.S. Army as an artillery surveyor. On December 11, 1976, he married Janine G. Blank at the United Methodist Church in Garner. They had lived in Garner, Missouri, Montana, Wisconsin and most recently in the Klemme-Goodell area.

Auggie was employed as a "Master Carpenter" working throughout the Midwest. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren, the outdoors, trapping, chess, roller skating, bowling, pool, darts, card games, horse shoes, garage sales, antique stores, collecting red ruby glass, playing frisbee and watching wrestling. Auggie took great pride in being sober for the past 20 years. He had a great sense of humor and had a wonderful outlook on life. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He was a member of the Richland Center American Legion.

Auggie is survived by his wife, Janine of Goodell; three children, Sgt. Austen (Brandy) Harms of Hubert, North Carolina, Sheena Harms and fiancée, Kevin Gilbert of La Crosse, Wisconsin and Tara Harms and fiance, Tony Foley of Richland Center, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kayleen and Alexander Harms; brothers, Ernest Harms of Garner, Howard (Sharon) Harms of Britt, Harley (Julie) Harms of Garner, Duane Harms of Garner and George Harms of Boone; a sister, June Harms of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Grace Monson and Frances (Joe) Benesh; and a niece, Brenda Monson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Helen M. Clark, 1913-2006

April 26, 2006

Helen M. Clark, 92, of Garner, died on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at the Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 22, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Altar server was Mary Engstler. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Robert Kral and Lawrence Engstler. Interment was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Helen Marie Clark, the daughter of Earl and Lillie (Stork) Terwilliger, was born on July 29, 1913, on a farm north of Garner. She attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from the Garner High School in 1930. After graduation Helen taught in the rural schools for two years. She then attended Thompson's School of Cosmetology in Des Moines. In 1934 she passed the state board exams and began working at Mary's Beauty Shop in Forest City. She later had her own beauty shop in Garner for four years.

On October 16, 1937, she was united in marriage to Richard Clark in Garner. This marriage was blessed with two children, Roger and Patricia. From 1963 to 1967, Helen worked for Charlotte Holta in Holta's Department Store in Garner and then the Garner Leader until 1978. For the next ten years she and Richard spent their winters in Sun City Arizona. She enjoyed her home, her friends, church activities, golfing, playing bridge and watching sports on TV.

Helen was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of America and the St. Francis of Assisi Study Club.

Helen is survived by her son, Roger (Janet) Clark of Spencer; her daughter, Patricia (John) Doring of Spencer; three grandchildren, Nathan Clark, Angelique (Darrel) Santage and Jason (Chanda) Doring; and one great-grandchild, Dylan Santage.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard on June 17, 1992; her parents; a brother, Leo Terwilliger; and a sister, Charlotte Smith.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Rose C. Kopacek, 1912-2006

April 26, 2006

Rose C. KopacekRose C. Kopacek, 93, of Britt, died on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 22, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt with Frs. Michael Schueller and Jerry Kopacek officiating. Music was provided by organist, Brenda Smith who accompanied soloist, Cathy Weiland.

Ushers were Arnold Prohaska and Frank Rayhons, Jr. Casket bearers were Greg Hempe, Curt Kopacek, Steve Carson, Andrew Kopacek, Chris Kopacek, Geoffrey Bueker, Scott Kopacek and Heidi Kopacek. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Rose Cecilia Kopacek, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Urich) Rayhons, was born on November 23, 1912, on a farm northwest of Garner. She attended country school near her home until the eighth grade. On January 31, 1933, she was married to Vincent Kopacek at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. After their marriage, they rented the Kudej farm west of Duncan.

In 1939, they purchased a farm in Erin Township where they built a new home and raised their family. In 1975, they moved into Britt. In their retirement, Rose and Vince spent time helping on the farm, traveling and visiting their children. Rose enjoyed her grandchildren, baking, gardening, flowers and bowling in couple's league.

She was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt and was a past member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, where she had been active in the Rosary Society. Rose also belonged to the CD of A and Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51.

She is survived by her husband, Vincent of Britt; eight children, Doris Hempe of Britt, Shirley (Dr. Thomas) Carson of Camarillo, California, Donald (Kay) Kopacek of Britt, Roger (Mary) Kopacek of Britt, Vincent, Jr. (Janice) Kopacek of Ankeny, Carl Kopacek of Portland, Oregon, Ted (Cindy) Kopacek of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Vicki (Tom) Bueker of Bettendorf; 27 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Liz Ann Hempe; grandson, Jeff Kopacek; two great-grandsons, Tate and McCoy Nedved; three brothers, John, Frank and Henry Rayhons; and four sisters, Mary Chizek, Emma Knop, Caroline Prohaska and Albina Prohaska.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Funeral Services For Andrew G. Potiriades

April 26, 2006

Andrew G. "Andy" Potiriades, 59, of the Duncan Heights Residential Care Facility, died on Friday morning, April 21, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 25, at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Mason City with Rev. Joseph Mirowski officiating. Interment was following the service in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Merle Schoenwetter, 1920-2006

April 26, 2006

Merle D. Schoenwetter, 85, of Garner, died on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Garner with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloist, Bernie Urich and congregational hymns. Ushers were Marvin and Maynard Schoneman.

Casket bearers were Roger Hansen, Tim Schoenwetter, Floyd Cutshall, Randy Albers, Kyle Christie and Harley Nuehring. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Merle D. Schoenwetter, the son of Edward and Nora (Swanson) Schoenwetter, was born on August 10, 1920, on a farm in Twin Lakes Township in Hancock County. He was baptized and confirmed in the Liberty Methodist Church near Klemme. He attended country school near his home and the Klemme High School. Following his schooling, he farmed with his father.

On February 14, 1945, he married Eunice Schroer at the Peace Reformed Church south of Garner. They lived on the home farm in Twin Lakes Township until June of 1983, when they moved into Garner. On March 3, 2004, Merle entered the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City. He enjoyed his family, grandchildren, farming, collecting John Deere toy tractors and woodworking.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner and was a past member of the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, where he had served as a deacon and elder. He also served on the Hancock County Co-op Oil Board, Klemme Elevator Board and was a 4-H leader.

Merle is survived by his wife, Eunice of Garner; four children, Dennis (Donna) Schoenwetter of Forest City, Audrey Bradford of Cedar Rapids, JoAnn (Kerby) Rauk of Forest City and Scott (Karen) Schoenwetter of Scenic, Arizona; 7 grandchildren, Dawn Heusinkveld, Kristi (Brad) Wynja, Miaka Schoenwetter, Kim Ridway, Alex Bradford, Nichole Baker and Bradley Rauk; ten great-grandchildren, Brooke Heusinkveld, Hayden, Grace and Bella Wynja, Akira Wright, Brady and Cade Baker, Daelynn and Rhayna Putney and Trey Rauk; two sisters, Irma Hansen of Kanawha and Wava (Elwood) Geary of Corwith; a sister-in-law, Marie Schoenwetter of Rochester, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Walter Bradford; a sister, Velda Cutshall; and brothers, Lyle and Wayne Schoenwetter.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Calvin T. Anderson, 1928-2006

April 26, 2006

Calvin T. Anderson, 78, of Ventura, died on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m., at the Ventura United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Audrey Young officiating.

Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with full military honors conducted by members of the Garner V.F.W. Visitation was held on Tuesday at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

Calvin T. Anderson was born on April 7, 1928, in Klemme, the son of Walter and Magna Anderson. On December 12, 1950, Calvin was united in marriage to Beverly Robison at the Garner Methodist Church. To this union six children were born. In March of 1951, Calvin was inducted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged on April 15, 1957. Calvin farmed for more then 50 years south of Ventura, until his time of death.

Calvin loved bowling, fishing, and pool. His greatest love was spending time with his family and friends. He greatly enjoyed traveling around to watch his grandchildren play in sports and school activities. He was a member of the Ventura United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and he was a member of the Garner V.F.W.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly Anderson of Ventura; children, Michael (Mary) Anderson of Clear Lake, Janet (Rod) Reinholdt of LeClaire, Terry (Esther) Anderson of New Hampton, Karen (Randy) Frisch of New Hampton and Cindy (Mark) Meier of Glenville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Tera (Marc) Kappmeyer, April Anderson, Mitch Meier, Shelbey Frisch, Dan Reinholdt, Kelli Meier, Mike Reinholdt, Ashley Anderson and Emily Meier; and one great-granddaughter, Alexis Wilkinson; siblings, Dagny Schmidt, Einer Anderson and Melvin (Nancy) Anderson; along with nieces, nephews and friends.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; and infant son, Gary.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Virginia M. Jaberg, 1923-2006

May 17, 2006

Virginia M. Jaberg, 82, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at the Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was a resident of Klemme during the years her husband, the Rev. Vernon E. Jaberg, was minister at the Klemme United Church of Christ (formerly E and R).

Born April 23, 1923, in Oostburg, Wisconsin, she attended the Oostburg Public Schools and graduated from the Oostburg High School at the top of her class. She was later employed at the Sheboygan Memorial Hospital as a receptionist. Virginia was united in marriage to Rev. Jaberg on June 5, 1946.

Virginia was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ, where the reviewal and funeral was held on Wednesday. A former church school teacher and choir member, Mrs. Jaberg was also a member of the Women of Retired Clergy Group. She loved to crochet and made many blankets for family and friends which led to her involvement in Project Linus. When the production of "Charlie Brown" was held at a local school, Virginia was the guiding force behind it becoming a collection for Project Linus and over one hundred blankets were received as a result. She loved watching and attending sporting events, travel, collecting cardinals, doing crossword puzzles and time spent with her family.

She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Vernon E. Jaberg; four children, Mary Lyn (Jerry) Liebetrau of West Bend, Wisconsin, the Rev. Mark E. (Dr. Patricia) of Howards Grove, Wisconsin, Steven J. (Susan) of Kohler, Wisconsin and Laurie (Terry) Mauss of Sheboygan. There are eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Others in the family are a sister, Nance Claerbout (William) of Orlando, Florida; sister-in-law, Ruth Grosshuesch (Edward, formerly of Klemme) of Bella Vista, Arizona; and brother-in-law, Dr. Eugene C. Jaberg (Miriam, formerly of Klemme) of Fridley, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Dirske (Mary) of Racine, Wisconsin.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Patrick (Pat) Scherber, 1948-2006

May 3, 2006

Patrick (Pat) Scherber, age 57, of Clear Lake, died on Tuesday, April 25, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, following a valiant effort to manage the cancer that had been recently diagnosed.

A celebration of his life was held on Friday, April 28, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Lay Assistant Richard L. Scott officiating. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.

Patrick was born on July 7, 1948, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Marvin and Sarah (Gutzwiller) Scherber. He was baptized on July 18, 1948 at St. Martin's in Rogers, Minnesota, and received his First Holy Communion on October 25, 1954, at St. Henry's in Monticello.

He graduated from the Monticello High School in 1966 and Bemidji State College with a degree in education in 1970. He worked in a number of school districts in Minnesota, including St. Cloud, St. Peter, Cold Spring, Garden City, Thief River Falls, Windom and Pipestone, as a general or special education teacher and later as a special education consultant while continuing to pursue his master's degree in special education, and later a second degree from Winona State University.

In 1978 he moved to Iowa and began working as a special education consultant for Northern Trails AEA 2 and later AEA 267. He worked in many districts across north Iowa, touching the lives of numerous students and their families. He retired in June of 2005 due to health reasons.

In November 1983, Pat received a kidney from his brother, Mike and it was a great blessing as the kidney worked well up to his final days.

On June 21, 1986, Pat married Connie Jeane Schmidt in Klemme. They made their home in Clear Lake, where Pat also owned and managed several apartments. Connie and Pat were the parents of twin daughters, Annette and Kimberly, born on December 3, 1991. They were the joy of his life and he enjoyed talking to them about life lessons, memories and cars. Pat also purchased, refurbished and sold late model cars with the help of his brother. He enjoyed discussing car "ailments" with friends and family and keeping up with the latest models and designs.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Scherber; his twin daughters, Ann and Kim; a brother, Mike Scherber of Monticello, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Nancy Scherber of Monticello; Aunts, Meralda Branden and Toots Hickler of Monticello, Minnesota, Sally Ronning of Buffalo, Minnesota and Florence Gutzwiller of St. Michael, Minnesota; parents-in-law, Luverne and Mary Ann Schmidt of Klemme; brothers-in-law, Lonnie (Chris) Schmidt of Goodell, Jamie (Beth) Schmidt of Garner and Steve (Chris) Schmidt of Dallas Center; and nieces and nephews, Karri, Kasey, and Kelsie Scherber, Leah (Mark) Reinert, Adam, Stephanie, Brittney, Brianna, Kari, and Jackie Schmidt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Sarah Scherber.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006



Christina L. Olsen, 1918-2006

May 3, 2006

Christina L. Olsen, 88, most recently a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center, and a long time resident of Klemme, died on Thursday, April 27, 2006, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 1, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements.

Christina Louise Schwartz, the daughter of Pearl and Celia (Bergman) Schwartz, was born on January 4, 1918, on her parent's farm in Titonka. She attended school in Wesley until moving to Klemme in 1929 with her family.

Christina was united in marriage to Melvin Olson on February 27, 1937. To this union were born two sons, Merlyn and Roger. She later married Arlin Olsen on July 6, 1946, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. This union was blessed with two sons, Harland and Randy and a daughter, Corrine (Susie). Following their marriage, they resided in the Clear Lake/Ventura area before moving back to Klemme.

Throughout her entire life Christina was a home maker and devoted wife, life partner, and business partner with her husband, Arlin. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother who loved anything that meant she would be able to spend times in the company of her family.

In addition to providing a warm and nurturing home for her family, Christina was employed in a variety of different occupations. She worked as a housekeeper for many area families and had worked in numerous restaurants, including Gerardi's Cafe, Duke's Cafe, the Soft Spot (ice cream shop) and the Slippery Elm Golf Course, all in Klemme. She drove school bus for many years beginning in 1973, and helped Arlin drive truck, and assisted with the shelling and transporting of corn with her husband, all the while raising 5 children. Many will remember her excellent seamstress skills as she had made clothing for area residents, as well as for her family.

Along with her many years of employment and providing for her family, Christina had many interests and pass times. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, collecting bells, and salt and pepper shakers. She loved to journey about the area in search of garage sales and was always ready for a sip of tea and a good visit with friends and family. Her children and grandchildren will fondly remember the aroma of one of her freshly baked pies or other mouth watering rewards of her excellent baking and canning abilities.

Christina was always one to remember the birthdays and other special occasions in the lives of her family and friends with a special card or note, with a touch of her love in it's meaning. She was also an avid collector of news articles, announcements, and other special features in area newspapers sharing details about the lives of those she knew. Animals held a special place in her heart and she was especially fond of cats.

In addition to her many hobbies and interests, Christina had been very active in the United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Miriam Circle for over 50 years and the UMW. She belonged to the Klemme American Legion Auxiliary Unit #625 for 40 years. She and Arlin had enjoyed attending several reunions of couples married at the Little Brown Church over the years. Arlin preceded Christina in death on August 26, 2005. Christina had been a resident of the care center since March of 2005.

Christina will be remembered for her warm and welcoming smile and personality, the twinkle in her eyes, her devotion to providing for her family through hard work and love, and for her caring attitude toward others.

Those left to cherish the legacy of her life include her sons, Merlyn and wife, Audrey Olson of Santa Maria, California, Harland and wife, Janet Olsen of Mason City and Randy and wife, Monica Olsen of Garner; her daughter, Corrine (Susie) Olsen of Klemme; daughter-in-law, Linda Olson of Ventura; sister, Caroline Kluckhohn and husband, Kenneth of Klemme; and a sister-in-law, Jean Schwartz of Belmond; nine grandchildren, Doni and husband Bill Schaefer, Denette Olson, DeAnne and husband, Mike Luis, Dan and wife, Eenja Olson, Greg and wife, Kim Olson, Ryan and wife, Tina Olsen, Shannon and husband, Gary Graves, Jim Olsen and Jenn Olsen; 16 great-grandchildren, Will, Sarah and Evan Schaefer, Lane, Levi, and Aubrey Luis, Jacob, Daniel, and Nicole Olson, Zachary and Caitlin Olson, Riley and Wyatt Olsen, Alex, Bailey, and Maria Graves.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Celia Schwartz; husband, Arlin; son, Roger Olson on March 4, 1997; two brothers, Herbert and Harold Schwartz; and an infant sister.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2006

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