Susan T. Halfpop

March 9, 2011

Susan T. (Watne) Halfpop, 68, of Goodell, died on Thursday, March 3, 2011, in her home west of Goodell.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 7, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. Pastor Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation was on Sunday, March 6, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Memorials may be made in Susan Halfpop's name.

Susan ToNette, the daughter of John and Evelyn (Case) Watne, was born on August 17, 1942 in Bayard, Iowa. At an early age the family moved to the Klemme and Belmond area. Susan attended schools and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1960. She was united in marriage to Leland Halfpop on June 23, 1961 in Belmond. The couple lived their entire married life west of Goodell. Susan worked as a housewife and mother. She also worked sewing uniforms for Powers in Kanawha and cooked at the Cattleman's Steaks and Provisions. She worked for 18 years at Eaton Co. in Belmond and retired in 2007.

Susan had many talents and hobbies, but the greatest treasure was her family. Susan and Leland enjoyed watching their grandchildren in their activities. Sewing and quilting was a great past-time. She sewed and donated over 60 children's quilts for the Twin Cities Shiners' Hospital and over 100 other quilts for family and friends. Gardening, tending flowers, and watching birds kept Susan busy during the warmer months.

Susan was a member of the Northwest Iowa Grape Growers Association, North Iowa Wine Club, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Iowa Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association. She was also active as a 4-H and FFA mom, the Trinity Lutheran Ladies Circle, and Safety Committee and the C.A.R.E. team at Eaton. She was instrumental in putting together numerous cookbooks over the years. These cookbooks included, but were not limited to, the Goodell Centennial, Eaton EMS, Methodist Church, etc. Susan and Leland were currently active in the United Methodist Church in Goodell.

Susan is survived by her husband, Leland; children, Robert (Debra) of Belmond, Renee (Kirk) Uhlenhopp of Belmond, Rodney (Sherri) of Garner, Ryan (special friend Kim) of Goodell, Randy (Tina) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Rachelle (Anthony) Halfpop of Eagle Grove; fifteen grandchildren, Corey, Clarissa, Chelsey, Cheri, Kyle, Karter, Jamie, Jesse, Britany, Breana, Brylee, Kayla, Kaitlyn, Kolten, Kaden; four great-grandchildren, Jayce, Nicholas, Nevaeh, Jallen; siblings, Marcia Kolbeck of Ashton, Jon Watne of Belmond, Phebe (Charles) Soma of Belmond, Theodore Watne of Belmond, Norma (Jerry) McNertney of Nevada and Craig Watne of Belmond; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Kenlee Sue Uhlenhopp; one brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Jeanne Stille, 1922-2011

March 16, 2011

Funeral services for Jeanne (Ziesmer) Stille, formerly of Garner, were held on Friday, March 11, at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. The Martin-Mattice Funeral Home, Emmetsburg, was in charge of the arrangements. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Jeanne Marian (Ziesmer) Stille, was born on December 17, 1922, in Garner, Iowa and died on Sunday, March 6, 2011. She was born the daughter of Magdalena (Haes) and William Ziesmer.

Jeanne had many fond memories of growing up with her two brothers and four sisters, whom she admired throughout her life. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1940, where she excelled in academics, music and athletics, was a drum majorette and the first Miss Garner in the North Iowa Band Festival. She met her future husband of 63 years, Clinton Stille in the first grade, but “didn’t pay much attention to him” until their first date in high school. They went to a basketball game, which set the stage for a lifelong love of enjoying athletics together.

Jeanne married Clint on March 1, 1944, in the midst of World War II. After the war, Jeanne worked while Clint completed his degree at Drake University. Together they enjoyed hunting and fishing, as long as it did not involve camping and as long as Jeanne didn't have to clean the wildlife. She did, however, cook up a mean pheasant under glass.

Throughout her lifetime Jeanne held positions at several companies and was a dedicated employee. She was a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, worked for Look Magazine in Des Moines and for the County Treasurer’s Office and Iowa Lakes Community College Learning Center in Emmetsburg.

Above all, Jeanne was an outstanding homemaker who loved her home and family. She was an avid reader and an excellent baker, delighting her family with such specialties as Lemon Love Notes, English toffee, pies of all types, the beloved “Lory Cookies,” and her coveted peanut butter fudge. She adored her grandchildren, enjoyed decorating for holidays and was known far and wide for her beautiful handwriting. Jeanne was a woman with great intelligence, good taste and strong faith. She was an active member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, believed in the power of education and was a strong advocate for public schools and libraries. She supported her husband's career as a coach and athletic director of 38 years. She never missed an E’Hawk football game, either attending or listening on the radio. Jeanne faced a major dilemma in 2001 when her grandson became a freshman at the University of Iowa, therefore challenging her allegiance to the Iowa State Cyclones. In the end, she made room for both the Cyclones and the Hawkeyes.

Jeanne is survived by her daughter, Lory (Richard) Sutton of Edina, Minnesota; her son, Bruce (Corrine) Stille of Northfield, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Paul (Erica) Sutton of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Kathryn Sutton of Austin, Texas, Thomas Sutton of Edina, Minnesota and Kyle and Kirsten Stille of Northfield, Minnesota; two sisters, Robertine Gatchel and Doris (Dean) Goll, both of Garner; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters, Ruth Solcheid of Seattle, Washington and Lucille Yohn of Garner; and two brothers, Marvin Ziesmer of Mesa, Arizona and Leland Ziesmer of Medford, Oregon.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Veronica LaVon Lemke, 1922-2011

March 16, 2011

Veronica LaVon Lemke, 88, of Garner, died on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Fr. Donald Hertges officiating. Burial was in the St. Boniface Cemetery, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Veronica LaVon Lemke, the daughter of Bernard and Cecil (Bryant) Knoll, was born on March 20, 1922 on a farm south of Klemme. At an early age she moved with her family to a farm northeast of Garner and later into Garner. LaVon graduated from the Garner High School in 1939 and was employed by R.E. Nesbit until March of 1943. She then enlisted in the USNR (WAVES). LaVon served as a laboratory technician in Navy hospitals until her honorable discharge in November of 1945. On January 15, 1946, she was married to Leon C. Lemke at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They lived in the Garner area their entire lives. LaVon was employed by Dr. A.G. Landon, DDS until 1969. She then continued her education at NIACC to obtain her nursing degree and license. She worked at North Iowa Mercy Hospital, Concord Care Center and the office of Dr. L.R. Fuller, MD until her retirement. LaVon also worked part-time at Erickson's Pharmacy and Tammy's Pharmacy. She was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker and nurse. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting and crocheting.

She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Grand Regents, American Legion, VFW Auxiliary and WIMSA.

LaVon is survived by her three children, Renee (Sid) Heitmeyer of Garner, Gary (Linda) Lemke of Billings, Montana and Douglas Lemke of Garner; five grandsons, Jamie (Linda) Lemke of Casper, Wyoming, Benjamin Lemke of Billings, Montana, Darin (Nancy) Carolus of Reno, Nevada, Colin (Jenny) Carolus of Vinton and Grant (Holly) Carolus of Waterloo; six great-grandchildren, Austin, Ryan, Levi, Nolan, Emily and Rachel Carolus; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon on July 21, 1984; brother, Elmer Knoll; and five sisters, Elsie Dorenkamp, Isabelle Dankbar, Irma Haaf, Rita Juhl and Lorraine Swalve.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Joseph Edward Kern
March 19, 1929-March 7, 2011

Joseph Edward "Joe" Kern, 81, of Clear Lake, died on Monday, March 7, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, March 11, at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. John R. Tilp officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 10, from 4–7:00 p.m., with a Scriptural Wake Service at 7:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Interment will be in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner, with Military Honors provided by the Garner V.F.W. Memorials may be giving to the Joe Kern Memorial Fund.

Joe was born on March 19, 1929 in Garner, Iowa, the son of Kasper and Elisabeth (Simon) Kern. He graduated from the Garner High School in 1946. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean War. Following the service, he returned to Garner where he and Pete Cropley were partners in the Cropley and Kern Service Station. Joe married Phyllis Haaf on June 26, 1957. He also owned and operated the Lakeview Motel, the Coast to Coast Store in Garner and from 1992-1999 they owned and operated the Ritz Supper Club. In recent years, he worked for Midwest Pipe Supply.

Joe was a member of the Garner Fire Department and the Clear Lake Fire Department for over 25 years. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake and the Knights of Columbus.

Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis Kern of Clear Lake; seven children, Tom (Valerie) Kern of Clear Lake, Barb Kern of Clear Lake, John Kern of Clear Lake, Dave (Diana) Kern of Clive, Andy (Aimee) Kern of Clear Lake, Lois Kern of Clear Lake and Molly Kern of Clear Lake; five grandchildren, Kyle (Amy) Kern of Clear Lake, Jada Kern of Clear Lake, Claudia and Owen Kern of Clive and Carson Kern of Clear Lake; a brother, Albert ( Betty) Kern and sister-in-law, Rose Kern of Wesley; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Adam, George and Ambrose; and two sisters, Ann Sheedy and Pauline Kern.
 
The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 2011

Dorothy V. Frein,1922-2011

March 16, 2011

Dorothy V. Frein, 88, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Donald Hertges and Msgr. John W. Hemann as concelebrants. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Garner. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or to the donor's choice.

Dorothy Veronica Frein, the daughter of Frank and Vera (Engstler) Rayhons, was born on March 27, 1922 on a farm northwest of Garner. She graduated from the Hayfield Consolidated School in 1940. After graduation, she was employed in Garner at the Iowa Electric Light and Power Company. On July 25, 1944, she was married to Donald Frein at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They started farming on the family farm northwest of Garner and later moved to a farm south of Forest City. After Don passed away on October 16, 1963, she continued to farm with the help of her children and relatives. In 1969, she started working as a cook at the Forest City Community Schools and later as a secretary. In 1975, she moved to a home in Forest City.

After retiring in 1989, she did volunteer work for her church and for Hospice of North Iowa. Dorothy was an avid gardener and loved making quilts. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and many friends. She was a member of the St. James Catholic Church and served on the first parish council. Dorothy was very strong in faith and prayed the rosary every day.

Dorothy is survived by her four children, Kathy (Jim) Matson of Clear Lake, Tom (Charlene) Frein of Plainsboro, New Jersey, Jim (Donna) Frein of Clive and Don Frein of Farmington, Minnesota; grandchildren, Sheila (Brad) Baldwin and their two daughters, Sasha and Kira, Amy (Adam) Butterfield and their son, Michael, Kristina (Chris) Nolte and their son, Hunter, Kimberly (Jeremy) Anzevino and their three children, Cristiano, Santino and Maria, Jamie (Jeff) Granowski, Gregory (Nicole) Frein, Christopher Frein (fiancée, Casey Ingram), Amanda (Matt) Fowles and their two children, Grady and Braylin, Andrea Frein, Brenton Frein, Donella (Dustin) Olson and Amanda (Brandon) Tweitbakk; two sisters, Arlene Frein of Garner and Veronica Horecka of Spokane, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; son, Gary in 2000; granddaughter, Lynda Frein in 2000; and a brother, Frank Rayhons, Jr.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Frank Dale Rayhons, Jr., 1932-2011

March 16, 2011

Frank Dale Rayhons, Jr., also known as “Junior”, 78, of Ventura, died on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, March 12, at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. John R. Tilp officiating. Interment was in the St. Boniface Cemetery, Garner, with full military honors provided by the Garner VFW. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.

Junior was born on April 8, 1932 in Garner, Iowa, the son of Frank Michael and Vera Barbara (Engstler) Rayhons. He graduated from the Hayfield High School as valedictorian 1949. Junior married Iris Schaefer on June 17, 1952 and to this union seven children were born. Junior farmed until 1953, when he was drafted into the Army. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955. He worked for American Cyanamid as Manager until 1972. He continued farming then worked for the State of Iowa as an Agricultural State Inspector for two years.

On July 5, 1990, Junior married Naomi and they sold real estate together. In addition to selling real estate, Junior managed several seed companies and, up until his death, he was District Sales Manager for Prairie Brand Seed in Story City, Iowa and Cornelius Seed in Bellevue, Iowa, positions he held for the past seventeen years.

Junior’s most recent hobbies included snowmobiling, boating, and gardening, and, in his earlier years, camping and square dancing. He was the Chairman of the Finance Committee at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where he ushered for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Garner VFW. Junior joined other veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington DC in September 2010, a trip he enjoyed very much.

Junior is survived by his sons, Randy (Karen) Rayhons of Ventura and their children, Lindsey and Shelby; Scot Rayhons, friend Barb Dugan of Garner and his son, Seth Townsend; daughters, Pam Adams of Sioux City and her children, Aurora, Jasmine, Olivia, Velvet and Ian; Gina Britt of Ventura and her children, Cameron and Alix; Kelli (Matthew) Rejniak of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and their children, Jema, Cora and Adam; Paige (Russ) Snyder of Alta and Polly (Jeff) Wolterman of Newell and their children, Derek and Connor; sisters, Arlene Frein of Garner and Veronica Horecka of Veradale, Washington; and extended family and many friends.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Naomi; brother-in-laws, Don and Wilmer Frein, Gilbert Horecka; and a nephew, Gary Frein. His sister, Dorothy Frein died hours after his death.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Mary May Haglund, 1935-2011

March 30, 2011

Mary May Haglund, daughter of Lawrence T. Peel and Eva Bridgett Peel, was born on August 30, 1935 at Perry, Iowa and died on Friday, March 11, 2011, at the Cape Coral Hospital, Cape Coral, Florida. She was 75.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 23, at the Hastings Funeral Home in Perry, Iowa. Words of comfort were provided by Pastor Larry Monthei of the Hope Parish, Cooper, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Ashley Haglund, Jodi Van Beek, Michael Haglund, Karlie Haglund, Bridget Johnson and Tyler Muir. Music was provided by Kenny Monthei who sang "How Great Thou Art" "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and "On The Far Side Banks of Jordan."

Interment took place in the Violet Hill Cemetery. Hastings Funeral Home of Perry was in charge of the services. Memorials in honor of Mary May Haglund may be left for the family at the Hastings Funeral Home.

Mary May Peel, graduated from the Perry High School in 1955. On June 23, 1967, Mary May was united in marriage with Doyle Haglund in Jefferson, Iowa. They lived in Perry where Mary May helped Doyle with the Drive-In Theatres he managed in Perry and Newton. Mary May also babysat for many years. She was a great mom and homemaker. Mary May was a lifetime member of the Women of the Moose.

In 1980, the couple moved to their Rippey farm. Mary May loved all animals, but was especially fond of the many sheep they raised, chickens, ducks, geese, as well as the pigs. She raised big vegetable gardens and loved flowers. In December of 1984, they moved to Britt to make their home. Mary May doted on her grandchildren and they will always have wonderful memories of her.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary May is survived by her husband of 43 years, Doyle of Britt; son, DeWayne Haglund and wife, Lisa of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; daughter, Roxanne Muir and husband, Todd of Jefferson; six grandchildren, Ashley Haglund of Kingsley, Iowa, Jodi Van Beek and husband, Grant of Hawarden, Iowa, Michael Haglund and Karlie Haglund, both of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Bridget Johnson and husband, Ian of Jefferson, Tyler Muir and wife, Natasha of Jefferson; two brothers, Don Peel and wife, Ronna of Minburn, Iowa and Ed Peel and wife, Sarah of Perry; great-grandchildren, Jalen Haglund, Kendrin and Ashlynn Van Beek; and cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Joseph "Bill" Hopley, 1928-2011

March 16, 2011

Joseph "Bill" Hopley, 82, of Klemme, also known in the North Iowa area as "Bill the Barber" died on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond with his family at his bedside.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner. Burial will be in the Concord Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel and will continue one hour prior to the services. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Joseph Wilmot Hopley, the son of Joe and Esther (Heitland) Hopley, was born on November 18, 1928 in Thornton. He graduated from the Thornton High School in 1947, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, baseball and boxing. He went on to compete in boxing at the Golden Glove Tournament in Des Moines. On June 18, 1950, he married Donna Stevens at the Thornton Methodist Church. In his early years, Bill farmed and worked at Allied Feed Mill. He attended Iowa Barber College in Des Moines, graduating in 1961 and interned in various barbershops in North Iowa before opening his own shop in Garner, "Bill's Barbershop". In 1986, he retired back to his roots on an acreage east of Klemme.

Bill raised hogs, a dairy cow named Daisy, chickens and his faithful dog, Toby. He was an avid Hawkeye basketball fan, loved reading western books and watching John Wayne movies. Bill also loved the outdoors going hunting and, especially, fishing. He and Donna spent many days fishing on Clear Lake and also took fishing trips with the family to Minnesota. During his later years, he could be found sitting outside on his patio smoking his pipe, throwing a tennis ball for the dog and occasionally "shocking the worms" for the bait shop.

Bill is survived by his wife of sixty years, Donna of Klemme; two daughters, Coleen (David) Rosendahl of Mason City and Wendy (Bill) Thompson of Klemme; four grandchildren, Jamie (Amy) Rosendahl of Mason City, Melissa (Rusty) Noland of Mason City, Mike (Celina) Thompson of Belmond and Matt (Sara) Thompson of Mason City; seven great-grandchildren, Syndi, Ashlee, Alexis, Nathachia, Allison, Claire and Grant; one great-great-grandson, Alix; two sisters, Bonnie Christians of Klemme and Mary (Jim) Jackson of Rockwell; a brother, Douglas (Gina) Hopley in California; two sisters-in-law, Doris (Fred) Flores of Mason City and Delores Frohling of Meservey; many nieces and nephews; and a great grand dog, Duke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Lloyd and Hattie Stevens; three brothers-in-law, Lawrence Walrod, Merle Frohling and Clarence Christians; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Walrod; and a niece, Debbie Jackson.

To Dad and Grandpa on the farm: We will miss the aroma of Prince Albert and your pipe, your jokes and songs and the whir of electric clippers signaling the beginning of another haircut. Sleep well grandpa, we love you and miss you!!! "The Group"
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

John "Jack" Schisel, 1932-2011

March 16, 2011

John "Jack" Schisel, 78, of Garner, died on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with Fr. Joseph Mirowski of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Mason City officiating. Burial will be in the Concord Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the donor's choice.

John "Jack" Phillip Schisel, the son of John and Galya (Walkner) Schisel, was born on August 13, 1932 at Garner. He graduated from the Garner High School in 1950 and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his education at Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, Missouri. On March 11, 1962, he married Bessie Hasapopoulos at the Greek Orthodox Church in Mason City. Jack was a CPA for Ernst and Ernst in Des Moines and later a controller at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, Minnesota. In 1978, they moved to Portland, Oregon, where Jack was employed at Brim and Associates as a manager of hospitals in Montana until his retirement. In 2000, Jack and Bessie moved to Garner. He enjoyed playing golf and watching sports.

Jack is survived by his wife, Bessie of Garner; two sisters, Mavis Peterson of Belmond and Betty (Eddie) Anderson of Clear Lake; four brothers, Larry (Linda) Schisel of Garner, Bob Schisel of Garner, Gary (Jean) Schisel of Garner and Elling Lee Schisel of Thompson; many nieces and nephews; three brothers-in-law, George (Shirley) Hasse of Mason City, Ted (Audrey) Hasapopoulos of Mason City and Sam (Marilyn) Hasapopoulos of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, John Peterson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Melvin Dale Howard

April 6, 2011

Melvin Dale Howard, Sr., died on Saturday, March 19 2011, in Ocala, Florida.

Mr. Howard was born in Klemme, to Ned Lee Howard and Minnie Medaus. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War, a graduate of the University of Iowa class of 1958, and a comptroller for Wickes Lumber Co. and Ocala Lumber.

He moved from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, to Ocala in 1985, enjoyed fishing, gardening, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ocala.

Mr. Howard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cheraldia Howard; daughter, Kathy Sue Willaford of Ocala, Florida; son, Melvin D. Howard, Jr. of Melbourne Beach, Florida; brothers, Roger Howard of Denton, Texas, Elmer Howard of Omaha, Nebraska and Raymond Howard of Sundance, Wyoming; and three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 26, in Ocala.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011

Wynton Peter Christians, 1922-2011

March 30, 2011

Funeral service for Wynton Peter Christians, will be held 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 31, 2011, at the United Methodist Church in Dodge Center, Minnesota. The Reverend Dave Westlake will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday at the Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Dodge Center and one hour before the service at the church on Thursday, Interment will be at 2:30 p.m., on Thursday, in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Wynton Peter Christians, 88, died on Sunday evening, March 27, 2011, at the Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield, Minnesota.

Wynton Peter Christians, was born on May 30, 1922, the son of Peter Elmer and Vernie Margaret (Johnson) Christians in Garner. He graduated from the Ventura High School in 1939. Wynton attended Hamilton Business College for one year. His army service was from December 1942-1945. He worked for Standard Oil for ten years including service time.

Wynton and Muriel Wagner were joined in Holy Matrimony on July 16, 1950, at the Methodist Church in Rockford, Iowa. They farmed in Hayfield, Garner and Britt and finally moving to Minnesota. Wynton worked for OMC at Owatonna and Fold Craft in Kenyon, Minnesota. He retired in 1989.

Wynton is survived by his children, Gary (Martha) Christians of Lehigh, IA, Michael (Signe) Christians; one daughter-in-law, Kim Christians of Rochester, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Lee, Jay, Meg, Danny, Jennifer and Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two sons, Lynn and Paul Christians; one daughter, Linda; his sister, June Mott; and one grandson, Thomas Christians.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2011