Posted 15 January 2013

Theodore Alvin Conaway

Theodore Alvin Conaway,70,of Kanawha, Iowa, passed away January 14, 2013, at the Hancock County Health Systems in Britt.

 Funeral services for Ted Conaway will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 10:30 AM at the First Lutheran Church, 70 5th Avenue NW, in Britt with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.  

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 5 until 7 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt and continue one hour prior to services at the church.  

Ted, son of Charles and Dorothy (Pellum) Conaway was born on February 22, 1942, in Britt, he was baptized and confirmed in Britt and moved to Illinois and returned to Britt as a young child with his brothers, Art and Chuck. They lived with Harry Nielson and learned how to farm. 

Ted attended Britt Community Schools where he participated in baseball, football, wrestling, and FFA and graduated in 1960. His love of wrestling began here where he was lucky enough to place 4th in the state tournament his senior year.   

On August 25, 1960, Ted entered the United States Army. After basic training, he returned home and continued farming with Harry, Art, and Chuck. Ted also worked at the Corwith Community Coop for a short time, but came back to farming full time and continued to farm and combined this past fall, which he loved to do. When Art and Chuck decided to get out of farming, Ted continued and his son, Mark, joined him later on.   

On May 23, 1964, Ted married the love of his life, Mary Ann Asheim, of Forest City, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Mark Alan and Christine Ann. Through the years, Mary helped Ted farm, and they traveled to many places: Minnesota fishing, Las Vegas, Florida, Hawaii for their 25th anniversary, and many other places. Mary was taken from him way too soon in September 1995.   

Ted's other love was fishing. This would take him on many trips including the annual fishing trip to Canada with his buddies of the fishing crew, which he has been doing since 1963. He also enjoyed his three trips to Alaska. The fishing and scenery were like no other.  

Ted loved wrestling and attending many national wrestling tournaments all over the country with his buddies of the wrestling crew.    

After Mary's passing Ted found a very special relationship with Mary Zeigler. They found many years of happiness together traveling and spending time together.   Although a man of few words, if you knew anything about farming, wrestling, or fishing, Ted would visit with you for hours.  

Proceeding Ted in death are his parents, Charles and Dorothy Conaway; in laws, Thor and Evelyn Asheim; wife, Mary Ann Conaway; sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Jim Williams; nephew, Rodney Conaway; and niece, Colleen Conaway.   

Survivors include son, Mark Conaway, Britt IA; daughter and favorite son-in-law, Christie (Matt) Hobscheidt. Corwith IA; friend, Mary Zeigler, Kanawha IA; brothers, Art (Marion) Conaway, Park Rapids, MN; Chuck (Lois) Conaway, Britt IA; sisters, Pat (Dan) Eddy, Maryville IL; Ginnie (Smitty) Smith, Danvers IL; Shirley Graham, Bloomington IL; sister and brother-in- law, Irene (Darrell) Lande of Rochester MN, many nieces and nephews and many great friends. 

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Louise E. (May) Smith
May 30, 1915 - January 10, 2013

Louise E. Smith, 97, of Kanawha passed away Thursday, January 10, 2013 at the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services for Louise Smith will be held on Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Kanawha United Methodist Church, 402 North Main Street in Kanawha with Pastor Tim Rieckhoff-Faris officiating.  Burial will be at Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Monday. 

Louise Ellen May was born May 30, 1915 in Menard County, Illinois, the daughter of John and Neva (Hughes) May.  Her family later moved to a farm in rural Corwith, where she grew up.

Louise attended country school and later attended school in Corwith and Kanawha, where she graduated at the age of 16.  Following graduation, she attended college in Nebraska for a semester before attending Britt Junior College.  She also studied a course from DePaul University.

Louise was united in marriage to Robert W. Smith on November 21, 1937.  Bob was a musician who played with several big bands in the Minneapolis area.  The couple lived in Belmond where Louise worked for the Belmond Independent doing general office work, bookkeeping, typing and other newspaper related jobs.  She also taught piano and organ to about 30 students over 19 years.  Later, she worked for the Kanawha Reporter as a typist and as the social news editor for many years.
Eventually, the couple farmed the May family farm until they retired and built a home in Kanawha.  During their retirement, Louise and Bob loved to travel, including trips to Europe and several cruises.  With their mutual love of music, they also enjoyed attending band events at the Surf Ballroom.  Bob passed away in July of 1984.

After a long friendship, Louise married Marcus Hoelscher at the Kanawha United Methodist Church on June 27, 1992.  The couple enjoyed a decade together before Marcus passed away in April of 2002.

On November 12, 2004, Louise married William L. Dahl at the Kanawha United Methodist Church.  The couple made their home in Kanawha.  In June of 2006, Louise entered the Kanawha Community Home where Bill visited her daily.

Louise was a longtime member of the Kanawha United Methodist Church, where she played organ on Sundays for many years.  In her earlier years, Louise loved to entertain and cook, she was fond of collecting recipes and having parties for friends to try out the newest dishes.  

Louise is survived by her husband, Bill Dahl of Kanawha; grandchildren Heather (Scott) Nierman and Michael Smith, all of Rochester, Minnesota; great-granddaughter Sabrina Thompson and step-great-granddaughter Storme Nierman, both of Rochester.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Smith, husband Marcus Hoelscher, her son Ronald Smith, and brothers Don and Bob May.

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Doris Jean Sandell

Doris "Dort" Sandell, 62, of Garner died Monday, January 14, 2013 at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held 2 P.M., Friday, January 18th at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner with Pastor Carl Hedberg officiating. Burial will be in Concord Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Memorials may be directed to the Doris "Dort" Sandell Memorial Fund.

Doris Jean Sandell, the daughter of John and Faye (Humphrey) Strayer, was born July 27, 1950 at Iowa City. She graduated from Algona High School in 1969. After graduation she worked at Schultz Brothers in Algona. On September 6, 1975 she was married to Gary Sandell at the Presbyterian Church in Algona. They made their home in Garner where they raised their daughter, Katherine. Dort was employed at Goodnature's in Garner for 32 years before retiring in 2008 due to ill health. She enjoyed her cats, sewing, walking, collecting dolls and, especially, spending time with her grandkids.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, LWML and TOPS.

Dort is survived by her husband, Gary, of Garner; daughter, Katherine (Derrick) Halverson of Clear Lake and their three children, Jacob, Hope and Tanner; two brothers, John (Louise) Strayer of Kissimee, FL and Nathan (Marian) Strayer of Klemme; two sisters, Janice (Merle) Hartman of Milford and Denise (Russell) Latch of Mason City; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Gray and John Bierstedt; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and four sisters, Naomi Hutchinson, Mary Gray, Nancy Bierstedt and Bonnie Breedy.

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 Posted 18 January 2013

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Janet Marie Luppen
April 19, 1937 - January 14, 2013

Janet Marie Luppen, aged 75 died January 14, 2013 at home in Garner surrounded by her family.

Funeral services for Janet Luppen will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM at United Methodist Church, 885 Maben Avenue, Garner, Iowa with Rev. Paul Evans officiating. Burial will be at Concord Cemetery in Garner.

Visitation will be held at the United Methodist Church in Garner from 5:00 until 7:00 PM and continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Janet was born on April 19, 1937 at home in Humboldt County near Hardy, Iowa to Harrold & Irma Smith. She grew up on the farm and met the love of her life on a blind date.  Janet and Bill were married on November 7, 1954. They recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. She was self-taught in herbal medicine and owner of the Well Haus. She was very active in the Methodist Church.

Janet is survived by her husband Bill; son Kevin (Janice) and their children Gregory and Sadie of Wasilla, AK; son Milo (Kim) and his sons Jordan, Riley, and Jake of White Bear Lake, MN; daughter Bambi (Jeff) Urich and her sons Tyler, Trevor, and Tanner of Garner, IA; daughter Misty (Tony) Bartleson and their daughters Chelsea, Natessa, Miranda of Forest City, IA; daughter Kelli (Doug) Krutsinger and their children Ian and Emma of Marengo, IA. Great-grandchildren Braylon Urich and baby girl Frederick. Brother Norman (Lucille) Smith, Iowa City; sisters: Elaine (Dennis) McCurry, Renwick, IA; Glenda (Mike) Pasley, Melbourne, FL; Arlyss Nelson, Melbourne, FL.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Harrold & Irma Smith and son-in-law Bernie Urich.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Bernie Urich Memorial Music Scholarship and/or Hospice of North Iowa.

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Robert E. Campbell

Robert E. Campbell, age 94, formerly of Mason City and Belmond, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2013 at his residence in Edina, MN. His widow is Mary Jane (Pauley) Cox Campbell, also formerly Mason City and Belmond, of Edina, MN.

Visitation for Robert E. Campbell will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Saturday January 26, 2013 at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond. No other visitation will take place.

Funeral services for Robert E. Campbell will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Belmond, on West Main Street , west of the Iowa River. Pastor Donna Buckman will officiate. Burial, attended by family, will take place in the Belmond Cemetery before the service.

DUGGER FUNERAL HOME
111 LUICK'S LANE SOUTH
P.O. BOX 233
BELMOND, IOWA 50421
(641) 444-3248
www.duggerfunerals.com

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Eugene F. Greimann

Eugene F. Greimann, 93, of Garner died Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, January 23rd at Peace Reformed Church south of Garner with Rev. Harvey Opp officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Tuesday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., in Garner and will continue one hour priori to services at the church.

Eugene Frederick Greimann, the son of Rev. Herman and Caroline (Haberkamp) Greimann, was born July 19, 1919 in Dale, WI. He was baptized at the Reformed Church in Dale where his father was the minister. The family moved to Schaller in 1921 where his father accepted another charge as minister of the Reformed Church. Following the death of both parents, the family moved to Garner in 1927. Eugene was confirmed in the faith at Peace Reformed Church. He graduated from Garner High School in 1936. Following graduation, he worked at the Garner Roller Mills and for several farmers in the community. On November 9, 1941, he married Doris Barz at the Klemme Reformed Church. Following their marriage, they moved to a farm northeast of Klemme. Eugene farmed for 28 years and then worked as a custodian at Klemme Public Schools for 13 years, retiring in 1982. In 1997, they moved to Garner and in 2007 to Cardinal Grove Assisted Living.

Eugene was a member of Peace Reformed Church where he served as Sunday school teacher, superintendent, deacon and elder. He was on the building committee of the church that was built in 1962, member of the Garner Elevator board for several years, served on the Farmer Home Administration board and the Klemme Centennial planning committee.

Eugene is survived by his children, Lowell (Jennie) Greimann of Ames, Janette (Arthur) Hoffman of Owatonna, MN and Janelle Bremer of Dyer, IN; seven grandchildren, Chad (Chris) Greimann, Amy (Winston) Trotter, Blair (Angie) Greimann, Michelle (Dale) Simon, Kelly (Brian) Schultz, Trent (Paula) Bremer and Janna (Darren) Van Essen; nineteen great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Anderson of Mason City; sisters-in-law, Gladys Barz and Emma (Barz) Palmby; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Anna (Maurer) Greimann; wife, Doris; daughter, Kathleen Ann; daughter-in-law, Jane Renner Greimann; brother, Curtis Greimann; sisters, Adeline Carothers and Charlotte Swanson; brothers-in-law, Norman Anderson, Charles Carothers, Leonard Swanson, Harvey, Marvin and Ronald Barz, Walt Rosendahl; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Greimann, Ella Rosendahl and Mabel Barz.

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Roy A. Myhr
January 16, 2013

DOTHAN, ALA - Roy A. Myhr, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, died Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at his residence. He was 84.

A memorial visitation was held from 2 - 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 at Byrd Funeral Home in Dothan. Burial will be held at a later date in Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Roy Myhr was born Nov. 7, 1928 in Sioux City. He entered the U.S. Marine Corp after high school and served during the Korean War. He lived many years in this area including Clear Lake, Forest City and Crystal Lake.　Recently, he had resided in Ocala, Fla., for many years prior to moving to Dothan a few months ago. He was a loving Christian husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed life to its fullest in every endeavor. He was a member of the Ocala United Methodist Church.

Mr. Myhr was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Opal Myhr, a brother, Keith Myhr and a grandson, Patrick Dalton.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Marjorie Myhr, Dothan; a son, Scot (Sheryl) Myhr, Pittsburgh, PA; a daughter, Jodi Dalton, Dothan; four grandchildren, Erica Dalton and Tyler Dalton, both of Auburn and Corrie Myhr and Esther Myhr, both of Pittsburgh, PA; a brother, Dean Myhr, of Tucson, Ariz.; many nieces, nephews and friends also survive.

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Joseph Ezarski
January 16, 2013

BRITT - Funeral Mass for Joseph Ezarski was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt with Father Dennis W. Miller officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Joseph J. Ezarski was born Dec. 5, 1916, in Ogden, one of eight children born to Alexander and Petronia (Jansuskas) Ezarski. He attended school in Lake Mills and Britt.

Joe started farming with his father at Lake Mills, and then moved to Britt where he met and married Annabelle M. Frisbie on Jan. 25, 1940. They had four daughters and the family moved to Corwith in 1946, where they continued farming for 40 years.　 They enjoyed raising and showing registered shetland ponies and horses.　 He retired from farming after 40 years in 1985 and in 1994 moved to their retirement home in Algona. Joe enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing and woodworking.　 He also enjoyed traveling to Texas for the winter, playing shuffleboard and Round Dancing.

Joseph Ezarski, 96 of Mason City and formally of Algona and Corwith, passed away on Thursday Jan. 10, 2013, at The I.O.O.F. Home, Mason City, Ia., where he had resided since 2009.

Joe is survived by three daughters, Marvel Ann Rushing of Fayetteville, N.C., Vicky (Denny) McVicker, Mankato, Minn., and (Glenn) Kaser, Lihue, Hi..; son-in-law Roger Meyers of San Diego, Calif.; nine grandchildren, Jeff Jordan and wife (Jessie) of San Diego, Calif., Kevin Rushing (Liz) of Holly Spring, N.C., Brian Rushing of Holly, Mich., Yvonne (Ross) Hansen of San Marcos, Calif., David Lyons of Chicago, Ill., Patrick (Kellie) of Bettendorf, Michael Lyons (Jennifer) of Middleburg Heights, Ohio., Lisa (Chris) Cavallari of Elgin, Ill., and Todd McVicker of Madison, Wis.; eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Annabelle M. Ezarski, Aug 6. 2007; daughter, Marlene Meyers, Sept. 22, 2007 of California; a son-in-law, Roger Rushing in 1999 of North Carolina; his parents; four sisters; and three brothers.　

Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona.　 Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

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Betty M. Whetstone
January 16, 2013

BRITT - Betty M. Whetstone, 88, of Britt died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 12 at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt with Rev. Jason Boomgarden officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Betty May Whetstone, the daughter of Lars "Bert" and Linda (Lorentzen) Jergensen was born June 24, 1924 in Britt. She was baptized in the Congregational church and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She graduated from Britt High School in 1942. Betty worked for her father in the City Meat Market and was employed as a cashier at the Chief Theatre. She also was a substitute city clerk for the City of Britt. On April 26, 1950 she became the bride of her pen pal, Frank Whetstone, at the home of her parents. They lived in Pattonsburg, Mo., for three months and then returned to Britt. They were blessed with two daughters, Robin and Roberta. After Frank passed away in February of 1997 she continued to live in Britt. In 2004 she became a resident of Heritage Care Center in Mason City. Betty enjoyed going on bus trips. Her most prized memory was being the daughter of a Danish immigrant and she dubbed herself a "Great Dane". She loved her family with all her heart.
She was a member of the Britt VFW Auxiliary.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Robin Whetstone of Mason City and Roberta (Mike) Patterson of Owatonna, Minn.; two grandsons, Cory (Mandy) Champney of Moline, Ill., and Clinton (Angie) Champney of Bancroft; four great grandsons, Seth, Trevor, Brandon and Edward Champney; and a nephew, Larry (Rosie) Oustad of Mankato, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents; sister, Marian (Clarence) Oustad; and several cousins.

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Ann Smidt
January 23, 2013

BRITT - Ann Lynette Smidt, 66, passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 at Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City.

Ann was born June 23, 1946. She was raised in Kanawha and graduated from there with dreams of becoming a nurse. Ann pursued her dreams and also continued to become a physical therapist at Hancock County Memorial Hospital.

She married Jerry D. Smidt and lived in Britt. Ann’s favorite hobbies were horses and sewing.

Ann is survived by her mother, Maybelle Mariner of Lake Mills; her three children: Tony Smidt (Monica) of Britt, Lori Aukes (Troy) of Garner, Alanna Randall (Travis) of Buffalo Center; and six grandchildren: Ashley Aukes, Paiten Kraft, Veronica Kraft, Dylan Smidt, Bianca Randall and Trevor Randall.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry D. Smidt; her father, John Mariner; and her brother, Michael Mariner.

Ewing Funeral Home will hold a private service at a later date.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to 40827 30th Ave., Buffalo Center, IA 50424.

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Roger Boyken
January 23, 2013

BRITT - Roger H. Boyken, 81, of Britt, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 at Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka with Pastor Robert Wolfert officiating.

Burial was in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in rural Titonka with graveside military rites by American Legion Post 409 of Crystal Lake.

Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark Street, Forest City and continued one hour prior to services at the church.

Roger was born in rural Woden, to Henry and Schwantje (Loeschen) Boyken on April 19, 1931.

He was baptized May 14, 1931 and confirmed March 25, 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka where he was a life-long member. He served on church councils and was on the building committee. He attended schools in Woden and Titonka, where he graduated in 1949. Roger served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargeant. He was a member of American Legion Post 409 in Crystal Lake.

He married Neoma Johnson on Dec. 13, 1959 and they farmed in the Titonka and Woden areas.

They had three children, Steven, Darla and Debra.

He retired from farming in the late 1980's. Roger spent the last year of his life at Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City, making many friends with residents and staff, especially his roommate, Leslie Anderson.

He is survived by his wife, Neoma of Britt; son, Steven (Leann) Boyken of Lakota; daughter, Debra (Bruce) Kamp of Britt; his brother, Duane (Shirley) Boyken of Mesa, Ariz.; his brother, Dean Boyken of Woden; his sister, Louise (Virgil) Heifner of Woden; his sister-in-law Susan Johnson of Iowa Falls; his brother-in-law, Harold Duane (Lea) Johnson of Alameda, Calif.; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, along with several close family friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Schwantje Boyken; his in-laws, Harold (Gladys) Johnson; his brother-in-law, Dustin Johnson and his daughter, Darla Kay Boyken.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials in Roger's name to: Kidney Disease Foundation, Gift of Life Transplant House - Rochester, Minn., Cancer Society.
PETERSEN LUND FUNERAL HOME - 641-585-2685  -www.petersenlundfh.com.

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 Posted 23 January 2013

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Phyllis Cloe Hagen
January 24, 2013
October 6, 1951 — January 21, 2013

Woodbury, Minn. — Phyllis Cloe Coeling was born Oct. 6, 1951, in Grand Rapids, Mich. She moved to Kanawha, Iowa, with her parents when she was a year old. She attended Kanawha Christian School and graduated from Kanawha High School in 1969. In 1973, she graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, with a degree in elementary education. She then taught at Christian schools in Randolph, Wis.; Elmhurst, Ill.; Vinton, Iowa; and Willmar, Minn.

Phyllis married Jeff Hagen in Kanawha on October 1, 1983. They lived in Vinton and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and were blessed with three children: Derek, Vanessa and Kyle. They moved to Woodbury, Minn., in 1991 and Phyllis taught at East St. Paul Lutheran School for ten years.

Family was extremely important to Phyllis and she and Jeff shared almost 30 years of marriage. She had strong relationships with all three of her children and their spouses and was deeply loved and cherished by them. She also had a very special bond with her extended family and touched the lives of many. She and her sister Marilyn were “professional shoppers” and they shared many adventures together.
Phyllis’ passion was teaching and her love for her students was reflected in her career. She loved to cook for her family and sew. Through her battle with Multiple Myeloma, she lived life to the fullest and never complained. She participated in the Relay for Life Walk and was active in the local Multiple Myeloma Support Group. Her positive attitude has been an inspiration for many.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Jeff; her children and their spouses: Derek (Autumn) of Grand Forks, N.D.; Vanessa (Chris) McClure of White Bear, Minn.; and Kyle of St. Paul, Minn.; her sister, Marilyn (Roger) Peters of Woodbury; her father- and mother-in-law, Donald and Ardis Hagen of Monticello, Iowa; and her sister in-law and husband, Denise (Steve) Secrist of Sparta, Wis. She is also survived by a niece, Meleah (Troy) Miller and their two sons, Noah and Zachary of West St. Paul; two nephews, Daniel Peters, of San Francisco, Calif., and Brad Secrist of Lakeville, Minn.; many close cousins; three aunts (including Evelyn Christians and Viola Eekhoff of Kanawha), an uncle and many friends.

Her parents, Bert and Martha (DeBoer) Coeling, preceded her in death.

A visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m. and services will be held at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Rd., Woodbury, on Thursday, Jan. 24.

Memorials to the International Myeloma Foundation (myeloma.org) are preferred.

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Joyce Elaine Nieman
May 26, 1929 - January 20, 2013
 
Joyce Nieman, 83, of Britt, went home to glory on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at her home.

Funeral services for Joyce Nieman will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Woden Christian Reformed Church in rural Woden with Pastor Harrison Harnden officiating.  Burial will be at the Woden Christian Reformed Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 25, 2013  from 5-7 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Joyce Elaine, daughter of Jacob and Effie (Cook) Vander Ploeg was born May 26, 1929 in Holland, Michigan.  She graduated from Holland High School in 1947.  After working in Holland for several years, she married Martin Nieman on November 25, 1955 at her parents’ home in Holland. 

Martin and Joyce farmed northwest of Britt for the next 29 years.  In 1996, Martin and Joyce moved to Britt and after Martin passed away, Joyce moved to an apartment at her son, Jim’s farm. 

Joyce was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church.  Joyce loved reading, sewing needlepoint and talking to visitors with numerous stories of when she was young.  She enjoyed visits from her grandchildren, even when they would come to her apartment just looking for treats.

Joyce is survived by her children: Karen (Patrick) George of Lakeville, Minnesota, Jill of Lakeville, Minnesota, James (Julie) of Kanawha; eight grandchildren: Christopher (Crystal) George, Benjamin, Courtney, Stephanie, Michael, Isaac, Emily and Daniel Nieman; numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Martin, her siblings and their spouses: Delia (Harold) Mouw and Clarence (Lillian) Vander Ploeg and her in-laws and spouses: Grace (Ben) Blank, Tena (Edd) Luppen, Casper (Tillie) Nieman, John (June) Nieman, Ed (Dorothy) Nieman and Jennie (John) Eekhoff.

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Marjorie Louise Omvig
July 5, 1924 - January 15, 2013

Marjorie Omvig, 88, of Kanawha, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services for Marge Omvig will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013, at 10:30 AM at the Kanawha Lutheran Church, 125 West 4th Street, in Kanawha with Pastors Geoffrey and Char White officiating.  Burial will be at Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 from 5 until 7 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 118 East 2nd Street, in Kanawha and continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Marjorie Louise Omvig, the daughter of Adolph and Ruth (Paskin) Carlson, was born on July 5, 1924 on a farm one and a half miles West of Kanawha.

Marge attended all 8 grades of country school at Rural School Amsterdam 4.  She then transferred to Kanawha High School for 2 years before attending Britt High School and graduating on April 21, 1942.  After graduation, Marge taught rural school for 4 years in Wright and Hancock Counties.

On January 3, 1946 Marge was united in marriage to Arthur Melvin Omvig.  This union was blessed with 2 daughters:  Diane and Linda.  Once her daughters had graduated from high school, Marge worked at the North Iowa Elevator for one year.  Then she worked at Bill’s Shop for 6 months before working at the Norway Rural Telephone Company for 22 years.

Marge and Art lived on the farm for 40 years before they moved into Kanawha in 1987.   Marge retired after working for a few more years and enjoyed time spent with family and friends.  She was an active member of the Kanawha Lutheran Church.
Marge is survived by her daughter Diane (Jerry) Ebersviller; son-in-law Robert Zeigler; grandchildren: Melanie (Terry) Lottie, Joel (Sarah) Zeigler, Pam Holden, Becky (Tim) Luskey and Lori (Clint) Hatlestad; 10 great-grandchildren:  Joshua, Suzie, Shelby, Sydney, Emma, Zachary, Taylor, Cole, Luke and Courtney; brother Carroll Carlson; sisters:  Maxine Eliason, Jeanie Bonjour and Janice (Rex) Liekweg; sister-in-law Jeanne Carlson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Art in 2004; daughter Linda in 2009; brothers: Leo and Harlan Carlson; and her sisters:  Leona Abbas and Elaine Weiland.

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Donald L. Simpson

Donald L. Simpson, age 60 of Long Beach, Calif., formerly of Wesley, died Wed. Jan. 16, 2013 of complications from a stroke, at St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach, Calif.

Don was born Oct. 24, 1952 in Algona, to E. Louis and E. Ruth (Seaberg) Simpson of Wesley.　 Don graduated from Corwith Wesley High School in 1970 and attended Iowa State University.

In November of 1973, Don move to California where he worked for Riverside Steel for 21 years, and then Ancon Marine until 11 months prior to his death. Don loved reading, fishing, hunting and biking and was a huge Green Bay Packer fan.

Don was preceded in death by his parents.　

He is survived by his siblings, Dorothy (Dan) Biondi of Sheldahl, Linda (Rich) Fox of Mansfield, Texas, Leannah (Dennis) Wailes of Scranton, Dale (Joan) Simpson of Poway, Calif., George (Miriam) Simpson of Ventura, Janis (Mike) West of Wesley, and many nieces and nephews.

Don's body was cremated and memorial service will be held in Wesley later this year for his family and friends.

Memorials in Don's name may be directed to the Wesley Community Church, Wesley, IA. 

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Erma Frey Puffer Halverson
February 16, 1918 - January 22, 2013

Erma Magdelene (Frey) Puffer Halverson was born Feb. 16, 1918 at rural Corwith to Edward and Lillian (Zimmerman) Frey. Erma graduated from Corwith High School in 1935 and attended American Institute of Business in Des Moines. She then worked for Mullin Seed Co. in Corwith and married John W. Puffer on Feb. 14, 1939 in Corwith. The couple lived NE of Wesley before moving to Corwith in 1946. After John’s death on Oct. 31, 1970, Erma moved to Mason City where she went back to college. She worked at Green Lake Center in Green Lake, Wisc. and later at Builders Supply in Mason City. On Oct. 6, 1979, she was united in marriage to Honroe Halverson in Mason City. The couple lived on a farm south of Woden until moving into Britt. After Honroe died on July 15, 2000, Erma moved to Prairie View Apartments in Garner. She lived there until becoming a resident of the Westview Care Center in Britt in December 2008 and died there on Tuesday afternoon Jan. 22, 2013 at the age of 94.

Erma through the years was active in the churches she attended. She enjoyed quilting, knitting and was a very well organized person. She was still emailing and instant messaging people at age 89. Erma traveled through most of the United States including Hawaii and Alaska as well as visiting Canada and Mexico. She was also a lifetime member of Unity Chapter No. 58 Order of the Eastern Star Mason City.

Survivors include her son John and wife Ginny of Sioux Falls, S. D. and daughter Jane and husband Ed Kinder of Cheyenne, Wyo.; daughter-in-law Carol Puffer of Omaha, Neb.; step-children Craig Halverson and wife Louise of Golden Valley, Minn.; Joyce and husband Armin DeWaard of Waterloo, and Bruce Halverson and wife Mary of Britt; as well as two grandchildren and their families; Alyssa and husband Walker Tate and Colleen and husband Ted Franco and their children Joshua, Leah and Gabrielle; seven step-grandchildren and their families; Lori and husband Greg Krause and son Grant; Thor Halverson and wife Sheri and their children Erik and Kjerstin; Brent Halverson and daughter Trista; Kristi and husband Christopher Wendland and children Abigail and Josiah; Karin and husband Brian McDonnald; David DeWaard and Jody Halverson and wife Peggy and their children Beth and Katie.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, one brother Raymond Frey, son Ron Puffer and grandson Daren Puffer.　

Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.  

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Posted on 30 January 2013 by Jay Lehmann

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