Armin DeWaard, 69, of Waterloo, formerly of Woden and Britt passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 at Friendship Village in Waterloo.

Funeral services for Armin DeWaard will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Britt Christian Reformed Church-At The Crossroads Ministries, 569 Main Ave. North in Britt with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating.  Interment will be at Bingham Township Cemetery in Woden.

Visitation for Armin DeWaard will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013 at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. West in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Armin is survived by his wife Joyce DeWaard of Waterloo; their children Lori (Greg) Krause and their son Grant of Manassas, Va. Kristi (Chris) Wendland and their children Abigail and Josiah of Waterloo, and David DeWaard of Woden; siblings Jerry (Pat) DeWaard of Britt, Marv (Cheri) DeWaard of Waterloo, Eileen (Joe) Wilson of Cedar Falls, Donna (Tom) Stroup of Mason City, and Carl (Kathy) DeWaard of Byron, Minn.; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Armin was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

www.ewingfh.com       Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West,  Britt, Iowa 50423 

Cindy Noble, 52, of Britt, passed away Sunday Sept. 1, 2013 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Cindy Noble will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3rd St. S.E. in Britt with Father Dennis Miller and Father Brad Pelzel co-celebrating.  Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation for Cindy Noble will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Scriptural Wake service at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013 at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. W. in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

On Sept. 1, 2013 Cindy Noble went to be with her Lord. After greetings from Him, she was met by her dad, CD (June) Noble, her brother-in-law, Allen Hansen, her great-niece, Lauren Dall-Winther and other family and some good friends. Of course right there also is her sister, Connie Harbaugh. Those two are making arrangements for when the others start trickling in. Their dad is just shaking his head at his youngest two daughters.

Cindy was born Jan. 28, 1961 in Britt at the hospital there. She grew up on the farm south of Britt and loved every minute of being a farm girl. In June of 1978, her mother “made” her move to town and that did not sit well, but what could she do, so off she went, taken out of the country, but not the country out of her. One regret was never living in the country again, but funny person Cindy was, she LOVED New York City and said she could live there … go figure.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt, where she was baptized and confirmed. In 1979 she graduated from the BEST class ever to come out of Britt High School and made many lifelong friends she had to this day. After graduation she went to UNI in Cedar Falls for 4 ½ years, and a degree from there. After that, a bit of wondering until she figured out finally what she liked and ended up at an agronomy facility in little Duncan. After a few buy-outs, she ended her agronomy career at the Coop in Britt, where she still loved the job and “her guys." Then a bit of wondering again, a few different jobs, some good, some not so good, but working at Murphy Brown in Algona brought some great friendships with the “Poops” and the “Peeps." She finally landed another great job with Titan Machinery in Clear Lake in 2008 and again, “her guys” treated her so well, and they could not have been better during her illness.

Traveling, never passing up a good sale, especially shoes, great food and camping were what she could do all the time, but work seemed to get in the way. Camping was extra special, made so by the “family” she acquired at Rocky Creek Campground. Bonfires, tailgate parties, suppers out, golf cart rides, 4th of July and coffee on the deck, so much to do all summer and most weekends were spent with that family. Another special “family” is the Draft Horse people. Starting in 1977, she met the best, most awesome group of people. Especially the Sparrow Family and their “40 Horse Hitch” and was honored to be one of the heifers! Remember kids, you need to teach the next generation the alligator! Thanks to Linda Schuster for introducing me to the draft horse world in 1974. Cindy also helped on the Britt Draft Horse Show Board for a number of years, with good friends, fun times. This kept her nose in the horse business until she retired in 2011. After the horse show, came the joining of Hobo Days Association, which organizes the town celebration in Britt. What a fantastic group to work with! So much fun and laughter. So many amazing friends, but BFF’s; Elaine Hansen, Cindy Von Stein and Linda Hughes are pretty extra special, a girl needs her friends.

Cindy is survived by her family; two wonderful brothers, Charlie and Mike; two wonderful sisters-in-law too, Barb and Vicki; four awesome sisters, Patty, who is also her God mother, Kathy, Jean and Pam along with five brothers-in-law, Nels Dall-Winther, Myron Stenzel, Dennis Abbas, Pat Zedrick and Steve Harbaugh; 19 nieces and nephews, plenty of great-nieces and nephews and the MOST STUPENDOUS mother, Maxine that anyone could have. Oh what fun fun times they had shopping, Delhi, Kathy’s vacations!! Let the good times continue, Con and I will be watching for sure! Last but not least the three biggest loves of her life, her God children; Jon Harbaugh, Hannah Hayes and Chloie Noble. What fun to watch them grow and become such beautiful people.

So by now, Cindy has slid across the pearly gates, and most likely fell at the foot of the Lord and said what a GREAT LIFE you gave me for these years, and now I am happy to be in my Heavenly home with you.

Not much crying ok, just remembering and maybe a couple laughs.

www.ewingfh.com  Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, Britt, Iowa 50423 641-843-3839

MARILEE K STRASSER
August 30, 1926 - August 28, 2013

Marilee K. Strasser, 86, of Mason City, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at the IOOF Home.  Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.E., with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating.  Interment  took place at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation was from 5  – 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City. Memorials may be directed to the Marilee Strasser memorial fund in care of the family.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com. 

Marilee was born Aug. 30, 1926, in Hayfield, the daughter of Robert and Alta (Slawson) Pigman.  In 1944, she graduated from Britt High School in Britt.  Marilee married Laurence Best, and to this union seven children were born:  Larry, Phillip, Marcia, Gerald, Robert, Darlene, and Cindy.  She was later remarried to Warren Strasser.  Marilee enjoyed spending time with family – especially her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed quilting, embroidery and traveling to Britt for her monthly luncheon with classmates.  She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. 

Marilee is survived by five children:  Larry Best and wife Dawn of Waterloo, Phillip Best and wife Kathy of Mason City, Marcia Best of Mason City, Darlene King and husband Mitch of Mason City and Cindy Tremblay and husband Ryan of Alaska; 18 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and one sister:  Lois Bauer of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Warren in 1978; two sons: Gerald and Robert Best; one granddaughter: Rhonda Best; one sister: Doris Montgomery; and one brother: Billie Pigman.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. 

111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, Iowa 50401. 641-423-0924 www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

DONALD SIMPSON

Donald L. Simpson,60, formerly of Wesley, died Jan. 16, 2013 in Long Beach, Calif.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Wesley Community Church, Wesley. Family and friends will also gather at Johnny’s in Wesley around 5 p.m. to reminisce and celebrate his life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Community Church.

ELAINE PERKINS
July 11, 1936 - September 15, 2013

Elaine Perkins, 77, of Britt, passed away Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services for Elaine Perkins will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 70 5th Avenue NW, in Britt with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating.  Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation for Elaine was held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Elaine was born in Readlyn, Iowa on July 11, 1936 to Paul and Norma (Hagenow) Hartman.  Her family moved to a farm north of Tripoli, where she graduated from Tripoli High School in 1954.

Elaine married Robert Sievers in 1956 and they ran the Wayside Restaurant in Tripoli for 10 years.  She also sold Avon. Robert passed away in 1974 and Elaine married Gene Perkins in 1976. They moved to Britt in 1983 where Elaine was a teacher’s aide until her retirement.

Elaine was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Britt where she served in various groups and committees.  She was also a member of the Britt Women’s Club and other card clubs. She especially enjoyed the 31 card club. 

Elaine was very active in fitness, walking daily and participating in an exercise group. Elaine enjoyed trips to the Wisconsin Dells, Branson and Las Vegas. Gene always commented that he took her to all the finest high school football fields and gymnasiums around north Iowa. 

Elaine loved cooking and baking, shopping, cross-stitching and quilting, crossword puzzles, watching Wheel of Fortune and Minnesota Twins games, and volunteering at the Britt Public Library and Britt Food Bank.  Most of all, she loved visits from her children and grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by her husband Gene Perkins of Britt; children Amy Sievers and her children Alisha and Caden Gates of Stillwater, Minn., Tony Sievers of St. Paul, Minn., and Steve (Samantha) Perkins and their children Chase and Jack Perkins of Madrid; sisters Glenyce (Forrest) Bolte of Vinton,  Verlaine Knoploh of Sumner, and Wilma Fransen of Waverly; sisters-in-law Darlene (Al) Dana of Waverly and Fran (Kenny) Sievers of Des Moines, brothers-in-law Larry (Carol) Sievers of Waverly, John Perkins of Dakota Dunes, S.D., and Russell (Lanee) Perkins of Spirit Lake; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Robert Sievers, and a brother Victor in infancy.

www.ewingfh.com  Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, Britt, Iowa 50423 641-843-3839

MARIE A. BRCKA
December 31, 1920 - September 12, 2013

Astred L. Schwab, 91, of Britt died Monday, September 16, 2013 at the Kossuth County Regional Health Center in Algona.

Funeral services will be held 10 A.M., Wednesday, September 18th at the Britt Zion Church of the Nazarene with Rev. John Paulus officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M., Tuesday at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Hancock County Historical Society, Armstrong House, in care of Robert Gopperton, 318 3rd St. S.W., Britt, IA  50423.

Astred Linnea Schwab was born in Wesley, Kossuth County, Iowa on April 15, 1922 the daughter of Palmer and Ida (Oscarson) Pearson.  Her parents immigrated in 1914 (Palmer) and 1921 (Ida) from Sweden settling near Wesley and raising three children. Astred was born on a farm near Wesley along with two brothers, Arnold and Eldon. Palmer and Ida purchased a farm in Hancock County, southeast of Britt and lived there until retirement. The children attended schools in Britt. Astred graduated from Britt High School in l940. She took teacher's training there and taught in the county school north of Britt until her marriage to Harold in 1941. The couple moved on the Schwab family farm near Corwith, where they lived until 1978 when they moved to Britt. Astred enjoyed farming, taking care of the chickens, garden, and various household chores. She raised five children on the farm. Cooking three meals a day, plus morning and afternoon lunches during field work, took up much of her time. Also baked goods were taken to many events especially for church and family get-togethers. Astred's cold water chocolate cake with white frosting drizzled with chocolate sauce and swirled, was a favorite everywhere. Harold and Astred traveled throughout their marriage as long as they were able. They traveled throughout the USA, in Europe, Canada, Russia, Israel and Latin America as well. Astred volunteered for church activities, the American Cancer Society, and PTA, Gideons and various other organizations. The Church of the Nazarene in Britt was an important part of her and Harold's lives. Astred held various positions in the church as well as teaching Sunday school for years.

Astred is survived by her five children, Marlys Talidis of Rockford, IL and her son, Jim Talidis,  Duane Schwab of  rural Corwith,  Dennis (Connie) Schwab of rural Corwith and their two children, Brandon (Sara) Schwab of rural Britt and  their two children, Carter and Colin, and Lindsay (Nolan) Thilges of Clive,  Joy Schwab of St. Paul, MN and Darlene Schwab, of Madison, WI;  her two brothers, Arnold (Mary) Pearson of Mason City and Eldon (Gwen)Pearson of Garner; also cousins, Bertil (Ulla) Thernstrom and Gunner (Anna May) Thernstrom of Karlshamn, Sweden; and several nieces.

Astred was preceded in death by her parents, Palmer Pearson (1890-1983), Ida (Oscarson) Pearson (1899-1976); her husband of 71 years, Harold (1917 - Nov.  22, 2012); a granddaughter, Stephanie Talidis; and nephew, William Pearson.  CATALDO FUNERAL HOME  (641) 843-3811  www.cataldofuneralhome.com

Wilma M. (Thompson) Long, 96, of the Corwith area, passed away Friday, September 20, 2013 at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services for Wilma Long will be held on Monday, September 23, 2013, at 10:30 AM at the Evangelical Free Church, 810 2^ndAvenue NW, in Britt with Pastor Stan Johnson officiating.  Burial will be at Corwith Cemetery in Corwith following a time of fellowship over lunch at the church.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt and continue one hour prior to services at the church. 

Wilma Marie Thompson was born on May 15, l917, to William and Tena (Luthro) Thompson at Calendar, Iowa.  She graduated from Kanawha High School and studied Nursing for 1 year in Chicago.  She was united in marriage to Terry L. Long on June 30, 1941, at Bethany, Missouri, and they made their home on the same farm that his grandfather homesteaded.  Terry died on July 21, l980, and Wilma remained on the farm until 2007, when she moved to Britt.  For the last year she made her home with son, Tim and his wife Janice.

Wilma loved the Lord, her family and friends, music, and was a true farmwife.  In later years she worked at the Britt Milk Plant and the Kanawha Care Center.  She never tired of encouraging her 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren in their faith walk. 

She is survived by her children, Lorris (Myrna) Long of Mason City, Leanne (Lawrence) Hartley of Fort Dodge,  Cynthia (Vernon) Gidley of Waverly and Timothy (Janice) Long of rural Wesley; sister, Viola (Stephen) Engelstad of St. Ansgar; brother, Dwane (Ruth) Thompson of Minneapolis, MN; sister, Marguerite Petersen of Orting, WA and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one brother and one sister.  She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials will be directed to some of Wilma’s favorite mission projects.