Norma Johnson
Published August 5, 2004

July 5, 1934 - August 2, 2004

ACKLEY - Norma Lucile Johnson, 70, of Ackley died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City of metastatic breast cancer. Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 5, at 1:30 p.m. at the Austinville Christian Reformed Church, with burial in the Ackley Christian Reformed cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 4, from 4 until 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.

Norma was born July 5, 1934, to Peter and Margery (Harken) Schapp in Austinville. On Feb. 8, 1942, the family moved to Aplington where she graduated from high school in 1952. On April 20, 1954, Norma was united in marriage to Alvin Johnson at the home of her parents. The couple made their home in Ackley. Norma was an active member of the Ackley Christian Reformed Church until it closed in September 1998. She served as Sunday school teacher, catechism teacher, junior choir director and often sang in the choir or accompanied them. For over 30 years she served as church organist and in various offices of the Couples Club. She served as school board secretary of the Ackley Public Schools and later the Ackley-Geneva Community Schools for over 40 years. Upon her retirement, Norma enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting and visiting with friends and family.

Survivors include her husband, Alvin; two sons, Deloy and wife Sandy of Hudsonville, Mich., Ross and wife Paulette of Castro Valley, Calif.; three granddaughters; four step-grandchildren; two brothers, Arnold and wife Doris of Ackley and Edgar and wife Mary Ann of Murrietta, Calif.; one sister, Arlene and husband Dale Maifeld of Hampton; two sisters-in-law, Alice and husband George Frye of Alpena, S.D., and Hattie Johnson of Parkersburg; and numerous other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Schapp; three sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

Memorials may be made to the Missions Fund at the Austinville Christian Reformed Church, or to the Mercy Cancer Center in Mason City.

Sally Venderwerf
Published August 5, 2004

September 4, 1937 - July 28, 2004

TEMPLE, Texas - Sally F. Venderwerf, 66, of Temple, Texas, formerly of Grundy Center, died Wednesday, July 28, 2004, at a hospital in Temple. Local funeral services were Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center with burial in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center.

Sally was born Sept. 4, 1937, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Saul and Paula (Kelleher) Freedman. On Sept. 3, 1960, she was united in marriage to Calvin Venderwerf in San Francisco. Sally directed church choirs and enjoyed singing the great oratorios and cantatas. She was a nurse, and served on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the Iowa Board of Nursing. In 1998, her book, "Medical Terminology for the Practicing Nurse," was published. Sally was also a certified Braille transcriber for the Library of Congress.

Survivors include her husband, Calvin of Temple; one daughter, Elizabeth Jurenovich of San Antonio, Texas; one son, Paul of Evanston, Ill; her mother, Paula Freedman of Honolulu, Hawaii; two brothers, James Freedman of Sparks, Nevada, and Greg Freedman of New Westminster, British Columbia; and four grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Medical Benevolence Foundation, 3100 S. Gessner, No. 210, Houston, Texas 77063.

Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home of Grundy Center is in charge of arrangements.

Beatrice "Bea" Houck
Published August 5, 2004

August 17, 1912 - July 29, 2004

STORY CITY - Beatrice "Bea" Ella Houck, 91, of Story City died Thursday, July 29, 2004, at the Israel Family Hospice House. Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 2, at Bethany Manor in Story City with Chaplain Sandy Anenson officiating. Burial was in the Radcliffe Cemetery, Radcliffe.

Bea was born Aug. 17, 1912, in Howell, Mich., to Louis and Belle Kirk. On July 16, 1938, she was united in marriage to Kermit Houck. The couple spent the early years in Lansing, Mich., where Bea worked at the Michigan State Health Department. They moved to Compton, Calif., in 1945, and 15 years later they returned to Radcliffe. In 1966, the family business of Houck's Floral and Gifts was opened in Radcliffe. Bea enjoyed flowers, gardening, traveling and wintering in Florida. She had resided at Bethany Manor since January of 2000.

Survivors include one son, Stephen of Ames; one nephew, Gordon Love; four great-nieces, Sally Love, Jodi Murphy, Nancy McLemore and Cynthia Rasmussen; and one great-nephew, Mark Benson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit; her parents; two sisters; a niece; and a nephew.

Boeke Funeral Home of Radcliffe was in charge of arrangements.

Fern Ammerman
Published August 5, 2004

John Richtsmeier
Published August 5, 2004

July 19, 1923 - July 31, 2004

ACKLEY - John K. Richtsmeier, 81, of Ackley died Saturday, July 31, 2004, at his home. Funeral services were Tuesday, Aug. 3, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley with the Rev. Mary Stonebraker officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley.

John was born July 19, 1923, in rural Geneva to Herman and Antke (Rademaker) Richtsmeier. On Aug. 6, 1950, he was united in marriage to Darlene Anders at St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley. John was a farmer and an avid Cubs fan. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene, of Ackley; three sons, Marvin and wife Glenna, James and wife Cindy, all of Ackley and Keith and wife Carolyn of Steamboat Rock; one daughter, Gloria Lewis and husband Kenneth of Lewisville, Minn.; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Ervin and wife Barb and Ralph and wife Betty, all of Babbitt, Minn.; and a brother-in-law, Robert Burkle of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and four brothers.

Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley was in charge of arrangements.

Donald E. Borschel
Published August 5, 2004

July 25, 1923 - July 29, 2004

ALDEN - Donald E. Borschel, 81, of Alden died Thursday, July 29, 2004, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshaltown. Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 2, at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Burial was in the Friends Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Hyman-Peavey American Legion Post No. 188 of Iowa Falls.

Donald was born July 25, 1923, in Clarion to John and Bessie Borschel. He attended school in Iowa Falls and in 2002, received his honorary high school diploma from Gov. Tom Vilsack. Donald served in the U.S. Army during WW II. On June 18, 1976, he was united in marriage to Patricia Schneider at Lansing, Mich. Donald had been employed as a truck driver. He enjoyed camping and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; two sons, Corey Borschel and wife Katie of Bellevue, Neb., and Charles Borschel; one daughter, Marsha Reed of Des Moines; two stepsons, Carter Bridges and wife Kay of Alden and Todd Bridges of Los Angeles, Calif.; four stepdaughters, Tanya Fouts, Kimberly Johnston and husband Rick, and Brenda Kurauskas and husband Al, all of Alden, and Melinda Life and husband Brad of Ankeny; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Larry Borschel, during the Vietnam War; and one brother, Ken Borschel.

Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls was in charge of arrangements.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 8/5/2004

Elizabeth Hogan
Published August 7, 2004

October 5, 1924 - August 4, 2004

IOWA FALLS - Elizabeth Irene Hogan, 79, of Iowa Falls died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls following a lingering cancer illness. Private services will be held with Linn's Funeral Home Iowa Falls Chapel in charge of arrangements. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls.

Elizabeth was born Oct. 5, 1924, at Belleville, Kan. On Nov. 25, 1958, she was united in marriage to Walter J. Hogan of Iowa Falls at Eldora.

Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, and a dear friend and care provider, Pat Edgerton of Iowa Falls. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one brother, William Pearcy; and a sister-in-law, Velma Pearcy.

Memorials for Hospice may be directed to Pat Edgerton, 303 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

Charlene Dirksen
Published August 7, 2004

March 4, 1925 - August 5, 2004

HAMPTON - Charlene A. Dirksen, 79, of Hampton died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton with Rev. Arthur J. Zewert officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Zion Reformed Church Cemetery, rural Sheffield.

Charlene was born March 4, 1925, in Dows to Charles and Charlotte (Cook) Kughn. She was educated in the Hampton schools. On June 27, 1947, Charlene was united in marriage to Wilbur Dirksen at Nashua. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting and sewing. Charlene was a member of the Zion Reformed Church, rural Sheffield.

Survivors include her husband, Wilbur Dirksen of Hampton; and two sisters, Ellen Skeires of Hampton and Verda Cook of Courtland, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one infant brother.

Mary Sogard
Published August 7, 2004

August 9, 1929 - August 3, 2004

HAMPTON - Mary Johanna Sogard, 74, of Hampton died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 6, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton with Rev. Jon Anderson officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Ellsworth.

Mary was born Aug. 9, 1929, in Lake City, Minn., to Richard and Ida (Johnson) Forslund. She received her education at the Jewell High School in Jewell. On Aug. 1, 1948, Mary was united in marriage to Jack Sogard in Rochester, Minn. She was employed by the Iowa Department of Human Services in Hampton. Mary was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton.

Survivors include her husband, Jack of Hampton; three sons, Jeff and wife Vicki of Carlisle, Jim and wife Donna of Eldora and Mike and wife Karen of Clear Lake; two brothers, Warren Forslund and wife Lucille of St. Paul, Minn., and Dean Forslund and wife Marquertie of Richfield, Minn.; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton was in charge of arrangements.

Milton Mills
Published August 7, 2004

June 10, 1923 - August 5, 2004

IOWA FALLS-Milton Berlin Mills, 81, of Iowa Falls died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral service will be Monday, Aug. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls with Rev. Floyd Davis officiating. Burial will be at the Alden Township Cemetery in Alden. Friends may call at Surls Funeral Home, 505 Stevens St., Iowa Falls, Sunday from 4 until 8 p.m. with family present from 4 until 6 p.m.

Milton was born June 10, 1923, in Hayfield, Minn., to Orville and Leona (Berlin) Mills. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1946. On June 7, 1947, Milton was married to Joyce Hall at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He worked in the maintenance department at Cargill and retired in 1988. Milton was commander of the Hyman-Peavey American Legion Post No. 188 of Iowa Falls and a member of the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; five sons, Nile and wife Eleanor of Medford, N.J., Dana and wife Patsy of New Berlin, Wis., Gary and wife Denise of Bettendorf, Matthew and wife Luane of Pella and Patrick and wife Lois of Iowa Falls; three daughters, Maris Kowachek and husband Ed of Missoula, Mont., Lois Oppold and husband Phillip of Iowa Falls, and Amy Jondall and husband Mark of St. Charles; 28 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark; a grandson, Andrew Oppold; two brothers, Dean and Fred; and a sister Ellen Lu Folks.

Linda Cole
Published August 7, 2004

September 27, 1945 - August 4, 2004

ELDORA - Linda Cole, 58, of Eldora died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center from a lung disease. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, at 12:30 p.m. at the Union Cemetery in Union with Pastor Jim Hartman officiating.

Linda was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Eldora to Ira and Vernita (Morrell) Mabe. She was raised and educated in the Union and Eldora areas where she attended the Union-Whitten school system. Linda was united in marriage to Edward "Shot" Cole on Feb. 15, 1964, in Eldora. The couple made their home in Eldora where Linda raised her children. She enjoyed animals, gardening and wood crafts.

Survivors include her husband Edward "Shot" of Eldora; two daughters, Karen Cole and husband John of Eldora and Teri Wallace-Cole and husband Philip of Eldora; one son, Edward Jr. "Pete" and wife Michelle of Indianola; her mother, Vernita Mabe of Eldora; one sister, Audrey Schueller of Eldora; one brother, Harold of Eldora; and three grandchildren, Shelby, Zach and Taylor.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Ira, and her brother, Clifford.

Memorial contributions may be directed in her name to her family.

Biersborn Funeral Home in Union is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph E. Murray
Published August 7, 2004

March 2, 1934 - August 3, 2004

IOWA FALLS - Ralph Eugene Murray, 70, of Iowa Falls died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 6, at the Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel with Pastor Paul Thompson of the First and Vernon Lutheran churches of Dows officiating. Burial followed at the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed to the family in care of his wife: Avis Murray, 205 Georgetown Rd., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

Ralph was born March 2, 1934, at LeMars to Harry and Eunice (Miller) Murray. He attended the Elma grade school and the Parkersburg Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1952. Ralph attended mechanics school in Skokie, Ill. He was employed at the IW Braga Motors in Iowa Falls for 18½ years, and then the city of Iowa Falls for 17½ years, retiring in 1993. On May 24, 1960, Ralph was united in marriage to Avis Knode at Nashua. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls.

Survivors include his wife, Avis of Iowa Falls; two daughters, Eunice Pearson of Des Moines and Glenda Carroll and husband Joe of Marion; seven grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two brothers, Thomas and wife Evelyn of Charles City and David and wife Peg of Iowa Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sons, Ralph Jr. and Daniel; and two sisters, Juanita Murray and Dorothy Colip.

Kent Hackbarth
Published August 12, 2004

July 16, 1924 - August 7, 2004

ALDEN - Kent LeRoy Hackbarth, 80, of Alden died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls with Rev. Floyd Davis officiating. Burial will be at the Friends Cemetery in Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed to the family c/o his wife: Elfrieda Hackbarth, 19012 125th St., Alden, IA 50006.

Kent was born July 16, 1924, at his parents' farm near Bradford in Franklin County, to LeRoy and Edna (Patzer) Hackbarth. His family moved to a farm north of Dows where he was educated in the Morgan No. 4 school in Franklin County. On Dec. 16, 1949, he was united in marriage to Elfrieda Rau at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls. The couple farmed near Alden and Kent also worked as a bus driver and custodian with the Iowa Falls Community Schools, first at Central School and then the Iowa Falls High School.

Survivor include his wife, Elfrieda, of Alden; his son, James, of Iowa Falls; one brother, Lyle and wife Lois of Eldora; four sisters, Dorothy Johnson and husband Everett of Mission, Texas, Kathleen Johnson and husband Eugene of Iowa Falls, Marjorie Maupin and husband Dave of Harlan, Pearl Thompson and husband Robert of Roseville, Minn.; one sister-in-law, Norma Hackbarth of Iowa Falls; one aunt, Doris Patzer of Iowa Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Gerald Hackbarth.

The Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Edward Liekweg
Published August 12, 2004

February 15, 1921 - August 5, 2004

IOWA FALLS - Edward Carl Liekweg, 83, of Iowa Falls died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. There will be no services. Friends and family may visit at any time at their home. Memorials and cards may be sent to the family at 315 Ohio, Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

Edward was born Feb. 15, 1921, at Sheffield to Albert and Wilhelmine (Wiele) Liekweg. On June 3, 1945, he was united in marriage to Betty Dunsing at Hampton. Edward worked at Iowa Veterinary Supply in Iowa Falls.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; two sons, Dennis and wife Sandy of Janesville and Dale and wife Jessica of Iowa Falls; one daughter, Pat Hensing and husband Art of Iowa Falls; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Hilda May Dhondt of Sheffield and Maude Schinagel of Chapin; and two brothers, Robert of Marshfield, Mo., and Richard of Iowa Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Marie Meyer, Edna Koch, Doris Liekweg and Elsie Liekweg; and two brothers, August and Clarence.

Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls was in charge of arrangements.

Lillian M. Cervetti
Published August 12, 2004

May 12, 1920 - August 6, 2004

STEAMBOAT ROCK - Lillian M. Cervetti, 84, of Steamboat Rock died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in Ellsworth. Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 9, at the First Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock with the Rev. Bruce Baillie officiating. Burial will follow at Steamboat Rock Cemetery in Steamboat Rock. A memorial fund has been established.

Lillian was born May 12, 1920, in Wellsburg to Harry and Sarah (Olthoff) Maas. She was raised on a farm north of Wellsburg and attended rural country school. On April 29, 1937, Lillian was united in marriage to Joe Cervetti at Hampton. In 1939, they moved to Steamboat Rock, where she has resided since, spending winters in Arizona for many years. Lillian worked as a bookkeeper for Cervetti Construction and also worked for a time as a teller at the Steamboat Rock bank. She enjoyed traveling, flower gardening, antique collecting, basketball, music and most of all her family. Lillian was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Joan Kuhfus and husband Michael of Ellsworth; four granddaughters, Michele Loomis and husband Steve, and Staci Kuhfus and husband Victor Tjarks, all of Ellsworth, Gina Cervetti of Boston, Mass., and Maria Cervetti-Slifer and husband Dennis of Ocala, Fla.; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three sisters, Mabel Weichers of Wellsburg, Wyone Ross and husband Willard of Wellsburg and Harriet Burns of Steamboat Rock; one sister-in-law, Jane Maas of Eldora; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe, in 1998; one son, Frank Cervetti; one grandson, Brett Cervetti; four sisters, Faulka, in infancy, Mary Schmidt, Florence Tjaden and Jenny Etjen; and one brother, Henry Maas.

Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora was in charge of arrangements.

Leanora "Pat" Harlow
Published August 12, 2004

September 30, 1905-August 9, 2004

IOWA FALLS - Leanora "Pat" G. Harlow, 98, of Iowa Falls died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with visitation one hour before services. Rev. Don Preston will officiate with burial to follow in the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls.

Pat was born Sept. 30, 1905, in Sardinia, Ohio, to John and Pearl (Hayes) Crawford. She graduated from Sardinia High School in Sardinia, and majored in concert piano at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. On June 22, 1937, Pat was united in marriage to John Harlow at Columbus, Ohio. She was a member of the Eastern Star Russellville Chapter No. 461 of Sardinia. Pat was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. She and husband John were proprietors of Davis Paint in Iowa Falls for many years.

Survivors include one brother, J. Fenner Crawford and wife Ann of Sardinia; a sister-in-law, June Crawford of Largo, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one sister; and four brothers.

Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls.

Marlin Lindaman
Published August 12, 2004

April 17, 1913-August 5, 2004

APLINGTON - Marlin Lindaman, 91, of Aplington died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Funeral services were Sunday, Aug. 8, at the Aplington Baptist Church in Aplington with the Rev. Dan Smith officiating. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Marlin was born April 17, 1913, in Aplington to Martin and Carrie (Kramer) Lindaman. He graduated from Aplington High School in 1930 and began farming. On Dec. 25, 1939, he was united in marriage with Marjorie Popkes at Aplington. Marlin farmed for 30 years before moving to town in 1968. He painted and shingled until the 1990s, and sold Dekalb Seed Corn for 20 years. Marlin was a member of the Aplington Baptist Church where he served on the board of trustees and was on the board of directors for the Fern Creamery. Marlin and Marjorie traveled and visited every state in the U.S. He enjoyed fishing, his family and visits from his grandchildren.

Survivors include one son, Chuck and wife Julie of Waverly; one daughter, Marilyn Krahn and husband Ron of Sioux Falls, S.D.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two step grandchildren; one step great-grandchild; one brother, Harold and wife Ruth of Vinton; and one sister, Lorene Rohlf of Waterloo. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents; two brothers, Harry and Edwin; and one sister, Jeanette Lindaman.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel of Aplington was in charge of arrangements.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 8/13/2004

Jacob Mulford
Published August 14, 2004

April 1, 1924 - August 12, 2004

BRADFORD - Jacob Junior Mulford, 80, of Bradford died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Memorial services will be held Sunday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Hampton.

Jacob was born April 1, 1924, to Jacob and Pearl Mae (Boyington) Mulford in Bradford. He was educated in Bradford. Jacob was united in marriage to Pearl Marie Jensen at the Bethany, Mo., courthouse on June 26, 1942, He was a veteran of World War II and helped build the Burma China Road. Jacob was self-employed as a concrete contractor. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Hampton, the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, American Legion and the Ridge Stone Golf Club. He enjoyed his work, fishing and playing cards.

Survivors include wife Pearl; a daughter, Pamela Kay Brown and husband Jack of Bullard, Texas; four sons, Raymond and wife Terri of Sheffield, Jacob and wife Claire of Flint, Texas, Nicholas and wife Renae of Hampton, and Bradley and wife Kim of Sheffield; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant son, Gary; three brothers, Raymond, Spencer and Benjamin; three sisters, Bernita, Velma and Evelyn; and granddaughter Tamera Brown.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cremation Society of Eastern-Central-Western Iowa.

Alfred Langesen
Published August 18, 2004

September 16, 1946 - July 31, 2004

BELOIT, Kan. - Alfred William Langesen, 57, of Beloit, Kan., died Saturday, July 31, 2004, at Wichita, Kan., of a brain tumor. Memorial services will be Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Linn's Funeral Homes Alden Chapel with the Rev. Bob Miller officiating. Visitation will be immediately following the service.

Alfred was born Sept. 16, 1946, at Alden to Glenn and Ruth (Evans) Langesen. He attended school in New Richland, Minn., and Lake Mills, graduating from Lake Mills High School in 1964. Alfred attended Ellsworth Community College, and then served with the U.S. Navy from 1965 until 1967. He worked for railroads in Iowa, Alaska, South Dakota and Kansas for 35 years.

Survivors include his mother, Ruth Langesen of Coulter; six sisters, Judy Blankefield and husband Dick of Surprise, Ariz., Kay Langesen and husband Ray Came of Salem, Ore., Jean Pyles and husband Bob of Mt. Vernon, Peggy Shedenhelm and husband Tom of Cedar Rapids, Carol Hanson and husband Larry of Robins and Cathy Coking and husband Bill of Anthem, Ariz.; and two brothers, Dean of Lake Mills and Robert and wife Doreen of Burke, Va.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn, and an infant brother.

David Mazurik
Published August 18, 2004

December 15, 1942 - August 13, 2004

ELDORA - David "Dave" Mazurik, 61, of Eldora died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, at his home. Following cremation at the Pursel-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory, memorial services were held Monday, Aug. 16, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora. Burial was in the Shepherd Cemetery, rural Union. Memorials may be directed to the family in his name.

Dave was born Dec. 15, 1942, in Monarch, Pa. He graduated from the Dunbar Township High School in 1961. Dave joined the U.S. Army where he served in the Vietnam War. He was wounded in the battle at Plieku, which was the first major battle on Feb. 5, 1965. Dave was shuttled back and forth to the United States, ending up in Valley Forge Army Hospital where he met Charlotte Baker, who was also serving in the Army. The couple was married March 5, 1966. After leaving the Army, they moved back to Eldora where he became a partner in the American Freight Agency, until it closed in 1988. He then drove for Van Wyk Trucking until 1993, before driving for Buckeye Co-op, Heartland Pork Enterprises and currently Christiansen Farms of Sleepy Eye, Minn.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Mazurik of Eldora; one daughter, Sandy Williams and husband Scott of Eldora; one son, Thomas and wife Monica of Eldora; his mother, Mary of Monarch, Pa.; two brothers, George and wife Audrey of Monarch, and Robert and wife Darlene of Connellsville, Pa.; one sister, Charlotte Cossell and husband Ray of Connellsville.

He was preceded in death by his father and twin sisters in infancy.

Idelle Hyland
Published August 18, 2004

October 11, 1920 - August 15, 2004

RADCLIFFE - Idelle Lucille Hyland, 83, of Radcliffe died Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Radcliffe with the Rev. Daniel Hart officiating. Burial will be in the Radcliffe Cemetery in Radcliffe.

Idelle was born Oct. 11, 1920, on a farm northeast of Ellsworth to John and Lesa (Erickson) Olson. She attended school at Lincoln Township No. 5 in Hamilton County and later taught there. Idelle graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1938. On Aug. 4, 1946, she was united in marriage to Mervin Hyland at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. For a number of years, they farmed near Radcliffe and Oskaloosa. The family returned to Radcliffe in 1960. Idelle worked various jobs around the community, serving as organist for 45 years at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She taught piano to several generations. Idelle was a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Needle Circle.

Survivors include her husband, Mervin of Radcliffe; two sons, Gene of Sunset Beach, Calif., and Kim and wife Rachel of Fremont, Calif.; one daughter, Rachel Norem and husband John of Webster City; one sister, Wilma Wykle of Radcliffe; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Eleanor Olson; and one grand-daughter, Angela Kay Norem.

Boeke Funeral Home of Radcliffe is in charge of arrangements.

Rod Pemberton
Published August 18, 2004

December 5, 1968 - August 12, 2004

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Rod Pemberton, 35, of Kansas City, Kan., died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at 2605 E, 38th St. in Kansas City, Mo. Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Honey Creek New Providence Friends Church. Burial will follow services in the Honey Creek Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Biersborn Funeral Home in Union with family present from 4 until 7 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family in his name.

Rod was born on Dec. 5, 1968, in Cedar Falls to Larry and Connie Pemberton. He graduated from Eldora-New Providence High School in 1986 where he enjoyed track and cross country running. He married LaRae Strohman on Jan. 2, 1993, in Ankeny. Rod worked in construction and remodeling in the Ankeny and Des Moines area. He loved animals, especially dogs, the outdoors, fishing, camping, NASCAR and football.

Survivors include his parents, Larry and Connie Pemberton of New Providence; former wife, LaRae Pemberton and son Colby of Spencer; a sister Christina Pemberton of New Providence; grandmother Ina Pemberton of Eldora; grandfather L. Robert Bousum of Marshalltown, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Clarissa, his grandfather Enos Pemberton and grandmother Jean Bousum.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 8/19/2004

Raymond W. Kelsey
Published August 26, 2004

April 24, 1918 - June 3, 2004

SALINAS, Calif. - Raymond W. Kelsey, 86, of Salinas, Calif., died Thursday, June 3, 2004, at Skyline Nursing Home in Salinas. Interment was in Salinas.

Raymond was born April 24, 1918, to Jerold and Ola McCord Kelsey at their farm home near Iowa Falls. He graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1934, and attended Ellsworth Junior College, where he played ball. Raymond moved to California in 1942. On Oct. 20, 1948, he was united in marriage to Louise Sutton at Salinas. Raymond was a bulldozer operator in the mountains during WW II, obtaining minerals for the war effort. Later he was a truck driver and supervisor of lettuce fields in Salinas, with his last job as a guard at the Solodad Federal Prison in Salinas. Raymond was an avid golfer.

Survivors include a son-in-law, Dale Ellis of Salinas; two grandchildren, Amy and Brian Ellis of Fullerton, Calif.; one sister, Margaret Lawton of Ackley; one brother, Dean Kelsey of Iowa Falls; a sister-in-law Lucile Kelsey of Iowa Falls; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; one daughter, Becky Ellis; his parents; two brothers, Bruce and Donald; a niece, Sandra Kelsey; and a nephew, Jerry.

Marilyn Lupkes Jansma
Published August 26, 2004

June 20, 1975 - August 21, 2004

ANKENY - Marilyn Lupkes Jansma, 29, of Ankeny died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, in Downers Grove, Ill., from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Burial will be Thursday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont for family and close friends, followed by memorial services at 4 p.m. Thursday at Meredith Drive Reformed Church, 5128 Meredith Drive in Des Moines. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Ankeny Funeral Home.

Marilyn was on the staff and a member of Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny and worked at Four Oaks as a family therapist.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Kevin and son Treyton of Ankeny; her parents, Merlin and Florence Lupkes of Iowa Falls; four brothers Myron Lupkes and wife Jayne of Joice, Justin Lupkes and wife Lora of Ackley, Wendell Lupkes and wife Renee of Waterloo, and Don McWilliams and wife Anne of Dumont; sisters Beverly Warns and husband Jim of Keller, Texas, and Diane Miller and husband Wendale of Dumont; mother and father-in-law Mark and Priscilla Jansma of Maurice; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, MaryAnn Lupkes.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Marilyn Jansma Mission Memorial Fund or as otherwise designated.

Lenore McCord
Published August 26, 2004

September 15, 1894-August 20, 2004

IOWA FALLS - Lenore Madelyn McCord, 109, of Iowa Falls died Friday, Aug. 20. 2004, at Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Memorial services will be Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 3 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with the Rev. Steve Atchison officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery in Hampton. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church (UCC), Organ Fund, c/o R.E. McCord, 506 Cedar St., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

Lenore was born Sept. 15, 1894, in Waverly to Charles and Marguerite (Hodell) Meier. She was a 1912 graduate of the Hampton High School and the Teachers' College in Cedar Falls in 1914. Lenore was a school teacher for six years, primarily in the Carroll area. On Dec. 21, 1918, she was united in marriage to Emory Fellows. In 1930, she moved to Omaha and became a dress buyer and department manager for the Thomas Kilpatrick and Company. In 1942, Lenore accepted a position with H. W. Gossard Co. of Chicago, Ill., retiring in 1959. She was a member of the Senior Citizens; Hospital Guild; 77-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star; president of the Iowa Falls Woman's Club for two years; president of the Senior Scenic City Women's Club Chorus for five years; president of the Senior Citizens of Iowa Falls for two years; and for 10 years, she conducted and accompanied the Scenic City Women's Club Chorus. On Nov. 4, 1962, Lenore married Victor Klove. He later died and on July 1, 1969, she married F. Everett McCord. In 1994, Lenore received the Iowa Health Care Association Adult Volunteer of the Year. She participated in the Single Centenarian Study at the Harvard Medical School and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in 2000. Lenore had resided at Scenic Manor since 1994, where she enjoyed entertaining the residents by playing the piano. At the time of her death, Lenore was the oldest Iowan. She was a member of the First Congregational Church (UCC).

Survivors include her stepchildren and their families, Alleen Minnis of Osage, Connie Priestly of Sacramento, Calif., Robert E. McCord and wife Lillian and Franklin O. McCord and wife Cathy, all of Iowa Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; one sister, Elizabeth Meier; one brother, Louie Meier; and a stepdaughter, Ruby Kane.

Lenore McCord lived 109 years to the fullest
Published August 26, 2004

Very few days went by without Lenore McCord making the effort to look her best, often in a bright purple or red pantsuit with matching blouse and jewelry.

IOWA FALLS - Very few days went by without Lenore McCord making the effort to look her best, often in a bright purple or red pantsuit with matching blouse and jewelry. Her tasteful makeup and styled strawberry blond hair created an image of a much younger woman ... certainly not the oldest person in the state of Iowa. McCord died Friday, Aug. 20. She would have celebrated her 110th birthday in 26 days.

Born Lenore Madelyn Meier on Sept. 15, 1894, in Waverly, she and her parents, Charles and Marguerite (Hodell) Meier, remained in that community until Lenore was finished with kindergarten. The family, including a sister, Elizabeth (Libby), and brother, Louie, then moved to Hampton where her father was in merchandising. After graduating from Hampton High School in 1912 and Iowa Teachers' College (UNI) in 1914, McCord taught school for six years in Coulter and Carroll before accepting a position with the Omaha-based clothing company, Thomas Kilpatrick and Company in 1930. Although she seldom talked about it, in December 1918, Lenore and Emory Fellows were married. The job with Kilpatrick, which she held for 18 years, included a five-state territory and took her into New York City, where she bought fashions for the upcoming season. Even though this was a good job, the grass was greener elsewhere and when a position with Gossard Undergarments opened, McCord applied. But prior to making the first contact, she learned this company did not hire anyone over 35 years of age and she, being already 40, was showing her age with a few gray hairs. In an effort to land the position, McCord said she dyed her hair before applying. Because of the war effort, rubber used in the elastic of the undergarments was not available and the company had limited production, so in spite of all her added efforts, she didn't get the job at that time. When it returned to full production, McCord was hired ... and continued to dye her hair until her death. "I had decided that when I moved here (to Scenic Manor) it would be a good time to stop dying it and let it be all white, but my friends all thought it looked nice this way and I shouldn't change," McCord said some years later. After retiring from her position with Gossard in 1959, McCord married Vic Klove, who was owner of Klove's Men's Clothing in Iowa Falls. Six years later he was killed in a car accident and the business was purchased by Norm Wallen.

Everett McCord and Lenore had been good friends when both of their spouses were alive, and when their situations changed and both were widowed, they married each other. She was 75 at that time and the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. He had two sons, Franklin and Bob, both of Iowa Falls, and three daughters who lived out of town. Everett became a resident of Scenic Manor so Lenore McCord moved into the neighboring apartments in order to spend her time with him. She walked over every day to care for him and to entertain the residents with her piano talents. These talents were celebrated when she was chosen Iowa Health Care Association Adult Volunteer of the Year in 1994 for sharing her musical gifts with other senior citizens. While at the convention Carol McGough, who accompanied McCord to the conference, said someone mentioned it was too bad no one could play that big baby grand. McGough suggested McCord play a song. McGough said Lenore had always played by ear, never having learned to read music, and so chose "God Bless America." The crowd sang along and gave her a standing ovation.

In 1994, at age 99, Lenore McCord herself became a resident of Scenic Manor. Six weeks before her death, she was asked about her playing and admitted she no longer played the piano because of her hand. "Besides two keys on this piano don't work and a pedal on the other piano is broken. How can I play? And don't you bring it up at the party next time," she snapped sharply to the reporter. As a 105-year-old centenarian, McCord participated in a study on longevity from Harvard Medical School. She didn't claim to know the reason why she had been blessed with such a long and healthy life but suggested the reason might be a sense of humor and good eating. McCord's good friend, Jan Foster, attested to the centenarian's cooking skills. "She was a great cook ... and always used lots of lard and cream!" Foster said. Friends and family were aware that McCord had a sweet tooth and often brought candies and cakes for her.

During the last few months of her life, McCord's eyesight grew continually worse, making reading impossible, but she continued to participate in the discussion of the daily newspaper for residents at Scenic Manor. Although her hearing had also diminished, she enjoyed socializing with friends who stopped by. Using her sharp sense of humor right up until the last weeks, McCord could banter with visitors and family, and enjoyed telling stories about herself and her life. She had always been a strong woman and by today's standards, would probably have been called a "liberated female." Scenic Living Community administrator Victoria Arndt expressed sadness at McCord's death, commenting that she had become such a part of the home as both volunteer and resident, and would be missed. "Lenore never thought about her age, it was just a number to her," Arndt said. "Every morning she got up and put her makeup on. She never exercised, she loved cookies and coffee. She did all the things that you were weren't supposed to do to live longer. She loved to socialize with her friends. There will be a void here without her."

The oldest Iowan is now Hazel Blecha of Des Moines, who was born Nov. 30, 1894.

Jimmy Getting
Published August 26, 2004

February 26, 1950 - August 22, 2004

STANCHFIELD, Minn. - Jimmy Lee Getting, 54, of Stanchfield, Minn., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2004, at his home of cancer. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Rock Mankie Funeral Home in Braham, Minn. Graveside services will be held Thursday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m. at North Lawn Memory Gardens in Iowa Falls.

Jimmy was born Feb. 26, 1950, in Iowa Falls to John and Minnie Getting. On July 2, 1988, he was united in marriage to Kathleen "Kathie" Reid at the family farm near Williams. Jimmy worked for the state of Iowa before going into the trucking business with his wife. In 1991, they sold their house in Iowa and moved to their present home in Stanchfield. He enjoyed the outdoors, working with wood, and attending flea markets and auctions.

Survivors include his wife, Kathie; one daughter, Angela Getting of Iowa; one stepdaughter, Dawn Brooks and husband Ray of Fort Meyers, Fla.; three stepsons, Scott Pollock and wife Deana of Minneapolis, Minn., Brian Pollock and wife Karen of Big Lake, Minn., and Andy Pollock and wife Sonja of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; six grandchildren; one brother, Ken Getting and wife Kathy of Williams; and one sister, Marcella Sage and husband Kenny of Ankeny; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Rock Mankie Burial and Cremation Service of Braham is in charge of arrangements.

Ray "Jack" Penticoff
Published August 26, 2004

July 2, 1921 - August 19, 2004

HANSELL - Ray "Jack" Penticoff, 83, of Hansell died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 23, at the United Methodist Church in Hansell with the Rev. H. Sam Lee and the Rev. Julie Poore-Christensen officiating. Burial was in the Ingham Township Cemetery in Hansell.

Jack was born July 2, 1921, in Franklin County to Ray and Lillian (Schear) Penticoff. He was raised in the Hansell area, graduating from the Hansell High School in 1940. In 1942, Jack entered the U.S. Air Force, serving as an airplane mechanic in the European Theater during WW II, and was discharged in 1945, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. On Feb. 21, 1947, he was united in marriage to Verla Ritzman at Troy, Kan. The couple farmed north of Hansell all of their married life. Jack was a member of the Dumont Legion and the Hansell United Methodist Church. He enjoyed feeding cattle and hogs, flying his Cessna 172, motorcycling and sports.

Survivors include his daughter, Rita Gerdes and husband Trent of Waterloo, and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Robert; and one sister, Veneda Woodley.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton was in charge of arrangements.

Irene Richards
Published August 26, 2004

October 28, 1916 - August 17, 2004

WEBSTER CITY - Irene Emma Richards, 87, of Webster City died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, at Southfield Wellness Community. Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 20, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Webster City with the Rev. Travis Schmidt officiating. Burial was at the Alden Cemetery in Alden.

Irene was born Oct. 28, 1916, at Alden to Ferdinand and Augusta (Lange) Klein. She received her education in the Alden Schools. On May 28, 1951, she was united in marriage to Lee Richards at Alden. The couple resided in Webster City. Irene was employed as a store clerk for more than 18 years at J.C. Penney's in Webster City, until her retirement in 1984. She had been residing at Southfield since June of 2003. Irene was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Ladies Aide and various other church circles. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Lee of Webster City; two sons, Richard and wife Sylvia of Des Moines and Kevin and wife Dawn of LeMars; six grandchildren; four sisters, Edna Sanders, Lillian Locke, Doris Rieks and husband Maynard, all of Iowa Falls, and Esther Pfeffer of Cedar Rapids; and one brother, Irvin "Bud" Klein and wife Mavis of Iowa Falls; and sisters-in-law, Irene Klein of Iowa Falls and Florence Klein of Alden; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and seven brothers.

Foster Funeral and Cremation Center of Webster City was in charge of arrangements.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 9/3/2004