Margaret Smith
Published July 7, 2004

Sunday, July 4, 2004

PARKERSBURG - Margaret F. Smith, 90, of Parkersburg died Sunday, July 4, 2004, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Center in Grundy Center. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 7, at 1:30 p.m. at Hitesville Gospel Hall with burial in Hitesville Cemetery, both rural Aplington.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home of Parkersburg is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Sampson
Published July 7, 2004

Saturday, July 3, 2004

ELLSWORTH - Bonnie Sampson, 87, formerly of Ellsworth, died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 6, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth with Rev. Michael Herschberger officiating. Burial was at Homewood Cemetery in Ellsworth.

Boeke Funeral Home of Radcliffe was in charge of arrangements.

Jeanette Pieratt
Published July 7, 2004

September 20, 1921 - July 5, 2004

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Jeanette Elvelyn Pieratt, 82, of San Diego, Calif., formerly of Joice, died Monday, July 5, 2004, at the Hampton Health Care Center in Hampton. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 8, at 2 p.m. at the Last Supper Chapel in Bible Mausoleum in the Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Jeanette was born Sept. 20, 1921, in Joice to Estel and Alma (Wilson) Tannahill. She received her education by attending country school in Forest City. Jeanette was united in marriage to Howard Pieratt. She owned Buenos Mexican Restaurant in San Diego for 25 years. Jeanette enjoyed being with family and friends.

Survivors include one son, Allen Heimdal and wife Pam of Hampton; one daughter, Pat Kellem and husband Sam of Grants Pass, Ore.; two brothers, three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

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

Roscoe "Neil" Knoll
Published July 7, 2004

April 19, 1928 - July 1, 2004

ACKLEY - Roscoe "Neil" Knoll, 76, of Ackley died Thursday, July 1, 2004, at his home. Funeral services were Monday, July 5, at the West Friesland Presbyterian Church in Ackley with Rev. Randy Crane officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Neil was born April 19, 1928, in Dumont to Clyde and Henrietta (Card) Knoll. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 until 1949. Neil was a member of the National Association of Destroyer Veterans.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen Clifton and husband Chris of Cranston, R.I., and Kathy Eichmeier and husband Tim of Ackley; two sons, Randy and wife Delene of Ackley and Rick and wife Dana of Pella; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, William and wife Dorothy of Bradford.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ethel in 1997; one grandson, Casey Clifton; two brothers, Earl and Keith; and two sisters-in-law.

Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley was in charge of arrangements.

Newman Simons
Published July 7, 2004

January 12, 1928 - July 6, 2004

HAMPTON - Newman Roed Simons, 76, of Hampton died Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. Funeral services will be Friday, July 9, at 10:30 a.m. the Hampton United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Connor officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, July 8, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery.

Newman was born Jan. 12, 1928, in Alexander to Guy and Eva (Roed) Simons. He attended Hampton High School. On Feb. 26, 1948, he was united in marriage to Jean Pohl at Owatonna, Minn. Newman was a farmer. He was involved with the Franklin County Historical Society and enjoyed fishing, collecting old farm toys and spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Newman was a member of the Hampton United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jean of Hampton; three daughters, Connie Liekweg and husband Gene of Hampton, Karen Musson and husband Doug of Iowa Falls and Debra Heldt of Fayette; one son, Scott of Hampton; one sister, Rosalyn Symens and husband Murrel of Hampton; three sisters-in-law, Mary Simons of New Hartford, Delores Simons of New Hartford and Linda Pohl of Nashua; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Arvin, Larry and Lowell; and one sister, Delores Orr.

Mary Benner
Published July 7, 2004

September 20, 1936 - July 3, 2004

FAYETTE - Mary Alice Benner, 67, died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 7, at 11 a.m. at Becker-Milnes Funeral Chapel in Fayette with Rev. Rusty Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the Wadena Cemetery in Wadena.

Mary was born Sept. 20, 1936, in Fayette County to John and Hattie (Stevens) Smock. She lived most of her early years around the Fayette and Wadena areas. Mary graduated from Wadena High School in 1955. In July of 1957, Mary was united in marriage to William Benner. The couple divorced in 1972. She worked for 18 years at the University Inn in Cedar Falls, and at the time of her retirement in October of 1996, she was in charge of housekeeping. Mary enjoyed camping, watching Iowa Hawkeye basketball, NASCAR racing and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include one son, Scott and wife Pamela of Fredericksburg; two daughters, Lisa Jacobsen and husband Daniel of Grundy Center and Tina Sheridan and husband Jeffrey of Alden; one sister, two brothers, five grandchildren, including Justin and Allison Sheridan of Alden; and special friend, Richard Brandenburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, and one grandchild.

Marjorie Guard
Published July 9, 2004

Marjorie Guard, 85, of Radcliffe, Iowa, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2004, at Bethany Manor, Story City, Iowa. Funeral services for Marjorie Guard will be 3:00 pm Saturday, July 10, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Radcliffe with Reverend Daniel Hart officiating. Burial will follow at the Radcliffe Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday at the Boeke Funeral Home, Radcliffe, Iowa.

Marjorie Irene Hinderaker was born July 20, 1918, west of Radcliffe, Iowa in Hamilton, County. She attended the Radcliffe Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1939. In August of 1940 she was united in marriage to Walter Ai Guard at Marland, Oklahoma. They farmed north of Radcliffe until moving into town in 1959. She enjoyed working with the public at the Randall's Grocery Store in Ames, Iowa. She retired from Randall's and then went back to work at Cubs Foods, Ames. She had previously worked at the Ellsworth Turkey Plant and helped out at Knute's Royal Blue Grocery in Radcliffe on Saturdays. Many great friendships were acquired at Randall's and many patrons would wait just so Margie could wait on them. Marjorie was very spirited, always interested and proud of her town of Radcliffe. Traveling was top on her list. She and her sister Emma would sign up for bus trips and would go over the itinerary with the whole family to the point we all had it memorized. No sooner than they would get home, plans were in the works for another. Two trips to Norway and finally Alaska filled her memories. In her remaining years Marjorie took residence with Bethany Manor, Story City. Here she again made many wonderful friendships with the nurses and aides. "Marvelous Margie" was said many times during her final journey.

Marjorie Guard is survived by her children: twins Jane Tjarks and Jean Guard both of Ames, Iowa, Susan Nichols and husband Dave of Ellsworth, Iowa, Lloyd Guard and wife Ilene of Radcliffe, Iowa; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Walter Ai; a great grandson: Michael Jack Loder; two brothers: Irvin Hinderaker and Chester Hinderaker; and four sisters: Hattie Britson, Ora Haugland, Esther Gear, and Emma Hinderaker.

We thank you for opening your hearts to Marjorie and her kids.

Rhoma Fryslie Gregory
Published July 7, 2004

Rhoma Fryslie Gregory, 83, of Story City, Iowa, passed away Monday, July 6, 2004, at the Israel Family Hospice House, Ames, Iowa. Memorial services for Rhoma Fryslie Gregory will be 11:00 am Thursday, July 8th at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, Iowa, with burial to follow at the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed to the Israel Family Hospice, Ames or to Trinity Lutheran Church, Ellsworth.

Rhoma Helene Fryslie was born March 12, 1921, at Iowa Falls, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Elsie [Doty] Fryslie. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls. She attended the Iowa Falls Community Schools graduating with the class of 1939, and then attended business school. Throughout her life she worked at various executive and legal secretary jobs. On June 17, 1944, she was united in marriage to Hubert Tyler. Together they farmed near Ellsworth, Iowa, and raised five children: Cyndy, Emmett, Sharon, Angie, and Kevin. Rhoma joined the Trinity Lutheran Church of Ellsworth and was a charter member of the Advance Women's Club. After remarrying in 1974, she lived in Maryland and Arizona. For the last ten years, Rhoma had been retired and living in Jacksonville, Florida. Recently Rhoma returned to Iowa, living at Bethany Manor in Story City, Iowa. Rhoma especially enjoyed her family, reading good books, solving difficult crossword puzzles, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Duke Blue Devils.

Rhoma is survived by her children: Cyndy Hill and husband David of Ellsworth, Iowa, Emmett Tyler and wife Peg of Saint Ansgar, Iowa, Sharon Hanson and husband Bob of Omaha, Nebraska, Angie Owen and husband John of Franklin, Tennessee, and Kevin Tyler and wife Denise of Jacksonville, Florida, She thoroughly enjoyed her nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She has one sister: Phyllis Oswood of San Marcos, California.

Rhoma was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband. She was greatly loved by her family and many friends. Rhoma will be remembered fondly and missed by all who knew her.

Frances Vinton
Published July 10, 2004

July 21, 1914 - July 6, 2004

ELDORA - Frances A. Vinton, 89, of Eldora died Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora with Pastor Anne Lippincott officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memory Garden Cemetery in Eldora. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 until 11 a.m. at the  funeral home.
Frances was born July 21, 1914, in Rockford to J. H. and Lulu (Stielman) North. She received her education in Whitten and graduated from Whitten High School. In 1936, Frances was united in marriage to Darwin Vinton in Des Moines. Following their marriage, Frances and Darwin made their home in Grundy County. Together they farmed for many years. Frances was a farm wife and homemaker for most of her married life and also worked at the Eldora Flower Shop. In 1998, she moved to the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center.

Survivors include two nieces, four nephews, one step grandson and one step granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Darwin in 1996; and one son, Jerry.

Memorials may be directed to Amenity Hospice in Cedar Rapids.

Eleanor "Bonnie" Sampson
Published July 10, 2004

June 2, 1917 - July 3, 2004

ELLSWORTH - Eleanor Jerree "Bonnie" Sampson, 87, formerly of Ellsworth died Saturday, July 3, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 6, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth with Rev. Michael Herschberger officiating. Burial was at Homewood Cemetery in Ellsworth.

Bonnie was born June 2, 1917, in Fort Dodge to Morris and Mary (Kester) Gleason. She received her education in the Fort Dodge School Systems. Bonnie was united in marriage to Sanford Sampson in Fort Dodge. She worked as a switchboard operator in the Fort Dodge, Radcliffe and Marshalltown areas. Bonnie was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. She was the 2004 reigning queen of the Hubbard Care Center.

Survivors include her daughter, Sue Norem and husband Marv of Ellsworth; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Brandt of Clarion.

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

Boeke Funeral Home of Radcliffe was in charge of arrangements.

Alvhild Heuer
Published July 10, 2004

June 10, 1916 - July 6, 2004

HAMPTON - Alvhild Marie Heuer, 88, of Hampton died Tuesday, July 6, 2004, at the Hampton Health Care Center. Private family services are planned. There will be no visitation.

Alvhild was born June 10, 1916, in Halton, N.D., to Adolph and Martha (Lenz) Garsjo. At 6 weeks old, she moved from Halton with her mother and two older siblings to Homestead on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation in Montana; her father came a year later. After school Alvhild worked at the Ft. Peck Dam where she met her husband. On March 31, 1935, she was united in marriage to Willard Heuer in Montana. In 1938, they moved to Iowa. Alvhild moved back to Montana from 1966 until 1968, to care for her elderly parents, returning to Iowa to live in the Dows, Sheffield and Hampton area, working as a waitress. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and fishing.

Survivors include three grandsons, Ronald Eric Hansen Jr. and wife Janice of Sheffield, Steven Hansen and wife Becky of Casper, Wyo., and Lamont Hansen of Hansell; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Hartvig Garsjo of Nashua, Mont., and Alfred Garsjo of Vinton City, Wash.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one daughter, Marie Hansen; a son-in-law, Ronald Hansen Sr.; three brothers, Ernie, Marvin and Victor; and two sisters, Helga and Dagney.

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

Rhoma Tyler Gregory
Published July 10, 2004

March 12, 1921 - July 6, 2004

STORY CITY - Rhoma Tyler Gregory, 83, of Story City died Monday, July 6, 2004, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Memorial services were Thursday, July 8, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth with burial at the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls.

Rhoma Helene was born March 12, 1921, at Iowa Falls to Roy and Elsie (Doty) Fryslie. She attended the Iowa Falls community schools, graduating with the class of 1939, and then attended business school. Throughout her life she worked at various executive and legal secretarial jobs. On June 17, 1944, she married Hubert Tyler. They farmed near Ellsworth. Rhoma joined the Trinity Lutheran Church of Ellsworth and was a charter member of the Advance Women's Club. After remarrying in 1974, she lived in Maryland and Arizona. For the last 10 years, Rhoma had been retired and living in Jacksonville, Fla. Recently she returned to Iowa, living at Bethany Manor in Story City. Rhoma enjoyed her family, reading, crossword puzzles and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and the Duke Blue Devils.

Survivors include her children Cyndy Hill and husband David of Ellsworth, Emmett Tyler and wife Peg of St. Ansgar, Sharon Hanson and husband Bob of Omaha, Neb., Angie Owen and husband John of Franklin, Tenn., and Kevin Tyler and wife Denise of Jacksonville, Fla.; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister.

Rhoma was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Memorials may be directed to the Israel Family Hospice or to the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Linn's Funeral Home of Iowa Falls was in charge of arrangements.

Marjorie "Margie" Guard
Published July 10, 2004

July 20, 1918 - July 8, 2004

RADCLIFFE - Marjorie "Margie" Guard, 85, of Radcliffe died Thursday, July 8, 2004, at Bethany Manor in Story City. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 10, at 3 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Radcliffe with Rev. Daniel Hart officiating. Burial will follow at the Radcliffe Cemetery.

Marjorie Irene Hinderaker was born July 20, 1918, west of Radcliffe in Hamilton County. She attended the Radcliffe Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1939. In August 1940, she was united in marriage to Walter Guard at Marland, Okla. They farmed north of Radcliffe until moving into town in 1959. Margie worked at Randall's Grocery Store in Ames until retirement, then went back to work at Cubs Foods in Ames. Margie had previously worked at the Ellsworth Turkey Plant and helped out at Knute's Royal Blue Grocery in Radcliffe. She was very spirited, always interested and proud of her town of Radcliffe. Two trips to Norway and finally Alaska filled her memories. In her remaining years, Margie took residence with Bethany Manor in Story City.

Survivors include three daughters, Jane Tjarks and Jean Guard, twins, both of Ames, and Susan Nichols and husband Dave of Ellsworth; one son, Lloyd Guard and wife Ilene of Radcliffe; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a great-grandson, Michael Jack Loder; two brothers, Irvin Hinderaker and Chester Hinderaker; and four sisters, Hattie Britson, Ora Haugland, Esther Gear and Emma Hinderaker.

Boeke Funeral Home of Radcliffe is in charge of arrangements.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 7/12/2004

Gerald Blair
Published July 17, 2004

December 20, 1917 - July 12, 2004

IOWA FALLS - Gerald W. Blair, 86, of Iowa Falls died Monday, July 12, 2004, at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 17, at 11 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls with Rev. Rodney Tucker of the Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will follow at the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls.

Gerald was born Dec. 20, 1917, on the family farm north of Hubbard to Charles and Alice (Perry) Blair. He attended several Hardin County rural schools and in his early teens was stricken with a severe long-lasting bout of pneumonia. After his recovery, Gerald worked on the home farm and other area farms. On April 8, 1938, he was united in marriage to Ruth Knox at Eldora. They moved to Iowa Falls in 1942. Gerald went to work in a defense plant in Baraboo, Wis. After returning to Iowa Falls, he became one of the first school bus drivers for the Iowa Falls Community School District. Gerald was a heavy equipment operator for George Janssen Sand and Gravel, Weaver Construction and Welden Brothers, retiring at the age of 79. Gerald was an avid gardener and a lifetime Moose member of Iowa Falls Lodge No. 1331. He enjoyed gospel music and transported many friends to concerts.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Iowa Falls; five children, Gary Blair and wife Rachel of Helena, Mont., Carolyn Bryant and husband Sherman of Denison, Virginia Price of Des Moines, Gene Blair and wife Simone of Iowa Falls and Kathy Firman and husband Pat of Great Falls, Mont.; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Jim, Dale, Marlyn and Darwin; and two sisters, Charlotte Reinhart and Marilyn Janssen.

Memorials may be directed to the Church of the Nazarene, 1215 Main St., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

Lila Goebel
Published July 17, 2004

May 23, 1908 - July 12, 2004

HUBBARD - Lila L. Goebel, 96, formerly of Hubbard died Monday, July 12, 2004, at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington, Minn. Funeral services were Thursday, July 15, at Zion United Church of Christ in Hubbard, with Rev. John Attaway officiating. Burial was in the Hubbard Cemetery.

Lila was born May 23, 1908, on the family farm near Hubbard to Henry and Ella (Wiechmann) Kuhlman. The family moved to Hubbard in 1915 where she attended school, graduating with the class of 1927. On April 1, 1934, Lila was married to Harold Goebel of Austin, Minn. In 1943, the couple bought a grocery and meat market in Austin, Minn. They later expanded into the restaurant business, which they did until they retired to Hubbard in 1970. Lila was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Zion United Church of Christ in Hubbard.

Survivors include one son, G. Dean Goebel of Burnsville, Minn.; two sisters-in-law, Leora Kuhlman of Marshalltown and Dorothy Kuhlman of Hubbard; four nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers, Bern and Erv Kuhlman.

Boeke Funeral Home of Hubbard was in charge of arrangements.

Lu Vern Freese
Published July 17, 2004

January 24, 1939 - July 15, 2004

CONRAD - Lu Vern H. Freese, 65, of Conrad died Thursday, July 15, 2004, at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center in Marshalltown. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 17, at 1:30 p.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Wellsburg with Pastor Tom Vos officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 8 until 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Lu Vern was born Jan. 24, 1939, in Marshalltown to Diederich and Ella (Meints) Freese. He graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1957. Lu Vern served in the National Guard from 1956 to 1964. On Nov. 29, 1968, he was united in marriage to Sue Coulter at Conrad. They farmed near Conrad. Lu Vern was a lifelong member of the First Christian Reformed Church, where he served as a deacon and elder on the church council.

Survivors include his wife, Sue, of Conrad; one brother, Darrell Freese and wife Sharon of Steamboat Rock; three nieces; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Doyen-Abels Funeral Home of Wellsburg is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Eckhoff
Published July 17, 2004

Thursday, July 15, 2004

ELDORA - Donald Eckhoff, 80, of Eldora died Thursday, July 15, 2004, at Valley View Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora. Services are pending at Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora.

Dorothy Freese
Published July 20, 2004

August 6, 1925 - July 17, 2004

ACKLEY - Dorothy L. Freese, 78, of Ackley died Saturday, July 17, 2004, at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services were Monday, July 19, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley with Pastor Mary Stonebraker officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley.

Dorothy Lucille was born Aug. 6, 1925, in Franklin County to John and Helen (Folkers) Becker. She attended Ackley schools. On Oct. 3, 1943, Dorothy was united in marriage to J. Frederick Freese at Geneva. She was employed as a school cook at the Ackley-Geneva schools, and was a homemaker. Dorothy was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, the Sunshine Circle, Quilters, Willing Workers, neighborhood birthday club, Canasta club and church council.

Survivors include her husband, Fred; one son, Raymond and wife Julie of Sioux City; one daughter Ronda Daniels and husband Galen of Ackley; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Hazel Fuller of Ackley and Margaret Geerdes and husband Paul of Dumont.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Delmar; three brothers-in-law, Herman Freese, George Freese and Russell Fuller; and three sisters-in-law, Christina Freese, Faye Freese and Louise Freese.

Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley was in charge of arrangements.

Eugene "Gene" Monroe
Published July 20, 2004

December 29, 1929 - July 16, 2004

ELDORA - Eugene "Gene" C. Monroe, 74, of Eldora died from Alzheimer's disease on Friday, July 16, 2004, at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 20, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora with Pastor Corey Larson officiating. Burial was at Eastlawn Memory Garden in Eldora. Memorials may be directed to Amenity Hospice of Cedar Falls.

Gene was born Dec. 29, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., to Ernest and Agnes (Priske) Monroe. He attended country school and the Eldora school system, remaining in Eldora his entire life. On Dec. 19, 1949, Gene was united in marriage to Maggie Trout at Steamboat Rock. He drove truck for Reisinger Sale Barn of Eldora, hauling show ponies; and worked as a carpenter and cabinetmaker for several contractors in town. In 1978, Gene began working for Dodger Manufacturing in Eldora, retiring in 1992. Gene was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, a former Kiwanian and a former member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed playing in the yard, running his John Deere lawn tractor, fishing and tinkering in his woodshop. Gene became a resident of the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center in February of 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Maggie; two daughters, Debra Tamminga and husband Duane of Eldora and Cindy Paulin and husband Ed of Eldora; two sons, Terry Monroe and significant other Lee Jackson of Eldora and Randy Monroe and wife Beth of Ames; 17 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Gloria Van Deest.

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

Carol Janssen
Published July 20, 2004

January 11, 1962 - July 15, 2004

ALLISON - Carol Irene Janssen, 42, of Allison died Thursday, July 15, 2004, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly from complication of a brain tumor. Funeral services were Saturday, July 17, at St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville, with Pastor David Nelson officiating. Interment was in Butler Center Cemetery, rural Allison. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Carol was born Jan. 11, 1962, in Detroit, Mich., to Harold and Irene (Sossaman) Blum. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1980 and continued her education at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, earning an associate degree. On April 17, 1982, Carol was united in marriage to Brent Janssen at Clarksville. In 1997, she worked for MidCom in Waverly until it closed. Carol returned to college at Hamilton Business College in Cedar Falls and earned an associate degree in business computers. She currently worked at NIACC in Mason City as a help desk media technician, until her illness forced her to stop working. Carol was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Shell Rock Karate Club and enjoyed computers and the Internet and also creating scrapbooks.

Survivors include her husband, Brent of Allison; three children, Samantha, Robert and Christopher Janssen, all of Allison; her mother, Irene Blum of Cedar Falls; two brothers; one sister; and her grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home of Clarksville was in charge of arrangements.

Donald "Don" Eckhoff
Published July 20, 2004

July 1, 1924 - July 15, 2004

ELDORA - Donald "Don" E. Eckhoff, 80, of Eldora died Thursday, July 15, 2004, at Valley View Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora. Funeral services were Monday, July 19, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora with Pastor Corey Larson officiating. Burial was at the Eldora City Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Don was born July 1, 1924, at Steamboat Rock to Eilert and Annabelle (Crosser) Eckhoff. He attended the Eldora public school system. On Aug. 15, 1953, Don was united in marriage to Avis Gross in Eldora. He had been employed as a truck driver for Froning Grain Co. of Eldora, Iowa Electric Light and Power, the General Telephone Co. and the City of Eldora, retiring in 1986. Don was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora, was an original member of the Hardin County Emergency Rescue Team and member of the Pine Lake Wildlife Club. He enjoyed sports and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Survivors include his wife, Avis; one sister, Beulah Zielske and husband Bill of Eldora; a special niece, Chelle Martin and husband Jeff; and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Henry and Harold; and one sister, Marcella Emmert

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

Ruth Hadwiger
Published July 20, 2004

December 27, 1921 - July 20, 2004

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Dumont is in charge of arrangements.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 7/22/2004

Maxine Sharar
Published July 29, 2004

April 1, 1922 - July 20, 2004

IOWA FALLS - Maxine Doris Sharar, 82, of Iowa Falls died Tuesday, July 20, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services were Monday, July 26, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls with Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating. Burial was at the Northlawn Memory Gardens in Iowa Falls.

Maxine was born April 1, 1922, in Etna Township, Hardin County, to Charles and Lena (Bates) Stowe. She attended Radcliffe Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1940. Maxine then attended Normal School at Ellsworth College, Iowa Falls, and the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse and had taught in Owasa, Popejoy, Alden, and the last 17 years of her 43-year teaching career, at Hubbard, retiring in 1987. On June 16, 1945, Maxine was united in marriage to Woodrow "Danny" Sharar at New Orleans, La. She was a member of the Ellsworth Hospital Auxiliary of Iowa Falls and its 500 club, the Retired Teachers Association and the Rainbow Club. Maxine enjoyed exercise club and her fellow card players.

Survivors include two daughters, Jody Nelson and husband Michael of Las Vegas, Nev., and Peggy Jacobsen and husband Kevin of Avoca; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lois Hansen; and one sister-in-law, Eleanor Stowe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son-in-law, Michael Thies; one sister, Geraldine Maas; one two brothers, Lyle and Quentin Stowe.

The Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 7/29/2004