Edeltraud “Traudi” Croot
April 1, 1928-March 1, 2006

March 8, 2006, page B-6

IOWA FALLS—Edeltraud “Traudi” Croot, 77, of Iowa Falls, died on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 8, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls, with burial in the Union Cemetery. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Edeltraud was born on April 1, 1928 in Helfenberg, Austria, the daughter of Franziska and Alois Ebner. She graduated from high school and college in Austria. She worked with the U.S. military in the Counter Intelligence Corps. She was united in marriage to Andrew Croot on August 27, 1947 in Iowa Falls.

She was a member  of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Centennial Committee.

She is survived by her son, Karl of Iowa Falls; a granddaughter, Danielle Franziska Croot of Iowa Falls; two sisters,  Hermina Hammerschmid and Brigitta Reisinger and husband, Rudi, all of Linz, Austria; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wilma and Bob Kobliska of Dumont; a sister-in-law, Annella McMurry of Benson, Arizona; several nieces and great-nieces and nephews; and a former daughter-in-law, Barbara Croot of Iowa Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one brother, Karl Ebner.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Mary L. Rogers
Thursday, March 2, 2006

March 8, 2006, page B-6

ELDORA—Mary L. Rogers, 86, of Eldora, died on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 6, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora, with the Rev. Randy Crane officiating. Burial followed in the Liscomb Cemetery in Liscomb.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Dr. James Anderson
Friday, March 3, 2006

March 8, 2006, page B-6

RADCLIFFE—Dr. James Anderson, 60, of Radcliffe, died on Friday, March 3, 2006, at his home in rural Radcliffe.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, March 7, at the Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Eleanor Glaza
March 17, 1910-March 4, 2006

March 11, 2006, page 7

IOWA FALLS—Eleanor Glaza, 95, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the Scenic Manor, Iowa Falls.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, March 10, at the St. Mark Catholic Church, Iowa Falls. Burial was in the St. Mark Cemetery. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Eleanor Grace Dean, was born on March 17, 1910 at Bradgate, the daughter of Leigh Halford and Amy (Tilton) Dean. She attended and graduated from the Waterloo East High School with the class of 1928. Eleanor worked in the insurance business in Waterloo before moving to Iowa Falls where she continued in this occupation, mostly with the Young Insurance Agency. On November 28, 1936, Eleanor was united in marriage to Raymond Glaza at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Waterloo. After her retirement from the Young Insurance Agency, she continued to work part time and assisted Paul Barker with his genealogy entitled “Footprints in the Sands of Time.”

Eleanor was a longtime member of the St. Mark Parish, Iowa Falls, St. Mark women’s group and was previously active in the Ellsworth Hospital Auxiliary and Business and Profession Women (BPW). She enjoyed reading, entertaining and playing bridge.

Eleanor Glaza is survived by her son, Stephen Glaza of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; six grandchildren, Stephanie Glaza, Daria Gordon, Jane (Mark) Sudderberg, Sally Stephenson, John Stephenson and Mary Francis (George) Hampolis; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Carrol Dean of San Diego, California; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leigh and Amy Dean; her husband, Raymond Glaza; and one brother, Leigh Tilton Dean.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Hilda Perkins
Saturday, March 4, 2006

March 8, 2006, page B-6

ELDORA—Hilda Perkins, 101, of Eldora, died on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the Valley View Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, March 8, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora, with the Rev. Corey Larson officiating. Burial will follow in the Jackson Township Cemetery, rural Owasa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time, from 10-11:00 a.m., at the church. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Dennis Dean Craighton
April 3, 1959-March 5, 2006

March 11, 2006, page 7

MARSHALLTOWN—Dennis Dean Craighton, 46, of Marshalltown, died on Sunday, March 5, 2006, at the Douglas County Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, at the Hampton United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Jerry Miller and Gary VanWert officiating. Burial was in the Maynes Grove Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

James H. Smith
Sunday, March 5, 2006

March 8, 2006, page B-6

PARKERSBURG—James H. Smith, 96, of Parkersburg, died on Sunday, March 5, 2006, at the Cedar Falls Health Care Center, from natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 8, at the Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel, Aplington, with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Kenneth Dean St. John
Sunday, March 5, 2006

March 8, 2006, page B-6

ALLISON—Kenneth Dean St. John, 72, of Allison, died of natural causes on Sunday, March 5, 2006, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 9, at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, with the Revs. Jeffrey A. Blank and Ruth Ann Shriver officiating. Burial will be in the Allison Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Sam Gervich
November 18, 1917-March 6, 2006

March 11, 2006, page 7

MARSHALLTOWN—Sam Gervich, 88, of Marshalltown, died on Monday, March 6, 2006, at the Grandview Heights Care Center, under the care of his family and the Iowa River Hospice.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 10, at the Pursel-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery, Marshalltown.

Sam Gervich, was born on November 18, 1917 in Marshalltown, the son of Morris and Jenny (Krantman) Gervich. He graduated in 1936 from  the Marshalltown High School, received a B.A. Degree in English in 1939 from the University of Iowa and a Law Degree from Iowa in 1946. On August 2, 1942, he was united in marriage to Lorraine R. Greenberg in St. Louis, Missouri. As an Army Lieutenant in World War II, he was a marine inspector at the Army Port of Embarkation, Charleston, South Carolina. Sam joined the family scrap iron business, M Gervich & Sons, Inc. in 1946. He was president of the company for many years and remained active in the business until 2005.

Sam’s greatest enjoyment was his family. A lifelong love for the saxophone and music started when Sam began sax lessons in grade school. He had his own dance band in high school and in college he played in bands from West Okoboji to the Quad Cities. He enjoyed following the Hawkeyes, playing golf, reading, painting and raising hybrid roses. In the 1970s and ‘80s he had roles in several Marshalltown Community Theatre productions. Sam was a member of the Congregation of Sons of Israel Synagogue. He served 12 years as president. From 1985 until 1987 he was a board member for the Institute of Scrap Iron Recycling Industries. He was a member of B’nai B’rith, Elks, Marshall Lodge, Elmwood Country Club and the Iowa Bar Association. He supported the Southern Poverty Law Center, Simon Wiesenthal Center and the United Jewish Appeal.

Sam is survived by his wife, Lorraine Gervich of Marshalltown; his four children, David (Susan) Gervich of Iowa Falls, Daniel (Eve) Gervich of West Des Moines, Douglas (Margaret) Gervich of Marshalltown and Diane (Jerry) Kimbrough of Nashville, Tennessee; 12 grandchildren, Chad (Kelly), Curt (fiancée, Amy), Eli, Asa, Jesse, Jacob, Samantha (Nate) Kaeding; Molly, John, Aaron, Julia and Zoe; a brother-in-law, Jack (Carole) Greenberg of Dallas, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and one sister.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Danny D. Eide
January 17, 1963-March 6, 2006

March 11, 2006, page 7

TUCSON, Arizona—Danny Eide, 43, of Tucson, Arizona and formerly of Iowa Falls, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2006.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, March 9, at the Abbey Funeral Chapel, Tucson.

Danny was born on January 17, 1963, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, the son of Allan Eide and Peggy of Tucson.

Danny D. Eide is survived by his parents; and brothers, Jeffery Eide and wife, Kelly of Tucson and Steven (Bill) Eide of Roanoke, Virginia. He was a loving uncle of Katie Jo Eide, Jaime Eide, Jason Eide and Brittany Eide.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Garnet and Reva Eide and Ed and Darlene Fischer.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Sheila Day
February 17, 1962-March 8, 2006

March 11, 2006, page 7

ELDORA—Sheila Day, 44, of Eldora, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. She died of complications from a 21-year battle with muscular dystrophy, heart disease and numerous other illnesses.

Memorial services were held on Friday, March 10, at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls was in charge of the arrangements.

Sheila Schwinger, was born on February 17, 1962 in Rapid City, South Dakota, the daughter of Stanley and Wanda (Small) Schwinger. She was raised and educated in Rapid City. She was united in marriage to Darrel Day on September 4, 1982 in Rapid City.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Darrel Day of Eldora; daughters, Samantha of Flint, Michigan and Shannon of Eldora; one sister in Wisconsin; and two brothers of Rapid City.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Don Robert Geddes
Thursday, March 9, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota—Don Robert Geddes, 62, former Hampton resident, died on Thursday, March 9, 2006.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 25, at the Washburn-McReavy Chapel in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Inurnment will be at a later date in Hampton.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Russell Dale Richtsmeier
July 12, 1934-March 11, 2006

March 15, 2006, page B-7

ACKLEY—Russell Dale Richtsmeier, 71, of Ackley, died on Saturday, March 11, 2006, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, at the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Ackley, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley was in charge of the arrangements.

Russell was born on July 12, 1934 in Ackley, the son of George William and Helen Carol (Weber) Richtsmeier. He received his education at a country school south of Ackley and graduated from the Ackley High School before attending Coe College in Cedar Rapids and Iowa State in Ames. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was united in marriage to Roberta LuAnn Snow on August 15, 1965, at the Ware Methodist Church. The family farmed outside of Ackley for many years.

Russell was a member of the St. John United Church of Christ in Ackley and was a member of the choir. He was also a member of the Elliott-Keninger Post No. 252 of the American Legion and had sung with the Twin Town Barbershop Chorus of Waterloo/Cedar Falls for more than 22 years. He enjoyed football and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Roberta of Ackley; sons, Chris and wife, Denise Richtsmeier of Ackley, Dale and wife, Kate Richtsmeier of Clear Lake and Dan Richtsmeier and special friend, Casie Harrenstein of Ackley; daughters, Darla and husband, Jeff Thiessen of Chelsea, Lynda and husband, Dean Kaimm of Iowa Falls and Georgia Richtsmeier of Mason City; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brother, Don and wife, Shirley Richtsmeier of Hollandale, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Charlene J. Sapp
August 29, 1951-March 11, 2006

March 15, 2006, page B-7

ELDORA—Charlene J. Sapp, 54, of Eldora, died from natural causes on Saturday, March 11, 2006, at the Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Following cremation, memorial services were held on Tuesday, March 14, at the Eldora United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Eldora City Cemetery. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

James Stanley
Sunday, March 12, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

NORTHFIELD—James Stanley, 53, of Northfield and formerly of Iowa Falls, died on Sunday, March 12, 2006.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 16, at the Lifespring Community Church in St. Peters, Missouri. Interment was on Friday, March 17, at the National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. The Stygar Mid Rivers Funeral Home of St. Charles, Missouri, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Maxine Holmes
Monday, March 13, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

ELDORA—Maxine Holmes, 93, of Eldora, died from natural causes on Monday, March 13, 2006, at the Valley View Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 16, at the First Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock, with the Rev. Bruce Baillie officiating. Burial followed in the Steamboat Rock Cemetery. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Robert Harken
Tuesday, March 14, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

ACKLEY—Robert Harken, 84, of Ackley, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at the Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 17, at the First Presbyterian Church, with burial in the West Friesland Cemetery, both of Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Jerry Toby Jurgens
Tuesday, March 14, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

HAMPTON—Jerry Toby Jurgens, 90, of Hampton, died of natural causes on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 17, at the Zion Reformed Church in rural Sheffield, with the Rev. Arthur J. Zewert officiating. Burial followed in the Zion Reformed Church Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Hilda Ahlberg
August 17, 1918-March 15, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

IOWA FALLS—Hilda Ahlberg, 87, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at the Heritage Care Center, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 18, at the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, rural Geneva. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill, Grant Township Cemetery, Franklin County. Memorials may be directed to the church. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Hilda L. Duit, was born on August 17, 1918, at her parents farm in Franklin County, the daughter of Anton and Otillie L. (Heinz) Duit. She attended the Grant Center School in Franklin County. On May 14, 1946, Hilda was united in marriage to Marvin L. Ahlberg at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. Before her marriage she worked at the Post Exchange at Fort Meade, Maryland. After their marriage the couple moved to the Chicago, Illinois, area where she was a rate clerk for the Spector Motor Freight for 30 years, retiring in 1981. She moved back to Iowa Falls in 1985, until she entered the Heritage Care Center.

She was a member of the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Geneva, where she was active in the church sewing circle. She was also a member of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Society. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, tatting and most other handwork. She also enjoyed playing cards.

Hilda L. Ahlberg is survived by her brother, LaVern Duit and wife, Vera of Iowa Falls; her sister, Cleva Hensing and husband, Russell of Iowa Falls; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Duit of Iowa Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Otillie Duit; her husband, Marvin Ahlberg in 1966; a sister, Selma Duit; and two brothers, Harry Duit and wife, Esther and Garrelt Duit.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Elsie Amanda Otteros
March 6, 1902-March 15, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

WILLIAMS—Elsie Amanda Otteros, 104, of Williams, died on Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at the Ellsworth Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 18, at the Vernon Lutheran Church, rural Dows, with burial in the Vernon Lutheran Cemetery. The Surls Funeral Chapel in Williams is in charge of the arrangements.

Elsie Amanda Beyer, was born on March 6, 1902 in rural Franklin County, the daughter of Fred and Klasine (Heiden) Beyer. She was baptized and confirmed in the Vernon Lutheran Church. She graduated from Vernon No. 9 and later from Wartburg College. Elsie was united in marriage to Alfred M. Otteros on February 1, 1920 in Eagle Grove. She and her husband settled on a farm in Vernon Township, which has been her home for the past 75 years. For many years they were in the corn shelling and trucking business.

She was a member of the Vernon Lutheran Church of rural Dows, Lutheran Ladies Aid and the Church Women.

Elsie is survived by a daughter, Clesine Caruth and husband, Andrew of Williams; three grandsons, Alan Caruth and wife, Sharon of Dows, Martin Otteros and wife, Debra of Williams and Kirby Otteros and wife, Susan of Bastrop, Texas; a granddaughter, Candace Twedt and husband, Craig of Williams; 10 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Matie Ackerman of Webster City and Ella Detmer and husband, Walter of Williams; and a brother, Harold Beyer and wife, Norma of Dows.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred in 1968; a son, Fred and wife, Betty in 1997; a granddaughter, Celeste Shields in 1995; a brother, Lawrence in 1970; an infant brother and sister; and one great-grandson, Ky Caruth in 1963.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Leon E. Speck
Thursday, March 16, 2006

March 18, 2006, page 7

ELDORA—Leon E. Speck, 47, of Eldora, died on Thursday, March 16, 2006, at the Ellsworth Memorial Hospital in Iowa Falls, while under the care of the North Iowa Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 21, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora, with the Rev. David Splett officiating. Graveside services will then follow at 4:00 p.m., in the Tekamah Cemetery in Tekamah, Nebraska. Visitation is from 2-8:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora, with Leon’s family to greet friends from 5-8:00 p.m.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Ethel Sampson
Friday, March 17, 2006

March 22, 2006, page B-6

RADCLIFFE—Ethel Sampson, 83, of rural Radcliffe, died on Friday, March 17, 2006, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 21, at the First Assembly of God in Ames. Burial was in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Radcliffe. The Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

June Marie Vosburgh
April 23, 1916-March 19, 2006

March 22, 2006, page B-6

LAWTON—June Marie Vosburgh, 89, of Lawton and formerly of Iowa Falls, died on Sunday, March 19, 2006, at the Char-Mac Assisted Living in Lawton.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 10:00 a.m., at the Moville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ed Frank officiating. Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City. Visitation is on Wednesday, March 22, at the Christy-Smith McCulloch Chapel in Moville, from 4-8:00 p.m., with family present from 6-8:00 p.m.

June was born on April 23, 1916 at Paullina, the daughter of Harry and Helen (Lawson) Delmage. She graduated from the Paullina High School in 1934. She married Lyle Vosburgh on September 4, 1938. June worked for American Popcorn for 26 years, retiring in 1978. Lyle died in 1981. After Lyle’s death, June moved to Iowa Falls to live with her sister, Kay. In 2002, June and Kay moved into the Char-Mac Assisted Living in Lawton.

June is survived by a son, Ward Vosburgh and wife, Judy of Moville; two daughters, Sherry Sargent and husband, Bob of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Carmen Hustad and husband, Dil of Diamond Bar, California; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; her parents, Harry and Helen Delmage; a granddaughter, Tonya Jennings; and two sisters, Kay and Dorothy.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Eleanor Lyon
November 17, 1920-March 19, 2006

March 22, 2006, page B-6

IOWA FALLS—Eleanor Lyon, 85, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2006, at the Ellsworth Hospital, Iowa Falls.

A time of visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel. Memorials may be directed to American Heart Association, Des Moines, Iowa or to the Greenbelt Human Society, Alden, Iowa.

Eleanor Irene Richmond, was born on November 17, 1920 at Gravity, the daughter of Avery and Ina (Lowe) Richmond. She attended the Gravity Elementary School and graduated from the Roosevelt High School, Des Moines, with the class of 1938. She then attended Simpson College in Indianola. On October 2, 1942, Eleanor was united in marriage to Paul Mayes Lyon at Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Iowa Falls for many years. She was a loving wife and devoted mother to her children.

Eleanor was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and a member of many bridge clubs and the Turtles. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, animals, playing cards, the Iowa Hawkeyes and, most importantly, her children. She had a wonderful sense of humor and would do almost anything for anyone.

Eleanor Lyon is survived by her children, Jim Lyon and wife, Susan of St. Louis, Missouri, Paula Skare and husband, Paul of Plymouth, Minnesota and Janet Lyon of Iowa Falls; five grandchildren, Kristen Dodd and husband, Terry of St. Louis, Katherine Lyon of St. Louis, Jason Lyon of St. Louis, Jonathan Skare of Plymouth and Annalise Skare of Plymouth; and one great-grandson, Zack Dodd of St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Avery Richmond and Ina Richmond Kinsey; her stepfather, Vance Kinsey; and her husband, Paul Lyon.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Owen Ruch
May 26, 1953-March 19, 2006

March 25, 2006, page 7

DES MOINES—Owen Ruch of Des Moines and formerly of Marshalltown, died on Sunday, March 19, 2006, at the Jenny Edmunson Hospital in  Council Bluffs.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 25, at the Mitchell Funeral Home, Marshalltown. The Linn’s Funeral  Homes Iowa Falls Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Owen Odell Ruch, was born on May 26, 1953 in Columbia, Missouri and was adopted by Galen Chapman and Amy Grace (Cornelius) Ruch. He attended  the Marshalltown Community Schools. He was employed as a steamfitter by McCarty McAuliffe Mechanical Contractor at the new energy plant in Council Bluffs.

He was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 33, Des Moines. He truly enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Owen O. Ruch is survived by his children, Carrie Lamasters, Tina Ruch-Wesselmann, Jeff Whalers, Owen Michael Ruch, Nick Lemke, Raelynn McVey, Jessica Menter and Alannah Ruch; and 13 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Amy Ruch.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Helen Skartvedt
Sunday, March 19, 2006

March 22, 2006, page B-6

STORY CITY—Helen Skartvedt, 90, formerly of Garden City, died on Sunday, March 19, 2006, at the Bethany Manor in Story City.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m., at the Stavanger Lutheran  Church, Garden City. The family will receive friends at Bethany Manor in Story City, on Wednesday, March 22, from 5-7:00 p.m. The Boeke Funeral Home of Radcliffe is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Harriet Fern French
March 28, 1913-March 20, 2006

March 25, 2006, page 7

ALTA—Harriet French, 92, of Alta, died on Monday, March 20, 2006, in Alta.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 23, at the First Presbyterian Church, Alta,  with the Revs. Craig Lee and Doug Corlew officiating. Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Alta. The Barker Funeral Home of Alta was in charge of the arrangements.

Harriet Fern Hazen, was born on March 28, 1913, on a farm near Remsen, to Louis T. and Deborah (Means) Hazen. She attended country school for 11½ years. On May 26, 1931, Harriet was united in marriage to George William French in Sioux City. This union was blessed with eight children, Priscilla, Dorothy, Virginia, Patsy, Jim, Tom, Steve and Becky. The couple farmed at Cleghorn until 1963, when they moved to Alta, where George operated a machine shop.

Harriet was a servant in many ways, first and foremost to her Lord and her family. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon and Elder in her church and was actively involved in Church Circle until her health declined. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church from 1931 to 2006. Harriet worked at the Sioux Valley Memorial Hospital in Cherokee from 1958 to 1963 and the Buena Vista County Hospital from 1963 until her retirement in 1972.

Harriet was very gifted and through encouragement from her son, Jim, started china painting in 1975 and continued until 1996, when her eyesight was failing. She painted many, many porcelain pieces and shared them with many relatives and friends. She was also a member of the Storm Lake Porcelain Artists. Harriet was a very loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Harriet made her home in Alta and moved to Wel-Life in 2002 and her daughter’s home on January 3, 2006. On Monday, March 20, 2006, at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 20 days, Harriet went to her eternal resting place with her  daughters Dorothy and Becky at her bedside.

Harriet left this life to be with those who have passed before her, including her parents; her husband, George; one great-grandchild, Tara Doupe; one sister, Grace Dorr; three brothers, Wayne, Maurice and Vernon; one son, Jim French; one son-in-law, Lee Doupe; one granddaughter, Liana Brockmann; and three sisters-in-law, Lois Hazen, Marcella Hazen and Lucille Hazen.

Those remaining to cherish Harriet’s memory include her children, Priscilla Doupe of Littleton, Colorado, Dorothy Doupe of Iowa Falls, Virginia Brockmann and husband, Rodney of St. Charles, Illinois, Patsy Rowland and husband, Bob of Littleton, Judi French of Lufkin, Texas, Tom French and wife, Linda of Alta, Steve French and wife, Wanda of Hollister, Missouri and Becky Meyer and husband, Lee of Alta; 26 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Kermit and Kathryn Hazen of Marcus and Phillip and Arlene Hazen and Robert Hazen, all of Grand Island, Nebraska; four sisters, Ruth Hazen, Connie Malloy and Trudy Mitchell, all of Sioux City and Janet Whitworth of Rosehill, Kansas; and a host of extended family and friends.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Alvin Johnson
May 26, 1929-March 21, 2006

March 22, 2006, page B-6

ACKLEY—Alvin Johnson, 76, of Ackley, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at The Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, March 24, at the Christian Reformed Church, Austinville, with burial in the Christian Reformed Cemetery, rural Ackley. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the dementia unit at The Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Alvin Lubert Johnson, was born on May 26, 1929 near Brookings, South Dakota, to Lubert E. and Jennie Huesman Johnson. At an early age, he moved with his family to  Pipestone, Minnesota and in 1941, the family moved to the Ackley area. Alvin was employed at the Walt Robins gas station, the Ackley Creamery and Harken’s Station before he ventured out on his own with a corn sheller and trucking business, which he operated for 36 years.

On February 6, 1949, Alvin publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ in the Ackley Christian Reformed Church, where he remained a faithful member, serving several terms as both Deacon and Elder until the church closed in 1998. On April 20, 1954, Alvin was united in marriage with Norma Lucile Schaap at the home of her parents in Aplington.

Alvin is survived by sons, Deloy and wife, Sandy of Hudsonville, Michigan and Ross and wife, Paulette of Castro Valley, California; granddaughters, Angela Marie, Amanda Grace and Alexandria Faye Johnson; step-grandchildren, Steven and Christopher Schaeffler and  Alexander and Nicolette Shomaker; sister, Alice and husband, George Fry of Alpena, South Dakota; sisters-in-law, Hattie Johnson of Parkersburg and Arlene and husband, Dale Maifeld of Hampton; brothers-in-law, Arnold and wife, Doris Schaap of Ackley and Edgar and wife, Mary Ann Schaap of Murrietta, California; as well as uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Henry and Meint; sister, Anna Johnson Paterni; and sisters-in-law, Carol Schaap, Alberta Schaap and Rose Schaap.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Cruz Vasquez
Tuesday, March 21, 2006

March 25, 2006, page 7

HAMPTON—Cruz Vasquez, 84, of Hampton, died of natural causes on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at the Franklin General Hospital in  Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Friday, at the Lighthouse of Life Church in Hampton, with the Revs. Merle and Joyce Wagner officiating. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Grace Jungling
Wednesday, March 22, 2006

March 25, 2006, page 7

APLINGTON—Grace Jungling, 85, of Aplington, died of natural causes on Wednesday, March 22, 2006, at the Sartori Memorial Hospital, Cedar Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 25, at the Bethel Reformed Church, with burial in the Bethel Reformed Cemetery, both in rural Aplington. Visitation will be one hour before the services at the church. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in Aplington is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Emma "Jeane" Morton
Wednesday, March 22, 2006

March 25, 2006, page 7

COULTER—Emma “Jeane” (Campbell) Morton, 80, of Coulter, died on Wednesday, March 22, 2006, in her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 25, at the Nazareth Lutheran Church, with the Revs. Mary Peterson and Darwin Cole officiating. Interment will be in the Coulter Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Cora Ruth Koch
Friday, March 24, 2006

March 29, 2006, page B-6

ELDORA—Cora Ruth Koch, 94, of Eldora, died on Friday, March 24, 2006, at the Valley View Nursing and Rehab Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 27, at the First United Methodist Church in Eldora, with the Rev. Douglas Harding officiating. Burial followed in the Eldora City Cemetery. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Dillan Joseph Walterman
Friday, March 24, 2006

March 29, 2006, page B-6

HAMPTON—Dillan Joseph Walterman, 16, of Hampton, died of natural causes on Friday, March 24, 2006, in rural Dumont.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 28, at the First Christian Church in Hampton, with the Rev. Jan Ekstedt officiating. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Irene Bang
Saturday, March 25, 2006

April 1, 2006, page 6

HEMET, California—Irene Bang, 95, of Hemet, California, formerly of Whitten, died on Saturday, March 25, 2006, at her home in Hemet under the care of her longtime caregivers and Romona Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 1, at the Biersborn Funeral Home in Union. Burial will follow in the Benson Cemetery, rural Whitten.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Helen E. Bavender
September 22, 1912-March 26, 2006

April 1, 2006, page 6

Helen E. Bavender, 93, of Whitten, died on Sunday morning, March 26, 2006, at the Villa del Sol.

Funeral services and a celebration of Helen’s life were held on Thursday, March 30, at the Whitten Community Church, with the Rev. Jim Hartman officiating. Internment was in the Benson Cemetery at Whitten. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown was in charge of the arrangements.

Helen Eggleston, was born on September 22, 1912, on a farm east of Eldora. She was one of five children born to Harry and Eliza (Collins) Eggleston. She graduated from the Whitten High School. On December 17, 1931, Helen was united in marriage to Lawrence Bavender in Missouri. They resided at Eldora, Alden and Iowa Falls for around 30 years and Whitten all of their married lives. In Iowa Falls, Helen was employed at the cookbook publisher and did elder home care in Clemons.

Helen was a member of the DAR and the Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, before moving to Whitten and joining the Community Church. She will be fondly remembered for her love of family, quilting and crocheting and reading. All of her grandchildren were gifted with quilts that she had made.

Left to celebrate her life are her six children, Robert Bavender of Whitten, Katherine (Lynn) Yohn of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Lee (Tish) Bavender of Branson, Missouri, Rosemary Cervetti of Charlotte, King (Maria) Bavender of Chaska, Minnesota and Ginger (Jon) Vandervort of Ankeny; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Richard Eggleston of Golden Valley, Minnesota; and three sisters, Margaret Calloway of Eldora, Avis Dawson of Steamboat Rock and Doris Durfee of Chatfield, Minnesota; as well as nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

In death, she has rejoined her parents; her husband, Lawrence; a sister in infancy; and grandson, Brett Cervetti.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Patricia (Luth) Jetters Ford
Sunday, March 26, 2006

March 29, 2006, page B-6

IOWA FALLS—Patricia (Luth) Jetters Ford, 60, of Iowa Falls, died on Sunday, March 26, 2006, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 29, in the chapel of the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, Fort Dodge, with the Rev. Herb Kenyon officiating from the Church of the Open Bible in Iowa Falls. Burial will be in the Maguire Bend Cemetery, Dayton.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Ita Rameyer
June 29, 1927-March 27, 2006

April 1, 2006, page 6

ACKLEY—Ita Rameyer, 78, of Ackley, died on Monday, March 27, 2006, at the Mercy  Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 31, at the Christian Reformed Church, Austinville, with burial in  the Northlawn Memory Gardens, Iowa Falls. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley  was in charge of the arrangements.

Ita Lamb, was born on June 29, 1927 in Osceola, the daughter of Royal and Edna (Smiley) Lamb. She graduated from the Geneva High School in 1945 and was united in marriage to Martin Rameyer on March 12, 1947, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She and her husband farmed at Bradford and moved to their present home in rural Ackley where they retired.

She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and many other activities. She enjoyed handwork and bird watching. She had attended the Austinville Christian Reformed Church.

She is survived by her husband, Martin; two sons, Nicklas and wife, Marie of Iowa Falls and Randy and wife, Sheila of Ackley; two daughters, Marcia Enslin and husband, Paul of Ackley and Kathy Rewerts and husband, Darcy of Des Moines; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Maybelle Doolard of Eldora, Carmen Dohlman  of Ackley and Esta Koop of Ackley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Wanda VanLenning.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Dorothy M. Kruckenberg
May 3, 1929-March 27, 2006

April 1, 2006, page 6

SHEFFIELD—Dorothy M. Kruckenberg, 76, of Sheffield, died on Monday, March 27,  2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, at the Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Sheffield, with the Rev. Kent A. Mechler presiding. Interment was in the Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield. The Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Sheffield was in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy M. Humburg, came into this world on May 3, 1929, the daughter of Albert H. and Elsie (Wiele) Humburg on the family farm east of Sheffield. She was baptized on May 26, 1929 and confirmed at Zion Lutheran on August 24, 1942. She attended country school, the Chapin High School and graduated from the Sheffield High School in 1947. On April 4, 1948, Dorothy was united in marriage with Lyle Kruckenberg. They were the last couple married in the St. John Lutheran Church east of Sheffield before the church joined Zion Lutheran in Sheffield.

Dorothy was very active in the church and taught Sunday School for many years and assisted in starting the Jr. Lutherans group. She also served as treasurer for WELCA and held other offices, as well as serving as keeper of the communion records and as a member of the Morning Circle. Dorothy and Lyle lived on the Kruckenberg farm west of Sheffield  all their married lifes where they raised four children. She often said family was the most important thing to a person. She was faithful to her husband and devoted to her children and grandchildren. She went to all of her children’s and grandchildren’s musical events. She was looking forward to her next great-grandchild’s arrival this summer.

Cherishing her memory are her children, Duane (Emily) Kruckenberg of Iowa Falls, Steve (Sue) Kruckenberg of Sheffield, Marlene (Stephen) Chuck of Mason City and Dale (Ladonna) Kruckenberg of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, John Kruckenberg of Dubuque, Tina Kruckenberg of Mount Pleasant, Kara (Sean) Cameron of Sheffield; and their children, Caleb and Kellen, Ben (Bobbi Jo) Kruckenberg of Waterloo, Anthony and Brent Chuck of Mason City, Sandra (David) Rapson of Oklahoma City, Bobby Kruckenberg of Oklahoma City; brother, Luverne (Colleen “Coke”) Humburg of Hampton; sister-in-law, Irene Abernathy of Eu Claire, Wisconsin; and  nieces, nephew and extended family.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Ernie; and two grandsons, Timothy and Andrew.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Caroline Marie (Meyer) Lehmann
March 30, 1909-March 28, 2006

April 1, 2006, page 6

HAMPTON—Caroline Marie (Meyer) Lehmann, of Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, two days short of her 97th birthday.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 1, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, with burial in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Grant Township. The Rev. Karl Bollhagen will officiate at the service. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.

Caroline Marie  Meyer, was born on March 30, 1909, at her parents’ farm near Bradford. She was one of three children born to her parents, Herman and Emma Kappen Meyer. Caroline attended rural school in Grant and Lee Townships and graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1927. She taught school for four years at the McDonald School in Lee Township. Caroline married John Lehmann on February 25, 1931, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grant  Center and was married for 62 years. They were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grant Center, until 1965 when the church closed and then joined the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton. They raised a large family on their rural farm near Bradford, where Caroline was blessed to reside all her married life.

Caroline was a loving mother, grandma and great-grandma, who loved to cook, garden and spend time with all her loved ones. She was a mentor and a friend to many. Caroline was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Ladies Aid and Martha’s Circle, was the last charter member of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Society of Grant Township and a member of the Franklin General Hospital Auxiliary.

She will greatly be missed by her children, Marlys (Bud) Jass of Alden, Earl (Rosemary) Lehmann of Elgin, Barbara (Bernie) Murra of Ackley, Beverly (William) Weidemann of Dows, Donald (Janice) Lehmann of Iowa Falls, Karen (Marlyn) Tripp of Hampton and Linda (Steve) Wedgbury of Hampton; 40 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; sister, Gladys Brauer of Iowa Falls; and sister-in-law, Loretta Belsheim of Manchester, Missouri.

Preceding her in death were her husband, John; her parents; infant twin sons; one son-in-law, Millard Barz; two grandsons; six great-grandchildren; and one brother, Kasper.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Alvena E. Gildemeister
January 20, 1905-March 28, 2006

April 5, 2006, page B-5

HUBBARD—Alvena E. Gildemeister, 101, of Hubbard, died on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at the Hubbard Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 31, at the Zion United Church of Christ in Hubbard, with the Rev. John Attaway officiating. Burial was in the Hubbard Cemetery. The Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard was in charge of the arrangements.

Alvena Eda Gildemeister, was born on January 20, 1905 in Ocheyedan, to Emil and Minnie (Boeke) Gildemeister. She was the second of four children born to this couple. In 1912, when Alvena was 7 years old, the pull of family ties brought her family back to Hubbard. After finishing her country school education, Alvena took correspondence classes to become a teacher. Following that, she worked on her four-year degree by taking classes at Iowa State Teachers College and Drake University. Alvena began her teaching career in rural schools throughout Hardin County, Gifford, New Providence and Eldora. When asked about her favorite part of teaching, she would say, “It was the children.” For Alvena, teaching was not just a job, it was a joy in her life. Alvena taught for 40 years before retiring and closed her teaching career in the Marshalltown School System. Since her retirement, she had lived in Hubbard, and in 2005, she moved to the Care Center.

Alvena was a longtime member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Hubbard. She was a lifetime member of the Iowa State Education Association, National Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, University Women and Retired Teachers, Marshalltown.

Although she never married, Alvena had a wonderful family and until the day she went to be with her Lord and Savior, she had a close relationship with her nieces and nephews. She said she never thought of it as being an aunt, she just enjoyed being with them. Over the years, Alvena also enjoyed doing handwork. She had made a variety of items, including afghans, pillows and wall hangings.

Those left to cherish her memory include her nieces, Ardis Skartvedt of Radcliffe, Ann (John) Heimberger of Dexter and Joyce Gelhaus of Webster City; two nephews, Ron (Marlene) Piel of Creston and Dwight (Peg) Gildemeister of Williamsburg; along with other relatives and friends.

Alvena was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Harvey; and two sisters, Elsie Piel and Elaine Gelhaus.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Frances Nelson
Tuesday, March 28, 2006

April 1, 2006, page 6

HUBBARD—Frances Nelson, 87, formerly of Garden City, died on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, at the Hubbard Care Center in Hubbard.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church in Radcliffe, with the Rev. David Hart officiating. The family will receive friends at the Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard, on Tuesday, April 4, from 6-8:00 p.m.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Verna M. Hanson
November 4, 1925-March 29, 2006

April 1, 2006, page 6

IOWA FALLS—Verna Mildred Hanson, 80, of Iowa Falls, formerly of Dows, died on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Private family services will be held on Saturday, April 1. The Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home in Dows is in charge of the arrangements.

Verna Sorenson, was born on November 4, 1925 east of Radcliffe, to parents Chris and Clara Raska Sorenson. She was raised and attended country school near Radcliffe. Her mother passed away at a young age so Verna had to grow up fast helping the family on the farm. She worked off the farm in various jobs including being a welder. On January 15, 1950, she married Milo Hanson at the Lutheran Parsonage in Radcliffe. She and Milo continued to farm with Milo’s father and in 1959 they moved to their own farm northeast of Popejoy. 

She loved gardening, at times caring for as many as three gardens. She also enjoyed raising chickens and turkeys. She canned much of her produce, sharing with family and friends. Verna was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Dows and the Ladies Aide.

Verna is survived by four children, Jean Schulz and husband, Roger of Eagle Grove, Connie Hubner of Alden, Larry Hanson and wife, Charlene of Alden and Denny Hanson and wife, Judy of Alden; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Hubert Tussey of Story City and Harold Sorenson of Ames; and one sister, Gladys Witthuhn of Story City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Milo; and three brothers, Richard, Lester and Irving Sorenson.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Lennadore "Lennie" Maxine Jarrett
August 12, 1920 - March 29, 2006

April 22, 2006, page 7

BEND, Oregon—Lennadore “Lennie” Maxine Jarrett, 85, of Bend, Oregon, died of cancer on Wednesday, March 29, 2006.

Memorial services were held at the Deschutes Memorial Garden Mausoleum Chapel in Bend. Memorials contributions may be made to The Humane Society or Newberry Hospice. The Deschutes Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Lennie was born on August 12, 1920 in Alden, to Raymond and Floy (Williams) Funk. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1938, then attended Ellsworth College graduating in 1940. She lived in Iowa Falls during her school years and on a farm northwest of Iowa Falls prior to that. Lennie married Leroy Jarrett on June 8, 1946 in Los Angeles.

Lennie was a homemaker who enjoyed animals, eating out, talking with friends and family and folk music. She also enjoyed keeping in touch with her Iowa friends and catching up on all the news from “home.”

Survivors include two sons, Jim and David of Salem, Oregon; a daughter, Janith of Sunriver, Oregon; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and a son.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Leon E. Ohrlund
May 3, 1927-March 30, 2006

April 5, 2006, page B-5

STORM LAKE—Leon E. Ohrlund, 78, of Storm Lake, was called home to his Lord and Savior, from the Newell Good Samaritan Center on Thursday, March 30, 2006.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 3, at the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, with Pastors Connie Spitzack and Mark Youngquist officiating. Burial was in the Storm Lake Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by the Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

Leon Ernest Ohrlund, the son of Victor J. and Alma Louise (Rognas) Ohrlund, was born on May 3, 1927 in Des Moines. Leon was baptized on June 12, 1927, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Des Moines. He moved with his family to Webster City and then to Iowa Falls, where he was confirmed at the Bethany Lutheran Church on April 6, 1941. He graduated from the Iowa Falls High School with the class of 1945. While in school and after, he worked for the Rich Rose Service Station. Leon attended Ellsworth Community College and then worked in the bookkeeping department of the Hoxie Fruit Company in Iowa Falls. He served approximately two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He married Harriet Westwick on August 18, 1947. Leon worked in the office of the Des Moines Drug Company, later becoming a sales representative for them and moved to Carroll. For many years, he faithfully called on pharmacies and convenience stores in northwest Iowa. Leon moved to Storm Lake and on October 29, 1966, married Marvel Fix. He worked with her, operating the Culligan Water Treatment Plant in Storm Lake. Together they expanded the franchise from one to four counties. Leon was a tireless worker, often driving to Omaha for supplies and returning to put in a full day at the plant.

Leon was a member of the VFW and he enjoyed traveling. He suffered a mild stroke after Marvel’s death in 1999 and dementia became a downhill battle for Leon. He entered the Newell Good Samaritan Center, where his quick wit kept the staff laughing.

He leaves to mourn his son, Bruce (Linda) Ohrlund of Rock Island, Illinois; his stepson, Rick (Becky) Fix of Storm Lake; stepdaughter, Jane (Steve) Culbertson of Storm Lake; grandchildren, Holly (Chris) Svendsen-Reap, Tyler Culbertson, Kelly Fix and Casey Fix; his brother, Robert (Dorothy) Ohrlund of Storm Lake; sister-in-law, Roma (Robert) Lovett of Ida Grove; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Preceding Leon in death were his mother and father; his wife, Marvel; and his sister, Donna Lou (Walter Jr.) Huber.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Tom Kruse
November 17, 1930-March 31, 2006

April 5, 2006, page B-5

IOWA FALLS—Tom Kruse, 75, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, March 31, 2006, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 5, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls, with burial in the Steamboat Rock Cemetery. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Thomas Arnold Kruse, was born on November 17, 1930 in Abbott, the son of Thomas and Kate (Folkerts) Kruse. He graduated from the Steamboat Rock High School and Ellsworth Community College in accounting. Tom was united in marriage to LaVonne Harrenstein on July 22, 1955 in Wellsburg. In 1953, Tom began working for the Iowa Veterinary Supply. In 1966, Tom purchased the company with a partner and in 1983, Tom became the sole owner. Over the past two decades, the company has grown from 20 people to more than 500 people in the year 2006. Tom has served on various boards for the animal health distribution business. Under his direction for more than 53 years, IVESCO (formerly Iowa Veterinary Supply) remains one of the few successful family owned companies in the industry. With his unique combination of intellect, patience and leadership, his loss will be felt deeply not only within IVESCO, but within the entire industry.

Tom was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and a friend to many. He was active in the Ellsworth Booster Club and was a member of the Iowa Falls Elks Club BPOE No. 1674. He was involved in the Scenic City Civic Foundation and contributed to various different community projects in Iowa Falls. Tom also was very involved in furthering the Kingdom of God through his efforts with Campus Crusade for Christ. His strength and generosity has touched countless lives. We will dearly miss his strong and loving presence in our lives, yet we rejoice today that he is resting in peace in the presence of Jesus and those who have gone before him.

Tom is survived by his wife, LaVonne; a son, Thomas J. Kruse of Iowa Falls; a daughter, Lisa Kruse of Seattle, Washington; two granddaughters, Crissa Stephens of Washington, D.C. and Cady Stephens of Marion, Indiana; two grandsons, Nikolas Stephens of Waterloo and Jackson Kruse of Omaha, Nebraska; three sisters, Irene Espe and husband, Arnold of Cedar Rapids, Ruth Bleeker of Steamboat Rock and Shirley Meester and husband, Al of Dike; two brothers, Ernest Kruse and wife, Eileen of Ackley and Arnold Kruse and wife, Beulah of Jamestown, North Dakota; and a son-in-law, Dan Stephens of Waterloo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Suzanne Stephens; and two brothers, Ronald and Donald Kruse.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006

Dallas Wagoner
June 21, 1931-March 31, 2006

April 8, 2006, page 6

IOWA FALLS—Dallas Wagoner, 74, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, March 31, 2006, at the Franklin County General Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 4, at the First Christian Church, Iowa Falls. Burial was in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Dallas Lowell Wagoner, was born on June 21, 1931 at Alden, the son of Paul Leonard and Anna Louise (Mutzel) Wagoner. He attended the Upper Maynes Grove, Bradford and Hampton Schools. He was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Mittelstadt on January 1, 1953, at the First Christian Church, Iowa Falls. To this union four children were born, Douglas, Kimberly, Jeffrey and Todd. Dallas served with the U.S. Army from June 1953 to May 1955. Dallas was a truck driver retiring in 1993.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, Iowa Falls and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 1674, Iowa Falls.

Dallas L. Wagoner is survived by his children, Douglas Wagoner of Iowa Falls, Kimberly Muhlenbruch and husband, Dallas of Dows, Jeffrey Wagoner and wife, Heather of Iowa Falls and Todd Wagoner and partner, Dan Weninger of Minneapolis, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren, Jason (Kara) Wagoner of Iowa Falls, Tony (Steph) Wagoner of Huxley, Ryan Muhlenbruch of Waterloo, Tyler (Allison) Muhlenbruch of Sheffield, Trevor and Travis Muhlenbruch of Dows, Zach Wagoner of Ankeny, Mitch Wagoner of Iowa Falls, Parker Wagoner of Ankeny, Ronnie and Zachary Frazier and Kolby, Keisha, Kayla and Liz Wagoner, all of Iowa Falls; and two great-grandchildren, Chase and Chelsey Wagoner of Iowa Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anna Wagoner; his wife, Barbara Wagoner; an infant sister, Lucille Wagoner; and three brothers, Raymond, LeRoy and Russell Wagoner.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2006