Gerry Biery
Friday, June 8, 2011

August 3, 2011

IOWA FALLS—A memorial luncheon will take place for Gerry Biery, who passed away on Friday, June 8, 2011. This is in lieu of a funeral or memorial service.

The luncheon will take place on Saturday, August 6, from noon to 2:00 p.m., in the basement of First Christian Church, Iowa Falls. Friends and family are invited to attend.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Harold L. Meyer
Monday, August 1, 2011

August 6, 2011

WATERLOO—Harold L. Meyer, 75, originally from the Iowa Falls/Hampton area, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2011, in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 5, at the Grace Lutheran Church, Waterloo.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

August 6, 2011

ELDORA—A memorial service for longtime Hardin County resident, Kathryn Foster, will be held on Saturday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eldora. Kathryn peacefully went to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 10, 2011, in Plano, Texas. Following the memorial service at St. Paul's, there will be a brief committal service in the East Lawn Memory Gardens. A light lunch will then be served at St. Paul's allowing family and friends the opportunity to visit and reminisce about Kathryn's life.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Wendell Dean Jones
August 25, 1929-August 8, 2011

August 13, 2011

IOWA FALLS—Wendell Dean Jones, 81, died on Monday, August 8, 2011, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 11, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Carol Myers and the Rev. Dr. Jeff Blackman officiating. Burial was in the Alden Cemetery in Alden. The Boeke Funeral Home of Hubbard, was in charge of the arrangements.

Wendell Dean Jones, was born on August 25, 1929, in Popejoy. He was the youngest son of William and Elsie (Van Patter) Jones. Dean attended school in the Popejoy and Hubbard areas. He worked as a mechanic most of his life in the Iowa Falls area. On August 5, 1948, Dean and Virginia (Kisner) were united in marriage at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. To this union two children were born, Randy and LuAnn.

Dean loved and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, hunting, boating and vacations in Minnesota. He also loved helping with 4-H projects.

Dean is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia; son, Randy and wife, Susan of Princeton, Missouri; daughter, LuAnn and husband, Gary of Iowa Falls; four grandchildren, Chris Jones, Trent and wife, Lacy Jones, all of Princeton, Missouri, Andrew and wife, Tracy Raisch of Alden and Kathryn and husband, Travis Kloetzer of Hampton; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kathy Kisner of Chicago, Illinois; along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elsie; sister and brother-in-law, Edna and John Ellefson; brother, Donald; and an infant brother.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Vera Marie Olesen
November 12, 1925-August 10, 2011

August 13, 2011

IOWA FALLS—Vera Marie Olesen, 85, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at the Heritage Care Center, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 15, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Arlington, with burial in the Taylorville Cemetery, Arlington. Visitation will be from 2-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Linn's Funeral Home Iowa Falls Chapel and one hour before the services at the church.

Vera Marie Putnam, was born on November 12, 1925 at Arlington, the daughter of Edna (Meisgeier) and Arthur Herman Putnam. She graduated from the Jesup High School with the class of 1944. She was united in marriage to Irvin Madden on September 10, 1950 at Independence; they were later divorced. On April 2, 1960, she was united in marriage to Wilbur "Ole" Olesen at Cedar Rapids. She was a nurses aide in Iowa Falls, a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls and the American Legion Auxiliary of Post #188, Iowa Falls.

Vera Marie Olesen, is survived by her step-children, Donald (Susan) Olesen of Newburg, Oregon, Gloria Olesen of Franklin, Tennessee, Denny (Debra) Olesen of Baytown, Texas and Doug (Linda) Olesen of Pasadena, Texas; several grand- and great-grandchildren; and one brother, Weslie (Bernita) Putnam of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Edna Putnam; her husband, Ole Olesen; two infant sons, Irvin Madden Jr. and Dennis Ray Madden; two sisters, Gertrude Putnam and Hilda Beltz; and four brothers, Dale Putnam, Royden Putnam, Loyd Putnam and Lester Putnam.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Vera Ackerman
September 28, 1921-August 11, 2011

August 17, 2011

IOWA FALLS—Vera Ackerman, 89, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2011, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 15, at the Linn's Funeral Chapel, Iowa Falls. Burial was in the Northlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Vera Geerdes, was born on September 28, 1921 at Wellsburg, the daughter of Hilka (Tjaden) and Albert Geerdes. She attended country school near Wellsburg. On December 6, 1942, Vera was united in marriage to Lawrence Vernon Ackerman at Wellsburg. To this union five children were born, Sandi, Anthony, Bruce, Susan and Cindy. Vera was a homemaker and mother to her children. She started work with Farmland Foods, Iowa Falls, following the death of her husband in 1968, retiring before they closed the plant. She was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Iowa Falls.

Vera Ackerman is survived by her children, Sandi (James) Baldwin of Iowa Falls, Anthony (Judith) Ackerman of Iowa Falls and Cindy (Phil) Gough of Margate, Florida; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gladys Eckhoff of Ackley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Hilka Geerdes; her husband, Lawrence Ackerman; her children and their spouses, Bruce and Peggy Ackerman and Susan and Ed Miller; two sisters, Thelma Slinker and Tilda Hook; and two brothers, Jacob Geerdes and Wayne Geerdes.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Lawrence Woods
March 23, 1925-August 12, 2011

August 20, 2011

IOWA FALLS—Lawrence Woods, 86, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, August 12, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 17, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. The Surls Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Lawrence J. Woods, was born on March 23, 1925, to Harry and Hazel (Gatton) Woods in Windom, Minnesota. Lawrence worked as a diesel mechanic for Martin Marietta. On March 14, 1948, Lawrence was united in marriage to Ilo "Ike" Dillon in Algona.

Lawrence was a member of the Masons and the United Methodist Church.

Lawrence is survived by a daughter, Penny Woods of Des Moines; and son, Rick (Judy) Woods of Iowa Falls.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife, Ike; a daughter, Darcie Mead; a son, Rocky Woods; his parents; and a brother, Walter Woods.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Jean Tesdahl
February 22, 1931-August 13, 2011

August 17, 2011

RADCLIFFE—Jean Tesdahl, 80, of Radcliffe, died on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 16, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Radcliffe, with burial in the Radcliffe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Lutheran Church or the Mary Greeley Oncology Unit. The Boeke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Jean Lois (Brinkmeyer) Tesdahl, was born on February 22, 1931 at Hubbard, in the farm home of her parents, Paul and Amelia (Mannetter) Brinkmeyer. She was baptized by the Rev. Adolph Matzner and confirmed by the Rev. Oscar J. Rumpf in the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hubbard. Jean attended the Sunset Corners Concord #1 country school, a short walk from her home. She attended the Hubbard and Radcliffe High Schools and graduated from the Radcliffe High School in 1949. On August 20, 1949, she married Cecil Tesdahl in the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hubbard. They farmed 41 years in the Hubbard-Radcliffe area, and remained on the farm until 1994, when they moved into Radcliffe.

Jean enjoyed many hobbies including reading, sewing (sewing many dresses and formals for her daughters), quilting, golfing and painting birdhouses. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was happiest when their home was full of family. She was an active member of the Our Savior's WELCA and after they joined Salem Lutheran Church, she became active in the Women's Missionary Fellowship. Jean also taught Sunday School and served on the Altar Guild.

Jean is survived by her husband, Cecil of Radcliffe; four daughters, Carole (Dwain) Thomas of Coatesville, Pennslvania, Ann Hay of Marshalltown, Beth (Peter) Busacca of Sammamish, Washington and Sandy (Blake) Davis of Colorado Springs, Colorado; eight grandchildren, Robert Sage, Lisa Neitenbach, Mishelle McCammant, Erica Martin, Bryan Hay, Tyler Davis, Jordan Davis and Nicole Busacca; four great-grandchildren, Andrew, Caitlin, Evelyn and Wally; four sisters, Frieda Larson and Charlotte Wilson, both of Iowa Falls, Marian Herrington of Story City and twin sister, Joan Juehring of Iowa Falls; three brothers, Kermit of St. Louis, Missouri, Paul "Hans" of Radcliffe and Philip of Hubbard; along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald and Freeman; and a sister, Kathleen Murray.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Lucile Edith Dohrmann
Saturday, August 13, 2011

August 20, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas—Lucile Edith Dohrmann, 93, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of Hampton, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at the Arlington Memorial Hospital in Arlington, Texas.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 19, at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Latimer, with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Dolores M. Hicks
October 7, 1917-August 16, 2011

August 24, 2011

HAMPTON—Dolores M. Hicks, 93, of Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 20, at the Morgan United Methodist Church east of Dows. Pastor Erling Schultz officiated. Burial took place in the Morgan Church Cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home in Dows, was in charge of the arrangements.

Dolores Marie (Hackbarth) Hicks, was born on the family farm in Morgan Township, Franklin County, to Ernest and Louise (Rankin) Hackbarth on October 7, 1917. She attended country school until the end of the seventh grade. Her name was mistakenly put on the list to take the exam to enter high school. After passing the exam, she skipped the eighth grade and entered high school. In 1934, Dolores graduated from Dows and worked at home two years before attending Thompson Cosmetology School in Des Moines. After passing state boards, she opened a beauty shop in Dows, which she operated for three and one half years. On April 13, 1941, Easter Sunday, she married Richard Hicks at the home of her parents' in Morgan Township. The newlyweds built and lived in a house on his family farm for two and a half years before they moved to Humboldt, where they lived for three years before returning to the Hicks family farm and remained for the duration of their active years.

To this new family, four children were born, Thomas, Linda, David and Patricia. There are 10 grandchildren, five girls and five boys, all of whom have college degrees and 10 great-grandchildren. The grandkids' favorite memory is having cookies for breakfast, playing in the creek, getting muddy from head to toe and Grandma hosing them off to clean them up before the parents arrived!

Dolores was a lifetime member of the Morgan United Methodist Church of rural Dows. She taught Sunday School for many years and had her own children as well as grandchildren in class. Teaching was one of the highlights of her life. She was a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service, assisted with church programs and baked many raisin creme pies for the Ice Cream Social.

Preceding Dolores in death include her husband of 70 years, Richard, who passed only four months ago; her parents; two brothers, Carroll and Milton Hackbarth; and one sister, Faith Mandal.

Dolores is survived by her children, Thomas (Janis) Hicks, Linda (Merrill) Ahrens, David (Lois) Hicks, all of rural Hampton and Patricia (Charlie) Peterson of Waconia, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kim Hicks Jacobsen of Dows, Shelley Ahrens of Rochester, Minnesota, Ann Hicks of Muncie, Indiana, Cindy Ahrens Dockter of Byron, Minnesota, Jennifer Hicks Lohrbach of Ames, Paul Peterson of Kansas City, Kansas, James Hicks of Overland Park, Kansas, Craig Peterson of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Jon Hicks of Cummings and Scott Peterson of Overland Park, Kansas; 10 great-grandchildren with the 11th on the way; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Carroll Vern Rugland
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

August 20, 2011

HAMPTON—Carroll Vern Rugland, 76, of Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 22, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton. Visitation will be from 2-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Burial will be at a later date.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Edward Scully
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

August 20, 2011

PARKERSBURG—Edward Scully, 76, of Parkersburg, died on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 19, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg. Burial was in the St. John's United Church of Christ Cemetery in rural Waverly. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Rudolf Sents
Thursday, August 18, 2011

August 24, 2011

APLINGTON—Rudolf Sents, 91, of Aplington, died on Thursday, August 18, 2011, at the Maple Manor Village in Aplington, from natural causes.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 22, at the Aplington Baptist Church, with burial in the Pleasant View Cemetery, both in Aplington. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Aplington, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Ethel Marie Lenning
February 19, 1919-August 20, 2011

August 27, 2011

MINNETONKA BEACH, Minnesota—Ethel Marie Lenning, 92, of Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota and formerly of Radcliffe, died on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at her daughter’s residence in Minnetonka Beach.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 26, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Radcliffe. Pastor Franz and sons-in-law, Pastors Steven Borwick and Jerry Erickson officiated. Ethel was buried in the Radcliffe Cemetery. The Boeke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ethel Marie (Charlson) Lenning, was born in Hamilton County on February 19, 1919, to Oscar and Maggie (Burke) Charlson and lived in the Radcliffe and Randall areas most of her life. She graduated from the Randall High School. She married Glenn O. Lenning on February 20, 1937. Ethel was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the Salem Lutheran Church of Radcliffe, where she taught Sunday School and participated in Ladies Aid and other church activities. She enjoyed reading, baking and raising flowers, but her great love and enjoyment was her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; her parents; and five brothers, Carter, Orville, Earl, Lyle and Wilmer "Bill" Charlson.

Left to cherish her memory are four daughters, Gloria and her husband, Ron Glesne of Lady Lake, Florida, Virginia and her husband, Steven Borwick of Greenville, Illinois, Rebecca and her husband, Jerry Erickson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Roberta and her husband, John Kloss of Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota; two sons, Gene and his wife, Lonna of Huntsville, Alabama and Steven Lenning of Iowa City; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, including Michelle (Glesne) Sween and sons, Nick and Michael; Layne and wife, Kathy Lenning and daughters, Lydia and Lindsey; Les and wife, Stacey Lenning and sons, Lucas and Sam; Chris and wife, Anne Borwick and children, Eli, Sophie and Abby; Rachel (Borwick) and husband, Doug Stotts and children, Amelia and Owen; Bryan Erickson, Lynnea (Erickson) and husband, Erik Sundman; Krista (Erickson) and husband, Tyler Hall; Heather (Kloss) and husband, Jason Anderson; Tom, Joelle and Tyler Kloss; a sister, Sylvia Doolittle; a brother, Herbert (Mike) Charlson; three sisters- in-law, Ruth and Mary Charlson and Dorothy Lenning; and many nieces and nephews.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Claire Carolus
July 7, 1935-August 21, 2011

August 27, 2011

ACKLEY—Claire Carolus, 76, of Ackley, died on Sunday, August 21, 2011, at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 24, at the Washington Reformed Church, with burial following in the Washington Reformed Cemetery. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley was in charge of the arrangements.

Claire was born on July 7, 1935 in Butler County, son of John and Anna Carolus. He married Doratha Jane Ploegaer on November 5, 1957, at the Washington Reformed Church. Claire attended country school in Butler County. He farmed in the Aplington area for many years along with driving a semi. He enjoyed going to tractor pulls, spending time with his kids and grandkids and collecting tractors.

Claire is survived by his wife, Doratha; two sons, Gregory Carolus of Parkersburg and Rodney (Julie) Carolus of Ackley; one daughter, Janelle (Lonnie) Rewerts of Wellsburg; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother, Harvey (Grace) Carolus; and two sisters, Laura DeVries and JoAnn (Wilbur) Groneworld.

Claire was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Carolus; a sister in infancy; a granddaughter, Amber Geerdes; and a brother-in- law, Arnold DeVries.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Walter E. Reinert
September 2, 1932-August 22, 2011

August 27, 2011

HUBBARD—Walter E. Reinert, 78, of Hubbard, died on Monday, August 22, 2011, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 25, at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hubbard. Burial was in the Hubbard Cemetery. The Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hubbard or to the Israel Family Hospice House, Ames.

Walter Eugene Reinert, was born on September 2, 1932, southeast of Hubbard in Grant Township, the son of Waldemar and Florence (Kadolph) Reinert. He was baptized at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hubbard and confirmed on September 25, 1960, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora, by the Rev. John Zimmerman. Walter attended the Mud Swamp Grant No. 6 Country School through seventh grade, then finished his education at the Hubbard High School and graduated with the Class of 1950. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean conflict for 16 months. Walter worked for the highway and area farmers after returning home in 1958, at which time he began farming five miles northwest of Eldora. On January 20, 1960, he married Lola Schultz. In 1973, they moved to the home place southeast of Hubbard and continued farming until he retired.

Walter was active in church, a member of the American Legion for 57 years, served on the Lawn Hill Cooperative Board and took care of the Tipton Grant Cemetery. His wife Lola, his children, grandchildren, family and friends were the joy of his life.

Walter is survived by his wife, Lola of Hubbard; children, Marian and husband, Pete Gehrls of Iowa Falls, Shirley Reinert of Omaha, Nebraska, Connie and husband, Rodney Powell of Cedar Rapids, Eugene and wife, Jessica Reinert of Story City and Jamie Reinert of Ankeny; grandchildren, Maggie Gehrls, Sadie, Jacey and Justin Powell and Joseph and Jaden Reinert; along with other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt C. and Florence Reinert; and brother, Wallace Reinert.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Robert “Bob” Wilson
October 14, 1942-August 22, 2011

August 27, 2011

ALTOONA—Robert “Bob” Wilson, 68, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 22, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 26, at the Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, with burial following in the Altoona Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the John Stoddard Cancer Center in loving memory of Robert. Online condolences may be made to: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.

Robert was born on October 14, 1942 in Buckeye, the son of Garold and Lola (Vierkandt) Wilson. Bob proudly served his country for three years in the United States Navy. He was a service technician in the heating and cooling business for many years and retired from the Baker Group. Above all else, he cherished the time he spent with his grandsons.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Barb; sons, Mike Wilson of Texas and Rod (Dana) Wilson of Altoona; grandsons, Evan and Alex Wilson of Altoona; siblings, Betty (Gene) Kuhlmann, Pat (Dick) Olinger and Dennis (Judy) Wilson; numerous nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Ella Faye Barnhart; other loving relatives and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Edgar “Junior” Mayhew
March 30, 1928-August 23, 2011

August 27, 2011

BELMOND—Edgar “Junior” Mayhew was born at the family farm in Hancock County, Goodell, on March 30, 1928, to Edgar V. Mayhew and Leona F. (Sandry) Mayhew. He attended school in Goodell, from first through 11th grade and graduated from the Belmond Community High School in May 1946. Junior worked on the family farm up until 1989, at which time his father had a stroke and he spent the next few years caring for his elderly parents. His father passed away in May 1993 and his mother in March 1995. He continued living on the farm until failing health caused him to enter the Belmond Rehabilitation Center in June 2005. This is where he resided until his death on August 23, 2011, due to complications following a stroke.

Junior enjoyed numerous things in his life, some included watching television, playing bingo, as well as doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles. Junior also loved to talk about John Deere tractors.

Edgar’s love and memories will continue on with his sister, Gladys Marie Sprugel, a resident of the Scenic Manor, Iowa Falls; two nieces, Vicki L. Sprugel of Marshalltown and Beth (Brent) Hendricks of Grinnell and their two sons, Isaac B. Hendricks and Zachary W. Hendricks; along with several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar V. and Leona; grandparents; brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Sprugel; and a great-nephew, Justin Hendricks.

A private graveside service will be at a later date. The Andrews Funeral Homes in Belmond, is handling the arrangements. The family would like to thank the Belmond Rehabilitation Center and the Wright County Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care that he had received.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Russell A. Schneider
March 15, 1922-August 23, 2011

August 27, 2011

IOWA FALLS—Russell A. Schneider, 89, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 29, at the Linn’s Funeral Chapel, Iowa Falls. A time of visitation will be from 5- to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 28, at the Linn’s Funeral Home, Iowa Falls. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg. Memorials may be directed to the Scenic City Empress River Boat Club, Iowa Falls.

Russell Alden Schneider, was born on March 15, 1922 at Fayette, the son of Milo J. and Vera (Leverton) Schneider. He attended the Fayette Community Schools. After graduating from high school he went to Cedar Rapids to attend welding school. He worked for LaPlant Choate building road construction equipment and later the plant was turning into a defense plant making small-scale construction equipment that could be transported by airplanes. On October 5, 1941, he was united in marriage to Virginia Hildred Benner at his parents’ home in Fayette. After sustaining a back injury, Russell went to work for Singer Sewing Machine as a repairman and later a salesman and store manager. In March 1950, Russell and Virginia moved to Iowa Falls and opened Iowa Falls Sewing Machine in a one-room shop. Eventually this expanded into a double-front main street store with fabrics, notions, crafts and needlework in addition to sewing machines. They ran the store together until 1992. In the ‘60s and ‘70s they also had a small cow/calf operation next to their house on River Road. The couple also enjoyed boating on the Iowa River and other places.

Russell Schneider is survived by his wife, Virginia Schneider of Iowa Falls; a sister, Sally Knott of Sun City, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Vera Schneider; and a nephew, Curt Brandt.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Verna L. Evans
January 18, 1925-August 23, 2011

September 3, 2011

DOWS—Verna Lavonne Evans, 86, of Dows, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 26, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows, with the Rev. Dr. Ronald Yarnell officiating. Interment was in the Otis Grove Cemetery in Dows. The Dugger Funeral Home of Dows, was in charge of the arrangements.

Verna Lavonne Evans, was born on January 18, 1925, to Lorenz and Elsa Ratzke Klaffke at Buckeye. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She graduated from the Popejoy High School in 1943. After graduation she worked as a cashier in the area including the Dows Farmers State Bank and the Williams Savings Bank. On January 23, 1946, she was united in marriage to Lawrence A. Evans in Alden. To this union three daughters were born, Linda Kay, Lana Rae and Lavon Ann.

Verna was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Dows, where she held offices and was very active in the FLCW. She also served on the church council and taught Sunday School.

Verna is survived by her daughters, Linda Herrington of Omaha, Nebraska, Lana Evans of Dows and Lavon (John) Marshall of Clarion; grandchildren, Brian (fiancée, Jill) Oliver, Eric (Jill) Oliver, Lindsay (John) Sadlemyer and Courtney (Cody) Senn; step-grandchildren, Suzanne Marshall, Kristina Marshall and Kathleen (Jerad) Watts; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Velma Bolles of Minnesota, Vernita (Arch) White of Ankeny and Violet Hinz of Waterloo; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Marcella Ann DeBower
Tuesday, August 23, 2011

August 27, 2011

BRISTOW—Marcella Ann DeBower, 74, of Bristow, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 26, at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Greene, with burial in the church cemetery. The Sietsema- Vogel Funeral Home in Allison, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Sylvia Henrietta Winkowitsch
Tuesday, August 23, 2011

August 27, 2011

BRISTOW—Sylvia Henrietta Winkowitsch, 72, of Bristow, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 26, at the Bristow Reformed Church, with burial in the Allison Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Sherman Cleveland
June 26, 1929-August 24, 2011

August 27, 2011

ALDEN—Sherman Cleveland, 82, of Alden, died on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at the Israel Hospice House in Ames.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 27, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alden, with burial in the Bethany Cemetery in Kelly. The Surls Funeral Home in Alden, is in charge of the arrangements. On August 24, at 1:30 a.m., a gentle soul was taken home. Sherman Lee Cleveland, a wonderful husband and father, passed away at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Sherm was born on June 26, 1929, baptized on July 21, and was confirmed in the faith at the Fjeldberg Lutheran Church in Ames. Sherm served his country after the Korean Conflict. He married Darlene Meyer on August 30, 1958, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alden. To this union was born Nancy, Kari and Ole. Sherm was a hardworking, honest man who farmed north of Alden. He raised pigs, fed cattle and cultivated corn and soybeans for more than 50 years. In his retirement years he bred, raised and showed purebred Hampshire pigs in which he became known for his champion genetics throughout the United States. During those years, he had a number of boars and gilts win champion and reserve champion ribbons at the Iowa State Fair. When not working on the farm, he could be found in the outdoors hunting and fishing.

Sherm believed in doing his part for the community by serving on many boards: Hardin County Fair, Co-op Elevator, and the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He never met a person he couldn’t have a conversation with. Sherm graduated from the Colo High School in 1947, where he was known as a good baseball pitcher. He never lost interest in the game and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports and hardly missed a game.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughters, Nancy (Eric) Peterson and Kari (Erich) Kretzinger; his son, Ole (Kristin); five grandchildren, Alex and Sonja Kretzinger and Espen, Finn and Soren Cleveland; one brother, Erik (Mary) Cleveland; nephews, Erik, Martin (Sharon) and Jim; niece, Linda (Jim) O’Keefe; and a great-niece, Bridget O’Keefe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Alma (Lee) Cleveland.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Doris Oskvig
June 1, 1924-August 24, 2011

August 27, 2011

WILLIAMS—Doris Oskvig, 87, of Williams, died on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 28, at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls, with burial in Radcliffe. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services.

Doris June Oskvig, was born on June 1, 1924, on a farm four miles northwest of Radcliffe, to Albert and Nellie Olson. Doris was baptized at the Salem Lutheran Church southwest of Radcliffe. She attended country school for eight years, one mile west of the farm. She was confirmed at the Salem Lutheran Church and graduated from the Radcliffe High School in 1942. With her normal teacher training earned in high school and continued teacher education at Simpson and Ellsworth Colleges. Doris taught first through eighth grade in rural schools south of Radcliffe and west of Hubbard for several years.

On Sunday, February 24, 1952, Doris was united in marriage with Clarence Oskvig of Alden, at the Salem Lutheran Church southwest of Radcliffe. Doris and Clarence raised two sons, Carroll and Paul. Carroll lives in Milford with his wife, Martha and youngest son, Keith. Carroll and Martha’s older children are Jason of Ankeny and Kyle and Kay of Iowa City. Their youngest son, Paul has lived, farmed and cared for his parents on the Oskvig Century Farm. Doris and Clarence have made that farm their home since 1959. Doris was a member of the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Williams.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Nellie; sister, Maxine; and brother, Milford.

She is survived by her husband, Clarence; two sons, Carroll and Paul Oskvig; and two sisters, Vivian Quam of Ames and Diane Stockdale of Cedar Falls.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Connor D. Tjarks
December 6, 1933-August 24, 2011

September 3, 2011

BOCA RATON, Florida—Connor D. Tjarks, 77, of Boca Raton, Florida, died on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, August 31, in the Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Military Honors were performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Memorials may be made to the Mason City High School Scholarship Fund.

Connor D. Tjarks, was born on December 6, 1933 in Mason City, the son of Henry O. and Vesta F. (Davis) Tjarks. He graduated from the Mason City High School in 1952. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 and served in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1957. He then went on to the University of Iowa where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He later received a Master's Degree in Library Science from Western Michigan University. He was director of the library at Drake University for nine years and went on to work at the Virginia Commonwealth University for seven years. Connor then spent the rest of his years at Florida Atlantic University as associate director of libraries until his death.

Connor enjoyed traveling the United States and going to the University of Iowa football games. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta.

He is survived by his sister, Carolyn (Tjarks) Kniemeyer and her husband, Justin of Port St. Lucie, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory of Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Edith Harms
January 31, 1928-August 25, 2011

August 31, 2011

ACKLEY—Edith Harms, 83, of Ackley, died on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at the Covenant Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 29, at the St John’s UCC, with burial following in the Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, was in charge of the arrangements.

Edith Louise Kreimeyer, daughter of Rudolph and Minnie Kreimeyer, was born on January 31, 1928 in Ackley. She was baptized in the parental home on February 7, 1928, by the Rev. E. Seybold. She was confirmed on March 29, 1942 at the St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Ackley. On August 10, 1950, she was joined in marriage to Ralph Harms at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She was an active member of the St. John’s UCC and its Willing Workers society. She quilted and made rugs for their fundraisers. She also taught Sunday School and assisted with the Youth Program. She spent many hours in the church kitchen organizing and cooking for the church dinners.

Edith was an active partner in farming with her husband, Ralph. She kept a large garden and loved to see the fruits of the harvest. She was an excellent seamstress and spent many hours making beautiful quilts. She especially loved making baby quilts for her grandchildren and many others. She was always happiest helping others. She worked as a nurse’s aide for 10 years at the Presbyterian Home. She also cared for her parents in their elder years and her two grandchildren during their toddler years. She was called home to our Lord on August 25, 2011.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph; daughter, Marjorie (Don) Hayes; son, Eugene (Marie) Harms; two grandsons, Alexander and Christian; and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Charles Kreimeyer.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Matilda Lois (Lauterbach) Johnson
Friday, August 26, 2011

August 31, 2011

ALLISON—Matilda Lois (Lauterbach) Johnson, 83, of Allison, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 31, at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Lillian Virginia (Mellott) Schutt
Saturday, August 27, 2011

August 31, 2011

HAMPTON—Lillian Virginia (Mellott) Schutt, 86, of Hampton, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 1, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, with burial at a later date. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Andy E. McComb
December 20, 1934-August 28, 2011

August 31, 2011

ALTOONA—Andy E. McComb, 76, died on Sunday, August 28, 2011.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, September 2, at the Capitol City Baptist Church, Des Moines. The family will greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 1, at the Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, Des Moines. Online condolences may be made to: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

He was born on December 20, 1934 in Grand Junction, Iowa, to Andy and Mae McComb. Andy’s professional career as a federal grain inspector spanned nearly 50 years, including owning Central Iowa Grain Inspection Service.

Andy is survived by his wife, Sherryl; children, Doug McComb, Angie (John) Cushing and Daryn (Carla) McComb; five grandchildren, Cassie McComb, Wesley McComb, Mackenzie Stevens, Linley McComb and Cameron Stevens; Sherryl’s children, Pam (Tom) Goodman, Briane Colwill, Scott (Julie) Allen, Traci (Jeff) Wagner and Mindy (Denny) Fish; Sherryl’s 11 grandchildren; two sisters; and three brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Armin W. H. Passehl
Sunday, August 28, 2011

August 31, 2011

LATIMER—Armin W. H. Passehl, 90, of Latimer, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 1, at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Latimer, with burial in the Marion Center Cemetery, rural Latimer. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Latimer.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

J. Fred Freese
Sunday, August 28, 2011

August 31, 2011

ACKLEY—J. Fred Freese, 91, of Ackley, died on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 31, at the St. John’s UCC, with burial to follow in the Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Gladys Ellingson
January 27, 1917-August 29, 2011

September 3, 2011

IOWA FALLS—Gladys Ellingson, age 94, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday, August 29, 2011, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, September 5, at the First United Methodist Church, with burial in the Northlawn Memory Gardens, rural Iowa Falls. Visitation will be from 3-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Surls Funeral in Iowa Falls.

Gladys Evelyn Brown Ellingson, was born on January 27, 1917, in Hardin Township, Iowa, to Frank M. and Bessie Cleo (Sherman) Brown. She graduated from country school, Hardin Township, District #4 and then the Iowa Falls High School. Following high school, she worked at Swift & Co. She met Merle Ellingson at a community dance in Alden. Gladys and her friends danced at many local locations and especially Siloam Springs. They danced to Lawrence Welk and his orchestra long before he became a famous TV band leader. Gladys chose Merle to be her life partner from among other suitors because she decided that he was the best dancer! For fifty plus years, Gladys and Merle continued to be recognized as the best dancers on the floor.

Merle and Gladys were married on February 11, 1942, at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls. They began farming and lived in several Oakland Township locations before purchasing the current home farm in rural Alden in 1956, and they were glad to be done farming by the river! After spending all their savings on the farm, the couple decided not to spend the extra money for the crop insurance that they had purchased for years, but never had to use. The new farm crop was destroyed by hail and both Merle and Gladys went to work nights at the Ackley canning factory to save the farm and to support their 3 young children, Renne' Ellingson, Duane Ellingson, and Dwight Ellingson.

Gladys belonged to the Prairie View Club, Supper Club, Farm Bureau Women and she was elected Farm Bureau Women's District Chairman. She loved being a 4-H leader for Lee's Leading Ladies (later to become Tri-L) for 30 years-- earning a state of Iowa Volunteer Service Award in 1989. She was an active member of the Lee Center United Methodist Women and a Lee Center Sunday School teacher. She served over 40 years as treasurer and financial secretary for the Lee Center United Methodist Church and she was a loyal member of the Women of the Moose. Gladys loved to garden and to cook for her family and friends.

Gladys lived to be 94 years old, all of her married years spent on the farm, including 18 years by herself after Merle passed. She had a stroke on June 4, 2011 and she entered the Heritage Care Center. She ended her life as she wished, sleeping away her final days, surrounded by her kids and grandkids laughing and telling Grama Gladys stories. She died peacefully, with Renne' and Dwight by her side…a long life, well lived.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Fern Evangeline Conrad Wix
Monday, August 29, 2011

August 31, 2011

ALLISON—Fern Evangeline Conrad Wix, 92, of Allison, passed away at the Allison Rehabilitation Center on Monday, August 29, 2011.

A memorial service will be held at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 2. Inurnment in the Allison Cemetery will be at a later date. The Sietsema- Vogel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Esther Cooper
Tuesday, August 30, 2011

September 3, 2011

HAMPTON—Esther Cooper, 88, of Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 2, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton, with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Evelyn A. Stewart
Tuesday, August 30, 2011

September 3, 2011

HAMPTON—Evelyn A. Stewart, 87, of Latimer, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Graveside services will be held in the Coulter Cemetery on Tuesday, September 6, at 11:00 a.m. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Homes of Hampton, is in charge of the services.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011

Raymond P. Drew
Wednesday, August 31, 2011

September 24, 2011

HAMPTON—Raymond P. Drew, 80, of Hampton, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Following a private service, the family will greet friends and former clients, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2011