GARNER — Warren W. Thada, 76, of Garner, died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Garner, with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, where other arrangements are incomplete.

MASON CITY — Peter "Pete" Smidt, 74, of 501 N. Massachusetts Ave., died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City.

MASON CITY — Marlen Eugene Kleven, 75, of 1023 Third St. N.E., died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.

FOREST CITY — Jimmy Wilson, 54, of Mason City, died Sunday (March 29, 1998) at home in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, with the Rev. Clyde Kieschnick, of St. Paul Lutheran of Garner, officiating. Burial will be in Madison Township Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Jimmy Wilson was born April 6, 1943, in Forest City.

Survivors include one daughter, Robin Wilson, of Britt; many stepchildren; one grandchild; many stepgrandchildren; six sisters, Marjorie Heimdal, Paramount, Calif., Betty Hockett, Forest City, Bonnie Steiff, Forest City, June Zuehl, Britt, Gloria Sieh, Clear Lake, and Barbara Etzen, of Mason City; and two brothers, Clyde Wilson, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Jerry Wilson, Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and infant daughter.

LATIMER — Elsie Hietland Harris, 81, of Latimer, died Monday (March 30, 1998) at the Extended Care Unit of Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel United Church of Christ, with the Rev. James Barge officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Willim Funeral Home in Latimer.

Elsie Hietland Harris was born March 17, 1917, in Richland Township in Franklin County.

Survivors include two sisters, Helen Fredericks, of Hampton, and Mildred Johansen, of Latimer; and a brother, Raymond Hietland, of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

CHARLES CITY — Bernice C. "Bernie" Butler, 73, 404 Ferguson St., died Monday (March 30, 1998) at home.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, U.S. Highway 18 and Clark Street, with Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from noon to 9 p.m. today at the Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., with a 3 p.m. rosary by St. Theresa’s Circle and a 7 p.m. Parish Scriptural wake service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass on Thursday at the church.

Bernice Carolyn Piper was born Feb. 1, 1925, in Mountain Lake, Minn.

Survivors include her husband, Bill, of Charles City; two daughters, Jill Schroeder, of Apple Valley, Minn., and Jean Kinard, of Cedar Falls; four grandsons, and one sister, Maxine Singsaas, of Fairbanks, Alaska.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to North Iowa Hospice, Charles City Satellite, or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

NORA SPRINGS — Mabel I. McManus, 85, of 204 Second St. S.W., Apt. F, died Monday (March 30, 1998) at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Nora Springs Christian Church, 102 N. Hawkeye, with the Rev. Greg Lugn officiating. Burial will be in Rock Grove Cemetery in Nora Springs.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye, and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

Mabel I. McManus was born March 22, 1913, at Max, Minn., the daughter of Edwin and Eslie (Scofield) Robertson. She grew up in Nora Springs and received her education at Nora Springs schools. She later attended Hamilton Business College.

On Dec. 31, 1936, she married Marshall McManus at Nora Springs.

Mabel enjoyed making baby quilts and embroidery. She also enjoyed visiting with her friends and family and watching the birds outside.

She was a longtime member of Nora Springs Christian Church and enjoyed going to the Senior Citizens Center.

Those left to cherish her memory are eight children: Michael McManus and his wife, Mary, of Talala, Okla.; Shirley Neve, Nora Springs; Helen Smith, Mason City; Carolyn Berding and her husband, LeRoy, Mason City; Alice Smith, Nora Springs; Sandra Prescott and her husband, Jerry, Sheffield; Linda Hartwig and her husband, Dennis, Nora Springs; one daughter-in-law, Anne McManus, St. Charles, Ill.; 29 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Florence Kelly, Nora Springs; one brother-in-law, Dick LaCoste, Rudd; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Norman; one sister, Blanche; three great-grandchildren.

MASON CITY — John Diekema, 83, died Monday (March 30, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at First Congregational Church in Clear Lake.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

John Diekema was born May 15, 1914, in Pella, Iowa. He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression. He married Alice Chumbley in 1939.

He served four years with the Army Engineer Corps during World War II in Italy and northern Africa.

He moved to the Clear Lake area in 1948. He worked as a pipeliner for William Brothers Pipeline for more than 40 years, 34 years as a maintenance foreman and many seasons after "retirement" as an inspector on projects.

John loved family, work, fishing, hunting and gardening. He thoroughly enjoyed his seven grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; two sons, John F. Diekema and his wife, Rita, of Manly; and Tom Diekema and his wife, Patty, of Ankeny; two daughters, Alice Hanley and her husband, Jim, of Clear Lake, and Mary Meier and her husband, Wolfgang, of Mason City; seven grandchildren, John T. Diekema, of Centerville, T. J. Diekema, Lauren and Alex Meier, of Mason City, and John, Adam and Theresa Hanley, of Clear Lake; and one sister, Gert Bloodsworth, of Pella.

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

MASON CITY — Dixie Warner Shaffer, 66, of 651 Sixth St. S.E., died Sunday (March 29, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Kathy Graves, chaplain of Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Dixie Warner Shaffer Memorial Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.

Dixie Warner Shaffer was born Aug. 23, 1931, in Knoxville, Iowa, the daughter of Rollie and Elizabeth (Dainty) Warner. Dixie attended Knoxville High School, where she graduated in 1949. Dixie worked in Des Moines and came to Mason City in the late 1950s.

Dixie married Doyle Shaffer in Mason City. She was employed at Northwestern States Portland Cement Company for several years, retiring in 1990.

Dixie enjoyed golfing and playing bridge. She was active in BPW (Business & Professional Women) and was a member of the Highland Park Golf Course.

Survivors include one brother, Glenn Warner and special friend, Maggie Graham, Mason City; niece, Dori Ashburn and her husband, Scott, Mason City; nephew, Michael Warner, Mason City; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

MASON CITY — Donovan W. Burington, 89, of 48 Brook Terrace, died Monday (March 30, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 6, at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Douglas Anderson officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery prior to services.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City.

Memorials may be given in his memory to Hospice of North Iowa or the Iowa Law School Foundation.

Donovan W. Burington was born Oct. 25, 1908, the son of James Owen and Cora (Trenary) Burington in Pocahontas, Iowa. The family moved to Spencer where he graduated from Spencer High School in 1926.

After attending Morningside College for two years, he entered the University of Iowa Law School and graduated in 1931. He practiced law in Sioux City until 1934, when at the age of 26, he was elected to the Iowa Legislature.

He served as a representative from Woodbury County and was the only surviving member of the 46th General Assembly of Iowa. He was appointed assistant attorney general for the state and served two years before returning to Spencer to practice law in the firm of Burington & Avery.

On May 1, 1937, he married Jeanne Tesdell in Des Moines.

Don served 33 months in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was released to inactive duty Feb. 1, 1946.

At that time, he came to Mason City and joined the law firm of Westfall, Laird and Burington. He served as president of the Cerro Gordo County Bar Association, the District Bar Association and the Iowa State Bar Association from 1969-1970.

In 1961, he was elected a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. From 1973 to 1978, he was president of the Iowa Law School Foundaton.

In 1978, he was the recipient of the Hancher-Finkbine Medallion, which is granted annually to an alumnus of the University of Iowa based on leadership, learning and loyalty.

Don was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Burington, Mason City; two daughters, Anne Dillaber, Denver, Colo., and Jane Coutts and her husband, Stephen, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; five grandchildren, Scott Warner, Denver, Colo., Wendy Nelson, Shawnee, Kan., Elisabeth Coutts, Zurich, Switzerland, Adam Coutts, San Francisco, Calif., and Amanda Coutts, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; and two great-grandchildren, Joel and Elizabeth Nelson, of Shawnee, Kan.

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

NORA SPRINGS — Mabel I. McManus, 85, of 204 Second St. S. W., died Monday (March 30, 1998) at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Nora Springs Christian Church, 102 N. Hawkeye, with the Rev. Greg Lugn officiating. Burial will be in Rock Grove Cemetery, Nora Springs.

Visitation will be held one hour before services today at the church.

Mabel I. McManus was born March 22, 1913, at Max, Minn., the daughter of Edwin and Eslie (Scofield) Robertson. She grew up in Nora Springs and received her education at Nora Springs schools. She later attended Hamilton Business College.

On Dec. 31, 1936, she married Marshall McManus at Nora Springs.

Mabel enjoyed making baby quilts and embroidery. She also enjoyed visiting with her friends and family and watching the birds outside.

She was a longtime member of Nora Springs Christian Church and enjoyed going to the Senior Citizens Center.

Those left to cherish her memory are eight children, Michael McManus and his wife, Mary, of Talala, Okla., Shirley Neve, Nora Springs, Helen Smith, Mason City, Carolyn Berding and her husband, LeRoy, Mason City, Alice Smith, Nora Springs, Sandra Prescott and her husband, Jerry, Sheffield, Linda Hartwig and her husband, Dennis, Nora Springs, and Mary Grauerholz and her husband, Dennis, Nora Springs; one daughterinlaw, Anne McManus, St. Charles, Ill.; 29 grandchildren; 58 greatgrandchildren; two greatgreatgrandchildren; one sister, Florence Kelly, Nora Springs; one brotherinlaw, Dick LaCoste, Rudd; and several nieces and nephews.

GRAFTON — Cordula Elisa Rena Buechele, 95, a longtime resident of Grafton, died Friday (March 27, 1998) at the Citadel Care Center, Mesa, Ariz.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, with the Rev. David Anderson of Mason City officiating. Burial will be in the Grafton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until time of services on Friday at the church.

Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, is in charge of arrangements.

Cordula was born to Otto Rosel and Ida (Simmering) Rosel on Feb. 12, 1903, at St. Ansgar, Iowa. She was baptized on March 15, 1903, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, by the Rev. W. Zanzow. On March 24, 1918, she was confirmed in the same church by the Rev. Paul Brammer.

Cordula attended school in St. Ansgar and Grafton and graduated from the Mason City High School in 1920. She attended Mason City Junior College and State Teachers College at Cedar Falls. She taught five years in country school and then three years in primary grades in Grafton.

Cordula was married to Roy C. Buechele on Aug. 23, 1925, at St. Ansgar.

She was on the Worth County Board of Education 30 years and on the Worth County Social Welfare Board for 17 years.

She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, for a number of years, teaching Sunday school, directing choir and holding offices in Ladies Aid.

She loved flowers and for many years took flowers to the church for the services. She was a leader of a Girl Scout troop, charter member of the Minerva Study Club, a member of P.E.O. Chapter DZ (Mason City) and was employed as a secretary for the Farmers Coop Grain and Lumber Company of Grafton for 35 years.

After Roy and Cordula retired, they spent their winters in Mesa, Ariz.

She is survived by a daughter and soninlaw, Mary Ann and Hugh Whitesell, of Mesa, Ariz.; three grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; eight stepgreatgrandchildren; two stepgreatgreatgrandchildren; and one brother, Adolph Rosel, of Decorah. 

MASON CITY — Harriet M. Phillips, 87, formerly of 322 21st S.E., died Monday (March 30, 1998) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services are tentatively set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Fullerton Patterson James Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. S.E., with the Rev. David Shogren of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Other arrangements are incomplete. 

MASON CITY — Marlen E. Kleven, 75, of 1023 Third St. N.E., died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Covenant Church, Highway 18 at Ohio Ave., with the Rev. Richard Murray officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at HoganBremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.

Marlen Eugene Kleven was born Sept. 8, 1922, at Coin, Minn., the son of Even G. and Anna Margaret (Robertson) Kleven.

On April 11, 1942, he married Elsie Bartelt at Princeton, Mo.

Marlen entered the U.S. Army in 1943, and during his service took part in the invasion of Normandy.

Marlen loved sports, and especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. He also was a little league umpire for many years in Mason City.

He enjoyed going to coffee in the morning at Shill's with his friends.

He was a past member of VFW Post No. 733, Mason City.

Survivors include his wife, Elsie Kleven, Mason City; five children, Eugene "Butch" Kleven and his wife, Patricia, Dwight A. Kleven, Kenneth P. Kleven and his wife, Joyce, Marcia E. Blong and her husband, Mark, and Mark E. Kleven and his wife, Pamela, all of Mason City; 12 grand-children; one great-grandchild; one brother, Gordon K. Kleven, Minneapolis, Minn.; and two sisters, Doris Wyborny, Plymouth, and Phyllis Brodin, Pine River, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Jeff Kleven; one daughter-in-law, Barbara; one sister, Ruth; and one brother, Douglas. 

GARNER — Warren W. Thada, 76, of Garner, died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Garner, with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, Garner.

Warren Willard Thada, the son of Frank F. and Minnie (Pueggel) Thada, was born March 31, 1922, at Garner.

He attended St. John's Parochial School and graduated from Garner High School in 1939. He then farmed northeast of Garner.

On Aug. 20, 1952, he was married to Veronica M. Liska at St. John's Lutheran Church. Warren continued to farm until retiring in 1988. He also drove motor homes for Winnebago Industries for six years.

He was baptized in 1922 and confirmed in 1935 at St. John's Lutheran Church where he was a member, serving as an officer of the Lutheran Layman's League and as congregational chairman, trustee, deacon and usher.

He was on the board of the Farmer's Cooperative Society in Garner and Pork Producers and Beef Producers.

He is survived by his wife, Veronica Thada, of Garner; his children, Glenn A. Thada and his wife, Jody, of Garner, and Marsha A. Doebel and her husband, Michael, of Clear Lake; a grandson, Derek Doebel; three step-grand-children, Joshua, Daniel and Jeremy Schulze; a step-great-grand-daughter, Morgan Lynn Graham; and a sister, Lillian Thada, of Fairfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Edna Thada; and a sister in infancy.

OSAGE — Jessie Elizabeth McIntyre, 92, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Faith Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Faith Home with the Rev. Arthur L. Hill officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Visitation will begin at noon Saturday at the Faith Home. Champion Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jessie Elizabeth McIntyre was born March 29, 1906, in Watertown, S.D.

Survivors include cousins, Martha Frutchey of Providence, R.I., William McIntyre Jr. of Ft. Dodge and Betty McIntyre of Vinton.

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

FOREST CITY — Olive Graber, 70, died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson, with the Rev. Perry Fruhling officiating. Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Thompson.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Winter Funeral Home, Thompson, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Olive Graber was born Feb. 7, 1928, near Thompson.

Survivors include her husband, Roger, of Forest City; a son, Gary Graber of Forest City; daughters, Sharon Graber of New Hope, Minn., and Judy Strom of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; eight sisters, Martha Hamre, Alice Johnson, Jennie Ullestad, Stella Dahl, Judith Richards, Clara Gettis, Mavis Erickson and Amy Boyum; and one brother, Jonas Ullestad.

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

GRAFTON — Alma Helena May, 102, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Rose Marie Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Grafton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Champion Funeral Home, Osage, and will continue one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.

Alma Helena May was born Sept. 28, 1895, in Grafton.

Survivors include nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, two brothers and one sister. 

BELLEVUE, Neb. — Laurence "Mac" McGruder, 62, died Wednesday (March 25, 1998) in Bellevue.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. today at the Bellevue Memorial Chapel. There will be no visitation.

Laurence was a Mason City graduate and loved working on his computer.

Please send memorials to the American Heart Association or Nebraska Organ Retrieval System, Inc.

He is survived by his significant other, Molly Smolko, Bellevue, Neb.; son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Liz McGruder, and daughter, Kessa McGruder, all of Omaha, Neb.; and grand-children, Brandon and Sydney. He was uncle to Gregory L. Kipper; Clear Lake, Renee A. Green, Mason City; Robin Kipper, of Des Moines, Yvette Green, of Mason City and Valerie Wooten of Minneapolis, Minn and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, O.E. McGruder, and sisters, Peggy Joann Kipper and Harriet Bennett.

CLARION — Althea J. Lewis, 87, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Clarion Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the United Church of Christ with the Rev. Curt Miner officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Willim Funeral Home, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

Althea Jane Richards Lewis was born May 26, 1910, in Clarion.

Survivors include two sons, Jeffrey R. of Des Moines and Allan J. of Ankeny; a sister, Frances H. Larson, Clarion; and four grand-children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers and two sisters. 

THOMPSON — Elmer M. Olson, 92, of Thompson, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Perry Fruhling officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Winter Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Elmer M. Olson was born May 21, 1905, in Kensett.

Survivors include two daughters, Bette Siekmeier and Judy Friesenborg, both of Thompson; two sons, Harlan Olson, Lake Mills, and Dan Olson, Thompson; seven grand-children; four great-grand-children; and two sisters, Edna Dishon, Appleton, Wis., and Irene Dennis, Mason City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one grandson, two brothers and three sisters. 

BELMOND — Rose Baker, 93, of Belmond, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Clarion Health Center, Clarion.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the United Church of Christ Congregational with the Rev. Cindy Mueller officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery.

Other arrangements are incomplete at the Tenold Funeral Home. 

MASON CITY — Edna M. Ladwig, 204 Sixth St. S.E., died Tuesday (March 31, 1998).

There will be no visitation as the body has been donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine for scientific purposes.

HoganBremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., is in charge of arrangements.

Edna Ladwig was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, to Peter and Cathryn (Walsh) Hearity.

She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in June of 1925. She took a normal training course and had the experience of teaching in a one-room country school.

She retired from A.M.P.I. in 1969. She belonged to St. Joseph's Parish and the Legion Auxiliary in Rockwell and was a retired Teamsters 828 member.

She is survived by one daughter; one brother; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one special niece, Kay, of Omaha; and one special friend, Linda Bull. 

MASON CITY — Peter "Pete" Smidt, 74, of 501 N. Massachusetts Ave., died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2502 S. Jefferson Ave., with the Rev. Joel Dahlen officiating. Interment will be in ElmwoodSt. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to services on Friday at the Church.

Memorials may be given to the Peter "Pete" Smidt Memorial Fund.

Pete was born June 24, 1923, at Kanawha to Peter and Grace (Luppen) Smidt. He was educated in the rural schools near Kanawha.

He lost his parents at an early age and made his home with the Peter Luppen family in Kanawha until the age of 15, when he started working for area farmers in the Britt and Kanawha areas.

Peter moved to Mason City in 1940 and worked for several construction contractors as a heavy equipment operator.

He was married to Gladys Rhodes on July 27, 1953, at Sioux Falls, S.D. He retired in 1985 and enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church where he was head usher for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys Smidt, of Mason City; daughters, Diane Hanson and her husband, Loren, Mason City, and Debbie Kloster, Mason City; a son, Duane Smidt and his wife, Mary, Mason City; stepson, Richard Hayes and his wife, Diane, Mason City; grandchildren, Brent, Nathan and Brooks Hanson, John Kloster Jr. and Heather Kloster, Christa Marxen, Timothy and Tyler Hayes and Zachary and Courtney Smidt; sisters, Della Pommer, Britt, and Grace Kruger, Wesley; a brother, George P. Smidt, Woden; and his faithful companion, Teddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three aunts and several nieces and nephews.  

CLEAR LAKE — Sam 'Sawdust' Arnold, 86, of 609 S. 13th St., Clear Lake, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the MuseNorris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at WardVan Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

MASON CITY — Marlen E. Kleven, 75, of 1023 Third St. N.E., died Tuesday (March 31, 1998) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at First Covenant Church, Highway 18 at Ohio, with the Rev. Richard Murray officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation was held on Thursday at Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., and one hour prior to the services at the church today.

Marlen Eugene Kleven was born Sept. 8, 1922, at Coin, Minn., the son of Even G. and Anna Margaret (Robertson) Kleven.

On April 11, 1942, he married Elsie Bartelt at Princeton, Mo.

Marlen entered the United States Army in 1943, and during his service took part in the invasion of Normandy.

He was employed as a truck driver and worked for Standard Oil Company. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1983.

Marlen loved sports, and especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. He also was a little league umpire for many years in Mason City.

He enjoyed going to coffee in the morning at Shill's with his friends.

He was a past member of VFW Post #733, Mason City.

Survivors include his wife, Elsie Kleven, Mason City; five children, Eugene "Butch" Kleven and his wife, Patricia, Dwight A. Kleven, Kenneth P. Kleven and his wife, Joyce, Marcia E. Blong and her husband, Mark, and Mark E. Kleven and his wife, Pamela, all of Mason City; 12 grandchildren; one great-grand-child; one brother, Gordon K. Kleven, Minneapolis, Minn.; and two sisters, Doris Wyborny, Plymouth; and Phyllis Brodeen, Pine River, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Jeff Kleven; one daughter-in-law, Barbara; one sister, Ruth; and one brother, Douglas.

THOMPSON — Elmer M. Olson, 92, of Thompson, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Bethany Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Perry Fruhling officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Visitation was held on Thursday at the Winter Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Elmer M. Olson was born May 21, 1905 in Kensett.

Survivors include two daughters, Bette Siekmeier and her husband, Norman, and Judy Friesenborg, all of Thompson; two sons, Harlan Olson and his wife, Sandra, Lake Mills, and Don Olson and his wife Julie, Thompson; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Edna Dishon, Appleton, Wis., and Irene Dennis, Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, wife, one grandson, two brothers, and three sisters.

NORA SPRINGS — Mabel I. McManus, 85, of 204 Second St. S. W., Apt. F., died Monday (March 30, 1998) at her home.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Nora Springs Christian Church, 102 N. Hawkeye, with the Rev. Greg Lugn, officiating. Burial was in Rock Grove Cemetery, Nora Springs.

Visitation was held on Wednesday at the Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye, and one hour prior to services today at the church.

Mabel I. McManus was born March 22, 1913 at Max, Minn., the daughter of Edwin and Eslie (Scofield) Robertson. She grew up in Nora Springs and received her education at Nora Springs schools. She later attended Hamilton Business College.

On Dec. 31, 1936, she married Marshall McManus at Nora Springs.

Mabel enjoyed making baby quilts and embroidery. She also enjoyed visiting with her friends and family and watching the birds outside.

She was a longtime member of Nora Springs Christian Church and enjoyed going to the Senior Citizens Center.

Those left to cherish her memory are eight children, Michael McManus and his wife, Mary, of Talala, Okla.; Shirley Neve, Nora Springs; Helen Smith, Mason City; Carolyn Berding and her husband, LeRoy, Mason City; Alice Smith, Nora Springs; Sandra Prescott and her husband, Jerry, Sheffield; Linda Hartwig and her husband, Dennis, Mason City; Mary Grauerholz and her husband, Dennis, Nora Springs; one daughter-in-law, Anne McManus, St. Charles, Ill.; 29 grandchildren; 58 great-grand-children; two great-great-grand-children; one sister, Florence Kelly, Nora Springs; one brother-in-law, Dick LaCoste, Rudd; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Norman; one sister, Blanche; three great-grandchil-dren.

MASON CITY — Harriet M. Phillips, 87, formerly of 322 21st S.E., Mason City died, Monday evening, March 30, 1998 at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Fullerton Patterson James Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. David Shogren of Wesley United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will begin after 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Harriet Phillips Memorial Fund.

Harriet was born December 28, 1910, the daughter of Harry and Mary Bacon in Grinnell, Iowa. Harriet attended and graduated from the Newburg School system in Newburg, Iowa. She furthered her education with an additional two years of business school.

Following her educational endeavors, she was united in marriage to Leo Phillips. Harriet was a bank teller for many years with United Home Bank.

Harriet was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and was very involved with many activities that took place. She loved to quilt and play cards with the other members of her card club. Harriet could often be found listening to the Twins games on the radio. Harriet loved to go on vacation whether it was with the Senior Citizens or visiting her family.

Harriet is survived by two sons, Dale and his wife, Elizabeth Phillips, of Hungary, and Dennis Phillips, of Nevada, Iowa; one brother, Paul and his wife, Mildred Bacon, of Crescent, Iowa; two grandchildren, Jeff and his wife, Joan Phillips, of Kent, Wash. and Julia Phillips, of Seattle, Wash.; and six great-grandchildren.

Also in death are her parents; husband, Leo; and one sister, Lucille McCulloch.

STERLING, Ill. — William C. "Digger Bill" Lifka Jr., 71, of 3401 East 23rd Street, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, Ill., with the Rev. Thomas Bales, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, Ill.

Visitation will take place 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

William C. Lifka was born on July 1, l926, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of William and Flossie (Yoho) Lifka Sr.

He was raised in Iowa and married Bernadine Harris on April 21, 1949, at the Sacred Heart Church, Manly.

Mr. Lifka moved to Sterling and started Bill Lifka Excavating, which he had run for 46 years. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the Army.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Sterling VFW Post #327, and the Sterling Moose #726.

William is survived by his wife, Bernadine; two sons, Larry (Dora) Lifka, Rock Falls, Ill., and Russell Lifka, Sterling, Ill.; one daughter, Shelley Lifka, Sterling, Ill.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers; and two sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

GURDON, Ark. — Edith M. Schroeder, 82, died Wednesday (April 1, l998).

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, Gurdon, Ark. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, under the direction of Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania, Mason City.

Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Clark County, P.O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, Ark.

Edith was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Gurdon, Ark.

She is survived by two daughters, Betty Davyne Hansen, Gurdon, Ark., and Stella Ann Welch, Adel; one son, George Edward Schroeder, Woodstock, Ga.; one foster daughter, Marli J. Meyer, Omaha, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. George Torgerson, Gurdon, Ark., and Patricia Bahling, Clear Lake.

MASON CITY — Iris E. "Betty" White, 73, of Vancouver, Wash., formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (March 26, 1998).

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.W., Mason City, with the Rev. Herb Shafer, officiating. Interment will be at Plymouth, Iowa.

Betty was born on Oct. 21, 1924 to Sidny and Edith Lester Birch, in Mason City. She was raised and attended schools in Mason City, Iowa.

In 1940, she was married to Frank L. White, also of Mason City.

In 1946, Betty and her husband, Frank, moved to California, then later to Forest Grove, Ore. and then to Vancouver, Wash.

Survivors include one son, Thomas White and his wife, Sharon; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Flossie Lorentzen and Annette Haddy, both of Mason City, and Phyllis McDermott, of Smyrna, Ga.

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

FOREST CITY — Lillian Swanson, 89, of Forest City, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, Forest City, with the Rev. George Kalb and the Rev. Paul Widen, officiating. Burial will be in the First Baptist Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St.

Lillian Swanson was born April 24, 1908 in Forest City.

Survivors include one son, Lee Swanson, East Moline, Ill.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

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

OSAGE — Gladys Irene Skuster, 87, of Charles City, formerly of Osage, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home, Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Champion Funeral Home, 702 State St., Osage, with the Rev. Kurt Schneider, officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Mitchell.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Champion Funeral Home.

Gladys Irene Skuster was born March 28, 1911 at Mitchell.

Survivors include one sister, Glenda Steinhilber, Arlington, Va.; two brothers, George Skuster, Osage and Gordon Skuster, Charles City.

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

BELMOND — Rose Baker, 93, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Clarion Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the United Church of Christ-Congregational, Belmond, with the Rev. Cindy Mueller officiating. Interment will take place at the Belmond Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Tenold Funeral Home in Belmond and at the church one hour prior to services.

Rose (Lieuwen) Baker was born February 2, l905, at Meservey, the daughter of Teeke Tjaard and Helen (Frey) Lieuwen.

She was raised on a farm east of Goodell, Avery Township, Hancock County. She attended country school in Avery Township in Hancock County. She worked in Dumont, Alexander, and Belmond areas.

She was united in marriage to Ralph C. Baker on September 20, l932, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived on a farm west of Belmond until 1940, when they moved to Iowa Township and lived on a farm until 1979 when they made their home in Belmond.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Judith Carmen Poolman and her husband, Harlan, of Clarion, and Loree Rose Meyer of Sulphur, La; one son, Terrell Thomas Baker, and his wife, Myrna, of Belmond; grandchildren, Craig Poolman, Keith Poolman, Rhonda (Poolman) Arends, Denise (Baker, Hamilton, Annette (Baker) Van Zee, Christine Baker, Andrea (Meyer) Carter, and Allison (Meyer) Waite; great-grandchildren, Bailey and Brianna Poolman, Hanna, Isaac, and Elijah Poolman, Matthew Arends, Benjamin and Kaitlin Hamilton, Alexandra Carter, Brittney Waite, and one expected great-grandchild; sisters, Helen (Mrs. Gene Kelley) and Mourine (Mrs. Joe Pals) of Belmond, Mabel (Mrs. Cliff Evans) of Clarion, Mary (Mrs. Andy Jaspersen) of Glendale, Calif., and Margaret (Mrs. Ken Parker) of Yucaipa, Calif., Ena (Mrs. Bert Lieuwen) of Mason City, and Francis Baker (Mrs. Bill Vestweber) of Belmond; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph C.; great-grandchild, Ellie Poolman; two sisters, Grace Barkema and Nellie Barkema; and three brothers, George Lieuwen, Bert Lieuwen, and Donald Lieuwen.

WHITTEMORE — John "Ole" Eller, 68, of Whittemore, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the North Iowa Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Algona, with the Rev. Ed Murray of St. Michael's Catholic Church of Whittemore, officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Algona.

Visitation will be held from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, with a 3 p.m. Parish rosary and a 7 p.m. parish prayer service.

John "Ole" Eller was born March 26, 1930 in Iowa City.

Survivors include two sons, Joel Eller, of Texas and John Eller III, of Lake Elmo, Minn.; three grandchildren; two brothers, Dennis Eller, Algona, and Earl Eller, of Orem, Utah; and four sisters, Patty Batt, of Loveland, Colo., Elise Casey, of LuVerne, Juanita Hansen and Betty Rochleau, both of Algona.

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

LAKOTA — Bessie Baumann, 89, of Lakota, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the Timely Mission Nursing Home, Buffalo Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lakota, with the Rev. Merlin Norris, officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Lakota.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center.

Bessie Baumann was born Sept. 10, 1908 in Eldora.

Survivors include three daughters, Karen Wagenaar, Sheldon, Ruth Park, Chandler, Ariz., and Barbara Kabe, Estherville; four sons, Kenneth, of Lakota; Ronald, of Albert Lea, Minn., August, of Buffalo Center, and Harold of Blue Earth, Minn.; 22 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, one grandson, one great-granddaughter, two sisters, and four brothers.

WATERLOO — Harlan L. Swaim, 62, of 1906 Cornwall Ave., Waterloo, formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.

CHARLES CITY — Dorothy Becker (Mullarkey) Buche, 81, a resident of Peoria, Ariz., and former Charles City resident, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at The Forum, in Peoria, Ariz.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St., Charles City.

MASON CITY — Delores E. Kahler, 68, of 1140 First St. S.W., died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.

TITONKA — Martha Katherine Wibben, 90, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Titonka Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Good Hope Lutheran Church, Titonka, with the Rev. Merlin Norris officiating. Burial will take place at Good Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Titonka.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Titonka.

Martha Katherine Wibben was born on September 17, l907, north of Woden to Henry Bruno and Ellen DeBoer Stecker.

Martha is survived by her husband, Harm of Titonka; her son, Harold, also of Titonka; four grandchildren; six great-grand-children; sister, Elida Brandt, Titonka; and her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Mumford, Carbondale, Colo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, and four brothers.

CLEAR LAKE — Sam "Sawdust Sam" Arnold, 86, of 609 S. 13th St., died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess, officiating. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with a 7 p.m. I.O.O.F. service and one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to the Sam Arnold Memorial Fund.

Sam was born Jan. 14, 1912 in Thornton, Iowa, the son of Frank and Alberta (Richards) Arnold. He attended school in Mason City, Iowa.

Sam worked as a butcher in a meat market in Mason City.

He married Dorthy Howe on March 15, 1931.

Sam operated the Hamburger Hut in Clear Lake next to the V.F.W. He was the first custodian at the Sunset Elementary School in Clear Lake where he worked until his retirement. After retiring, he worked at the Outing Club as custodian.

Sam was a talented wood worker, loved jokes, music, dancing, and was a great entertainer of children and adults.

Sam and his wife enjoyed camping and had a great group that they met with and camped.

Sam had a great woodworking shop in his back yard and was everyone's "Mr. Fix It" and Sam would you make me this. He worked hard and long all his life up to the last few years. He loved and worshipped his two sons and his grandson, Sammy.

He was a member of the Faithful 187 I.O.O.F. Lodge, Clear Lake and had held all the positions of office.

Sam is survived by his two sons, Jerry Arnold and his wife, Betty, of Clear Lake and Bob Arnold and his wife, Bonnie, Albert Lea, Minn.; one sister, Irene Mors, Fort Dodge; grandfather of 11; great-grandfather of 31; and great-great-grandfather of two.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorthy in 1976; one son, Edward Arnold; two sisters, Emma Mae and Jeanett; four brothers, Frank, Arthur, John and Orlean Arnold.

CORWITH — Merrill Gene Moon, 62, died suddenly Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Calvary Cemetery, Stuart, with the Rev. Daniel Clark officiating. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Stuart American Legion Post #146.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Garry-Robert-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Corwith, and a prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Marvin Bries at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday with a rosary service beginning at 7 p.m. at the Link Funeral Home, Stuart.

All arrangements have been made by Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Corwith.

Merrill Gene Moon was born on July 11, l936, at Algona.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian, of Corwith, and his children, Thomas Moon of Stuart and Brian Moon of LaQuinta, Calif; eight grandchildren; his mother, Rose Fletcher, Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; one sister, Kay Dakovich, Des Moines; and his aunt, Louise Miller, Kanawha.

He was preceded in death by his father.

MASON CITY — Iris E. "Betty" White, 73, of Vancouver, Wash., formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (March 26, 1998). Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. today in Plymouth, Iowa. No other services will be held.

Betty was born on Oct. 21, 1924 to Sidny and Edith Lester Birch, in Mason City. She was raised and attended schools in Mason City, Iowa.

In 1940, she was married to Frank L. White, also of Mason City.

In 1946, Betty and her husband, Frank, moved to California, then later to Forest Grove, Ore. and then to Vancouver, Wash.

Survivors include her husband, Frank, of Vancouver, Wash.; one son, Thomas White and his wife, Sharon; four grand-children; five great-grandchil-dren; three sisters, Flossie Lorentzen and Annette Haddy, both of Mason City, and Phyllis McDermott, of Smyrna, Ga.

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

MASON CITY — Cecil G. Rodemeyer, 80, of 710 N. Maryland, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 Pennsylvania St., Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

MASON CITY — Dolores E. Kahler, 68, of 1140 First Street S.W., died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at Good Shepherd Health Care Center.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 Adams. Burial will be in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E.; a scriptural prayer service will begin at 7 p.m.

Dolores E. Kahler was born July 9, 1929, in Buffalo Center, the daughter of Glen J. and Rose Ann (Berks) Kahler.

Dolores grew up in Buffalo Center and attended rural schools there. She and her parents moved to Mason City in 1970.

Dolores enjoyed listening to the radio, watching television, and spending time with her family. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

She is survived by three sisters, Eileen Hutchison and her husband, Harold, Mason City, Mary Hammond and her husband, Darrell, Topeka, Kan., Diane Loterbour and her husband, Robert, Pappilion, Neb.; four brothers, Edward Kahler and his wife, Phyllis, Buffalo Center, Gerald Kahler and his wife, Helga, Newport News, Va., Bernard Kahler and his wife, Nancy, Topeka, Kan., and Francis Kahler and his wife, Julie, West Des Moines; 20 nieces and nephews; 21 great-nieces and great-nephews; one uncle, Alva Kahler, Bancroft; one aunt, Laura Kahler, Bancroft; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Eleanor Kahler.

MASON CITY — Eloise Olson, 81, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the Solon Nursing Care Center, Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

LAKOTA — Helen Koppen, 76, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ledyard, with the Rev. John Thomas officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ledyard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Bancroft, and also one hour prior to the service at the church.

Helen was born on July 19, 1921, at Algona.

She is survived by a daughter, Patty Foster, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a son, Craig Koppen, of Salina, Kan.; and two granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Don.

WATERLOO — Harlan Leroy Swaim, 62, of 1906 Cornwall Ave., died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E., Mason City. Burial will be in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel and for one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Harlan Leroy Swaim.

Harlan Leroy Swaim was born August 10, 1935, in Mason City, son of Abram and Dorothy Marie (Petersen) Swaim. He married Marian Savage on July 27, 1983, in Preston, Minn.

Harlan grew up in Mason City and attended Mason City schools. He served in the Air Force, stationed in Albuquerque, N.M. Harlan then lived in Janesville, Wis., for a short time and moved to Waterloo working at John Deere for 30 years, retiring in 1989.

Harlan enjoyed painting, traveling, fishing and reading. He was a member of the United Auto Workers #838 in Waterloo.

Survivors include his wife, Marian Swaim, Waterloo; two daughters, Sheila Ruzanov and her husband, Tim, North Highlands, Calif., and Darla Stuber and her husband, Dave, Waterloo; one son, Kirk Swaim, Sacramento, Calif.; one stepson, Robert Roper, Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Reina and Ryan Stuber of Waterloo, and Evan and Jace Roper of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Dianne Ott and Karen DeMaris of Mason City; one brother, Carl Swaim, Waterloo; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Briana Swaim; and one brother, Ronald Swaim.

BELMOND — Rose Baker, 93, died at the Clarion Health Care Center, Wednesday (April 1, 1998) .

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the United Church of Christ-Congregational, Belmond, with the Rev. Cindy Mueller officiating. Interment will take place at the Belmond Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Tenold Funeral Home in Belmond and will be held at the church one hour prior to services today.

Rose (Lieuwen) Baker was born February 2, l905, at Meservey, the daughter of Teeke Tjaard and Helen (Frey) Lieuwen.

She was raised on a farm east of Goodell, Avery Township, Hancock County. She attended country school in Avery Township in Hancock County. She worked in Dumont, Alexander, and Belmond areas.

She was united in marriage to Ralph C. Baker on September 20, l932, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived on a farm west of Belmond until 1940, when they moved to Iowa Township and lived on a farm until 1979 when they made their home in Belmond.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Judith Carmen Poolman and her husband, Harlan, of Clarion, and Loree Rose Meyer of Sulphur, La; one son, Terrell Thomas Baker, and his wife, Myna, of Belmond; grandchildren, Craig Poolman, Keith Poolman, Rhonda (Poolman) Arends, Denise (Paker, Hamilton, Annette (Baker) Van Zee, Christine Baker, Andrea (Meyer) Carter, and Allison (Meyer) Waite; great-grandchildren, Bailey and Brianna Poolman, Hanna, Isaac, and Elijah Poolman, Matthew Arends, Benjamin and Kaitlin Hamilton, Alexandra Carter, Brittney Waite, and one expected great-grandchild; sisters, Helen (Mrs. Gene Kelley) and Mourine (Mrs. Joe Pals) of Belmond, Mabel (Mrs. Cliff Evans) of Clarion, Mary (Mrs. Andy Jaspersen) of Glendale, Calif., and Margaret (Mrs. Ken Parker) of Yucaipa, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Jennie (Mrs. George Lieuwen) of Goodell, Ena (Mrs. Bert Lieuwen) of Mason City, and Francis Baker (Mrs. Bill Vestweber) of Belmond; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph C.; greatgrandchild, Ellie Poolman; two sisters, Grace Barkema and Nellie Barkema; and three brothers, George Lieuwen, Bert Lieuwen, and Donald Lieuwen.

ROCKWELL — Linda K. Wessels, 38, died Saturday (April 4, 1998) at the Woodward State Hospital, Woodward.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Fullerton Funeral Home.

MASON CITY — Cecil G. Rodemeyer, 80, of 710 N. Maryland Ave., died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. David Shogren officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Full military rites will be provided by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the MajorErickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

The family suggests memorials to the Mason City Evening Lions Club Eye Research Fund.

Mr. Rodemeyer was born March 30, 1918, in Alexander, the son of Frederick D. and Bertha A. (Yaw) Rodemeyer. He graduated from Alexander High School.

In 1941, Cecil enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country under Gen. George S. Patton's 3rd Army. During his military career he received a Silver Star, Purple Heart, Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster and Five-bronze star. He served in such places as Tunisia, Italy, Normandy, northern France, Belgium and Germany.

After his discharge in 1945, Cecil enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa, then the University of Missouri, earning a master of arts degree in teaching. In 1948, he started teaching at Mason City High School. In 1950, he transferred to Monroe Junior High School, and finished his career at John Adams Junior High in 1982, when he retired.

In 1949, Cecil married Elsie M. Horeck. They were married for 43 years until Elsie's passing in 1992. He was a member of Mason City Teachers Credit Union and had served on the board since 1963, the Retired Teachers Association, which he served as treasurer for four years, and the Mason City Evening Lions Club, which he had served as treasurer since 1980. Cecil had been a member of Wesley United Methodist Church since moving to Mason City in 1948.

Survivors include his son, Douglas, and his wife, Christine, of Omaha, Neb.; granddaughter, Jeanie Rodemeyer and her fiance, Jason Peck, of Minneapolis; a brother, Allen, and his wife, Julia Rodemeyer, of Oskaloosa; a sister, Lois Alexander of Tulsa, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Rodemeyer; his parents; and two brothers, Boyd and Robert Rodemeyer.

His family will truly miss this most wonderful man and thank God for blessing their lives with him. Rest in peace.

SOLON — Eloise E. Olson, 81, formerly of the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City, died Thursday (April 2, 1998) at the Solon Nursing Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Major-Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Kenneth Hatland of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to the Eloise Olson Memorial Fund.

Eloise E. Olson was born July 6, 1916, in Chippewa Falls, Wis., the daughter of Andrew and Maisie (Hallman) Buckland. When she was 2 years old, the family moved to Mason City where she attended Mason City public schools. On March 2, 1946, she married Alvin O. Olson in Mason City. Eloise worked at Mercy Hospital and at a convalescent home as an aide, and at the Resthaven Nursing Home as a cook. Eloise owned Eloise's Gift Nook and ran it for 20 years before retiring in 1984. Eloise was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen Olson of Monticello and Mary Lou Kinmon of Oceanside, Calif.; five grandchildren, Julia, Zane, Kara, Joshua and Louisa; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Hearity of Mason City and Eileen Olson of El Paso, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alvin, in 1986; and one brother, Andrew Buckland.

VENTURA — Kenneth R. Coe, 81, died Saturday (April 4, 1998) at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

DUMONT — Leola M. Hearn, 95, died Friday (April 3, 1998) at the Dumont Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Dumont United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marilyn Winch officiating. Burial will be in the Dumont Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home.

Leola M. Hearn was born April 27, 1902, in Butler County.

Survivors include one son, Delmar Hearn of Hampton; one daughter, Doris Reents of Dumont; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son and one grandson.

HAMPTON — Van I. Renoe, 56, died Friday (April 3, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home.

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — Emily F. Hoye, 72, died Wednesday (April 1, 1998) in Apache Junction.

Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date in Mason City. Apache Junction Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

The family suggests memorials to the Hospice in Apache Junction in care of Paul Hoye.

Emily and her husband, Paul, were longtime residents of Mason City.

Emily F. Hoye was born Jan. 13, 1926, in Slayton, Minn., and graduated from Mason City High School in 1945. Paul and Emily celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 3, 1998.

Survivors include her husband, Paul; three daughters, Yvonne Steward, Mary and her husband, Kim Krominga, and Judy and her husband, Hal Hobbiebrunken; one son, Montie, and his wife, Jeannie Hoye; one sister, Loretta, and her husband, Maynard Nielsen; grandchildren, Chris, Renee and Chad Steward, Bret, Rayn and Amy Hobbiebrunken, Kacie and Breana Krominga and Sean and Tanya Rummelhart; and two great-grandchildren, Cambry Emily Rattay and Joseph Paul Garcia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Emma Kelly; five brothers, Raymond, Lester, Robert, Marcus and Bernard Kelly; and one son, Paul Hoye Jr.

Emily will be remembered most for her deep love of God, family and friends. Her gentle spirit and sense of humor will be sadly missed by all.

BANCROFT — Everista Hatten, 88, died Saturday (April 4, 1998) at Heritage Nursing Home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home.