HANSELL — Grace P. Becker, 81, died Saturday (July 4, 1998) at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minn., of natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Hansell United Methodist Church with the Rev. Laura Smith officiating. Burial will take place at Ingham Township Cemetery, Hansell.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, Hampton.

Grace was born July 27, 1916, in Franklin County.

She is survived by her son Dennis Becker, Hansell; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

MASON CITY — Esther Myrel (Kellum) Pringle, 81, formerly of 320 N. Linden Dr., died Friday (July 3, 1998) at the I.O.O.F. Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Sharon Betsworth officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Fullerton Patterson-James Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City, is in charge of arrangements.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Esther Pringle Memorial Fund.

Esther was born June 3, 1917, the daughter of Alva J. And Myrel A. (Wyatt) Kellum in Fort Dodge. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1935. Esther later graduated from North Iowa Area Community College with a major in Art and Art History and a minor in Horticulture.

In the fall of 1935 she was united in marriage to Harold Bocok. The couple then moved to Waterloo where she was employed at Newton's Jewelry store. On June 14, 1953, she was united in marriage to Wayne E. Pringle in Fairbault, Minn.

While living in the Mason City area, Esther was always busy working. Her love for jewelry showed as she was employed at Blanchard Jewelers, which later became Morel Jewelry store. Esther worked there for about 11 years until she had to retire due to health reasons.

She was also a dental assistant for Dr. Switzer and Dr. A.W. McGuire, as well as working for Kellum Interiors for several years.

Esther was a former Girl Scout leader and a member of the Christian Women's Club. While married to Wayne, she did extensive work with the band wives and their get-togethers.

Esther supported him in both his teaching and musical careers. When not working she enjoyed art and jewelry. She also spent her time gardening and raising different varieties of plants.

Esther was a long-time standing member of First United Methodist Church.

Those thankful for having shared her life include one daughter, Francine Mae and her husband, Art W. Pringle Wolcott, of Rockwell; one son, Jon Michael and his wife, Shirley Bocok, of Denver, Colo.; one sister, Mae and her husband Paul Kellum Cota, of Mason City; one sister-in-law, Frances K. Kellum of Mason City; five grandchildren, Chazz Pringle Wolcott, Jennifer M. Bocok, Jonathon M. Bocok, Amanda L. Bocok, and Michael D. Bocok; one cousin, Glenesther Light of Stewartville; two nieces, Julia Schultz and Joanne Eisler; two nephews, Fred and John Cota; and many great nieces and nephews.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Alva and Myrel Kellum; her husband Wayne; and two brothers, Cecil A. and Alfred H. Kellum.

LELAND — Melvin J. Fjetland, 82, died Saturday (July 4, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Leland, with the Rev. Dan Christensen officiating. Interment will take place at Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Winter Funeral Home, Thompson, and one hour before the service at the church.

Melvin J. Fjetland was born May 28, 1916, north of Elmore, Minnesota.

He is survived by his wife Pearl, Leland; two daughters, Sandra Boeckholt, Topeka, Kan., and Janis Aulick, Sacramento, Calif.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Dora Smith and Leona Quamme, both of Rake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, a sister, a brother and two grandsons.

ST. ANSGAR — Mabel A. Solheim, 90, died Friday (July 3, 1998) at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Robert Porish officiating. Burial will be at the Lake Lutheran Cemetery, Renwick, with the Rev. Stephen Engelstad officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Mabel was born on May 5, 1908, at Goldfield.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers and three sisters.

SHEFFIELD — Norma Rube, 77, died Saturday (July 4, 1998) at Sheffield.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield, with Pastor Steve Hollingsworth officiating. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield.

Norma V. Rube was born on Aug. 28, 1920, near Dougherty, the daughter of John and Albertine (Jensen) Jorgensen. She attended the Rockwell School system, graduating with the class of 1937.

After completing her education from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, she returned to this area to teach in several one-room country schools.

She was united in marriage to Ray Rube and they made their home in the Sheffield area. She worked at several jobs in Sheffield, but she will be remembered best for the many cakes she made for special occasions for people for more than 30 years. Norma enjoyed playing cards and holding lively conversations with family and friends. She and her husband favored listening and dancing to the sounds of polka music. She was especially proud of her Danish heritage.

She was a member of the former Evangelical United Brethren Church in Sheffield where she held the office of treasurer for many years.

Norma is survived by one son, Bob Rube and his wife, Sue, of Sheffield; one daughter, Mary Meier of Egan, Minn.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; her parents; two sisters; and a brother.

MASON CITY — Wilbur W. Larsen, 83, of 429 19th Street S.W., died Sunday (July 5, 1998) at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with the Rev. David R. Shogren of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral chapel and will continue after 9 a.m. Tuesday until the time of the service.

Wilbur W. Larsen was born June 29, 1915, in Alexander, the son of Fred and Lottie (Bell) Larsen. He graduated from Alexander High School in 1933.

He married Emily Barkema on Oct. 22, 1942, in St. Joseph, Mo. Wilbur farmed near Latimer for 24 years and then moved to Sheffield where he worked at the Sheffield Brick and Tile Company for several years. He moved to Mason City in 1978 and drove city buses until his health declined.

Wilbur had a great love for animals, raising cattle and hogs and caring for many pets.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Emily Larsen, Mason City; three children, Shirley Kraft and her husband, John, Cottage Grove, Minn., Charles L. Larsen, Mason City, and Barbara Crabb, Waterloo; five grandchildren, Mike Kraft and his wife, Kelly, Indianapolis, Ind., Mark Kraft and his wife, Jackie, Cottage Grove, Minn., Matt Kraft and his wife, Missy, Woodbury, Minn., Angela Fitz and her husband, Troy, Cedar Falls, and Holly Rice and her husband, Jim, Waterloo; three great-grandchildren, Alan Kraft, Cottage Grove, Minn., Jordan Kraft, Indianapolis, Ind., and Hayley Kraft, Woodbury, Minn.; three brothers, Elmer Larsen and Raymond Larsen, both of Alexander, and Clifford Larsen, Mason City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

MASON CITY — Myrtle Elizabeth Hayworth, 83, died Friday (July 3, 1998) at Good Shepherd Health Care Center, Mason City.

MASON CITY — Esther Myrel (Kellum) Pringle, 81, formerly of 320 N. Linden Dr., died Friday July 3, 1998 at the I.O.O.F. Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, July 7, 1998 at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Sharon Betsworth officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery following the lunch.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Fullerton Patterson James Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City,is in charge of arrangements. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Esther Pringle Memorial Fund.

Esther was born June 3, 1917 the daughter of Alva J. and Myrel A. (Wyatt) Kellum in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1935. Esther later graduated from North Iowa Area Community College with a major in Art and Art History and a minor in Horticulture. In the fall of 1935 she was united in marriage to Harold Bocock. The couple then moved to Waterloo where she was employed at Newton’s Jewelry Store. On June 14, 1953 she was united in marriage to Wayne Everett Pringle in Fairbault, Minn.

While living in the Mason City area Esther was always busy working. Her love for jewelry showed as she was employed at Blanchard Jewelers which later became Morel Jewelry Store. Esther worked there for about 11 years until she had to retire do to health reasons. She was also a Dental Assistant for Dr. Switzer and Dr. A.W. McGuire, as well as working for Kellum Interiors for several years.

Esther was a former Girl Scout Leader, and a member of the Christian Women’s Club. While married to Wayne she did extensive work with the orchestra and band wives and their get-togethers. Esther supported him in both his teaching and musical careers. When not working she enjoyed art and jewelry. She also spent her time gardening and raising different varieties of plants.

Esther was a long time standing member of First United Methodist Church.

Those thankful for having shared her life include one daughter Francine Mae "Pringle" and her husband Art W. Wolcott of Rockwell, one son Jon Michael and his wife Shirley Bocock of Denver, Colo.; one sister Mae "Kellum" and her husband Paul Cota of Mason City, one sister-in-law Frances K. Kellum of Mason City, five grandchildren Chazz Pringle Wolcott, Jennifer M., Jonathon M., Amanda L., and Michael D. Bocock, one cousin Glenesther Light of Stewartville, Iowa; two nieces Julia Schultz, Joanne Eisler, two nephews Fred and John Cota, and many great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Pringle was proceded in death by her parents Alva and Myrel Kellum, her husband Wayne in 1988, and two brothers Cecil A. and Alfred H.

BANCROFT — Robert Vaske, 70, died Monday (July 6, 1998) at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

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

MASON CITY — Lyle William Hepperly, 77, of 1420 N. Monroe, died Sunday (July 5, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Thomas McAndrew officiating. According to Lyle’s wishes his body was cremated and inurnment will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, prior to the memorial service.

Lyle William Hepperly was born May 14, 1921, in Britt, son of George W. and Mary Eda (Yarke) Hepperly. He married Lucille Katherine Hanig on November 18, 1940, in Wesley.

Lyle grew up in Britt. He then lived in the Clear Lake and Britt areas until moving to Mason City in 1962. Lyle farmed and also worked over 30 years at Northwestern Portland Cement before retiring in 1984.

He loved to play poker and cribbage. He went to many rummage sales and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by three sons, Gary Hepperly and his wife, Dorothy, Duane Hepperly and his wife, Sandy, and Ronald Hepperly, all of Mason City; one sister, Lola Mattoon, Fremont, Ohio; one brother, Louis Hepperly, Clear Lake, eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Ila Fish, Riverview, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Ernest Hepperly; two sisters, Stella Clark and Marietta Cockrell; and a daughter-in-law, Sarah Hepperly.

GARNER — Rose J. Jakoubek, 93, died Monday (July 6, 1998) at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Garner, with the Rev. Marvin Bries and Monsignor John Chihak officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Duncan.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, Garner, with a 3:30 p.m. Rosary Society rosary and a 7 p.m. scriptural wake service.

Rose Josephine Jakoubek, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Kriz) Paca, was born March 8, 1905, on the home farm north of Duncan. She attended the rural schools near Duncan.

On Jan. 18, 1927, she was married to John W. Jakoubek at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. They farmed northeast of Duncan until 1973 when they retired and moved into Garner. She enjoyed her family, gardening, needlework and reading.

She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church until she and her husband moved into Garner and became members of St. Boniface Catholic Church. She was an honorary member of both the St. Boniface and St. Wenceslaus Rosary Societies.

She is survived by her children, Arlene Wellik of Woden, Marie Formanek of Hayfield, Gertrude Wellik and her husband, Leo, of Garner, Margaret Young and her husband, Paul, of Garner, and Dr. Robert Jakoubek and his wife, Mary Jane, of Charles City; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; three sisters-in-law, Blanche Paca of Britt, Emily Tlach of Forest City, and Rose Brcka of Forest City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John, July 9, 1982; her parents; two sons-in-law, Paul Wellik, Feb. 26, 1995, and Leonard Formanek, Jan. 2, 1997; one grandson; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Frank and William Paca; and three sisters, Mame Brcka, Barbara Trca and Agnes Trca.

CHARLES CITY — James Burnett, 85, a former resident of 108 Cedar Terrace North, died Monday (July 6, 1998) at the Ninth Street Chautauqua Guest Home, Charles City.

MASON CITY — Velma I. Adams, 89, formerly of Mason City, died Tuesday (July 7, 1998) at Casa Grande, Ariz.

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

MASON CITY — Helen Patricia Fistler, 77, of Mason City, died Tuesday (July 7, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave.

Her body was cremated. Her family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., where other arrangements are incomplete.

CHARLES CITY — James Burnett, 85, of Charles City, died Monday (July 6, 1998) at the Ninth Street Chautauqua Guest Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St., with the Rev. Dennis Niezwaag, pastor of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. today at the Hauser Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday.

James Burnett was born Dec. 1, 1912, at Charles City.

Survivors include one daughter, Sondra Knapp, of Marion; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; his extended family, Rebbecca Oksendahl; two stepgrandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren.

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

BANCROFT — Robert "Bob" Vaske, 70, of Bancroft, died Monday (July 6, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 2:30 to 9 p.m. today at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Bancroft, with a 3 p.m. rosary and a 7:30 p.m. prayer service, followed by an 8 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary.

Robert Vaske was born June 24, 1928, at Bancroft.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of Bancroft; two children, Vern Vaske, of Bancroft, and Shelia Vaske, of Corwith; three grandchildren; and two brothers, Allen Vaske, of Bancroft, and Kenneth Vaske, of Algona.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

NORA SPRINGS — Grace I. Westover, 82, of Nora Springs, died Tuesday (July 7, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 110 N. Hawkeye, with the Rev. Paul Boostrom officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs.

Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral chapel and then continue one hour prior to services on Thursday.

Grace I. Westover was born Dec. 3, 1915, in Nora Springs.

Survivors include four cousins, Lerta Hopkins, of California; Betty Bradley, of Michigan; and Cassel Youngberg and Clayton Mosteller, both of South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

NEW HAMPTON — Opal R. Wickman, 83, of New Hampton, died Sunday (July 5, 1998) of natural causes at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton, with the Rev. Daniel Vojta officiating. Burial will be in the New Hampton Cemetery.

Visitation was held Tuesday at the Conway Funeral Home, New Hampton, and further visitation will be held one hour prior to services today at the church.

Opal Ruby Mau was born May 21, 1915, near Britt, the daughter of Walter and Marea (Milbrandt) Mau. She was baptized on Aug. 15, 1915, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stapleton.

She graduated from Hanlontown High School in 1933 and went on to attend the University of Iowa for two years of nurses training. She then moved to New Hampton where she was a telephone operator for seven years.

Opal married Elmer Wickman on Sept. 2, 1945, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church by Pastor Fritchel.

After their marriage, the couple farmed near New Hampton where they were residing at the time of her death.

Among her hobbies, she loved to work in the kitchen, especially canning and baking. She loved attending to her flowers. She also loved going fishing with Elmer and their friends, as well as playing cards.

Opal is survived by her husband, Elmer, of New Hampton; two sons, Duane Wickman and his wife, Kathy, of New Hampton, and David Wickman and his wife, Lori, of Clear Lake; three daughters, Diana Speltz, of New Hampton, Deborah Christensen and special friend, Joe Erb, of Fredericksburg, and Denise Straw and special friend, Loren Turner, of New Hampton; one brother, Gordon Mau and his wife, Marie, of New Hampton; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

MASON CITY — Helen Patricia Fistler, 77, of 925 Eighth St. S.E., died Tuesday (July 7, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Her body was cremated.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., with the Rev. David Beckman officiating. Inurnment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

Her family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. Mason City.

Memorials may be made to the Holy Family Handicap Accessible Fund in memory of Helen Patricia Fistler.

Helen Patricia Fistler was born May 19, 1921, in Mason City, daughter of Daniel and Antonia Zogas. She married Clyde Fistler on April 6, 1940, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City.

Helen grew up in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School in 1939. During World War II, she worked at Armour's and was a gray lady for the Red Cross for five years, being a motor pool chairman for three years. Helen was activity director at the Americana Center from 1969 to 1972.

She enjoyed quilting and painting. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, being active in circle work. She was a past member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a charter member of North Iowa Quilters Guild.

Survivors include three children, Jon J. Fistler and his wife, Helen, of Camp Verde, Ariz.; Steven D. Fistler and his wife, Wanda, Mason City, and Carol Mesimer and her husband, Jim, Raytown, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Meghan and Eric Fistler, both of St. Charles, Ill.; Angie Walker and her husband, Tony; Julie Dondlinger and her husband, Brad; and Ben Fistler, all of Mason City; and Dan, Kate and Kristen Mesimer, all of Raytown, Mo.; two great-grandchildren, Brennan and Parker Dondlinger, both of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers, James and John Schultz.

VENTURA — Howard D. Hofbauer, 75, of 3 E. Lake St., Ventura, died Wednesday (July 8, 1998) at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Ventura United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Paul Hasel and the Rev. David Gobeli officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Graceland Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to the Howard D. Hofbauer Memorial Fund.

Howard was born Dec. 27, 1922, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, the son of Jacob and Jane (Jannsen) Hofbauer.

He attended Buffalo Center School. Howard worked for his father on the family farm. Howard married Ora Anderson Aug. 17, 1942, in Bethany, Mo.

Howard served in the Army during World War II. Following the service, he moved back to Buffalo Center where he worked for the Buffalo Center Co-op.

In 1961, the couple moved to Dike, Iowa, where he worked for Farmers Elevator. Later that year, they moved to Ventura where he worked for Land O Lakes in the warehouse and as a trucker until his retirement in 1985.

Howard was known for his bad jokes, playing cards and caning chairs. He was a kind, loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed his church family where he was very active. He was a member of the Ventura United Methodist Church, Ventura.

Howard is survived by his wife, Ora Hofbauer, Ventura; two daughters, Sandra Heerkes and her husband, Vern, Dike, Iowa, and Mary Beth Brown and her husband, Bill, of Elk Ridge, Md.; five grandchildren, Christopher Heerkes and his wife, Rhonda, Dike; Michael Heerkes and his wife, Karen, of Dike; Robert Heerkes, Waucoma; Bethany Anne Heerkes, Dike; and Tammy Plassman and her husband, Chris, of Sykesville, Md.; four great-grandchildren, Krew Heerkes, Karson Heerkes, Bailey Heerkes and Noah Heerkes; three brothers, Henry Hofbauer, Buffalo Center; Jack Hofbauer and his wife, Dorothy, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Don Hofbauer and his wife, Darlene, of Leland; and three sisters, Ruth Harris, Yuma, Ariz.; Billie Weaver, of Buffalo Center; and Marjorie Roths and her husband, Tom, Garner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George and Harvey; and four sisters, Goldie, Florence, Caroline and Bertha.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Robert F. Eilenfeldt, 75, a longtime resident of Mason City, Iowa, died June 4, 1998, in San Diego, Calif.

Bob was born Sept. 19, 1922 in Chicago, Ill., and moved to Mankato, Minn., with his parents, Fred and Meta, at the age of 5.

He graduated from Mankato High School in 1940 and attended Mankato State Teachers College before entering the U.S. Army. He served in the Philippines during World War II.

He worked at his father's super market after the war, before moving to Mason City in 1950 to work for Armour Foods.

In 1978, he retired from Armour and returned to Mankato where he lived until 1992 when he moved to San Diego.

Bob is survived by his wife, Bernadine; three children, Robert, of Colleyville, Texas; Judy Holston, of Apple Valley, Minn., and Kathy Field, of Eagan, Minn.; his grandchildren, Amy Smiler, Elizabeth and Matthew Holston; and Kyle and Mary Eilenfeldt; one brother, Chuck, of Payson, Ariz.; and a sister, Dorothy Roberts, of Long Beach, Calif.

SHEFFIELD — Stanley Bolk, 89, of Sheffield, died Wednesday (July 8, 1998) at the Sheffield Care Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield.

WESLEY — Emma Wise, 88, of Wesley, died Tuesday (July 7, 1998) at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

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

MASON CITY — Minnie Griffith, 94, of 4 Third St. N.W., died Wednesday (July 8, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home.

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

CLEAR LAKE — Alice A. Borton, 86, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday (July 8, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center, Mason City.

ROCKWELL — Lucille I. Lillibridge, 83, formerly of 2276 Quail Ave., Rockwell, died Thursday (July 9, 1998) at the Sheffield Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 1998, at Rockwell United Methodist Church. Interment will be at the Rockwell Cemetery.

Visitation will begin after 4 p.m. today at the Fullerton Funeral Home in Rockwell.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Lucille Lillibridge memorial fund.

Lucille was born Sept. 15, 1914, in Fargo, N.D., the only child of John and Sigrid "Nordin" Wallin. They later moved to Sheffield where she graduated from high school and then attended business college in Minneapolis for one year.

She was united in marriage to Vernon C. Lillibridge on Jan. 16, 1936, at Northwood, Iowa, and to this union was born one son. They made their home in rural Rockwell on a farm.

She was a longtime member of the Methodist Church and a former member of the UMW.

Lucille was most happy when she was traveling across the country on her many bus tours. She was thrilled to be on the go and wanted to be "on the bus and down the road " while she toured the four corners of the United States. While at home, she loved her flowers and truly had a green thumb.

Lucille is survived by her only son, Gene and his wife, Sharon Lillibridge; her granddaughter, Valerie Lillibridge; and her great-grandson, Jordan Lillibridge, all of Rockwell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband in 1978.

CLEAR LAKE — Mrs. Alice A. Borton, 86, of the Good Shepherd Care Center, formerly of Clear Lake, died Wednesday (July 8, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Care Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at United Methodist Church, Clear Lake. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will begin after 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Iowa in her memory.

Other arrangements are incomplete at the funeral home.

CHARLES CITY — Harold Stephens, 81, of 811 Eighth Ave., formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (July 9, 1998) at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, with the Rev. J. Larry Vallery and the Rev. Debra Lincoln, officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the New Hampton Cemetery, New Hampton.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. today at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St., Charles City, and one hour prior to services at the church.

Other arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home.

WESLEY — Emma M. Wise, 88, of Wesley, died Tuesday (July 7, 1998) at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church, Wesley, with the Rev. Linda Hansen Bibb officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Wesley, with a 7:30 p.m. Eastern Star service.

Emma M. Wise was born Jan. 5, 1910, in LuVerne.

Survivors include three daughters, Charlotte Larson, of Lander, Wyo., Gloria Bishop, of Mount Pleasant, and Ruth Kouski, of Des Moines; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Delores Fredrick, of Strawberry Point; and one brother, John Voss Jr., of Eagle Grove.

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

SHEFFIELD — Stanley H. Bolk, 89, of Sheffield, died Wednesday (July 8, 1998) at the Sheffield Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Zion-St. John Lutheran Church, Sheffield, with the Rev. Marlin Ingebretson, of Thornton, officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield.

Stanley H. Bolk was born on Jan. 10, 1909, near Sheffield, the son of Harlo and Alvina (Naumann) Bolk. He was baptized on Feb. 21, 1909, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and was confirmed on Aug. 27, 1922, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

He attended rural schools in the area and graduated from Sheffield High School with the class of 1927. He farmed with his parents until 1956 until which time he moved to Sheffield.

Stan was employed by the Sheffield Farmers Co-op for 16 years, but continued working part time after retirement.

He was a member of Zion-St. John Lutheran Church of Sheffield, where he served as church treasurer for 25 years and served on the church council and taught Sunday School for a number of years.

Stan was an active member of the Sheffield Lion’s Club for 39 years where he served in various office positions.

He married Margaret Day Samuelson on June 23, 1973.

Stan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his fishing trips up north with his local friends. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening and traveling. Stan was a "Special" grandpa to his seven grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Sheffield; one sister, Laura Patchen, of Mason City; two stepdaughters, Karen Weltzin and her husband, Dan, of Brandon, Iowa, and Kristi Meints and her husband, Gary, of Sheffield; seven grandchildren, Samuel and Benjamin Harting, Bethany Weltzin, and Jami, Jill, Joelle and Jaclyn Meints; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

MASON CITY — Minnie E. Griffith, 94, of 4 Third St. N.W., died Wednesday (July 8, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. David Shogren officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with a White Shrine service at 7 p.m. by White Shrine No. 6. There will be additional visitation one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Minnie E. Griffith Memorial Fund.

Minnie E. Griffith was born Oct. 16, 1903. in Bellvue Township, Pocahontas County, the daughter of Albert and Ella (Schliewert) Aden in their farmhouse.

She attended country school and then graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1921. She taught kindergarten through 8th grade at the same country school she had attended while taking summer classes at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls where she received her degree in 1926.

On June 21, 1930, Minnie married Harold Griffith at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She then taught 7th and 8th grade in the VanHorne School District where Harold was the superintendent.

In 1939, Minnie left teaching to devote her time to raising her growing family. After living in Dows, Iowa, for two years, the family moved to Mason City in 1947.Minnie began her many years of volunteering in various organizations and involving herself in the church, schools and community. She was active in the Wesley United Methodist Church, the PTA, the Music Parents, the Minewa Club, the White Shrine, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls and the Shriners Auxiliary. Minnie gave many years to these important organizations and her dedication and leadership has been an inspiration to many.

Survivors include three daughters, Carol Sampson and her husband, Terry, of Tucson, Ariz.; Judy Losh and her husband, Rod, of Altoona, Iowa; and Mary Meeker and her husband, Bob, of Mount Vernon, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, Lisa Ewoldt and her husband, John, of Gainesville, Ga., Kevin Sampson, of Tucson, Ariz., Darcy O’Brien and her husband, Robert, of Tucson, Ariz., Amee Sampson, of Tucson, Ariz., Kara Sampson, of Tucson, Ariz., Michael Losh and his wife, Anne, of Sterling Heights, Mich., Brian Losh and his wife, Melissa of West Des Moines; Garrett Losh and his wife, Jill, of Iowa City, Iowa; Krista Sorensen and her husband, Mike, of Buffalo Grove, Ill., Jeff Meeker and his wife, Monica, of Davenport, Scott Meeker, of Cedar Rapids, and Steven Meeker, of Mount Vernon; five great-grandchildren, Emily, Nathan and Kyle Ewoldt, Eric O’Brien and Maura Losh; one sister, Alice Lundblad, of Mason City; and one sister-in-law, Pearl Carter, of Nevada, Iowa.