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Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

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Mason City

Globe Gazette
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Mason City, Iowa
50402


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The Mason City Globe Gazette year 1998 archive


March 11, 1998

Mason City (Iowa) Globe Gazette obituaries

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** Lucretia ‘Lucky’ O. Fjone Ward

MASON CITY — Lucretia ‘Lucky’ O. Fjone Ward, 87, of 1201 Sixth St. S.W., died Thursday (March 5, l998) at the Willow Creek Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Clear Lake Congregational Church, 205 West 10th Ave. N., with the Rev. Thomas Healey officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Vernon Township Cemetery, Burchinal.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Lucretia ‘Lucky’ Fjone Ward Memorial Fund.

Lucretia ‘Lucky’ O. Fjone Ward was born Oct. 22, 1910, in Randolph, S.D., the daughter of Herbert H. and Faith (Bensen) Gilman.

‘Lucky’ completed her education in Frederick, N.D., and moved to Iowa in 1929 where she settled on a farm southeast of Clear Lake.

She continued to farm until 1959. During those years, she was an active member of the Farm Bureau.

In 1959, she moved to Clear Lake and worked as a nurse’s aide at Ritter’s Nursing Home.

After retiring in 1975, she did volunteer work for RSVP, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Village and many more organizations. Lucky also was a member of Clear Lake Congregational Church. Lucky also had time for a game of 500 or cribbage, and she loved to play bingo. She was best known for her unselfish, giving nature.

She is survived by her son, John Fjone, and his wife, Marjorie, Clear Lake; three daughters, Betty Teter and her husband, Nolan, West Palm Beach, Fla., Patricia Williams, Olympia, Wash., and Jean Ellis, Mason City; one sister, Mrs. Gerald (Helen) Gilman, Beach, S.D.; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; three great, great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, one sister and one great-granddaughter.

** James Ray ‘Jim’ Foster Sr.

CHARLES CITY — James Ray "Jim" Foster Sr., 53, of Charles City, died Sunday (March 8, 1998) at Floyd County Memorial Hospital.

Memorial funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Gospel Lighthouse, Floyd, with the Rev. Paul Phillips officiating.

Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Fullerton Hage Funeral Home in Charles City, with the family receiving friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

James Ray "Jim" Foster was born March 25, 1944, in Des Moines.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria, of Charles City; his mother, Inez Foster, of Hartford; four children, Troy Foster, Roy Foster and Joy Foster, all of Charles City, and James Ray Foster Jr., of Colwell; two brothers, Gary Foster, of Hartford, and Jerry Foster, of Des Moines; three sisters, Patricia Davis, of Ankeny, Edie Foster and Marie Sue Foster, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

** Rev. Thomas J.P. Hankins

ELMA — The Rev. Thomas J.P. Hankins, 48, of Elma, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, with the Rev. Steve Ullestad, bishop of the Northeast Iowa Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

A memorial will be established at a later date.

Thomas J.P. Hankins was born March 30, 1949, in Davenport.

Survivors include his wife, the Rev. Debra P. Hankins, of Elma; three sons, Michael, of Elma, Jason, of San Francisco, Calif., and Timothy, of Malibu, Calif.; his parents, Owen and Jeanette Hankins, of Davenport; and two brothers, Larry, of Bettendorf, and Dick Hankins, of Virginia.

** Verna E. Ouverson

NAPLES, Fla. — Mrs. Verna E. Ouverson, 97, of Naples, Fla., died Sunday (March 8, 1998), 10 days before her 98th birthday. A longtime resident of Clear Lake, Verna had moved to Naples permanently in 1992.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Fred Lewis of Clear Lake United Methodist Church, conducting the service. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today, and will continue after noon on Thursday until time of services.

Memorials may be given in her name for a Clear Lake project to be designated by the family.

Verna was born on March 18, 1900, in Warrensburg, Ill., to Tom and Alice (Corn) Richey, the oldest of five children. The family soon moved to Iowa, first to the Webster City area, and then settled north of Clear Lake.

Verna attended Fertile and Hanlontown schools, graduating from Hanlontown High School. She attended Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls, and taught school in Worth County. On May 21, 1922, she married Emery L. Ouverson in the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She and her husband then farmed near Fertile until 1939, when the family moved to Clear Lake.

Verna opened "Verna’s Fashion Shop" in 1951, and operated it for many years, eventually selling to her sister. She was very active in community affairs and belonged to many ladies groups during her business career. Verna loved playing cards and fishing, and was deeply devoted to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Verna is survived by her son, Tom Ouverson and his wife, Diane, of Naples, Fla.; three grandchildren, Tim Ouverson, of Naples, Fla., Dan Ouverson, of Naples, Fla., and Tommie Christensen and her husband, Marty, of Mt. Vernon; two step-grandchildren, Shelley King-Crow and her husband, Kelly, of Atlanta, Ga., and Melissa Barthelette and her husband, Joe, of Atlanta, Ga.; and three great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her loving sister, Mildred Harding, of Clear Lake, and many nieces and nephews.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Emery L. Ouverson; two sisters; one brother; and her longtime friend, Alvin "Ike" Dahle.

** Matilda ‘Tillie’ Henry

ALGONA — Matilda "Tillie" Henry, 89, of Algona, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at the Kossuth Regional Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Cecelia Catholic Church with the Rev. Steve Brodersen officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2:30 to 9 p.m. today at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona.

Matilda "Tillie" Henry was born June 19, 1908, in Algona.

Survivors include three sons, Eugene "Bud" Henry of Algona, Jack Henry of Whittemore, and Tom Henry of Algona; one daughter, Ardith Knecht of West Bend; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one brother, George Steil of Algona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a daughter, one brother, one grandchild and three sisters.

** Rena Huisman

BUFFALO CENTER — Rena Huisman, 86, of Buffalo Center, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center, with the Rev. Stephany Sanborn officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Rena Huisman was born March 11, 1911, in Wellsburg.

Survivors include one daughter, LaVerda Huisman, of Clear Lake; three sons, Roland Huisman, of Tehachapi, Calif., Alan Huisman, of Omaha, Neb., and Duane Huisman, of Waverly; three sisters, Nette Huisman, of Wellsburg, Edna Kreb, of Waterloo, and Mildred Weichers, of Wellsburg; one brother, Harold Weichers, of Wellsburg; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant son, one granddaughter, three sisters and four brothers.

** Everett E. Leach Sr.

FOREST CITY — Everett E. Leach Sr., 88, of Forest City, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at the Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial will be in the Madison Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Everett E. Leach Sr. was born June 15, 1909, in Mason City.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Leach, of Forest City; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, five brothers, two sisters and a grandson.

** Ruth Delores Beers

JOICE — Ruth Delores (Larson) Beers, 72, of Joice, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice, with the Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Mills.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Ruth Delores (Larson) Beers was born Aug. 20, 1925, near Lake Mills.

Survivors include one son, Tom Beers of Lake Mills; and two granddaughters.

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

** Martha ‘Marty’ Baylor Champlin

MASON CITY — Mrs. Martha (Marty) Baylor Champlin, 85, of 1328 First St. N.W., Mason City, formerly of Clear Lake, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with Mr. Steve Myers officiating. Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to the Marty Baylor Champlin memorial fund.

Marty was born Aug. 28, 1912, in rural Montezuma, the daughter of J.K. and Myrtle (Wright) Myers. She attended country school and then moved with her family at an early age to Cedar Rapids, where she graduated from high school. Following high school, she attended beauty school. She was a beautician in Cedar Rapids.

Marty married Robert C. Baylor on Sept. 17, 1938, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They moved to Mason City and later to Clear Lake. She was a beauty operator at the Palais Wave Salon in Mason City, and then at Nesbit’s Beauty Shop in Clear Lake. Marty later worked at the Chappell Clinic in Clear Lake. After Robert’s death on Jan. 19, 1973, she married James (Al) Champlin on Dec. 29, 1973. They lived in Benson, Ariz., and later moved to Mesa, Ariz. Al preceded her in death in December 1989. Marty moved back to Clear Lake, and in 1996, moved to Mason City.

She enjoyed cooking, knitting, fabric stenciling and fishing on Clear Lake. She was a member of Friendship Club.

Marty is survived by her son, Bill Baylor, and his wife, Gayle, rural Nora Springs; one step-daughter, Cheryl Monson of Mason City; four grandchildren, Scott Baylor and his wife, Carrie Marie, of San Angelo, Texas, Dawn Familetti and her husband, Scott, of Reedsburg, Wis., Martha Gilley and her husband, Brian, of Shawnee, Kan., and Paul Baylor of Rockwell; two step-grandchildren, Lori West of Forest City, and Dan Monson of Lake Mills; two great-grandchildren, Zachary Baylor and C.J. "Bear" Baylor; three step-great-grandchildren, Zack Crail, Ryan Pederson and Brandy Crail.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, and two brothers, Glenn and Ralph Myers.

** Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox

CLEAR LAKE — Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox, 79, of Clear Lake, died Thursday (March 5, 1998) at the Columbia Regional Hospital in McAllen, Texas.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., with the Rev. Fred Lewis of Clear Lake United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 18, Mason City.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the chapel.

The family of Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox was born on May 5, 1918, in Meltonville, Iowa, the son of Marion Frances and Bertha (Shepley) Cox. He attended and received his education in the Otranto School System. After completing his schooling, he helped his family on the farm near Otranto, moving with his parents on a farm south of Clear Lake in 1932, continuing to farm. He was united in marriage to Emma Hoots on March 22, 1939, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. After their marriage, they continued to farm and raise cattle south of Clear Lake for 23 years, moving to Algona where he managed the Algona Sale Barn. He also worked for Iowa Beef Industry for several years and worked for Iowa Beef Industry in Ulysses, Kan., until his retirement in May 1977, when he moved to Mountain Home, Ark., before moving to Clear Lake in 1981.

He enjoyed wintering in Alamo, Texas, woodworking, cards and fishing, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Emma Cox, of Clear Lake; two sons, James Cox and his wife, Linda, of Littleton, Colo., and Glenn Cox and his wife, Marian, of Kingston, Wash.; one daughter, Jo Dickes and her husband, Bill, of Newport, Minn.; seven grandchildren, James B. Cox, Chrissy Cox, Debbie Cox, Laurie Cox, David Cox, Paul Poppell and Kathryn Fangman; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Loyal (Babe) Cox and his wife, Jean, of Knoxville; one sister, Lois Humphrey of Clear Lake; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Christine Humphrey; and one brother, Marion (Bud) Cox.

** Carl E. ‘Red’ Aspland

MASON CITY — Carl E. "Red" Aspland, 87, of 837 Fifth St. S.E., Mason City, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Major-Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with services being conducted by the Masonic Temple, Eastern Star and White Shrine.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where other arrangements are incomplete.

** Anna Flo

LAKE MILLS — Anna Flo, 81, of Lake Mills, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, where other funeral arrangements are incomplete.

** Rosecelia J. Knudtson

LAKE MILLS — Rosecelia J. Knudtson, 90, of Lake Mills, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Winnebago Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

** J. Bruce Perkins

CLEMSON, S.C. — J. Bruce Perkins, 50, of 101 Dogwood, Clemson, S.C., formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at his home.

Funeral services are tentatively set for 2 p.m. Friday at First Congregational Church in Clear Lake.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

Other funeral arrangements are incomplete.

** Gary Joseph Krapek

MASON CITY — Gary Joseph Krapek, 38, of 807 N. Jefferson Ave., Mason City, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church, 100 First St. N.E.

His body has been cremated. His family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E.

Other funeral arrangements are incomplete at the funeral chapel.

** Helen Nelson

MASON CITY — Helen Nelson, 93, of Mason City, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at the Heritage Health Care Center.

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

**========================

March 12, 1998

Mason City (Iowa) Globe Gazette obituaries

==========================

** Matilda Parro

LELAND — Matilda Parro 89, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center, Wabasha, Minn.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 Friday, at St. James Catholic Church, Forest City, with the Rev. Craig Steimel officiating. Burial will take place at St. James Catholic Cemetery, Forest City. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday; a special scripture service will begin at 7 p.m. and both will take place at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City.

Matilda Parro was born April 23, 1908, in Carroll.

She is survived by two daughters, Arlene Johnson, Foxboro, Wis., and Rosalie Hagen, Marshalltown; two sisters Mildred Coster, Missouri, and Augusta Leitch, Milford; two step-grandchildren; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, a niece and nephew, and two brothers-in-law.

** Gary Joseph Krapek

MASON CITY — Gary Joseph Krapek, 38, of 807 North Jefferson Avenue, passed away Monday (March 9, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church, 100 First Street N.E., with the Rev. Dick Sheerer and the Rev. Donald Simmons officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation rites have been accorded. A flag folding ceremony will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

The family invites his friends to join them for lunch and a time of fellowship following the celebration in the church dining room.

Gary's family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street N.E.

Memorials may be given to the Gary Krapek Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Gary was born on May 12, 1959, at Mason City, a son of Eleanor Krapek and the late Joseph Krapek.

A 1977 graduate of Mason City High School, Gary served in the United States Army.

Following military training and technical school, he was a partner and owner of K & M Camera Services in Starkville, Miss., for eight years and worked for Domino's Pizza as a trainer before returning to the Mason City area. He owned and operated GJK Repair Services until November of 1997.

Gary was actively involved in several community and church organizations including the Mason City Chamber of Commerce and the Prudential Committee of the First Congregational Church. He was a member of the Society of Photo-technologists. He was honored with a Lifesaver Hero Award while in Mississippi for his efforts in pulling an unconscious woman from a burning car.

He enjoyed fishing, photography, music, road-tripping, working on the computer and internet as well as spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Elly Krapek, of Mason City; paternal grandmother, Sophie Krapek. of Osage; one brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Kelly (Urban) Krapek, of Chanhassen, Minn.; two sisters, Kimberley Krapek of Denver, Colo., and Kay Nolan and her husband, Dan, of Monmouth, Ill.; paternal aunt and uncle, David and Mary Ann (Krapek) McDonald, of Orinda, Calif.; a nephew, John Krapek, and nieces, Annie Krapek and Andrea Nolan. He is also survived by his special friend, Jean Ritter, and his faithful companions, Poppy and Sandy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe, and one brother, John.

** Amelia M. Anderson

HAMPTON — Amelia M. Anderson, 83, died Wednesday (March 7, 1998) at Franklin General Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Congregational United Church of Christ, Hampton, with the Rev. Gregory Smith Officiating. Burial will be at the Hampton Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday at Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, Hampton.

Amelia was born January 31, l915, in Humboldt.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Cooper, Cedar Falls, and Delores Parades, Davenport; two brothers, Milfred Slieter and Ervin Slieter both of Humboldt; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and three great- great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, one great-grandson, and one son-in-law.

** Anna Flo

LAKE MILLS — Anna Flo, 81, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, at the Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills. Burial will be at the Salem Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, and one hour before services at the church.

Anna L. Flo was born April 25, 1916, to Lewis and Thea (Langfald) Askildson, in Newton Township, Winnebago County.

She was married to Lester Flo on November 21, 1937.

She lived in Lake Mills most of her life and was a caretaker of all. She will be missed by many.

Anna is survived by her husband Lester of Lake Mills; five children, Betty and her husband Jim Groe, of St.Paul, Minn., Larry and his wife Karen Flo, of Grapevine, Texas, Sharon and her husband Lenny Schiller, of Farmington, Minn., Gerald and his wife Karen Flo, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Rick and his wife Mary Flo, of Lake Mills; one sister, Thelma and her husband Ray Isaacson, of Albert Lea, Minn.; two brothers, Marvin and his wife Dorothy Askildson, of Rochester, Minn., and Harold Askildson, of Albert Lea Minn.; two very special nieces, Beverly Frost, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Diane Brackey of Lake Mills; one sister-in-law, Alice Asklidson of Lake Mills; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Michael; great-granddaughter Savannah Flo Manley; her granddaughter's husband Bob Hopkins; four brothers, Roger, Alvin, Art, and Leonard; and one sister, Agnes Fjelland.

** Rosalea C. Pitzen

OSAGE — Rosalea C. Pitzen, 95, died Sunday (March 8, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage, with the Rev. Philip Recker officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Champion Funeral Home, Osage, is in charge of arrangements.

Rosalea was born September 4, 1902, at Johnsburg, Minn.

She is survived by one daughter, Mary Alice Counsell, Osage; three sons, Marvin Pitzen, Osage, Melvin Pitzen, Marshalltown, and Roger Pitzen, Marion; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

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

** Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox

CLEAR LAKE — Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox, 79, of Clear Lake, died Thursday (March 5, 1998) at the Columbia Regional Hospital in McAllen, Texas.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., with the Rev. Fred Lewis of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 18, Mason City.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday at the chapel.

The family of Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

Cecil LeRoy (Kid) Cox was born on May 5, 1918, in Meltonville, Iowa, the son of Marion Frances and Bertha (Shepley) Cox. He attended and received his education in the Otranto School System. After completing his schooling he helped his family on the farm near Otranto, moving with his parents on a farm south of Clear Lake in 1932, continuing to farm. He was united in marriage to Emma Hoots on March 22, 1939, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. After their marriage they continued to farm and raise cattle south of Clear Lake for 23 years, moving to Algona where he managed the Algona Sale Barn. He also worked for Iowa Beef Industry for several years and worked for Iowa Beef Industry in Ulysses, Kansas, until his retirement in May, 1977, moving to Mountain Home, Ark., before moving to Clear Lake in 1981.

They enjoyed wintering in Alamo, Texas, woodworking, cards and fishing, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Emma Cox, of Clear Lake; two sons, James Cox and his wife, Linda, of Littleton, Colo., and Glenn Cox and his wife, Marian, of Kingston, Wash.; one daughter, Jo Dickes and her husband, Bill, of Newport, Minn.; seven grandchildren, James B. Cox, Chrissy Cox, Debbie Cox, Laurie Cox, David Cox, Paul Poppell and Kathryn Fangman; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Loyal (Babe) Cox and his wife, Jean, of Knoxville; one sister, Lois Humphrey of Clear Lake; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Christine Humphrey; and one brother, Marion (Bud) Cox.

** Eugene L. Tracy

MASON CITY — Eugene L. Tracy, 87, of 1714 Hillcrest Drive, died Friday (March 6, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Mason City.

A memorial Mass will be said at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, by the Rev. Dennis Cahill. The time of interment has not yet been determined; Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. is in charge of any further arrangements.

There will be no visitation; his wishes were to donate his remains to the University of Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the New High School Foundation in memory of Eugene L. Tracy.

Eugene L. Tracy was born March 20, 1910, the son of Albert L. And Mabel E. (Burns) Tracy in Chelsea, S.D.

Eugene moved with his family to Dubuque, Moline, Clarion and Belmond before coming to Mason City in 1927. Eugene graduated from Mason City High School in 1928.

Eugene worked for Interstate Power Company for 45 years, retiring in 1975 as District Auditor.

He was married to Lois Donaldson on October 8, 1941, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City.

Eugene was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, the YMCA & Health Club from 1927-1992, and Highland Golf Course.

Eugene was an avid Boy Scout member and was a charter member of the Belmond Troop #16. He served as scout master and received the Silver Beaver Award, St. George Award and the Vigil Honor Award.

Eugene was County Chairman for the Red Cross Swimming and First Aid. He also was the Treasurer for SCORE and received his 10-year pin. Eugene served on the board of Allen Archery and was chairman of the accounting section for the Missouri Valley Electrical Association.

Eugene was the city tennis champion in 1928 and l931.

Eugene and Lois enjoyed cross-country skiing and their winters in Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife, Lois M. Tracy, Mason City; one daughter, Jean M. and her husband Bill Hills, Cranbrook, British Columbia; two sons, Albert L. and his wife, Ann Tracy, Bethlehem, Penn., David J. And his wife, Christina Tracy, Garland, Texas; a special daughter, Jan and her husband Al Hegenbarth, Mason City; 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Elizabeth M. Allen, Billings, Mont.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ralph Robert in infancy and Father Maurice Tracy.

** Rosecelia J. Knudtson

LAKE MILLS —Rosecelia J. Knudtson, 90, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, with the Rev. Bill Peters officiating. Burial will be at the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mittlestadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, and on hour before services at the church.

Rosecelia was born June 10, 1907, near Leland, to Edward and Rachel (Anderson) Branstad.

She graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1926.

On June 10, 1926, she married Arthur E. Knudtson at the Winnebago Lutheran Parsonage.

After she retired, she was active as a volunteer with North Central Human Services in Forest City, and was also active in the Senior Citizens and church circles.

Rosecelia is survived by her children, Arlene and her husband Myron Hill, Roseville, Minn., Truman Knudtson, Northwood, Dorothy Christianson, Mavis and her husband Roger Bolstad, Jean and husband Gordon Hagen all of Lake Mills; 18 grandchildren, Vicki Kelson, Loren Hill, Dan Knudtson, Mark Knudtson, LuAnn Alexander, Tammy Overgard, Barbara Penny, Gregory Christianson, Leon Christianson, Joel Christianson, Eric Christianson, Jay Christianson, Thomas Christianson, Kathy Kent, Randy Bolstad, James Hagen, Jeffrey Hagen, Rodney Hagen, 45 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John and his wife Ann Brandstad, Lake Mills, and Lawrence Branstad, Frederic, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur, on January 13, 1980; two sisters; one brother; one grandson, Steven Hagen; one son-in-law, Clarence Christianson, and one daughter-in-law, Phyllis Knudtson.

** Helen Theresa Nelson

MASON CITY — Helen Theresa Nelson, 93, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at Heritage Care Center, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E., with the Rev. Dennis Cahill, of Holy Family Catholic Church officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at noon on Friday until the time of the service at the funeral chapel.

Helen Nelson was born October 17, 1904, in West Bend, the youngest child of Peter and Catherine Collins.

The family moved to Emmetsburg.

She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Emmetsburg and received her nursing degree from St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital at Sioux City.

Helen went to Battle Creek, Mich., and began her nursing career. There she met and married her husband, Henry Nelson.

They moved to Albuquerque, N.M., then to Detroit where she continued nursing until retirement. Upon the death of her husband, she moved to Mason City to live with her sister.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews, two of whom live in Mason City, Phyliss Nicolet and Irene Ingrebretson.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, five sisters, and six brothers.

** Belva Maxine Weiner

CLARION — Belva Maxine Weiner, 80, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at the Community Memorial Hospital, Clarion

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Willim Funeral Home, Clarion, with Mark Young of the Church of Christ officiating. Burial of her ashes will be in the Lindenwood Cemetery near Geneva in the spring by the family.

Belva M. Coats was born on December 31, 1917, near Stanhope to Telfer and Frankie (Smith) Coats.

She is survived by her husband, George, Clarion; two daughters, Jorgene Bourgart, Clarion, and Lonnie Hough, Lake Viking, Mo.; four grandsons; three great-grandchildren; and one stepsister, Marjorie DeLallo, Hemet, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, two brothers.

** J. Bruce Perkins

CLEMSON, S.C. — J. Bruce Perkins, 50, of 101 Dogwood Drive, Clemson, S.C., died Monday (March 9, 1998) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Congregational Church, Clear Lake, where he was a member. The Rev. Thomas Healey will be officiating. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, and then begin after 10 a.m. Friday at the church.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Bruce Perkins Memorial.

Bruce was born April 2, 1947, the son of John and Marlus (Lambert) Perkins. He graduated from Clear Lake High School and 1965, and from Mankato State University, Mankato, Minn., in 1969.

Bruce married Jane Chamberlain on Aug. 23, 1968, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City. He taught and coached at Clarion High School. He was in the real estate business in Clear Lake, and worked for Winnebago Homes in Forest City, Component Homes in Iowa City, Boise Cascade in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and Henkel Construction in Mason City.

Bruce enjoyed waterfowl hunting, and in recent years became an accomplished carver of waterfowl and figures. He was an avid sailor and supporter of youth and high school football and hockey.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Jane Perkins, of Clemson; three children, Jeff Perkins and his wife, B.J., and sons, Anthony and Nicolas of Marion, Elizabeth Perkins of Iowa City, and Meredith Perkins of Clemson; his parents, John and Marlus Perkins of Clear Lake; one sister, Sandra K. Snider and her husband, Lloyd, of Peck, Kan.; and in-laws, Tom and Denise Chamberlain of Brooksville, Fla., Mark Chamberlain and Teresa Bowen of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

** Mary Catherine Shadbolt

CLARION — Mary C. Shadbolt, 86, died Tuesday (March 10, 1998) at the Clarion Health Care Center.

Her body has been cremated and burial of the ashes will be in the spring by the family. No services are scheduled at this time. Willim Funeral Home, Clarion, is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Catherine Shadbolt was born March 20, 1911, near Lehigh to Leo and Ona (Wilson) Cahill

She is survived by her daughter, Joan Burt, Galt; one grandson, one granddaughter; two great-grandsons, and one sister, Evelyn Crouse, Fort Dodge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her brother, Leo Cahill; and her sister Sadie Duckett.

**========================

March 13, 1998

Mason City (Iowa) Globe Gazette obituaries

==========================

** Raymond L. Beamish

ALGONA — Raymond L. Beamish, 88, of Algona, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at the Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Philip Webb officiating. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m.

Raymond L. Beamish was born June 25, 1909, in Alden.

Survivors include one son, Jerry Beamish of Fort Worth, Texas; one daughter, Jean French of Georgetown, Texas; five grandchildren; eight great-grand-children; and one brother, Jess Beamish of La Mirada, Calif.

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

** Jody Ann Nall

DES MOINES — Jody Ann Nall, 46, died Wednesday (March 11, 1998) at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Corwith, with the Rev. Jim Cord officiating. Interment will be in the Corwith Cemetery.

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

Jody Ann Nall was born Oct. 7, 1951, at Belmond, to Richard and Betty Adams Nall. She received her education in Corwith, graduating from the Corwith High School in 1969. After her schooling, Jody lived in Minneapolis, Minn., where she worked for Sears. For the last 12 years, Jody has lived in Des Moines, where she worked in the Patient Accounts Office of Mercy Hospital. For the last few years, Jody was unable to work full time because of failing health, but she still did volunteer work at the hospital. Jody was a member of the First Baptist Church in Corwith. She also belonged to the Wakonda Christian Church in Des Moines, where she had been a Deaconess and was a former member of the church choir. Jody enjoyed doing arts and crafts and before her health failed she enjoyed raising flowers and sewing. She loved her cat, Tom, who was a faithful companion to her during her illness.

Jody is survived by her parents, Richard and Betty Nall of Corwith; and her maternal grandmother, Fern Adams, also of Corwith. Also surviving are two sisters, Julie Wittmeier and her husband, Jon, of LuVerne, and Judy Johnson and her husband, Stephen, of Hastings, Minn.; and one brother, Dwight Nall and his wife, Donna, of Corwith. Jody is also survived by her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Joy; her paternal grandparents; and her maternal grandfather.

** William John O'Brien

GENEVA — William John O'Brien, 86, of Geneva, passed away Wednesday (March 11, 1998) at Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility, Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ackley, with Father Rick Dagit, and Monsignor Roger O'Brien officiating. Burial will be in St. Mark's Cemetery in Iowa Falls.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today with the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Brandt-Fritz Funeral Home, 740 Main St., Ackley. There will be a parish wake service at 7 p.m.

William John O'Brien was born Jan. 10, 1912, in Geneva, the son of John and Anna Donahue O'Brien. He went to Osceola Township Schools and attended Geneva High School. He was married to Kathleen Elizabeth Thines on Jan. 8, 1936, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Hampton. William was a retired farmer, and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ackley; the Knights of Columbus; Franklin County Farm Bureau; N.F.O.; and a former member of St. Paul's Church in Geneva.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen; a son, Michael O'Brien and his wife, Mary, of Geneva; a daughter, Mary Pat Cole and her husband, Gene, of Mason City; a brother, Monsignor Roger O'Brien of Dubuque; a daughter-in-law, Marianne O'Brien of Annandale, Va.; seven grandchildren; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Col. Maurice J. O'Brien; and an infant daughter, Kathleen M. O'Brien.

** Carl E. 'Red' Aspland

MASON CITY — Carl E. "Red" Aspland, 87, of 837 Fifth St. S.E., Mason City, died Monday (March 9, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Major-Erick-son Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with services by the Masonic Temple, Eastern Star and the White Shrine. Burial will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home, and until time of services on Saturday morning.

Memorials may be directed to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital in memory of Carl E. "Red" Aspland.

Carl E. "Red" Aspland was born Aug. 26, 1910, in Sioux City, the son of Charles E. and Amanda K. (Karlsson) Aspland. Carl attended and graduated from Central High School in Sioux City in 1927. After high school Carl worked for Armour's and moved to Huron, S.D. in 1931. He then married Arlene Storrs on Sept. 12, 1933, in Mitchell, S.D. He then was transferred with Armour's to South St. Paul from 1937-1944, then to Chicago, Ill. from 1944-1947, Cozad, Neb. from 1947-1952, and then to Mason City in 1952. Red worked at Armour's for 44 years, retiring in 1972. Carl was married to Helen V. Shultner on April 19, 1980, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Carl was a member of the Lawn Lodge #815 A.F. & A.M. in Chicago, Eastern Star Unity Chapter #58 in Mason City, and #29 in Austin, Minn., and Alchor Shrine #6 of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Mason City. He was also a member of the York Rite Bodies Counsel in Austin, Minn., and the York Rite Commandry in Mason City. Carl served as High Priest for the Chapter of York Rites, past Watchman of the Shepherd of White Shrine for four times, Past Patron for the Eastern Star, twice in Iowa and once in Minnesota. Carl also served as past Illustrious Master and High Priest of the Council of York. Carl was also a member of High Twelve, Shriners and AARP, where he helped with the publicity. Carl was a very strong family man, a traveler and photographer.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Aspland, of Mason City; one son, Carl E. Aspland Jr. of Bristol, Conn.; two daughters, Sherryl A. Pippert of Mason City, and Lynnea A. Schafer and her husband, John R. II, Belpre, Ohio; one stepdaughter, Pamela S. Watters and her husband, Charles, of Springfield, Mo.; six grandchildren, Barbara Wolf, Patricia Miller, Adam and Kyle Peterson, Ann E. Posey, and Carrie L. Schafer; two great-grand-children, Samantha Peroutka and Galen Wolf; two step-grand-children, Shawna Highfill and Keith Watters; two step-great-grandchildren, Alycia and Dylan Highfill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Arlene, in June, 1979; sister, Elsie; and one grandson, Todd Pippert.

** Ralph Fox

RICEVILLE — Ralph Fox, 84, of Riceville, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4:30 to 8 p.m. today at Lindstrom Funeral Home. A rosary will be held at 5 p.m., and a scripture service at 7:30 p.m.

Ralph Fox was born Aug. 9, 1913, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine, of Riceville; two sons, Mike of Riceville, and Gary of Rochester, Minn.; four daughters, Carol Jennison of Denver, Colo., Jane Messer of Chanhassen, Minn., Susan Yavari of Oak Park, Calif., and Sara Byrnes of Riceville; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard Fox of Riceville; and two sisters, Marie McCabe of Torrance, Calif., and Margaret Brownlee of Oroville, Wash.

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

** Edna M. Albertson

MASON CITY — Edna M. Albertson, 81, of 626 N. Delaware Ave., Mason City, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E.

** Helen M. Kittleson

MASON CITY — Helen M. Kittleson, 82, of 302 Second St. N.E., Mason City, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at Good Shepherd Health Center.

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

** Jake Sweers

WODEN — Jake Sweers, 73, of Woden, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt.

** Eugene L. Tracy

MASON CITY — Eugene L. Tracy, 87, of 1714 Hillcrest Drive, died Friday (March 6, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Mason City.

A memorial Mass will be said at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, by the Rev. Dennis Cahill. Interment will be held at a later date.

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

Memorials may be directed to the Newman High School Foundation in memory of Eugene L. Tracy.

** Inacio 'Jack' M. Escobedo

MASON CITY — Inacio "Jack" M. Escobedo, 65, of 503 S. Pierce Ave., Mason City, died Wednesday (March 11, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 Fourth St. S.E., with the Rev. David Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Inacio "Jack" M. Escobedo was born July 31, 1932, at Hearne, Texas, the son of Jose M. and Delores R. (Mejia) Escobedo.

He married Verna Jean Birke on July 2, 1954, at the Evangelical Brethen Church, Ventura, with the Rev. Alfred Rau officiating.

In the late 1950s and 60s, he co-owned and operated "Virg and Jack's" Texaco Gas Station in Clear Lake. Also, he worked at Armour Foods from 1953 to August, 1977. Later he was employed at North Iowa Mercy Health Center from September 1977, until his retirement in July of 1994.

Jack hosted a radio show on KSMN in Mason City from 1966 to 1975, called Fiesta Nortena, featuring all TexMex style music. He also loved playing TexMex music on his accordion, as well as playing bluegrass music.

Jack loved spending time with his family, going camping, attending bluegrass festivals, and working in his garden and yard.

He was a member of Elks Lodge #375, Mason City, the American Hispanic Club, and was a founding member of the Temple Baptist Church, Mason City.

Survivors include his wife, Verna Escobedo, Mason City; two sons, Douglas Escobedo, Mason City, and Randy Escobedo and his wife, Kay, Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren, Aunna Escobedo and Noah Escobedo, Cedar Rapids; three brothers, Louis Escobedo and his wife, Mary, Fort Dodge, Greg Escobedo and his wife, Olga, Panama City, Fla., and Raymond Escobedo and his wife, Debbie, Flint, Mich.; four sisters, Mary Rodriguez, Houston, Texas, Lucy Phillips and her husband, Andrew, National City, Mich., Juanita Fults and her husband, Leon, Kellogg, and Cecelia Bergdale and her husband, Jerry, Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

**========================

March 14, 1998

Mason City (Iowa) Globe Gazette obituaries

==========================

** Edna M. Albertson

MASON CITY — Edna M. Albertson, 81, of 626 North Delaware, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, with the Rev. David M. Beckman officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. with a scripture service beginning at 5:30. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Edna Albertson Memorial Fund.

Edna was born May 2, 1916, the daughter of William and Minnie (Watson) Toinbee in Mason City.

On August 29, 1934, Edna was united in marriage to Harold M. Albertson in Marshalltown. The couple has resided in the Mason City area ever since.

Edna was a very good, creative cook; she could conjure up the most delicious recipes especially soups. Edna was known as the family seamstress; she sewed many wedding dresses for family weddings and would crochet an afghan for anyone who asked.

Edna loved to go on two-week fishing trips to northern Minnesota. She was very proud of a 6 pound Northern that she had caught, which happened to be her largest.

Edna was very strong with regard to her medical problems; she put up a brave front to many illnesses. She had a great inner strength and a lot of fortitude.

Edna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family.

Edna is survived by her husband, Harold; three daughters, Ms. Joan Albertson of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Ray (Jane) Yandell of Edmond, Okla., Mr. and Mrs. Larry (Delores) Bernemann of Manly; one son, Mr. and Mrs. Harold (Marlene) Albertson Jr. of Griswold; three sisters, Mrs. Annabelle Theilen, Mrs. Margaret Stepleton, Mr. and Mrs. Bill (Dorothy) Thompson, all of Mason City; one brother-in-law, Mr. W.L. Albertson of Nora Springs; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lucille, Patricia, Marcella; three brothers, Robert, William, and an infant brother, LeRoy. 

** Eugene L. Tracy

MASON CITY — Eugene L. Tracy, 87, of 1714 Hillcrest Drive, died Friday (March 6,1998) at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Mason City.

A memorial Mass will be said at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, by the Rev. Dennis Cahill. Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery at a later date.

There will be no visitation; his wishes were to donate his remains to the University of Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the Newman High School Foundation in memory of Eugene L. Tracy.

Eugene L. Tracy was born March 20, 1910, the son of Albert L. And Mabel E. (Burns) Tracy in Chelsea, S.D.

Eugene moved with his family to Dubuque, Moline, Clarion and Belmond before coming to Mason City in 1927. Eugene graduated from Mason City High School in 1928.

Eugene worked for Interstate Power Company for 45 years, retiring in 1975 as District Auditor.

He was married to Lois Donaldson on October 8, 1941, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City.

Eugene was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, the YMCA & Health Club from 1927-1992, and Highland Golf Course.

Eugene was a member of Winnebago Boy Scout Council for 73 years and was a charter member of Troop 16 in Belmond. In Mason City he served as a commissioner and was a scoutmaster for troops 26, 35, 12, 10, 14, 11, and 3.

For his commitment to youth, he was awarded the Silver Beaver and St. George medals and the Vigil Honor from The Order of the Arrow.

In his youth he was a swimming instructor at the former Boy Scout camp, Roosevelt at Clear Lake, where he was elected to The Old Guard as an honor camper.

Eugene was County Chairman for the Red Cross Swimming and First Aid. He also was the Treasurer for SCORE and received his ten year pin. Eugene served on the board of Allen Archery and was chairman of the accounting section for the Missouri Valley Electrical Association.

Eugene was the city tennis champion in 1928 and l931.

Eugene and Lois enjoyed cross-country skiing and their winters in Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife, Lois M. Tracy, Mason City; one daughter, Jean M. and her husband Bill Hills, Cranbrook, British Columbia; two sons, Albert L. and his wife, Ann Tracy, Bethlehem, Penn., David J. and his wife, Christina Tracy, Garland, Texas; a special daughter, Jan and her husband Al Hegenbarth, Mason City; 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Elizabeth M. Allen, Billings, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ralph Robert in infancy and Father Maurice Tracy. 

** Coralee Kay Erickson

GENEVA — Coralee Kay Erickson, 40, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minn.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Geneva United Methodist Church with the Rev. Paul Smith officiating. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, Hampton, completed all arrangements.

Friends may stop from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Eric Erickson's house, 702 Front St., Geneva.

Coralee was born March 27, 1957, in Hampton.

She is survived by her husband, Eric Erickson, Geneva; one daughter, Erica L. Erickson, Ames; one son, Nathan Erickson, Geneva; her mother, Beulah Holmgaard, Hampton; two sisters, Mrs. Lynn (Beth) Lumley, Hampton, and Amy Holmgaard, Hampton; a brother, Lyle Holmgaard, Mason City; and her father-in-law, Robert Erickson, Hampton.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law.  

** Helen M. Kittleson

MASON CITY — Helen M. Kittleson, 82, of 302 Second St. N.E., formerly of 1112 First St. N.E., died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 North Pennsylvania.

Visitation will be held from 4 - 6 p.m. Sunday at Major Erickson Funeral Home and before the service at the church.

Additional funeral arrangements will be completed by Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.  

** Jake Sweers

WODEN — Jake Sweers, 73, died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church, Britt, with the Rev. Robert D. Dodge officiating. Burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt .

Visitation will be from 4-8 a.m. Sunday at Ewing Funeral Home, Britt, and one hour prior to church services at the church.

Jake was born June 27, 1924, in Britt.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Sweers, Woden; two daughters, Linda Kohl, Mound, Minn., and Jean Beukema, Des Moines; two sons, Gary Sweers, Valrico, Fla., and John Sweers, Wesley; three sisters, Carrie Schaefer, Britt, Lucille DeWaard, Corwith, and Janet Moldenhauer, Forest City; four brothers, Louie Sweers, Ben Sweers, Elmer Sweers, and Herman Sweers, all of Britt; and 12 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by her parents.

**========================

March 15, 1998

Mason City (Iowa) Globe Gazette obituaries

==========================

** Paul E. Mayer

OSAGE — Paul Edward Mayer, 74, died Friday (March 13, 1998) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Osage, with the Rev. Philip Recker officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Champion Funeral Home, Osage, with a rosary at 3 p.m. and a scripture wake service at 7:30 p.m.

Paul was born December 20, 1923, at Stacyville, the son of Joseph and Mary (Theobald) Mayer.

He married Margaret Hackenmiller Oct. 16, 1946, at Stacyville. The couple moved to Osage.

Paul worked most of his career as a carpenter. He also managed the Twin Cedar Co-op Creamery in Osage for 15 years. He returned to carpenter work and later was employed as senior custodian at Mitchell County Memorial Hospital in Osage and served as an EMT with the ambulance service. He retired in 1987.

Paul was a member of the Osage Fire Department, Knights of Columbus and Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed model aviation, collecting antiques, woodworking, playing cards and, most of all, his grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Osage; two daughters, Julie Jones, her husband, LeRoy, and children, Heather and Duane, of Floyd, and Colleen Gulseth, her husband, Marty, and children, Andrew, Matthew and Joy, of Spokane, Wash.; two sons, Larry Mayer and his wife, Susan, and daughter, Nicole, of San Jose, Calif., and Randy Mayer, his wife, Judy, and son, Jon, of Fairfax Station, Va.; three sisters, Marge Weis and husband, Paul, of Stacyville, Betty Lou Farrell and husband, Jerry, of Elmhurst, Ill., and Yvonne Yezak and husband, Bill, of Peoria, Ill.; one sister-in-law, Melba Mayer Leidall, of St. Ansgar; and one brother, Gene Mayer and his wife, Darlene, of Osage.

** Troy D. Kielty

CHARLES CITY — Troy D. Kielty, 24, of 710 Sixth Ave., died Friday (March 13, 1998) at University Hospitals, Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Hauser Funeral Home with the Rev. George Johnson and the Rev. Shane Philpot officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m.

Troy David Kielty was born March 27, 1973, in Charles City.

He is survived by a special friend and caregiver, Carolyn Reynolds of Charles City; his father, Bob, and his wife, Carolyn Kielty, of Charles City; his mother, Darlene, and her husband, Ron Brand, of Ionia; four brothers, Ryan Kielty of Iona, Brock and Brandon Kielty of Garner and Tim Kennison of Charles City; four sisters, Michelle Uker and Laurie Brand of Rockford, Renae Gnade of Chaska, Minn., and Brenda Brady of Alden; his material grandmother, Florence Roberts of Charles City; and his paternal grandfather, John R. Kielty of Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother and his maternal grandfather. 

** Bethany Ann Hanson

FOREST CITY — Bethany Ann Hanson, age 3 months, died Saturday (March 14, 1998) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, with the Rev. Lee Laaveg of Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Forest City.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home.

Bethany Ann was born Dec. 7, 1997, in Mason City.

She is survived by her mother, Jole Hanson, and special friend, Tracy Kenyon, Forest City; father, Scott Marson, Hampton; great-grandparents, Hank and Ruby Hanson, Forest City; great-grandmother, Pennie Smith, Hampton; maternal grandmother, Michele Swenson, Forest City; grandparents, Jerry and Martha Hanson, Thompson; paternal grandmother, Judy Adams, Indianapolis, Ind.; grandparents, George and Judy Marson, Mason City; one sister Briana Hanson, Forest City; and one brother, Chance Hanson, Forest City. 

** Harry Larkin

ROCKWELL — Harry Larkin, 89, died Saturday (March 14, 1998) in Orange, Calif.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mason City, with Bishop Yorgenson officiating. Burial will take place in the Rockwell Cemetery. Other arrangements are incomplete at the Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield. 

** Olena S. Anfinson

CLARION — Olena Severna Anfinson, 86, died Friday (March 13, 1998) at the Clarion Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Holmes Lutheran Church, Holmes, with the Rev. Carlton Shaw officiating. Burial will be in Holmes Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today at Willim Funeral Home. The family will be present from 6-8 p.m.

Olena Severna Anfinson was born near Clarion, July 19, 1911.

She is survived by several cousins, her church family and friends.

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

** Helen M. Kittleson

MASON CITY — Helen M. Kittleson, 82, of 302 Second St. N.E., formerly 1112 First St. N.E., died Thursday (March 12, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. John Gannett officiating. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour before the service at the church.

Helen M. Kittleson was born May 23, 1915, in Mason City, the daughter of John and Nellie (Dunbar) Proscovec.

Helen attended Mason City schools. She was married to Ray Kittleson on June 26, 1937, in Mason City.

Helen and Ray lived on an acreage north of Plymouth from 1959 to 1983. After Ray died in 1983, Helen moved to Mason City and had lived there since.

She enjoyed fishing and fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada. She loved the companionship of her dogs and pets and her flower gardens and houseplants.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Helen is survived by one brother, Jack Proscovec, and wife, Beverly, Mason City; one sister, Betty Carpenter, Mason City, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray, in 1983; three brothers, Willard and John in infancy and Charles; and one sister, Dorothy Murl. 

** Rosa Anderson

SWEA CITY — Rosa Anderson, 87, died Saturday (March 14, 1998) at the Heritage Nursing Home, Bancroft.

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

** Sophus G. Blakestad

NORTHWOOD — Sophus Gilmore Blakestad, 94, of 203 S. Thirteenth Street, died Saturday (March 14, 1998) at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church, Northwood, with the Rev. Mark Bents and the Rev. Al Stoa officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. today at Conner Colonial Chapel, 99 Eleventh Street South, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Sophus Gilmore Blakestad was born Aug. 23, 1903, at the farm-house of his parents, Otto and Bessie (Hanson) Blakestad, in rural Otranto, Mitchell County.

He was baptized by the pastor of the Mona Lutheran Church and reaffirmed his faith through confirmation May 6, 1917.

Sophus attended the Otranto Consolidated School, graduating in 1920. He later attended St. Olaf College and Iowa State Teachers College, graduating with a major in science.

At Norwalk High School, he was a high school science teacher and athletic coach, winning the county championship in basketball one year.

On September 27, 1930, he married Vera E. Clark at Webster City. They lived in Norwalk several years.

Moving to Northwood in 1939, Sophus established and operated a general insurance agency for many years.

Sophus became a member of First Lutheran Church, Northwood, on December 9, 1941. He was a Sunday School teacher and a Sunday School superintendent for 19 years. When the congregation made plans to build a new church, he was elected secretary of the Building and Planning Committee. He was a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood, the Men in Missions and of the church choir for as long as he was able to attend church and sing.

Survivors include his wife, Vera Blakestad, Northwood; two sons, Neil C. Blakestad and his wife, Barbara, Two Harbors, Minn., and Wallace F. Blakestad and his wife, Marie, Humboldt; five grandchildren, Dawn Yelle and her husband, Mark, Byron, Minn., Julie Blakestad, Bloomington, Minn., Brian Blakestad and his wife, Carmen, St. Cloud, Minn., Janet Blakestad, Humboldt, and Dr. Nancy Blakestad, Minneapolis, Minn.; one great-granddaughter, Jessica Yelle; and one brother, Norman Blakestad, and his wife, Carol, St. Ansgar

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Grace Heard, Beatrice Chisholm and Loreen Grube.