** Wilma Nyce Picht

IOWA FALLS — Wilma Nyce Picht, 86, of Iowa Falls, died Wednesday (Nov. 4, 1998) at the Hubbard Care Center in Hubbard.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church, Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Craig Robertson and the Rev. Charles Fleming officiating. Burial will be at Liscomb Cemetery, Liscomb.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. today at Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of Iowa Chapter, 2228 West Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50014-7185.

Wilma Nyce was born Oct. 7, 1912 in Liscomb Township, rural Marshall County.

Wilma is survived by her husband, Kenneth Picht, of Iowa Falls; three stepdaughters, Shirley Johnson, of Greenfield, Wis.; Marilyn Poulson, of Des Moines; and Carol Morgan, of Normal, Ill.; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

** Alice C. Stock

HAMPTON — Alice C. Stock, 70, of Hampton, died Thursday (Nov. 5, 1998) at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, Hampton.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home. The body will be cremated after services.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials directed to the Senior Citizen Center in Hampton, in her memory.

Alice C. Stock was born Dec. 27, 1927 in Latimer, the daughter of George and Alvina (Pralle) Muhlenbruch.

Alice received her education at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Latimer.

She was united in marriage to Loren Stock on Aug. 10, 1946 in Cedar Falls.

Alice was a homemaker and mother. She loved to crochet, play bingo and read.

Alice is survived by her husband, Loren Stock, of Hampton; three daughters, Judy Dishman and her husband, Randall, of Clear Lake; Diane Andrews and her husband, Myron, of Newton; and Jolene Prescott and her husband, Ronald, of Des Moines; one son, Jim Stock, of Clarion; seven grandchildren, Julie Dishman, of White Bear Lake, Minn.; Michael, Timothy, and Kamera Andrews, all of Newton; and Thomas, Christy, and Amanda Prescott, all of Des Moines; two brothers, Howard Muhlenbruch, of Hampton, and Fred Muhlenbruch, of Latimer; and two sisters, Frances Meyer, of Ventura and JoAnne Mills, of Iowa Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one grandson, Cody.

** LaVern West

NORTHWOOD — Mrs. LaVern West, 83, of Northwood, died Wednesday (Nov. 4, 1998) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, Northwood, with the Rev. Robert Cummings officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Conner Colonial Chapel, and one hour before services on Saturday.

The family suggests memorials to the Bolan Trinity United Methodist Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

LaVern was born Dec. 4, 1914, in Lohrville, the daughter of Robert and Blanche (McCrady) Sherrard.

She graduated from Kensett High School in 1932. She continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, where she obtained her teachers certificate. She taught school in Kensett and Worth County Township.

LaVern married Claude E. West on March 11, 1939 in LuVerne, who was a classmate of hers.

She was a member of Bolan Trinity United Methodist Church and the women’s group. She was very active in church functions, playing the piano and teaching Sunday School.

LaVern is survived by her husband, Claude West, of Northwood; two sons, Larry West and his wife, Joan, of Forest City, and Terry West and his wife, Jean, of Clear Lake; and one daughter, Marlys West, of Des Moines; grandmother of six; great-grandmother of 16; sister of Robert Sherrard and his wife, Dorothy, of St. Ansgar; and Arlie Sherrard and his wife, Avis, of Bolivar, Mo.; and one sister-in-law, Genievive West, of Northwood; as well as nieces, nephew, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one infant sibling.

** Mildred Parker

MASON CITY — Mildred Parker, 89, of Mason City, died Thursday (Nov. 5, 1998) at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center.

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

** Timothy Jay Just

SHEFFIELD — Our hearts were broken on Friday, Oct. 2, 1998, by the loss of our son, brother, and friend, Tim Just. He battled so bravely and fought so hard that we thought surely God would extend his earthly journey but we must remember there are those in heaven who love him, too.

Born the son of Adam and Anne Just on Feb. 7, 1952, he had to fight so hard at entering this world as he did when he left it. He was born premature and even then must have known how precious and grand life was. He was a mischievous and curious kid: what makes cars run, how do matches work, why do cows give milk? He showed an early talent for art as witnessed by friends and neighbors with his creations on the walls of his home. He was the kind of boy you could tell right away was up to no good by the dancing brown eyes and the sly grin that defied restraint and told all. Those who knew him had to have been either joked, tricked, teased, or maybe just generally "sneaked" around at one time or another.

Growing up in Sheffield, he seemed to be interested in everything, from fishing to drama to music to history or electronics to literature. He graduated from Sheffield-Chapin High School in 1970 and took liberal arts at North Iowa Area Community College. He stayed close to home for a time and later enrolled in Landscaping Architecture at Iowa State University.

Upon graduating ISU in 1984, he joined his sister in Tucson, Ariz., where he was employed as a landscape architect. He moved to Mesa, Ariz., in 1993 and continued to work in his profession with Mission Gardens Landscaping Inc. of Mesa.

Tim was quite talented and proved himself a devoted steward of the land. He loved, respected and understood nature. He knew he was an integral part of it and he played his part well. He leaves a legacy in Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson of languid pools and dancing waterfalls, winding paths and quiet places, fragrant flowers and soft grass. A legacy that everyone can enjoy and one that will be with us for a long, long time.

Burial services were held on Friday, Oct. 9, 1998 at Sacred Heart Church in Rockwell. Mass was given by Father Stephen Meyer, of Rockwell. Brien Harvey, of Tucson, was the lectern and Adam Harvey was the altar boy. Communion gifts were presented by Alex Harvey and Chloe Just. Abigail Compton was the organist. Deb Kreimeyer was the flutist and Ellsworth Clark was the violinist. John Compton sang "Let It Be." Pallbearers were Dale Kramer, of Dougherty; Bob Whitney and John Compton, both of Minneapolis; Steve Lahner, of Clear Lake; Kevin Rust, of Nora Springs; Randy Rust, of Grimes; and David Just, of Swaledale.

He leaves behind his loving family, father and mother, Adam and Anne Just, of Sheffield and Tucson; sister, Jamie Harvey and her husband, Brien, of Tucson; brother, Rob Just and his wife, Diane, of Columbia, S.C.; nephews, Adam and Alex Harvey; nieces, Chloe and Allie Just. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends throughout the country including close friends, Mike Bean and Shanna Zimmerman, of Mesa, Ariz.; and his beloved dog, Peppi.

Timothy just knew life was grand and he wanted it as much. His desires could never seem to be truly satisfied. He was a smart man, though, and desired most that which is truly important: knowledge, love, friendship, experience, culture. He could never seem to get enough. He absorbed it into his very soul; he fought in the civil war, he conducted the orchestra, he was the king of the castle and you believed it, you were there. You had felt it, heard it, tested it and saw it too. He took you with him wherever he went. He could paint you a story and tell you a picture like no other.

When he left us, again he took part of us with him but this time it was a part that will never come back, a part that can never be replaced, a part that will never be forgotten. Without this, we are not whole, we are flawed, we are broken, perhaps beyond repair. The value of our lives has been greatly diminished.

** Paul R. Glaser

IONIA — Paul R. Glaser, 59, of Ionia, died Sunday (Nov. 8, 1998) at the Owatonna Hospital, as the result of an automobile accident.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Charles City, with Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Visitation will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday at Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St., Charles City, with a 3 p.m. rosary by St. Catherine’s Circle, a 5 p.m. rosary by the Catholic Order of Foresters, and a 7:30 p.m. vigil Scriptural wake service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.

Paul R. Glaser was born Jan. 18, 1939, in Chickasaw County.

Survivors include his wife, Rosalie, of Ionia; three daughters, Patricia Miller, of Riceville, Kathy Glaser, of Charles City, and Teresa "Teri" Mannetter, of Charles City; six grandchildren; seven brothers, Barney, of San Francisco, John, of Phoenix, Harold and Joe, both of Hampton; Donald of Minneapolis; Vincent, of Alta Vista, and Frank, of Fort Dodge; three sisters, Elizabeth Huber, of New Hampton, Mary Ann Valley, of Orland Park, Ill., and Luella Jorgenson, of Cedar Falls.

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

** Mayvis Polsdofer

ROCKWELL — Mayvis Polsdofer, 75, of Rockwell, died Monday (Nov. 9, 1998) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home, Rockwell.

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

** Grace Yahnke

BUFFALO CENTER — Grace Yahnke, 93, of Buffalo Center, died Monday (Nov. 9, 1998) at the Timely Mission Home, Buffalo Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, Buffalo Center.

Other arrangements are incomplete at the Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center.

** Richard C. Gouge

GARNER — Richard C. Gouge, 64, of Garner, died Monday (Nov. 9, 1998) at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Cataldo Funeral Home, in Garner.

** Johnathan D. Prescott

KLEMME — Johnathan D. Prescott, 2-month-old infant son of David and Kristy Prescott, of Klemme, died Monday (Nov. 9, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

Other arrangements are incomplete at the Tenold Funeral Home, Klemme.

** Sgt. Bryan Thomas Walsh

BRISTOW — Sgt. Bryan Thomas Walsh, 23, formerly of Aredale, died Nov. 1, 1998 in Yongsan, South Korea in a military accident.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Dumont Reformed Church, Dumont, with the Rev. Carl Gearhart officiating. Burial will be in the Dumont Cemetery, with military services by Fort Leavenworth Military Honors Team.

Bryan Thomas Walsh was born Jan. 31, 1975, in Waverly.

Survivors include his wife, Shalon Walsh, of Tacoma, Wash.; one son, Tyler Walsh, of Tacoma, Wash.; parents, Kenneth and Patty Havig, of Bristow; four sisters, Jennifer Walsh, of Madison, Wis.; Kari Walsh, of Eagle Grove; Lisa Havig, of Hampton; and Amanda Havig, of Bristow; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Mason, of Aerdale; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Junior Havig, of Dumont; maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muhlenhaupt, of Waverly; and paternal great-grandmother, Grace Wearda, of Hampton.

He was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandfather, and paternal great-grandfather.

** Ruth I. Becker

BLUE EARTH, Minn. — Ruth I. Becker, 80, of Blue Earth, Minn., formerly of Lakota, Iowa, died Monday (Nov. 9, 1998) at the United Hospital, Blue Earth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Ledyard.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center, where other arrangements are incomplete.

** Minnie Valentine

APLINGTON — Minnie Valentine, 92, of Aplington, died Saturday (Nov. 7, 1998) at the Maple Manor Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Reformed Church, Aplington, with the Rev. Gary Hegstad officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the Schwartz Funeral Chapel, in Aplington, and from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel.

Minnie Valentine was born April 11, 1906, in Aplington.

Survivors include her four children, Jake Valentine, of Iowa Falls; Robert Valentine, of Wellsburg; Melvin Valentine, of Beaman; and Alida Freese, of Hampton; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

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

** Hattie E. Von Wald

MASON CITY — Hattie E. Von Wald, 103, formerly of Mason City, died Saturday (Nov. 7, 1998) at the Austin Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 Fourth St. S.E., Mason City.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Major-Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. A Queen Rebekah service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

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

** Merrill C. Balek

MASON CITY — Merrill C. Balek, 83, of Mason City, died Saturday (Nov. 7, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E., with the Rev. Carl A. Ries, officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Taft Avenue, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. followed by a parish Scriptural prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Merrill Charles Balek was born on May 29, 1915, in Mason City to Charles and Emma (Swestka) Balek. He attended Mason City Public Schools, graduating in 1933.

Merrill worked throughout his high school years at Newville’s DX gas station on Sixth and South Federal Avenue until operating his own DX gas station on 15th and North Federal Avenue. He operated this station for several years until he was "set up" (hired) by the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Co. as a Locomotive Firemen for Steam Engine. He was later promoted to Locomotive Engineer and retired after over 40 years of service.

On June 8, 1940, he was united in marriage to Lucille Lorraine Snipps at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City.

Merrill truly enjoyed his family, fishing, bowling and photography. He was very active in his community through the Knights of Columbus, Community Kitchen, ushering at St. Joseph Church and visiting the sick at the Hospitals for St. Vincent de Paul Society.

He was an active fourth-degree member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 1006 — taking special pride in coordinating participation of Opportunity Village residents to ride on Knights of Columbus floats in various parades.

Merrill was also a life member of Moose Lodge No. 1328 since 1940, member of the UTU (United Transportation Union) and was local chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Lucille, of Mason City; six sons and three daughters, David and his wife, Suzanne; Lynn and his wife, Patricia; Larry and his wife, Sue; Terry and his wife, Mary; Mary Margaret and her husband, LeRoy Ries; Sister Michelle Balek, OSF (Wisconsin); Martin Balek, of Clear Lake; Jerry and his wife, Natalie; and Lorraine and her husband, Dennis Beeson, (California); 18 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He also has a brother, Marcel (Joe) in California; and a sister, Marcedes and her husband, the Rev. A.G. Edstrom, in Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister who died in infancy; a brother, Marvin; and a grandson, Daniel Beeson, in infancy.

Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, is in charge of arrangements.

** Lela Daggett

MASON CITY — Lela Daggett, 84, of 422 29th St. S.W., died Sunday (Nov. 8, 1998) at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center West.

Visitation will be from 9 until 10 a.m. Thursday at the Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to direct memorials to the Lela Daggett Memorial Fund.

Lela was born March 7, 1914, the daughter of Oliver and Mertle (Connett) Gorham in Minburn. On Sept. 29, 1930, Lela was united in marriage to Channing C. Daggett in Huron, S.D.

Lela was an avid University of Nebraska football fan who would have to shut the TV off towards the end of the game because she would get too excited. She also enjoyed spending her time watching golf on TV.

She loved to visit with her friends and neighbors. She always enjoyed making all types of jellies and jams.

Those thankful for having shared in Lela’s life include two sisters, Darlene Maul, of Michigan; and Freda Clausen, of Waterloo; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and good neighbors.

Lela was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Channing, on June 3, 1977; two sisters, Wava Elbert and Jessie Fransen; one brother, Melvin Gorham; and a special nephew, Gary Bradbury.

"During my lifetime I had been so blessed with wonderful and helpful neighbors. They know who they are. This is the last time I can thank you all again. Love to each and goodbye." Lela Daggett.

** Albert Theodore Koerber Jr.

PONTE VERDRA BEACH, Fla. — Funeral services for Albert Theodore Koerber Jr., 70, will be held at 2 p.m. today in the Chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home and Crematory, Jacksonville, Fla., with Pastor Jerry Anderson, of the Orange Park Methodist Church, officiating.

Mr. Koerber died Friday (Nov. 6, 1998) in a Jacksonville hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998, at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church, in Spring Park, Minn.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Minnesota Lung Association.

Moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., in June, he was a long-time resident of Mound, Minn., and a native of Mason City, Iowa.

A member of the Lutheran Church, he was a veteran of World War II in the U.S. Navy. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Confederate Air Force.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Koerber, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; one son, Kevin Koerber, of Eden Prairie, Minn.; three daughters, Deborah Mooers, of Buffalo Grove, Ill.; Toni Walker, of Mound, Minn.; and Rebecca Reed, of Coon Rapids, Minn.; one brother, Jerry Koerber; and one sister, Betty Milbrath, both of Mason City; and four grandchildren.

** Gladys R. Campbell

DOUGHERTY — Gladys R. Campbell, 94, of Dougherty, died Sunday (Nov. 8, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dougherty, with the Rev. Stephen Meyer officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Dougherty.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Dougherty, with a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m.

Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa in memory of Gladys Rebecca Campbell.

Gladys Rebecca Campbell was born Sept. 26, 1904, in Popejoy, the daughter of William and Claudia (Bates) Jessup.

In 1923, she married Lester B. Campbell at Webster City.

Gladys enjoyed reading, sewing craft work and baking. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dougherty, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Domestic Club and the Catholic Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors include four children, Mary Hulitzky, of Denver; Jim Campbell and his wife, Nikki, of Fremont, Calif.; Barbara VanLaningham and her husband, Roger, of Florissant, Colo.; and Bernie Campbell and his wife, Paulette, of Seattle; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Matthews, of Lake City, Minn.; Helen Mullen, of Dougherty; and Glenita Moore and her husband, Don, of Oakley, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews.