JOHNNIE F. THOMPSON

CHARLES CITY - Johnnie F. Thompson, 83, a resident of 702 Kellogg Ave., Charles City, died Monday (Nov. 15, 1999) at the Liebe Care Center, Greene.

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

Hauser Funeral Home, (515) 228-2323.

ENNO DEBOER

ALLISON - Enno DeBoer, 89, of 20554 170th St., Allison, died Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at the Allison Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Reformed Church, Allison, with the Rev. Steven Petroelje officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Reid's Funeral Chapel, Greene and continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Enno DeBoer Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Enno DeBoer was born May 13, 1910, in Berta, Holland, a son of Roelf and Gretje (Geerds) DeBoer. At the age of three his family immigrated to the United States settling in rural Stout and later settling in Butler County near Aplington. He received his education in the rural Butler County schools and as a young man worked in South Dakota as a farm hand.

He later returned to Butler County where he met and later married Emma Marie Hemmerich on May 27, 1936, at the Lutheran Parsonage in Charles City. To this union were born five children. Enno and Emma first started farming near Aredale and later farmed in the rural Vilmar and Allison area. Following Emma's death on Dec. 6, 1996, he continued to live on the farm until entering the nursing home in Nov. 1998. He was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Allison for many years. He will be remembered as one who enjoyed carrying on a friendly conversation with friends and acquaintances, and one who truly loved to farm.

Living family members include two daughters, Marie and John Schipper, Greene, Elaine and Robert Brown, Bradgate; two sons, Carl and Barbara DeBoer, Greene, Bill and Tillene DeBoer, Allison; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, Fred DeBoer, Mason City; sister-in-law and her husband, Alma and Edmund Poppe, Nashua.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, parents, one daughter, Ruth Henderson in 1981, one grandson, Paul David Buss, one great-grandson, Alex Nelson, one sister, Claire in infancy, two brothers, Fred in infancy and George.

Reid's Funeral Chapel, (515) 823-4457.

HATTIE A. LANDERS

GREENE - Hattie A. Landers, 86, of 12313 Ivy Avenue, Greene, died Monday (Nov. 15, 1999) at Liebe Care Center, Greene.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Greene, with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Reid's Funeral Chapel, Greene, and continue one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Hattie A. Landers Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Hattie Amanda Schlief was born Oct. 22, 1913, in Rockford, Minn., the first child of Henry G. and Emma Bertha (Vergin) Schlief. She was baptized on Oct. 24, 1913, at her parents' home. She received her education at the Rockford public schools and was confirmed June 10, 1928 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre, Minn. As a young lady she worked as a housekeeper in Minneapolis.

She was united in marriage on April 18, 1933, to Otto Herman Landers at the Lutheran church in Grove Lake, Minn. They farmed in the rural Greene area for 46 years retiring in 1979. They remained on the farm until she entered the nursing home and Otto went to live with his daughter, Joyce. Otto died December 18, 1998. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She will be remembered for her homemade bread, her quilts, the chickens she raised and the large garden she tended to on the farm.

Living family members include two daughters, Marlys and her husband, Bernard Schrage, and Joyce Shultz, all of Waverly; six grandchildren, Kenny Schrage, Margyne Poppe, Wayne Schrage, Russell Schrage, Julia Towsley and David Shultz; seven great-grandchildren, Melinda Poppe, Marshal Poppe, Mitchel Poppe, Aaron Homeister, Alison Schrage, Hannah Clark and Kolten Shultz; one sister, Iris Dralle, Greene; three brothers and their spouses, Irven and Eva Lea Schlief, Donniphan, Mo., Clifford and Lavern Schlief, Lowry, Minn. Alder and Violet Schlief, Glenwood, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Patricia Mary in 1938, grandson, Douglas Shultz in 1979, brother, Wilford and one sister, Irene.

Reid's Funeral Chapel, (515) 823-4457.

BARBARA JEAN FOUNTAS

CLEAR LAKE - Barbara Jean Fountas, 65, of 720 N. 11th St., Clear Lake, died Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at her home.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Robert Hogan officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Elmwood Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will begin after 4 p.m. today at Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home, 101 N. Fourth, Clear Lake, with a scriptural wake at 7 p.m.

Family suggests memorials to the Barbara Jean Fountas Memorial Fund.

Barbara was born March 16, 1934, in Mason City, the daughter of Thomas and Frances (Berkenmeir) Paulsen. She attended St. Joseph High School in Mason City.

She married George Fountas on July 7, 1950, in Albert Lea, Minn. They later had their marriage blessed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City. They moved to Clear Lake in 1967. Barbara enjoyed refinishing furniture, reading the Bible, collecting rocks, cooking, baking, and playing cards. Her home and family were very important to her and she especially enjoyed being a wife and mother. She crocheted afghans for all her children and also for her husband's uncle in Greece. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Mason City.

Barbara is survived by her husband, George Fountas; Clear Lake; eight children, Mary Joan Fountas, Point Arena, Calif., John G. Fountas and his wife Julie, Thurmont, Md., James A. Fountas, Adel, Julia Ann and her husband, Paul Pendergrass, Oronoco, Minn., Ann Marie and her husband, Keith Polson, Morris, Ill., Paul D. Fountas and his wife, Vicki, Adel, Theresa Jean and her husband, Milton D. Seecoomar, Prairieville, La., and Philip T. Fountas, Mason City; 22 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald Paulsen and his wife, Helen, Mason City; three sisters, Pat Barnes, Sheffield, Pauline Garcia, Clear Lake and Shirley Carroll, Mason City; sister-in-laws, Stella Rodemeyer, Pharr, Texas; Lamona Hennigar and her husband, Jim, Ft. Madison, Florence Larson and her husband, Bob, Clear Lake, Jim Fountas, Mason City, Nick Fountas and his wife, Darlene, Newton, Stan Fountas and his wife, Kelli, Mason City, and Tom Fountas and his wife, Bev, Racine, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Anthony in 1991, four brothers, Leonard, Tom, Ken and Howard Paulsen and three sisters, Clara Mae Williamson, Doris Grube and Loretta Cimijotti.

Ward-Van Slyke Funeral hone, (515) 357-2193.

GERALD E. BEEK

MASON CITY - Gerald E. Beek, 62, of 103 S. Jefferson Ave., Mason City, died Monday (Nov. 15, 1999) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

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

Major Erickson Funeral Home, (515) 423-0924.

NORMAN JOEL CHASE

RICEVILLE - Norman Joel Chase, 60, of Riceville, formerly of Mason City, died Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville, with the Rev. Kathy Graves, officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Lindstrom Funeral Home, Riceville.

Lindstrom Funeral Home, (515) 985-2242.

WILBUR H. MECKSTROTH

GARNER -Wilbur H. Meckstroth, 93, of 1375 Division St., Garner, died Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Fred Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth, Clear Lake and one hour prior to services at the church.

Family suggests memorials to the Wilbur H. Meckstroth Memorial Fund.

Wilbur was born July 30, 1906, in Garner, the son of William E. and Anna Mary (Katterhenry) Meckstroth. He attended school in Garner.

Wilbur married Tillie Ann Borchers on Oct. 10, 1933, in Garner. He worked for Hancock County for ten years. In 1940 they moved to the farm northwest of Clear Lake. He farmed until 1971 but continued to live on the farm until 1990 when he moved to Garner. He enjoyed refinishing furniture. He was a member of the Clear Lake Methodist Church, Ventura Lions Club and the Farm Bureau.

Wilbur is survived by his son, Larry Meckstroth and his wife, Barbara, Ankeny; daughter-in-law, Sonya, Grand Ledge, Mich.; four grandchildren, Denise Meckstroth, Ypsilanti, Mich., Dan Meckstroth, Grand Ledge, Mich., Marcie Walter and her husband, Todd, Grand Ledge, Mich., and Haley Meckstroth, Ankeny; five great-grandchildren, Brittany Meckstroth, Jordan Meckstroth, Carly Meckstroth, Jessica Walter and Tyler Walter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Tillie in 1983, son, Bill in 1993, and three brothers and one sister.

Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home, (515) 357-2193.

LUCILLE L. DEWEY

CLEAR LAKE - Lucille L. Dewey, 83, of Clear Lake, died Monday (Nov. 15, 1999) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Burial will be held at 1 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery, Britt.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Ward- Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth, Clear Lake.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, (515) 357-2193.

RODNEY GENE NELSON

BELMOND - Rodney Gene Nelson, 45, of Belmond, passed away the evening of Saturday (Nov. 13, 1999) at his home in Hartley, after a courageous battle with cancer. His family was with him to celebrate his life and to see him on his journey to the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond, with Pastor Jane B. Johnston officiating. Interment will be in the Belmond Cemetery with military rites by the Belmond Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the Tenold Funeral Home, Belmond and will continue one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

Rodney Gene Nelson, son of Eugene and Marge (Nedved) Nelson was born in Belmond, Iowa on Oct. 18, 1954. Rod grew up in Belmond and attended the Belmond Schools.

Rod was united in marriage to Denise Anderson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond on Sept. 26, 1981. Into this union they were blessed with their daughters, Jessica, 17 and Kylie, 14.

Following his duties in the United States Marine Corps, Rod worked construction until 1990. He moved to northwest Iowa and attended NITC in Sheldon. He graduated as an auto body tech with honors in the fall of 1991. Rod was employed at Paullina Body Shop until May 1999. He was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Melvin.

Rod loved his family and friends, enjoyed the outdoors and had a passion for fishing and hunting. He enjoyed his life, sharing it in the stories he told. The sound of his laughter and his sense of humor will be memories his family will cherish.

Rod will be dearly missed by his wife, Denise of Hartley; two daughters, Jessica and Kylie, both at home; his parents, Eugene and Margaret Nelson, Belmond; one brother, Mike Nelson and his wife, Vanessa of Nora Springs; his mother and father-in-law, Lyle and Jan Anderson of Goodell; sister-in-law, Chandra Carton and her husband, Ron, Goodell; brother-in-law, Terry "Butch" Anderson and his wife, Becky, Sheldon; six nieces; two nephews; two great-nieces; one great-nephew; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Carrie Nelson and James and Christina Nedved.

Tenold Funeral Home - (515) 444-4474.

GEORGE ASSINK

CORWITH - George Assink, 78, passed away Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at the Clarion Health Care Center in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Christian Reformed Church in Kanawha, with Pastor G. David Daley officiating. Burial will be in Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Kanawha and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

George, the son of Ben and Anna (Smidt) Assink was born April 15, 1921 in Rapelje, Mont. The family moved to the Kanawha area in 1933. Following graduation from Kanawha High School, George farmed in the Kanawha area.

George was united in marriage with Vivian Maxine Oxley on Nov. 6, 1941 at Bethany, Mo. George and Vivian made their home and farmed northwest of Kanawha. Vivian passed away Sept. 11, 1973.

George was united in marriage with Rosemary Devine on Dec. 31, 1976 at Corwith. The couple made their home in Corwith where they have since resided. George retired from farming in 1986.

George was a member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. George enjoyed flowers and gardening. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing and spending time at his cabin.

George is survived by his wife, Rosemary; five sons, Duane and his wife, Kristine, of Menominee, Wis., Ronald and his wife, Mina, of Modesto, Calif., Rodney, of Eagle Grove, David of Burnsville, Minn., Gary and his wife, Terrie, of Fitchburg, Wis.; five stepchildren, Tim Devine and his wife, Karen, of Cedar Falls, Susan Dixon and her husband, Harold, of Lisle, Ill., Kathy Jeskey and her husband, Gordon, of Canby, Ore., Pat Kirstein and her husband, Paul, of Clarion, Jean Campbell and her husband, Jerry, of Clear Lake; 27 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Alvin Assink, of Corona, Calif.; and one sister, Helen VanWyngarden, of Pella.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Vivan; one granddaughter; one great-grandson; three brothers, Henry, Alfred and Harlan.

Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (515) 762-3211.

JO BEHR

ROCKWELL - Jo Behr, 50, of 121 Sixth St. N., Rockwell, died Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rockwell.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with a sharing time of music and memories held at 6 p.m.

Lani Jolene Behr was born June 6, 1949 in Mason City, daughter of Raymond and Arlene (Briten) Plants. She was a graduate of Mason City High School and was part of the first class to graduate from the NIACC School of Nursing.

Jo started her career at Mercy Health Center in 1969. She spent years devoting herself to the care and nurturing of others. She retired in August of 1999, after 30 years of service.

Jo enjoyed many aspects of life. She loved her work, her friends, animals, nature, and even at times a little sarcasm. She valued all of her friends and family that have shown such kindness and love throughout her battle with MS. Jo will be missed by many, but remembered by all she touched.

She is survived by her children, Ryan Behr and his wife, Tracie, of Mason City; and Brittany Behr, of Ames; her three grandchildren, Halie, Lexie, and a baby due in December, all of Mason City; one sister, Cheri Galas and her husband, Ray, of Laurel, Md.; her special friend, Jon Epsteen and his sons, Sam and Jack, all of Rockwell; her beloved pet, Caesar; and many, many friends and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Arlene Plants.

Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel, (515) 423-2372.

ROSE LEE "DOLLY" JOHNSON

MASON CITY - Rose Lee "Dolly" Johnson, 73, of 2736 First St. SW, died Saturday (Nov. 13, 1999) at her home.

According to her wishes, funeral services will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mid-Iowa Alzheimers Association, 700 East University, Des Moines, Iowa 50311.

Rose Lee Johnson was born May 24, 1926, in Bancroft, daughter of Harold and Edna (Grien) Johnson. Dolly attend grade school at St. John's Catholic School in Bancroft and graduated from Holy Family Catholic High School, Mason City, in 1944.

She married Edward D. Johnson on Sept. 6, 1947, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City.

She is survived by her husband, Edward D. Johnson, Mason City; a son, Kevin Johnson and his wife, Pauline, and their family, Scott and his wife, Michelle Johnson, Kathleen Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Kristopher and Tim Johnson, all of Kansas City, Mo.; a daughter Kim Johnson, Mason City; a son, Kurt Johnson, Waterloo; a daughter-in-law, Jeannie Johnson, and her children, Kasie, Cody and Kyle Johnson, all of Springfield, Mo.; two brothers, Harold Johnson and his wife, Betty, Arcadia, Fla., and Dennis Johnson and his wife, Elizabeth, Mansfield, S.D.; three sisters, Elaine Hendricks, Kansas City, Mo., Miriam Muhlstein and her husband, Walter, Mason City, and Betty Suby, Fertile; and many nieces and nephews.

Dolly was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Kerry Johnson; a sister in infancy, Lorraine; one brother, Leon Johnson; and a stepfather, John Timmerman.

Hogan Bremer Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE, Mason City, is in charge of arrangements - (515) 423-2372.

JEANETTE SOLBRACK

LAKE MILLS - Jeanette Solbrack, 78, formerly of Lake Mills, died Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center, Mason City.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Salem Memorial Cemetery, Lake Mills, with the Rev. Sara Beth Akre officiating.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, is in charge of arrangements.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (5150 592-0221.

ELLA MAE ARHART MERRILL

CHARLES CITY - Ella Mae Arhart Merrill, 90, of the Salsbury Baptist Home and formerly of 713 Eighth Ave., Charles City, left this world to join the Lord on Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at the Mercy Health Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Milwaukee and Hulin Streets, Charles City, with the Rev. Dianne Christopher officiating. Burial will be in the Westside Cemetery, Marble Rock.

Visitation will be from noon until 9 p.m. today at the Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt Street, Charles City, with the family receiving friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

Ella Mae was born the daughter of Samuel Sours Ritter and Pearl Hazel (Thompson) Ritter in Greene, on March 5, 1909. She grew up in Greene where she was active in the Church of Christ. She taught Sunday school and participated in the choir. After graduating from Greene High School, she taught six years in a one-room schoolhouse, teaching eight grades at once. Ella Mae was married to Elston Arhart on Aug. 2, 1930. They farmed around the Marble Rock area. To this union a son, Robert, and a daughter, Judith, were born. Ella Mae and Elston were married 25 years before Elston's death on Dec. 2, 1955.

She married Vern Merrill on Dec. 3, 1956. Ella Mae warmly received Vern's son, Delaine and daughter, LaVonne. Vern and Ella Mae farmed 26 years in the Marble Rock-Rockford area until Sept. 10, 1982 when they retired and moved to Charles City. Vern Merrill died on April 30, 1983.

Ella Mae volunteered her time and services to many organizations such as The Treasure Chest, NIACC, Trinity United Methodist Church, the church circles, Prayer Chain and Middies group of the church, the Hi-Neighbors Club, the Ulster Homemakers and the Charles City Senior Citizens through the years. She loved homemaking, canning, gardening, crocheting and all types of crafts.

Ella Mae loved God, her family and friends, making them the most important part of her life. Her door was always open and she always had time to listen to you as she prepared a meal for you, no matter what time of the day or night you arrived. She accepted you just as you were. Her love spread to everyone.

She is survived by her children; a son, Robert Arhart and his wife, Delores, of Garner; a daughter, The Rev. Judith Miller and her husband, the Rev. James L. Miller, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; a stepson, Delaine Merrill, of Mason City; a stepdaughter, LaVonne Edmundson and her husband, Earl, of Deerwood, Minn.; 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne Ritter, of Charles City and Don Ritter and his wife, Frances, of Mason City; one sister, Nadine Wilson and her husband, George, of Winthrop; several nieces and nephews and many friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, June Short and Ruth Ritter; two brothers, Dale and Jesse Ritter; her first husband, Elston Arhart; and second husband, Vern Merrill; and one grandson.

Memorials may be directed to the family at 625 Golfview Dr., Garner, Iowa 50438.

Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, (515) 228-4211.

EVERETT E. CUNDALL

DOWS - Everett E. Cundall, 81, of Dows, died Sunday (Nov. 14, 1999) at the Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the St. John's Catholic Church, Clarion with the Rev. David Beckman officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Clarion.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Willim Funeral Home, Clarion.

Willim Funeral Homes, (515) 523-2233.