Published online April 26, 2003

ROBERT HENRY KNOWLES

MANLY — Robert Henry Knowles, 76, of Manly, died Friday (April 25, 2003) at the Manly Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Bethel United Methodist Church, Highway 9, Manly, with the Rev. Robert Cumings officiating. Burial will be in the Manly Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St. in Manly, and one hour prior to service time on Monday at the church.

The family of Robert Henry Knowles has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, or to Hospice of North Iowa in his memory.

Robert Henry Knowles was born on June 3, 1926, in Manly, the son of Ellis Henry and Velma Mae (Kimmel) Knowles. Bob was the second of three children who were born in a bedroom on the family farm. Bob joined his older sister, Beverly, and several years later, their younger sister, Lola Mae, joined them.

He attended country school and graduated from Hanlontown High School, where he played the trombone in the band.

He was a lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir for many of his younger years.

One of his favorite youthful pastimes was roller skating, where he met his wife and life-long partner, Janelle Adene Scott.

On June 19, 1955, in Mason City, they were married and she moved to the farm, where they lived together until her death on April 9, 1989.

Bob spent his life working the family farm, raising hogs, milk cows, chickens, beef cattle and grain, along with barnyard cats and the ever-present farm dogs.

Never satisfied with any piece of machinery and always creating a different way of doing things, he was known for his many adaptations and unique inventions, including a self-propelled windrower, bean buggy, three-wheeled sprayer and motorcycle sidecar.

He loved woodworking, welding and making things better, and was often found helping others with projects and repairs.

At the age of 72, he bought a truck from a salvage yard, rebuilt and painted it. He rode a Harley, played an accordion, repaired old equipment and lived to farm.

He was a proud father and grandfather.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Rebecca Lynn Real and her husband, Kevin, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Roxanne Helene Knowles of Ames; three granddaughters, Jennifer, Stephani and Nichole Real; a sister-in-law, Karen Reinke and her husband, Lynn, of Geneva; a brother-in-law, Gale Cook of Manly; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many good friends and neighbors.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Velma (Kimmel) Knowles; his wife, Janelle Adene (Scott) Knowles; and two sisters, Lola Mae Knowles and Beverly (Knowles) Metzger Cook.

Bride Colonial Chapel, (641) 454-2242.

GERTRUDE SWED

MASON CITY — Gertrude Swed, 88, of Mason City, died Friday (April 25, 2003) at her home.

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

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924.

OSCAR KEHRET

CHARLES CITY — Oscar Kehret, 86, of 806 Richings St., died Thursday (April 24, 2003) at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gayle Wilcox officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery with a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St. in Charles City, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323.

Published online April 27,2003

GERTRUDE C. SWED

MASON CITY - Gertrude C. Swed, 88, of Mason City, died Friday (April 25, 2003) at her home.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., with the Rev. Dennis Cahill officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood St. Joseph's Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation for Gertrude will be 4-7 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. A rosary service will be held at 4:30 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials may be given in Gertrude's name to Holy Family Catholic Church.

Gertrude was a lifetime member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Parish Circle. She was a lifelong helper and partner to her husband, Frank Swed Sr., at the Federal Upholstery Shop that they owned and operated for over 50 years.

Gertrude enjoyed the many bridge games she played with her lady friends and was known as a caretaker for all.

Gertrude is survived by her two daughters, Peggy Solberg and husband Vaughn, of Mason City, and Ruth Pidick of Denver, Colo.; one son, Frank Swed Jr. of Carlsbad, Calif.; nine grand-daughters; one grandson; eight great-grandsons; six great-granddaughters; two sisters; two brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Frank S. Swed Sr., and three brothers and three sisters.

Major Erickson Funeral Home, (641) 423-0924.

CLAUDE C. WHITEHILL

MASON CITY - Claude C. Whitehill, 76, of Mason City, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete with Major Erickson Funeral Home, (641) 423-0924.

RONALD RAY PATTERSON

WATERLOO - Ronald Ray Patterson, 57, of Waterloo, died Friday (April 25, 2003) at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Hampton United Methodist Church, Hampton, with the Rev. Jerry Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Dumont Cemetery, Dumont.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Sietseman-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, (641) 456-3232.

THOMAS J. MULLEN

IOWA FALLS - Thomas J. Mullen, 76, of Iowa Falls, and formerly of Pelican Point, Minn., and Waukee, Iowa, died Friday (April 25, 2003) at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Iowa Falls, with a private family burial at St. Mark's Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Linn's Funeral Homes, Iowa Falls Chapel, with the family receiving friends between 6 and 8 p.m. There will be a Scripture service at 8 p.m. Tuesday following visitation.

Memorials may be directed to the family in care of his wife, Janet F. Mullen, 805 Riverview Drive, Iowa Falls, Iowa, 50126.

Linn's Funeral Homes, Iowa Falls Chapel, (641) 648-2569.

FLORA WESTENDORF

NORTHWOOD - Flora Westendorf, 102, of Northwood, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at the Manly Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral arangements are incomplete at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave., S., Northwood, (641) 324-1543.

WESLEY 'WES' R. BANKS

CHARLES CITY - Wesley "Wes" R. Banks, 78, of 3 Lions Drive, Charles City, died early Saturday morning (April 26, 2003) at his home.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 106 Chapel Lane in Charles City, with the Rev. Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday with a vigil wake service at 6:30 p.m. at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, and one hour prior to service time at the church on Tuesday.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Wesley "Wes" Banks Memorial Fund.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, Charles City, (641) 228-4227.

LYNETTE C. BESCH

CYLINDER - Lynette C. Besch, 32, of Cylinder, died on Friday (April 25, 2003) at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

A funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Michael's Catholic Church with the Rev. Victor Ramaeker presiding. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home,Whittemore, (515) 884-2246.

JOHN 'SONNY' LICHMAN

BRITT - John "Sonny" Lichman, 74, of Britt, passed away Saturday (April 26, 2003) at his home in Britt, with his caring family at his bedside.

Funeral services for John Lichman will be held at 10:30 a.m.Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt with the Rev. Jerry Blake officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Church Cemetery near Britt.

Friends may greet the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St., Britt, and one hour prior to services at the church. A Scripture service will be at the funeral chapel at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Full military graveside services will be conducted by the Britt Ceremonial Unit.

Ewing Funeral Chapel, (641) 843-3839.

CARL J. LANG

MASON CITY - Carl J. Lang, 94, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at his home in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete with Major Erickson Funeral Home (641) 423-0924.

BRANDEN BROCK

GARNER - Branden M. Brock, 22, of Garner, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) as a result of a motorcycle accident in Winona, Minn.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, (641) 585-2685.

Published online April 28, 2003

Obituaries are presented as a community service of Fullerton Funeral Homes. Information is submitted by families or provided by funeral homes for publication in the Globe Gazette and Globe Online.

CORA ABELS

BUFFALO CENTER — Cora Abels, 86, of Buffalo Center, died Sunday (April 27, 2003) at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Buffalo Center, with Pastor Paul Haugen officiating. Burial will be at Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Winter Funeral Home, 414 First St., N.W., in Buffalo Center and one hour before the service at the church.

Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Serivce, (641) 562-2858. Obit/Banks/ds

WESLEY ‘WES’ R. BANKS

CHARLES CITY —Wesley “Wes” R. Banks, 78, of No. 3 Lions Drive, Charles City, died early Saturday morning (April 26, 2003) at his home.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 106 Chapel Lane in Charles City, with Rev. Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek officiating. Interment with military rites will be at Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today with a vigil prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City.

Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service time at the church.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Wesley “Wes” Banks Memorial Fund.

Wesley Raymond Banks was born September 25, 1924, in Charles City to James Edward and Elsie Faye (White) Banks. He attended school and was a lifelong resident of Charles City.

Wes was very sports- minded throughout his entire life and found great contentment playing or watching any kind of ballgame.

During his high school years, Wes participated on the baseball, football and basketball teams and was a caddy at the country club. The St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles), in their quest for a good catcher, tried to recruit him after lowing graduation. However, he instead enlisted into the U.S. Army. He was in the 390th anti-aircraft artillery battalion and was stationed in England and France. Upon receiving a wounded arm in the service, Wes was honorably discharged and returned home on the Queen Mary. He was merited with a Purple Heart.

Returning home, Wes fell in love with Bonnie Jean Snyder and began work at Lindaman Dairy and at Wonder Bread. Wesley and Bonnie were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in 1946. The couple were blessed with raising five children.

Wes took great pleasure and pride in providing for his family. He became the owner/operator of Banks Ambulance, Wrecker Service and Car Wash. The car wash was the first in Charles City. He later sold the business. He worked for Dore Wrecking Co. after the tornado of May 1968. In 1979, Wes acquired a Union 76 convenience store and car wash. Bonnie and Wes made a decision to sell the convenience store and move to the San Diego, Calif.- area where they managed apartment complexes for the next three years.

Following their return to Charles City, Wes was employed for four years as a custodian at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. He was employed part-time, at the time of his death with Nelson Auto and Tire.

Some of Wes’ interests, passions and leisure activities included playing golf, dining on his favorite meal of steak and potatoes, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, socializing with friends at the Elks Club, deer and elk hunting in Wyoming and Montana.

Wes continued to remain active playing baseball and at the age of 66, hit a crowd-pleasing home run during an Old Timers game in Charles City. He lovingly treasured time spent with his entire family and looked forward to their traditional “Family Biscuit Club” Sunday mornings after church.

Wesley will be missed dearly by family and friends who shared in his life. Wes is survived by his wife, Bonnie; their five children, Vickie Shollenbarger and her husband, Dennis, of Charles City, Karen Holzer and her husband, Ray, of Charles City, Robin Tegtmeier and her husband, Brian, of Louisville, Ky; Denny Banks and his wife, Barbara, of Charles City, and Faron Banks and his wife, Jill, of Charles City; 12 grandchildren, Tina Nelson and her husband, Bret, Tony Shollenbarger, Jeff Holzer and his wife Angie, Jodi Page and her husband, Jason, Jill Jespersen and her husband, Scott, Kelli and Nick Tegtmeier, Nicole Davis and her husband, Mike, Marty Banks, Kiley Banks, Cody Banks, and Caleb Banks.

He will also be sadly missed by thirteen great grandchildren; three sisters, Mildred Hess and her husband, George of Warren, Minn., Gladys Courrier of Rush City, Minn., and Viola Krumrey of Charles City; and one brother, Dale Banks and his wife, Carol, of Finland, Minn.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents; an infant granddaughter, Tami Shollenbarger and two brothers, William and Arlin “Barney” Banks.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, (641) 228-4211.

BRANDEN BROCK

GARNER — Branden Brock, age 22, of Garner, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) in Winona, Minn.

His funeral service will be 1:30 p.m.Tuesday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N Clark St., Forest City, Iowa, (641) 585-2685.obit/Davis/ds

JAY ARTHUR DAVIS

McCLAUSLAND — Jay Arthur Davis, 62, died Thursday (April 24, 2003) at his residence in McClausland, Iowa.

His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burt with the Rev. Bob Bartel officiating. Burial will be in the Burt Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, 218 S. Moore St., Algona, Iowa, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 295-3731.Obit/Johnson/ds

PAUL ‘PAPPY’ JOHNSON

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Paul “Pappy” Johnson, 96, of Bloomington, Minn., died on Friday (April 25, 2003) at Martin Luther Manor in Bloomington.

There will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa, Wednesday.

Lindstrom Funeral Home, (641) 985-2242.Obit/Lang/ds

CARL J. LANG

MASON CITY — Carl J. Lang, 94, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at his home in Mason City.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church with the Rev. Dennis Cahill officiating.

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania, Mason City.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, (641) 423-0924.Obit/Lichman/ds

JOHN ‘SONNY’ LICHMAN

BRITT — John “Sonny” Lichman, 74, of Britt passed away Saturday (April 26, 2003) at his home in Britt, Iowa with his caring family at his bedside.

Funeral services for John Lichman will be held at 10:30 a.m.Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt with Rev. Jerry Blake officiating.

Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery near Britt. Friends may greet the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street, Britt, Iowa and one hour prior to services at the church. Scripture service will be at the funeral chapel Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Full military graveside services will be conducted by the Britt Ceremonial Unit.

John, the son of Martin and Elizabeth (Appelhons) Lichman, was born August 7, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. Following the death of his father in 1929, John and his mother moved to Britt where they made their home with Elizabeth’s parents. Following Elizabeth’s marriage to Henry Haxton, the family lived in Eagle Grove for a short time before returning to Britt where John attended school.

At the age of seventeen, John joined the U.S. Army and served from 1946 to 1948 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following his discharge, John returned to Britt and was employed as a truck driver for Lee Hunsley.

On December 1, 1951, John was united in marriage with Wavel Brand at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt. The couple made their home in Britt.

John enjoyed Sunday dinners with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed farming with his sons-in-law and raising livestock at the feed yard.

He was a member of the Britt American Legion.

John is survived by his wife, Wavel of Britt; daughters, Gloria Lemmon and her husband, Merv, of Augusta, Wis., Deb Larson and her husband, Craig, of Wesley, Sheri Moore and her special friend, Ray Sadhagen, of Crystal Lake, and Pam Kline and her husband, Dan, of Britt; ten grandchildren, Kari and Nicki Lemmon, Tracy and Stacy Gremmer, Shannon Larson, Nic, Jesse, and Chris Moore, Adam and Joshua Kline; and one sister, Kathy Barlas and her husband, Tom, of Mason City.

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Lichman; mother, Elizabeth Haxton; stepfather, Merle Haxton; and sister, Mary Haxton.

Ewing Funeral Chapel, (641) 843-3839.Obit/Merches/ds

LEONA M. ‘LEE’ MERCHES

YORK, Neb. — Leona M. “Lee” Merches, age 82 years, of York, Neb., passed away on Friday evening (April 25, 2003) at The Hearthstone Care Center in York after a period of declining health.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, at the East Hill Church of Christ in York, Neb. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in York.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. today at the Lewis Funeral Chapel in York, with the family receiving friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

Memorials may be directed to the House of Compassion (830 W. Center St., Rochester, Minn. 55901), the York Area Senior Center, or Larsen Christian Academy at York.

Lee was born on July 21, 1920, at Arkansaw, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Helen (Busby) Martin. She graduated from high school in White Bear Lake, Minn. in 1939, and then attended the former Minnesota Bible College at Minneapolis for one year.

Lee was united in marriage to Howard J. Merches on March 26, 1942, at Minneapolis, Minn., and she moved with her husband while he served Churches of Christ in Edmunton, Alberta Canada, Minneapolis, Pine City, and Hibbing, Minn.; Miles City, Mont., Minot, N.D., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Fort Hayes and Marysville, Kan., Mason City, Iowa, Albion, Neb.; Washington, Iowa, Evanston, Wyo.,and Alliance, Neb.

The couple moved to York in March of 1991 following Howard’s retirement from the ministry. Lee was a member of the East Hill Church of Christ in York, where she served as church historian and also served on the Meal Committee and one year on the Planning Committee. Her hobbies included reading, macramé, knitting, crocheting, counted cross-stitch, and various other crafts (having served four years in a care center as a volunteer helping with crafts).

In years past, Lee also was a Girl Scout leader for two years, was a volunteer story reader at a library for one year, did calligraphy for several businesses, churches, and senior centers, organized ladies’ all-day lectureships, Bible teachers workshops, young peoples’ fun days, and singles retreats; sang with the Harmony, Inc. (a ladies’ barbershop chorus group, where she was public relations chairman for one year and was the group’s bulletin editor for one year) taught Bible classes for more than 30 years for ages ranging from five years old to the elderly; published a children’s paper for six years; worked with puppets; and could be billed as an “international speaker”, having spoken for Dale Carnegie Classes in Kuala Lumpur (where she thoroughly enjoyed foreign culture).

After moving to York Lee was active in senior projects, having served on the York County Council on Aging for several years. She also served on the General Advisory Board and the Fiscal Board on Aging in Lincoln, Neb., for several years representing York County.

Lee was also a longtime member of the York Writers’ Guild, and was very active with the York Area Senior Center Developers in the past few years until declining health prevented her involvement.

Survivors include her husband, Howard J. Merches, of York; three children, Susanne (and her husband, Arthur) Keller of York, Mark (and his wife, Carol) Merches of Davenport, Iowa, and Kathy (and her husband, Bruce) McGee of Columbus, Mont.; seven grandchildren, Ivan (and his wife, Vickie) Keller of York, Stephanie (and her husband, Gary) Yeager of Grand Junction, Colo., Dan (and his wife, Lori) Keller of York, Chris Merches of Davenport, Iowa, Clay (and his wife, Jennifer) Merches of Searcey, Ark., and A. Bryce McGee and Keaton McGee, both of Columbus, Mont.; fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Raymond Martin of North St. Paul, Minn.; and two sisters, Mary (and her husband, Earl) Thompson of Roberts, Wisc., and Alice (and her husband, Charles) Tharp of Esparto, Calif.; several nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents and one brother (David Lyle Martin).

Lewis Funeral Chapel of York is in charge of arrangements.

LEON K. THOME

OSAGE — Leon K. Thome, 70, of Osage, died Saturday (Arpil 26, 2003) as a result of a farm accident.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville with the Rev. Mark Reasoner officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Visitation Catholic Church. A rosary service will take place at 4 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, (641) 713-4920.Obit/Whitehill/ds

CLAUDE C. WHITEHILL

MASON CITY — Claude C. Whitehill, 76, of Mason City died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 4th St., S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Scott Duffus officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, (641) 423-0924.

Published online April 29, 2003

Obituaries are presented as a community service of Fullerton Funeral Homes. Information is submitted by families or provided by funeral homes for publication in the Globe Gazette and Globe Online.

DR. PAUL ‘PAPPY’ JOHNSON

RICEVILLE — Dr. Paul “Pappy” Johnson, DDS, 96, retired dentist from Riceville, died on Friday (April 25, 2003) at Martin Luther Manor in Bloomington, Minn.

He was the son of Sam L. Johnson and Mary (Halverson) Johnson, born on Sept. 23, 1906 in Thomson, Minn. He graduated from Belmond High School and Business College in Des Moines.

In 1940, he graduated from the University of Iowa in Dentistry. He began his dental practice in Lake Mills, Iowa.

On Oct. 18, 1942, he married Ora Brue from Lake Mills shortly before he was to leave for duty in the US Naval Dental Corps, served in the Navy during World War II and Korean Conflict. He prac-ticed dentistry in Riceville for 30 years until his retirement in 1982.

Following his wife Ora’s death in 1984, Paul moved to Burnsville, Minn. in 1986 to be near his son and daughter-in-law.

He is survived by his son, Brian (Jeanne) Johnson, of Burnsville, Minn.; grandsons, Erik (Christine) Johnson, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Scott, of Burnsville, Min.; one brother, Henry, of Belmond; sister-in-law, Helen Johnson, of Fort Dodge; brother-in-law, Charles (Rhoda) Brue, of Lake Mills, Iowa; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Bill, Leonard, and Ted; and sisters, Olga Lester, Helen Johnson, Magdalene Johnson, and Sofie Gealow.

Graveside Services will be held at at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Memorial services are planned at 7 p.m. on Sunday in the Chapel of Martin Luther Manor, 1401 E. 100th St. in Bloomington, Minn.

Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in Apple Valley, Minn. is in charge of arrangements.

Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, (952) 432-2331.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville, is in charge of local arrangements.

Lindstrom Funeral Home, (641) 985-2242.

JAMES P. MCLAUGHLIN

JOICE — James P. McLaughlin, 69, of Joice, formerly of Ventura, died Monday (April 28, 2003) at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lake Mills, with the Rev. Jerry Blake officating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in rural Lake Mills.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

GWENETH BORLAND

ALLISON — Gweneth (Dailey) Borland, 89, of New Port Richey, Fla., died on Sunday (April 27, 2003) at the Bear Creek Nursing Center in Hudson, Fla.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (641) 456-3232.

JUANITA BAAS

ALGONA — Juanita Baas, 89, of Algona, died on Monday (April 28, 2003) at the Algona Good Samaritan Center.

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

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 295-3731.

CLAUDE C. WHITEHILL

MASON CITY — Claude C. Whitehill, 76, of Mason City died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Memorial Services for Claude will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 Fourth St. S. E. with the Rev. Scott Duffus, officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the Mason City Veteran’s Memorial Association.

Visitation for Claude will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

A memorial fund has been established in Claude’s name.

Claude was born on July 10, 1926, the son of Claude and Arris (Curran) Whitehill in Luverne, Iowa. Claude graduated from Burt High School in Burt, Iowa and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy in World War II on board the U.S.S. Tamalpais.

He was then united in marriage to Wanda Mann on July 28, 1946 in the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Claude then attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa receiving his Bachelors of Science Degree, and later attended Drake University in Des Moines to receive his Masters Degree.

Claude was a teacher and principal in the Wapsie Valley Community School District for 27 years.

In their hometown of Readlyn, Claude was instrumental in the construction of the new town library. He was also known for teaching Sunday School in Readlyn at Zion Lutheran Church.

Claude was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church as well as his community. He organized and loved to play with “The Boys of Summer” Senior Softball League in Mason City.

Claude was a member of the Y.M.C.A. where he spent many hours teaching Judo, achieving the rank of Fourth Degree Black Belt.

His family particularly remembers him for his love of his family and the enjoyment he received from playing his harmonica.

Those left to cherish Claude’s memory are his wife, Wanda, of Mason City; three daughters, Cynthia Landau and husband, Alan, of San Diego, Calif., Cheryl Cooke and husband, Earl, of Readlyn, and Christine Barfoot of Milford; four sons, Ed Whitehill of Mason City, Steve Whitehill and wife, Debbie, of Las Animas, Colo., Craig Whitehill and wife, JoAnn, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Creighton Whitehill and wife, Rhonda., of Des Moines; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Sally Tabako of Garden Grove, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924.

JOHN GOMEZ

MASON CITY — John Gomez, 82, of 316 15th St. N.W., died Monday (April 28, 2003) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Fullerton Funeral Home 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (641) 423-8676.

FLORA WESTENDORF

NORTHWOOD — Flora Westendorf, 102, of Northwood, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at the Manly Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday at the United Methodist Church, 1000 First Ave N. in Northwood, with the Rev. Richard Jensen officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Thursday at the church. According to Flora’s wishes the casket will remain closed.

The family of Flora Westendorf has requested that memorial contributions be made to the United Methodist Church in Northwood, in her memory.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S. in Northwood is in charge of the arrangements.

Flora Westendorf was born on March 12, 1901, in Cleve, Iowa, the daughter of Fredrick Bartles and Flora (Risius) Limberg. She attended and received her education in the Buffalo Center area schools.

She was united in marriage to Fred Westendorf on Sept. 15, 1925. He preceded her in death. After their marriage together they farmed in the Lake Mills area until their retirement in 1963, moving to Northwood.

Flora was a charter member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was the last surviving member since 1933. Flora also was a member of the United Methodist Church in Northwood.

Left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Maxine Wilde and her husband, H. Judson Wilde of Charlotte, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Terrance Judson Wilde and his wife, Joanne Monahan Wilde, of Honesdale, Pa., Frederick Kent Wilde and his wife, Mary Jeko Wilde of York, Pa., Penny Wilde-Sparks and her husband, Herbert Henry Sparks Jr, of Charlotte, N.C., James Douglas Wilde of Richmond, Va., John Judson Wilde II and his wife, Caroline Krajeski Wilde of Slidell, La., Sally Sullivan Conklin, of Lake Worth, Fla., and Shannon Jay Sullivan of Tallahassee, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren, Sarah Monahan Wilde, Emily Rawson Wilde, Lindsay Renee Wilde, Jonathan Judson Wilde, James Douglas Wilde Jr., Laurel Whitmire Sparks, and Rachel Rawson Sparks; many nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred; daughter, Norma Jean Sullivan; eight sisters, and four brothers.

Conner Colonial Chapel, (641) 324-1543.

LEON K. THOME

OSAGE — Leon K. Thome, 70, beloved husband of Joan, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) from an unfortunate farming accident that happened at his rural Riceville farm.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville with Father Mark Reasoner and Father John Hemann officiating. Interment will be at Visitation Cemetery in Stacyville.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the church, with a 4 p.m. rosary and a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar, is in charge of arrangements.

Leon was a lifelong farmer and resident of Stacyville, Iowa. His love of the land was well known. He will be missed by his family and many friends. Leon and Joan spent winters in Yuma, Ariz., where he enjoyed desert trips and the sport of sand duning and desert railing.

Leon is preceded in death by one son, Bruce was killed in an auto accident in California in 1978; and one infant grandchild, Nathan, son of Peter and Cheryl Thome.

Also preceding him are his parents, Albert and Rose (Hoerter) Thome; sister, Arlene Grell, (known as Tootsie); and brother, Gene, (KIA Korean War). Also deceased is his former wife, Constance Badker (Duren)

Leon is survived by his wife, Joan (Hollinger); children, James (Babette) Thome of Earlham, Theresa (Roy) Deines of Scottsbluff, Neb., Denise (Michael) Johnson of Kanawha, Kevin (Shonna) of Plattsmouth, Neb., Peter (Cheryl) Thome, of rural Stacyville, Christopher (Kelly) Thome of Stanwood, Wash., Catherine Logan and special friend, Verne Burk, of Rockwell; stepchildren, Robert Wood of Little Canada, Minn., Julie (Arthur) Morrison of Quincy, Mich., Bruce (Lisa) of Altus, Okla; 32 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Arthur and Danial of Stacy-ville, Dale of Waterloo, and Mary Jane Foxen of New Haven.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, (641) 713-4920.

WESLEY ‘WES’ R. BANKS

CHARLES CITY —Wesley “Wes” R. Banks, 78, of No. 3 Lions Drive, Charles City, died early Saturday morning (April 26, 2003) at his home.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. today at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 106 Chapel Lane in Charles City, with Rev. Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek officiating. Interment with military rites will be at Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

The family greeted friends Monday at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service time at the church.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Wesley “Wes” Banks Memorial Fund.

Wesley Raymond Banks was born Sept. 25, 1924, in Charles City to James Edward and Elsie Faye (White) Banks. He attended school and was a lifelong resident of Charles City. Wes was very sports-minded throughout his entire life and found great contentment playing or watching any kind of ballgame. During his high school years, Wes participated on the baseball, football and basketball teams and a caddy at the country club. The “Browns,” (now known as the Baltimore Orioles) in their quest for a good catcher, tried to recruit him following graduation, however, he instead enlisted into the U.S. Army. He was in the 390th anti-aircraft artillery battalion and was stationed in England and France. Upon receiving a wounded arm in the service, Wes was honorably discharged and returned home on the Queen Mary. He was merited with a Purple Heart. Returning home, Wes fell in love with Bonnie Jean Snyder and began work at Lindaman Dairy and at Wonder Bread. Wesley and Bonnie were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in 1946. The couple were blessed with raising five children.

Wes took great pleasure and pride in providing for his family. He became the owner/operator of Banks Ambulance, Wrecker Service and Car Wash. The car wash was the first in Charles City. He later sold the business. He worked for Dore Wrecking Co. following the tornado of May 1968. In 1979, Wes acquired a Union 76 convenience store and car wash. Bonnie and Wes made a decision to sell the convenience store and move to the San Diego area where they managed apartment complexes for the next three years. Following their return to Charles City, Wes was employed for four years as a custodian at NIACC in Mason City. He was employed part time, at the time of his death with Nelson Auto and Tire.

Some of Wes’ interests, passions and leisure activities included playing golf, dining on his favorite meal of steak and potatoes, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, socializing with friends at the Elks Club, deer and elk hunting in Wyoming and Montana. Wes continued to remain active playing baseball and at the age of 66, hit a crowd-pleasing home run during an Old Timers game in Charles City. He lovingly treasured time spent with his entire family and looked forward to their traditional “Family Biscuit Club” Sunday mornings after church.

Wesley will be missed dearly by family and friends who shared in his life. Wes is survived by his wife, Bonnie; their five children, Vickie Shollenbarger and her husband, Dennis, of Charles City, Karen Holzer and her husband, Ray, of Charles City, Robin Tegtmeier and her husband, Brian, of Louisville, Ky; Denny Banks and his wife, Barbara, of Charles City, and Faron Banks and his wife, Jill, of Charles City; 12 grandchildren, Tina Nelson and her husband, Bret, Tony Shollenbarger, Jeff Holzer and his wife Angie, Jodi Page and her husband, Jason, Jill Jespersen and her husband, Scott, Kelli and Nick Tegtmeier, Nicole Davis and her husband, Mike, Marty Banks, Kiley Banks, Cody Banks, and Caleb Banks. He will also be sadly missed by 13 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mildred Hess and her husband, George of Warren, Minn., Gladys Courrier of Rush City, Minn., and Viola Krumrey of Charles City; and one brother, Dale Banks and his wife, Carol, of Finland, Minn. Wes was preceded in death by his parents; an infant granddaughter, Tami Shollenbarger; and two brothers, William and Arlin “Barney” Banks.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, (641) 228-4211.

Published online April 30, 2003

JUANITA FAYE BAAS

ALGONA — Juanita Faye Baas, 89, of Algona, died Monday (April 28, 2003) at the Algona Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona with the Rev. Steven Turner and the Rev. Patrick O’Neal officiating. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Whittemore.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 295-3731.

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GWENETH BORLAND

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Gweneth (Dailey) Borland, 89, of New Port Richey, Fla., and formerly of Allison, died Monday (April 28, 2003) at the Bear Creek Nursing Center in Hudson, Fla.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison with the Rev. Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in Allison Cemetery in Allison.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (641) 456-3232.Gomez obit/dn/Logo/jkg

JOHN RUIZ GOMEZ

MASON CITY — John Ruiz Gomez, 82, of 316 15th St. N.W., died Monday (April 28, 2003) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., with the Rev. Dennis Cahill officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemeter with military rites conducted by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., with a rosary at 6 p.m. and a Scripture wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (641) 423-8676.

KATHRYN GUNN

CHARLES CITY —Kathryn Gunn, 86, of Charles City, died Oct. 17, 2002, at Charles City.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St. in Charles City. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323.

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ALTA WILSON JACOBSON

CLEAR LAKE — Alta Muriel Wilson Jacobson was born on Oct. 25, 1908, to Nellie (Fleming) and Arthur Wilson in Lorain, Ohio.

At age 16, Alta graduated from high school and enrolled in Ohio State Teachers College in Bowling Green, Ohio.

At age 18, she earned a teaching certificate from that institution and began teaching in the Lorain public schools.

Early in Alta’s teaching career, she met pioneer missionaries from French Equatorial Africa, and she felt God’s call to her to serve there as a missionary teacher.

In preparation for that work, Alta completed a two-year study program at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and a nine-month licensed practical nursing program with the Salvation Army in New York City.

She studied at the Institute Alliance Francaise of the Sorbonne in Paris and attained there a Diplome Superieure, which certified her to open and teach schools in French territories.

In 1932, Alta traveled by ship and riverboat to French Equatorial Africa, serving as teacher in the areas that are now the countries of Central African Republic and Chad, later in Zaire.

There she met and married a fellow missionary from Sweden, Nils Eugene Jacobson. Alta and Nils worked side by side on the mission field until Nils’ death in 1944 of diptheria in Chad; they were the parents of three children.

Alta continued missionary work for 45 years, during furloughs earning a B.A. in French from Maryville College, Maryville, Tenn., and an M.A. in French from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt.

Intermittently, during periods of civil unrest on the mission field, Alta taught high school French in Oklahoma City, Okla., served as professor of French at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minn., at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, and at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.

After her retirement from the mission field, Alta worked for three years as a VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) volunteer with Native Americans in Tama County, Iowa.

Following her VISTA work, Alta involved herself with church work, her family, leading neighborhood Bible study groups, studying, flower gardening and playing the piano. She lived consecutively in Newhall, Iowa (eight years), Waverly, Iowa (five years) and Clear Lake, Iowa (13 years).

Alta had a keen interest in current events and often participated in caucuses and in Elderbridge classes.

Alta actively participated in two Clear Lake churches, the Evangelical Free Church, where she taught children in Awana groups, led adult Sunday School and was a Bible study group member, and Zion Lutheran Church.

Alta was a recipient of the Iowa Governor’s Award for Volunteerism in recognition of her teaching reading to handicapped adults during her years in Clear Lake. Alta preserved her memoirs in a volume entitled, “Memories That Bless and Burn.”

Alta went to be with the Lord on Tuesday (April 29, 2003) at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Alta’s funeral will be at 3 p.m. Friday at the Evangelical Free Church in Clear Lake with the Rev. David Wiersbe officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

Following the service, Alta’s body will be cremated and her ashes transported at a later date by family members to rest with her beloved husband Nils in Africa.

Memorials will be contributed to African Missions.

Alta was preceded in death by her parents and her three sisters, Hazel Wilson VanHaun, Marian Wilson Lee and Vera Wilson Elliott.

Alta is survived by her children, Federal Judge Arthur Jacobson of Cleveland, Ohio; Erik Jacobson of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Murielle Jacobson Hess and the Rev. Dean Hess of Clear Lake; also by her grandchildren, Karla Jacobson Linder of Atlanta, Ga., Peter Jacobson, of Asheville, N.C., Nicole Hess, of Clear Lake, Gunners Mate 2nd Class Nathan Hess of the United States Navy, Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill.; and by her great-granddaughter, Meghan Linder.

Family members also include Alta’s many nephews and nieces and their children and grandchildren.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, (641) 357-2193.

CARL J. LANG

MASON CITY — Carl J. Lang, 94, of Mason City, died Saturday (April 26, 2003) at his home.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., with the Rev. Dennis Cahill officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with a 7 p.m. rosary service. There will be further visitation one hour prior to services on Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Memorials may go to the Carl J. Lang Memorial Fund.

Carl was born Sept. 1, 1908 the son of John and Lena (Lex) Lang.

On June 6, 1939, he was united in marriage to Laura K. Hemann in Albert Lea, Minn.

Carl enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting and card playing. Carl also enjoyed gardening and canning.

Carl is survived and lovingly remembered by his sons, Eugene Lang and wife, Bette, of Winnsboro, Texas, Dean Lang of Mason City and Duane Lang and wife, Helen, of Marshalltown. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his wife; parents; one daughter, Theresa; five sisters, and one brother.

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924.

JAMES P. MCLAUGHLIN

MASON CITY — James P. McLaughlin, 69, of Joice and formerly of Ventura, died Monday (April 28, 2003) at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lake Mills with Father Jerry Blake officiating. Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in rural Lake Mills.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.

James Phillip McLaughlin was born May 11, 1933, at Portsmouth, Iowa, the son of Sara Powers and Michael McLaughlin. He graduated from high school in Harlan, Iowa, Class of ’52.

James was united in marriage to Marlene Myton on Oct. 20, 1959, at Independence, Iowa.

Together, Jim and Marlene lived in several communities, most recently owning and operating Toma Meats in Ventura for 15 years until retirement.

James is survived by his loving wife, Marlene McLaughlin, of Joice; two sons, Kirk McLaughlin of Ventura and Jeff McLaughlin of Forest City; four sisters and one brother, Evelyn Talbott of Council Bluffs; Dick and his wife, Colleen McLaughlin, of Harlan; Jerilyn and her husband, Gail Hess, of DeWitt; Pat and her husband, Bob Goeser, of Crescent; Janice and her husband, Tim Pabst, of Eagan, Minn.; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother, Billy.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

VERA BEATRICE ‘BEA’ DAVIS SMITH

LEESBURG, Fla. — Vera Beatrice “Bea” Davis Smith, 93, of Leesburg, Fla., died at 1:55 a.m. Easter Sunday (April 20, 2003) at the home of her son in Temple Terrace, Fla.

Mrs. Smith was born on July 11, 1909, in Mason City, the daughter of Ivan Guy and Lola Zell (Smith) Davis.

She was married for over 40 years to Lieutenant Commander Stephen B. Smith, United States Navy, until his death on Nov. 10, 1970.

Prior to moving to Florida, she was a member of the First Baptist Church, Eastern Star (past worthy matron and 50-year member) and the Woman’s Club (past president) in Benton, Ill. At the time of her death, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Leesburg.

She was an avid traveler who during her early years of marriage crisscrossed the country many times with her young children following her Navy husband at a time when paved roads were not the norm. Her love of travel and exploration continued throughout her life.

In her 70s, she returned to college and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Southern Illinois University.

Music had always played an important part in her life. At various times, she had been a church music director, vocal soloist and choir member.

In addition to this, she found the time to play the piano, organ and her beloved cello. In later life, she particularly enjoyed being a part of her church’s Joy Choir for senior adults.

Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn B. Gunn and her friend, Ed Gallup, of Grant’s Pass, Ore.; sons, Stephen B. Smith Jr. and wife, Gretchen, of Temple Terrace, Fla., and David R. Smith and wife, Kendra, of Benton, Ill.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and special friends, John and Phyllis Hobbs, Al and Estelle Christiansen, Kathy Coffey and Bernice Oddo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Lyle and Ivan Davis, and one grandson, Christopher J. Smith.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial service will be held on June 10, 2003, at The First Baptist Church in Leesburg, Fla.

Memorial contributions may be made to benefit the music department at the First Baptist Church, 220 N. 13th St., Leesburg, Fla. 34748.

Graveside services will be held at Rockwell Cemetery at a date to announced later.Sorenson obit/dn/jkg

ILIAH I. SORENSON

KANAWHA — Iliah I. Sorenson, 86, of Kanawha, died Tuesday (April 29, 2003) at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services are tentatively set for 10:30 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Kanawha with the Rev. Susan Detwiler officiating. Burial will take place in the Amsterdam Cemetery in Kanawha.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, 118 E. Second St. in Kanawha, and will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.

Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (641) 762-3211.