Posted online July 6,2003

EDNA M. NORRIS

LAKE MILLS - Edna M. Norris, 92, of Lake Mills died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Lost Island Lutheran Church in Ruthven, Iowa. The Rev. Luther Thoreson will officiate. Burial will be in the Lost Island Cemetery, Ruthven.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Home in Graettinger.

Edna Marie Bisgard, the daughter of Willads and Sophia (Larsen) Bisgard, was born June 20, 1911, in Walnut, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith as a child. Edna receiv-ed her education in the Emmetsburg Township #5 School. After graduation from the 8th grade she worked as a "hired girl" in several homes and then later worked as a clerk at the Variety Store in Graettinger, Iowa.

On Sept. 20, 1933, she was united in marriage to Martin Norris at South Walnut Lutheran Church in rural Graettinger. To this union were born two sons, Merlin and Keith. Edna dedicated her life to being the life-mate of her husband, Martin, as they farmed in Lost Island Township in rural Graettinger. The Norris Farm is a Century Farm and a grandson, Kyle Norris and his family, reside there now.

She was known for her cream pies, cookies and fresh strawberries for her birthday as well as her crocheting. Her family was very important to her. Martin died June 29, 1979. Edna moved from the Norris Farm to her home in Ruthven in 1985. In September of 2000, she moved to Mills Harbour Independent Living in Lake Mills.

Edna was an active member of Lost Island Lutheran Church in rural Ruthven, Iowa. She was also very active in the North Circle and WELCA. In the past, Edna had volunteered her time at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg, Iowa.

Edna is survived by one son, Merlin Norris and his wife, Marietta, of Lake Mills; daughter-in-law, Jan Graettinger of Ruthven; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; Barb Abele and her husband, Brian, of Leland and their children, Allison and Sarah; Rodney Norris and his wife, Shellene, of Lake Mills, and their children, Anthony and Ashlyn; Bill Norris and his wife, Sheila, of Huxley and their children, Joshua and Jessica; Karyn Leininger and her husband, Troy, of Spencer; Kimberly Venzon and her husband, Jay, of Downers Grove, Illinois; Kyle Norris and his wife, Amee, and their children, Madison and Kadin, of Graettinger; Kirt Norris and his wife, Amanda, and their daughter, Megan, of Cedar Rapids; two sisters-in-law, Lois Lundgren of Graettinger and Christina Norris of Graettinger; and many nieces and nephews.

She has been preceded in death by her husband; one son, Keith, who died August 3, 1984; her parents; four brothers, Einer, Peter, Arnold, Albert; and two sisters, Esther Suss and Nora Jorth.

Blessed be the memory of Edna Norris.

Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Home, (712)-362-2646.

LUCILLE G. SIMMONS

BANCROFT - Lucille G. Simmons, 82, of Bancroft, died Friday ( July 4, 2003) at the Heritage Nursing Home in Bancroft.

Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the St. John Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul D. Bormann presiding. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be today from 4-8 p.m. with a rosary at 4 p.m. and a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 885-2521.

OLIVE R. WELSH

CLEAR LAKE - Olive R. Welsh, 98, of Clear Lake died Monday (June 30, 2003) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services for Olive will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Ed Bard, chaplain with Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation for Olive will be held 5 to 8 p.m. today and continue one hour prior to the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Olive R. Welsh Memorial Fund.

Olive was born March 28, 1905, the daughter of Fred and Katherine (Altes) Enabnit on a farm near Mingo, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Vincent Welsh on July 22, 1922, at the Evangelical Church in Mason City.

Olive and her husband farmed for many years south of Mason City until they retired and moved to their new home in P.M. Park in Clear Lake, where they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

Olive loved to camp and fish with her husband in Minnesota. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed the flowers she grew. Before she went blind, Olive also loved tatting and reading her Bible. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Olive was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory are; daughter, Avonne Gradin of Mason City; sister-in-law, Myrtle Enabnit of Nora Springs; grandson,

Marlin Gradin and friend Kathy Grimsley of Clear Lake; great grand-daughters, Tracy Gradin of Mason City, Tara Gradin and friend, Chris, of Mason City; great-great grandsons, Chase Jacobson of Mason City, Micha Radcliff of Mason City; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincent; seven brothers, Dave, Art, Elgin, Carroll, Harold and Ivan; son-in-law, Clarence (Bob) Gradin; one infant grandson, Timothy Gradin; and an infant great-great grandson, Zade Gradin-Legios.

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

NICHOLAS SCHRUP

CEDAR RAPIDS - Nicholas Schrup, 51, a resident of 200 31st Street N.E., Cedar Rapids, formerly of Charles City, died Thursday (July 3, 2003) at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A funeral Mass for Nicholas Schrup will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. Monsignor Stanley Hayek, pastor, will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, where a rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m., and also a vigil scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the Mass.

Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City, (641) 228-2323.

MARTHA BRENTON

PORT ORANGE, Fla.- Martha Brenton, 78, formerly of Mason City and currently of Port Orange, Fla., died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at the Halifax Hospital in Port Orange. She is the wife of Dr. Harold Brenton, a longtime Mason City physician.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, (641) 423-2372.

DEBORAH MARIE SYMES

MASON CITY - Deborah Marie Symes, 48, of 603 N. Massachusetts Ave., Mason City, died Thursday (July 3, 2003) at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minn.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Larry Day of the Rolling Acres Free Methodist Church, Mason City, officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to services Tuesday at Fullerton Funeral Home, Mason City. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date.

At the family's request, in lieu of flowers those planning memorial expressions may direct them to the Deborah M. Symes Memorial Fund.

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

HILTON 'BUD' FRERICHS

ACKLEY - Hilton 'Bud' Frerichs, 84, of Ackley, Iowa, died Friday (July 4, 2003) at the Covenant Hospital, Waterloo, Iowa.

Funeral services for Bud Frerichs will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church, Ackley, Iowa, with burial at Oak Wood Cemetery, Ackley.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Linn's Funeral Homes Ackley Chapel, with the family present to receive friends between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral Home.

Military honors will be provided by the Elliott - Keninger American Legion Post #252, Ackley, Iowa.

The Linn's Funeral Homes Ackley Chapel is handling the arrangements, (641) 847-2569.

ESTHER E. PARKER

CHARLES CITY - Esther Edith Parker, 83, of Charles City, died Thursday (July 3, 2003) at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Sunnyside Chapel Funeral Home in rural Charles City.

Vistiation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Sunnyside Chapel Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until time of services.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Sunnyside Chapel Funeral Home, (641) 228-2635.

MARIE A. MALAKTARIS

MASON CITY - Marie A. Malaktaris, 97, of Mason City died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church with the Rev. Joseph Mirowski presiding. Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at the church with a Trisagion prayer service immediately following at 6:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Marie A. Malaktaris memorial fund.

Major Erickson Funeral Home (641) 423-0924.

LOIS IMOGENE ENDRIS

WELLS, Minn. - Lois Imogene Endris, 75, of Wells, Minn., formerly of Scarville, Iowa, died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at Friendship Home in Wells.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Mittelstadt Funeral Home and Cremation, Lake Mills, (641) 592-0221.

ELMER VONDERLINDE

MASON CITY - Elmer Vonderlinde, 87, of Mason City died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, West Campus, Mason City.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City, with Rev. Kenneth Hatland officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City.

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

Posted online July 7,2003

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.

ESTHER ESCHER

CORALVILLE — Esther Escher, 83, of 1403 Kenai Court in Coralville, died unexpectedly Saturday (July 5, 2003) at University of Iowa Healthcare in Iowa City.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Lensing’s Oak Hill in Coralville. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville.

Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Oak Hill.

Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Research at The University of Iowa.

Esther was born March 10, 1920, in Mason City, the daughter of Anthony & Cynthia (Thieson) Waslick. She attended schools in Mason City. Esther married Fred Escher on Jan. 7, 1950, in Austin, Minn.

Esther worked for many years as a waitress and in the laundry/dry cleaning business, including Mason City Laundry and Marshall & Swift Laundry and Dry Cleaning. She and her husband moved to Coralville in 1991.

She is survived by her husband, Fred, of Coralville; three daughters, Sharon Kopps of Des Moines, Patricia Sheeley and her husband, Leroy, of Ft. Dodge and Terry Escher of Coralville; a granddaughter, Melissa Sheeley; two great-granddaughters, Lacey N. Sheeley and Hannah E. Freese; two nephews and three nieces.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, John.

Lensing’s Oak Hill, Coralville, (319) 351-9362.

JANE L. LAST

OTTUMWA — Jane L. Last, 63, of Ottumwa, died at 11:11 p.m. on July 4, 2003, at her home.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa with the Rev. Lon Lewis officiating. Christina Court #3 Order of Amaranth will also conduct services at the funeral home. Burial will be Westview Cemetery in Kirkville.

Visitation will begin after noon today at the funeral home with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m.

A memorial has been established to Hospice, Inc., 312 E. Alta Vista, Ottumwa, Iowa, 52501.

Jane was born Aug. 20, 1939, in Ottumwa, to Darrell and Ruth (Jones) Shaw. She married John Last on April 15, 1961.They later divorced in 1989.

They moved to Forest City in June of 1967, then to Northwood in December of 1969. Jane worked for Northwood Anchor Publishing Co., from 1977 to 1985 and for the Worth County Dept. of Human Services from 1989 to 1993. She was a member of and presently Royal Matron Elect of Christina Court #3 Order of Amaranth and a member of Rose Chapter #552 Order of the Eastern Star.

Surviving is a daughter, Catherine M. Hove, of Mason City; two sons, John David Last of Ottumwa and Robert L. Last of Oskaloosa; four grandchildren, Nicholas Hove, Zachary and Micah Chavez all of Mason City and Joseph Last of Ottumwa; and a brother, Robert L. (Connie) Shaw of Ottumwa.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Reece Funeral Home, Inc., Ottumwa, (641) 682-4509.

MARIA MALAKTARIS

MASON CITY — Maria Malaktaris, 97, of Mason City, passed away Saturday (July 5, 2003) at the Good Shepherd Health Center after suffering a stroke.

Funeral Services for Maria will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 1311 Second Street S.W., with Rev. Joseph Mirowski officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation for Maria will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church with a Trisagion Prayer service at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Maria Malaktaris Memorial Fund for use at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church.

Maria was born in Agios Loukas, Greece, on Oct. 28, 1905, and came to the United States at the age of eleven. She was the first of eleven children born to James and Vasiliki Zanios. Maria was united in marriage on Dec. 31, 1922, to Antonios Malaktaris and the two raised seven children.

They worked side-by-side for 52 years owning and operating the Atlas Meat Market, now Pete’s Kitchen, until their retirement. They loved people and never sat for a Sunday dinner without family or friends at their table. Maria loved helping her family and friends bake Greek pastries and cookies into the wee hours of the morning throughout the years. She was a devoted church member and belonged to the Philoptochos Society (Friends of the Poor) and Daughters of Penelope.

Left to cherish her memory are six of her seven children; Ethel Despenas of Mason City, Helen and husband, Andrew Pergakis, of Mason City, Stella and husband, William Rickoff, of Winona, Minn., George Malaktaris and wife, Georgia, of Minot, N.D., Arita Travlos of Columbia, Mo., and Philothea and husband, James Hettinger, of Norwalk, Iowa; sisters, Stella Pathoulas of Mason City, Jean James of Detroit, Mich., Luella Rumeliote of Bloomington, Minn., Helen Berris of Canton, Mich., and brother, Chris Zanios of Tarpon Springs, Fla. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Vasiliki Zanios; husband, Antonios Malaktaris; beloved daughter, Bessie Brown-Halloran; sisters, Faye Soumas, Gertrude Ringus and Elizabeth Paras; brothers, George Zanios and Tom Zanios, and three sons-in-law, Alex Despenas, William Brown and Peter Lamont.

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

DEBORAH MARIE SYMES

MASON CITY — Deborah Marie Symes, 48, of 603 N. Massachusetts Ave., Mason City, died Thursday, (July 3, 2003) at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Larry Day from the Rolling Acres Free Methodist Church, Mason City, officiating

A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to services Tuesday at Fullerton Funeral Home, Mason City. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, those planning memorial expressions may direct them to the Deborah M. Symes Memorial Fund.

Deborah Marie Symes was born Dec. 10, 1954, in Mason City, the daughter of Richard and Barbara (Jackson) Pint. Deborah grew up and attended school in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School in 1972. On May 22, 1992, Deborah was united in marriage to Michael J. Symes in Mason City. She had worked at Good Shepard Nursing Center as a Certified Nurse’s Aide and Med Aide. Deborah was very active as a volunteer with Mason City Youth Task Force Environment Committee, a member of the Community Emergency Response Team of Cerro Gordo County, involved with the Cerro Gordo Republican Central Committee, Community Policing Advisory Board and attended the Citizen Police Academy. Deborah was an avid collector of bears, snowmen, trolls and bluebirds. Her family will cherish her nurturing and loving care for each one of them.

Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in her life are her husband, Michael; four children, Lawerence Powell Jr. and his wife, Julia, of Del City, Okla.; Heather Matlock of Yreka, Calif.; John Powell and Jason Symes, both of Mason City; her grandchildren, Brooke, Kylie, Amy, Lauren and one to be arriving and blessing the family in September; sisters, Brenda Brown of Grasslake, Mich., Catherine Symes and Colleen Symes, both of Mason City; a brother, Duke Powell of Mason City. She will be sadly missed by relatives and many friends.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Barbara Pint.

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

ELMER E. VON DER LINDE

MASON CITY— Elmer E. von der Linde, 87, of Mason City, died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, West Campus.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Kenneth Hatland officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Memorials may be directed to the Elmer E. von der Linde memorial fund.

Elmer was born Jan. 30, 1916, in Sheffield, Iowa, the son of Adolph and Ida (Twittenhoff) von der Linde. He graduated from Swaledale High School in 1933. Elmer farmed with his father as a young man, traveled to Alaska to assist in building the Alaskan Highway, delivered Sweetheart Bread, and poured concrete for Andrews Concrete, Inc., until he retired.

He was united in marriage to E. Bernice Madsen on Jan. 6, 1945. They resided in Mason City until they retired. Elmer enjoyed gardening, shooting pool, playing cribbage, reading history and singing songs. Elmer was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Local Order of the Moose, and the VFW.

Elmer is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bernice; their children: Kayellen Taylor of Minneapolis, Mary and her husband, John Amos, of Clear Lake; Allen von der Linde of Mason City; Becky and her husband, Brett Koretoff, of Fallbrook, Calif.; Jean and her husband, Kendall Stumme, of Burt, Iowa, Lori and her husband, Tom Quinlan, of Mason City; three grandchildren; Matt Amos and his wife, Nicolle, Cassandra Nelson, and Nathan Stumme; one great- grandchild, Olivia Amos; one sister, Ruth Bailey of Mesa, Ariz.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents.

Elmer will always be remembered by his family and friends.

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

OLIVE R. WELSH

CLEAR LAKE — Olive R. Welsh, 98, of Clear Lake, died Monday (June 30, 2003) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services for Olive will be held 2 p.m. Monday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Ed Bard, Chaplain with Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation for Olive will be held 5 to 8 p.m. today and continue one hour prior to the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Olive R. Welsh Memorial Fund.

Olive was born March 28, 1905, the daughter of Fred and Katherine (Altes) Enabnit on a farm near Mingo, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Vincent Welsh on July 22, 1922, at the Evangelical Church in Mason City. Olive and her husband farmed for many years south of Mason City until they retired and moved to their new home in P.M. Park in Clear Lake where they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Olive loved to camp and fish with her husband in Minnesota. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed the flowers she grew. Before she went blind, Olive also loved tatting and reading her Bible. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Olive was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory are; daughter, Avonne Gradin of Mason City; sister-in-law, Myrtle Enabnit of Nora Springs; Grandson, Marlin Gradin and friend Kathy Grimsley of Clear Lake; great grand-daughters, Tracy Gradin of Mason City, Tara Gradin and friend, Chris, of Mason City; great-great grandsons, Chase Jacobson of Mason City, Micha Radcliff of Mason City; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vincent; seven brothers, Dave, Art, Elgin, Ed, Carroll, Harold and Ivan; son-in-law, Clarence (Bob) Gradin; one infant grandson, Timothy Gradin; and an infant great-great grandson, Zade Gradin-Legios.

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

FRANCES E. ZOOK

SWALEDALE — Frances E. Zook, 84, of Swaledale, died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m.Wednesday at Swaledale United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Dodge of the Britt United Methodist Church presiding. Interment will be in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Swaledale.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, Thornton. (641) 998-2311.

Posted online July 8,2003

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.

FRANCES E. ZOOK

SWALEDALE — Funeral Services for Frances E. Zook will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Swaledale United Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Interment will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Swaledale.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Thornton.

Frances E. Zook was born Aug. 14, 1918, in Virden, Ill., the daughter of Bryan and Lyndall (Rea) Sheppard. She attended Pleasant Valley County School and Waverly Township High School, both in Waverly, Ill. Frances then attended and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.

On Nov. 1, 1944, Frances was united in marriage with Walter Zook at the Methodist Grace Church in Jacksonville, Ill. They made their home in Swaledale.

She taught school for 20 years in Aredale, Swaledale and Meservey.

Frances was a member of the Swaledale United Methodist Church, UMW and Sarah Circle.

She also served on the library board of trustees, was a member of Swaledale Area Ladies, Swaledale Ladies Card Club and Senior Citizens.

Frances Zook died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home at the age of 84.

She is survived by nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; and husband, Walter, on March 15, 1969.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, (641) 998-2311.

THOMAS A. ROBESON

NORTHFIELD, Minn. —Thomas A. Robeson passed away Feb. 7, 2003, in Minnesota. He was cremated at that time and burial will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the Rudd Cemetery in Rudd, Iowa.

Tom was born to Lyle O. and Bernetice E. Robeson on Jan. 4, 1940, in Nora Springs, Iowa. Tom attended school in Rockford, Iowa, and graduated in 1958.

He worked as a farmhand for a few years west of Rockford and then went on to work for Eastern Airlines at O’Hare Field in Chicago for many years and then transferred to Minneapolis, Minn.

He continued to work for Eastern Airlines until they filed bankruptcy and he then went to work for Northwest Airlines. He worked for that airlines until his death.

Tom is survived by his three children, Daniel (Monica) of Maxwell, Iowa, Dawn (Steve) Havey of Clear Lake, Iowa and Nicole of Apple Valley, Minn. He was the loving grandfather of 9. He is also survived by his mother, Bernetice Robeson, of Nora Springs, sister, Doris Robeson Tourtellott of Streamwood, Ill., and brother, Gary (Lois) Robeson of Deltona, Fla. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; Lyle; sister, Linda, in infancy; and brother-in-law, Gordon Tourtellott.

Family and friends are invited to attend the burial at the Rudd Cemetery.

RONALD LEE KOPETJKA

MANLY — Ronald Lee Kopetjka, of Grand Prairie, Texas, formerly of Manly, Iowa, died May 27, 2003 at his home at the age of 49.

Graveside services for immediate family will be held on July 12, 2003.

Left to cherish his memory are his twin sister, Rhonda Chodur and her husband, Richard, of Joice, Iowa, and his other sister, Joleen Kalvig and her husband, Bob, of Manly, Iowa; many nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother; and grandparents.

MAURINE M. JACKSON

OSAGE — Maurine M. Jackson, 90, of Osage, died Monday (July 7, 2003) at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, (641) 732-3706.

JOHN C. HODSON

BURNSVILLE, Minn. — John C. Hodson, of Burnsville, Minn. died Saturday (July 5, 2003) after a long illness.

John was born on Nov. 8, 1936, in Mason City, Iowa, to Boyd and Hazel Hodson, the second of six children.

John spent his early yers in Plymouth and graduated from Plymouth High School. He received an associate of arts degree from Mason City Junior College. He attended the University of Iowa and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served for three years, spending most of that time in Milwaukee, Wis.

He was employed by the Standard Oil Company and worked for that company in both Minneapolis and Kansas City.

On July 3, 1982, he married Diann Langley, formerly of Silver Bay, Minn. They made their home in Burnsville. He worked for the Men’s Warehouse for many years.

Private family services were held.

Memorials are preferred to the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Hazel Hodson; and his infant twin sister, Georgene.

He is survived by his wife, Diann; and her daughter, Kelley Langley; sister, Joan Weinberger and her husband, Jim, of Downers Grove, Ill.; Jerry Hodson and his wife, Beverly, of Plymouth, Iowa; Neil Hodson and his wife, Sue, of Bloomington, Minn.; the Rev. Don Hodson and his wife, Kathy, of Washington, Iowa; seven nieces and three nephews.

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

LOIS I. ENDRIS

WELLS, Minn. — Lois Imogene Endris, 75, of Wells, Minn., formerly of Scarville, Iowa, died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at Friendship Home in Wells, Minn.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Vinje, Iowa, with the Rev. Dani Jo Ninke-Greaver officiating. Inurnment will be at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Vinje.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, is in charge of arrangements.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

IRIS M. BEMIS CAREY

ROSELAND, Va. — Iris M. Bemis Carey, 81, of Roseland, Va., died Monday (July 7, 2003) at Lovingston Health Care Center.

Iris was born Aug. 30, 1921, in Mason City, a daughter of the late Sidney and Leona Bemis, of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul James Carey, also of Mason City.

She is survived by her daughter, Jo Ann Robinson and husband, J.D. Robinson, of Roseland, Va.; two sisters, Lois Rickens and Lila O’Donnel, both of Mason City; dear friend, Edwin Greer, of Thayer, Kan.; three grandchildren and their spouses, Jimmy and Lisa Robinson, of Amherst, Va., Kenny and Cindy Ponton, of Amherst, Va., Troy and Shelia Robinson, of Roseland, Va.; five great-grandchildren, Mandi Ponton, Christie Ponton, Scott Ponton, Chelsey Robinson and Trey Robinson; and special friends, Addie Ponton and “The Viar Family”.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by seven sisters, Hazel Peterson, Gladys Belseth, Lily Arndt, Evelyn Bemis, all of Mason City and Phyllis Thomas, of Sunnyvale, Calif.; and one brother who died as an infant.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Jonesboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of J.D. and Jo Ann Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Roseland Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 39, Roseland, Va. 22967.

Byrum-Parr Funeral Home of Roseland is in charge of arrangements.

Byrum-Parr Funeral Home, (434) 277-5194.

FLORENCE ELLA BARZ

LATIMER — Florence Ella Draves Barz, 90, of Bemond, formerly of Latimer, died Sunday (July 6, 2003) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer, with the Rev. Marvin L. Lorenz officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Willim Funeral Chapel, 320 East St. in Latimer, and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.

Willim Funeral Home, (515) 532-2233.

MARVIN B. WILHITE

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — Marvin B. Wilhite, 82, of Apache Junction, Ariz., died Thursday, May 22, 2003, at Valley Lutheran Hospital in Apache Junction.

His body was cremated. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City, Iowa.

Marvin was born on April 25, 1921, to Burdette and Norva (Lumsden) Wilhite in Rockwell, Iowa.

He married Ena Broers on May 24, 1941, in Alexandria, La. He served in the U.S. Army from Feb. 10, 1941 to July 17, 1945.

He received the American Service Ribbon and European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Silver Star and one Bronze Star.

He drove truck for Ruan Trucking until his retirement in 1982.

He is survived by sons, Jim and his wife, Helen, of Boone, Iowa, David of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and daughter, Jayne Bitker, and her husband, Randy, of Clear Lake, Iowa. He is also survived by one brother, Dale, of Mason City, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Barb Wilhite, of Clear Lake; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 1964; one brother, Glen; a sister-in-law, Shirley Wilhite; and one grandson.

Posted online July 9,2003

NORMA N. PETERSON

ATASCADERO, Calif. — Norma Peterson, 90, of Atascadero, Calif., died Thursday (July 3, 2003) at Kindred Hospital in Ontario, Calif.

Norma was born on Feb. 22, 1913, in Waverly, Iowa, to Abby and Abraham Heath.

She married Elmer “Pete” Peterson on Sept. 23, 1933. Norma and Pete lived for most of their lives in McGregor, Iowa, a cozy town nestled next to the Mississippi River, where they had a daughter Nancy and son Larry.

They later moved to Mason City, Iowa, where they were owner/operators of the Brookside Par-3 golf course.

After retirement in 1978, they moved to Atascadero, Calif., where she was a member of the Community Church of Atascadero.

Norma enjoyed reading and watching the Dodgers.

Surviving is her son, Larry, of Glendora, Calif.; four grand-children, Steve Peterson of Highland Park, N.J., Vanessa Peterson of Glendora, Calif., Jeff Fredericks of Paso Robles, Calif., and Tara Fredericks of Tracy, Calif.; two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Greg Fredericks of Paso Robles; and two sisters, Mae Huebsch of McGregor, Iowa, and Dode Coffey of Blair, Neb.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; and her daughter, Nancy.

The Chapel Of The Roses funeral home in Atascadero assisted the family.

MAURINE M. JACKSON

OSAGE — Maurine M. Jackson, 90, of Osage died Monday (July 7, 2003) at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 18, at the United Church of Christ in Osage with the Rev. Karen Nichols Dungan officiating. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, (641) 732-3706.

MERLIN L. BIER

ALEXANDER — Merlin L. Bier, 80, of Alexander, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

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

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

PRUDENCE BURGER

LAKOTA — Prudence Burger, 77, of Lakota, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at home in Lakota.

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

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 885-2521.

EVELYN M. MEHUS

ELDORA — Evelyn M. Mehus, 81, of Eldora, died Monday (July 7, 2003) at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines of breast cancer.

Mrs. Mehus has been cremated and a memorial graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Eldora Cemetery.

Following the graveside service the family will greet friends at the Wildlife Club, 32740 210th St. Eldora.

Mrs. Mehus loved working in her garden and is survived by her two daughters, Adela Niedermann of Ankeny and Lavon Pfeifler of Des Moines; her son, Neal Mehus of Radcliffe, her two brothers, Lloyd Pringnitz of Clear Lake and Stanley Pringnitz of Osage; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, and her daughter, Carla.

Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. in Des Moines is in charge of arrangements.

Hamilton’s Funeral Home, (515) 243-5221.

RUTH M. MCMULLIN

HANLONTOWN — Ruth Marie McMullin, 96, of Grinnell, formerly of Hanlontown, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at the St. Francis Manor Nursing Home in Grinnell.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly.

Bride Colonial Chapel, (641) 454-2242.

DONALD M. JUSTICE

MASON CITY — Donald M. Justice, 76, of 1807 Cerro Gordo Way, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City. (641) 423-2372.

DOROTHY HALSOR

MASON CITY — Dorothy Halsor, 89, of Mason City, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Travis Fisher officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Mason City.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa or Trinity Lutheran Church.

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

MARVIN G. BYINGTON

CLEAR LAKE — Marvin G. Byington, 76, 8 S. 18th St., Clear Lake, died Monday (July 7, 2003) at the Chautau-qua Guest Home #3, Charles City.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church, 508 Second Ave. N. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jan Burnett officiating. Interment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

Memorials may be given to the Marvin G. Byington Memorial Fund.

Marvin was born Aug. 16, 1926, in rural Plymouth, the son of Glenn and Susie (May) Byington. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1944. He drove trucks in the Plymouth area.

Marvin married Mary Louise Petersen on Jan. 15, 1950, at the English Lutheran Church in Manly.

They lived in Plymouth from 1950 to 1961. They also lived in Waverly before moving to Clear Lake.

He was a butter maker in Plymouth. He started working for Midland Cooperative as a truck driver, and later drove for Tom Thumb, Skelgas and Nutrina. He was awarded the 3,000,000 mile driving award from Midland Co-op.

Marvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, dancing and being with his family and friends. He loved to watch baseball, play cards and was a big fan of the Cubs and Twins. He was a member of the Clear Lake United Meth-odist Church.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Byington, of Clear Lake; three sons, Michael Byington and his wife, Andrea, and their children, Katy and Jay, of Davenport; Mark Byington and his children, Naomi Levelle and Jade Byington, of Missoula, Mont., and Tim Byington and his wife, Diana, and their children Codie and Tyler, of Clear Lake; a daughter, Jennifer Lamanna and her husband, Eric, of Fox Lake, Ill.; three brothers, Merlyn Byington and his wife, Margaret, of Rock Falls, Keith Byington and his wife, Nancy, of Columbia, Mo., Don Byington and his wife, Marilyn, of San Francisco, Calif.; one sister, Kathryn Kearns and her husband, Dennis, of Urbandale; and many nieces and nephews.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents; and a infant twin brother, Melvin Byington.

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

ALLAN F. CHURCH

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Allan Frederick Church, 71, died Monday (July 7, 2003) at his home in Bloomington.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. in Minneaplis, Minn.

In lieu of flowers memorial are preferred to Fairview Hospice.

Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis, Minn., is in charge of arrangements. (612) 825-2436.

MARVIN B. WILHITE

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — Marvin B. Wilhite, 82, of Apache Junction, Ariz., died Thursday, May 22, 2003, at Valley Lutheran Hospital in Apache Junction.

His body was cremated. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City, Iowa.

Marvin was born on April 25, 1921, to Burdette and Norva (Lumsden) Wilhite in Rockwell, Iowa.

He married Ena Broers on May 24, 1941, in Alexandria, La. He served in the U.S. Army from Feb. 10, 1941 to July 17, 1945.

He received the American Service Ribbon and European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one silver battle star and one bronze battle star.

He drove truck for Ruan Trucking until his retirement in 1982.

He is survived by sons, Jim and his wife, Helen, of Boone, Iowa, David of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and daughter, Jayne Bitker and her husband, Randy, of Clear Lake, Iowa; two stepsons, Doug Braner and his wife, Kathy, of Florida and David Braner, of Mason City; three stepdaughters, Lori Carter, of Petersburg, Alaska, LaVonn Dirks and husband, Mark, of Belmond, Lonna Knutson, of Rome, Iowa. He is also survived by one brother, Dale, of Mason City, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Barb Wilhite, of Clear Lake; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 1964; one brother, Glen; a sister-in-law, Shirley Wilhite; and two grandsons, Dustin Palmer and Terry Knutson.

Posted online July 10, 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.

MARTHA BERCH BRENTON

MASON CITY — Martha Berch Brenton, 78, of 5449 Ward Lake Drive, Port Orange, Fla., 32128, and formerly of Emerald Isle, N.C., and Mason City died Saturday (July 5, 2003) at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Fla., after complications from a hip fracture and a post-operative heart attack.

In 1997, Martha had coronary artery bypass surgery performed at Mercy Hospital in Mason City. She had been in failing health the past few years from chronic conditions associated with diabetes.

Martha Brenton was born Christmas Day, 1924, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Her parents were Berch Clifford Willard, a magistrate, and Mattie Sink Willard.

In 1946, Martha graduated with a degree in home economics from Salem College in Winston-Salem. Her first job was as a teacher in Salisbury, N.C.

Later she became a medical secretary for Bowman-Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. There she met medical student Harold L. Brenton of Charles City, and they were married June 14, 1948.

Mrs. Brenton lived over 25 years in the Mason City area as a homemaker, where her husband practiced internal medicine at the Park Clinic from 1959 to 1988. She enjoy-ed being a hospital volunteer at the former North Iowa Medical Center, where her husband was chief of staff.

She also assisted her husband with activities for the North Iowa Fair Board operations, and they were involved in the creation of the horse-hockey arena and the North Iowa Racquet Club.

After her husband retired in 1988, they moved to North Carolina, where they lived on the Crystal Coast until moving to Port Orange in September 2002.

Martha enjoyed traveling, cooking and dancing, but her greatest love of all was her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved brother, Duke C. Willard of Winston-Salem, N.C., and several aunts and uncles.

Martha is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Dr. Harold L. Brenton; her three sons, Dr. Douglas Brenton and wife, Marian, of West Des Moines, Iowa, Dr. Bradley Brenton and wife, Dr. Linda Geer, of Goldsboro, N.C., and Dr. Randall Brenton and wife, Cheryl, of Clear Lake, Iowa; and one daughter, Marla Brenton Veenstra and husband, Mark, of Port Orange, Fla.

Other relatives who will miss her are eight grandchildren, Curtis, Matthew, Charlotte, Claire, Janet, Eric, Dr. Bryon and Dr. Andrew; two great-granddaughters, Hailey and Katherine; a special aunt, Miss Dallas Sink, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; two sisters-in-law, Lorna Brenton Burgraff and husband, Robert, of Deltona, Fla., and Linda Thompson Willard of Winston-Salem, N.C., and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Martha was an active mem-ber of Chapel-By-the-Sea Church, and the family requests all memorials be directed to the church at 6712 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, N.C. 28594.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Clayton Olsen of Chapel-By-the-Sea Church officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, (641) 423-2372.

RUTH MARIE ELIZABETH MCMULLIN

HANLONTOWN — Ruth Marie Elizabeth McMullin, 96, of Grinnell, formerly of Hanlontown, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at the St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown with Pastor Kris Snyder officiating. Burial will be in the Brush Point Cemetery, rural Hanlontown.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, and one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the church.

The family of Ruth Marie Elizabeth McMullin has re-quested that memorial contributions be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown in her memory.

Ruth Marie Elizabeth McMullin was born on Dec. 23, 1906, in DeKalb, Ill., the daughter of Axel and Caroline (Bauer) Strombom.

She attended and grad-uated from Hanlontown High School, and also attended Cedar Falls Teachers College. After completing her schooling, she taught school west of Kensett for one year.

She was united in marriage to Norvel McMullin on Aug. 6, 1927, in Mason City. He preceded her in death on Aug. 30, 1976.

In 1928, Ruth and Norvel moved to Hanlontown, where she loved and cared for her family.

She enjoyed flowers and gardening, but her great love and enjoyment was her church and family.

She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, church circle, Sunday school teacher and the Blossom Belles Garden Club, all in Hanlontown.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Richard McMullin and his wife, Priscilla, of Overland Park, Kan., and Roger McMullin and his wife, Mary, of Grinnell, Iowa; four grandchildren, Christopher McMullin and his wife, Verna, of Olathe, Kan., Shelley McMullin of Lenexa, Kan., Sarah McMullin Swinford and her husband, James, of Dallas, Texas, and Rachel McMullin and her husband, Glen Ammons, of Madison, Wis.; two great-grandchildren, Lanie and R.C. McMullin of Olathe, Kan., as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter, Linda Faye; a brother, Harold Strombom, and three sisters, Hortense Smith, Mildred Adams and Helen Oswald.

Bride Colonial Chapel, (641) 454-2242.

THOMAS A. ROBESON

NORTHFIELD, Minn. —Thomas A. Robeson passed away on Feb. 7, 2003, in Minnesota. He was cremated at that time and burial will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the Rudd Cemetery in Rudd, Iowa.

Tom was born to Lyle O. and Bernetice E. Robeson on Jan. 4, 1940, in Nora Springs, Iowa. Tom attended school in Rockford, Iowa, and graduated in 1958.

He worked as a farm hand for a few years west of Rockford, then went on to work for Eastern Airlines at O’Hare Field in Chicago for many years and transferred to Minnea-polis, Minn.

He continued to work for Eastern Airlines until it filed bankruptcy and he then went to work for Northwest Airlines. He worked for that airlines until his death.

Tom is survived by his three children, Daniel (Monica) of Maxwell, Iowa, Dawn (Steve) Havey of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Nicole of Apple Valley, Minn. He was the loving grandfather of nine. He is also survived by his mother, Bernetice Robeson, Nora Springs; sister, Doris Robeson Tourtellott of Streamwood, Ill., and brother, Gary (Lois) Robeson of Deltona, Fla. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle; sister, Linda, in infancy, and brother-in-law, Gordon Tourtellott.

Family and friends are invited to attend the burial at the Rudd Cemetery.

EDNA A. ASHLEY

CHARLES CITY — Edna A. Ashley, 88, of 1304 S. Main St., Charles City, died Tuesday evening (July 8, 2003) at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 601 Milwaukee St. in Charles City, with the Rev. Paul N. Wilcox officiating. Interment will be at Sunnyside Memorial Gardens, Charles City.

The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Edna A. Ashley Memorial Fund.

Edna Alvina Ashley was born Dec. 11, 1914, on the family farm near Bassett, Iowa, in Deerfield Township to Frank and Alta M. (Briggs) Boggess. She was the sixth child and second daughter of 11 children.

On May 28, 1932, she was united in marriage to Lloyd “Greb” Ashley in Charles City and has lived in the area most of her life. She was a dedicated wife and nurturing mother, spending countless hours assisting with the farm field work, cooking large meals and raising four children.

Edna treasured family gatherings and is lovingly remembered for her wonderful loaves of homemade baked bread and fresh pies.

Some of Edna’s favorite leisure activities and interests included challenging opponents to card games of either “500” or euchre, going to barn dances, playing bingo, shopping for new clothing and at-tending dances on Saturday nights at the Moose. She especially enjoyed country music, polkas and waltzes.

Edna was a former member of the Women of the Moose in Charles City and a committee woman for the Chickasaw County Republican Party.

Edna will be missed dearly by family and friends who shared in her life.

She is survived by two children, Maureen Weiss and her husband, Darwin, of Charles City; John Ashley and his wife, Barbara, of LaPorte, Colo.; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Mildred Boggess, of Charles City, and her son-in-law, Merle Usher of Nashua. She will also be fondly remembered by numer-ous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd in February of 1982; two daughters, Mary Usher and Merle Ashley; 10 brothers and sisters, and one great-grandchild.

Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (641) 228-4211.

MERLIN LLOYD BIER

ALEXANDER — Merlin Lloyd Bier, 80, of Alexander, Iowa, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday morning (July 8, 2003) at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Reformed Church in Alexander. Burial will be in the Alexander Cemetery at a later date.

Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the First Reformed Church in Alexander.

Merlin was born on April 25, 1923, in Franklin County, Iowa, to Arthur and Ruth (Halfpap) Bier. He graduated from Meservey Consolidated Schools.

Merlin was married to Arlene Schulte on Jan. 23, 1944, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander by the Rev. NJO Boomgaarden.

Merlin was a farmer, electrician, mechanic, tiler, plumb-er, carpenter, landscaper, weld-er and machinist.

He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Alexander.

He was also a member of Anchor Lodge 191 of Hampton, Za-Ga-Zig Shriners, Blacksmith & Welders Association and BPOE.

Merlin was a school board member, coached Little League, sponsored the Bier Electric Bowling Team and pitched for the Alexander softball team.

He enjoyed golfing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Bier, of Alexander; daughter, Susan P. Bier, of Williamsburg; daughter, Jerilyn F. and husband, Delos Hansen, of Bettendorf; son, David A. Bier, of Des Moines; son, Loren M. and wife, D.J. Bier, of Alexander; five granddaughters, Kristen, Katie, Courtney, Pam and Sarah; and one sister, Frances Dorenkamp, of Iowa City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

PRUDENCE ANGELINE JUNE BURGER

LAKOTA — Funeral services for Prudence Angeline June Burger will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft with the Rev. Dr. Allen D. Call officiating. Interment will be in Highland Home Cemetery in Ledyard.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

Prudence Angeline June Burger was born Jan. 14, 1926, in Indianola, Neb., to Corless and Amanda (Beck) Smith, and died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at her home in Lakota at the age of 77.

Prudence received her education in Indianola and was married to Robert E. Burger on Dec. 17, 1943, in Norton, Kan. Prudence worked for a short time as a telephone operator.

The couple lived in Storm Lake and Webster City before moving to Lakota in 1965. Prudence and Bob owned and operated the Busy Bee Grocery for five years in Lakota. Bob died on Dec. 18, 1997.

Prudence enjoyed reading, gardening and shopping. She was a former member of the Lakota City Library Board.

Survivors include her two daughters, Crystal Carlson and husband, Wayne, of Warsaw, Minn., and Lorna Goodell and husband, Dana, of Sioux City. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Christopher Carlson and wife, Angela, of Puyallup, Wash., Brandon and Joshua Carlson of Warsaw, Minn., and Andrew Goodell of Sioux City, and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Makenzie Carlson.

Prudence was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, and one granddaughter, Angeline.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 885-2521.

DOROTHY R. HALSOR

MASON CITY — Dorothy R. Halsor, 89, of Mason City died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at her home of natural causes.

Funeral services for Dorothy will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Travis Fisher officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

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

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Dorothy was born on March 29, 1914, in Mason City, the daughter of Homer and Sarah “Maude” (Howe) Radcliff. She was a 1932 graduate of Mason City High School.

She was united in marriage to Melvin J. Halsor on July 20, 1935, in Austin, Minn.

For the last 10 years, Dorothy has lived at the Manor following the death of her husband, Melvin J. Halsor.

She is survived by her four children, Jerry Halsor and wife, Margaret, of Lakewood, Colo., Richard Halsor and wife, June, of Sunrise Beach, Mo., James Halsor of Cedar Falls, and Janice Anderson and husband, Neil, of Omaha, Neb. She has six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Merrill, George and Homer “Babe” Radcliff.

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

MICKEY ARNOLD

NORTHWOOD — Mickey Arnold, 76, of rural St. Ansgar, died Wednesday (July 9, 2003) at 90 8th St. N. in Northwood.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in Northwood.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, (641) 324-1121.

DONNA K. BREDESON

ESTHERVILLE — Donna K. Bredeson, 63, of Esther-ville, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Estherville with the Rev. Paul Wiegman and the Rev. Steve Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Estherville Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Home in Estherville.

Henry-Olson-Fuhrman Funeral Home, (712) 362-2646.

DONALD M. JUSTICE

MASON CITY — Donald M. Justice, 76, of 1807 Cerro Gordo Way, died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at his home.

Following cremation, a graveside inurnment service will be held at Scotty Phillips Cemetery, Ft. Pierre, S. D.

Donald M. Justice was born Jan. 10, 1927, in Stanley County, S.D., a son of Jesse and Verna (Milton) Justice.

He was united in marriage to Carolann Gullickson on Oct. 13, 1967.

Donald was a graduate of Ft. Pierre High School, Ft. Pierre, S. D. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later, the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Following his military service, he began a life-long career with the Chicago and North Western railroad, where he worked as a bridge inspector. Working in Ft. Pierre for several years, he moved to Mason City in 1974, retiring from the railroad in 1986.

He is survived by a son, Robert D. Justice and Cheri Christensen, of Mason City; two stepdaughters, Shelly Odland, of Ramsey, Minn., and Vicki Patraw, of Maplewood, Minn.; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Pierce, of Price, Utah, Peggy Staben, of Milesville, S.D., and June Myers, of Price, Utah; two brothers, Richard Justice, of Woodland, Calif., and Jesse Justice, of Vancouver, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carolann in 2001; one brother, Charles Justice, and a sister, Joyce Nieland.

The family invites friends of Donald to stop by his home and share memories and thoughts of Donald with them.

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

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, (641) 423-2372.

JOELLEN DUTCHER

PARADISE, Calif. — JoEllen Dutcher, 70, of Paradise, Calif., died Tuesday (July 8, 2003) at Paradise, Calif.

She had resided in Paradise for the last four years and had spent 36 years in San Jose, Calif.

She was born on Nov. 9, 1932, in Mason City, Iowa, to Edwin and Eugenia Johnson.

She was united in marriage to Les E. Dutcher on May 15, 1952, in Northwood, Iowa.

She was an interpreter for the deaf. She taught in San Jose for 22 years at both Evergreen and City College.

She was an interpreter of the deaf for IBM and many other large corporations. She also had the opportunity to interpret for Sen. Ted Kennedy and TV personality Regis Filben.

She was a member of the National Association for the Deaf, California Association for the Deaf and Registered Enterpreters for the Deaf.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in San Jose.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

She is survived by her husband, Les E. Dutcher, of Paradise; son, Steven Dutcher, of Paradise; daughter, Terri Stephens, of Escondido, Calif., and grandchildren, Bradi, Erin, Bret, Steven, Lena and Mason.

Rose Chapel Mortuary, 6382 Clark Road, Paradise, Calif., 95969, is in charge of arrangements.

Rose Chapel Mortuary, (530) 877-4923.