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.

DAVID W. EDEL

MASON CITY — David W. Edel, 53, of 327 S. Maryland Ave., died Monday (April 5, 2004) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Michael J. Podhajsky, officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. Mason City, where a Scriptural wake service will be held at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Newman Foundation or Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, IA 52001.

David W. Edel was born April 20, 1950, at Mason City, a son of Elmer and Madonna (Feeney) Edel. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, and was a 1968 graduate of Mason City High School.

David attended Marquette University and the University of Iowa. Along with his father, he owned and operated Edel Music Company in Mason City.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Mason City.

He is survived by his parents, Elmer and Madonna Edel, of Mason City; three sisters, Susan Satter and her fiancé, Jacob, of Boulder, Colo., Ellen McAndrews and her husband Jerry, of Lenexa, Kan., Elizabeth Gales and her husband, Stephen, of Mason City; one brother, Stephen Edel and his wife Cathy, of Minneapolis, Minn.; nieces and nephews, Chelsea Satter, Laura, Patrick and Matthew McAndrews, Nicholas, Jenna, and Julia Gales; aunts and uncles, Jim and Pat Feeney, of Wayzata, Minn.; John and Louise Hofler, of Nora Springs; Karen McGrath, of Milwaukee, Wis.; Joanne Stover, of St. Paul, Minn.; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

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

KEITH P. CRAWFORD

ALBERT LEA, Minn. —Keith P. Crawford, 88, of Albert Lea, Minn., formerly of Mason City, Iowa, died peacefully Saturday (April 3, 2004) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at the Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, with Monsignor Joseph Slepicka officiating.

There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be directed to the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Keith P. Crawford was born July 24, 1915, in Chapin, Iowa, to Paul and Sabina (Sullivan) Crawford. He graduated from high school in 1932 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business at Iowa State University, Ames.

On Nov. 5, 1938, he was united in marriage to Marguerite F. Halvorsen of Clear Lake.

Keith served in active duty with the Army Air Corps for four years and remained in the Reserves until 1976 when he returned from the military with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After the war, Keith and his wife resided in Clear Lake until 1955 when he and his dear partner, Charles Shaffer, purchased the Credit Bureau of Mason City. They sold the business and retired in 1976.

Keith and Marguerite loved to travel. They took numerous trips to Europe, visited Alaska, and spent many winters in Florida. Keith loved to golf, fish, hunt, and rode a motorcycle well into his 70s. Keith was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Rotary Club.

Keith is survived by his son, Larry Crawford and his wife Kay of Shoreview, Minn.; his daughter, Jane A. Klang of Albert Lea, Minn.; two granddaughters, Lisa M. Klang of Rochester, Minn., and Kelly Etienne and her husband Tony of St. Louis Park, Minn.; and one great-granddaughter, Madeleine Shea Etienne. He is also survived by his “adopted son” Ted Baker and his wife Char and his special care-giver, Diane Elmer and her husband Lowell.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife.

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

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

ESTHER A. CHARLSON

WARSAW, Mo. — Esther A. Charlson, 66, of Warsaw, Mo., formerly of Leland, Iowa, died on Friday (April 2, 2004) at the Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, Mo.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Leland, with the Rev. Bill Peters officiating. Burial will take place in the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

Esther Alice Stickfort Charlson was born on July 25, 1937, at LeMars, the daughter of Lloyd and Ruth (Gordon) Stickfort. She attended and graduated from Emmons High School, Emmons, Minn., in 1955.

On Dec. 17, 1955, Esther was united in marriage with Willard Charlson at Lime Creek Lutheran Church, rural Emmons. The couple made their home in Whittemore, before moving to Leland, where they raised their family, and then to Joice where they bought their first acreage.

In 1996, Willard and Esther purchased their dream — a retirement home where it doesn’t snow — in Warsaw, Mo. It had been home ever since.

Esther had been employed in food service her entire life. She was a fabulous cook for her family, at various restaurants, and was co-owner of the Mill Wheel Restaurant in Lake Mills. Most recently, for over eight years, Esther cooked at the Estes Drive In in Lincoln, Mo.

She enjoyed spending free time with her family, playing cards, bingo, and bluegrass music.

Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Willard; children, Darwin Charlson of Britt, Daniel Charlson and his wife, Elaine, of Cheyenne, Wyo., David Charlson of Warsaw, Mo., Dale Charlson and his wife, Brenda, of Waldron, Ark., Darla Rodberg and her husband, Scott, of Joice, and Dawayne Charlson and his wife, Stacy, of Mason City; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Rachel, Brandon, Kristopher, Sara, Jessie, Ruth Ann, Erica, Andrew, and Kelly; three great-grandchildren, Charles Jr., Ethan, and Isabella; a sister, Marion Martinson and her husband, Gerald, of Emmons, Minn.; brother, Leonard Stickfort; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Megan Charlson; a brother, Kenneth Stickfort; and many aunts and uncles.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

ANN DAVEY

MANLY — Ann Davey, 88, of 318 E. North Street, Manly, died Monday (April 5, 2004) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 412 N. Broadway, Manly, with the Rev. David Kucera officiating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Springs St. in Manly, with a Scriptural Wake Service at 6 p.m.

Ann Marie, the daughter of Charles E. and Mary (Yorkovich) Barnish, was born March 11, 1916, in Mason City. She received her education in Mason City.

After her schooling, she worked as a nurse’s aide at Mercy Hospital in Mason City.

She was united in marriage to Ralph E. Davey on Oct. 24, 1940, in Northwood, Iowa. She then chose to stay at home and care for her family.

Ann’s greatest love was spending time with her family and friends, but she also loved to read, travel, and cook. She visited almost every state in the union.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Manly. She was also a member of the Church Guild, and the Trainmen Auxiliary.

Ann is survived by two sons and their wives, Jim Davey and Melanie Stancil of Knightdale, N.C., and Ralph and Joan Davey of Manly; four grandchildren, Carlynn Ross and her husband, Ronald, of Raleigh, N.C., Jonathan “Troy” Davey of Atlantic Beach, N.C., and Renee and Alex Davey of Manly; and two great-grandsons, Michael Thornton and Ryan Ross of Raleigh, N.C. Also surviving is one brother-in-law, Bill Davey and his wife, Corrine, of Gadsden, Ala., and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; an infant daughter, Sharon; three brothers, Mike, Charles and John; and two sisters, Mary and Theresa.

Bride Colonial Chapel, (641) 454-2242, www.colonialchapels.com

RUTH CECILIA CIRKS

GREENE — Funeral Mass for Ruth Cecilia Cirks, 89, of 616 N. First St., Greene, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene, with Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greene.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene where there will be a Scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary service. Visitation will continue one hour before services on Wednesday at the church.

Ruth Cecilia DeMar was born on Dec. 19, 1914, in Greene a daughter of Frank and Anna Marie (Albrecht) DeMar, and died Sunday (April 4, 2004) at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Mason City.

She received her education from St. Mary’s Academy in Greene and was united in marriage to Enno Eiko Cirks on Oct. 6, 1933, in Northwood, Iowa. They farmed in the rural Greene area until June 1947 when they moved into Greene where they purchased the Phillips 66 gas station from her father. They operated the station until their retirement in 1989 and were recognized by Phillips 66 Oil Company for 42 years of continuous service.

She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Guild, and St. Isadore’s Circle.

Living family members include five sisters, Martha Mulkins of Portland, Ore., Magdeline Hesalroad of Greene, Irene Sexton of Mason City, Loretta Schnieder of Mason City, Dorothy Dahm of Orange, Calif., and one brother Raymond (Ardis) DeMar of Charles City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Francis, Edward, and Thomas DeMar, and one sister, Margaret DeMar.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Ruth Cecilia Cirks Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Reid’s Funeral Chapel, (641) 823-4457.

VERNON V. LYFORD

MANLY — Vernon V. Lyford, 88, of The Willows, formerly of Manly, died Friday (April 2, 2004) at the Manly Care Center.

His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Grace Evangelical Free Church, 440 N. Illinois Ave., in Mason City, with the Reverend Scott Davis officiating. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Manly Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, and also for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Grace Evangelical Free Church or Youth For Christ.

Vernon was born June 29, 1915, in rural Worth County, a son of Lloyd and Nina (Battlin) Lyford. He graduated from Manly High School in 1933 and from Iowa State College in 1938.

Vernon was united in marriage to Nina Jackson on Dec. 24, 1939, in Dumont.

He was an agronomist for the Federal Land Conservation for several years before returning to farming near Manly in 1942.

Vernon was the first pipeline dairy farmer in the area and enjoyed raising several varieties of farm animals until his retirement in 1981. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

Vernon was an active member of his community serving as a longtime member and former president of several boards including the district Dairy Milk Association, the North Central School Board, and the Grace Evangelical Free Church. He also served on the Worth County Tax Review Board and was active with Youth for Christ and the Gideons.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Nina, of The Willows; four children, Charles Lyford M.D., and his wife, Joyce, of Glen Rock, Wyo.; Joyce and the Reverend Marvin Koelling, of Kearney, Neb.; Lawrence D. Lyford M.D. and his wife, Kimmye, of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Barbara Jean Swanson and her husband, Steven, of Lake Forest, Calif.; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Barker, of Boone; and a brother, Lowell Lyford, of Battle Ground, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Maurine Holden; and one grandchild.

Bride Colonial Chapel, (641) 454-2242, www.colonialchapels.com.

MELLVIN CHRISTENSEN

ALGONA — Mellvin Christensen, 87, of Algona, died Wednesday (March 31, 2004) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Algona.

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

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

THELMA PURVIANCE

CLEAR LAKE — Thelma Purviance, 89, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2004) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

According to her wishes, she has been cremated.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., in Clear Lake. Richard Scott, Lay Assistant of Zion Lutheran Church, will be officiating.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa in her name in lieu of flowers.

Thelma was born March 6, 1914, in Clear Lake, the daughter of David and Catherine (Mier) Stricker. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1932 and attended Iowa Teachers College. She taught school in Lincoln Township for four years.

She married Jesse Purviance on Dec. 24, 1936, at the Trinity Lutheran parsonage in Mason City. They farmed in Lincoln Township 44 years and moved to Clear Lake in 1981.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She also belonged to the DD Club.

Thelma enjoyed cooking, sewing and reading books. When she was young, she was addicted to fishing. “Good food has always graced my table; my home has been a warm and happy place.” She enjoyed the beauty of flowers and the song of the bird.

Thelma is survived by her three children, JoAnn Kaasa and her husband, Merwyn “Bud”, of Hanlontown, and their children, Tim Kaasa and his wife, Alice, Joel Kaasa and his wife, Teresa, and Doy Gilbert and her husband, Chad; Dennis Purviance and his wife, Joyce, of Fort Worth, Texas, and their children, Kati Bewley and her husband, Ronald, Jesse Purviance and his wife, Monica, John Purviance and his wife, Kristie, and James Purviance and his wife, Stephanie; and Linda Matson and her husband, Jon, Clear Lake, and their children, Shelly Benton and her husband, Doug, Mindy Zaruba and her husband, Tim, and Marcy Bitner and her husband, David; seventeen great-grandchildren; three brothers, Dave Stricker Jr. and his wife, Marie, of Mason City, Ralph Stricker and his wife, Jerry, of Mason City, and Harold Stricker and his wife, Mary Ann, of Orchard.

Thelma is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Leah Hage; brothers, Ronald and Ben Stricker; and an infant great-granddaughter.

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

ALICE SHIPLER

ALGONA — Alice Shipler, 69, of Algona, died Saturday (April 3, 2004) at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Algona. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8:30 p.m. today at Wilson’s of Algona.

Wilson’s of Algona, (515) 295-2622.

MARGARET M. NEEDHAM

GREENE — Funeral services for Margaret M. Needham, 88, of 315 E. Traer, Greene, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor Uzel officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene where there will be a public Scripture Service and Service of Remembrance at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on one hour before services Wednesday at the church.

Margaret Mae Shultz was born Nov. 9,1915, in rural Union Township, Floyd County, a daughter of Isaac H. and Nora (Lucian) Shultz, and died Sunday (April 4, 2004) at the Rolling Green Care Center in Nevada.

She attended Marble Rock Consolidated School the first seven years of her schooling, and later attended schols in Greene and Allison before graduating from Charles City High School in 1933 with honors. She taught rural schools in both Floyd and Butler Counties for more than six years.

On Nov. 23, 1938, she was united in marriage to Joseph Floyd Needham of Bristow at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Following their marriage they farmed in Bennezette Township, west of Greene, and near Charles City, until their retirement in March 1976. Following their retirement they enjoyed spending their winters in warmer climates until Floyd’s death on Sept. 9, 1990.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and her family was her first priority and concern. She enjoyed doing for others.

She was baptized on July 12, 1936, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene and later became a lifelong member of the church. She held offices in the Presbyterian Women Circle and good Cheer Sunday School Class. She was a long time member of the Better Way Club, Farm Bureau, and was a 4-H leader.

Those thankful for having shared her life include her two daughters: Nancy Jo McWilliams of Palm Springs, Calif., Nora Jane (Frank) Mitchell of Nevada; two grandchildren: Melanie Mitchell of Nevada, and Matthew (Jennie) Mitchell of Des Moines; several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister: DeFerris Hurd; and four brothers: Phillip, Frank, Galen, and Berton Shultz.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Margaret M. Needham Memorial Fund 1818 Third St., Nevada, IA 50201.

Reid’s Funeral Chapel, (641) 823-4457.

MARGARET M. NEEDHAM

GREENE — Funeral services for Margaret M. Needham, 88, of 315 E. Traer, Greene, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor Uzel officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene where there will be a public Scripture Service and Service of Remembrance at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on one hour before services Wednesday at the church.

Margaret Mae Shultz was born Nov. 9,1915, in rural Union Township, Floyd County, a daughter of Isaac H. and Nora (Lucian) Shultz, and died Sunday (April 4, 2004) at the Rolling Green Care Center in Nevada.

She attended Marble Rock Consolidated School the first seven years of her schooling, and later attended schols in Greene and Allison before graduating from Charles City High School in 1933 with honors. She taught rural schools in both Floyd and Butler Counties for more than six years.

On Nov. 23, 1938, she was united in marriage to Joseph Floyd Needham of Bristow at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Following their marriage they farmed in Bennezette Township, west of Greene, and near Charles City, until their retirement in March 1976. Following their retirement they enjoyed spending their winters in warmer climates until Floyd’s death on Sept. 9, 1990.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and her family was her first priority and concern. She enjoyed doing for others.

She was baptized on July 12, 1936, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene and later became a lifelong member of the church. She held offices in the Presbyterian Women Circle and good Cheer Sunday School Class. She was a long time member of the Better Way Club, Farm Bureau, and was a 4-H leader.

Those thankful for having shared her life include her two daughters: Nancy Jo McWilliams of Palm Springs, Calif., Nora Jane (Frank) Mitchell of Nevada; two grandchildren: Melanie Mitchell of Nevada, and Matthew (Jennie) Mitchell of Des Moines; several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister: DeFerris Hurd; and four brothers: Phillip, Frank, Galen, and Berton Shultz.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Margaret M. Needham Memorial Fund 1818 Third St., Nevada, IA 50201.

Reid’s Funeral Chapel, (641) 823-4457.

MARGARET A. LAGASSE

FORT PIERCE, Fla. —Margaret Ann LaGasse, 100, of Fort Pierce, Fla., formerly of Mason City died Monday (April 5, 2004) in a Vero Beach, Florida Hospital.

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

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

GERALD J. FRANCIS

GRAFTON — Gerald J. Francis, 36, of Grafton, died Sunday (April 4, 2004) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

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

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

ROSCELIA G. WILLERT

NORTHWOOD — Roscelia G. Willert, 93, of Northwood, formerly of Lake Mills and Joice, died Monday (April 5, 2004) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with the Rev. Al Stoa officiating. Burial will take place at Concordia Cemetery, rural Joice.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills and will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

    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.

ROSCELIA G. WILLERT

NORTHWOOD — Roscelia G. Willert, 93, of Northwood, formerly of Lake Mills, died on Monday (April 5, 2004) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with the Rev. Al Stoa officiating. Burial will take place at the Concordia Cemetery, rural Joice.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

Roscelia Geneve (Lee) Willert was born July 27, 1910, near Joice to Gilman and Carrie (Trustem) Lee.

She was baptized in Concordia Church by the Rev. A.M. Torgeson and confirmed July 27, 1914, in Concordia Church by the Rev. L.E. Kleppe.

She took four years of Bible study and received a certificate to teach Bible school for all grades.

In the 1930s, she taught Bible school during the summer in several country schools.

Roscelia was organist at Concordia Church for more than 22 years. She also enjoyed singing, and she did this in many different ways and places.

She became a member of Elk Creek Church Choir and also the Solvig Singers.

Roscelia was vice president of the North Central Music Mothers, and was also a 4-H leader in Worth County for 23 years, receiving many awards.

On Nov. 15, 1940, Roscelia was united in marriage with Johnnie Willert at Concordia Church by the Rev. L.F. Scheie.

They farmed in several communities in north Iowa and southern Minnesota. While helping her husband, with the farm work and raising their three children, she still took time to teach Sunday school for many years. She was president and held many other offices in both Ladies Aid and circle.

Baking, canning and sewing were many of her enjoyments. In 1976, they quit farming and moved to Lake Mills.

Roscelia was a volunteer driver for social service for five years. She then became a bookkeeper for several apartments and houses in Lake Mills.

She always loved her church and felt lost when she was unable to attend services any longer.

Survivors include her husband, Johnnie, of Northwood; three children, Judith Tietz and her husband, John, of Cedar Rapids, Christie Kobernusz and her husband, Richard, of Norwalk, and Gaylan Willert and his wife, Kathy, of Rochester, Minn.; six grandchildren, Tim (Carol) Tietz, Tammy (Joe) Carolan, Brad (Julie) Kobernusz, Jeff (Lisa) Willert, Mike (Andrea) Willert and Steve (Michelle) Willert; 10 great-grandchildren, Diedra, Laura, Shannon, Nicole, Remy, Megan, Austin, Tyler, John and Christopher; and many extended relatives and friends.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

KENNETH RICHARD BADKER

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Kenneth Richard Badker, 72, of Shorewood Commons, Rochester, died Sunday (April 4, 2004) at Seasons Hospice in Rochester.

Private family services will be held.

Memorials may be given to Season’s Hospice in Rochester in his memory.

Kenneth Richard Badker was born Oct. 19, 1931, in Mason City, Iowa. Kenneth grew up in Mason City.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1952, serving in Korea and received a Bronze Star Medal and United Nations Service Medal.

Kenneth Badker was united in marriage to Mary Jane Irene Legler on June 9, 1957, in Mason City.

While working for NSP, he lived in various communities around the country. In 1965, they moved back to Mason City, Iowa, and in 1969 moved to Kasson, Minn., where he worked for Ted Rieple Painting until his retirement in 1992.

He enjoyed nature, fishing, hiking and playing cribbage, and was known as a giver and joke teller.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 21 in Rochester, and Rochester American Legion Post 92.

He is survived by a daughter, Julie (Greg) Gorvin of Savage, Minn.; daughter, Darla (Dale) Madsen of Jordan, Minn.; daughter, Michele (James) Leqve of Rochester, Minn.; a son, Delevan Shannon of Mason City, and daughter, Christina Petersen of Clarksville, Tenn.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Tom (Mary Kay) Badker, of Dover, Minn., and a sister, Jean (Pete) Porro, of Reinbeck.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane, on Dec. 8, 2000; one sister, Karen Keller, and one brother, Jay Badker, and his parents.

Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W. in Rochester, is in charge of arrangements.

Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, (507) 289-3600.

GERALD J. FRANCIS

GRAFTON — Gerald J. Francis, 36, of 101 Fourth St., Grafton, died Sunday (April 4, 2004) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the funeral chapel.

Memorials may be given to the Gerald J. Francis Memorial Fund.

Gerald J. Francis was born April 19, 1967, at Iowa City, a son of Cecil and Joyce (Miller) Francis. He attended Mason City Schools and worked at Ryder Truck Rental in Mason City.

Gerald will be remembered for his generosity to others.

He enjoyed fishing, restoring his 1967 Chevelle, and was an avid race fan and Kansa City Chiefs fan.

Gerald loved music. His life was centered on his family, especially his daughter, Alyssa.

He is survived by his mother, Joyce Francis, of Mason City; daughter, Alyssa Francis, of Grafton, and her mother, Stacie (Greg) Till, of Mason City; four brothers, Steven (Cindy) Francis, of Mason City, Mark (Jean) Francis Sr., of Mason City, David (Teresa) Francis, of Sheffield and Chip (Janet) Francis, of Oxford; sister, Dawn Francis, of Mason City, along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He will be greeted in heaven by his father and grandparents.

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

VERNON V. LYFORD

MANLY — Vernon V. Lyford, 88, of The Willows, formerly of Manly, died Friday (April 2, 2004) at the Manly Care Center.

His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Grace Evangelical Free Church, 440 N. Illinois Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Scott Davis officiating. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Manly Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, and also for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Grace Evangelical Free Church or Youth For Christ.

Vernon was born June 29, 1915, in rural Worth County, a son of Lloyd and Nina (Battin) Lyford. He graduated from Manly High School in 1933 and from Iowa State College in 1938.

Vernon was united in marriage to Nina Jackson on Dec. 24, 1939, in Dumont.

He was an agronomist for the Federal Land Conservation for several years before returning to farming near Manly in 1942.

Vernon was the first pipeline dairy farmer in the area and enjoyed raising several varieties of farm animals until his retirement in 1981. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

Vernon was an active member of his community, serving as a longtime member and former president of several boards including the district Dairy Milk Association, the North Central School Board and the Grace Evangelical Free Church. He also served on the Worth County Tax Review Board and was active with Youth for Christ and the Gideons.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Nina, of The Willows; four children, Charles Lyford, M.D., and his wife, Joyce, of Glen Rock, Wyo., Joyce and the Rev. Marvin Koelling, of Kearney, Neb., Lawrence D. Lyford, M.D., and his wife, Kimmye, of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Barbara Jean Swanson and her husband, Steven, of Lake Forest, Calif.; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Barker, of Boone, and a brother, Lowell Lyford, of Battle Ground, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Maurine Holden, and one grandchild.

Bride Colonial Chapel, (641) 454-2242, www.colonialchapels.com.

NORMAN L. JOHNSON

HAMPTON — Norman L. Johnson, 78, of Hampton, died Monday (April 5, 2004) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton with the Rev. Jon Anderson officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Inurnment will be at a later date.

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

    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.

THOMAS EDWARD WELTER

CORWITH — Funeral services for Thomas Edward Welter, 69, of Corwith, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt with Father Jerry Blake officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Corwith.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Corwith with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Thomas Edward Welter was born on April 18, 1934, to Rufus and Dorothy Loebig Welter at Corwith. He attended school at Corwith, graduating in 1953.

After school, he did carpentry, worked for the City of Corwith and then the Corwith Lumber Co.

He was married to Leona Leerar on June 14, 1955, and they had one daughter, Cheryl Ann.

Tom was a long-time business owner of Welter’s K & H Service Station, which he had established in 1960, retiring in 1996.

Following retirement, Tom enjoyed farming in the spring and fall and also was a part-time employee for the City of Corwith.

He served on the Corwith City Council several terms, was a fireman and served as fire chief, and was a member of the Corwith Merchants, Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at Britt, following closure of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corwith.

Tom’s life centered around his wife and daughter. Having lived his entire life in Corwith, Tom was a strong supporter of the community, particularly most recently with the construction of the new City Hall and Library, and the purchase of Christmas lights for Corwith’s main street.

Tom was an avid golfer and was a member of Hillside Golf Course, and particularly enjoyed his annual trips to Biloxi, Miss., golfing with his brother, Bob, and 10 other golfing buddies.

Tom died on Tuesday (April 6, 2004) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa, from pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Leona; daughter, Cheryl, of Fort Dodge; sister, Dorothy Ann Skitch, of Lakewood, Calif.; brother, Robert Welter of Mason City; brother, William Welter of LeMars; brother-in-law, Robert DeGroote, of Corwith, and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Dorothy; two brothers, Rufus Charles and Gene LeRoy; one sister, Mary Jane DeGroote; brother-in-law, Doug Skitch; and two sisters-in-law, Jean Welter and Roberta Welter.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 295-3731; www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

DOROTHY F. MILLHISER

BOULDER, Colo. —Dorothy F. Millhiser, 95, of Boulder and formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (April 1, 2004) at Hospice Critical Care in Louisville, Colo.

She was born June 13, 1908, in Minneapolis to George Wetzel and Adeline Seaver Wetzel and grew up in Floyd, Iowa, where the family moved a few years later.

She married Ralph Millhiser on Dec. 9, 1933, in Hampton. He preceded her in death in 1969.

Mrs. Millhiser earned a nursing degree at St. Luke’s Methodist Hospital in Cedar Rapids, where she worked before her marriage.

She and her family moved to Mason City in 1945, where she lived until 2000, when she moved to the Atrium In-dependent Living Apartments in Boulder, Colo., to be near family.

Dorothy was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Mason City, the YWCA, Cub Scouts, Chautauqua Club, Tri-T and a long-standing bridge club member as well as a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood both in Mason City and in Boulder.

She was accomplished in the arts of knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting and embroidery, and enjoyed crossword puzzles, late-night television, flashy jewelry, Elvis Presley’s spiritual songs and chocolate-chip cookies.

“Dorothy was a wise and irreplacable mentor, but never offered advice unless asked. Here’s to a great lady,” her family said.

She is survived by a son, David Millhiser and daughter-in-law, Marlys, of Boulder, Colo.; a sister, Helen Lorenz, of Clinton; and two grandchildren, Jay Millhiser, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Joy Ransom, of Broomfield, Colo.

Mrs. Millhiser was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers, Clifford Wetzel and Leon Wetzel.

Services were held at the Atrium in Boulder, Colo. Her cremains will be buried at a later date in Cedar Rapids with her husband.

Contributions may be made to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trail-Ridge Drive, Suite A., Lafayette, Colo. 80026.

Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place in Boulder, Colo. is in charge of arrangements.

Crist Mortuary, (303) 442-4411.

NIKI M. SULLIVAN

SUGAR CREEK, Mo. — Niki M. Sullivan, 66, of Sugar Creek, Mo., died Tuesday (April 6, 2004) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Speaks Surburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. in Independence, Mo. Cremation took place.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kanas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Pkwy, Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64114, Independence Dedicated Unit.

Nick was a Mason, a rhythm guitar player for Buddy Holly and The Crickets, and the world’s best husband and father.

Nick had just retired from Sony Electronics and was an avid golfer.

When Nick was with Buddy Holly, he played on 27 of the 32 songs recorded. He received calls from all over the U.S.A. and the world.

He was a proud member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Kathy Sullivan, of Lubbock, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Fran; his twin sons, Eryn and Marty; his granddaughter, Holly Erin, and a sister, Renetta Kay Jeans, and her husband, Tim.

He will be sadly missed by all of us, who loved him and by the world that knew him.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.speakschapel.com.

JOHN L. DURGIN SR.

KLEMME — John L. Durgin Sr., 61, of Klemme, died Wednesday (April 7, 2004) at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, 528 E. Main St., Klemme, with the Rev. Paddy Druhl of the Klemme United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme and continue one hour prior to the service Saturday.

Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, (641) 587-2510.

MARY L. MAWDSLEY

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. — Mary Louise Mawdsley, 68, of Apple Valley and formerly of Algona, died Sunday (April 3, 2004) at Apple Valley.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Riverview Cemetery in Algona with the Rev. Kevin Hollinger officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Algona.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona.

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

CONNIE J. KROMINGA

TITONKA — Connie J. Krominga, 51, of Titonka, died Monday (April 5, 2004) at her home in Titonka.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley with the Rev. Dan Greving officiating. Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Wesley.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Titonka.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 928-2735.

    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.

MERLE A. THOMPSON

BODE — Merle A. Thompson, 85, of Bode, died Thursday (April 8, 2004) at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode, with the Rev. Paul Breddin officiating. Interment will be in the North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home, 300 Christina St. in Bode.

Merle Alden Thompson, the son of Roy and Amanda (Resdal) Thompson, was born Oct. 30, 1918, in rural Badger. He attended the rural Badger schools.

He was united in marriage to Ruth E. Oleson on Feb. 19, 1941. They farmed in the rural Badger area until moving to a farm near Bode in 1953.

Merle served on both the Badger and Bode Lutheran church councils. He retired from farming in 1980, and then had time to raise Arabian horses. He was well-known for his expertise with horses and his collection of buggies and high-wheeled wagons.

After retirement, he and Ruth traveled extensively and made several trips to the east and west coasts.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Bode; his five children and their spouses, Roger, of Salem, Va., Marjorie and Gene Steinberg, of Mason City, Russell and Carole Thompson, of Gowrie, Randall and Carol Thompson, of Lake Zurich, Ill., and Rodney and Deborah Thompson, of O’Fallon, Ill.; eight grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren; brother, Robert Thompson and wife, Margaret, of Fort Dodge; brother-in-law, Robert Oleson and wife, Eileen, of Fort Dodge; sister-in-law, Helen Thompson, of Fort Dodge; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Richard and Jordan.

Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home, (515) 332-1321.

JOHN L. DURGIN SR.

KLEMME — John L. Durgin Sr., 61, of Klemme, died Wednesday (April 7, 2004) at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, 528 E. Main St. in Klemme. The Reverend Paddy Druhl of the Klemme United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Memorials are suggested to the family or the donor’s choice.

John was born Jan. 22, 1943, in Reno, Nev., the son of Elizabeth Williams and foster son of Sam and Irene Jones. John spent his early childhood at Fort Thompson, S.D.

He joined the United States Army as a young man. Following his tenure in the service and honorable discharge in May 1966, he moved to Iowa and began farming. He had also been employed as a heavy equipment operator for much of his career.

John married Jane Hawkins and they had four children including John L. Durgin II, David, Dixie, and Jean. John and Jane were later divorced.

John later married Virginia Subject on Nov. 14, 1996. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Klemme and have resided there since.

John enjoyed camping, driving around touring the countryside and raising a vegetable garden and morning glories. He loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren. His children and grandchildren will rem-ember going on wild asparagus hunts and can collecting trips with him.

John was very sociable. He liked to spend time visiting and sharing stories with his friends and family. He also enjoyed target shooting with his pistol.

Those who knew John well will remember him as being very particular in mannerism and his ability to organize things in their proper place. He had an excellent memory and a keen sense of invention, making many unique tools and instruments to make his life challenges easier.

He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Williams; wife, Virginia Durgin, of Klemme; his children, John L. Durgin II, of Iowa City, David Durgin and wife, Amy, of Manly, Dixie Meyer and husband, Duane, of Iowa City, and Jean Lechuga, of Forest City; his stepchildren, Connie Phelps and husband, Jerry, of Kewanee, Ill., Larry Subject and wife, Pam, of Britt, Kandie Hansen and husband, Kenny, of Colby, Kan.; two brothers, Max Durgin and wife, Joanne, of South Dakota, and Jerry Durgin and wife, Gayle, of South Dakota; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his foster parents, Sam and Irene Jones; and two stepsons, Terry and Gary Subject.

Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, (641) 587-2510.

NORMA C. DUVALL

BELMOND — Norma C. DuVall, 82, a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond, died Thursday (April 8, 2004) at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. The Rev. Rod Hopp will officiate. Interment will be in Kimbalton.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, 516 First St. S.E., in Belmond, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.

Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, (641) 444-4474.

DENNIS E. MCGEACHY

SIOUX CITY — Dennis “Denny” Edward McGeachy, 58, of Sioux City, died Wed-nesday (April 7, 2004) at a Sioux City hospital.

A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City, with Pastor James Pointer officiating.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont, with Pastor James Pointer officiating. There will be a military grave-side service by the Dumont American Legion in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Bristow.


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

MARGARET A. LAGASSE

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Margaret Ann LaGasse, 100, of Fort Pierce, Fla., formerly of Mason City, died Monday (April 5, 2004) at Indian River Memorial Hospital in Fort Pierce.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E., with Monsignor Joseph J. Slepicka officiating. Interment will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with a Catholic Daughters rosary at 6 p.m.

Memorials may be given to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1111 36th St., Vero Beach, Fla., 32960.

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

WILLIAM ALBERTSON

NORA SPRINGS — William “Bill” Albertson, 87, of 22237 250th St., Nora Springs, died Thursday (April 8, 2004) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete with the Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye in Nora Springs.

Sheckler Colonial Chapel, (641) 749-2210.

DOROTHY W. DRENNEN

WHITTEMORE — Dorothy W. Drennen, 86, of Whittemore, died Thursday (April 8, 2004) at the Algona Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Whittemore.

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

VIOLET BARZ

DOWS — Violet Barz, 92, of Dows, died Thursday (April 8, 2004) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Dows.

Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (515) 852-4134.