Herma Lauen

GARNER — Herma Lauen, 95, of Garner, formerly of Meservey, died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, with the Rev. Rodney Meester presiding. Interment will follow in Meservey Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Meservey.

Herma Lauen was born on July 6, 1910, on the family farm near Meservey, a daughter of George and Dena (Beenen) Vierkant. She was baptized at the Alexander Reformed Church and attended country school. At a young age her mother died during the flu epidemic and Herma helped to raise her brothers and sisters. She also worked as a housekeeper to help support her family.

On Dec. 2, 1936, Herma was united in marriage with Andrew H. Lauen at the parsonage of First Reformed Church in Meservey.

They moved to Sunnyvale, Calif., for a few years then returned to Marshalltown, for a couple years before settling in Meservey where they raised their family.

Herma was a devoted member of the First Reformed Church in Meservey and a loving mother and grandmother.

For 42 years she had children in her home, whether her children or grandchildren. She always was there when her family needed her, even before being asked she was there doing what needed to be done. Herma always had a pie on her counter for her guests and made the meals her grandchildren and guests wanted, even after diabetes limited what she could eat.

She was active with a big garden and even walked beans after having her knees were replaced. She was continually playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spending time with her sisters was special for her.

Herma moved to Garner when Andrew entered the Concord Care Center. She lived at Cardinal Grove Assisted Living for a few years and then resided at the Concord Care Center the last two and a half years.

She is survived by her children: Dean (Mary) Lauen, of Clear Lake; Dianne (Marv) Josten, of Garner; Robert (Sandra) Lauen, of Ventura; grandchildren: JoDeane (Scott) Hafermann, of Goodell; Todd Lauen, of Meservey; Anne (Michael) Balek, of Mason City; Lynne (Brian) Bovenmyer, of Garwin; Eric (Staci) Josten, of Ankeny; Kimberly (Erik) Dorenkamp, of Norwalk; Nicholas (Christelle) Lauen, of Mason City; great-grandchildren: Lyndsay, Jeffrey and Samantha Hafermann; Zachary and Cale Josten; Owen Bovenmyer; Ethan and Megan Dorenkamp.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers: Bill, Herman and Ted Vierkant; and four sisters: Sina Wenzel, Alice Dirks, Wilma Pals, Anna Nordman; and one great-granddaughter, Sarah.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, (641) 358-6105.

 

Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/8/2006.

Brunsvold, Tanner E.     FERTILE - Tanner E. Brunsvold, 15, of Fertile, died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at his home in Fertile. His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with the Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St. in Forest City and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Tanner Erling Brunsvold was born in Mason City, Iowa, on April 18, 1990, the son of Bentley and Jacklyn (Steuer) Brunsvold. He received his education in the Forest City school system and was currently a sophomore at Forest City High School. Tanner loved to dirt bike, ride his four-wheeler and go snowmobiling with his friends. He liked working on cars and enjoyed the 1979 Ford pickup he bought from Grandpa Buck. Tanner was currently serving as "Sentinel" in the Forest City High School FFA. He played football (No. 89) and participated in track and wrestling. His friends were a huge part of his life. And he loved making people laugh. Tanner is survived by his parents: Bentley Brunsvold and friend, Tara Wineinger of Fertile and Jacklyn Haverly and husband, Mark, of Titonka; a brother who meant the world to him, Hunter Brunsvold and wife, Casie, of San Diego, Calif.; grandparents included Grant "Buck"and Joyce Russell, of Fertile, Bob and Judy Brunsvold, of Forest City and Paul and Mary Jane Haverly, of Algona. Also surviving are three aunts and an uncle: Jody (Terry) Schroeder, of Estherville; Polly (Frank) Falite, of Danvers, Mass.; and Cindy Hanna, of Minatare, Neb., and Erling (Debbie) Brunsvold, of Smithtown, N.Y.; great-grandmothers, Eva Strohman and Viola (Steuer) Harpstad; and many cousins. Petersen Lund Funeral Home, (641) 585-2685. www.petersenlundfh.com. Cooper, Walter F.     MASON CITY - Walter F. Cooper, 77, of 211 Fifth St. N.E., died Monday (March 6, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 First St. N.E., with the Rev. Patty Aurand officiating. Private family inurnment services will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and continue at the church one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Walter F. Cooper Memorial Fund. Walter was born Dec. 18, 1928, in Little Cedar, Iowa, the son of Howard and Eliza (Robeson) Cooper. He married Valoyce Nalan on Feb. 9, 1950, in Mason City. Walter retired from Lehigh Cement Co. as an electrician after 30 years of service. He was a proud member of Lehigh Local No. 106 where he had served as a union representative. Walter also owned several rental properties in the area. He was an avid sports fan where he enjoyed playing, coaching and watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting activities. Walter also enjoyed a good steak, a good game of cards and a good debate of political issues. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ and Elks Lodge No. 375 Walter is survived by his wife, Valoyce, of Mason City; children, Linda Cooper Hall and husband, Dennis, of Omaha, Neb., David Cooper and wife, Julie, of Mason City, Steven Walter Cooper and wife, Diane, of Mason City, Lori Cooper Gulick and husband, Mike, of Yakima, Wash.; grandchildren, Lindsay Cooper and Ryan Ihde, Brett Cooper, Zach Cooper, Nolan Cooper, Kate, Olivia and Jack Gulick; great-grandson, Keegan Cooper Ihde; brothers and sisters, Howard Cooper and wife, Delores, Twila Kroneman, Merrill Cooper and wife, Roberta, Dorothy Aufderheide, Mary Albers and husband, Maynard, Charles Cooper and wife, Jan, Donald Cooper and wife, Virginia; many nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Dorothy and Wava Jean in infancy. Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924. Craighton, Dennis Dean     MARSHALLTOWN -Dennis Dean Craighton, 46, of Marshalltown, died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at the East Pottawattamie Fair Grounds in Avoca. His funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hampton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jerry Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Maynes Grove Cemetery in rural Bradford. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (641) 456-3232.   DeBell, Ed     CLEAR LAKE - Ed DeBell, 86, of 112 N. 12th St. in Clear Lake, died Tuesday (March 7, 2006) at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. Arrangements are incomplete at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, (641) 357-2193. www.colonialchapels.com.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/8/2006.   Griggs, Auty   BRITT - Auty Griggs, 98, of Fort Collins, Colo., formerly of Britt, passed away Tuesday (March 7, 2006) in Golden Peaks Care Center in Fort Collins, Colo. Funeral services for Auty Griggs will held at 11 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Britt with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Auty was born Feb. 9, 1908, in Liberty, Ky., and moved with her family to Britt at the age of two. She married John Griggs in 1932 and they farmed northwest of Britt. After her husband's death in 1984, she lived in Britt until 1995, when she moved to Prairie View Retirement Home in Garner. She moved to Fort Collins in 1998. She is survived by daughters, Patricia (Donald) Oakland of Fort Collins and Betty (Gordon) Fortier of Loveland, Colo.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Ruby Farris, of Mason City. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and three sisters. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105. Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (641) 843-3839.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/8/2006 - 3/9/2006.   Hill, Margaret E.   FOREST CITY - Margaret E. Hill, 82, of Forest City, died Tuesday (March 7, 2006) at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City with the Rev. Douglas Farrell and the Rev. Steven Cox officiating. Burial will be at Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calvary Baptist Church and continue an hour prior to the service on Friday. Margaret Edith Hill was born in What Cheer, Iowa, on Jan. 18, 1924, the daughter of James and Edith (Branson) McMullin. She received her elementary education in What Cheer and graduated from Oskaloosa High School. She received her normal training to become a teacher and taught in rural schools near What Cheer from 1946-1948. She was united in marriage to Francis V. Hill at the First Christian Church in Sigourney, Iowa. In 1960, the family moved to Garner for a time and then made their home in rural Forest City. Margaret was a dedicated homemaker and a loving mother. Her children remember coming home from school to the wonderful aroma of her bread baking. She loved music and played the violin. For many years, she wrote the Society Column for the Forest City Summit. She attended Calvary Baptist Church and was an active participant in many activities. She loved to travel and enjoyed visiting her children. Margaret is survived by four children, Steven Hill and wife, Cindy, of Iowa Falls, Larry Hill of Leland, Janice Purchase and husband, Tim, of Bellevue, Neb., and Patrick Hill of Garner; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Francis, in 2000. Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, (641) 585-2685. www.petersenlundfh.com   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/8/2006 - 3/9/2006.   Hutchinson, Harlan H.   BANCROFT - Harlan H. Hutchinson, 88, of Bancroft, died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at Heritage Nursing Home in Bancroft. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft, with Father Paul Bormann officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Bancroft. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft, with an 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Further visitation will be one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 885-2521. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/6/2006 - 3/8/2006.   Laubenthal, James H.   BANCROFT - James Harold Laubenthal, 81, of Bancroft, died Monday (March 6, 2006) at the Good Samaritan Communities in Algona. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John's Catholic Church, Bancroft, with Father Paul D. Bormann officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Bancroft. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Bancroft, with a scripture prayer service at 7 p.m. and a Catholic Order of Foresters rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m. Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 885-2521. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/8/2006.   Massee, Beverly A.   CHARLES CITY - Beverly A. Massee, 77, of Charles City, formerly of Nashua, died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at the Ninth Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Congregational Church of Nashua, with the Rev Robert Triechel and the Rev Phil Corr co-officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Hugeback-Chenoweth Funeral Home, 319 Main St. in Nashua is in charge of arrangements. Hugeback-Chenoweth Funeral Home, (641) 435-4134.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/8/2006.   Morris, Mary Frances   THORNTON - Mary Frances Morris was born in Reed Point, Mont., to Leslie Clemons and Neva Imlay Clemons. Mary Frances moved to Thornton when she was 2 years old, to where the Clemons family farm is to this day. Mary Frances attended country school for 8 years and then completed 4 years of high school. Always a caretaker by nature, she would lovingly attend to the ailments and discomforts of her family and friends. Her brothers and sisters always knew Mary Frances could be counted on to comfort them in their time of need. After her mother passed away in 1931 she was lovingly raised by Leslie and Gertrude Clemons. Although her heart was in Thornton, she made the difficult decision to leave in order to follow her dream of becoming a nurse. She attended three years of nurses training at St. Josephs in Mason City; one year in Sioux City, and a final year at St. Mary's in Detroit, Mich., where she received her diploma as a nurse anesthetist. After World War II, Mary Frances met Carl Morris, the man destined to be her soul partner. Together they traveled the world during the course of his military career. She worked as a military nurse then as a registered nurse with a private practice physician. Mary Frances retired from her nursing career in 1975. The Morris family home in Carmel Valley became a showcase for her gardening and farming talents. Raising chickens, harvesting a walnut and fruit orchard, canning, and a fragrant rose garden were just a few of the activities that made Mary Frances' home a special place for her children, grandchildren and friends to visit. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a cup of coffee, a place to stay, or an understanding heart. Mary Frances was parted by the death of her beloved husband, Carl; her sister, Jean Baker; and the untimely death of her eldest daughter, Shirley Enea. She spent the last years of her life in Sunnyvale, Calif., and left this world on Feb. 19, 2006, after a lengthy illness. Mary Frances left behind two daughters, Nancy Geren of San Jose, Calif., and Neva Turnock of Minneapolis, Minn.; her loving mother, Gertrude Clemons; her sisters, Marion Nedved and Janet Clemons; her brothers, John Clemons, Steve Clemons and Larry Clemons. Her grandchildren are Carole Hashemi, Michael Doying, Christopher Geren, Katherine Geren, Jason Sherry and Amber Turnock. Her great-grandchildren are Helene Doying, Amber Hashemi, Joseph Lindsay and Aaron Blacks-Sherry, of Salinas, Calif. All of her many friends and family will miss her warm smile and loving touch. Mary Frances will be returned to her hometown of Thornton, Iowa, and interned in Pleasant View Cemetery following a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Thornton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rose Calderon-Kahn presiding. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Mary's name to the Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Thornton is in charge of arrangements. Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, (641) 998-2311.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/5/2006 - 3/10/2006.   Quinn, Robert J.   BANCROFT - Monsignor Robert J. Quinn, 97, of Coronado, Calif. died Friday (Feb. 24, 2006) at his residence. A funeral Mass for Monsignor Robert J. Quinn will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft with the Most Rev. R. Walker Nickless, Bishop of Sioux City officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m. Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft, in charge of arrangements. Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 885-2521.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/8/2006.   Reid, Zelda   ALGONA - Zelda Reid, 86, of Algona, died Saturday (March 4, 2006) at Des Moines. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Riverview Cemetery in Algona. Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona is in charge of arrangements. Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, (515) 295-3731. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/5/2006 - 3/8/2006.   Ringis, Hulda E.   MASON CITY - Hulda E. Ringis, 92, of 15 Eighth St. S.W., died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. today at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 Fourth St. S.E., with Pastor Paul Nelson officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and continue one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hulda E. Ringis Memorial Fund. Hulda was born July 18, 1913, in Mason City, the daughter of August and Johana (Jackson) O'Green. She graduated from Mason City High School. Hulda married John J. "Smitty" Ringis on Oct. 21, 1939, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Hulda worked part-time through the years at Swifts, Good Shepherd Health Center and Arlan's, as well as selling for Stanley Home Products. Hulda was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, VFW Auxiliary, Happy Mixer's Card Club and was a former member of the Moose Lodge. She had also been active in the PTA and Scouts. She enjoyed flower gardening, baking, cooking and family trips. Hulda is survived by her children, Carl O. Gibbs and wife, June, of Mason City, Sandra Solsaa of Mason City, Cheri Ringis of Green Bay, Wis., John "Jack" Ringis III of Mason City; grandchildren, Helen Holtan and husband, Paul, of Savage, Minn., Carla Dempsey and husband, Terry, of Mason City, Chris Gibbs of Mason City, Jean Lundahl Heagel and husband, Brad, of Kensett; step-grandchildren, Ron Solsaa and wife, Mary, of Needville, Texas, Linda Sweeney and husband, Jim, of Mason City, Karen Solsaa, of Lake Jackson, Texas, Randy Solsaa and wife, Susan, of Mason City, and Patti Heinold and husband, Mike, of Charleston, Ill.; seven great-grandchildren; 17 stepgreat-grandchildren; 14 stepgreat-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Hulda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John "Smitty" Ringis; sisters, Lillian Anderson and Ruth Welsh; brothers, Elmer O'Green, Art O'Green, and Carl Anderson; grandson, Carl O. Gibbs III; and son-in-law, Bert Solsaa. Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/6/2006 - 3/9/2006.   Schleuger, Marie R.   BRITT - Marie R. Schleuger, 85, of Britt, passed away Saturday (March 4, 2006) at Westview Care Center in Britt. Funeral services for Marie Schleuger will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt with Father Jerry Blake officiating. Burial will be in Bingham Township Cemetery near Woden. Visitation will be one hour prior to services today at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Britt. Marie, the daughter of Carl and Rose Markl Watson was born May 11, 1920, in Burt, Iowa. She attended country school and the Woden High School. In 1939, Marie married Henry Schleuger. The couple farmed and made their home in the Garner area and later moved to Britt where they farmed and were in the trucking business. Marie was dedicated to raising her family. She asked for little, but did everything she could for her family. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and St. Patrick's Ladies Guild. Marie is survived by four children: Glenn (Jackie) Schleuger, of Britt, Darold (Sondra) Schleuger, of Forest City, Rosie (Roger) Gerdes, of Fair Grove, Mo., Dan (Julie) Schleuger, of Britt; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Watson; and one brother, Clarence Watson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Henry; three sisters: Lucille Ebeling, Florence Stuflick, and Dorothy Miller; brother Kenneth Watson; infant brother, Donald Lawrence; daughter-in-law, Vanessa Follman; one grandson and one great-grandson. Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (641) 843-3839.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/6/2006 - 3/8/2006.   Stevenson, Marian   BRITT - Marian Stevenson, 83, of Britt, passed away Monday (March 6, 2006) at the Westview Care Center in Britt. Funeral services for Marian Stevenson will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Britt with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Britt and one hour prior to services at the church. Marian Alice Stevenson, the daughter of Nels and Hulda Anderson Munson, was born on Dec. 23, 1922, in Britt. She attended the Britt schools and graduated from Britt High School. After graduation she went to Britt Junior College. On Nov. 17, 1946, Marian was united in marriage to James Stevenson in Britt. The couple made their home in Britt and raised their two sons, Jeff and Mark. Marian was very proud of her children and supported them in all of their endeavors. Marian taught in a one-room schoolhouse for a few years, was a substitute teacher and then became a full-time teacher's aide for several years in the Britt Elementary Schools. Marian possessed a positive attitude, was a strong-willed woman who was outspoken and was a character who always had a laugh ready to give. She loved teaching and worked with unbelievable energy. Marian was a very social person who enjoyed visiting with family, friends and neighbors whenever possible. Marian loved to play bridge, was a member of local card clubs and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt and taught Sunday school for more than 30 years. Marian is survived by her two sons: Jeff and his wife, Elizabeth, of Panama City Beach, Fla. and Mark and his wife, Lori, of Murrieta, Calif.; four grandchildren: Mathew, Eric, Shawn and Cassandra; sister, Helen Bridwell; and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; and two brothers: Frank Munson and Norman Munson. Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, 178 Center St. W. in Britt is in charge of arrangements. Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (641) 843-3839.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/7/2006 - 3/10/2006.   Thilges, Elizabeth   WEST BEND - Services for Elizabeth Thilges, 91, of West Bend, will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in West Bend. Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Harris Funeral Home, 104 First Ave. W. in West Bend, with a rosary at 5 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. Elizabeth A. Besch, the daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Kramer) Besch, was born Dec. 28, 1914, in Whittemore, Iowa, and died Monday (March 6, 2006) at the West Bend Care Center. She was raised and received her education in Whittemore. On Oct. 19, 1937, she was united in marriage with Sylvester Thilges. The couple lived and farmed in St. Joseph, Iowa, for one year before moving to West Bend where they farmed during their married lives. Elizabeth and Sylvester moved to town in 1977 and became residents at the West Bend Care Center in 1999. Elizabeth was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church and the Ladies Aid of the church. She enjoyed playing cards, gardening, flowers and crocheting. Survivors include her three sons, James (Dea) Thilges of Clear Lake, Glen (JoAnn) Thilges of West Bend and Ervin (Gayle) Thilges of West Bend; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sylvester, in 2004; brothers, Frank and Isodore; and sisters, Margaret Krug and Clara Schumacher. Harris Funeral Home, (515) 887-2561.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/8/2006 - 3/9/2006.   Upton, Ruth N.   MASON CITY - Ruth N. Upton, 89, of Mason City, died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at the Good Shepherd Health Center where she was a resident since March of 2003. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2006, at the First Baptist Church, 125 E. State St. with the Rev. Ron Stein officiating. Memorials may be directed to KCMR, First Baptist Church, Hospice of North Iowa, or the Mason City Public Library. Ruth (Nordberg) Upton was born on Feb. 17, 1917 in Virginia, Minn., the daughter of Carl "Oscar" and Ann (Anderson) Nordberg. She graduated from Mountain Iron High School. She then graduated from the Library Science program from the University of Minnesota, where she met her future husband, Ervin Charles Upton. They were united in marriage in Boston, Mass., on July 14, 1941. The family lived in Washington D.C., Sheboygan, Wis., and Cresco, Iowa, before moving to Mason City in 1951. She was a librarian at the Mason City Public Library until her retirement in 1983. She continued to volunteer at the library after her retirement. She continued to feel part of the staff, even when she was no longer able to volunteer. She was an announcer at KCMR radio station, where she was known as "Ruthie" and had her own on-air time slot. She loved being a part of the KCMR "family." She transcribed books on tape for the Iowa Commission for the Blind and was recognized by Governor Terry Branstad for her contributions. She had a long history of volunteerism, including at Good Shepherd Health Center and the First Baptist Church. She was a published poet, with many awards and recognition for her works. She enjoyed most writing for friends, who requested poems for special occasions or prefaces to cookbooks, etc. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughters, Rosann Sherrill and husband, Marv, of Madison, Wis., Laurie Edens and husband, Bill, of Marshalltown; grandchildren, Todd Chambers and wife Holly, Aaron Chambers and wife Mary Kay, Jamie Chambers and wife Sonya, Greg Sherrill, Marcy Sherrill-Mitola and husband John, David King and wife Tammy; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Cay Vukson, of Eveleth, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ervin in 1983; son, Daniel in Vietnam in 1970; sister, Gene Cundy and brother, Alden, in infancy. Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory. (641) 423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/6/2006 - 3/8/2006.   Wagner, Esther Fay   MASON CITY - Esther Fay Wagner, 98, of Mason City, died Tuesday (March 7, 2006) at USA Health Care Center in Mason City. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City with the Rev. Dennis W. Ganz, officiating. Esther was born on Aug. 29, 1907. She was united in marriage to Paul Wagner in 1959 in Mason City. After their marriage, they continued to live in Mason City. Esther worked as a waitress most recently at The Green Mill and The Manor as well as other restaurants in Mason City. Esther has been a resident of USA Health Care since l994. She enjoyed crafting in ceramics, crocheting, and making afghans. She was a long time member of The Degree Of Honor Association and St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City. Esther is survived by, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 1959; Daughter, Viola; and son, William. Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, (641) 423-2372. www.colonialchapels.com. Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006.

Boatwright, Esther Prall     SARASOTA, Fla. - Esther Prall Boatwright, 96, formerly of Mason City, died Wednesday (March 1, 2006) at the Pines of Sarasota in Sarasota, Fla. Esther Boatwright was born Luella Esther Prall on Oct. 13, 1909, in Ames, Iowa. In 1911, after the death of her mother, her father moved Esther and her siblings to Mason City where Esther graduated from Mason City High School in 1928. She married C.G. "Boat" Boatwright, a Mason City optometrist-optician, on Sept. 26, 1957. They moved to Osprey, Fla., after their marriage. During the Depression, Esther worked at Sears and did collecting for several stores. During World War II, she worked for American Optical Co. making glasses for servicemen going overseas. She also worked in the office at Mercy Hospital. Esther was a long-time member of BPW, on the board of Fame Haven (Florida treatment facility for children) and a member of the Forum Club. She enjoyed feeding birds, helping her friends, sending grapefruit back to Iowa and never forgetting the many holidays, birthdays or anniversaries of her family and friends. She is survived by her nieces, Betty Grelk and her husband, Otto, and Carolyn Braastad and her husband, Cal, both of Mason City, Diana Krieger and her husband, Denny, of Iowa Falls, Dixie Sullivan and her husband, Jerry, of Fond du Lac, Wis., Nancy Poff of Minneapolis, Minn., and Harold Payne and his wife, Larayne, of Des Moines. Esther was preceded in death by her husband in 1966; her sisters, Jessie Curtis, Rachel Payne and Helen Deviney; and her nephew, Bill Curtis. The family will hold a private ceremony at a later date. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City.

Carmody, Bobby     CHARLES CITY - Bobby Carmody, 71, of Charles City, died Wednesday (March 8, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. A funeral Mass for Bobby Carmody will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Rev. Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit. Friends may call at Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 8 p.m. today where there will also be a vigil Scriptural wake service at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church an hour prior to the service. Bobby Marvin Carmody was born Jan. 1, 1935, in Cerro Gordo County, the son of John and Josephine (Rogers) Carmody. He received his education from Mason City public schools . Bobby proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict. On July 20, 1956, he was married to Alberta Johnson in Chicago. They later divorced. He worked for many years as a metal slitter in Chicago and then moved to Osage where he was part owner of Firestone Tire. He was a member of the Chicago Lions Club and the local VFW. Bobby looked forward to fishing, playing cribbage and being a pit man for stock car racing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Living family members include five children, Bob (Deb) Carmody of Britt, Kathleen (Rick) Wilkins of Charles City, Theresa (Larry) Grein of Osage, Daniel (Margaret) Carmody of Charles City and Debra (Edward) Shindelar of Little Cedar; 12 grandchildren; a great-grandson; a brother, Roger (Mabel) Carmody of Ark.; and a sister, Rosella Mayo of Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jeffrey Obermeier; three brothers, Buster, Bud and Lloyd Carmody; and four sisters, Zola and Kay Mahn, Stella Buchanan and Thelma McCourt. The Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City, (641) 228-2323. www.hauserfh.com   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006.

Christenson, Tilford   LAKE MILLS - Tilford Christenson, 89, of Lake Mills, died Wednesday (March 8, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Thompson with the Rev. Chris Fiske officiating. Burial will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post No. 454 of Kiester, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Sunday at the church. Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006. Notice • Guest Book • Funeral home info Flowers • Charities

Cooper, Walter F.   MASON CITY - Walter F. Cooper, 77, of 211 Fifth St. N.E., died Monday (March 6, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 First St. N.E., with the Rev. Patty Aurand officiating. Private family inurnment services will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and continue at the church one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Walter F. Cooper Memorial Fund. Walter was born Dec. 18, 1928, in Little Cedar, Iowa, the son of Howard and Eliza (Robeson) Cooper. He married Valoyce Nalan on Feb. 9, 1950, in Mason City. Walter retired from Lehigh Cement Co. as an electrician after 30 years of service. He was a proud member of Lehigh Local No. 106 where he had served as a union representative. Walter also owned several rental properties in the area. He was an avid sports fan where he enjoyed playing, coaching and watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting activities. Walter also enjoyed a good steak, a good game of cards and a good debate of political issues. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ and Elks Lodge No. 375 Walter is survived by his wife, Valoyce, of Mason City; children, Linda Cooper Hall and husband, Dennis, of Omaha, Neb., David Cooper and wife, Julie, of Mason City, Steven Walter Cooper and wife, Diane, of Mason City, Lori Cooper Gulick and husband, Mike, of Yakima, Wash.; grandchildren, Lindsay Cooper and Ryan Ihde, Brett Cooper, Zach Cooper, Nolan Cooper, Kate, Olivia and Jack Gulick; great-grandson, Keegan Cooper Ihde; brothers and sisters, Howard Cooper and wife, Delores, Twila Kroneman, Merrill Cooper and wife, Roberta, Dorothy Aufderheide, Mary Albers and husband, Maynard, Charles Cooper and wife, Jan, Donald Cooper and wife, Virginia; many nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Dorothy and Wava Jean in infancy. Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/7/2006 - 3/9/2006.

DeBell, Edwin M.   CLEAR LAKE - Edwin M. DeBell, 86, of Clear Lake, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday (March 7, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Church of the Open Bible, 609 S. Eighth St. in Clear Lake, with his son, the Rev. Randy DeBell, officiating. Burial will be with full military honors by the Clear Lake VFW at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake. Family suggests memorials to Ed M. DeBell Memorial Fund. Ed was born Dec. 31, 1919, in Maysville, Ky, to Raymond and Leila DeBell. The family then moved to the Mason City-Clear Lake area when Ed was a small child. Ed served in the U.S. Army with the 79th Infantry during World War II. He fought in four major campaigns starting with the invasion in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe which included the Battle of the Bulge. He received numerous medals along with two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. He married Evelyn Jeanette Ebaugh on March 8, 1943, in Clear Lake. Ed worked most of his life in construction starting with the Ebaugh Brothers, Estergard Construction and Mortensen Construction. He was also employed at Iowa Beef and Clear Lake Telephone Co., where he retired in 1997. Ed was a member of American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. Ed loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He never tired of a good game of cards or board games. He loved crossword puzzles and going to garage sales. He also loved road trips and dining out. He was a skilled woodworker and spent many hours in his work shop. He was a beloved husband and father and will be greatly missed by his family. Ed is survived by his wife, Evelyn; three daughters, Janet (Ron) Jennings of Clear Lake, Carolyn (Rod) Kickbush of Mason City, Kristine (the Rev. Duane) Bull of Poland, Ohio, and the Rev. Randy (Helen) DeBell of Claremore, Okla. Four grandsons, Andy Bull and Ben, Brad and Dan DeBell; one brother, Ray (Betty) Ebaugh; three sisters, Leota Hale, Louella Jackson and Wanda Ferstl; one brother-in-law, Don (Betty) Ebaugh; and several nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his father, Raymond DeBell; mother, Leila Ebaugh; and step-father, Ray Ebaugh Sr.; his brother, Don DeBell; and sisters, Zatha Garbo, Charlotte Nielsen and Darlene DeBell. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, (641) 357-2193. www.colonialchapels.com   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006.

Edwards, Michael Scott "Eddie"   GREENE - Funeral services for Michael Scott Edwards, 50, of 215 S. Fourth St. in Greene, will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. in Greene, with Pastor Ashok Patet and Pastor Gene Burry officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Reid's Funeral Chapel where there will be a public Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Monday at the chapel. Michael Scott Edwards was born Dec. 25, 1955, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, a son of Charles Leo and June Marie (Cummings) Edwards, and died Wednesday (March 8, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He graduated from Council Rock High School in Newtown, Pa., in 1974. Mike attended Chesapeake College, obtaining his AA in 1984 and completed one year toward his BA degree at the University of Maryland. He graduated from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy in 1984 and later received his certification from the Delaware State Police as a Doppler radar operator. He also attended the Security Specialist Air Force Military Training Center in Lackland AFB. Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1975 and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. He served with the 44th Security Missile Wing, 44th Missile Security Squadron, and was a member of Flight 67-2. He also worked in the 68th area guarding missiles. Following Mike's discharge in 1979, he moved to New Jersey. On May 26, 1979, he was united in marriage to Janet Louise Daiker at the Church of the Brethren in Denton, Md., and this union was blessed with two sons. He and his family moved to Greene in 1990, and he later became employed at the United States Postal Service in Mason City where he worked until his death. Mike's spiritual journey began when he gave his life to the Lord in July 1976 and received the Holy Spirit on Oct. 23, 1988. Mike was a very active member of the Church of the Brethren and it's yoke parish, United Methodist Church. He taught adult Sunday school and was a member of the Pastor Parish Relation Committee. He filled in at the pulpit when asked. He was an avid reader and enjoyed fishing and hunting. His greatest hobby was model building, which he started doing at a very young age. Mike loved flying in a Cessna 150, having soloed and done cross-country flights. Living family members include his loving wife of 26 years, Janet, of Greene; two sons, Michael Alan (friend Stephanie) and Christopher Mark Edwards, both of Greene; mother, June Edwards, of Church Hill, Tenn.; two brothers, Charles F. Edwards of Manitou Springs, Colo., and Mark (Sandra) Edwards of Peoria Heights, Ill.; mother- and father-in-law, Don and Mary Daiker of Greene; two sisters-in-law, Freda (Greg) Collins, of Delaware and Dorothy Daiker of Texas, and one brother-in-law, Blair Daiker of Texas; and two nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles L. Edwards, on June 1, 1994. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Michael S. Edwards Memorial Fund in care of the family or to the Credit Union Memorial Fund, 12 N. Delaware Ave., Mason City, IA 50401. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, (641) 823-4457.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/9/2006 - 3/11/2006.

Galloway, June Irene (Ashland)   OSWEGO, Ill. - June Irene (Ashland) Galloway, 75, of Oswego, passed away on March 6, 2006, at The Tillers Health Care. Funeral services were held March 9, 2006, at San Francisco de Asis Church, Oak Avenue, Aurora, Ill. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Clear Lake at Ward-Van Slyke, 101 N. Fourth St., with lay assistant Richard Scott of Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Tuesday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. Memorials can be made to San Francisco de Asis Church, 250 Cedar St., Aurora, IL 60506. June Ashland Galloway was born June 10, 1930, to Chris and Vera Ashland in Clear Lake. June was a graduate of Waldorf College and the University of Northern Iowa. June retired in 1993 from Oswego High School. During her retirement, she also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at Waubonsee Community College part time. She was a member of San Francisco de Asis (Grace Lutheran) for 52 years and was very active in her church. Family was a very important part of June's life. She valued her time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. During her retirement years, she spent a great deal of time at the family cottage in Clear Lake, Iowa. She valued the time at the lake in which she had the opportunity to spend with her family and lake friends. June is survived by a son, Steve (Stephanie Boughton), of Hinckley, Ill.; a daughter, Lisa (Mark) Brown, of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Loren Galloway, Mitch and Morgan Brown; a sister, Virginia Grimm, of Clear Lake, a sister-in-law, Phyllis Morrison and her husband, Don, of Clear Lake; sisters-in-law, Helen Scott of Mankato, Minn., and Mary Ruth Shelman of Fairfield; and 15 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Galloway, in December 2004; parents, Chris and Vera Ashland; a brother, Virgil Ashland; and a nephew, Jim Ashland. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, (641) 357-2193. www.colonialchapels.com   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/9/2006 - 3/12/2006.

Graham, Karen (Overturf)   TALENT, Ore. - Karen (Overturf) Graham, 56, of Talent, Ore., died on Saturday (Feb. 25, 2006) in Mexico City, Mexico, of natural causes. Her body will be cremated and then brought back to Oregon by her children. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Messiah Assembly in Central Point, Ore. Karen was born on Dec. 12, 1949, to Dr. Vernon and Dortha Overturf in Muscatine, Iowa. She graudated from Mason City High School in 1967. She was a registered nurse at Rouge Valley Medical Center in Medford, Ore., for 15 years. Karen Kay is survived by her three children, Joy Henderson of Lakewood, Wash., Robyn Hancock of Talent, Ore., and Eric Henderson and his wife, Jennifer, of Medford, Ore.; three grandchildren, Jeremy, Mikal and Connor; her stepmother, Lois Jean Vermillion of Mason City; two sisters, Deb Moyer of Iowa City and Saundra Hunter of Dougherty; and several aunts, an uncle and cousins. Karen enjoyed sky diving, scuba diving, hula dancing, traveling to Israel (several times, once with Bridges for Peace) Europe, Asia, Africa and South America and studying her Hebrew Bible.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006.

Griggs, Auty   BRITT - Auty Griggs, 98, of Fort Collins, Colo., formerly of Britt, passed away Tuesday (March 7, 2006) in Golden Peaks Care Center in Fort Collins, Colo. Funeral services for Auty Griggs will held at 11 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Britt with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Auty was born Feb. 9, 1908, in Liberty, Ky., and moved with her family to Britt at the age of two. She married John Griggs in 1932 and they farmed northwest of Britt. After her husband's death in 1984, she lived in Britt until 1995, when she moved to Prairie View Retirement Home in Garner. She moved to Fort Collins in 1998. She is survived by daughters, Patricia (Donald) Oakland of Fort Collins and Betty (Gordon) Fortier of Loveland, Colo.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Ruby Farris, of Mason City. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and three sisters. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105. Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (641) 843-3839.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/8/2006 - 3/9/2006.

Hill, Margaret E.   FOREST CITY - Margaret E. Hill, 82, of Forest City, died Tuesday (March 7, 2006) at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City with the Rev. Douglas Farrell and the Rev. Steven Cox officiating. Burial will be at Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calvary Baptist Church and continue an hour prior to the service on Friday. Margaret Edith Hill was born in What Cheer, Iowa, on Jan. 18, 1924, the daughter of James and Edith (Branson) McMullin. She received her elementary education in What Cheer and graduated from Oskaloosa High School. She received her normal training to become a teacher and taught in rural schools near What Cheer from 1946-1948. She was united in marriage to Francis V. Hill at the First Christian Church in Sigourney, Iowa. In 1960, the family moved to Garner for a time and then made their home in rural Forest City. Margaret was a dedicated homemaker and a loving mother. Her children remember coming home from school to the wonderful aroma of her bread baking. She loved music and played the violin. For many years, she wrote the Society Column for the Forest City Summit. She attended Calvary Baptist Church and was an active participant in many activities. She loved to travel and enjoyed visiting her children. Margaret is survived by four children, Steven Hill and wife, Cindy, of Iowa Falls, Larry Hill of Leland, Janice Purchase and husband, Tim, of Bellevue, Neb., and Patrick Hill of Garner; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Francis, in 2000. Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, (641) 585-2685. www.petersenlundfh.com   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/8/2006 - 3/9/2006.

Moore, Marjorie Ann (Wyborny)   SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Marjorie Ann (Wyborny) Moore, 72, a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, journeyed into the arms of her Savior on Monday (March 6, 2006). Marjorie, the daughter of Herbert and Luella Wyborny, was born in Plymouth, Iowa, on Jan. 6, 1934. Marge is survived by her husband of 54 years, Duaine; sons, Monte (Dianne) of Phoenix, Ariz., and Tim (Donna) of Fullerton, Calif.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Marge is also survived by her mother, Luella Kaldenberg, 95, of Mason City; sister, Novella White (Don) of Rock Falls; sister-in-law, Sharon Wyborny of Mason City; brothers, Roger (Shirley) of Rock Falls, Jim (Christi) of Nora Springs and Randy of Longmont, Colo. Her father, Herbert; and brother, Arlo; preceded Marge in death. Upon her retirement from the computer field, together with Duaine, she enjoyed a wonderful and active lifestyle. Marge's first priority was always her family, demonstrated by her loving involvement with her grandchildren. In addition to taking the grandkids on many camping adventures and trips to Disneyland, she and Duaine traveled to several different countries. Her joys of creativity in crafts, furniture refinishing, coveted garage sale finds, cooking and decorating touched many lives as she shared her time, talent and treasures with family and many friends. Though she will be severely missed, our hearts find comfort in knowing she is at peace with our Lord. Celebrations of Marjorie's life will be both a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, and funeral services at 11 a.m. on Friday at Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to Hospice of the Valley. Our family extends gratitude to Hospice for their love and care of Marjorie. (Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014). Condolences may be sent to Duaine Moore, 7717 E. Black Rock Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, (480) 502-3378.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006.

Morris, Mary Frances   THORNTON - Mary Frances Morris was born in Reed Point, Mont., to Leslie Clemons and Neva Imlay Clemons. Mary Frances moved to Thornton when she was 2 years old, to where the Clemons family farm is to this day. Mary Frances attended country school for 8 years and then completed 4 years of high school. Always a caretaker by nature, she would lovingly attend to the ailments and discomforts of her family and friends. Her brothers and sisters always knew Mary Frances could be counted on to comfort them in their time of need. After her mother passed away in 1931 she was lovingly raised by Leslie and Gertrude Clemons. Although her heart was in Thornton, she made the difficult decision to leave in order to follow her dream of becoming a nurse. She attended three years of nurses training at St. Josephs in Mason City; one year in Sioux City, and a final year at St. Mary's in Detroit, Mich., where she received her diploma as a nurse anesthetist. After World War II, Mary Frances met Carl Morris, the man destined to be her soul partner. Together they traveled the world during the course of his military career. She worked as a military nurse then as a registered nurse with a private practice physician. Mary Frances retired from her nursing career in 1975. The Morris family home in Carmel Valley became a showcase for her gardening and farming talents. Raising chickens, harvesting a walnut and fruit orchard, canning, and a fragrant rose garden were just a few of the activities that made Mary Frances' home a special place for her children, grandchildren and friends to visit. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a cup of coffee, a place to stay, or an understanding heart. Mary Frances was parted by the death of her beloved husband, Carl; her sister, Jean Baker; and the untimely death of her eldest daughter, Shirley Enea. She spent the last years of her life in Sunnyvale, Calif., and left this world on Feb. 19, 2006, after a lengthy illness. Mary Frances left behind two daughters, Nancy Geren of San Jose, Calif., and Neva Turnock of Minneapolis, Minn.; her loving mother, Gertrude Clemons; her sisters, Marion Nedved and Janet Clemons; her brothers, John Clemons, Steve Clemons and Larry Clemons. Her grandchildren are Carole Hashemi, Michael Doying, Christopher Geren, Katherine Geren, Jason Sherry and Amber Turnock. Her great-grandchildren are Helene Doying, Amber Hashemi, Joseph Lindsay and Aaron Blacks-Sherry, of Salinas, Calif. All of her many friends and family will miss her warm smile and loving touch. Mary Frances will be returned to her hometown of Thornton, Iowa, and interned in Pleasant View Cemetery following a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Thornton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rose Calderon-Kahn presiding. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Mary's name to the Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Thornton is in charge of arrangements. Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, (641) 998-2311.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/5/2006 - 3/10/2006.

Nelson, Anita G.   MASON CITY - Anita G. Nelson, 86, formerly a resident of The Manor, 4 Third St. N.W. in Mason City, died Wednesday (March 8, 2006) at USA Healthcare in Mason City under the care of Hospice of North Iowa. Cremation has taken place. At the request of Mrs. Nelson, no funeral or memorial services will be held. Private graveside services at the Osage Cemetery will be conducted at a future date. Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa, radio station KCMR, or Trinity Lutheran Church, all of Mason City. Anita was born July 2, 1919, in Osage, the daughter of Henry and Cordelia (Hansen) Gaarder. After graduating from Osage High School in 1935, she worked as a legal secretary in Osage. She married Earl M. Nelson on April 30, 1939. The Nelsons resided in Osage and Ames before moving to Mason City in 1944. In 1948, they established the Earl M. Nelson Painting and Sandblasting Service, which they operated jointly for more than 35 years. The Nelsons joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City in 1944, and Anita continued to be an active member until her death. She was a member of the Mason City Sunshine Sewing Group, the Universal Study Club, and several circles at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1993, Anita moved to The Manor in Mason City, where she participated in many activities sponsored by the facility. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and during her lifetime made hundreds of quilts for family, friends, and local charities, including Birthright, Northern Lights, Transition Center, Gerard Treatment Center, and Tugs Daycare. Anita is survived by her four children, Judith Jones and husband, Fred, of Mason City, Jeanne Cooley and husband, Edward, of Mars, Pa., Kenneth Nelson and wife, Judylee, of Ozark, Mo., and Deborah Hartley and husband, Richard, of Mason City. Her surviving grandchildren are Ryan Loberg of Pinkerington, Ohio, Jeffrey Nelson of Minneapolis, Minn., Cynthia Nordman of Mason City, Elizabeth Hartley of Des Moines and Jennifer Burk of Nixa, Mo. She is also survived by seven foster grandchildren, John Ostryte, Joe Ruelas, Abel Ruelas and Kathy Requa, all residing in New Mexico, Delila Ruelas De'Avilla and Nora Ruelas, both residing in Texas, and Charles Requa of Mason City. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren. Anita is preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her sister, Elaine Ennis; three brothers, Norman, Merrill and Lawrence Gaarder; step-grandson, Eric Cooley; an infant brother; and her parents. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, (641) 732-3706 is assisting the family with arrangements.   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006.

Nelson, Julie A.   CLEAR LAKE - Julie A. Nelson 91, formerly of Clear Lake, died Saturday (March 4, 2006) in Herrin, Ill. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with Monsignor Robert Hogan officiating. Julie A. Nelson was born the daughter of Alfonso and Giustina (Vicoli) DiMarco in Mason City. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1931. Julie married Gordon Nelson on Dec. 25, 1948, in Mason City. She was a homemaker to her family and a former member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake. Julie was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed supporting the Hawkeyes. Julie is survived by her three children, Marie Borchers of Lilburn, Ga., Michele Phelps of Herrin, Ill., and Janet (Derek) Thompson of Boone; three stepchildren, MaraBeth (Larry) McBride of Rogers, Ark., Lora Ann Quartuccio of Tulsa, Okla., and Wilbur (Sharon) Nelson of Benicia, Calif.; four grandchildren, Scott (Audrey) Borchers of Sautee, Ga., Sara (Jason) Berube of Loganville, Ga., Rachel (Daniel) Duggan of Surprise, Ariz., and Martha Thompson of Boone; one great-grandson, Ryan Duggan of Surprise, Ariz.; 11 step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Levino (Lena) DiMarco of Mason City and Gus (Judy) DiMarco of Clear Lake; one sister, Teresa Danehy of Calif.; and three sisters-in-law, Mitzi DiMarco of Egan, Minn., Kay DiMarco of Mason City and Dorothy Arbuckle of Eastsound, Wash. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gordon, on May 24, 1992; sisters, Autilia (Ottie) Baccanale and Lucia Mataloni; brothers, Rocco, Richard, Jim, Nick and Al DiMarco. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, (641) 357-2193. www.colonialchapels.com   Published in the Globe Gazette on 3/9/2006.

Ringis, Hulda E.   MASON CITY - Hulda E. Ringis, 92, of 15 Eighth St. S.W., died Sunday (March 5, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. today at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 Fourth St. S.E., with Pastor Paul Nelson officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and continue one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hulda E. Ringis Memorial Fund. Hulda was born July 18, 1913, in Mason City, the daughter of August and Johana (Jackson) O'Green. She graduated from Mason City High School. Hulda married John J. "Smitty" Ringis on Oct. 21, 1939, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Hulda worked part-time through the years at Swifts, Good Shepherd Health Center and Arlan's, as well as selling for Stanley Home Products. Hulda was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, VFW Auxiliary, Happy Mixer's Card Club and was a former member of the Moose Lodge. She had also been active in the PTA and Scouts. She enjoyed flower gardening, baking, cooking and family trips. Hulda is survived by her children, Carl O. Gibbs and wife, June, of Mason City, Sandra Solsaa of Mason City, Cheri Ringis of Green Bay, Wis., John "Jack" Ringis III of Mason City; grandchildren, Helen Holtan and husband, Paul, of Savage, Minn., Carla Dempsey and husband, Terry, of Mason City, Chris Gibbs of Mason City, Jean Lundahl Heagel and husband, Brad, of Kensett; step-grandchildren, Ron Solsaa and wife, Mary, of Needville, Texas, Linda Sweeney and husband, Jim, of Mason City, Karen Solsaa, of Lake Jackson, Texas, Randy Solsaa and wife, Susan, of Mason City, and Patti Heinold and husband, Mike, of Charleston, Ill.; seven great-grandchildren; 17 stepgreat-grandchildren; 14 stepgreat-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Hulda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John "Smitty" Ringis; sisters, Lillian Anderson and Ruth Welsh; brothers, Elmer O'Green, Art O'Green, and Carl Anderson; grandson, Carl O. Gibbs III; and son-in-law, Bert Solsaa. Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/6/2006 - 3/9/2006.

Ruiter, Alice H.   GOLDFIELD - Alice H. Ruiter, the daughter of Amos and Helen (Rasmussen) Folkedahl, was born Sept. 4, 1930, on a farm west of Goldfield. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from Goldfield High School in 1948. Alice then received her bachelors degree in history and music from Northwestern University in Chicago. She taught school for a short time in Alexis, Ill., and continued teaching when she moved to Meservey in the fall of 1952. On July 1, 1954, Alice was united in marriage with Ronald E. Ruiter at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield. The couple made their home in Meservey until 1959, when they moved to Goldfield and opened the Dari-Y, also known as "Alice's Grease Palace." They operated the business until retiring in 2001. Alice was the "Hostess with the Mostess" at Ron's Restaurant from 1964 to 1990. Alice was a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield and was active in the choir and Session. She loved music and enjoyed baking, knitting, traveling and sports, including being an avid Northwestern Wildcat and New York Yankees fan. Alice has also been a member of the TOPS Club the last several years. Alice passed away on Wednesday (March 8, 2006) at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge at the age of 75 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law, Martha Ruiter. Survivors include her husband, Ron Ruiter of Goldfield; daughter, Karla Ruiter of Bettendorf; son, Kyle Ruiter and wife, Connie, of Goldfield; three grandchildren: Abbey, Colby and Kyle Jr. of Goldfield; two granddogs, A.J. and Topenga; and a sister, Helen Stueland and husband, Alvin, of USA Healthcare in Clarion. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield with the Rev. Tamara EnTin officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Foust Funeral Home, (515) 447-3674.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/9/2006 - 3/10/2006.

Stevenson, Marian   BRITT - Marian Stevenson, 83, of Britt, passed away Monday (March 6, 2006) at the Westview Care Center in Britt. Funeral services for Marian Stevenson will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Britt with Pastor Robert Dodge officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Britt and one hour prior to services at the church. Marian Alice Stevenson, the daughter of Nels and Hulda Anderson Munson, was born on Dec. 23, 1922, in Britt. She attended the Britt schools and graduated from Britt High School. After graduation she went to Britt Junior College. On Nov. 17, 1946, Marian was united in marriage to James Stevenson in Britt. The couple made their home in Britt and raised their two sons, Jeff and Mark. Marian was very proud of her children and supported them in all of their endeavors. Marian taught in a one-room schoolhouse for a few years, was a substitute teacher and then became a full-time teacher's aide for several years in the Britt Elementary Schools. Marian possessed a positive attitude, was a strong-willed woman who was outspoken and was a character who always had a laugh ready to give. She loved teaching and worked with unbelievable energy. Marian was a very social person who enjoyed visiting with family, friends and neighbors whenever possible. Marian loved to play bridge, was a member of local card clubs and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt and taught Sunday school for more than 30 years. Marian is survived by her two sons: Jeff and his wife, Elizabeth, of Panama City Beach, Fla. and Mark and his wife, Lori, of Murrieta, Calif.; four grandchildren: Mathew, Eric, Shawn and Cassandra; sister, Helen Bridwell; and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; and two brothers: Frank Munson and Norman Munson. Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, 178 Center St. W. in Britt is in charge of arrangements. Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, (641) 843-3839.   Published in the Globe Gazette from 3/7/2006 - 3/10/2006.

Thilges, Elizabeth   WEST BEND - Services for Elizabeth Thilges, 91, of West Bend, will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in West Bend. Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Harris Funeral Home, 104 First Ave. W. in West Bend, with a rosary at 5 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. Elizabeth A. Besch, the daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Kramer) Besch, was born Dec. 28, 1914, in Whittemore, Iowa, and died Monday (March 6, 2006) at the West Bend Care Center. She was raised and received her education in Whittemore. On Oct. 19, 1937, she was united in marriage with Sylvester Thilges. The couple lived and farmed in St. Joseph, Iowa, for one year before moving to West Bend where they farmed during their married lives. Elizabeth and Sylvester moved to town in 1977 and became residents at the West Bend Care Center in 1999. Elizabeth was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church and the Ladies Aid of the church. She enjoyed playing cards, gardening, flowers and crocheting. Survivors include her three sons, James (Dea) Thilges of Clear Lake, Glen (JoAnn) Thilges of West Bend and Ervin (Gayle) Thilges of West Bend; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sylvester, in 2004; brothers, Frank and Isodore; and sisters, Margaret Krug and Clara Schumacher. Harris Funeral Home, (515) 887-2561.

Toft, Robert D.     URBANDALE - Robert D. Toft, 73, of Urbandale, formerly of Belmond, died Tuesday (March 7, 2006) at the Kavanaugh Hospice House Center in Des Moines. A public memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2006, at Andrews Funeral Home, 516 First St. S.E., Belmond. A private interment of Robert's ashes will be held for family and relatives at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2006, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Belmond. Rob was born in Belmond, the son of Thomas and Blanch (Ulstad) Toft on Sept. 12, 1932. Robert was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Belmond. He attended Belmond High School and graduated with the class of 1951. Robert served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, and spent time in Germany during his military tenure. Rob had worked for periods of time at the SC Office in Clarion and at the Des Moines Register. He retired from (CDS) Communication Services in Des Moines. Robert enjoyed playing guitar and in earlier years flying ultralight airplanes. He had been a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Des Moines for many years. Rob is survived by a sister, Doris Nuehring of Belmond; brothers, Roger and wife, Kay, Toft of Surprise, Ariz., Clifford Toft, Belmond, Jerry and wife, Delores, Toft of Urbandale, and Ev and wife, Judy, Toft of West Des Moines; sisters-in-law, Mary Toft, wife of the late Thomas, Jr., of Woodland, Calif., and Marlys Toft of Johnston; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty; and two brothers, Thomas Jr. and Donald. Andrews Funeral Home, (641) 444-4474.

Diane Tynan

ROCKFORD — Diane Tynan, 51, of Rockford, formerly of Charles City, died Thursday (March 9, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

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

Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323.

www.hauserfh.com.

 

                      Posted by Gene Manning