Burman, Bernetta     HAMPTON - Bernetta Burman, 75, of Hampton, died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at the Hansell United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Elsa Lawry officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery in Hampton. There will be no visitation. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton is in charge of arrangements. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (641) 456-3232.

Cadena, Alexa Marie     MASON CITY - Alexa Marie Cadena, daughter of Axel and Nicole Cadena, 83 River Heights Drive, Mason City, was born silently Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. Private family services will be held. Alexa is survived by her parents, Axel and Nicole Cadena, of Mason City; a sister, Natalia Cadena; a brother, Antonio Cadena, both of Mason City; maternal grandparents, Jim and Cindy Bollig, of Bancroft; paternal grandparents, Lucio and Adela (Caicedo) Cadena, of Pinto, Spain; maternal great-grandmother, Charlotte Lockwood, of Bancroft; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by maternal and paternal great-grandparents and an uncle. Arrangements are with Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City. Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, (641) 423-2372. www.colonialchapels.com

Davids, Vera     BUFFALO CENTER - Vera Davids, 95, of Buffalo Center, died Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center. Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at the Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center with Pastor David Langer officiating. Friends may greet the family on Saturday at the First Congregational Church Social Hall, following the service at the cemetery. Winter Funeral Home of Buffalo Center is assisting the family. Winter Funeral Home, (641) 562-2858. www.winterfuneralhome.com

Dontje, Neva L.     LEDYARD - Neva L. Dontje, 51, of Ledyard, died Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at her home in Ledyard. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church, Ledyard, with the Rev. Doug Van Der Pol officiating. Burial will be in Highland Home Cemetery, Ledyard. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Friday, at the Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church in Ledyard and will continue prior to the service on Saturday. Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Bancroft, (515) 885-2521. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com

Dralla, Virginia Mae     HANLONTOWN - Virginia Mae Dralla 81, of 406 Fertile St., died Saturday (Aug. 26, 2006) at her home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at the Grace Lutheran Church, 302 E. Fourth St., Hanlontown, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S., Northwood. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Virginia Mae Dralla was born Feb. 17, 1925, in Hayward, Minn., the daughter of Curtiss and Viola (Larson) Briggs. Virginia graduated from Albert Lea High School on June 1, 1944. Virginia was united in marriage to Lloyd Dralla on March 14, 1945, in Northwood. To this union, nine children were born. Virginia was an active volunteer at the Village Square at Opportunity Village for many years. She was very dedicated to the Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. Virginia volunteered for the Northwood-Kensett Schools, helping children in reading and math. She was a longtime member of TOPS, Senior Citizen Center in Mason City, and First Lutheran Church in Northwood and Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown, where she was active in both church's circles. Virginia's greatest love was spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Virginia is survived by her children, Marian Montgomery and special friend, Charles Thompson, of Mason City, Janice (Robert) Hall, of Mason City, Corie (Richard) Rieman, of Mason City, Christina (Howard) Shephard, of Leland, Connie (Danny) Buckman, of Forest City, Lloyd Dralla Jr. and special friend, Vicky Robinson, of Northwood, Curtiss (Terri) Dralla, of Rogers, Neb., Carl (Laura) Dralla, of Northwood, Ginger (Travis) Holtz, of Polk City; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Douglas) Kyte, of Welcome, Minn.; brother, Curtiss (Mildred) Briggs, of Klamath Falls, Ore.; brother in law, Dwanye Manthey, of Harlingen, Texas; sister-in-law, Hazel Shaw, of Fargo, N.D.; along with other relatives and friends. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Curtiss and Viola Briggs; husband, Lloyd, on July 21, 1973; grandson, Jacob Dralla; son-in-law, Perry Montgomery; sister, Dorothy Kendall and Lila Manthey; brother, Harold Briggs; sisters-in-law, Mayme Orvedal and Dorothy Briggs; brothers-in-law, Leo Dralla and John Kendall. Conner Colonial Chapel, (641) 324-1543. www.colonialchapels.com

Ehlke, Bernice E. Hollatz     ST. ANSGAR - Bernice E. Hollatz Ehlke, 91, of St. Ansgar, died Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in Newburg Cemetery, Carpenter. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Sept. 1, 2006, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, (641) 713-4920.

Grothe, Jennie Akkerman Cavett     LAKE MILLS - Jennie Akkerman Cavett Grothe, 95, of Lake Mills, died Wedneday (Aug. 30, 2006) at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Lake Mills with Pastor Audrey Young officiating. Burial will take place at the Sunnyside Cemetery in Lake Mills. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Sept. 1, 2006, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills, and again one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church. Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

Humphrey, Robert D. "Bob"     ST. ANSGAR - Robert "Bob" D. Humphrey, 67, of St. Ansgar, died Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at his home in St. Ansgar. Bob was born Aug. 27, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Gladys Christene (Cox) Humphrey. He graduated from Osage High School in 1957. Bob married Patricia Kleckner on Feb. 14, 1963, in South Dakota, and they later separated. He served in the Iowa National Guard. Bob was involved in farming and was most recently employed by L.R. Falk Construction. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with the Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, with military honors conducted by the Walter T. Enneberg American Legion Post 358 St. Ansgar. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before services on Tuesday at the church. Bob is survived by three daughters, Christene Lieffort (Jack), of Grand Meadow, Minn., and children, Jason, Jordan, Jaide and Jenna; Carmen Ament, of Grand Meadow, Minn., and children, Ryan and Rachel; and Robin Humphrey (Tim VanBuskirk), of Garrison, Minn., and children, Dargan and Danielle; one son, Nathan Humphrey, of Rochester, Minn., and son, Sean. He was preceded in death by his parents. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, (641) 732-3706.

Kramer, Ruth Naomi     DUMONT - Ruth Naomi Kramer, 80, of Ankeny, formerly of Dumont, died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at the Mill-Pond Care Facility in Ankeny. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 2, 2006, at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont, with the Rev. Jay Amundson officiating. Burial will be in the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until time of services today at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (641) 456-3232.

Kruger, Ardell M.     BRITT - Ardell M. Kruger, 78, of Britt passed away on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at her home. Funeral services for Ardell Kruger will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at the Woden Christian Reformed Church in rural Woden with Pastor Patrick Odel and Pastor Mark Stevens officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation for Ardell Kruger will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 1, 2006, at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt and continue one hour prior to services at the church. Ardell was born May 10, 1928, near Kanawha, Iowa, to Edd and Christena (Nieman) Luppen. She attended country school near her home and attended Kanawha High School graduating in 1946. She was baptized in the Christian faith and later made her profession of faith in the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. Ardell was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church of Woden, where she enjoyed Bible study and fellowship. Ardell was united in marriage with John H. Kruger on Jan. 26, 1954, at the Christian Reformed Church Parsonage in Kanawha. After they married, the couple farmed near Corwith and later near Wesley. In 1987 they moved to Britt. Ardell was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was loved by her family, grandchildren and friends. She enjoyed needlework and reading and especially family time together. Ardell is survived by her children: Delaine Fedders and her husband, Ken, and their children, Andrew, Michael and Ryan, of Britt, Donyce Clement and her husband, Dennis, and their children, Matthew and Christina, of North Bend, Neb., Kevin and his wife, Vana, and their children, Nickolaus, Rebecka and Krista, of Wesley, Marjean Olsen and her husband, David, and their children, Jonathon and Rachel, of Mason City; two sisters: Evelyn Tjarks and Marlene Brooks, both of Britt; one brother, Edward Luppen and his wife, Wilma "Billie," of Kanawha; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 1994; her parents; sister, Marjorie, in infancy; brothers-in-law, Donald Brooks and James Tjarks; and nephew, Richard Luppen. Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel, (641) 843-3839.

Mannens, Peg     MANLY - Peg Mannens, 91, of Albert Lea, Minn., formerly of Manly, Iowa, died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at the St. Johns Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, Minn. Peg's funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, with the Rev. Robert Cumings officiating. Interment will be in the Manly Cemetery, Manly. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 Spring St., Manly, and then one hour before the service on Saturday at the church. Family suggests memorials to Bethel United Methodist Church. Peg was born Oct. 8, 1914, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of George and Winnie (Ferman) Cookman. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1932. She married Henry J. Mannens on Nov. 19, 1933, in Mason City, Iowa. She and her husband owned and operated the H & P grocery store in Manly for 15 years. After her husband's death, she worked for Wurns grocery for nine years and 15 years for the Manly State Bank, retiring in 1985. Peg was active in her church and church circle. She was also very active in the community, having served 20 years on the Manly Care Center board, as chairperson of the care center auxiliary for several years as well as the Manly American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed dancing, bowling and extensive traveling. She is survived by her daughter, Connie Peterson and her husband, Norman, Albert Lea, Minn.; and a son, Val and his wife, Margie Mannens, of West Des Moines; five grandchildren: Jay Peterson and his wife, Kathleen, of Lino Lakes, Minn., Jon Peterson and his wife, Dawn, of Ham Lake, Minn., Mark Mannens and his wife, Keri, of Sparks, Nev., Mary Hunter and her husband, Peter, of Clive, Iowa, and Jill Ranft and her husband, Eric, of Enumclaw, Wash.; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one brother, Francis Cookman; and two sisters, Marjorie Rezab and Winifred Adams. Bride Colonial Chapel, (641) 454-2242. www.colonialchapels.com

Pronk, Mary Myrl     GARNER - Mary Myrl Pronk, 88, of Garner, died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City from congestive heart failure. Private family services will be held at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa. Cataldo Funeral Home, (641) 923-2841. www.cataldofuneralhome.com

Reuter, Thomas J.     FOREST CITY - Thomas J. Reuter, 44, of Forest City, died Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2006) at his home in Forest City. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City with the Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Sept. 1, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, and an hour prior to service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Thomas J. Reuter Memorial Fund. Thomas John Reuter was born in Mason City, Iowa, on Jan. 4, 1962, the son of Wilfred M. and Mary (Goetz) Reuter. He grew up in Mason City, received his education there and graduated from Newman High School in 1980. He enjoyed playing football and wrestling while in high school. He continued his education at NIACC and after completing a year program in 1981, he began working as a welder for Winnebago Industries. On Aug. 25, 2000, he was married to Pam Sullivan. The couple made Forest City their home. Tom was an avid photographer, often stopping the car to get "just the right shot" with a camera. He enjoyed fishing and liked to go target shooting. He enjoyed time spent with his horses, whether it was grooming and caring for them or trail riding. Tom's family was always a priority in his life - his kids came first. He is survived by his wife, Pam, of Forest City; twin sons with the United States Marine Corps: Shaun Reuter in Cuba and Jason Reuter in West Virginia; a daughter Jessica Reuter in Forest City; three step-daughters, Melissa Cobb in Iowa City, Whitney Cobb and Wendy Cobb, both of Forest City. Also surviving is Tom's mother, Mary Reuter of Mason City; his brother, Joseph Reuter and wife, Vicki, of Mason City; his sister, Jane Ogez and husband, Fred, of Forest Lake, Minn.; and the family dog, Bingo. Tom was preceded in death by his father. Petersen Lund Funeral Home, (641) 585-2685. www.petersenlundfh.com Published in the Mason City Globe Gazette on 9/2/2006

Burman, Bernetta     HAMPTON - Bernetta Burman, 75, of Hampton, died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at the Hansell United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Elsa Lawry officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery in Hampton. There will be no visitation. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton is in charge of arrangements. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (641) 456-3232.

Ehlke, Bernice E. Hollatz     ST. ANSGAR - Bernice E. Hollatz Ehlke, 91, of St. Ansgar, died Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 2, 2006, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville, with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in Newburg Cemetery in Carpenter. Visitation was held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar. Bernice Edna Hollatz Ehlke was born on Nov. 14, 1914, to Ernest and Lisetta (Kleinwort) Hollatz, and baptized one month later at home. She was confirmed on Palm Sunday, May 11, 1930, at Deer Creek Lutheran Church by Pastor O.A. Langehough. Bernice graduated from Carpenter High School in May of 1933. She was married to Ewald Ehlke on Nov. 8, 1939, at the bride's home by Pastor O.A. Langehough. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1989. Bernice enjoyed living on the farm, gardening, cooking, sewing and painting. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Lisetta Hollatz, and brother, Ernest (Jr.) Hollatz. Bernice is survived by her husband, Ewald, of St. Ansgar; three children, Ewald (Eileen) Ehlke Jr., of St. Ansgar, Dorothy (Leon) Teske, of Eldora, and Elaine (Donald) Pease, of Chatfield, Minn.; grandchildren: Wendy (Donnie) Thorson, Randy (Kelly) Ehlke, Stephen (Nancy) Ehlke, Susan (Mike) Owen, Jennifer Ehlke and friend, Dennis Huber, Johnathan (Suzy) Teske, Michael (Jolene) Teske, Suzette (Christopher) Rowen, Jeremy (Tracy) Pease and Weston Pease; one sister, Osie Adrian, of Baudette, Minn.; and 18 great-grandchildren. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, (641) 713-4920.

Humphrey, Robert D. "Bob"     ST. ANSGAR - Robert "Bob" D. Humphrey, 67, of St. Ansgar, died Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2006) at his home in St. Ansgar. Bob was born Aug. 27, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Gladys Christene (Cox) Humphrey. He graduated from Osage High School in 1957. Bob married Patricia Kleckner on Feb. 14, 1963, in South Dakota, and they later separated. He served in the Iowa National Guard. Bob was involved in farming and was most recently employed by L.R. Falk Construction. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with the Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, with military honors conducted by the Walter T. Enneberg American Legion Post 358 St. Ansgar. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, and will continue one hour before services on Tuesday at the church. Bob is survived by three daughters, Christene Lieffort (Jack), of Grand Meadow, Minn., and children, Jason, Jordan, Jaide and Jenna; Carmen Ament, of Grand Meadow, Minn., and children, Ryan and Rachel; and Robin Humphrey (Tim VanBuskirk), of Garrison, Minn., and children, Dargan and Danielle; one son, Nathan Humphrey, of Rochester, Minn., and son, Sean. He was preceded in death by his parents. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, (641) 732-3706.

Johanns, Elizabeth     OSAGE - Elizabeth Johanns, 88, of Osage, died Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2006) at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 2, 2006, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Osage. Visitation was held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 3:15 p.m. and a Scripture service at 7 p.m. Elizabeth had requested, in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1209 State Street, Osage, IA 50461. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, (641) 732-3706.

Kramer, Ruth Naomi     DUMONT - Ruth Naomi Kramer, 80, of Ankeny, formerly of Dumont, died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at the Mill-Pond Care Facility in Ankeny. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 2, 2006, at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont, with the Rev. Jay Amundson officiating. Burial will be in the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until time of services today at the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (641) 456-3232.

Pronk, Mary Myrl     GARNER - Mary Myrl Pronk, 88, of Garner died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City from congestive heart failure. Private family services will be held at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa. Mary Myrl Pronk, the daughter of Walter F. and Maud (Haymaker) Pardun, was born May 24, 1918, on a farm in Buchanan County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Church. She graduated from Brandon High School in 1935 and obtained her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Myrl taught country school for five years in Benton County, grades K-8. On Sept. 2, 1940, she was married to Nick Pronk in Dubuque. Myrl greatly enjoyed playing bridge and belonged to a number of bridge clubs over the years. She also enjoyed her retirement years, traveling south each winter with Nick and spending time with the many friends they made over the years. Myrl also loved spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Tom Pronk and his wife, Barb, of Garner and John Pronk, of Dallas, Texas; six grandchildren, Dr. Jay (Amy) Pronk, Katie (Ryan) Brockway, Matthew Pronk, Nicole (Jim) Knight, Joanna Pronk and Charlotte Pronk; a great-granddaughter, Christian Hatesohl; a sister, Venice (Myron) Fish; and a brother, Glen (Pat) Pardun. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick, on Aug. 14, 2001; her parents; a brother, Lynn; sisters, Icil, Millie and Nelda; and a twin sister, Myrna, at birth. Cataldo Funeral Home, (641) 923-2841. www.cataldofuneralhome.com

Rickoff, Stella     WINONA, Minn. - Stella Rickoff, 78, of 1316A McNally Drive, Winona, Minn., died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Funeral services to celebrate Stella's life will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winona, the Rev. Joseph Mirowski of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Mason City, Iowa, officiating. Casket bearers are her grandsons, Jamison, Jared, Tony, Nick, Alex and John Rickoff, Collin and Ryan McCready. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona, Minn. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, at the Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home, 1476 W. Broadway, Winona, Minn. Memorial gifts may be directed to Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Mason City, Iowa, or the Westfield Golf Club Twilight League-Memorial Garden. Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com. Stella was born in Mason City, Iowa, on Sept. 30, 1927, the daughter of Antonios G. and Marie (Zanios) Malaktaris. She was united in marriage to William H. Rickoff, Sr. on July 25, 1948, in Mason City at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Stella was an elementary/middle school teacher for 30 years in the Mason City public school system. After coming to Winona, she substitute taught in District 861 for an additional 13 years. She also co-owned and operated Papa John's Pizza with her husband. Her most recent employment was as a pharmacy tech for Kmart of Winona. Stella was a member of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Mason City, Iowa; member and past board member of Westfield Golf Club; member of the Portia Club and a board member of the Pleasant Green Town House Association. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, William H. Rickoff, Sr., Winona; children, Kristy (Robert) McCready of Carmel, Ind., and their children, Collin and Ryan; John (Jill) Rickoff of Carmel, Ind., and their children, Jamison, Jaclyn, Jennalee and Jared; James (Lynda) Rickoff, Winona, and their children, Tony and Nick; and William (Chris) Rickoff, Jr., Winona, and their children, Alex, John and Jenna. Stella is also survived by a brother, George (Georgia) Malaktaris of Minot, N. D.; three sisters, Helen Pergakis, Mason City, Iowa, Arita Travlos, Columbia, Mo., and Philo (James) Hettinger, Norwalk, Iowa; and brother-in-law, Robert Halloran, Richfield, Minn. Stella was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Bessie Halloran and Ethel Despenas. Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (507) 452-3624. www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com

Waters, Curtiss A.     Curtiss A. Waters passed away on Aug. 20, 2006, in Manila, Philippines, after losing his battle with cancer. He was 64. Curtiss is survived by his first wife, Kay Hay, of Albert Lea, Minn.; and their son, Curt, of Bradenton, Fla.; his second wife of 25 years, Claudia Waters, of Houston, Texas; his sister, Judy Niver, of Tyler, Texas; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends in the United States and around the world. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Arthur Waters; and his brother, Gerald. Curtiss attended Mason City High School but graduated from Wentworth Military Academy in 1960. While at Wentworth he got his pilot's license for single-engine aircraft and did some pretty creative flying during his younger days. He went on to attend Arizona State University. He wasn't much of an outdoor guy. Having burned down the tent at Boy Scout camp one summer, he called his parents and told them if they ever wanted to see him again they would come get him immediately. Curtiss and two of his buddies in high school ran a few capers in their day. Some of them were "explosive," resulting in broken windows in the neighborhood and one experience causing "your life flashing before your eyes" which turned out to be a hoax. Another was a plan that, if successful, probably would have officially started the grafitti movement in Iowa. Spray-painting "Monkey Wards" on the parking lot of the new Sears store on South Federal was the plan. This escapade ended with one of them going to the police station and the other two lucky enough to hide in the bushes before the police saw them. Curtiss' career path afforded him and Claudia the opportunity for extensive international travel and living abroad. They loved theatre and went to London quite often and were very involved with Repertory Philippines while living in Manila. Curtiss was an excellent cook and was even known to make and decorate wedding and birthday cakes - but was best known for his incredible Texas Bar-B-Q and pecan pie. At the time of his death, he was living in the Philippines and working for Wahl Clipper Corp. as the director of Far East sales. He had only been with the company for a little more than a year but said it was the best job of his life. Curtiss's body was cremated, his ashes mixed with those of his beloved white German Shepherd, Isabo, and scattered in Subic Bay, Philippines, off the beach where he and Isabo had taken many walks. Curtiss was a generous person with a good sense of humor and enthusiasm for life. He left us much too soon and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Published in the Mason City Globe Gazette on 9/3/2006

Boehmer, Norbert W.     CHARLES CITY - Norbert W. Boehmer, 70, of Charles City died Saturday (Sept. 2, 2006) at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastors Dennis Niezwaag and David Werges will officiate. Inurnment will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens rural Charles City. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hauser Funeral Home and will continue an hour prior to the service Friday at the church. Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City, (641) 228-2323. www.hauserfh.com

Bryan, Edward "Jesse"     JOICE - Edward "Jesse" Bryan, 51, of Joice, died on Friday (Sept. 1, 2006) at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Bethany Lutheran Church, Joice, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Following the service, cremation will take place, with inurnment at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

DeBuhr, Edna     ROCKFORD - Edna deBuhr, 89, died Saturday, (Sept. 2, 2006) at the Nora Springs Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at Zion Lutheran Church, 805 E. Main Ave. Rockford. Officiating will be the Rev. Patricia Shaw. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. today at the Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home 301 West Main, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Edna deBuhr Memorial Fund or the Zion Lutheran Church in her name. Thoughts, prayers, and condolences may be left at www.Fullertonfh.com. Edna was born on May 26, 1917 in rural Marble Rock, the daughter of William and Hannah (Bunting) Ewald. She was married on Sept. 24, 1936, to John deBuhr at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. They lived their married life together on farms in the Rockford area and raised three children. After the death of her husband, John, she moved into Rockford and at the age of 49 attended classes to become a bookkeeper. She held this position at Mosher Electric in Rockford until her retirement. She left her home in Rockford as her health began to fail and moved into the Evergreen Apartments in Osage for a short time before the Nora Springs Care Center became her home six years ago. She was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford where she was baptized, confirmed, married, held various offices, and was church organist for 12 years. Edna was a 4H leader and a member of the "Hi Neighbor" Club. All her life, she marveled at the miracles of nature around her. In her later years she tended lovely flower gardens and enjoyed feeding the birds. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 1967; her son Richard; and her son-in-law, James O'Connor. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Joanne O'Connor, of Waterloo, Nancy and her husband, Bob Klemesrud, of Nora Springs, and daughter-in-law, Velda deBuhr; grandchildren: Scott Fernau of Waterloo, Michelle (Mark) Lux of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Lisa (Bruce) Wagner of Cedar Falls, Chris Fernau of Kansas City, Mo., Lori (Ed) Paulus of Rockford, Cindy (Troy) Schriever of Rudd, Steve (Angie) deBuhr of Rockford, Matt Klemesrud of Cedar Falls, and Andy (Joni) Klemesrud of Rockford; great-grandchildren Kendall and Keaton Lux, Madelyn, Jenna, and Caleb Paulus, Andrew, Alex, and Austin Schriever, Kyle deBuhr, and Nolan Klemesrud. Arrangements by Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home, 301 West Main, Rockford, (641) 756-3311. www.Fullertonfh.com.

Gangsei, Richard     BUFFALO CENTER - Richard Gangsei, 70, of Buffalo Center, died Saturday (Sept. 2, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills with Pastor Bill Peters and Pastor Paul Haugen officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center and again one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills. Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

McLeese, Howard E. Martin     CLEAR LAKE - Howard E. Martin McLeese, 37, of Clear Lake, formerly of Charles City, died Saturday (Sept. 2, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason City. Memorial services for Howard E. Martin McLeese will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St. in Charles City, with Pastor Paul Wilcox of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. There will be no visitation. The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323. www.hauserfh.com

Rickoff, Stella     WINONA, Minn. - Stella Rickoff, 78, of 1316A McNally Drive, Winona, Minn., died Thursday (Aug. 31, 2006) at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Funeral services to celebrate Stella's life will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winona, the Rev. Joseph Mirowski of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Mason City, Iowa, officiating. Casket bearers are her grandsons, Jamison, Jared, Tony, Nick, Alex and John Rickoff, Collin and Ryan McCready. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona, Minn. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4, 2006, at the Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home, 1476 W. Broadway, Winona, Minn. Memorial gifts may be directed to Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Mason City, Iowa, or the Westfield Golf Club Twilight League-Memorial Garden. Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com. Stella was born in Mason City, Iowa, on Sept. 30, 1927, the daughter of Antonios G. and Marie (Zanios) Malaktaris. She was united in marriage to William H. Rickoff, Sr. on July 25, 1948, in Mason City at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Stella was an elementary/middle school teacher for 30 years in the Mason City public school system. After coming to Winona, she substitute taught in District 861 for an additional 13 years. She also co-owned and operated Papa John's Pizza with her husband. Her most recent employment was as a pharmacy tech for Kmart of Winona. Stella was a member of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Mason City, Iowa; member and past board member of Westfield Golf Club; member of the Portia Club and a board member of the Pleasant Green Town House Association. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, William H. Rickoff, Sr., Winona; children, Kristy (Robert) McCready of Carmel, Ind., and their children, Collin and Ryan; John (Jill) Rickoff of Carmel, Ind., and their children, Jamison, Jaclyn, Jennalee and Jared; James (Lynda) Rickoff, Winona, and their children, Tony and Nick; and William (Chris) Rickoff, Jr., Winona, and their children, Alex, John and Jenna. Stella is also survived by a brother, George (Georgia) Malaktaris of Minot, N. D.; three sisters, Helen Pergakis, Mason City, Iowa, Arita Travlos, Columbia, Mo., and Philo (James) Hettinger, Norwalk, Iowa; and brother-in-law, Robert Halloran, Richfield, Minn. Stella was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Bessie Halloran and Ethel Despenas. Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (507) 452-3624. www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com

Rowe, Velva M.     NORTHWOOD - Velva M. Rowe, 97, formerly of Northwood, died on Saturday (Sept. 2, 2006) at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center, Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at 1:30 p.m. at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Highway 65 South, Northwood, Iowa, with the Rev. Wayne Hagen of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood. Velva was born on Dec. 20, 1908, to Frank and Mayme (Koppen) Scholl in Buffalo Center, Iowa. Frank died in 1918 during the flu epidemic. Velva's mother later married a single brother of Frank's, Sam Scholl. At that time, Velva had an older sister, Vera, and to Mayme and Sam a daughter, Dorothy Mae, was born. They lived in Rockwell, Iowa. Velva married Powers Rowe on April 27, 1929. Powers was working in a bakery in Sheffield, Iowa. A daughter was born, Janet Marie. Powers and Velva moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, as Powers worked in a bakery there. Another daughter, Shirley Ann, was born there. They later moved to Clear Lake, where Powers continued working in the Clear Lake bakery until 1953 when they purchased the bakery in Northwood. Velva was always busy in her vegetable and flower gardens. She was a member of various card clubs and church circles of the First Lutheran Church. Velva and Powers loved to dance and while living in Clear Lake they hardly missed a dance on Friday night at the Surf Ballroom. They loved to go to Minnesota on fishing trips over weekends in their early years. Powers retired and they spent a few winters in Corpus Christi, Texas. Then they were off to Hawaii where they spent many winter months in the warmer climate over a period of several years. Velva was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, husband and two sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Janet (Al) Heinz and Shirley (Dean ) Ausenhus; grandchildren, Janelle (Ken) Peterson, Fred (Cheri Ross) Heinz, Brice (Dawn) Ausenhus and Melissa (Bob) Thoms; great grandchildren, Eric and Kyle (friend Sara) Peterson, Alex and Blake Ausenhus, Danya and Austin Thoms; great- great-grandson, Tyler Peterson; several nieces and nephews. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa (641) 324-1121.

Published in the Mason City Globe Gazette on 9/4/2006

DeBuhr, Edna     ROCKFORD - Edna deBuhr, 89, died Saturday, (Sept. 2, 2006) at the Nora Springs Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at Zion Lutheran Church, 805 E. Main Ave. Rockford. Officiating will be the Rev. Patricia Shaw. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. today at the Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home 301 West Main, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Edna deBuhr Memorial Fund or the Zion Lutheran Church in her name. Thoughts, prayers, and condolences may be left at www.Fullertonfh.com. Edna was born on May 26, 1917 in rural Marble Rock, the daughter of William and Hannah (Bunting) Ewald. She was married on Sept. 24, 1936, to John deBuhr at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. They lived their married life together on farms in the Rockford area and raised three children. After the death of her husband, John, she moved into Rockford and at the age of 49 attended classes to become a bookkeeper. She held this position at Mosher Electric in Rockford until her retirement. She left her home in Rockford as her health began to fail and moved into the Evergreen Apartments in Osage for a short time before the Nora Springs Care Center became her home six years ago. She was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford where she was baptized, confirmed, married, held various offices, and was church organist for 12 years. Edna was a 4H leader and a member of the "Hi Neighbor" Club. All her life, she marveled at the miracles of nature around her. In her later years she tended lovely flower gardens and enjoyed feeding the birds. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 1967; her son Richard; and her son-in-law, James O'Connor. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Joanne O'Connor, of Waterloo, Nancy and her husband, Bob Klemesrud, of Nora Springs, and daughter-in-law, Velda deBuhr; grandchildren: Scott Fernau of Waterloo, Michelle (Mark) Lux of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Lisa (Bruce) Wagner of Cedar Falls, Chris Fernau of Kansas City, Mo., Lori (Ed) Paulus of Rockford, Cindy (Troy) Schriever of Rudd, Steve (Angie) deBuhr of Rockford, Matt Klemesrud of Cedar Falls, and Andy (Joni) Klemesrud of Rockford; great-grandchildren Kendall and Keaton Lux, Madelyn, Jenna, and Caleb Paulus, Andrew, Alex, and Austin Schriever, Kyle deBuhr, and Nolan Klemesrud. Arrangements by Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home, 301 West Main, Rockford, (641) 756-3311. www.Fullertonfh.com.

Jaspersen, Alma J.     CLEAR LAKE - Alma J. Jaspersen, 83, of Clear Lake, was called to her eternal rest on Sept. 3, 2006, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services to celebrate Alma's life will be at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday at Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Sheffield, with the Rev. Kent A. Mechler presiding. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. today at Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield. Alma was born on Dec. 5, 1922, at Klemme, Iowa, to H.A. and Lena (Meinderts) Nelson. Alma was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Alma was united in marriage to Lloyd Jaspersen on May 25, 1941. They farmed in the Rockwell area for 30 years. Alma and Lloyd retired to Clear Lake several years ago. Alma's faith in Jesus was the focus of her life. She was a dedicated wife, mother, homemaker and Sunday school teacher for more than 30 years. Her husband and family were an integral part of her life. Alma enjoyed active participation in the YOU-GO-I-GO Club in the Sheffield area for more than 30 years. Alma was a member of Zion St. John Lutheran Church in Sheffield for more than 50 years. Alma is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lloyd Jaspersen; children: Kenneth (Irene) Jaspersen, Omaha, Neb., Delores Mindrup, Clear Lake; grandchildren: Sue Jaspersen, Shawnee, Kan., Julie Jaspersen, Omaha, Neb., Laura Weaver and fiancé Eric Grell, Chandler, Ariz., Steven and Joy Mindrup, Eagan, Minn.; great grandchildren, Tyler and Quincy Weaver, Chandler, Ariz., Alexa, Fletcher and Ian Mindrup, Eagan, Minn. Alma is also survived by two cousins; and several brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. Alma is preceded in death by her parents and two infant brothers. Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield, (641) 892-4241

McLeese, Howard E. Martin     CLEAR LAKE - Howard E. Martin McLeese, 37, of Clear Lake, formerly of Charles City, died Saturday (Sept. 2, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason City. Memorial services for Howard E. Martin McLeese will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St. in Charles City, with Pastor Paul Wilcox of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. There will be no visitation. The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323. www.hauserfh.com

Rowe, Velva M.     NORTHWOOD - Velva M. Rowe, 97, formerly of Northwood, died on Saturday (Sept. 2, 2006) at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center, Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006, at 1:30 p.m. at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Highway 65 South, Northwood, Iowa, with the Rev. Wayne Hagen of the First Lutheran Church, Northwood, officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood. Velva was born on Dec. 20, 1908, to Frank and Mayme (Koppen) Scholl in Buffalo Center, Iowa. Frank died in 1918 during the flu epidemic. Velva's mother later married a single brother of Frank's, Sam Scholl. At that time, Velva had an older sister, Vera, and to Mayme and Sam a daughter, Dorothy Mae, was born. They lived in Rockwell, Iowa. Velva married Powers Rowe on April 27, 1929. Powers was working in a bakery in Sheffield, Iowa. A daughter was born, Janet Marie. Powers and Velva moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, as Powers worked in a bakery there. Another daughter, Shirley Ann, was born there. They later moved to Clear Lake, where Powers continued working in the Clear Lake bakery until 1953 when they purchased the bakery in Northwood. Velva was always busy in her vegetable and flower gardens. She was a member of various card clubs and church circles of the First Lutheran Church. Velva and Powers loved to dance and while living in Clear Lake they hardly missed a dance on Friday night at the Surf Ballroom. They loved to go to Minnesota on fishing trips over weekends in their early years. Powers retired and they spent a few winters in Corpus Christi, Texas. Then they were off to Hawaii where they spent many winter months in the warmer climate over a period of several years. Velva was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, husband and two sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Janet (Al) Heinz and Shirley (Dean ) Ausenhus; grandchildren, Janelle (Ken) Peterson, Fred (Cheri Ross) Heinz, Brice (Dawn) Ausenhus and Melissa (Bob) Thoms; great grandchildren, Eric and Kyle (friend Sara) Peterson, Alex and Blake Ausenhus, Danya and Austin Thoms; great- great-grandson, Tyler Peterson; several nieces and nephews. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, Iowa (641) 324-1121.

Squier, Donald J.     ROCHESTER, Minn. - Funeral services for Donald J. Squier, age 63, who passed away Friday (Sept. 1, 2006) after a lengthy illness, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Christ United Methodist Church Rochester, Minn., with the Rev. Nancy Wheeler Handlon officiating. Burial will be in Rochester at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester and again from 1-2 p.m. at the church on Wednesday. Memorials are requested to the family. Donald James Squier was born in Mason City, Iowa, on September 9, 1942. He graduated from Mason City High School and served in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City. He came to Rochester and went to work in 1968 for the Kahler Corporation in data processing. He married Cynthia (Cindy) Leimer Feb. 16, 1974, in Truman, Minn. In 2001 he began working for Greenway Co-op, where he worked until his retirement. Donald was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, The "K" Club, and he enjoyed playing golf, traveling, watching sports and following the stock market. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Jill Squier of Rochester, Minn., and Christine Squier of Duluth, Minn.; three brothers, Ronald Squier (Georgiana) of Rotonda West, Fla., Richard Squier (Mary) of Mason City, and Gary Squier (Susan) also of Mason City. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, Rochester, Minn.,1(866) 289-3600.

Published in the Mason City Globe Gazette on 9/5/2006