North Central Iowa
Genealogical Society
Box 237
Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

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Mason City

Globe Gazette
Box 271
Mason City, Iowa
50402


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The Mason City Globe Gazette year 2007 archive


PUBLISHED Thursday, January 11, 2007
 

Janice L. Walter

 

MASON CITY — Janice L. Walter, 79, of 934 13th St. S.E., passed peacefully into the hands of our Lord on Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2007) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

 

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lime Creek Nature Center-Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board and Wesley United Methodist Church.

 

Janice was born June 20, 1927, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Norman and Anna (Cole) Slothower. She was a graduate of Sioux City Central High School in 1945 and then attended the University of South Dakota where she received her bachelor of arts degree in bacteriology.

 

On Aug. 16, 1946, she married James B. Walter in Sioux City, Iowa. They moved to Mason City in 1968, having previously lived in Sioux City for many years.

 

Janice was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, North Iowa Nature Club, Iowa Ornithologist Union, Wesley Women’s Church Circle and Hospice support groups.

 

Jan’s passion was bird watching and all aspects of nature conservation, but especially natural prairies and wetlands. She was a volunteer for numerous organizations including the Lime Creek Nature Center. She also enjoyed theater, concerts, needlework, gardening and travel.

 

She is survived by her children, Norma Morrison and husband, Bob, of Muscatine, Iowa, Nancy Jaspersen of Mason City; six grandchildren, Rob, Tom and Jim Morrison, Misty Akers and husband, Chris, and Randy and Scott Jaspersen; four great-grandchildren, Joel and Karlee Akers, Ty Jaspersen and Morgan Jaspersen; brother, Addison Slothower and wife, Kay, of Altamonte Springs, Fla.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Craig Walter; son-in-law, Richard Jaspersen; two brothers, Norman and Robert Slothower.

 

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory. (641) 423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

 

 


 

Margaret Nadeen Gardner


 

CLARION — Margaret Nadeen Gardner, 71, of Clarion, passed away Monday (Jan. 8, 2007) at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

 

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home in Clarion with Pastor Curt Miner officiating. Burial will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home in Clarion and continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

 

Margaret Nadeen Gardner, daughter of Harold J. and Gertrude E. (McNamee) Barden was born on May 2, 1935, in Iowa City. She graduated from Lost Nation High School in 1953.

 

On Sept. 4, 1955, she was united in marriage to Donald Gardner in Clarion.

 

She had many hobbies and was known around the state for her photography at racetracks.

 

Margaret is survived by her children, Jay Dean Gardner and his wife, Gloria J., of Geneva, Bryan Gardner and his wife, Barb, of Clarion, Julie Butler and her husband, Virgil, of Clarion, and James Fay Gardner of Ogden; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and Donald.

 

Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, (515) 532-2233.

 


 

James A. Holder Sr.

 

MASON CITY — James A. Holder Sr., 37, of Mason City, died Monday (Jan. 8, 2006) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

 

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

 

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Friday at the funeral chapel.

 

Memorials may be given to the James A. Holder Sr. Memorial Fund.

 

James A. Holder Sr. was born May 4, 1969, at Iowa City, a son of Jesse and Jane (Meyer) Holder. He married Billie J. Gordon on Dec. 2, 2005, at Sioux Falls, S.D.

 

James loved his Harley, dancing and especially the song “Air Force Ones.” He enjoyed working on cars, traveling and especially spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his ability to tell jokes and commanding everyone’s attention.

 

He is survived by his wife, Billie Holder, of Mason City; two sons, James Holder Jr. and friend, Leah Green, of Mason City, and Cody Holder of Pleasant Hill; a daughter, Sarah Holder, of Mason City; his father, Jesse (JoAnn) Holder, of Mason City; his mother, Jane Baldwin, of Mason City; future grandson, Dominic James Anthony Holder; three sisters, Cindy (Ed) Johnson of Mason City, Tina Holder of Mason City, and Michelle (Ron) Payne of Mount Sterling, Ohio; a step-sister, Debbie Willet, of Chariton, Iowa; a step-brother, Mark (Trish) Hauge, of Osage; nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Michael, Jane, Sue Ann, Jordon, Rodney, Christina, Jessica, and Matthew; several aunts, uncles and cousins including Dorothy (Bobby) Ashley and Steve Fox and significant other Brenda Seifert; step-children, Holly, Gordon, Travis, Kasandra and Jacob Smith, all Mason City; and mother-in-law, Barbara Gordon, of Mason City.

 

His grandparents, several aunts and uncles and a niece preceded him in death.

 

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

 


 

Raymond M. Hunst


 

WESTFIELD, Ind. — Raymond M. Hunst, 85, of Westfield, passed away Friday (Jan. 5, 2007).

 

He was born Sept. 3, 1921, in Belmond, to the late George and Catherine (Johnson) Hunst. Raymond was a farmer for several years prior to becoming a maintenance man and finally a glass technician in the medical field before retiring.

 

Interment will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. in the Ventura United Methodist Church in Ventura.

 

He is survived by his wife, Gloria B. (Gunderson) Hunst; daughters, Patricia A. (Arlan) Johnson and Dr. Penny L. Hunst; a son, Terry P. (Cynthia) Hunst; a sister, Marie I. Schlagel; grandchildren, Meridee (Hunst) Scheller, Timothy Hunst, Melissa Noble, Adam Hunst, Erik Johnson and Scott Johnson.

 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Stroke Association, Memorials and Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

 

Arrangements are entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel, (317) 846-2091.

 

You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com where you may sign the online guest register or leave a personal message.

 


 

Dorothy M. Cary


 

MASON CITY — Dorothy M. Cary, 87, of Fort Madison, formerly of Mason City, died Monday (Jan. 8, 2007) at the Fort Madison Community Hospital.

 

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. James Magelssen, Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

 

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Major Erickson Funeral Home and continue at the funeral home one hour prior to services.

 

Memorials may be given to the Dorothy M. Cary Memorial Fund.

 

Dorothy, one of six children born to Frank and Mamie (Moe) Skalicky, was born on a cold winter day, Dec. 19, 1919, in Mason City. She was baptized and confirmed at the “old” Trinity Lutheran Church on South Pennsylvania Avenue. She attended Monroe Grade School through eighth grade and graduated from Mason City High School in 1937. Following high school, Dorothy attended Hamilton Business College.

 

On April 12, 1942, Dorothy married Harold M. Cary of Clear Lake in Champaign, Ill. They raised two sons, Harold Jr. and Roger, and two daughters, Virginia and Linda. After being discharged from the US Air Corps, Harold Sr. worked as a mechanic at the Hunter-Sedars garage for a few years before farming near Otter Tail, Minn., for 8½ years. During this time, Dorothy devoted her time to helping Harold run the farm and raising their children. They later returned to Mason City where Dorothy worked as a secretary at Mason City Blueprint, Cerro Gordo County Courthouse in the recorders office and Torgerson Realty.

 

Following retirement, they moved to a home on the Mississippi River near Nauvoo, Ill. After Harold’s death in 1993, Dorothy moved to Fort Madison and in October 2003, she moved in with her daughter, Linda and remained there until her death.

 

Dorothy loved to quilt, giving many quilts to her family. She also enjoyed crocheting, sewing and baking bread, doughnuts and cookies. Other favorite pastimes included word puzzles, crosswords, cyphers, computer games and e-mailing friends and family. Her favorite family activity was playing card games with the people she loved, even if such games resulted in waking the neighbors. She also collected Fiesta Dishes with a passion. Dorothy’s motto was, “Live well, laugh often, love much.”

 

Dorothy is survived by her children, Harold Cary Jr. and wife, Carol, of Mason City, Roger, of Red Banks, Miss., Virginia Creekmur and husband, David, of Skyland, N.C., and Linda Schulz of Fort Madison; nine grandchildren, Harold Cary III, David Cary, Sandra Thompson, Barbara Kingery, Kim McKissack, Brent Cary, Dorinda Blankenship, Elizabeth and Emily Schulz; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, June Hanna and Frances Tibbits and husband Lawrence.

 

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold Sr.; brothers, Floyd and Harold Skalicky; sister, Marjorie Kaufman; sisters-in-law, Kate and Mary Skalicky, Amy Cary Sheldon Holstad and Doris Cary Johnson; brothers-in-law, Tom Hanna, C.E. “Buck” Sheldon, John Kaufman and William Johnson; son-in-law, Gerald Schulz.

 

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

 

 


 

Caitlin Mackenzie Query

 

TREYNOR — Caitlin Mackenzie Query, 9 months, of Treynor, died Monday (Jan. 8, 2007) at the Omaha Children’s Hospital-Omaha, Neb., of natural causes. She left this world fighting a battle she could never win.

 

Caitlin was born April 14, 2006, to Jason Howard (formerly of Mason City) and Sarah Leile Query, in Orlando, Fla.

 

Visitation with the family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at the Cutler O’Neill Funeral Home in Council Bluffs.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Cutler O’Neill Funeral Home in Council Bluffs. A private burial will be held at Zion Congregational Church in Treynor.

 

Memorials may be designated in her name to: Caitlin Query Fund, c/o Treynor State Bank, Box A, Treynor, IA 51575.

 

Although the life story of Caitlin was rather short, the love that was showered upon this little angel by her mother and father, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members and friends spoke volumes for the influence of this little girl on those touched by her.

 

Caitlin is preceded in death by her great-grandfathers: Howard (Gene) Query, of Mason City; Henry Zach, of Grand Island, Neb.; Benny Volkens, of Treynor; and Howard Brinkman, of Texarkana, Texas.

 

Caitlin is survived by her parents: Jason and Sarah Query, of Treynor; grandparents, Howard and Mary Lou Query, of Mason City; David and Roberta (Volkens) Zach, of Treynor; and great-grandmothers, Lily Query of Mason City; Esther Volkens of Treynor; Gertrude Zach of Fremont, Neb.; great-grandparents, Betty Brinkman and Devoe Hedrick of Texarkana, Texas; uncle, Justin Howard Query, of Aurora, Ill.; aunts and uncles, Jessica and Tim Romans, of Rockwood, Tenn.; Cindy, Matthew and cousin Braden Zach of Des Moines; great aunts and uncles, Sam and Nancy Brinkman of Royse, Texas; Debra and John Wyatt of Tulsa, Okla.; Julie and Wayne Broome of Mason City; adopted aunt and uncle, Jane and Jim Reynolds, of Clear Lake; godparents, Hope and Rob Phillips, of Ocala, Fla., and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, great-aunts and uncles, and cousins who are scattered across the country.

 

Caitlin also leaves behind her beloved stuffed teddy bear, Dan, who has been there by her side keeping her company and protecting her since the day she’d been born. Although Dan was unable to help Caitlin fight her nine-month battle, he will stay behind to help protect and offer encouragement for Caitlin’s mother and father.

 

Caitlin is no longer with us physically, but shall live on in our hearts and memories until we meet again.

 

 


 

Arthur Walter Jahn

 

NASHUA — Arthur W. Jahn, 88, of Nashua, died Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2007) at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville with the Rev. Michael Parris officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Cemetery in Riceville with military honors conducted by the American Legion Roy Gue Post No. 244.

 

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Lindstrom Funeral Home.

 

 


 

Paul William Gratias


 

OSAGE — Paul William Gratias, 85, of Osage, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday morning (Jan. 9, 2007) at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

 

Paul was born in rural Nora Springs to Hugo and Katherine (Ahrens) Gratias on Nov. 14, 1921. He was baptized at Eden Presbyterian Church, where he remained a life-long member. He graduated from Nora Springs High School in 1940.

 

On Dec. 21, 1947, Paul married LaVera Minnie Nash of Marble Rock. They had three children together and celebrated 52 years of marriage. Paul farmed much of his life on the family farm near Nora Springs. From 1965 to 1980, he was a driver for Como Photo, covering up to 400 miles a day across northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Paul and LaVera moved from the farm to Osage in 1982. He was a resident of Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care since July 2002.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, 3105 Glass Ave. in Rudd, with the Rev. John Bates officiating. Burial will be at the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery.

 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before services at the church.

 

Paul William Gratias was preceded in death by his wife, LaVera; his daughter, Mavis Mohring Rosauer; sisters, Lorraine Siemens, Helen Quandahl, Ethel Taylor, and Dorothy Gratias; and brothers, Walter Gratias and Ralph Gratias.

 

He is survived by his son, Raymond (Cheryl) Gratias; and grandson, Benjamin Gratias, of Fort Collins, Colo.; his son, Roger Gratias of Osage; grandson, Justin Mohring, of Cedar Rapids; and granddaughter, Jolene Mohring Frazier of Fort Washington, Md.; his brother, Arthur (Alice) Gratias, of Mason City; sister-in-law, Florence Gratias (wife of Walter), of Nora Springs; and many nephews and nieces.

 

Paul will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

 

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

 


 

Viola Kollasch

 

LAKOTA — Viola G. Kollasch, 82, of Lakota, died Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2007) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

 

A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ledyard with Father Paul D. Bormann officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Ledyard.

 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft, with a rosary beginning at 4 p.m. and a Scripture prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

 

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

 


 

Marian A. Christiansen

 

OSAGE — Marian A. Christiansen, 89, of Osage, died Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2007) at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

 

Marian was born July 28, 1917, in New York, N.Y. She traveled to Iowa on the Orphan Train. She was adopted by Harry and Anna Lewis at the age of three and grew up on a farm north of St. Ansgar. Marian attended school in Mitchell, and graduated from Mitchell High School. She worked as a caregiver for August and Anna Christiansen and their family.

 

Marian married John Christiansen, the son of August and Anna, on Oct. 13, 1942, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church. They made their home in rural Nora Springs, where she was a homemaker.

 

She enjoyed playing the piano, and often shared her talent by playing at various places in the area. Marian enjoyed bowling, was a member of the Kitchen Klatter band, the Osage VFW Auxiliary, and was named a Volunteer of the Year for the state of Iowa in 1989.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, 3269 Foothill Ave., Osage, with the Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Creek Cemetery.

 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before services at the church.

 

Marian is survived by her husband, John A. Christiansen of Osage; two sons, Jon (Becky) Christiansen of Nora Springs, and Gordon (Jean) Matthews of Phoenix, Ariz.; two daughters, Wanda Christensen of Minneapolis, Minn., and Carole (Dick) Weber of Woodridge, Ill.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and one grandson, Steven Matthews.

 

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

 


 

Marjorie Stoffer

 

DES MOINES — Marjorie Stoffer, 83, of Des Moines, formerly of Latimer, died Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2007) at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines.

 

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Latimer with Pastor Tom Cofer and Pastor Don Elly officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Marion Center Cemetery rural Latimer.

 

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Latimer.

 

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

 

 


Donald Glen Shultz

 

MASON CITY — Donald Glen Shultz, 70, of Mason City, died Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2007) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

 

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

 

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

PUBLISHED Friday, January 12, 2007
 

Lillian Hanna Caroline Marsh

 

MASON CITY — Lillian Hanna Caroline Marsh, 78, of Mason City, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City.

 

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Paul Nelson of St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City officiating. Inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hwy 122 West, Mason City.

 

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the chapel.

 

Lillian Caroline Marsh was born on Oct. 13, 1928, in Bricelyn, Minn., the daughter of Hans and Nettie (Hamson) Hjelle.

 

She was united in marriage to Harold R. Marsh on Jan. 8, 1946, in Manly. Harold preceded her in death on April 24, 2004. Lillian was a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother, and loved raising her children and babysitting her grandchildren.

 

Lillian also loved to go camping in Canada and traveling, visiting many states throughout the U.S. with her husband and family.

 

Lillian also enjoyed cooking, baking, dancing, and having her family and friends over for coffee. Lillian was always complimentary of everyone, and never complained.

 

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Deanna Pierce and her husband, Brian, of Fremont, Calif., Cathy Holt and her husband, Gary, of Mason City, Harold Marsh Jr. and special friend, Tamsen Weaver, of Phoenix, Ariz., Dennis Marsh, of Mason City, Ricky Marsh and his wife, Sandy, of Mason City, Penny Seward and her husband, Bruce, of Mason City, Pam Garg and her husband, George, of Crosby, Minn., and Julie Wilmarth and her husband, Scott, of Mason City; grandchildren: Tammy Wawrzyniak and her husband, Ted, of Rosemount, Minn., Cary and Doug Holt, of Mason City, Jayson Seward and his fiancée, Sarah Schipper, of Eagan, Minn., Natalie Seward, of Mason City, Brianne Marsh and her mother, Jean, of Nora Springs, Heather Jacobs and her husband, Shawn, of Mesa, Ariz., Lisa Marsh of Lincoln, Neb., Jessica Chynoweth and her husband, Adrian, of Denver, Colo., Trevor Marsh, of California, Brittina and Michael Garg, of Crosby, Minn., and Casondra and Savannah Wilmarth, of Mason City; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and KaiLana Seward, of Mason City, and River Chynoweth, of Denver, Colo.; brothers, Newell Trustin and his wife, Donna, Helmer Hjelle and his wife, Nita, and Oscar Hjelle and his wife, Joanne, all of Mason City; a sister, Bonnie King and her husband, Keith, of Mason City; a brother-in-law, George Smidt, of Mason City, as well as other relatives and friends.

 

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents; and one sister, Beverly Smidt.

 

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

 


 

Margaret Stolzenberg

 

STACYVILLE — Margaret Stolzenberg, 84, of Stacyville, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, (641) 732-3706.

 

 


 

Viola G. Kollasch

 

LAKOTA — Viola G. Kollasch, 82, of Lakota, died Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2007) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

 

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ledyard with Father Paul D. Bormann officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Ledyard.

 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 12, 2007, at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft, with a rosary beginning at 4 p.m. and a Scripture prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

 

Viola G. Kollasch was born June 4, 1924, in rural Lakota, daughter of John and Gertie (Helmers) Roelfsema. She grew up on a farm north of Lakota, graduating from Lakota High School in 1941 and serving as treasurer of her senior class.

 

Viola married Robert Kollasch on Feb. 16, 1944, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ledyard. She and Bob resided and farmed north of Lakota for many years and Viola worked at Green Giant, Telex Company, Pioneer Seeds and the Elmore Nursery.

 

She enjoyed baking, cooking, playing cards, gardening and being with her family. Following her retirement, Viola also enjoyed traveling on bus trips. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Church Circle.

 

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Linda Kollasch-Arnold and her husband, Jim, of Garner; four daughters, Linda Schutz and her husband, Rube, of Hutchinson, Minn., Judy Rusher and her husband, Kurt, of Rose Creek, Minn. Jolene French and her husband, Les, of Alden, and Debra Scadden and her husband, Rob, of Iowa Falls; one son, Timothy Kollasch and his wife, Lori, of North Mankato, Minn.; two sisters, Mabel Kollasch and her husband, Donald, of Shakopee, Minn., and Dolores Trasamar, of Fairmont, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Arline Roelfsema, of Elmore, Minn.; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert, on Jan. 10, 1989; her son, John, on May 13, 1989; a daughter, Mary, in infancy; and one brother, Ivan Roelfsema.

 

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

 


 

Jaime Elisha Heflin

 

CLEAR LAKE — The exciting moments of pregnancy have turned to sorrow and heartfelt loss with the death of our baby, Jaime Elisha Heflin, on Saturday (Jan. 6, 2007).

 

Survivors include the parents, Tony and Shannon (Newman) Heflin; brother, and sister, Adam and Allison; grandparents, Tom and Kathy Newman, of Clear Lake, and Gary and Mary Heflin, of Rembrant, Iowa; and aunts and uncles, Jerilynn and Dean Bell, of Clear Lake, Tammy and Jon Heflin, of Rembrant, and Tara Heflin, of Mason City.

 

A private family graveside service was held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with the Rev. John Tilp of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Clear Lake officiating.

 

Arrangements are with Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

 

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

 


 

DeLores K. Campbell


 

SUNPRAIRIE, Wis. — DeLores K. Campbell, 73, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at the Ellen & Peter Johnson HospiceCare Center after a brave fight against cancer.

 

She was born May 26, 1933, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of John and Rose (Felder) Herzog.

 

On June 6, 1959, DeLores was united in marriage with Patrick Campbell in Mason City, Iowa. They relocated their family in August 1970 to Sun Prairie, Wis. She had been employed by the Holt Pharmacy for more than 18 year, were she developed many friendships.

 

DeLores was a member of the Sacred Hearts Catholic Church.

 

“Dee” enjoyed watching sports (GO HAWKS), playing cards, especially cribbage, and conversing with her many friends. Her pride and joy were her children and grandkids, who will greatly miss her.

 

In addition to her husband, Pat, survivors include four daughters: Catherine Campbell, of Gurnee, Ill., Jane (Brett Baier) Campbell, of Nashville, Tenn., Mary Campbell, of SunPrairie, and Roselen (Todd Hanke) Campbell, of New Berlin,Wis.; one son, Ken Campbell, of Racine, Wis.; and six grandchildren: Matthew, Jonathan, Conner, Tristan, Noah and Curtis.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, LaVerne.

 

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, 221 Columbus St. in Sun Prairie, Wis., with Monsignor Duane R. Moellenberndt presiding.

 

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, where the rosary will be recited at 6 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center or to the Sacred Hearts Endowment Fund.

 

Arrangements are with Cress Funeral Service, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, Wis. (608) 837-9054. www.cressfuneralservice.com

 


 

Leo C. ‘Bud’ Duregger

 

CLEAR LAKE — Leo C. “Bud” Duregger, 77, of 5851 S. Shore Drive, Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2007) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at the Galilean Lutheran Church, 4454 255th St., Hwy 18 West, Clear Lake, with Pastor Jeff Ungs Officiating. Interment will be in Clear Lake Cemetery.

 

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

 

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

 


 

LeRoy H. Meyer

 

ACKLEY — LeRoy H. Meyer, age 82, of Ackley, died on Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2007) at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Washington Reformed Church in Ackley, with burial in the Washington Reformed Cemetery in Ackley. Military rites provided by the Lupkes Kesley AmVet Post No. 83.

 

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, with family receiving friends from 5 to 8 p.m.

 

On-line condolences may be directed to www.surls.com.

 

Sietsema Funeral Home, (641) 847-2333. www.surls.com


PUBLISHED Saturday, January 13, 2007
 

Donald Glen Shultz

MASON CITY — Donald Glen Shultz, 70, Mason City, died Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2007) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Jim Magelssen, of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. Monday in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel and one hour prior to service time on Monday at the chapel.

Donald Glen Shultz was born on June 14, 1936, in Dougherty, the son of Galen Shultz Sr. and Esther (Uker) Shultz. He received his education in the Greene Community School, graduating from Greene High School in 1953.

 He was inducted into the United States Army on Feb. 7, 1957, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 7, 1958.

He was united in marriage to Joyce Landers on March 22, 1959, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Greene. After their marriage, Donald farmed in rural Dougherty until moving to Mason City in 1980. Donald owned and operated Ultra Sun Incorporated in Mason City for 25 years and due to health reasons he retired in 2005.

He enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, gardening, camping, visiting with family and friends, and loved his dog, Penny.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Moose Lodge and the Eagles all in Mason City. 

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Julia (Mike Schmitz) Towsley of Greene, Dave Shultz of Dougherty and special friend, Jill Jensen, of Greene, Joyce Shultz of Waverly; grandson, Kolten Thovson, of Dougherty; a sister, Lois Adams, of Marble Rock; a brother-in-law, Joe Neal, of Marble Rock; several nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; son, Doug Shultz; sister, Donna Neal; and a brother, Galen “Bud” Shultz Jr.

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



Margaret L. Sullivan

 

CHARLES CITY — Margaret L. Sullivan, 89, a resident of Salsbury Baptist Home in Charles City, died Friday (Jan. 12, 2007) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St. in Charles City.

 

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to www.fullertonfh.com Web site.

 

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

 

 




 

Carl Aspland

 

MASON CITY — Carl Aspland, 90, of 1407 S. Virginia Ave., died Friday (Jan. 12, 2007) at home.

 

Arrangements are incomplete with Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Mason City.

 

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory. (641) 423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

 


 

Leo C. ‘Bud’ Duregger

 

CLEAR LAKE — Leo C. “Bud” Duregger, 77, of 5851 S. Shore Drive, Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2007) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

 

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at Galilean Lutheran Church, 4454 255th St., Highway 18 West, Clear Lake, with Pastor Jeff Ungs officiating. Interment will be in Clear Lake Cemetery.

 

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Leo “Bud” Duregger Memorial Fund.

 

Leo “Bud” Duregger was born Sept. 1, 1929, in Swaledale, the son of Edward Sr. and Alice (Hoffman) Duregger. Bud attended Clear Lake schools, and then began his career in commercial plumbing for E.L. Secory and Sons for 17 years.

 

Bud was united in marriage to Edith (Herman) Caspers on Sept. 12, 1963, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Bud worked for L.A. Fulton and Sons Plumbing and Heating in Des Moines for 30 years until retirement in 1998.

 

Bud enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, bingo, camping, and especially spending time with his family. He was a member of the Galilean Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.

 

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Kelley (Alan) Stumme of Goodell, Cathy Diercks (Jerry Zimmer) of Charles City, and Cindy (Dennis) Rieman of Charles City; six grandchildren, David (Leah), Jon, Amber, Tina (Lance), Josh, and Andrea; six great-grandchildren, Jazmyn, Jordyn, Gavin, Mercades, Reid and Callista; three brothers, Ed Duregger Jr. of Garner, Fred (Helen) Duregger of Virginia, and Larry Borum of Florida; two sisters, Helen Sorenson of Alden and Irene Sorenson of California.

 

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Alice; his wife, Eadie; four brothers, Virgil, Albert, Robert and infant Donald Duane; three sisters, Ida Mae, Mary and Gladys; and a great-grandchild, Kali.

 

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

 


 

Alvin ‘Al’ K. Johnson

 

MASON CITY — Alvin “Al” K. Johnson, 91, of 380 S. Yorktown Park No. 36, Mason City, and a former Rockford resident, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at his home.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Tom Healey of the Hospice spiritual team officiating. Interment will in Riverside Cemetery Rockford with the Graper Walker Memorial Unit of the American Legion conducting graveside honors for a fallen comrade.

 

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Fullerton Funeral Home.

 

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Alvin Johnson Memorial Fund in care of his wife, Anna.

 

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

 


 

Margaret ‘Marge’ Stolzenberg

 

STACYVILLE — Margaret “Marge” Stolzenberg, 84, of Stacyville, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville.

 

Margaret was born March 18, 1922, on the family farm near Stacyville, the daughter of Nicholas and Rose (Brumm) Halbach.

 

She married Sy Stolzenberg on Nov. 25, 1941, at Stacyville. They lived in the Stacyville area all of their lives and owned and operated the Standard Station in Stacyville. Sy died on April 13, 1979. At the time of his death, he was serving as the mayor of Stacyville. Marge then assumed the duties of mayor and served in this position for another term. She wrote the column, “Chit Chatting With Marge,” which was enjoyed by many, for the Stacyville Monitor for 11 years.

 

Marge was a member of the Ladies’ Order of Foresters, the Stacyville American Legion Auxiliary, and the Christian Mothers. She loved painting, crocheting, gardening and caring for her flowers. Marge enjoyed music and playing the organ. She was also an avid NASCAR fan.

 

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery.

 

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Visitation Catholic Church, where there will be a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call one hour before services at the church.

 

Margaret is survived by four daughters, Carla Meyerhofer of Durham, N.C., Rosalee (James) Lowe of Stacyville, Mary Kreitlow of Ansonia, Conn., and Marjean (James) Kramer of Orchard; a son, Tom (Kathy) Stolzenberg, of Lake City, Minn.; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Fritz (Marcella) Halbach, of Stacyville; one sister, Bertilla Mullenbach, of Rochester, Minn.; and one sister-in-law, Louise Halbach, of Osage.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sy Stolzenberg; her son, Tim Stolzenberg; three brothers, Ray Halbach, Al Halbach, and Wilfred Halbach; and two sisters, Irene Kinney and Olive Hemann.

 

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

 


 

Edgar W. Etherington

 

MONTICELLO — Edgar W. Etherington, 87, of Monticello, died Friday (Jan. 12, 2007) at the Anamosa Care Center.

 

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Kramer Funeral Home, 800 E. Oak St. in Monticello.

 

Arrangements are incomplete at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello, (314) 465-5400.


PUBLISHED Sunday, January 14, 2007
 

Edgar W. Etherington

 

MONTICELLO — Edgar W. Etherington, 87, of Monticello, Iowa, died Friday (Jan. 12, 2007) at Anamosa Care Center after a short illness.

 

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello.

 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello, Iowa, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello, Iowa.

 

Edgar was born on March 1, 1919, in Lake Crystal, Minn., the son of Roy and Elma (Rollings) Etherington. He married Faye Hakes on Nov. 23, 1938, in Garner, Iowa. Together they farmed near Plymouth, Clear Lake and Woden, Iowa, then in Talmoon, Minn., for 25 years. They moved to the Monticello area in 1995.

 

When the chores were done, Edgar loved to fish. He also enjoyed swapping jokes and playing cards with family and friends.

 

Survivors include his two daughters: Shirley (Tom) Gutzeit of Monticello and Nancy (David) Cink of Mantica, Calif.; two sons: Rick (Mary) of Garner, Iowa, and Mike (Linda) of Titonka, Iowa; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Bob (LaVon) of Brooklyn Center, Minn., Ralph (Roberta) of New Hope, Minn., and Jerry (Judy) of Mapleton, Minn.; one sister: Vivian Thomas, of Lake Crystal, Minn.; and a brother-in-law, James Roberts, of Lake Crystal, Minn.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Faye, in 2000; a son in infancy; one sister, Berneatha Roberts; and a sister in infancy, Bonnie.

 

Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.

 

Kramer Funeral Home, (319) 465-5400.

 

 


Milton O. Hanson

 

FOREST CITY — Milton O. Hanson, 93, of Forest City, died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church in Miller with Pastor Rose Visser officiating. Burial will be in Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

 

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.

 

Petersen Lund Funeral Home, (641) 585-2685.

 

www.petersenlundfh.com.

 


 

Robert McElroy

 

CHARLES CITY — Robert McElroy, 84, of Charles City, died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at the Salsbury Baptist Home in Charles City.

 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City.

 

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

 

www.hauserfh.com.

 


 

Alvin ‘Al’ K. Johnson

 

MASON CITY — Alvin “Al” K. Johnson of 380 S. Yorktown Pike No. 36, Mason City, and a former Rockford resident, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at his home after a short battle with cancer.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City. Officiating will be the Rev. Tom Healey of the Hospice spiritual team.

 

Visitation will be from 3 until 7 p.m. today, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, at the funeral home.

 

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery Rockford with the Graper-Walker Memorial Unit of the American Legion conducting graveside honors for a fallen comrade.

 

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Alvin Johnson Memorial Fund in care of his wife, Ann.

 

Born on July 23, 1915, at Alta, Iowa, the son of Carl Oscar and Hilda (Johansson) Johnson, he attended school at Alta and later worked for area farmers until joining the Naval Reserve in 1942. Disappointed that vision restrictions prevented him from becoming a pilot, he trained as an aviation metalsmith. He served his country by remaining stateside and serving at Great Lakes Naval Air Station, Navy Pier, Norfolk Va., and Patuxent River, Md. He was honorably discharged on the 12th of September, 1945.

 

On Feb. 5, 1945, he married Chicago native Anna (Ann) Siebold at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. To this union, two children were born.

 

Following his discharge from the service, they returned to Iowa where they began farming near Rockford. In 1947, they moved onto the farm northwest of Rockford where they remained until moving to Mason City in 1996.

 

From the late 1960s until the plant closing in 1977, Alvin worked as a metalsmith for Lifetime Motor Homes at Emory. The family liked to comment that his “thumbprints were traveling all over the country.”

 

During their retirement years, Al and Ann enjoyed big band music and ballroom dancing at the Surf. For many years they traveled in their RVs and took immense pleasure from the many close friendships forged during summers spent at Burlington Bay Campground at Two Harbors, Minn. Many a fun evening was spent around campfires sharing the laughter, the companionship, and the view of Lake Superior. Al brought back to Iowa many lengths of diamond willow; he would strip the bark and finish them into beautiful walking sticks.

 

Always a steward of the land, Alvin planted thousands of trees on the farm. Alvin often had a book close at hand and enjoyed a wide range of subjects. In later years he was especially interested in World War II and Civil War history.

 

Although not snowbirds themselves, they traveled to Florida and Texas to visit with friends. Some of their favorite trips were to Alaska, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. One of the most special was a trip in May 2004, when Alvin, then age 88, wife, Ann, daughter, Kathy, and sister, Margaret, flew to Washington, D.C., to attend the dedication ceremony and festivities surrounding the opening of the new World War II Memorial.

 

Alvin was a member of the Graper-Walker American Legion Post of Rockford. One of his well-remembered days was when he received all of his World War II medals in February 2005, which included his World War II Victory, Good Conduct, Campaign and Ruptured Duck Awards.

 

Alvin is survived by his wife, Ann, of nearly 62 years; one daughter, Kathy Johnson, of Mason City; his son, Ken, and his wife, Mary, Johnson of Charles City; his only grandson, Justin Johnson, and his special friend, Amber Berding, of Charles City, Iowa; one sister, Margaret McGregor, of Westby, Wis.; an extended family in the U.S. and Sweden; and two sisters-in-law, Annie Johnson, of Moville, Iowa, and Lillian Johnson, of Storm Lake, Iowa.

 

Preceding Alvin in death were his parents, and four brothers, Harold, Carl, Everett, and Ralph Johnson.

 

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City, (641) 423-8676.

 

www.fullertonfh.com.

 


 

Elizabeth H. (Betty) Branstad Burtness


 

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Elizabeth H. (Betty) Branstad Burtness, age 95, of St. Paul, Minn., formerly of Forest City, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at Lyngblomsten Care Center.

 

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 W. Como Ave., St. Paul, Minn.

 

Interment will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday in the Oakland Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa, followed by a gathering of family and friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

 

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn.

 

Memorials may be directed to St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, Lyngblomsten Foundation or donor’s choice.

 

Elizabeth H. (Betty) Branstad Burtness is survived by nieces, Phyllis (Warren) Day of Sioux Falls, S.D., Joanne (Rev. Allan) Negstad of Minneapolis, Minn., Mary (Chris) Trodahl of Bethel, Conn., Karolyn (Jim) Foreman of Centreville, Md.; nephew, Rev. Mark (Ione) Hanson, of Chicago, Ill.; 17 great-nieces and nephews; the Branstad and Burtness families; and a host of friends and former students.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two sisters; and husbands, Oscar Branstad, and Ernest Burtness.

 

Gill Brothers Funeral Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn., (612) 861-6088.

 


 

Ardell Ausen


 

LAKE MILLS — Ardell Ausen, 86, of Lake Mills, died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills with Pastor W. Paul Weeg officiating. Burial will be at Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills.

 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

 

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, (641) 592-0221.

 

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

 


 

Murtis Thoreson

 

Postville — Funeral services for Murtis Thoreson will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, in the Community Presbyterian Church at Postville, with the Rev. Gary Catterson officiating. The organist will be Ryan Hulshizer. Interment will be in the Postville Cemetery.

 

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2007, at the Schutte Funeral and Cremation Service, 214 E. Tilden St. in Postville.

 

Murtis Estella (Weihe) Thoreson was born on Jan. 13, 1915, at Postville, the daughter of Elmer and Clinda (Zieman) Weihe. She passed away Saturday (Jan. 6, 2007) at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, just a few days before her 92 birthday.

 

Murtis graduated from Postville High School and received a bachelor of arts degree in music from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She taught vocal music at Lansing, Iowa, for one year.

 

On June 5, 1937, she married Alvin W. Thoreson at Postville. They were the parents of three children.

 

The family lived in Garnavillo, Iowa, from 1937 to 1945, where Alvin was the butter maker. In 1945, they moved to the farm south of Postville, where Murtis lived until 2001. She took an active part in the operation of the farm with her husband, where they raised registered Holstein and Angus cattle. In 1992 she received the Distinguished Service Award from the District Holstein Association, and the Clayton County Soil Conservation Achievement Award in 1982.

 

Murtis was devoted to her family and to her religious faith. She was a vital force in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through her letters composed at her trusty typewriter, projects completed at her sewing machine, and her regular phone calls and visits.

 

Murtis was a lifelong member of the Community Presbyterian Church of Postville, where she served as an Elder and chair of the pastor nominating committees, a member of the choir, and active member of Presbyterian Women. The John Knox Presbytery awarded Murtis their outstanding Elderly Presbyterian Award.

 

Her homemade bread given to neighbors and friends in the community was a mark of her devotion to others. She served as a member of the care review committee at the Postville Good Samaritan Home, a Hospice Volunteer, and a member of Bob’s Creek Neighbors Club.

 

Murtis is survived by a daughter, Zoe (Lyle) Abrahamson, of Rochester, Minn. and two sons, Dr. J. D. (Jill) Thoreson, of Mason City, and Dr. Richard (Lucy) Thoreson, of Washington, D. C.; nine grandchildren: Heidi (Rod) Foster, Joel (Miriam) Abrahamson, Dr. Timothy (Lisa) Abrahamson, Todd Thoreson, Lisa (Travis) Koenig, Dr. Kirk Thoreson, Erika Thoreson, Nathan Thoreson, and Maria Brown; great-grandchildren: Austin Foster, Collin Foster, Cyrus Abrahamson, E. Axel Abrahamson, Elsa Abrahamson, Ian Abrahamson, Maia Abrahamson, Alexandra Thoreson, Brittany Koenig, and Courtney Koenig.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Alvin, her brother, Richard, and two infant brothers.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Community Presbyterian Church in Postville or to the donor’s choice.

 


 

Earl ‘Pete’ Gruis

 

RUDD — Earl “Pete” Gruis, 83, of Rudd, died Friday (Jan. 12, 2007) at the Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

 

Funeral services for Pete Gruis will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural Osage. Pastor R. Dawson Tornes will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Rudd. Military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 733.

 

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Hauser Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church an hour prior to the service.

 

William Earl “Pete” Gruis was born on Nov. 15, 1923, at Bristow, the son of John and Anna (Benz) Gruis, Sr.

 

Pete was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1942. Soon after graduation, he worked for a short time at the Oliver Corporation in Charles City.

 

Pete was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 3, 1943. He served with the 656th Tank Destroyer Unit in the European Theater while overseas. He was one of the first units in the Battle of the Bulge. In January of 1946 he was honorably discharged.

 

After his discharge, he again worked at the Oliver Corporation as a machine operator and then as an instructor in the machine area. In 1953 he left the Oliver Corporation and started farming.

 

On Aug. 17, 1947, he was united in marriage to Wanda Francis at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. In 1953 they moved to a farm east of Rockford where they lived until March 1, 1955. They then moved to the farm east of Rudd where they have made their home for over 50 years. They have worked together side-by-side making their farm a beautiful place. Pete was a very hard worker and proud of his farming operation. They retired from farming in 1991 but remained on the farm.

 

In 1956 Pete and Wanda joined the Rock Creek Lutheran Church. Pete served as a deacon and trustee numerous times, usher and as secretary of the Brotherhood. He was a faithful and active member of the church.

 

He was also a lifetime member of the VFW. Post No. 733 in Mason City, and past Moose Lodge member.

 

Pete and Wanda were made honorary members of the Rockford FFA Chapter. He was a good supporter of the FFA and the county fair. Pete loved all kinds of sports, attending many of the ball games at the local school. He served on the local Farmers Co-op board for six years.

 

Pete loved to go dancing with his wife. They drove many miles to attend polka fests, have fun and meet and make new friends. He looked forward to selling tapes of his favorite band, The Top Notchman.

 

Pete was a perfectionist and always kept things in tip-top shape. He spent a lot of time in his woodshed making items for the gift shop they had in their home.

 

One of his favorite pastimes was watching and feeding the birds and squirrels and enjoying their antics.

 

In 1978, Pete and Wanda took into their home an Australian foreign exchange student, Robin Parsons. She lived with them for a year.

 

Living family members include his wife, Wanda, of Rudd; a sister, Darlene Lambert, of Mason City; a brother, John (Darlene) Gruis, Jr.; many nieces and nephews; a host of friends; and a special family, Vincent, Conseulo, Brenda, Vincent and Victor Livengood.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and three brothers.

 

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City is in charge of arrangements, (641) 228-2323.

 

www.hauserfh.com.

 


 

Margaret L. Sullivan

 

CHARLES CITY — Margaret L. Sullivan, 89, formerly of 812 S. Main St. and currently a resident of the Salsbury Baptist Home in Charles City, died Friday (Jan. 12, 2007) at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 106 Chapel Lane in Charles City with the Rev. Carl Ries presiding. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St. in Charles City. The reciting of the rosary will begin at 4:30 p.m. followed later by a 6:30 p.m. prayer vigil service. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

 

Those wishing to extend expressions of sympathy may wish to direct them to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish Fund or to a charity of your choice in Margaret’s name.

 

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to the family on the www.fullertonfh.com Web site.

 

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

 

www.fullertonfh.com.

 

 


Annabel Branstad

 

LAKE MILLS — Annabel Branstad, 85, of Lake Mills, died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at her home in Lake Mills.

 

Funeral services are pending at Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills.

 

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

 

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

 


 

Geneva A. Wilcox

 

LAKOTA — Geneva A. Wilcox, 67, of Lakota, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at her residence in Lakota.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at the Community Chapel in Lakota with the Rev. Ronald Wheeler officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Lakota.

 

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft.

 

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

 

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

 


 

Alice A. Nack

 

Remembering the life of Alice A. Nack ...

 

Funeral services will be held for Alice A. (Okland) Nack at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel in Albert Lea, Minn., with the Rev. Karl Hermanson officiating.

 

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday evening at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before the service on Tuesday.

 

Interment will be in the South Shell Rock Cemetery, Northwood, Iowa.

 

Alice A. Nack died on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, at St. John’s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, Minn., where she had lived the past 11 months. She was 94 years of age.

 

Alice was born on Jan. 28, 1912, to Ben and Ella (Alberts) Westendorf at Buffalo Center, Iowa.

 

In 1928, she married John M. Okland; to them were born ten children. John died in 1950. She later married Wilmer Nack. He died in 1984.

 

Alice was a member of First Shell Rock Lutheran Church of Northwood, Iowa. She had participated in the activities at Shady Oaks Apartments in Albert Lea where she lived for over 21 years.

 

She loved being with her family and enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, reading and working crossword puzzles.

 

Blessing her memory are her children, Donald (Pat) Okland, Fort Collins, Colo., Robert (Juanita) Okland, Lake Mills, Iowa, Virgil Okland, Westminster, Colo., Verna Okland, Denver, Colo., Marilyn (Ralph) Olson, Albert Lea, Minn., Ronald (Carolyn) Okland, Leland, Iowa, Richard (Kim) Okland, Norwalk, Iowa, Karen (Duane) Abrahams, Northwood, Iowa, Patricia (Myron) Levisen, Albert Lea, Minn.; 22 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

 

Also surviving are three sisters and one brother, Jeanette Herfindahl of Fairmont, Minn., Ann Lien, Helen Pederson, and Ray Westendorf, all of Albert Lea, Minn.; sisters and brothers-in-law Ione (Clarence) Kruse of Mason City, Iowa, Luther (Ruby) Okland of Lake Mills, Iowa, Lloyd (Margaret) Okland of Lake Mills, Iowa, Ruth (Ted) Zingg of Leland, Iowa, and Ruby Butler of Des Moines, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

 

She is also survived by step-children, Richard Nack, Grafton, Iowa, Ramona (Al) Meyer of Austin, Minn., Laurie Bublitz of Grafton, Iowa; step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

 

Preceding her in death were her husbands; her parents; two sisters, Minnie Williams and Frances Brackey; and one brother, Benny Westendorf; daughter, Linda Irvin; son, Michael; and four grandchildren.

 

Bonnerup Funeral Home, 525 W. Clark St., Albert Lea, Minn., (507) 373-2461.


PUBLISHED Monday, January 15, 2007
 

Robert McElroy

 

CHARLES CITY — Robert McElroy, 84, of Charles City, died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at the Salsbury Baptist Home in Charles City.

 

Funeral services for Robert McElroy will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Pastor Gayle Wilcox will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Rockford. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

 

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Visitation will continue at the church an hour prior to the service.

 

Robert McElroy was born on June 14, 1922, at Rockford, the son of Lewis “Pete” and Rose (Keifer) McElroy. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1939. Robert proudly served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. During that time he served in the European Theater as a member of the 154th Signal Company, 14th Armored Division.

 

On March 2, 1953, he was united in marriage to Mary Kathryn Holl at Rockford. Robert farmed in the Rockford area for many years and also worked for a time at the Rockford Brick & Tile Company and later in the maintenance department of Salsbury Laboratories and Solvay for 11 years, retiring in 1986.

 

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Midi’s group of the church, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 14th Armored Division Association, and Family and Friends Association of Opportunity Village.

 

Among his interests were fishing, farming, traveling and reading Western fiction. Robert always looked forward to the time he could spend with his family.

 

Living family members include his wife, Kathryn, of Charles City; three daughters, Carol McElroy, of Clear Lake, Connie (George) Hooper, of Red Oak and Christine Mackiewicz, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two sons, Keith T. (Donna) McElroy, of Flower Mound, Texas, and Roger McElroy, of Charles City; eight grandchildren, David, Megan and Sara Hooper, Keith J. and Jeffrey McElroy, and Matthew, James and Elizabeth Mackiewicz; a sister, Mary (Richard) Ott, of Greene; a brother, Charles (Mildred) McElroy, of Rockford; two sisters-in-law, Lana McElroy, of Mason City and Dorothy (Don) Biddick, of Nashua; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Bernadine Nash and Berniece Parker; a brother, William K. McElroy; a niece, Linda (Nash) Squier; two brothers-in-law, Don Nash and Ed Parker; and a sister-in-law, Ruth McElroy.

 

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City is in charge of arrangements, (641) 228-2323.

 

www.hauserfh.com.

 


 

John ‘Jack’ Larson

 

RAKE — John “Jack” Larson, 54, of Rake, died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at his home in Rake.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake with Pastor Larry Rehlander officiating. Burial will be at West Cemetery, Rake.

 

Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center, (641) 562-2858.

 

www.winterfuneralhome.com.

 


 

Greg Kathan

 

OSAGE — Greg Kathan, 79, of Osage, died Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) in Lake Havasau City, Ariz.

 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

 

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

 

 


Carl I. Aspland

 

MASON CITY — Carl I. Aspland, 90, of 1407 S. Virginia Ave., died Friday, (Jan. 12, 2007) at home.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave, with the Rev. Jim Stiles of First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Burchinal with the Veterans Memorial Association conducting graveside honors.

 

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Carl I. Aspland memorial fund.

 

Carl was born on April 13, 1916, in Bonetraill, North Dakota, the son of Bert and Mattie (Klatt) Aspland. He attended school in Burchinal and worked for area farmers until being drafted into the Army in 1942. He served his country by remaining stateside and serving at Fort Ord, Calif.

 

On Dec. 23, 1943, he was united in marriage to Arletta Becker in Mason City. Carl was honorably discharged from the Army in February of 1946, and brought his family back to Mason City.

 

He worked in construction with Al Casel and also Decker’s in the wintertime. He then took a full-time position with Decker’s, becoming a foreman and working there until the plant closed. Carl was also a caretaker at Mount Vernon Cemetery for a number of years and worked at Penney’s until he retired at the age of 70.

 

Carl loved traveling, gardening, watching and feeding the birds and squirrels, and took great pleasure in his home that he built for himself. He was very devoted to his family and knew no enemies. He was a member of First United Methodist Church.

 

Carl is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Arletta, of Mason City; daughter, Shirley Roush, of Mason City; son, Larry Aspland, of McHenry, Ill.; five grandchildren, Stormi Ellsworth, Shawn Roush, Stephen Roush, Joshua Aspland and Samantha Aspland; seven great-grandchildren, Samantha Roush-Stockwell, Jodi Ellsworth, Cara and Jared Roush and Zachary, Hayliegh and Trinity Roush.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Phyllis; and brothers, Charlie and Donald.

 

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

 

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

 


 

Ardell Ausen

 

LAKE MILLS — Ardell Ausen, 86, of Lake Mills, Iowa, died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, Iowa, with Pastor W. Paul Weeg officiating.

 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Monday, at Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.

 

Burial will be at Salem Memorial Cemetery in Lake Mills.

 

Ardell S. Ausen was born on Aug. 17, 1920, in Worth County, Iowa, son of John and Gena (Sanvik) Ausen. He was baptized at Lime Creek (Stateline) Lutheran Church and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church. Ardell graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1939.

 

On Nov. 5, 1944, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Kell at Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice, Iowa.

 

Ardell farmed the family farm. In 1965, he started driving school bus and continued for twenty-six years; it was a perfect job for him since he truly enjoyed the time spent with his “kids.”

 

Ardell enjoyed his last five years as a resident of the Lake Mills Care Center.

 

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Lake Mills, Iowa; daughters and son-in-law, Sue Kelly, of North Mankato, Minn., Candy and Doug Hanna, of Lake Mills, Iowa; grandchildren, Ryan and Angela Kelly, Shea Kelly, of North Mankato, Minn., Amy and Tom Wilhelm, of Joice, Iowa, and Megan and Ben Peterson, of Lake Mills, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Destenie Kelly, Teagan and Kendrick Kelly, of North Mankato, Minn.; Mallory, Reese and Kara Wilhelm, of Joice, Iowa, Drae and Ashten Love, Brett Peterson, of Lake Mills, Iowa; brother and sisters-in-law, Bob and Yvonne Ausen, of Janesville, Wis., Les and Arlene Ausen, of Osage, Iowa; along with several nieces, nephews and extended relatives and friends.

 

Ardell was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Patrick Kelly; one sister, Eva Colby; and three sisters in infancy, Gladys, Kristine and Betty Lou.

 

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, (641) 592-0221.

 

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

 


 

Elizabeth H. (Betty) Branstad Burtness

 

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Elizabeth H. (Betty) Branstad Burtness, age 95, of St. Paul, Minn., formerly of Forest City, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday (Jan. 11, 2007) at Lyngblomsten Care Center.

 

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 W. Como Ave., St. Paul, Minn.

 

Interment will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday in the Oakland Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa, followed by a gathering of family and friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

 

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn.

 

Memorials may be directed to St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, Lyngblomsten Foundation or donor’s choice.

 

Elizabeth H. (Betty) Branstad Burtness is survived by nieces, Phyllis (Warren) Day of Sioux Falls, S.D., Joanne (Rev. Allan) Negstad of Minneapolis, Minn., Mary (Chris) Trodahl of Bethel, Conn., Karolyn (Jim) Foreman of Centreville, Md.; nephew, Rev. Mark (Ione) Hanson, of Chicago, Ill.; 17 great-nieces and nephews; the Branstad and Burtness families; and a host of friends and former students.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two sisters; and husbands, Oscar Branstad, and Ernest Burtness.

 

Gill Brothers Funeral Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn., (612) 861-6088.

 

 


Jack Leake

 

MASON CITY — Jack Leake, 70, of 302 Second St. N.E., Mason City, died Sunday (Jan. 14 2007) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete with Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City.

 

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

 

www.colonialchapels.com.

 


 

Annabel Branstad

 

LAKE MILLS — Annabel Branstad, 85, of Lake Mills died Saturday (Jan. 13, 2007) at her home.

 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial will take place at Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery.

 

Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills and again one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

 

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, (641) 592-0221.

 

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

 


 

Sarah Adele Johnson

 

BELMOND — Sarah Adele Johnson, 87, of Belmond died Sunday (Jan. 14, 2007) at the Belmond Health Care Center.

 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane S. in Belmond.

 

Dugger Ewing Funeral Home, (641) 444-3248.

 


 

Susan M. Fuller Grove

 

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Susan M. Fuller Grove, 42, of Broomfield, Colo., formerly of Garner, Iowa, died Sunday (Jan. 14, 2007) at Avista Hospital in Louisville, Colo.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Father Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Garner.

 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

 

Cataldo Funeral Home, (641) 923-2841.

 

www.cataldofuneralhome.com.

 

 


Emory C. Niehaus

 

ALLISON — Emory C. Niehaus, 90, of Allison died Sunday (Jan. 14, 2007) at the Allison Health Care Center in Allison.

 

Funeral services are incomplete at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.

 

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, (319) 267-2507.

                           Posted by Gene Manning