MANLY - Virginia Mae Barker, 94, of Manly, died Monday (Feb. 18, 2008) at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone.

Funeral services for Virginia will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 503 E. South St. in Manly, with the Rev. Don Preston officiating. Burial will be in the Manly Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the church.

The family of Virginia Mae Barker has requested that memorial contributions be made to Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly in her memory.

Virginia Mae Barker was born on March 11, 1913, in White Fish, Mont., the daughter of Lloyd and Nina (Batten) Lyford. Virginia attended and received her education in the Manly Community Schools, graduating from Manly High School. Virginia also attended and graduated from the 4Cs Business School in Des Moines.

She was united in marriage to Melbern Barker on Aug. 26, 1942, in Manly. Melbern preceded her in death in 1980. Virginia worked as a bookkeeper at the Farmer's Co-op in Manly and also for Damon's Department Store in Mason City as a clerk.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, was an avid gardener and loved flowers.

Virginia was instrumental in organizing the Manly Senior Citizens Center and was very active in doing volunteer work at the Manly Library and the Manly Nursing and Rehab Center, as well as other civic, community and church organizations.

She was a member and very active at Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, the Friendship Circle and 4-H.

Left to cherish her memory is her children, Annette (Adrian) Hull of Boone, Betty (Carl) Foster of Casa Grande, Ariz., and Zola Garnass of Manly; seven grandchildren, Loren (Ann) Hull of Boone, Jolene Hull of West Des Moines, Sandra (Jerry) Eyler of Menasha, Wis., James (Donna) Garnass of Manly, Mark (Pat) Nordskog of South Kent, Conn., Kayleen (Robert) Scott of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Carol (Michael) Fischer of South Lake, Texas; 14 great grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Lowell Lyford of Battle Ground, Wash.; a sister-in-law, Nina Lyford of Mason City; several nieces and nephews, as well a many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melbern; daughter, Shirley Nordskog; sister, Maurine Holden; brother, Vernon Lyford; a granddaughter-in-law, Marcia Garnass; and a son-in-law, Arnold Garnass.

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

CHARLES CITY - Bigelow, 77, of Charles City, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Arrangements areincomplete at Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main in Charles City, 641-228-2323. www.hauserfh.com
 

CARPENTER - Helen M. Blood, 79, of Carpenter, died Saturday (Feb. 16, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar with the Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in Woodbury Cemetery, Lyle, Minn.

Helen Mae (Allison) Blood was born Jan. 2, 1929, in Sheffield to Harry and Fern (Mulford) Allison. She attended school and graduated from Sheffield High School in 1946. On July 21, 1946, she married Richard Blood of Sheffield. Two children were born to this union, Nancy Marie and Steven Richard. They lived in Sheffield until 1957, then moved to St. Ansgar. She was baptized and confirmed in 1959 in the Methodist Church.

Helen worked at Ruth's Caf� and at the bowling alley. In May 1960, she started work at the St. Ansgar Enterprise. She worked for the newspaper for 48 years, loving every minute of her time there. In 1973 they moved to Carpenter.

Helen loved sports, especially bowling, fishing and basketball.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard in 1989, her parents, two brothers, AJ Allison and Raymond Allison; and one sister, Violet Pickerell.

Helen is survived by her son, Steven and his wife, Dolores, of Carpenter, and daughter, Nancy and her husband, Jim Ackels, of Tucson, Ariz. Three grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; one sister, Dorothy Irene Buss of Pequot Lakes, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

As our mom met dad again, we are sure he was standing with his fishing pole in his hand and said, "What took you so long?" Mom, we will miss you.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar is in charge of arrangements, 641-713-4920.
 

Bonita L. "Bonnie" Freeman

Published in the Globe Gazette on 2/21/2008.

SARATOGA - Ruth Fritcher, 85, of Saratoga, passed away Monday (Feb. 18, 2008) at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville with the Rev. Dan Christensen officiating. Burial will be in the Saratoga Cemetery in Saratoga, Iowa.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Friday.

Ruth Torlaug Loten was born on Feb. 7, 1923, on the island of Bokn, Norway, in the North Sea, the daughter of Erik M. and Dina J. (Gismervik) Loten. The family came to America in 1927 where their surname was changed to Loden.

On April 14, 1940, she married John W. "Jack" Fritcher of Osage at Northwood.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, in 2005; two infant daughters, Ruth Ann and Barbara Jean; her parents, one brother, and seven sisters.

She is survived by her children: John E. "Butch" (Beverly) of Saratoga, Jo Ann (Dennis) Fox of Rochester, Minn., Janet (LeRoy) Dahlke of Riceville, and Robert J. "Pete" Fritcher, of Saratoga; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Emma (John) Seckar of Charles City; one brother, Donald Loden (Millie) of Buffalo, Wyo.; two brothers-in-law, Tom Fritcher of Lime Springs and Lloyd Milton of Osage; and many nieces and nephews.

Lindstrom Funeral Home, 641-985-2242.
 

MASON CITY - Naomi E. Decker Jensen, 98, of 4 Third St. N.W., died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Good Shepherd Health Center.

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

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

CLEAR LAKE - Fern I. "Skippy" Miller, 74, of Hampton, formerly of Clear Lake, died Tuesday (Feb. 19, 2008) at Hampton Health Center.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jeff Ungs officiating. Inurnment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Family suggests memorials to Fern I. Miller Memorial Fund.

Fern was born Sept. 25, 1933, in Fertile, the daughter of Ernie and Laura (Braun) Prohaska. She attended country school.

Fern married Orville C. "Buzz" Miller May 6, 1950, in Glenville, Minn. They farmed in the Clear Lake area. She worked at Unisys in Clear Lake.

Fern enjoyed Fourth of July celebrations, listening on her CB, going to the casino and her dog, Patty.

Fern is survived by sisters-in-law, Pearl Miller of Clear Lake, Peg Prohaska of Cedar Rapids, Dorothy Jean (Orville) Heimendinger of Osage; brothers-in-law, Dwayne (Ardith) Miller of Charles City, Bob Carpenter of Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Buzz on Nov. 19, 1995; two sisters, Cathy Carpenter and Bonnie Ellefson; and brother, Glen Prohaska.

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

MASON CITY - Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Raymond, 91, of 905 First St. S.E., died Tuesday (Feb. 19, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the Church of Christ, 710 N. Kentucky Ave., with Pastor Alan Sheldon officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. At the request of Betty, the body will be cremated.

There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa.

Betty was born Oct. 24, 1916, on the Fankell farm north of Fertile to John and Daisy (Yokom) Fankell. Betty's grandfather, William Fankell, came to Worth County in 1859 and was one of the first settlers in Iowa. To William and Rachel Fankell eight children were born on the Fankell farm and to their son, John, five children were born. Betty is the last surviving child. She has lived her entire life in Fertile, Clear Lake and Mason City. Betty attended and graduated from Fertile High School.

She married Franklin Raymond March 28, 1936. They farmed in the area. To this union three children were born, Nancy of Clear Lake, Norma Jean of Mason City and Robert Eugene who died as an infant. Betty worked as a dental assistant after the death of her husband. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, gardening, and volunteered at RSVP.

Betty is survived by two daughters, Nancy Raymond of Clear Lake and Norma Jean Raymond of Mason City; three grandchildren, Kelly Walker of Virginia Beach, Va., Scott Walker of Reston, Va., and Sasha Muth of Springfield, Va.; five great-grandchildren, Joshua Walker, Samantha Lindner, Alexander Lindner, Christopher Muth and Matthew Muth.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; son, Eugene; brothers, Harold, Everett, Robert; and one sister, Janette Hammond.

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

CHARLES CITY - Eleanor C. Shepley, 83, of Charles City, died Tuesday (Feb. 19, 2008) at her home.

A funeral Mass for Eleanor Shepley will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Brian Shepley, the Rev. Carl Ries and Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek will concelebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main in Charles City. with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a vigil scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.

Arrangements are with Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323. www.hauserfh.com
 

WESLEY - Cletus L. Studer, 77, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Huskamp Haven in Algona.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, 515-679-4453. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Janis Ball, 59, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

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

CHARLES CITY - LeRoy M. Bigelow, 77, of Charles City, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

A funeral Mass will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Carl Ries officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be from noon until time of services on Tuesday at the church.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Dennis Duregger, 66, of Clear Lake, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

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

WESLEY - Marie Engen, 101, of Wesley, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Wesley. Burial will be in the East Lawn Cemetery in Algona.

Visitation will be held from noon until time of services on Monday.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, 515-679-4453. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com
 

HAMPTON - Johnnie Hall, 63, of Hampton, formerly of Charles City, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Hampton Health Care Center in Hampton.

Funeral services for Johnnie Hall will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St. in Charles City, with Pastor David Werges of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services Saturday at the Hauser Funeral Home.

Johnnie Duane Hall was born Jan. 8, 1945, at Ellensburg, Wash., the son of Johnnie E. and Pauline (Lindaman) Hall. He received his education at Charles City.

At the age of 19, Johnnie began traveling with the carnival. During that time he was able to meet his "idol" Elvis Presley and attend one of his shows. Johnnie also took the training program at Oakdale. In 1970, he was united in marriage to Karen Edler. They later divorced. His interests included listening to music, singing, fishing and watching westerns.

Living family members include two children, Kathy (David) Rockhold, of Iowa Falls, and Johnnie R. (Shelia) Hall, of Iowa Falls; six grandchildren; two brothers, Thomas (Berneice) Hall, of Rockford, and Mike (Dorie) Espinosa, of Rockford; four sisters, Dorothy (Anthony) Theilen, of Wisconsin, Francis (Tom) McMann, of Missouri, Charlotte (Jerry) Calvert, of Nora Springs, and Toni Espinosa, of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and a sister.

Arrangements are with The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com
 

NORTHWOOD - Colleen Hengesteg, 79, of Northwood, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S. in Northwood.

Conner Colonial Chapel: 641- 324-1543. www.colonialchapels.com
 

Virgil J. Isebrand

Published in the Globe Gazette on 2/22/2008.

THOMPSON - Edwin Jacobson, 79, of Thompson, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at his home.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, with Pastor Mark Decker officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Thompson.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Winter Funeral Home in Thompson and one hour before services at the church.

Online tributes or personal e-mails may be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com

Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 641-584-2520. www.winterfuneralhome.com
 

MASON CITY - Naomi E. Decker Jensen, 98, of 4 Third St. N.W. died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. and continue one hour before services at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Naomi Decker Jensen Memorial Fund.

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

MASON CITY - Gerald A. "Pete" Peterson, 86, of Mason City, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center 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
 

MASON CITY - William J. "Bill" Russeff Sr., 78, of 689 13th St. S.E. in Mason City, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City.

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

Jesse Robert Stasch, 85, was born Feb. 18, 1922 in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of Jesse Martin Stasch and Teckla Borske. He died on Jan. 28, 2008 in Minneapolis.

He graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis in 1940. He also attended the University of Minnesota for coursework in business administration.

Following his graduation, in the early 1940s, Jesse followed his father out to San Francisco to work as a coppersmith at Hunters Point Naval Yard repairing warships and submarines damaged at Pearl Harbor. Later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and became a navigator on B-24s based in Italy, subsequently flying 18 combat missions over Europe.

After his first marriage ended in 1963, he left San Francisco and packed everything he could in a Volkswagen Beetle and returned to Minneapolis to take care of his ill father. One cold winter afternoon as he made a sales call at Minneapolis-based Dictation Systems, he entered the lobby to find a pretty receptionist behind the counter. Although he didn't make the intended sale that day, he got the number of that receptionist and later asked her out. That lady soon became his wife and Jesse married Marcia Lessak in a private ceremony just across the Iowa border in Northwood on Nov. 21, 1964.

Jesse was known for his wit, his sense of humor and his curious mind. He was a voracious reader and tore through books by the dozens, but his favorite author by far was Louis L'Amour. He frequently could be found reading two of his books in one sitting. Each morning since moving to Iowa he completed the Globe Gazette crossword in pen and without an eraser.

He also excelled at the four "Bs" as he liked to call them: bowling, billiards, baseball and bridge. When he bowled competitively he carried a 212 average, as a baseball player he played second base for the Triple A farm club of the Boston Red Sox in the 1940s, played competitive bridge at a high level, and while attending the University of Minnesota, was considered the school's best billiards player, once playing an exhibition against Willie Mosconi, at the time considered the world's greatest pool player.

After his competitive playing days were long over, Jesse took up photography with a passion and could be found crawling through abandoned farms across North Iowa or capturing natural locales like Lime Creek, East Park and Clear Lake. Around town he was affectionately known as "The Rural Photographer" and his work could be found hanging from the walls of public buildings as well as private residences.

When not scouring the countryside for that perfect photo, he was a constant aide de camp and companion to his wife Marcia. She might have been better known in the community for all the boards, associations and trade organizations she was involved with, but always close by was her husband Jesse willing to lend a hand and volunteer to do all the heavy lifting. She affectionately referred to him as her "legs".

Although relatively quiet in private settings, he was personable and engaging when he was in pursuit of a sale. Throughout his sales career he pitched everything: logging and mining machines, hydraulic couplings, agricultural products, HVAC systems; plying the wares of companies too numerous to mention. Jesse's fondest memories were his years in real estate development. Always a visionary, he found that real estate development fit his personality and he became a broker in 1968, finding building sites for companies like Perkins Restaurants, Carlson Companies, and General Mills as well as developing car washes, convenience stores and shopping centers for a host of investors.

Perhaps because of his wartime experience on B-24s, Jesse always wanted to be in the pilot's seat and unbeknownst to his family, got his private pilot's license in 1970, taking his young family up in a Cessna for his first solo flight.

Jesse moved his family to Iowa in 1976 to take a general manager's job at a company for the Kennedy farm family of Clear Lake. He later worked with Eaton Corporation. Nearing retirement age, but never intending to retire, he took a counseling position with the Elderbridge Agency on Aging of Mason City and worked part-time at Menard's until his early eighties. During his last years, each morning he could be found circling the track at the Mason City YMCA displaying a ready smile and his acerbic wit, but always intent on completing his ten laps. He often rewarded himself with chicken nuggets from the girls at Wendy's.

Jesse is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Stasch, of Plymouth, Minn.; his son, Bruce Stasch and wife, Evangeline Sotnak, of Minneapolis, Minn.; and his favorite cat, Daniel Toby.

Jesse was preceded in death by his mother in 1959 and his father in 1964; and his wife of 42 years in 2006.

A memorial celebration will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at the Mason City Moose Lodge, 22 Fourth St. N.W. Mason City 50401.

Memorials can be made out to Hospice of Mason City, 232 Second St. S.E.,Mason City IA 50401.
 

Wilfred Carl Thome, 83, of Adams, Minn., died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Austin Medical Center.

He was born July 29, 1924 in Meyer, to John and Mary (Bissen) Thome.

Wilfred attended elementary school at Johnsburg, Minn., and graduated from Adams High School in 1943. He was married to Lorraine Johnson on Sept. 24, 1944, at St. John's Catholic Church at Johnsburg, Minn.

They farmed in the Stacyville area until retiring from the farm and moving to Adams about 14 years ago. Wilfred truly loved farming and never grew tired of the work.

Wilfred showed cattle at fairs throughout the area and enjoyed gardening, fishing, golfing, bowling and playing cards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, 2008 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Adams, Minn., with Father James Seitz officiating. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Adams.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Adams Funeral Home, 300 W. Main in Adams.

Wilfred is survived by his wife: Lorraine Genevieve Thome, Adams, Minn.; children; Judy (Jim) Dahl, Dodge Center, Minn.; Dean (Elaine) Thome, Stacyville; Jeanette (Tom) Retterath, Adams, Minn., Beth Hackenmiller, Owatonna, Minn., Amy (Tom) Warrington, West Bend, Ind.; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; sisters, Bernice Hansen, Owatonna, Minn., Lioba Smith, Adams, Minn., Darlene (Alfred) Hemann, Stacyville; brother: Melvin (Shirley) Thome, Johnsburg, Minn.; nieces and nephews.

Adams Funeral Home, 507-582-3461.
 

IOWA FALLS - Margaret N. Armagost, 91, of Iowa Falls and formerly of Popejoy, died Friday (Feb. 22, 2008) at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Linn's Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave. in Iowa Falls. Burial will be at the Northlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

There will be no visitation.

The Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Linn's Funeral Home, 641-648-2569.
 

ALEXANDER - Hazel A. Bachman, 87, of Alexander, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander with Pastor Phillip Arnold officiating. Burial will take place in Alexander cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond, and continues one hour prior to services Monday at the church.

Dugger Funeral Home, 641-444-3248.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Janis Ball, 59, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Mason City Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa from a cerebral hemorrhage sustained while delivering the Des Moines Register which she had done every morning for the past 13 years.

She had also worked at Fleetguard in Lake Mills for four years and as a cashier at Kmart for five years.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Steve Smith officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

The graveside service will be 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

Memorials may be made to the Janis Ball Memorial Fund.

Through organ donation she has the potential to improve the quality of life for many people.

Janis was born the daughter of Merle and Esther (Denkas) Fish, Aug. 21, 1948, in Charles City. She was a 1966 graduate of Rudd, Rockford, Marble Rock High School. She was married to Clarence Ball of the Bronx, N.Y., for 21 years before his passing in 1997.

Janis was a kind, gentle, soft-spoken woman who enjoyed cooking, talking with family and friends and watching her grandchildren grow up. Janis was a big fan of "Walker, Texas Ranger," Rachael Ray and Paula Dean. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her daughter, Sara Ball of Clear Lake; daughter, Wendy Smith and her husband, the Rev. Steve, of Lake Mills; son, Dennis Ball of Spencer; daughter, Debbie Ball of Albert Lea, Minn.; three grandchildren whom she adored, Megan Shahan (17), Erin Shahan (14) of Lake Mills and Trevor Marquez (6) of Albert Lea, Minn.; brother, Dean Fish and his wife, Jeannette, of Phoenix, Ariz.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Ball; parents, Merle and Esther Fish; brother, Dale Fish; and son-in-law, Don Shahan.

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

Gladys Becker

ALGONA - Gladys Becker, 96, of Algona, died Friday (Feb. 22, 2008) at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, 515-295-3731. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com
 

RICEVILLE - Orwin Boese, 87, of rural Riceville, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville with Pastor Michael Parris officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in Riceville.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville.

Lindstrom Funeral Home, 641-985-2242.
 

GREENE - Helene Coller, 100, of Greene, died Friday (Feb. 22, 2008) at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.

A funeral Mass of the resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greene with Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m Monday at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. in Greene, with a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Reid's Funeral Chapel, 641-823-4457.

Stanley Brones

ST. ANSGAR - Stanley Brones, 94, of St. Ansgar, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, 641-713-4920.
 

LAKE MILLS - Naomi F. Davis, 75, of Lake Mills, formerly of San Diego, Calif., died Friday (Feb. 22, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Her body was cremated and there are no services planned at this time.

You can contact the family with online condolences at: www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 641-592-0221.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Dennis Ray Duregger, 67, of 802 S. Ninth St. died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating, with military honors by the Clear Lake VFW. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, and then one hour before the service on Tuesday at the church.

Family suggests memorials to Dennis R. Duregger Memorial Fund.

Denny was born Jan. 18, 1941, in Clear Lake, the son of Albert and Fannie (Rich) Duregger.

He attended Clear Lake High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following the service he worked construction in the Des Moines Area on the Red Rock Dam. He later was employed at Winnebago and then Curries Manufacturing as a mechanic.

Denny enjoyed golfing, fishing, NASCAR and spending time with friends.

Denny is survived by his daughter, Rene' Duregger of Wichita, Kan.; his former wife, Sharon Newell of Clear Lake; three sisters, Karen Nichols and her husband, John, of Clear Lake, Vicki Dietrich of Mason City, and Jolene Boyd and her husband, Bill, of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Jeffrey 1999; sister, Carol Jean and an infant sister.

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

NORTHWOOD - Colleen May Hengesteg, 79, of Northwood died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

Funeral services for Colleen will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 N. Ninth St. in Northwood, with the Rev. Daniel R. Hart officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S. in Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Monday at the church.

Colleen May Hengesteg was born on Jan. 8, 1929, in Rockford, the daughter of Donald and Gwendolyn (Crowell) Palmer. Colleen grew up around the Mason City and Rockford area where her father worked at Deckers in Mason City. She attended and received her education in the Rockford School system, graduating from Rockford High School. Colleen also graduated from Hamilton Business College in Mason City, where she roomed with her soon to be sister-in-law, Janet (Hengesteg) Timmerman, and met and married Eldor S. Hengesteg. They married in 1949 and to this union four children were born, Truman Hengesteg, Eldora (Hengesteg) Stehn, Karen (Hengesteg) Betz and Craig Hengesteg.

After their marriage they lived in the Austin, Minn., area before moving to Northwood where they lived on the farm and raised their family. After her husband's death in 1981, Colleen stayed on the farm until a year ago. She was living at the Maple Court Apartments in Northwood, where she enjoyed all her friends even though she still would have liked being on the farm again.

She was a wonderful cook and had many good recipes that she passed on for others to enjoy. Colleen also loved to garden and enjoyed wild flowers, but her great love and enjoyment was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Colleen was a very loving and caring person.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Truman and Craig Hengesteg and Eldora Stehn, all of Northwood, and Karen Betz of Brooklyn Center, Minn.; grandchildren, Hans (Sanya) Hengesteg, RaChael (Kent) Hanna, Kallie (Cory) Christian, Tracey (Jim) Hibbert, Toni Nix, Rodney (Teresa) Stehn, Harold "Shooter" Betz III, Brad (Alisa) and Amber Hengesteg; great-grandchildren, Trevor and Garret Hanna, Gage Hengesteg, McKenzie Beenken, Tyler and Landyn Christian, Tiffany and Austin Dunn, James and Katie Hibbert, William Hibbert, Danielle and Rachel Taylor, Cassidy Stehn, Jordon Branstad, Erin Maynard, Chandler and McKayla Hengesteg; her sisters and brothers, Donaldeen Rowe, Sue Jongward, Keith Palmer, and Terry Palmer; many nieces, nephews, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Her husband Eldor in 1981; her parents, son-in-law, James Stehn; and brothers and sisters-in-law preceded her in death.

Conner Colonial Chapel: 641-324-1543.

www.colonialchapels.com
 

CLEAR LAKE - Fern I. "Skippy" Miller, 74, of Hampton, formerly Clear Lake, died Tuesday (Feb. 19, 2008) at the Hampton Health Center in Hampton.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jeff Ungs officiating. Inurnment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Family suggests memorials to Fern I. Miller Memorial Fund.

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

CLEAR LAKE - Clare Rex Olson, 94, of 2102 N. 32nd St., Clear Lake, passed away Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at his residence.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Derik Yarian officiating. Interment will be in Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of North Iowa.

Clare was born Nov. 25, 1913, the son of Knute and Aleta (Rear) Olson, on the family farm rural Clear Lake. Clare attended country school and was a graduate of Clear Lake High School.

Clare married Violet Jolly on Dec. 21, 1942, at Bethany, Mo. They farmed in the Clear Lake area. He fixed clocks, televisions and radios, loved to make people happy and did custom farming. Clare could pick up any instrument and play it and enjoyed talking, dancing and going to the Surf. He also liked to travel and was a collector and enjoyed going to auctions. Clare was family oriented and liked to ride his motorcycle.

Clare is survived by his former wife and good friend, Violet Olson, of Clear Lake; three daughters, Mary Butts of Clear Lake, Marcia (Jim) Gardinier of Clear Lake and Ruth (Doug) Henning of Fertile; four grandchildren, Steven (Echo) Cash, Ashley Olson, John (Lynn) Sheimo and April Sheimo; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David Olson; brother, Arlin; and sisters, Gladys Bier and Mildred Van Lear.

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

MASON CITY - Gerald A. "Pete" Peterson, 86, of 630 Briarstone Drive, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at Good Shepherd Health Center.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Kent. A. Mechler officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, where full military honors will be conducted by members of Mason City Veteran's Memorial Association.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel.

Gerald A. Peterson was born April 5, 1921, at Mason City, a son of Andrew and Edith (Radiker) Peterson. He was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Wilson on May 2, 1953, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Pete was a 1940 graduate of Mason City High School and attended the University of Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, was stationed at the Supreme Allied Headquarters in France serving under Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. He received his Bronze Service Star personally from Gen. Eisenhower.

He worked as an engineer on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad for 35 years, retiring in 1982. Pete loved to hunt, fish and camp.

He was a member of the VFW, SHAEF and the United Transportation Union.

Pete is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Peterson of Mason City; a daughter, Jeralyn (Tom) Smith of Chelsea; three sons, Jeffrey Peterson of San Antonio, Texas, Jerry Peterson of Mason City, and James Peterson of Lakota; and a brother, Robert E. (Marilyn) Peterson of Lincoln, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Jane Kropf; and a son, Wally Peterson.

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

MASON CITY - William J. "Bill" Russeff Sr., 78, of 689 13th St. S.E. in Mason City, died Thursday morning (Feb. 21, 2008) at his home following a lengthy illness.

No formal visitation or service is planned at this time, however, a private memorial gathering of his family and close friends will take place at a later time.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them in the care of his family at 689 13th St. S.E., Mason City, IA 50401

William Junior Russeff Sr. was born Sept. 19, 1929, in Mason City, the son of Mary Lydia (Krivohlavy) and William Vilecoff Russeff.

"Bill," as he was fondly nicknamed, received his education in the Mason City schools. He lived in Mason City most of his life and was a member of the VFW Post 733.

Bill was inducted into the United States Army on Feb. 5, 1951, from Des Moines and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Bill was formally and honorably discharged from his military duties on Jan. 31, 1953, from Camp Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo.

On June 6, 1953, in Mason City, Bill was united in marriage to Dorothy June Wolff. They became parents of a daughter and three sons. Bill and Dorothy later separated, however, they maintained a close friendship and mutual respect for each other.

Bill took great pride in providing for his family. He was employed for over 32 years at Jacob E. Decker and Sons Meat Packing Plant (Armour). Following his retirement from Armour, Bill worked for the City of Mason City Parks Department for six years, assisting primarily with building bridges.

In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing, tending to his yard, golfing, playing games of chance at area casinos and card playing with his family. In his later years, Bill found great joy in wood crafting, creating numerous toys, small tables and other items of keepsake for his family. He also delighted in watching his granddaughter and great-granddaughters tending to the backyard gardening tasks.

Bill will be deeply missed by all who have shared in his life.

He is survived by his four children, Warren Russeff of Portland, Wendy (Randy) Barz of Clear Lake, William (Mary) Russeff Jr. of Mason City and Wesley Russeff of Mason City; his former wife, Dorothy Bohl of Mason City; his four grandchildren, Ashley Kinnan, Alyssa Benson, Stacy Russeff and Billy Knutson; and his two great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Geneva Benson.

Preceding Bill in death are his parents, his sister, Betty Dietz Manesmith; and his two brothers, Dick Dietz and Willie Russeff.

Arrangements are with Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 123 Second St. S.E. Mason City, 641-423-8676.
 

ALGONA - Cletus L. Studer, 77, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Huskamp Haven in Algona.

A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wesley with Father Randy Schon officiating. Burial will be St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Wesley with a scripture prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, 515- 679-4453.

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com
 

ALEXANDER - Hazel A. Bachman, age 87, of Alexander, died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services for Hazel A. Bachman will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander. Pastor Phillip Arnold will officiate. Burial will take place in Alexander cemetery.

Visitation for Hazel A. Bachman will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Feb. 24, at Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond, and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Hazel Alene Bachman was born at Alexander, Iowa, the daughter of Chris and Louella Larsen on Sept. 20, 1920. She graduated from the Alexander High School in 1938.

On Feb. 28, 1940, she married Fred Modderman at the Alexander Reformed parsonage and to this union two children were born, Kaye and Jerry. Fred and Hazel farmed just east of Alexander and besides helping on the farm, Hazel worked for many years at the W.P. Aldinger store in Alexander. Fred passed away suddenly on Oct. 28, 1965, just months after they had celebrated their 25th anniversary.

On Feb. 8, 1967, Hazel married Earl Bachman of Klemme. Earl passed away on Nov. 12, 1971.

She then moved to Clear Lake where she worked for Moeller's clothing store until her retirement. At that time she cared for several elderly people in their homes.

She spent several years wintering in Texas where she loved to dance. She spent the summers in northern Minnesota where she loved to fish. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and for being a hard worker who loved to help others. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews.

Besides her husbands she was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lyle and Russell; sisters, Doris (Ben) Dorenkamp, Lela (Denver) Schofield, Gertrude and Theo; one grandson, Joel Vanness as well as a special friend, Fritz Botello.

Left to mourn her are daughter, Kaye (Dennis) Vanness of Alexander; son, Jerry (Maureen) Modderman of Altoona; four grandchildren, Chris (Melinda) Vanness of Latimer, Mitchell (Debra) Vanness of Latimer, Todd Modderman of Swannee, Ga., and Tammy (Brian) Johnson of Altoona, as well as 7 great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kyle and Kendra Vanness, Zachary and Madilyn Vanness, and Cameron and Abby Johnson; her sister, Emily Modderman of Palo Alto, Calif., and sister-in-law, Frances Larsen of Royal, Iowa. Also surviving are her many special nieces and nephews.

Dugger Funeral Home, Belmond, 641-444-3248.
 

GREENE - A funeral mass for Helene M. Boller, 100, formerly of 204 E. South St., Greene, will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Greene, with the Rev. Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, with a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary service.

Visitation will continue Thursday, at the church one hour before her service.

Helene Miller was born March 24, 1907, in Maynard, Fayette County, a daughter of William F. and Ida (Brown) Miller and died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at Liebe Care Center in Greene.

Helene received her education in the Greene Public Schools graduating in 1924. She attended the University of Iowa where she majored in English. She graduated in 1928, taking her first teaching job in Galesburg, Ill.

On Oct. 4, 1930, Helene was united in marriage to Carlton F. "Doc" Boller in Chicago where they lived for two years before moving to Cedar Rapids. During World War II they relocated to Waterloo and in 1947 moved to their farm southwest of Greene. At that time Helene was a substitute teacher at the Mount Nebo School. She was hired to teach English at Greene High School in 1948 and later taught third grade at the elementary school.

For 20 years she experimented with new ideas bringing enthusiasm into the classroom. She allowed her students the freedom to think and was willing to listen to them. Throughout her career, her talents were evident as she directed the annual school plays. Helene felt very fortunate to have spent so many years in her teaching position.

In 1972, she retired and the couple began spending their winters in Mazatlan, Mexico. Their winter migration in their Air Stream trailer, which they parked right by the ocean, continued for almost 20 years.

Carlton died Feb. 8, 1985. Helene voluntarily gave up driving at the age of 95. On Jan. 9, 2006, she entered Liebe Care Center.

Family members include: Theodore (Ingrid) Boller of Greene, Robin Mikelson of Humboldt, Mary (Robert) Maxwell of Grafton, Mass.; six grandchildren: Clint Fishel of Humboldt, Alyson Fishel of Fort Dodge, Rochelle Ore of Parker, Colo., Rodney Freeseman of Des Moines, Michelle Boller of Tulsa, Okla., and Steven Boller of Greene; five great-grandchildren: Craig Fishel of Humboldt, Brett Fishel of Humboldt, Rachel Fishel of Humboldt, Brandon Ore of Parker Colo., Alex Ore of Parker, Colo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother: Max Miller in 1954.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457.
 

ST. ANSGAR - Stanley R. Brones, 94, of St. Ansgar, died on Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) at Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the United Methodist Church, St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Peter Chang officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar is in charge of arrangements, 641-713-4920.
 

LAKE MILLS - Tamara J. Diekhuis, 49, of Lake Mills, formerly of Mason City, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Arrangements are pending at Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills.

You can contact the family with online condolences at: www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com

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

ALGONA - Robert L. Flaig, 71, formerly of Duncan Heights and formerly of Algona, died Friday evening (Feb. 22, 2008) at Westview Care Center, Britt.

A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Algona, with Father Paul Eisele officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Bancroft.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, with a scripture prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com
 

MASON CITY - Ruth Geary, 81, of Mason City, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

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

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, 641-423-2372.

www.colonialchapels.com
 

IOWA CITY - Jim R. Grifhorst, 60, of 1314 Carroll St., died Thursday (Feb. 21, 2008) of cardiac complications at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, Iowa City, with the Rev. Mark Pries officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City, and after 1 p.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Jim was born April 28, 1947, in Mason City, the son of Richard and Wilma Brand Grifhorst. In 1970, Jim received his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Iowa. Jim married Linda Wilbur on Sept. 12, 1970, in Iowa City.

Jim was a data base analyst for the College of Business Administration at the University of Iowa.

Jim was a devoted father, grandfather and friend. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Jim was an Eagle Scout and avid Hawkeye fan. When his sons were growing up Jim was a soccer coach and Cub Scout leader. Jim volunteered at Big Brothers-Big Sisters and Shelter House. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his three sons, B.J. of Tempe, Ariz., Kevin (Heather) and their son, Carver, of Cross Plains, Wis., and David of Madison, Wis.; Linda Grifhorst and Mickie Wiegand; his mother, Wilma, of Britt; his brother, Paul, of Aurora, Ill.; his sister, Lois (Wendel) Harms, of Ankeny; and nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his father.

Lensing Funeral Home, Iowa City, 319-338-8171.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.
 

WESLEY - Eugene Hanig, 81, formerly of Wesley, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the Iowa Veteran's Home in Marshalltown.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Wesley, 515-679-4453. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com
 

MASON CITY - Naomi E. Decker Jensen, 98, of 4 Third St. N.W., died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and continue at the church one hour before the service. Memorials may be given to the Naomi Decker Jensen Memorial Fund.

Naomi was born on Feb. 20, 1910, in Mason City, the daughter of S.M. and L. Edith (Hutzell) Decker. She attended Mason City School through her junior year, then her family moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., where she graduated from high school in 1926. Naomi returned to Mason City and married Milton H. Decker in November 1928 in Minneapolis. Following his death in 1955, Naomi worked as a cashier at Park Hospital here in Mason City. She married Thor Jensen on Sept. 25, 1965, in Des Moines. Thor died in 2001.

Naomi was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sarah Circle, a charter member of 50-plus years with PEO Chapter KW and 50-plus years with Occidental Study Club. During World War II, she volunteered as a Gray Lady with the American Red Cross.

Naomi is survived by her son, Ralph (Janice) Decker of Mason City; son-in-law, Allan King of Ahwahnee, Calif.; grandchildren, Dawn (Jack) Skinner of Laramie, Wyo., Matt (Vicki) Decker of Safford, Ariz., Gay (Wade) Forrister of El Paso, Texas; granddaughter-in-law, Michal Decker of Edmond, Okla.; Blair King (Nancy Adams) of Lodi, Calif., Kerry (Cliff) Neufeld of Ahwahnee, Calif., and Tracee (Darrell) Pettee of Golden Valley, Ariz.; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Mel (Clarice) Decker of Paradise Valley, Ariz.; step-children, Christopher (Sue) Jensen of San Antonio, Texas, Joel (Marjorie) Jensen of St. Davids, Pa.; step-grandchildren, Tom (Elaine) Palmer of Des Moines, Mary (Bill) Block of St. Paul, Minn., Mark Jensen of Las Vegas, Nev., and Tim (Lorenza) Jensen of Italy; and eight great-step-grandchildren.

Naomi is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Milton H. Decker; second husband, Thor Jensen; daughter, Barbara King; sister, Juanita Parker; brother, Donald Decker; grandson, Guy Milton Decker; granddaughter, Dayna King; step-daughter, Kathryn Jensen and step-granddaughter, Kathryn Jensen.

Major Erickson Funeral Home.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Fern I. "Skippy" Miller, 74, of Hampton, formerly Clear Lake, died Tuesday (Feb. 19, 2008) at the Hampton Health Center in Hampton.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jeff Ungs officiating. Inurnment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Family suggests memorials to Fern I. Miller Memorial Fund.

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

MASON CITY - Donald Eugene Mullaney, 79, of Mason City, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

A memorial Mass will be held for Donald at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 Fifth Street, S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling officiating. Inurnment will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Columbarium, with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday with a scriptural wake service at 6 p.m. at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E., Mason City. Following the visitation cremation will take place.

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

www.colonialchapels.com
 

MASON CITY - Johanna Marie Van Houten, 95, of Mason City, died Wednesday (Feb. 20, 2008) at the IOOF Home in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City, with the Rev. Craig Steimel officiating. Inurnement will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Funeral Haome, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, 641-423-2372.

www.colonialchapels.com
 

BODE - Bertha M. Becker, 93, of rural Bode, died Sunday (Feb. 24, 2008) at the Algona Manor Care Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, 515-295-3731.

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.
 

WESLEY - Eugene G. Hanig, 80, of Wesley, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

Funeral services for Mr. Hanig will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley with Father Randy Schon presiding. Burial with military honors will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wesley.

Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Wesley, 515-679-4453.
 

CLARION - Muriel M Licklider, 87, of Clarion, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services for Muriel M. Licklider will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the Ewing Funeral Home with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Rowan.

Visitation for Muriel M. Licklider will be held one hour prior to the services at the Ewing Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street, in Clarion.

Ewing Funeral Home, Clarion, 515-532-2233.
 

FOREST CITY - Betty Lusson, 76, of Forest City, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete with Petersen Lund Funeral Home Forest City, 641-585-2685.

www.petersenlundfh.com.
 

MASON CITY - Donald Eugene Mullaney, 79, of Mason City, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

A memorial Mass will be held for Donald at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 27, 2008) at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 Fifth Street S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling officiating. Inurnment will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Columbarium, with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday with a Scriptural wake service at 6 p.m. at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E., Mason City. Following the visitation, cremation will take place.

Donald Eugene Mullaney was born on May 22, 1928, in Rockwell, the son of Victor and Josephine (Fitzgerald) Mullaney. He attended grade school Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rockwell and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Mason City. He was inducted into the U.S. Army and served overseas in the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. After his honorable discharge, Donald came back to the Mason City area and was united in marriage to Joan Gribben at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City.

In 1954, Donald began working for Carnation/Swiss Valley Company in Mason City, and worked for them for 30 years until his retirement in 1984. After his retirement, he worked for the Sidewinder in Mason City.

Donald enjoyed gardening, playing cribbage, was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, was voted Volunteer of the Year for many years at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City, and always enjoyed giving of himself to others. In 1974, Donald was named by Newsweek Magazine as "Mr. Fix It" and was noted for fixing many bikes and giving them to under privileged children in the area.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elks Club, and was a member of the Teamsters Union.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Patrick Mullaney and special friend, Shirlee Reeves, of Cabot, Ark., Joseph (Kim) Mullaney of LeGrand, Iowa, Christy (Scott) Engebretson of Thornton, Michelle (Brian) Loterbauer of Mason City, and Lisa Hegland and special friend, Dean Christianson, of Northwood; grandchildren, Kelly, Audrey, Alana, Stephanie, Mark, Katie, Kara, Cody, Drew, Jodee, Ty, and Kyle; great-grandchildren: Meg, Leah, Morgan, Parker and Blake; four sisters: Darlene (Robert) Linahon of Clear Lake, Marlys "Molly" Harklerode of Minnesota, Connie (Tom) Smith of Minnesota, Mary (Richard) Broome of Minnesota, a brother; Martin Mullaney of Minnesota; an aunt, Dorothy Ames of Mason City, as well as many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Leann Marie Jurgens; son, Mark Edward Mullaney; granddaughter, Amanda; brother-in-law, George Harklerode; and sister-in-law, Mary Mullaney.

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

www.colonialchapels.com.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Ethelyn L. Opel, 93, of Carlsbad, Calif., formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the San Diego Hospice of Glen Brook.

Services are pending at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, 641-357-2193.
 

WEBSTER CITY - Shirley Teigen, 71, of Webster City, died Sunday (Feb. 24, 2008) at Careage of Clarion in Clarion, Iowa.

Funeral arrangements are incompletewith Petersen Lund Funeral Home Forest City, 641-585-2685.

www.petersenlundfh.com.
 

IOWA FALLS - Dorothy R. Woodley, 96, of Iowa Falls, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2008) at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Funeral services for Dorothy R. Woodley will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the First Christian Church, Iowa Falls. Burial will be at the Dysart Cemetery, Dysart.

A time of visitation and fellowship will follow the services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church, 221 Fischer Avenue, Iowa Falls IA 50126.

The Linn's Funeral Homes, Iowa Falls Chapel, 641-648-2569, is in charge of arrangements.
 

 Posted by Gene Manning