Published Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Emmett Bannon

GREENE - Emmett A. Brannon, 85, of 2844 Kirkwood Drive, Greene, died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greene with Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. in Greene, with a 7 p.m. scriptural wake service, followed by a rosary. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapels, 888-823-REID.

Helen B. Davenport

MASON CITY - Helen B. Davenport, 90, of Mason City, died Monday (Jan. 21, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

A graveside service will be at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Hampton Cemetery in Hampton.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at First Christian Church, 318 N. Adams Ave. in Mason City, with Pastor Charles Aurand officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Memorials may be directed to the Helen Davenport Memorial Fund.

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

Dean C. Davis

GREENE - Dean C. Davis, 78, of 402 N. Main in Greene, died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene, with the Rev. Ashok Patet of the United Methodist Church of Greene officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Reid's Funeral Chapel in Greene, with a 7 p.m. Scripture service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.

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

Carl R. "Dick" Lundgren

CLEAR LAKE - Carl R. "Dick" Lundgren, 86, of Clear Lake, died Monday (Jan. 21, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Derik Yarian officiating. Interment will take place at the Clear Lake Cemetery with Military Honors by the Clear Lake VFW.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

Memorial are suggested to Hospice of North Iowa or Mercy Cancer Center.

Carl (Dick) was born on June 28, 1921, first born son of Carl G. and Olga E. (Fjone) Lundgren at Firesteel, S.D. Carl (Dick) was 6 years-old when his father died; he then lived part-time with his uncle and aunt, Knute and Hazel Fjone, in South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Firesteel, S.D.

He graduated from Timberlake, S.D., High School in 1938. He moved to Iowa to join his Uncle Knute Fjone in farming. He worked as a hired hand on various farms in the North Iowa area. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941-1944. He served with the military police and then as a medic (surgical technician). He was stationed in Japan at the time of atomic bomb attack. After discharge, he returned to Iowa and engaged in farming.

He married on July 2, 1948, to Dorothy M. Jass. Two sons were born to them, Kenneth Carl and Bill Richard. They farmed several years in the North Iowa area; he was employed at Ventura Farm Service and was employed as delivery person for Krieger's Floral (his favorite occupation). Upon retirement he then did child care for his grandson, Kyle. He enjoyed going to coffee with the guys and playing cards (favorite pastime) with family and friends.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; and son, Kenny (Randa) of Fertile, and their children, Todd (Ellen); Shelley (Stacey) Shipman, Holly (Larry) Green and Tyler; and son, Bill (Kim) of Ventura, and their son Kyle. He also is survived by five great-grandchildren, Zackery Lundgren; Kayla, Maggie, and Colton Shipman and Clay Byom; one brother, Arthur (Bud) and wife, Olive, of Everett, Wash.; sister, Anna Mae Johnson, of Ocean Shores, Wash.; sisters-in-law, Janette Jass, Mason City; Mildred (Raymond) Priem, of St. Ansgar; brother-in-law, Carl (Shirley) Jass, McCook, Neb.; niece, nephew and step-niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Uncle, Knute Fjone and wife, Hazel; parents-in-law, Emil and Jean Jass; and niece, Carla Stoll.

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

Published in the Globe Gazette from 1/22/2008 - 1/23/2008.

Rita J. Seely

MASON CITY - Rita J. Seely, 49, of 534 Eighth St. S.E., died Saturday (Jan. 19, 2008) at her home.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Ron McKee officiating.

Rita J. Seely was born Aug. 17, 1958, at Sheldon, Iowa, the daughter of William and Joanne (Asche) Puffer. She attended school at Britt and was a graduate of Britt High School and Hamilton Business College, Mason City.

She was united in marriage to Philip Charles Seely on Jan. 20, 2007, at Britt.

Rita lived in Buffalo Center for several years, working at Timely Mission Care Center. Presently, she was a computer operator at Curries Manufacturing in Mason City.

She was a member of Church of the Nazarene, Britt and the Elk's Lodge, Mason City.

Rita is survived by her husband, Philip Charles Seely of Mason City; her parents, Robert and Joanne Likely of Grand Junction, Colo.; a daughter, Sally (Jason) Cummins of Mobile Ala.; a grandson, Jason Cummins of Mobile Ala.; a sister, Sandy (Greg) Normich of Flushing, N.Y.; a brother, William "Bill" Puffer of Grand Junction, Colo.; a step-brother, Tom Likely, Grand Junction, Colo.; two step-sons, Philip (Tanya) Seely of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Michael Seely of Jacksonville, Fla.; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by, her father, William Puffer; a daughter, Mercy Rene Puffer; paternal grandparents, Rex and Jewell Puffer; and maternal grandparents, Joe and Ella Asche.

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

Harold P. Wolfe

CLEAR LAKE - Harold P. Wolfe, 65, 2400 S. Shore Drive in Clear Lake, died Sunday (Jan. 20, 2008) at his home.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Pilot Knob Lutheran Church, 2391 330th St. in Forest City, with the Rev. Robert Snitzer officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Harold was born Jan. 1, 1943, in Fertile, the son of Leslie and Ruth (Myhre) Wolfe. He graduated from Fertile High School in 1960. He served in the United States Army. Harold married Barbara Leaf in 1968 in South Dakota. They lived in Clear Lake. He was later divorced. He drove a truck for Winnebago Industries, the Clear Lake Bakery and Coca-Cola. He later worked for Dahlen Transport and FFM.

After his retirement from trucking, he started Superior Exterior's Landscaping with his son-in-law, Matt, until he retired for health reasons. He enjoyed water skiing, bowling, fishing, snowmobiles and classic cars. He was a member of the Teamsters Union.

Harold is survived by four children, Candis Wolfe of Clear Lake, Michelle Jurgensen and her husband, Matt, of Clear Lake, Kimberly Wood and her husband, Dan, of Sheffield, and Aaron Wolfe and his wife, Amanda, of Sioux City; nine grandchildren, Joshua, Lucas and Madelynn Jurgensen, Morgan, Aydan, Devan and Aaron Wood and Tyler and Alexa Wolfe; two sisters, Deanna Jordan and her husband, Raymond, of Fertile, and Linda Neuhring and her husband, Lowell, of Clear Lake; and one brother, Robert "Bob" Wolfe and his wife, Sandy; and many nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bernard Wolfe.

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

GREENE - Funeral services for Emmett A. Brannon, 85, of 2844 Kirkwood Ave., Greene, will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greene, with Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Greene.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Jan. 24, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. in Greene, with a scriptural wake at 7 p.m.

Emmett Aloysious Brannon was born Jan. 11, 1923, a son of Frank and Mary (Donovan) Brannon, and died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City of a brain hemorrhage.

He received his education at St. Williams School in Alta Vista. At the age of 13, he left school and started working for area farmers to earn his room and board. When Emmett was 18, he settled in the Roseville area and became a hired man for Matt Nixt.

He was united in marriage with Velma N. Gealow on Sept. 14, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City by Father Walter Brunkan. To this union five children were born. In July 1963, Mr. Nixt passed away and Emmett continued to farm the Nixt ground. In 1965 Emmett purchased a Nixt farm near Marble Rock and began his own farming operation. He continued as an agricultural producer while expanding his cattle, horse, and machinery sales. From his early childhood to recent years Emmett has maintained a passion for horses that was spurred by his father. His hobby was buying and selling Farmall tractors.

"EB," as he was affectionately called by auctioneers and friends, was dedicated to his family. Emmett was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished special moments spent with his grandchildren.

He was a proud Irishman and a faithful member of the Catholic Church.

His philosophy of farming leaned toward the old principles of agriculture, which he learned as a young boy. Emmett was up to date on grain prices, agricultural markets and was a shrewd business man. He will be remembered as one who enjoyed buying new pickups with "maximum" chrome appeal. Wherever there was an auction, "EB" was sure to be there.

Living family members include his loving wife of 50 years, Velma of Greene; five children: Michael (Nancy) Brannon of Parkersburg, Patricia (Dale) Mennenga of Clarksville, Jacqueline (Michael) Kramer of Shell Rock, Thomas (Amy Heitland) Brannon of Sheffield, and Phillip "PJ" Brannon of Greene; 11 grandchildren: Jason Brannon, Candice Brannon, Brittany Brannon, Krista Mennenga, Kayla Mennenga, Emily Mennenga, Jeffrey Kramer, Jocelyn Kramer, Michelle Kramer, Derek Heitland and Deven Heitland; three sisters: Madonna Rogge of Waterloo, Euphrasia (Ray) Cornwell of Ankeny, and Emogene Kohn of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn Marquette; three brothers: Francis Brannon, Virgil Brannon and James Brannon.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, 641-823-4457.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

ST. ANSGAR - Clarence Bruggeman, 95, of St. Ansgar, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar.

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

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

CLEAR LAKE - Sammie (Maybelle) Comer, 90, 20 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., and one hour preceding the service at the church.

Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church.

Sammie was born May 15, 1917, to Samuel and Anna (Otterness) Wilson in Houston, Minn., then after four years moved to Mabel, Minn. She graduated from Mabel High School in 1935, then went to Wisconsin Business College in La Crosse, Wis.

Sammie worked in the office of Advance Bedding Co., La Crosse, Wis., W.G. Woodward Co. in Paynesville, Minn., Montgomery Ward in St. Cloud, Minn., as manager of ladies ready to wear and eight years with a New York chain of dress shops "True Value Shops" in St. Cloud, Minn., with a transfer to La Crosse, Wis., Des Moines and manager of the Dubuque store.

On Nov. 9, 1947, she married Robert Comer of Dubuque in Spring Grove, Minn. They had two children, Bobbi and Kent. They lived there for 20 years, then transferred to Duluth, Minn., Cedar Rapids and Clear Lake. Sammie worked part time in different shops. Her last was Peacock Shops and Hanson's Dept. Store in Clear Lake.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Bobbi Bruns of Clear Lake; granddaughter, Robyn Davidson and her husband, David, and their children, Samantha and Toby of St. Louis, Mo., grandson, Paul Robert Bruns and his wife, Jamie, and their children Paul Christian, Isaac and Luke of Clear Lake; sister-in-law, Elsie Wilson of Loveland, Colo.; also nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Kent; her parents, Sam and Anna Wilson; brothers, Paul Wilson and Ozzie Wilson; sister, Margaret Wilson Raska; and brother-in-law, Adolph Raska; nephew, Ricky Raska; and niece, Jo Raska Kirchoff.

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

MASON CITY - Helen B. Davenport, 90, of Mason City, died Monday (Jan. 21, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

A graveside service will be at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Hampton Cemetery.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the First Christian Church, 318 N. Adams Ave., Mason City, with Pastor Charles Aurand officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Memorials may be directed to the Helen Davenport Memorial Fund.

Helen was born Jan. 16, 1918, in rural Geneva, the daughter of John Boyenga and Alberta (Rozevink) Boyenga. She graduated from Geneva High School.

She was married to Frank "Bud" Davenport on Nov. 12, 1941, in Kirksville, Mo. Helen taught rural school in Franklin County and worked in the communications field for the FAA during World War II. She later worked as a para professional for John Adams Junior High.

After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, genealogy, and collecting antiques. The true treasures in her life were her two granddaughters.

She was a member of the First Christian Church and Woman's Fellowship. She was also a past board member for the YWCA.

Helen is survived by her two daughters: Janice Landry and husband, John, of Evergreen, Colo., and Barb Brunsma and husband, Steven, of Greene; two granddaughters: Jordan Brunsma and Autumn Landry; three sisters: Evelyn McLaren and husband, Robert, of Dysart, Alice Wille and husband, Raymond, of Hampton, and Donna Menning, of Hampton. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1995; her parents; three brothers: Robert, Earl and Howard.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory. 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

OSAGE - Thomas Foth, 81, of Osage, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m.

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

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

Donald Paul Frankl

ALGONA - Donald Paul Frankl, 90, of McAllen, Texas, formerly of Algona, died Sunday (Jan. 20, 2008) at the Comfort House in McAllen, Texas.

A memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the St. Cecelia's Church in Algona with his nephew, Father Paul D. Bormann, officiating. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Algona, with military honors conducted by the Algona American Legion and VFW.

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

FOREST CITY - Gordon E. Hall, 88, of Forest City, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at his home.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City with Pastor Douglas Farrell officiating. Burial will be at Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. Saturday until time of services at the Calvary Baptist Church.

The family requests memorials be directed to Calvary Baptist Church Missionary Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.

Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 641-585-2685. www.petersenlundfh.com

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

BURT - Henrietta J. "Toots" Hoppus, 87, of Burt, died Monday (Jan. 21, 2008) at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Burt.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Burt with Pastor Robin Thomas officiating. Burial will be in the Burt Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Jan. 24, at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Bancroft.

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

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

CRESCO - Roger A. Lalk, 47, of Elma, died Sunday (Jan. 20, 2008) at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Conway Funeral Home.

Conway Funeral Home, 563-547-3501.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

CRESCO - Roger A. Lalk, 47, of Elma, died Sunday (Jan. 20, 2008) at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Conway Funeral Home.

Conway Funeral Home, 563-547-3501.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

THORNTON - Opal "Sis" Obrecht, 81, of Thornton, died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2008) at the Kavanagh House Hospice Unit in Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Richland Lutheran Church in Thornton with the Rev. Samuel Schmeling officiating. Family committal services will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery, Thornton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Thornton.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, 641-998-2311.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

The funeral service for Janice Mary Putman, 63, of Albert Lea, Minn., will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea with Father James Berning and Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.

Visitation will be one hour before the service on Saturday at the church.

Janice died on Sunday (Jan. 20, 2008) at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester after a difficult struggle with cancer.

She was born on Nov. 21, 1944, in Spirit Lake, the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Wirtz) Majerus.

On June 14, 1965, she married Alvin W. Putman in Spirit Lake.

Janice will be lovingly missed by her husband, Alvin; children, Meg Lee (Gerald Brady) of Clear Lake, LoriAnne Hanson (Doug) of Albert Lea, Angela Larson (Jim) of Albert Lea, and Alvin Putman Jr. (Dawn) of Albert Lea; 18 grandchildren: Jonathon Marquardt, Jeff Marquardt (Jaime), Alicia Peterson, Nicholas Lee, Shaina Peterson, Charlie Marquardt, Amber Lee, Ethan Marquardt, April Hanson, Ashley Lee, Tim Hanson, Kelsea Peterson, Tom Hanson, Jimmy Hanson, Spencer Larson, Zachary Larson, Sean Putman and Makayla Putman; great-grandchildren, Daniel, Bryce and new baby Caleb Michael Marquardt; two sisters: Joyce Howes (Bruce) of Twin Cities, JoAnn Stumpf (David) of Lakefield,; brother, Jerry Majerus, of Arizona; aunt Irene Wirtz and Uncle Clarence Majerus (Mina), many other relatives and also her precious dog, Penny.

Janice was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy and her parents.

Arrangements are with Bonnerup Funeral Service, 507-373-2461.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

MANLY - LaValle Tate, 85, Manly, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at the Manly Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St. in Manly.

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

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/24/2008.

ST. ANSGAR - Clarence Bruggeman, 95, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at Good Samaritan Care Center in St. Ansgar.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Clarence William Bruggeman was born Jan. 27, 1912, in Mitchell County. He attended grade school in Toeterville, and was confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church. On Feb. 26, 1938, he married Alvina LaVonne Adams. They farmed one mile east of Toeterville and then moved one mile north of Toeterville. In 1945 they purchased a farm two miles north of Toeterville and lived there until 1971, then built a home in St. Ansgar where Alvina still resides.

He became a resident at the Good Samaritan Care Center in St. Ansgar in April of 2007 and really enjoyed and appreciated the loving care he received.

Clarence was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, served as a Brotherhood president and was a church councilman and helped to build the new church in 1967.

He enjoyed farming, draft horses, tending his vegetable and flower gardens, fishing, family gatherings and especially being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He and Alvina spent many enjoyable hours making windmills and many other wood crafts.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, August and Lawrence.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Alvina; son, Eldon and wife, Anita; daughters, Lorraine Kofoot and husband, Leo, Donna Finstuen and husband, Paul; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

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

GREENE - A Celebration of Life service for Dean C. Davis, 78, of 402 N. Main St., Greene, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Greene. Pastor Ashok Patet of the United Methodist Church of Greene will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the Tack Barnett Post 268 American Legion of Greene.

Inurnment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene, at a later date.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, where there will be a public Scripture service at 7 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.

Dean Charles Davis was born Nov. 1, 1929, in Hampton, Franklin County, a son of Charles N. and Elizabeth Mae (Dickson) Davis, and died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

He received his education in the Hampton Public Schools, graduating in 1948, and later attended ISU at Ames where he majored in farm operations.

In July 1951, he became employed for the Corn Belt Power Cooperative Service as a diesel plant operator.

Dean was united in marriage with Virginia Shirley Goodsell at the Methodist Church in Hampton. On May 15, 1953, he was inducted into the United States Army, serving with the 8178 Transport Army Aviation Maintenance Co. During this time he was an airframe mechanic working on helicopters. He served one year overseas.

Following his honorable discharge on May 3, 1955, he was employed by Zellerbach Paper Co. in East Los Angeles. In October of that year he returned to Iowa where he worked for Rath for a short time. The following spring, Dean and his family moved to their farm south of Greene where they remained until March 1, 1996, when they moved into town.

Following retirement Dean began woodworking, making all seasonal, outdoor ornaments. He cherished his time with Virginia and the grandchildren. Special memories were made at their trailer north of Greene and also at their home, both located on the beautiful Shell Rock River. Their family gatherings with friends on its river banks were important to him.

He also enjoyed going for coffee and late afternoon drives. Dean was very family orientated and his grandchildren were a "Big Deal."

Dean will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Virginia of Greene; his children, Brad (Renee) Davis of Ventura, Byron (Jane) Davis of Denver, DaMaris (Kelvin) Menken of Greene; four grandchildren: Shane Davis of Chicago, Shawn (Lindsay) Davis of Garner, Shari (Wade) Robertson of Sumner and Lindsay (Clark) Morgan of Eagle Grove; two great-grandchildren: Mack Morgan of Eagle Grove and Savannah Davis of Garner and another Morgan on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry Davis of Wheat Ridge, Colo., and a special sister, Sandra Olson of Columbia, S.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters in infancy.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Dean C. Davis Memorial Fund in care of the family, to be designated for various charities.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, 888-823-REID.
 

OSAGE - Thomas W. Foth, 81, of Osage, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Tom was born Nov. 11, 1926, in Bancroft, Iowa, the son of Tony and Adelaide (Becker) Foth. Tom graduated from St. John's High School in Bancroft in 1944. He served in the United States Army Air Corps in Germany during World War II.

After his military service he attended the University of Iowa where he graduated with a business degree. Tom met Darlene Rae Fox on a blind date arranged by mutual friends.

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 1947, they were united in marriage at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Tom made his living in the plumbing and heating business in Osage until his retirement in 1990. In his lifetime, Tom served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Sunny Brae Golf and Country Club. He was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.

Tom's passion was golf. He loved the challenge of playing various courses with his golfing buddies.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage with military honors at the grave by Osage American Legion Post 278.

Visitation is from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m.

Tom will be greatly missed by his family. His nine children are: Christine Betts and her husband, Ron, of Osage, Russell Foth and his wife, Julie, of Cedar Falls, Marge Markham and her husband, Richard, of Osage, Michael Foth and his wife, Lisa, of Hawaii, Frederick Foth of Osage, Lawrence Foth and his wife, Julie, of Osage, Ginger Thompson and her husband, Dennis, of Osage, Jane Foth of Osage, and Anthony Foth and his wife, Audra, of Minneapolis; 23 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Helen Lynch of Coralville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; his parents; and one brother, Robert Foth.

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

THORNTON - Mary Ellen Groh, 82, of Thornton, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Thornton.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, 641-998-2311.
 

FOREST CITY - Gordon E. Hall, 88, of Forest City, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Jan. 23, 2008.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City with Pastor Douglas Farrell officiating. Burial will be at Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until time of services Saturday at the Calvary Baptist Church.

The family requests memorials be directed to Calvary Baptist Church Missionary Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.

Gordon Elvon Hall was born in Jewell on Feb. 26, 1919, the fourth of Ben and Julia Hall's six children. He attended kindergarten in a country school and elementary school at Hanlontown Public School. He graduated from Forest City High School, sixth in a class of more than 60. He then drove a cream route in Mt. Valley and Ellington Townships for five years before buying a farm ten miles west of Forest City.

On Dec. 24, 1942, he married Marjorie Hobbs at Calvary Baptist Church. Gordon served his community in various capacities: director of Linden No. 9 School Board, on the Forest City Creamery Board, Winnebago Soil Conservation Board, Farm Bureau and the Ambulance Service.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed travel, especially on his trips to new places delivering motor homes. After retiring from the farm in 1984, at age 68, he took EMT-D classes and served as an EMT volunteer. This prepared him for 13 years driving ambulance.

He and his wife were caretakers of the Madison Township Cemetery from 1997 to 2006. He had faithfully served his Lord through Calvary Baptist Church including many years as chairman of the Deacon Board, head usher, and Sunday School teacher for the youth and adult classes. Gordon's goal in life was to faithfully love and serve his Lord and Savior and be obedient to His Word.

He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Gaylen; his parents, Ben and Julia Hall; four brothers, Elmer, Melvin, Bueford and Ben Hall; and one great-grandchild, Elijah Hall.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Marjorie Hall; and three appreciative children: Kathleen K. Bragg and husband, Dennis, of Newport News, Va., Gregory G. Hall and wife, Janet, of Garner, and Brett M. Hall and wife, Jamie, of Indianapolis, Ind. Seven grandchildren are Kim Lunsford (Jeff), Tyler Bragg (Debra), Shane (Chellie) and Ryan (Cristen) Hall, and Blake, Tasha and Landon Hall. Nine great-grandchildren are: Campbell Lunsford, Gabrielle, Isabelle, Joelle and Zachary Bragg, Madison and Isaac Hall, Tyler Doss and Cody Hall. Also surviving are his sisters, Doris (LeRoy) Thompson of Leland and Sylvia (Paul) Kuns of Clear Lake.

Arrangements are with the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City; 641-585-2685; www.petersenlundfh.com.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/25/2008.

IOWA FALLS - Clara Nelson, 88, of Iowa Falls died Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2008) at the Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Terra Amundson officiating. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

A time of visitation will be one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Falls Senior Citizen Center, 408 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

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

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/25/2008.

THORNTON - Opal Mae (Sis) Obrecht of Thornton passed away Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2008) at the Kavanaugh Hospice House on 56th Street in Des Moines, at the age of 81, of heart disease.

Opal was a former resident of Thornton, wintering in Alamo, Texas. Opal moved to Courtyard Estates, an assisted-living facility in Bondurant, in November of 2007.

Opal was the fifth child of 11 children born to Chris and Pearl Nielsen. Opal was born on Feb. 25, 1926. She graduated from the Thornton Consolidated Schools in 1942. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at St. Paul's American Lutheran Church. In 1943, she married Thayne Obrecht and they later celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

To this union seven children were born: Audrene Hansen of Des Moines, Maureen (Jerry) Modderman of Altoona, Jacqualine (Gary) Dirks of Onalaska, Wis., Martha Statlander of Thornton, Mary (Paul) Schlichting of Thornton, Colleen Obrecht of Des Moines and Jeffrey (Becky) Obrecht of Bondurant. Grandchildren include Allen (Angie) and Sonja Hansen; Todd Modderman; Tammy (Brian) Johnson; Jason (LeAnn), Christopher (Jamie) and Joshua (Heather) Dirks; Torey (Gwen) Statlander; Melissa (Bob) Decker; Travis (Sarah) Statlander; Brian (Cathy), Bruce (Marla) Schlichting; Buffy (Dustin) Tschampel; Ashlee (Adam) Wilson; Mark (Lisa) Obrecht; and Shawna (Kirk) Beaubien. Great-grandchildren include Ryan and Natalie Hansen; Cameron and Abbie Johnson; Jacob, Cody and Brennan Dirks; Madeline and Owen Statlander; Ellie, Casey, Noah and Thayne Decker; Tanya and Eli, Taylor and Teryn Schlichting; Brett and Brandon Bloemendaal; Tyler, Teegan and Sydney Tschampel; and Jase Beaubien.

Other survivors include her sisters: Ruby Easley of Mason City, Mavis (Rod) Jensen of Cedar Falls, Joy Bulow of St. Ansgar and Marlene Sheriff of Rockwell; her brothers: Franklin (Anne) of Thornton and Leo (Betty) of Sedgewickville, Mo.; her sisters-in-law: Betty Nielsen of Lake Geneva, Wis., Lorraine Webber of St. Joseph, Mich., and Vivian (Joe) Hanawalt of Meservey; and brother-in-law, Roger Obrecht of Mason City. She also had many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chris and Pearl Nielsen; brothers Gene, Ivan, Dale and Donald, and in 1993 by her husband, Thayne.

Through the years, Opal was active in the Richland Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid, Sunday school, vacation Bible school, Iowa Holstein Association, Garden Club, Franklin County Democratic Party, North Iowa Twins Club and Wigwam Campers. She was a 4-H leader and volunteered at the Opportunity Village at Clear Lake. Opal and her late husband, Thayne, operated a successful Holstein dairy farm and enjoyed showing their cattle.

She enjoyed attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren. Opal also loved to attend draft horse shows and she worked for Mid-Iowa Auction. Opal was an avid cook and baker and was "world famous" for her sticky cinnamon rolls that were enjoyed by all. Her home was always open to all who wanted to stay, with a multitude of friends and relatives staying over the years.

While wintering in Texas she loved singing, dancing, going to garage sales and playing cards and shuffleboard. She scheduled and organized jam sessions, with musicians from across the Valley attending each week to sing and play various instruments.

Condolences can be sent to the family in care of Jeff Obrecht at 10565 N.E. 80th St. Bondurant, IA 50035.

Memorials in honor of Opal may be given to the following: Kavanaugh Hospice House, 900 56th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312; Richland Lutheran Church, Thornton, IA; Bethany College, 700 Luther Drive, Mankato, MN 56001; Thornton EMT's, City Hall, Thornton, IA 50479; or Courtyard Estates, 601 Hawthorne Crossing SE, Bondurant, IA 50035.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at the Richland Lutheran Church at 300 Elm St. Thornton, IA 50479, 641-998-2642. Burial will follow the memorial service at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Thornton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, at the Retz Grarup Funeral Home at 107 N. Second St., Thornton.

Retz Grarup Funeral Home, 641-998-2311.

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/25/2008.

MANLY - LaValle Nathaniel Tate, 85, of Manly, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at the Manly Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, with the Rev. Fredrick Gillespie of the Bethel Baptist Church in Manly officiating. Burial will be in the Manly cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Edward Tosel American Legion Post No. 110 of Manly.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the chapel and one hour prior to services on Saturday.

The family of LaValle Tate has requested that memorial contributions be made in his memory.

LaValle Nathaniel Tate was born on April 2, 1922, in Manly, the son of Admiral Dewey and Pinkie (Green) Tate. He attended school in Manly, graduating from the Manly High School in 1939. During his high school years, LaValle was a starting running back for the Rail Roaders Football team in Manly. LaValle attended Hampton University in Hampton, Va. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Oct. 10, 1944, at Fort Snelling, Minn., and was honorably discharged on Dec. 1, 1946, after serving overseas in the Philippines during World War II. After his honorable discharge he continued his education at the Hampton University, graduating in 1947. After completing his education he moved back to Manly and owned and operated Tate Electric until his retirement in 1988.

He was united in marriage to Charleen Jackson. She preceded him in death in 1995.

He enjoyed watching Iowa football and wrestling, was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan, enjoyed playing a card game called 31, tinkering around the house, watching his son, David, racing cars, and visiting his grandchildren.

He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Manly and the Edward Tosel American Legion Post No. 110 in Manly.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, David Tate of Manly, Rachel Tate of Des Moines, Jeff (Nikki) Tate of Mason City, Laura Tate-Thagard and her husband, Rowland, of Jacksonville, Fla., Sherie Thompson of Wrightstown, N.J., Cheri Hakenson and Vicki Compton, both of Mason City, 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister; Jeanette Crawford of Woodbridge, Va., as well as many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charleen; three sisters, Olivia Darrow, Wilma Searcy and Ann Duff; and two brothers, Dewey and Herman Tate.

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

Published in the Globe Gazette on 1/25/2008.

                            Posted by Gene Manning