GARNER - Larry M. Dietrich, 73, of Garner, died Friday (March 14, 2008) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner with the Rev. Dale Glawatz officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. today at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Larry Maynard Dietrich, the son of Max and Bertha (Bohn) Dietrich, was born in April 10, 1934, at Ventura. He was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church east of Garner and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura.

Larry graduated from Ventura High School in 1953. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 as a sergeant in the Seventh Engineering Battalion, First Marine Division.

On October 5, 1963, he married Beverly Nelson at Frazee, Minnesota.

Larry worked for Equitable of Iowa, Groves Kelco of Minneapolis, Minn., and operated the Copper Kettle in Perham, Minn., and the Dent Bakery and Coffee Shop in Dent, Minn., before moving to Garner in 1972. He then operated the Garner Bakery, the Forest City Donut Shop and later the Garner Locker. Larry also operated the Garner Golf and Country Club for two years.

During his retirement, he delivered Winnebago motor homes to mainly California and Texas. He enjoyed golfing, traveling and cooking.

He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a lifetime member of the Garner V.F.W. Post 5515.

Larry is survived by his wife of 43 years, Beverly, of Garner; four children, Laurie (Kevin) Raway of Cannon Falls, Minn., Larry (Liz) Dietrich of Leon, Timothy (fianc�e, Katrina) of Kanawha and Jim (special friend, Anne) of Ankeny; seven grandchildren, Andrew and Christopher White, Nick and Kendra Raway, Isabella Dietrich and Nevaeh and Max Dietrich; a brother, Dennis (Linda) Dietrich of Richmond, Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Bonnie (Frank) Marquard.

Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-923-2841.

www.cataldofuneralhome.com
 

MASON CITY - John W. Howell, 68, a resident of the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, and formerly of the Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

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.
 

MASON CITY- Dallas L. Johnson, 83, of Mason City, died Thursday (March 13, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17 at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Military honors performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

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

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Dallas was born on July 17, 1924, in Latimer, the son of John and Altina (Sporaa) Johnson. He attended school in Alexander and graduated from there in 1942. He enlisted in the Army in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1946.

He was married in 1945 to Merle Shaffer in Mason City. They lived in Mason City for their entire lives. He worked as a delivery driver for Mayflower Furniture for fifteen years, before going to work for Mason City Building Supply, driving the delivery truck until his retirement in 1989.

Dallas enjoyed working with wood and tinkering with anything that needed fixed. He enjoyed traveling to visit his family and he cherished the time he spent with them. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Dallas loved dancing with his wife, he also liked the time he spent chatting with friends.

He was a member of the V.F.W. in Mason City and the Moose Lodge. He was a long- time member of the First United Methodist Church and also a former member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Mason City.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Merle of Mason City; children, Judy Appleby and husband Charlie of Shawnee, Kan., Mike Johnson and wife Gussella of Clear Lake, Kathy Meidlinger and husband Joe of Coralville; grandchildren, Shannon, Shawn, Summer, Stacey, Sarah, Hesper, and Merlita; great-grandchildren, Tanner, Trevor, Gabriel, Molly, Nathaniel, Sydney, Dyllan, Lylian, Jordan, Tyler, Mia, and Zander.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Altina Johnson; brothers, C.K. Johnson, John Johnson Jr., Lavern Johnson, Melvin Johnson, twin brother, Duaine Johnson; sisters, Altina Schmeling and Jenny Long.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

MASON CITY- Clayton E. "Bud" Knoll, 97, a resident of the Good Shepherd Health Center and formerly of Cornerstone Assisted Living and 2001 S. Madison Ave. in Mason City, and rural Kanawha, died Friday (March 14, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church, 340 20th St. S.W. in Mason City with the Rev. Jack Vanden Heuvel and Rev. Maury DeYoung officiating. Interment will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 17. The visitation will continue on Tuesday at the church, one hour prior to Bud's service.

Those wishing to extend a memorial may direct them to the Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church.

Clayton Earl Knoll was born on October 20, 1910, at home on the family farm near Kanawha. He was the second of three sons born to his parents Ethel Luella (Wagoner) and Arthur Robert Richard Knoll.

"Bud," as he was lovingly known to his family and friends, was baptized and confirmed at the Christian Reformed Church in Kanawha and educated in the rural Amsterdam Township School, Hancock County.

Bud's love of the outdoors was evident throughout his entire life. He chose to continue his father's legacy as a grain and livestock farmer and even in his later years, still maintained his agriculture interests by reading and listening to the daily markets.

On March 30, 1933, at the Lutheran Parsonage in Clear Lake, Bud was united in marriage to Gertrude Frances Cooper. Their union was blessed with the births of a daughter, Janice and a son, Jerry.

Bud and Gertrude would have celebrated their 75th anniversary at the end of this month.

Bud's greatest priorities and pride were his family, home and church! He was a member of the Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church in Mason City and a former member of the Farm Bureau in Hancock County. Bud served on the planning board when building the new Christian Church in Kanawha numerous years ago.

In 1971, Bud and Gertrude retired from the farm and moved to Mason City. Shortly thereafter, Bud decided to accept a perfect part-time position for himself at "Big Bear," where he could continue meeting, assisting and conversing with area farm customers.

In his leisure time, Bud enjoyed taking short trips with Gertrude to visit family and friends and later, traveling on various bus tours. He was also fond of bird watching, collecting agriculture memorabilia such as hats, pens and belt buckles, playing Aggravation, Skip Bo and 500, and maintaining interests in the happenings in the lives of his children and their families and attending family gatherings.

In his earlier years, Bud loved to go fishing, especially if the fish were biting at Crystal Lake, Big Blue or Beed's Lake. On sale days, Bud assisted a local auctioneer in Clear Lake as a "call man." He remained connected to his love of livestock as a custom trucker for area farmers and the Belmond and Kanawha sale barns.

Those left to cherish Bud's memory include his wife, Gertrude Knoll of Mason City; his daughter, Janice Sowers of Cresco; his son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Barb Knoll of Mason City; his six grandchildren, Kay (Larry) Core of Springfield, Va., Brian Sowers of Marshalltown, Ryan (Molly) Knoll of Mason City, Angie (Todd) Gilbert of Clear Lake, Arlene Wright of Waterloo and Dee Ann (Rick) Sovereign of Cresco; his thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Preceding Bud in death are his parents, Arthur and Ethel Knoll; his brother and sister-in-law, Dewayne and Annie Knoll; an infant brother; his son-in-law, Darrell Sowers; his granddaughter, Sara Knoll; his great-grandson, Dylan Sowers and his grand son-in-law, Bob Wright.

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

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

www.fullertonfh.com
 

CHARLES CITY - Luvern Kolbet, 90, of Belmond, formerly of Charles City, died Thursday (March 13, 2008) at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

A funeral Mass for Luvern Kolbet will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. The Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Roseville. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit and gun salute by Alta Vista Post 4069.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 3 until 6 p.m. today where there will be a Scriptural Wake Service at 5 p.m. followed by the reciting of the Rosary.

Luvern Charles Kolbet was born on December 7, 1917, at Alta Vista, the son of John and Caroline (Glaser) Kolbet. He received his education at Alta Vista. Luvern proudly served in the United States Army during World War II.

On May 1, 1946, he was united in marriage to Virginia Nixt at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Roseville. They farmed all their lives in the Alta Vista and Marble Rock areas, retiring to Charles City in 1994. Virginia died on March 28, 2004.

Luvern was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Farm Bureau and Catholic Order of Foresters. Other memberships included the V.F.W. at Alta Vista and the American Legion at Marble Rock.

His interests included watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, telling stories, and playing various games. Luvern's family, especially his grandchildren, were very special to him and they will always carry with them the memories of their times together.

Living family members include seven children, Paula Kolbet of Sioux City, Steven Kolbet (and special friend Carolyn Hedland) of Marble Rock, Charles (Gloria) Kolbet of Manchester, Marlene (Daniel) Greeny of Allen, Neb., Nancy (Michael) Hogle of Manteca, Calif., Karen (Michael) Newman of Clarion and Kimberly (Brian) Mason of Belmond; 13 grandchildren, Rae Ann Kolbet, Matthew (Theresa) Kolbet, Maranda (Andrew) Brock, MacKenzie (Mystique) Kolbet, Mason (Ashlie) Kolbet, Weston and Callie Hogle, Laurel, Alisa and Hillary Newman, Lindsey and Madelyn Mason and Shayla Cole; five great-grandchildren, Keegan, Kinley, Kennedy and Kirstyn Kolbet, and Alexis Kolbet; a brother, Leo (Millie) Kolbet of Elma; and two sisters, Lois (Jack) McAvoy of Elma and Lola (Bill) Boss of Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a great grandson, Elijah Brock in September of 2007; three brothers, Leonard, Louis and Linus Kolbet; and a sister, Luella Phippen.

The Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St., Charles City is in charge of arrangements.

The Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323.

www.hauserfh.com
 

MASON CITY - Robert J. Kornhauser, 80, of 1453 Birch Drive, died Friday (March, 14, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Episcopal Church 120 First St. N.E. with the Rev. Wendy Abrahamson officiating. Inurnment will take place in St. John's Episcopal Church Columbarium.

The family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Kornhauser home, 1453 Birch Drive.

Masonic services will take place at 7 p.m., followed by Eastern Star services at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania.

Major Erickson Funeral Home, 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

EMMONS, Minn. - Lucille E. Opdahl, 88, of Emmons, Minn., died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 641-592-0221.

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.
 

LAKE MILLS - Margery L. Schmidthuber, 86, of Lake Mills, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills with the Rev. W. Paul Weeg officiating. Burial will take place in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Lake Mills.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 17, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 641-592-0221.

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com
 

MASON CITY - Bernice "Beets" Trizulny, 77, of 3325 Brandywine Road, Mason City, died suddenly on Thursday (March 13, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 17, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Ave., in Mason City, with Pastor Steve Hansen officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. in Mason City.

Memorials can be made to the Arthritis Foundation of Iowa.

Beets Trizulny was born on July 4, 1930, in Mason City, a daughter of Peter and Josephine (Paulson) Mondahl. She graduated from Mason City High School. She married William Trizulny on April 9, 1949, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Beets worked as a bookkeeper at Metalcraft Industries for 33 years and retired in 1999. She will be remembered by many for her optimism, spunk, thoughtfulness and love.

Her hobbies included shopping (then returning), decorating and spoiling her grandchildren. She loved to go camping, eat pizza, attend her Friday night get-togethers and Friday happy hour.

She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and vice president of Eastbrooke Condominiums.

Bernice is survived by her husband, William, of Mason City; children, Linda (Mike) Taylor of Des Moines, Richard Trizulny of Albuquerque, N.M., Terry (Vinnie) Saitta of Albuquerque, N.M., and Dan (Kris) Trizulny of Plymouth, Minn.; her seven grandchildren, Nicole Taylor, Carina (Don) Brunton, Andria Trizulny, Andrew Trizulny, Kaitlin Trizulny and Lindsey and Alyssa Danielson; her brothers, Norman (Millie) Mondahl of Harrison, Ark., and Jerry (Vel) Mondahl of Mason City; and her sister, Arlene Johnson of Manly; many nieces and nephews, and many good friends, including Jack and Jane Balkenende of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Robbie Trizulny; brother, Gilman Mondahl; and sister, Pearl (Bud) Harris.

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

www.colonialchapels.com
 

HAMPTON- Cleone Witte, 67, of Hampton, died Friday at her home in Hampton.

Funeral services are pending at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

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

WOODBURY, Minn. - Bonna Christensen, 92 of Woodbury, Minn., formerly of Mason City, Iowa, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Woodbury Healthcare Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Major Erickson Funeral Home.

Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
 

HAMPTON - Marjorie L. Haddon, 88, of Hampton died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Franklin County Hospital.

Services are pending with Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels.

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

www.colonialchapels.com.
 

KLEMME - Fonda Heifner, 68, of Klemme, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Mercy Medical Center- North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond.

Dugger Funeral Homes, 641-444-3248.
 

GREENE - Patsy Hoodjer, 60, of 735 N. Second St., Greene, died Sunday (March 16, 2008) at her home in Greene.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene. Burial will be at 1 p.m. in the Linwood Cemetery in Clarksville.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, where there will be a public Scripture service at 7 p.m.

Visitation will continue Thursday at the church one hour before services.

Reid's Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457.
 

MASON CITY - John W. Howell, 68, of Mason City died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., in Mason City with he Rev. Thomas W. Healey officiating. Cremation has taken place in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to John's service Wednesday at the funeral home in Mason City.

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

MASON CITY - Robert J. Kornhauser, 80, of 1453 Birch Drive, died Friday (March, 14, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Episcopal Church, 120 First St. N.E., with the Rev. Wendy Abrahamson officiating. Inurnment will take place in St. John's Episcopal Church Columbarium.

The family will greet friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Kornhauser home, 1453 Birch Drive.

Masonic services will take place at 7 p.m. followed by Eastern Star services at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa, St. John's Episcopal Church or Benevolence Masonic Lodge.

Bob was born on December 3, 1927, in Des Moines, Iowa the son of Harold and Margaret Irene (Welsh) Kornhauser.

He graduated from Des Moines North High School then attended American Institute of Business, AIB, for two years.

Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as well as the Naval Reserve for several years.

Bob married Elinor Tucker on November 4, 1950, in Des Moines. They moved to Mason City in 1957.

Bob worked as a department buyer for Damon's Department Store for many years. In 1980, he went to work for the City of Mason City, where he drove a city bus.

Bob was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church. He was a member of Benevolence Masonic Lodge No. 145 A.F. & A.M. since December 8, 1958, North Iowa Shrine Club, Za-Ga-Zig Temple and was past most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council Royal & Select Masters of Iowa.

Bob was currently serving as Right Illustrious Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council Cryptic Masons of Minnesota, a charter member and Past Sovereign Master of T.S. Parvin Council No. 290 A.M.D., a member and Past Sovereign Master of Charlie Stroebel Council No. 247 A.M.D., and a life member of Austin Council No. 7 Cryptic Masons.

He was also a member and Past Worthy Chief of Minnesota Council No. 79 Universal Craftsman Council of Engineers, a member and Past Excellent Chief of Minnesota Council No. 34 Knight Masons and a member and Past Excellent Chief of Kilpeck Council No. 64 Knight Masons.

Bob was a dual member of Unity Chapter No. 58 and South Gate Chapter No. 547, Order of the Eastern Star. He served as Worthy Patron of Eastern Star a number of times including in 1998 with wife, Elinor, who was Worthy Matron, and in 2003 with daughter, Lisa, who was Worthy Matron.

He also served on the Rainbow Advisory Board in Mason City, was District Rainbow Dad for the Mason City Assembly No. 45 International Order of Rainbow for Girls in Iowa and Minnesota and was Chairman of the Grace B. Sprecher Educational Loan Foundation. Bob was also a former member of White Shrine in Mason City.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth I. "Lisa" Kornhauser of Des Moines; sister-in-law, Carolyn T. Reighley and husband Fenton J. "Jim" of Boones Mill, Va.; nephews, Kurt B. Reighley of Seattle, Wash. and Todd A. Reighley of Roanoke, Virginia.

Bob is preceded in death by is parents and wife, Elinor.

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

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
 

NORA SPRINGS - Carl D. Nelson, 69, of 1104 165th St., Nora Springs, died Saturday (March 8, 2008) at the St. Joseph's Hospital, Tucson, Arizona.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Grace United Methodist Church, Mason City with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Interment will be in the Rock Grove Cemetery, rural Nora Springs.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, and then one hour before the service on Wednesday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to Albany Research Institute Inc., 113 Holland Ave., New York, NY 12208, in care of Ataxia Research or Stain Glass Windows at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.W., Mason City, IA 50401.

Carl was born on Sept. 26, 1938, in Havelock, Iowa, the son of Charles L. and Della H. (Ekborg) Nelson.

Carl graduated from Mason City High School in 1956. He married Leah R. Orthel on May 22, 1965 at the United Methodist Church, Buffalo Center.

Following high school he worked at the Sugar Beet Plant, Gibbs-Cook and then Lehigh Cement Plant as an electrician, retiring in 1990.

Carl enjoyed working on cars, tractors, motorcycles and had a special appreciation for both classic tractors and cars.

He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing jokes on his family and friends and sharing this talent with his grandchildren.

He also had an obsession for chocolate and was always the first and last to enjoy these special treats.

Carl loved living in the country, allowing him to fully experience his love for animals, where he spent hours with his best friend, his dog Baxter.

He enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season.

He is survived by his wife Leah R. Nelson, Nora Springs; two children, Charles Nelson and his wife Crystal, Mason City, and Julie Paul and her husband Andrew, Tucson, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Alex Nelson, Cheyenne Nelson, Leo Nelson, Zachary Paul, Savannah Paul and Carson Paul; and a special cousin, Delores Hoien of Armstrong.

As an only child, Carl adopted the Orthel family as his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

www.colonialchapels.com.
 

EMMONS, Minn. - Lucille E. Opdahl, 88, of Emmons, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Thursday, March 20, at Emmons Lutheran Church in Emmons, Minn., with Pastor Julie Fiske officiating. Burial will be in Lime Creek (Stateline) Cemetery, rural Emmons.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, Iowa, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 641-592-0221.

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.
 

LONE ROCK - Arthur O. Person, 82, of Lone Rock, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Algona Manor Care Center, Algona.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Presbyterian Church in Lone Rock with the Rev. Doug House officiating. Burial will be in Burt Township Cemetery, Burt.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. today at the Lone Rock Presbyterian Church and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Other arrangements are incomplete at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral, Bancroft, 515-885-2521.

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.
 

CHARLES CITY - Janice G. Ward, 79, of Charles City, died Sunday (March 16, 2008) at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

A private family memorial service for Janice Ward will be held at a later date.

The Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City is in charge of arrangements.

The Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323.

www.hauserfh.com.
 

CEDAR RAPIDS -Dorothy Virginia Shunkwiler Young Berry, 80, of Northbrook Manor Care Center, Cedar Rapids, formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (March 13, 2008) following a long illness.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 18, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids,with the Rev. Linda Hansen Bibb, officiating. Burial will be in Troy Mills Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday, March 17 at the Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.

A memorial fund has been established in Dorothy's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Dorothy at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
 

SHEFFIELD - David Blum, 55, of Sheffield, died Sunday (March 16, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

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

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, 641-892-4241.
 

MASON CITY - Ann Crowell, 94, who was residing at the Good Shepherd Health Center, passed away Thursday (March 13, 2008). She had been in failing health for several years since moving to Mason City to be near her daughter, Jill (Crowell) Thoreson, wife of Dr. J.D. Thoreson.

Upon her wishes, she was cremated and the burial will be in Galesburg, Ill., beside her husband. Graveside service will be held in the spring.

Memorials should be sent to the American Cancer Society or the March of Dimes.

Ann was born Mable Anne Bertha Blank in Edgerton, Wis., on July 2, 1913, to August W. Blank and Rose Mary (Maas) Blank. She grew up in Edgerton with her four sisters (Dorothea, Lucille, "Kelly," and Henrietta) and three brothers (George, William, and "Wally") all of whom preceded her in death.

She excelled in school and entered nurses training in Madison, Wisconsin. She graduated from Madison General Hospital in 1935 with her nursing degree. It was during her training at Madison General Hospital that she first met Edwin A. Crowell, Jr., who was to become her husband of 52 years. He was in training at Iowa City and doing an externship in general surgery at Madison General Hospital. They were married on February 7, 1937.

Subsequently, she moved to Iowa City where their son, Edwin A. Crowell, III, was born at University Hospitals on October 9, 1941.

After completion of his surgical training, Edwin joined the Army Air Corps. Their daughter, Mary Jill Crowell was born on July 27, 1945, at Fort George Wright in Spokane, Washington.

When the War ended, they moved to Galesburg, Ill., to join the practice of Dr. Frederick Hambrecht, where Edwin practiced for 39 years.

Ann was a member or P.E.O., AN Chapter, The Cottage Hospital Auxiliary, and the First United Methodist Church, Galesburg while she lived in their home.

Jill married Dr. J.D. Thoreson of Postville in 1967 and raised four children (Kirk, Erika, Todd and Lisa) in Mason City.

Eddie married Mary Jean McLaury of Nevada, Iowa, in 1968 and raised three children (Michelle, Heather and Thomas).

All survived Ann's passing. Also surviving her were seven great-grand children, Mary and Bradley Langan, Ethan and Lillian Coburn, Britany and Courtney Koenig, and Alexandra Thoreson.

One great-grand child, Gavin Michael Coburn, died shortly after birth. His heart was transplanted into another infant who continues to be in good health following the transplant.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
 

BUFFALO CENTER - Velma Eisenhauer, 83, of Buffalo Center, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Ron Wheeler, officiating. Burial will be at Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

The visitation will be from noon until time of services on Thursday at the church.

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

Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 641-562-2858.

www.winterfuneralhome.com.
 

KLEMME - Fonda Heifner, 68, of Klemme, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Britt Evangelical Free Church in Britt, with Pastor Pat Kennedy officiating. Burial will be at 1:15 p.m. in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond and continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Dugger Funeral Home, 641-444-3248.
 

GREENE - Funeral services for Patsy Hoodjer, 60, of 735 N. Second St., Greene, will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene with Pastor Gary Hatcher officiating.

Burial will be at 1 p.m. in the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, where there will be a public Scripture Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Thursday at the church one hour before services.

Patsy Lou Holzschuh was born on March 21, 1947, in Oelwein, Fayette County, the daughter of Harold and Matilda (Klein) Holzschuh and died Sunday, March 16, 2008, at her home in Greene after a courageous battle of cancer.

She was united in marriage to Bill McBurney, August 1965, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greene.

Patsy made her home in Greene where she was employed by Lois Upholstery. Later she was employed by the Butler County Engineer's Office in Allison and finally by Principal Financial Group in Mason City, where she was honored for 25 years of service on May 24, 2007.

Patsy was united in marriage to Galen Hoodjer, on July 29, 1993, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene.

She was involved in the Foreign Exchange Student Program.

Patsy was very family oriented considering her eight children her "hobby." She was involved in her children's activities and was a proud spectator at their sporting events.

Patsy loved flowers, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with friends. She especially loved her trips to Hawaii with Galen.

Survivors include her husband Galen of Greene; three children, Shelly (Dean) Jensen, Lori (Brent) VanWyk, Brian (Holly Schoville) McBurney all of Greene; six grandchildren, Kylie Jensen, Zachary Jensen, Kinser Jensen, Chloe Jensen, Libby Van Wyk, Holli Van Wyk; five step-children, Corey (Sarah) Hoodjer of West Des Moines, Mandy (Justin) Burns of Gilman, Kelly (Jennifer Rushing) Hoodjer of Greene, Amy (Eric Updegraff) Hoodjer of Walnut, Lindsey (Jay Campbell) Hoodjer of Marshalltown; two foreign exchange children, Carola Schmidt of Berlin, Germany, and Catalina Chevez of Bogota, Colombia; three sisters: Francine Albrecht of Mason City, Judy Ellingson of Plano, Texas, Paulette Haley of Calif.; one brother, Gary Holzschuh of Fla.; several nieces and nephews.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Matilda (Klein) Holzschuh.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Patsy Hoodjer Memorial Fund in care of the family, 735 N. Second St.,Greene, IA 50636.

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

MASON CITY - John W. Howell, 68, a resident of the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City and formerly of the Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Thomas W. Healey officiating. Cremation has taken place in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to John's service Wednesday at the funeral home in Mason City.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the family in care of John's son, Eric Howell, 2855 Taft Ave., Garner, IA 50438.

John Wood Howell was born on November 18, 1939, in Mason City, the son of Alvin J. and Stella M. (Milnes) Nuehring. John grew up in and attended school in Rockwell.

On October 5, 1963, John was united in marriage to Jean Tosel.

John was employed as truck driver and dock foreman for Briggs Transportation, Buttertop Bakery and Land O' Lakes throughout most of his working life.

John's love of the outdoors was spent fishing in Canada and along the banks of the Mississippi River. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and playing cards.

John will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He was a volunteer for the Rockwell Fire Department.

Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in John's life are his two children, Eric N. (Linda) Howell of Garner, and Penny E. Howell of Garden Grove; three grandchildren, Jamie Howell of Mason City, Coty Howell of Garner and Nicholas (Melissa) Axiotis of Chaparral, N.M.; two great-grandchildren, Joseph and Sidney Kaylan Axiotis; his three brothers, Richard A. (Karen) Nuehring of Rockwell, Gerald W. (Diane) Nuehring of Sheffield and Roger G. (Jo) Nuehring of Hampton and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding John in death are his parents, Alvin J. and Stella M. Nuehring; two brothers in infancy and his grandson, Christopher Axiotis.

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

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

www.Fullertonfh.com.
 

ALGONA - Dorothy Laird, 94, of Algona, died on Sunday (March 16, 2008) at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Wilson-Lentz Funeral Home of Algona.

Condolences may left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com/

Wilson-Lentz Funeral Home, 515-295-2622.
 

MASON CITY - Juanita P. Miller, 77, a resident of the Rockwell Community Nursing Home and a former resident of the Willow Point Assisted Living in Mason City, died on Monday (March 17, 2008) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home in Rockwell.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City, with Father William James Dubert officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. S.E. in Mason City.

The visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday at the funeral home.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to Hospice of North Iowa, 232 Second St. S.E. Mason City, IA 50401.

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be registered on the www.fullertonfh.com Web site.

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

www.fullertonfh.com.
 

HAMPTON - Christine A. Nelson, 47, of Hampton, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

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

GARNER - Lydia Schneider, 100, of Garner died Monday (March 17, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner.

Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-923-2841.

www.cataldofuneralhome.com.
 

GARNER - Elsie E. Vavrik, 91, of Garner, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan with Father Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m until service time Wednesday at the church, with a combined Catholic Workman and Rosary Society rosary at 9:30 a.m.

Elsie Eleanor Vavrik, the daughter of Jilji and Rosa (Hejlik) Hrubes, was born on Aug. 29, 1916, on the home farm in Hancock County. She attended rural school in Garfield Township. On Oct. 11, 1938, she was married to Frank Vavrik at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. To this union three children were born: Marge, Francis "Sonny" and Dort. Frank and Elsie farmed all of their married life near Hayfield. Elsie worked at various restaurants over the years. As a young girl, music influenced her life. At the age of 16, Elsie began playing the piano in the family band. She later joined Ray's Accordion Band and the Jolly Fisherman, entertaining throughout the Midwest. She also sang and played the organ at various nursing homes in the area.

She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church where she was the church organist for many years, Rosary Society and the Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51.

Elsie is survived by her daughters, Marge (Edward) Gutzmer, of Mason City and Dort Lehmann (fiance, Tom Bock) of Belmond; grandchildren, Mark (Joan) Gutzmer, Michelle (Kent)Grandgenett, Kevin (Angela) Gutzmer, Stephanie (Phil) Colon, Tami (Greg) Torrance and Jill Lehmann; great-grandchildren, Helena, August, Daniel, Emilee and Thomas Gutzmer, Max and Megan Grandgenett, Sloane and Kennidea Hubler, Carson Torrance, Oliver and Casey Colon; sisters, Helen Malek and Mary Trca; brothers, Joe (Leona) Hrubes, Clarence (Joan) Hrubes; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Hrubes, Alice Hrubes, Lillian Malek and Marge (Louis) Vavrik.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; son, Francis, "Sonny"; her parents; and numerous other relatives.

We will miss you mom, grandma but your musical talents live within us. Now you can play the "Grand" piano of Heaven.

Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-923-2841.

www.cataldofuneralhome.com.
 

HAMPTON - Cleone F. Witte, 67, of Hampton, died Friday (March 14, 2008) at her home in Hampton.

Memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Hampton United Methodist Church in Hampton, with Perry DeYounge officiating. Inurnment will be 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Hampton Cemetery.

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

SHEFFIELD - David Blum, 55, of Sheffield, died Sunday (March 16, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Retz-Grarup Funeral Home in Sheffield. Interment will be at a later date.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, 641-892-4241.
 

FOREST CITY - Kenneth R. Brager, 83, of Forest City, died Tuesday (March 18, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St in Forest City, and an hour prior to service at the church.

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

BUFFALO CENTER - Velma Eisenhauer, 83, of Buffalo Center, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Ron Wheeler officiating. Burial will be at Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center.

The visitation is from noon until time of services on Thursday at the church.

Velma Lucille Eisenhauer was born on Jan. 2, 1925, in Buffalo Center to August and Helen (Berschman) Eisenhauer. She attended the Buffalo Center Community School in Buffalo Center and graduated in 1942. After graduation she attended Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis, Minn., and Rio Grande Bible Institute in Texas.

In 1943, Velma contracted tuberculosis and on Jan. 10, 1944, was sent to Oakdale. After treatments she returned to college but in 1949 the TB returned and she needed further treatment and surgery.

In October 1952, Velma moved to Lincoln, Neb., and was employed by the Back to the Bible Broadcast for 18 years until she returned back to Buffalo Center in 1970 to care for her mother.

After her mother's passing in 1975, she then moved to her home in northwest Buffalo Center and lived there until she became a resident of Timely Mission Nursing Home on Aug. 28, 2007.

Velma accepted Christ as her personal Savior on Dec. 4, 1940. She lived a life of privacy and simplicity and her faith in Christ was evident in her journaled thoughts and by her sharing of Christian literature and encouragement to listen to radio and television programs of Billy Graham and Moody Founders Week and Back to the Bible.

She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Caltvedt of Rochester, Minn., a brother, Jack Eisenhauer of Buffalo Center; and one sister-in-law, Pauline Eisenhauer of Buffalo Center. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Ann Abels and Cora Abels; and a brother, Harold Eisenhauer.

Online tributes or personal emails may be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are with Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 414 First St. N.W. in Buffalo Center. 641-562-2858. www.winterfuneralhome.com
 

KLEMME - Fonda Heifner, 68, of Klemme, died Saturday (March 15, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at Britt Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Pat Kennedy officiating. Burial will be at 1:15 p.m. in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond, and continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Fonda Mae, the daughter of Warren and Clara (Nuehring) Bier, was born July 20, 1939, in rural Kanawha. She was raised in the Klemme area, attended country school, and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1957. She later attended Hamilton Business School for two years.

Fonda worked in a local grocery store for a couple years and was united in marriage with Carrol Heifner on Aug. 26, 1959, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Fonda and Carrol then lived on a farm in the Buffalo Center area until 1970. In 1971, the couple attended Bible College in Omaha which led them to work at the Midwest Indian Missionary in Crandon, Wis. They then returned to Iowa where Fonda taught preschool in the Renwick area for three years. In 1984, they returned to Klemme where they made their home.

Fonda was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Belmond. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed sewing as well as playing dominoes and cards. Spending time with family, especially the grandchildren, was a highlight in her life. Fonda will be remembered for helping with the planning of Nuehring family reunions, the Nuehring newsletter, and the Nuehring Family Cookbook.

Fonda is survived by her spouse, Carrol; sons, Galen (Jeanette), of Wausau, Wis., Calvin (Leslie), of Belmond, Lowell (Patti), of Garner; grandchildren, Jessie, Tracy, Thomas, Cory, Brandon and Kirsten; step-grandchildren, PaNyia, PaKou, Nub Qub, Jami and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Carter, Ezra, Makayla and Koby; along with numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Twyla Rae.

Dugger Ewing Funeral Homes, 641-444-3248.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Ruth Lois Juhl, 88, of Clear Lake, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 21, at the United Methodist Church, 508 Second Ave. N. in Clear Lake. Burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, after the service.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, and one hour prior to the service.

Memorials can be made to the family.

Ruth Lois Juhl was born Oct. 23, 1917, the daughter of David and Doris (Hanks) Enabnit, in rural Swaledale. She was baptized at the Swaledale Baptist Church and received her education at the Swaledale Community Schools where she graduated in 1935. She attended Waldorf College and NIACC. She married Leonard Juhl in 1937.

Ruth was an elementary teacher for rural Hanlontown and Ventura schools for 20 years and retired in 1975. She was also a Title 1 teacher for Ventura Community School from 1973-1975, and was a private tutor in home for physically and mentally handicapped children. Ruth was a member of United Methodist Church of Clear Lake for 47 years, the Clear Lake Schools Music Mothers president for two years, and the secretary of treasure of the Senior Center of Mason City.

Ruth wrote many poems and prose for which she received awards. She also loved music and played both the organ and piano, for the Senior Center. She loved to go to stock car races, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was known as the "Biscuit Lady" because of her well known cooking and baking. Ruth's family was her life and she loved animals.

She is survived by her two daughters, Doris (Harold) Wendel of Mason City and Wanda Orr of Mason City; grandchildren, Vance (Kim) Wendel of Clear Lake, Todd (Barb) Wendel of Clear Lake, Clint (Alissa) Wendel of Mason City and Dustin Orr of Mason City; great-grandchildren, Nathan Wendel, Nicole Wendel, Madison Wendel, Sean Wendel, Mandy Wendel, Margaret Wendel and Hailee Wendel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Leonard Juhl; sister, Rachel Davis; and brothers, Everett Enabnit and Gene Enabnit.

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

ALGONA - Dorothy Laird, 94, of Algona, died on Sunday (March 16, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Algona, with the Rev. Charles D. Gilbert officiating. Private burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the church.

The Wilson-Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com

Wilson-Lentz Funeral Home, 515-295-2622.
 

MASON CITY - Juanita P. Miller, 77, a resident of the Rockwell Community Nursing Home and a former resident of Willow Point Assisted living in Mason City, died on Monday (March 17, 2008) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City, with Father William James Dubert presiding. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City. The visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to Juanita's service at the funeral home.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them Hospice of North Iowa, 232 Second St. S.E. Mason City, IA 50401.

Juanita Pauline (Bombela) Miller was born in Mason City, on Aug. 22, 1930, the daughter of Joseph and Rose (Ramirez) Bombela. She attended school in Mason City. On Aug. 28, 1965, Juanita was united in marriage to Jay M. Miller in Mason City. Juanita was employed as a machine operator with Risto Manufacturing in Mason City where she had worked for several years, retiring in 1987. At one time she was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mason City and the Hispanic Death Club.

She will be best remembered for being a kind, gentle and loving person who dearly treasured time spent with her family. She truly enjoyed spending her leisure time sewing, caring for the elderly, listening to music, especially the songs of Frank Sinatra. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment in her life and that which she took the most pride in was her family. Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in her life are her siblings, Ben (Judy) Bombela of Ankeny, Phillip Bombella of Sedalia, Mo., and Esther (David) Acosta of Newport News, Va. Juanita is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Rose Bombela; her husband, Jay M. Miller on May 2, 2001; three brothers, Anthony, Joseph and John Bombela; one sister, Mary; and a sister-in-law, Gladys Bombella.

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be registered on the www.fullertonfh.com website.

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

HAMPTON - Christine A. (Dye) Nelson, 47, of Hampton, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church in Hampton with Pastor Jon Anderson officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, 641-456-3232. www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com
 

IOWA FALLS - Gary Olmstead, 56, of Iowa Falls, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at Ellsworth Hospital, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Iowa Falls. Burial will be at St. Mark's Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Linn's Funeral Home, Iowa Falls, with a Scripture service to be held at 7:30 p.m.

Due to Holy Week; in lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family c/o his wife: Sue Olmstead, 2510 Ellis Ave., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

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

CHARLES CITY - Patricia Rissler, 70, of Laughlin, Nev., formerly of Charles City, died Tuesday (March 18, 2008) at the Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead, Ariz.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main in Charles City, 641-228-2323. www.hauserfh.com
 

JOICE - Deloris Irene Schmidt, 91, of Joice, died Monday (March 17, 2008) at Fulton County Hospital, Salem, Ark.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 301 S. Main St., Ventura, with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Interment will be held 2 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake.

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

DOWS - Ruby Anderson, 88, of Dows, died Wednesday (March 19, 2008) at the Belmond Medical Center in Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Dows.

Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, prior to services at the First Lutheran Church in Dows.

Dugger Funeral Homes, 641-852-4134.
 

MASON CITY - Roger Beck, 69, of Clear Lake, died Tuesday, (March 18, 2008) at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City.

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

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

SHEFFIELD - David E. Blum, 55, of Sheffield, died Sunday (March 16, 2008) at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield. Interment will be at a later date.

David Evans Blum, a son of Lee and Joyce (Boehmler) Blum, was born June 8, 1952. He attended and graduated from Hampton High School. Before he completed high school, David worked for Sukup Manufacturing in Sheffield and remained there for many years. He also owned and operated Blum Electrical Service.

David married and had two children who remain an important part of his life. He played Little League baseball and junior high football. As a youth he built a shop behind his parents' home were he built go-carts from the ground up. As a woodworker, he made decorations for the Sheffield Care Center and items for other people. He enjoyed a challenge and if told he couldn't do something he figured out how to do it. He enjoyed using his computer and surfing the Net.

David is survived by his son, Dan (Lisa) Blum, of Chapin, and their children, Hunter and Ashley Blum and Grady Alinger; daughter, Audrey (Jason) Arndt, of Sheffield, and their children, Cody, Collin and Alli; sisters, Ginny (Kim) Tunnicliff, of Oak Park, Ill., and Angie (Steven) Feig, of West Des Moines; brothers: Ted Blum, of Pilot Mound, and Tom (Cinzia) Blum, of Iowa City; parents, Lee and Joyce Blum, of Hampton; nieces and nephews, Alison Tunnicliff, Rebecca and Alexandra Feig, Graham and Ian Tunnicliff; and aunts and uncles. He is also survived by his special friend, Janet Skiye, of Belmond.

David is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ronald and Mabel Boehmler and John and Ottilla Blum; and an aunt, Frieda Blum.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, 641-892-4241.
 

SHEFFIELD - Delphine Boehlje, 91, of Sheffield, died Tuesday (March 18, 2008) at the Sheffield Care Center.

No services will be held at this time.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, 641-892-4241.
 

FOREST CITY - Kenneth R. Brager, 83, of Forest City, died Tuesday (March 18, 2008) at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with Pastor Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, and an hour prior to service at the church.

Kenneth R. Brager, the son of Willard and Velma (Hollingsworth) Brager, was born on Oct. 4, 1924, at Ventura. He was baptized and confirmed at Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church near Miller. He attended Ventura Community School and graduated from Ventura High School in 1942.

On June 7, 1947, he was united in marriage to Althea Hanna at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Ken farmed in the Buffalo Center vicinity for approximately 20 years. The family later moved to Forest City, where Ken was employed at Winnebago Industries until he retired in 1987. Ken and Althea wintered in Florida, Arizona and Texas until the later years.

Ken and Althea enjoyed many exciting games of ping pong and pool, as well as card games with friends and relatives. Ken was an avid sports fan and enjoyed working with wood for family and friends.

Ken is survived by his wife, Althea, of Forest City; daughter, Joline Freisinger and husband, Peter, of La Crosse, Wis.; son, Douglas Brager and wife, Patresa, of Forest City, Ill.; two granddaughters: Kristine Freisinger Marzetta and husband, Dean of Fairfax, Va., Brooke Brager of Ft. Hood, Texas, and grandson, Benjamin Brager of Bloomington, Ill. Also surviving are two brothers: Marvin and Larry Brager; and two sisters: Darlene Wells and husband Derwood and Venita Statser.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Jonathan Brager; brother, Ronald Brager; brothers-in-law, Earl Schwisow and Jack Statser; and sister-in-law, Gina Brager.

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

LAUGHLIN, Nev. - Patricia Rissler, 70, of Laughlin, Nev., formerly of Charles City, died Tuesday (March 18, 2008) at the Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead, Ariz.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City, with Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main, Charles City, with a vigil Scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. followed by the reciting of the rosary. Visitation will continue an hour prior to Mass on Monday at the church.

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

IOWA FALLS - Catherine E. Smalley, 76, of Iowa Falls, died Tuesday (March 18, 2008) at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the First United Methodist Church, Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Terra Amundson officiating. Burial will be at the Alden Cemetery.

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

The Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements; 641-648-2569.
 

ALLISON - Ethel Wilhelm, 96, of Allison, died Wednesday (March 19, 2008) at the Allison Health Care Center in Allison.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allisonl 641-456-3232. www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.
 

Posted by Gene Manning