MASON CITY - Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Blunt, 86, of Mason City died Monday (Oct. 5, 2009) at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

A funeral service for Betty will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at the Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.W., Mason City, with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating.

Following the service on Saturday and according to Betty's wishes, cremation will take place. Inurnment will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church in her memory.

Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Blunt was born on Oct. 15, 1922, in Corwith, the daughter of Herman and Ethel (Hackman) McDougle. Betty attended and graduated from Mason City High School in 1941.

After graduation, Betty began working for Dr. Stott in the veterinary business in Mason City.

She was united in marriage to Richard Blunt on June 27, 1942, in Austin, Minn. After their marriage Betty worked for the United States Postal Service in San Francisco, Calif. She was a loving homemaker. She worked at Henry's Drive Inn and also drove for Guardian Photo in Mason City before retiring to do baby sitting for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty enjoyed animals, sewing, canning and baking, but her greatest love and enjoyment was being a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was a very active member of the Grace United Methodist Church, WSCS church circle, former Sunday school teacher and superintendent, past member of the Fireman's Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and Military Order of the Cooties.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Richard Blunt, of Mason City; her children, Mike (Kris) Blunt of Mason City, Pamela Hardy of Hopkins, Minn., and Sally Jo (Danny) Tripp of Mason City; her grandchildren, Shane Blunt, Jason (Megan) Blunt, Mindy (Damon) Runge, Mae (Jim) Miles and Matt (Jen) Blunt, all of Mason City, and Lisa Hardy of Crystal, Minn.; her great-grandchildren, Jordan Blunt, Parker Blunt, Parker Niles, Gage Blunt, Carson Blunt, Kailee Blunt, Tylar Runge, Peytan Runge, Aubree Miles, JP Miles, Elleanor Miles and Skylar Blunt; her sister, Joy Solum of Mason City; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family members and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Richard Harvey and James Blunt; a sister, June King; and three brothers, Gordon, Harvey and Dwaine McDougle.

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

BOONE - Lydia Deal, 92, formerly of 113 Fremont St. in Boone, passed away Friday morning (Oct. 2, 2009) at the Boone County Hospital. She had been a resident at the Evangelical Free Church Home in Boone for the past three years.

She was born on Dec. 6, 1916, in Brainard, Neb., the daughter of Frank and Anna (Cejka) Smolik.

On May 28, 1960, she married Glen A Deal at Osage.

Lydia was a graduate of Little Cedar High School near Osage. In 1935, at the age of 18 she came to the Boone Biblical College in Boone where she taught school for 52 years. During that time she attended the University of Northern Iowa, where she received her bachelor's degree in education.

Lydia enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, was an avid reader and was a very generous and giving person, especially to children.

She was a member of the Boone Biblical Memorial Church where she taught Sunday school, and was politically active and supportive of the Republican Party.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Glen in February of 1983; four brothers, Ed, George, Ernest and Ray; and three sisters, Helen, Libby and Adeline.

Survivors include her stepson, Richard Deal of Ames; one brother, Duane Smolik, of San Jose, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday Oct. 8, 2009 at the Boone Biblical Memorial Church in Boone with the Rev. Bruce Thomas officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines.

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

Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their gift to the Boone Biblical Ministries.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.starkwelin.com

Stark-Welin Funeral Directors, 609 Seventh St. in Boone, 515-432-4550.
 

ST. ANSGAR - John Otto Diedrich,92, of St. Ansgar died Saturday (Oct. 3, 2009) at St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Society, St. Ansgar.

The funeral service for Mr. Diedrich will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, with the Rev. Rose Marie Nack officiating. Burial will be in Grafton Cemetery, Grafton.

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

John Otto Diedrich, the son of William F. and Freeda (Dutte) Diedrich, was born Dec. 4, 1916, in Mitchell County, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, where he was a lifelong member. John received his education at the Newburg District School in Mitchell County.

John began farming with his father in the Grafton area and after his father's early death continued to farm and also cared for his mother.

Following retirement, John continued living on the farm and in 2006 he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Home in St. Ansgar, where he was very happy.

John was known for his dry sense of humor. He enjoyed fishing, reading, writing in his daily journal, bus tours, mowing his lawn and he especially loved playing cards. In the last couple months he looked forward to taking rides in the country to check out the crops and visit his farm.

John is survived by his nephew, David Diedrich and wife, Darlene; two nieces, Janice Morrison of Albert Lea, Minn., and Julie Braun and special friend David Ward of Mason City along with cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harry Diedrich and wife Velma; and an infant brother.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, 207 S. School St., St. Ansgar, is handling the arrangements for the Diedrich family.

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

MANLY - John Dooley, 99, of 601 E. South St., died Friday (Oct. 2, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today, Tuesday Oct. 6, 2009, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Fred Gillipse Sr. officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the John Dooley Memorial Fund in care of Emma Parrett, 326 First St. N.W., Mason City, IA 50401.

John was born on Dec. 25, 1909, in Mississippi, the son of George and Suzie Dooley. John was raised in Mississippi and worked as a farm hand. He was united in marriage to Annelle. John relocated to be closer to family in Mason City several years ago, living with his sister Emma until he moved to the Manly Nursing and Rehab Center.

John loved fishing, hunting, playing cards and drinking moonshine.

John is survived by his sisters, Emma Parrett, of Mason City, and Lizzie Mae Johnson, of Memphis, Tenn., along with several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Annelle; brothers Frank, George, Richard and James Dooley; and one sister, Octivia Quals.

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

MASON CITY - Frank C. Funk, 96, of Mason City died Thursday (Oct. 1, 2009) at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 7, 2009) at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Ron Stein of First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Plymouth.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009) at the Major Erickson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Frank Funk Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Frank was born March 21, 1913, in Mason City, the son of Jacob and Louise (Schmidt) Funk. He attended school in Mason City. Frank married Ella Mae Gallagher on March 3, 1937, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

On June 13, 2003, he married Marjorie Harrison in DeQueen, Ark. He worked for Armour Meat Packing as a butcher for 46 years before retiring in 1975. Frank was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mason City and was a member of the Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth for 45 years.

In his younger years, Frank was an avid ball player. He enjoyed cars, fishing, making his own fishing lures, gardening and having coffee with his friends at Hy-Vee East and West. Frank was a people person who enjoyed taking care of others. For eight years he worked at the Community Kitchen. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. Frank was liked by everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Funk, of Mason City; three grandchildren, Rick Patton and wife Jackie of Mason City, Randy Patton and wife Jane of Golden, Colo., and Ron Patton and wife Marcia of St. George, Utah; great-grandchildren, Travis Patton, Crystal McBride, Tame Elias, Valerie Sharkey, Randi Patton, Andy DeWitt, Lacey Calkins and Brandon Patton; great-great-grandchildren Ashley McBride, Amber McBride, Ethan McBride, Hunter Patton, Gage Patton, Afton Patton, Alexis Elias, Wesley Patton, Kyle Sharkey, Camden Sharkey, Isabelle Torres, Jade Calkins and Dalton DeWitt; two sisters, Mary Allen and husband Jesse of Mason City and Regina Ackerman and husband Bob of Cedar Rapids; four stepchildren, John Legler and wife Martha of Mason City, Nancy Wise of Mason City, Kathy Askeland of Mason City and Linda Radcliff of Mason City; brother and sister-in-law, June and Wayne Pope; and sister-in-law Lola Allen. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ella Mae, in 1995; his daughter, Ileane (Patton) Kingston in 1993; two sisters, Rosie and Betty; seven brothers, Albert, Herman, Joseph, Willis, Jake Jr., Frederick and Philip; and three nephews, Jake, Donald and Steven Funk.

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

MASON CITY -Merlemae Hugi, 79, of Mason City died Saturday (Oct. 3, 2009) at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Oct. 9, 2009) at the Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.W., with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating.

A private family inurnment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Merlemae Hugi Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Merlemae was born Aug. 7, 1930, in Des Moines, the daughter of Ernest and Blanche (Comstock) Kolwinska. She attended Mason City High School. She married Dean R. Hugi on Aug. 15, 1947. She worked as a sales clerk for Sears for 20 years.

Merlemae was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she was enjoyed singing in the choir and participating in other activities.

She also enjoyed golfing, spending time with her family and good friends, drinking coffee and boating on the lake.

She is survived by two sons, Gary Hugi of Clear Lake and Craig Hugi and wife Barbara of Waterloo; four grandchildren, Jason Hugi of Mason City, Sarah Wogstad of Mason City, Joe Crum and wife Ellen of Wauwatosa, Wis., and Anne Mandt and husband Erick of Cedar Falls; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Jeri Kolwinska of Garland, Texas. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dean in 1998; and two brothers, Ernest Jr. and Donald.

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

BELMOND - Levi G. Landphair, 21, of Des Moines and formerly of Belmond, died Saturday (Oct. 3, 2009) in Des Moines.
Funeral services for Levi Landphair will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. Pastor Mike Druhl will officiate. Burial will take place in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. Graveside military rites will by provided by the Iowa Army National Guard.
Visitation for Levi Landphair will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.
Memorials may be made in the name of Levi G. Landphair.
Levi Gustafson, the son of Connie Suntken and Larry Landphair, was born June 22, 1988, in Fort Wayne, Ind. He moved to Belmond where he was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church of Belmond. Levi graduated from Garner High School in 2006 and joined the National Guard after graduation. Levi was part of the 1133rd and helped with the disaster floods.
Levi's hobbies included hunting, riding his bike, being with family and spending time on the farm. He worked at the Fareway Store during high school.
Levi is survived by his mother, Connie (Doug) Suntken of Garner; father, Larry (Khristy) Landphair of Des Moines; brother, Louie (Mary Beth) of Davenport; sister, Elizabeth Suntken of Hampton; maternal grandparents, Roger and Carole Halfpop of Belmond; paternal grandmother, Doris Landphair of Leon; grandparents Don and Marlene Suntken of Belmond; aunts and uncles, Cary (Julie) Halfpop and children, Trey, Brady and Kelby of Ankeny; Chris (David) Thompson and children James and Jennifer of Denver, Colo.; Chris (Dina) Landphair and their children Hunter and Ty of Des Moines; David (Dianne) Suntken and children Taylor and Regan of Ames; and numerous other great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.
Levi was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Mamie Holocek, and his grandfather, Harl Landphair.
Dugger Funeral Homes, 641-444-3248.
 

OWATONNA, Minn. -June A. Nierengarten, 62, of Owatonna died Saturday (Oct. 3, 2009) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
She was born July 28, 1947, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Walter and Bernice (Blaser) Wiese. After graduating from Pacelli High School in Austin, she married W. John Nierengarten in Austin, and the couple lived in Austin and Mason City. They divorced in 1987 and June moved to Owatonna in 1988, where she has been employed with Cash Wise Foods for over 20 years.
June was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and all of her other family.
She also liked the Vikings, Twins, going to her family's sporting events, watching "Dancing With the Stars" and spending Sundays with her mother in Austin.
She is survived by her mother, Bernice Wiese, of Austin; three sons, Terry (and Kathy) Nierengarten of Sheffield; Todd (and Sara) Nierengarten of Decorah; and Tim Nierengarten of Minneapolis; and four grandchildren, Kelsey, Jake, Joshua and Emma. She is also survived by her brother, Terry (and Barb) Wiese of Owatonna, and sister Julie (and Pat) O'Brien of Waseca.
Her father, Walter Wiese, preceded her in death.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday Oct. 7, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna, Minn., with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery in Austin.
Visitation was held from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, Minn.
Michaelson Funeral Home, 507-451-7943.
 

MASON CITY - Anna M. Opsahl, 97, of Mason City, died Sunday (Oct. 4, 2009) at her home.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 8, 2009) at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E., with the Rev. Craig E. Steimel officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Memorials may be directed to the Anna Opsahl Memorial Fund in care of the family.
Anna was born Aug. 16, 1912, in Haugen, Wis., the daughter of Mike and Frances (Kopecky) Duda. In 1917, her family moved to Karlin, Mo., where she attended school. In the late 1920s she moved to Mason City.
On Aug. 17, 1934, she married Clarence Wade Haxton in Britt. She later married Knute Opsahl on Nov. 2, 1957, in Austin, Minn.
She worked in many different departments at Armour Meat Packing for 28 years before retiring in 1975.
She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and a former member of the Moose Lodge and the Eagles. She was an avid bowler and from 1987 to 1989 she was the Strike and Spare League Champion.
Anna enjoyed dancing, listening to music (polka and modern), listening to the Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday nights, playing the accordion for her children's entertainment and cheering on the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Hopkins of Mason City; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Clarence in 1956 and Knute in 1959; one daughter, Virginia Ashburn; two sons, Leon and Jerry Haxton; two grandchildren, Jeff and Michael Haxton; three sisters, Emma, Mary and Rose; and three brothers, Frank, Louie and Charlie.
Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory. 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

GARNER - Roy Elmer Ouderkirk, 84, of Garner died Monday (Oct. 5, 2009) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner.

Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-923-2841. www.cataldofuneralhome.com
 

CHARLES CITY -Milo "Mike" Schwarck, 87, of Charles City died Sunday (Oct. 4, 2009) at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Colwell United Church of Christ in Colwell with Pastor Debra Lincoln officiating. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main in Charles City. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

Milo Ray Schwarck was born April 12, 1922, in Grundy County, the son of Alonzo and Ada (Smith) Schwarck. After his father's death, when Mike was 12, he and his brothers took over the farming operation.

Mike graduated from Whitten High School in 1941. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. While serving in Italy he was injured and spent the remainder of his time in the hospital at Salt Lake City, Utah.

On March 4, 1945, he was united in marriage to Lorraine Schuler. After his discharge Mike returned to Grundy County and farming. In 1956 they moved to Mitchell County, where they had purchased a farm and where they would remain until retirement. On Oct. 8, 1994, Lorraine died.

Mike married Betty Woelfer Frankenfield on June 29, 1996. He was a member of the Colwell United Church of Christ, VFW and served as president of the Mitchell County Farm Bureau and chairman of the township ASC.

His interests included fishing and playing cards. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor.

Living family members include his wife, Betty Schwarck of Charles City; three daughters, Jeanine (Gordon) Lockie of Elma, Christine (Gregory) Pitts of Elk Grove, Calif., and Korine Winders of Charles City; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Melissa) Lockie, Erin (Mike) Shea, Michael Lockie and special friend Amy Rausch, Rachel (Nick) Boyle, Tammy (Barry) Smith, Jason (Jamie) Pitts, Daron (Melissa) Pitts, Adria (Joe) Pierce and Amanda Scheffert and special friend Brian Englehardt; 12 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Dale (Margery) Schwarck of Eldora, Victor (Mona) Schwarck of Union, and Donald (Norma) Schwarck, Paul (Catherine) Schwarck and Carl (Joan) Schwarck, all of Marshalltown; and three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Schwarck of Union, Evelyn Schwarck of Eldora and Inez Wulford, of Burlington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lorraine; two brothers, Glen and Maurice Schwarck; a half-brother, Richard Wulford; a sister, Margaret White; and a half-sister, Lucille Strauss.

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

BRITT - Daniel W. Stites, 36, of Britt died Saturday (Oct. 3, 2009).

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. W. in Britt with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. tonight at Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and will continue one hour prior to the memorial service.

Ewing Funeral Chapel, 641-843-3839.
 

CHARLES CITY -Violette M. Thompson-Rickerl, 77, of Charles City died Monday morning (Oct. 5, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services for Violette Thompson-Rickerl will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, at the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City with Pastor David Werges and Pastor Dennis Niezwaag officiating. Inurnment will be in Concord Cemetery, Garner.

The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the church.

Violette Mae Eisberg was born Jan.29, 1932, at Salisbury, Mo., the daughter of Walter R. and Amanda (Jass) Eisberg. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1949. On Jan. 2, 1951, she married Arnold Pearson at Garner. They later divorced.

On May 28, 1978, Violette married Leon Thompson at Mason City. Leon died in May of 1995.

On Jan. 3, 1998, she was united in marriage to Herman Rickerl at Charles City. Violette and Herman's marriage was blessed by a Catholic priest in Leroy, Minn. on Jan. 10, 1998. She was a farmer's wife for 23 years, secretary and bookkeeper at Cerro Gordo County Farm Bureau, Hancock County ASCA Office, and bookkeeper for Thompson Mobile Service in Charles City.

Violette was a 4-H leader for nine years, Sunday school teacher, hospice volunteer, Food Box volunteer and a Pink Lady at the Floyd County Medical Center. She was a member of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City Women's Club and the Hoe Garden Club.

Her interests include playing in 500 marathons, arranging flowers, gardening and reading books. Violette's favorite saying was, "To accept everyone as they are, not as they were yesterday or as they will be tomorrow, but as they are today."

Living family members include her husband Herman Rickerl of Charles City; three children, Ellen Olson of Ames, Jeanne Carls of Coon Rapids, Minn., and William Pearson of Peoria, Ill.; eight stepchildren, Carmine (Dean) Swenson, Loren (Penny) Rickerl and Janelle (Gary) Sunnes, all of Riceville, Karen (Larry) Smith of Broomfield, Colo., Marlin (Jan) Thompson of Harlan, Marlys (Frank) Nockels of Arvada, Colo., Paula Schwab of Fort Collins, Colo., and Jeffery Thompson Sr. of Sun Prairie, Wis.; four grandchildren, Amanda (Tony) DeGrote, Andrew (Mary Anna) Carls, Ben (Stephanie) Olson and Sarah Olson; 24 stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren, Blake DeGrote, Tyanna Medrud, Kaleb Carls and Jack Carls; and several step-great -grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon Thompson; one step-granddaughter; and one step-great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be directed to the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main St., Charles City, IA 50616.

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

GARNER - Marie Helen Galkin Watermiller, 69, of 1465 Highway 18, Garner, died Friday (Oct. 2, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center- North Iowa, Mason City.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with Pastor Randy Baldwin of Sion Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills, officiating. The family suggests memorials to Marie Helen Watermiller Memorial Fund.

Marie was born Dec. 29, 1940, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Inga (Clausen) Galkin. She attended Mason City Schools.

Marie had two sons who she loved with all her heart and she always remembered the special times she spent with them.

She enjoyed the Christmas holidays from start to finish, her visits from her family and especially her niece, Brenda Galkin Reich, who she had a special bond with.

Marie had lived at Duncan Heights for many years and later Concord Care Center.

Marie is survived by her brother, Chuck (Charlotte) Galkin, of Mason City; a sister, Beverly (Mearle) Tritch, of Joice; several cousins; and one nephew and four nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Dick Galkin; and nephew Chuck Galkin.

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

Globe Gazette 10/6/2009

BELMOND - Ervin A. Ausborn, 80, of Belmond passed away Monday (Oct. 5, 2009) at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services for Ervin A. Ausborn will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond with Pastor Jim Harbaugh officiating. Burial will take place in the Belmond Cemetery.

Visitation for Ervin A. Ausborn will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

Ervin Albert, the son of Albert and Anna Groh Ausborn, was born April 22, 1929. Ervin was baptized and confirmed at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond. He grew up in the Klemme area where he attended school. Ervin graduated from Klemme High School in 1947.

Ervin was united in marriage to Nellie Sherwood on Aug. 14, 1948, at the United Methodist Church in Klemme. The couple made their home near Klemme.

Ervin farmed 48 years on the same farm southeast of Klemme. He milked cows all his life. Ervin built a new barn and took pride in selling Grade A milk. After quitting milking because of health, he raised cow-calf herds. In 1986 he raised beef cows for five years. He went strictly grain farming until 1997 when he moved to Belmond. He drove tractors for area farmers until he quit for health reasons.

He was a very active member of the St. John Lutheran Church all his life where he served as deacon and vice president of the church council.

Ervin is survived by his wife, Nellie, of 61 years; children, Lavonne (Dennis) Prescott of Belmond, Terry (Sue) Ausborn of Ventura and Linda (John) Lillebo of Goodell; 10 surviving grandchildren, Cathy Prescott and special friend, Chad Bingman, Joe Prescott, Kristy Prescott, Larry (Kris) Ausborn, Scott (Melissa) Ausborn, Brent (Keri) Ausborn, John Ryan (Becky) Lillebo, Anna (Mike) Kasuboski, Mark (Tric) Lillebo and Sarah (Don) Yarbor; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Leonard Ausborn of Belmond and Bob (Mary) Ausborn of Ames; a brother-in-law, Frank (Gloria) Sherwood of Mason City; sister-in-law, Corrine Ausborn of Britt; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harvey and Donald; and a grandson, Billy Prescott.

Dugger Funeral Home, 641-444-3248.
 

OSAGE - Verle "Bud" Ernest McKee, 84, of Osage went to be with the Lord on Tuesday (Oct. 6, 2009) at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

He was born May 21, 1925, in Rock Falls, Iowa, the son of Alvin and Effie (Shoger) McKee. Bud attended school in Rock Falls. On May 14, 1945, he married Uva Snook in Osage.

Bud worked for area farmers. In 1950, he took his family to Houston, Texas, where he owned and operated a truck, transporting oil field equipment for J.H. Rose Truck Line and Garner Truck Line for nine years.

Bud then returned to Orchard, Iowa, with his family and began farming with his brother-in-law, Art Altick. He later purchased the farm, which he farmed for 32 years. On Jan. 12, 1990, Bud sold his farm and they moved to Osage where he worked for Johnson Chemical for 11 years.

Bud was instrumental in the building of a Lutheran church in the Houston area in the 1950s. Upon returning to Iowa in August of 1958, he belonged to the Orchard Congregational Church and later became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. In the past two years, Bud and Uva transferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. He held various church offices over the years.

Bud enjoyed camping and fishing but the love of his life was his family and farming. When the crops were harvested and other work completed, Bud and Uva traveled south and to other places of interest for the winter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Dennis Hanson officiating. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Bud is survived by his wife, Uva McKee, of Osage; two daughters, Sandra (Dick) Wittkamp of Alexandria, Minn., and Lori (John) Chrencik of Hanlontown; three sons, Darrell (Brenda) McKee of Osage, Jack (Marcia) McKee of Floyd and Michael McKee of Sundance, Wyo.; grandchildren, Rick Wittkamp, Brian (Denise) Wittkamp, Christopher (Lori) Wittkamp, Lindsay, Courtney and Taylor Chrencik; great-grandsons, Addison, Mitchell and Tyler Wittkamp; and a sister, Phyllis Krones, of Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Audrey Altick; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Elizabeth Snook; brothers-in-law, Art Altick, Stanley Krones, Leonard Snook and Emil Gerbitz; and sisters-in-law, Eileene Gerbitz and Elizabeth Snook.

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

WESLEY - Ruth M. (Forburger) Youngwirth was born Jan. 17, 1925, on the Bleich family farm near Wesley. She was the third daughter of Tom and Mary (Bleich) Forburger and was welcomed by sisters, Alice and Vera. Later, two brothers joined the family, Kenneth in 1929 and Tom V. in 1936.
Ruth was her mother's helper and learned numerous homemaking skills which she used throughout her life in a variety of employments.
She attended St. Joseph's Catholic grade school and Wesley High School, graduating in May 1943. During that summer she attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and then taught school one year in Sexton, Iowa.
On June 12, 1945, Ruth was married to Larry Youngwirth and they made their home in Wesley, Iowa. Larry was a Fuller Brush salesman for over 40 years. This union was blessed with five children.
After their youngest child started school, Ruth was employed as a waitress by Al and Addie Loebig (Al's Caf�), Jack and Irene Lickteig, Bernard and Elsie Kunkel, and son Jim Youngwirth (Hillside Country Club), Barry and Gretchen McGaughey (Barry's Caf�), Lee Behr (Mini Mart) and again by her son Jim at Johnny's in Wesley until February 2007, when she retired due to health reasons. Working with the public was one of her greatest joys.
Ruth has resided at the Titonka Care Center for the past two years where she passed away Monday (Oct. 5, 2009) at the age of 84.
Ruth was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley where she was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
She and her husband, Larry enjoyed fishing, golf and playing cards with family and friends. Ruth was happiest as a homemaker caring for her family and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Larry (1918-1981); her father Tom (1896-1977); her mother Mary (1899-1978); sister Alice Krieps (1921-1950); brother Tom V. (1936-2001); and brother Kenneth (1929-2002); along with many other close family members.
Left to cherish her life are her five children: Larry Lee Youngwirth, Jim Youngwirth and Audrey Larson (Duane), all of Wesley; Mary Youngwirth (Dave Shinkle), West Des Moines; and Dean Youngwirth of West Des Moines; two granddaughters, Shelly and Wendy Youngwirth of San Diego, Calif.; and her sister Vera Erpelding (Al) of Algona.
She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Darlene (Ken) Forburger, Julia (Tom) Forburger, Ardell (Dick) Youngwirth, Alice (Dick) May, and Rita (Luke) Youngwirth and brother-in-law, John and Carol Youngwirth; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Johnny's in Wesley with a Catholic Daughters of the Americas rosary at 4 p.m. and a prayer service at 6 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley with Father Randy Schon officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Wesley, 515-679-4453. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com
 

Globe Gazette 10/7/2009

LAKE MILLS - Truly I. Levorson, 83, of Lake Mills passed away Wednesday (Oct. 7, 2009) at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills surrounded by her family and under Hospice Care.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills with the Rev. Wayne Halvorson from Our Savior's Lutheran Church ELS in Albert Lea, Minn., officiating.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, at the Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will take place at Somber Synod Lutheran Cemetery in rural Lake Mills.

Truly Irene Levorson was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Brookfield Township, Worth County, the daughter of Thomas and Ida (Strom) Ellingson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

She attended rural country school in Worth County and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1943. She later graduated from a computer programming course in Mason City.

Truly was united in marriage to Morris Levorson on Nov. 11, 1944, at Bristol Lutheran Church in rural Joice. To that union three children were born, Marcia, Ronald and Medara. They resided on the family farm east of Lake Mills.

Truly taught in a rural school setting for some years and worked at Larry's Clothing Store but spent most of her life as a homemaker and helping on the farm.

She was a member of Somber Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school, was active in Ladies Aid, attended Bible Study and enjoyed all church activities.

Truly was involved in 4-H as a leader for many years. She also enjoyed sewing, embroidery and quilting. Together, Morris and Truly enjoyed traveling, dancing and playing cards.

She is survived by her loving husband, Morris, of Lake Mills; her three children, Marcia Turvold of Florissant, Mo., Ronald (Gail) Levorson of Albert Lea, Minn., and Medara (Bart) Winter of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Nina Matuszewski, Nicole (Ted) Liebig, Matthew Levorson, Kessa Olson, Tyler Olson and Natalie Winter; three great-grandchildren, Aurianna Salem, Miranda Matuszewski and Grant Liebig; a brother-in-law, Donald Munyon of Des Moines; along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Dorothy Ann Munyon; and an infant grandson, Chad Michael Turvold.

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

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 641-592-0221.
 

Melvin Lars Myklestad

GARNER - Melvin Lars Myklestad, 91, of 740 Rose Ave., Garner, died Wednesday (Oct. 7, 2009) at the Hospice Care Inc., Madison, Wis.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be one hour before the service.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice Inc. of Madison, Wis.

Melvin was born in rural Emmons, Minn., the son of Lars and Velma (McDowell) Myklestad. He attended Forest City Schools.

He farmed with his father until he married Iva Viola Johnson Dec. 21, 1942. They lived on a farm south of Ventura and later moved into Ventura where he worked for the Ventura Elevator. After retiring from the elevator, they moved to their present home in Garner.

He is survived by his son, Ronald Myklestad and his wife Jessica of Prescott, Ariz.; a daughter, Janice Snater and her husband Ron of Madison, Wis.; two grandchildren, Chad Snater, of Gainesville, Fla., and Joshua Snater, of Madison, Wis.; and one sister, Gladys Baker of Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a sister, Beulah Rothamel; and a brother, Allen Myklestad.

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