CLEAR LAKE - Michael Eugene Bartz, 49, of Clear Lake, died Monday (Aug. 31, 2009) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

A funeral service for Michael will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4108 Killdeer Ave., Kensett, with the Rev. Tom Martin officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 18 West, Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S., Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Thursday at the church.

Michael Eugene Bartz was born on Oct. 23, 1959, in Mason City, the son of Eugene and Joann (Heizelman) Bartz. Michael was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. Michael received his education in the St. Ansgar School, graduating from St. Ansgar High School. Michael also graduated from Hawkeye Technical College in Waterloo with a degree in auto body.

Michael work for Sedars Motor Company in Mason City before opening his own auto body shop call Martin Town Auto Body where he owned and operated it for several years. Michael also worked for various businesses in the North Iowa area.

Michael enjoyed riding his bicycle, model cars, rolling dice and playing cards, and working on puzzles, but his greatest love and enjoyment was spending time with his children and family.

Michael was a member of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett.

Those left to cherish his memory are his father, Eugene Bartz of Grafton; his mother, Joann Bartz of Mason City; his significant other, Paula True of Clear Lake; two sons, Adam and Trevor Bartz of Northwood, two sisters, Bonnie (Dean) Crosier of Bloomington, Ill., and Brenda (Greg) Evenson of Boone; his brother, Mark (Rebecca) Bartz of Mason City; a niece, Kathryn (Matt) Lollar of Illinois; three nephews, Kelsey Thayer of Clear Lake, and Ryan and Karl Billings, both of Boone, and Adam and Trevor's mother, Melinda Bartz of Northwood; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 641-324-1543.

www.colonialchapels.com.
 

MASON CITY -Dr. Delmar David Diercks, 78, of Mason City, died peacefully Monday (Aug. 31, 2009) at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, at the Grace Evangelical Free Church, 440 N. Illinois Ave., Mason City.

Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Delmar.

Delmar was born on June 4, 1931, in Mason City, the son of David and Hilda (Busse) Diercks. He attended a country grammar schoohouse south on Highway 65, and graduated from Mason City High School in 1953. Delmar graduated from Iowa State College with his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees.

Delmar married Marylen Jane (Green) on Sept. 10, 1955, at the St. John's Methodist church in Davenport, and to this union four children were born. Delmar started practicing veterinary medicine in Rockwell, retiring in 1993.

Delmar accepted the Lord in 1969. Delmar was involved in the Holy Spirit Conference movement and led the Sheltering Wings Prayer Group for many years. Delmar and Marylen then went to the mission field in Tyler, Texas, with Youth With A Mission for 10 years, before returning to Iowa to build their home and plant a prairie south of Mason City.

Delmar loved to hunt and fish, play basketball and was a master cribbage player. He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's activities. Delmar was a wonderful provider, protector, husband, father and grandfather. Above all he was a prayer warrior, and encourager, a man of integrity, a bold witness and a good and faithful servant for the Lord.

He is survived by his wife Marylen; his children David Diercks, Kathi (Doug) Sawyer, Daniel (Susie) Diercks, and Kristi (Rob) Johnson; his grandchildren, Kaitlen and Christina Sawyer, Brittany and Trevor Diercks, and Gabrielle Johnson.
 

BELMOND - Avis Berma Howell, 98, of Belmond, died Monday (Aug. 31, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
To honor Avis' wishes, a private family graveside service and inurnment will be held at a later date.
No visitation will be conducted; the body has been cremated.
Avis, the daughter of Emma (Fridley) Edwinson and Edwin Ole Edwinson, was born on March 30, 1911, in Ames, Iowa. She grew up in Ames and graduated from Ames High School in 1929.
Avis was united in marriage to Dana M. "Gov" Howell on Aug. 30, 1930, in Grundy Center. They lived in Ames while Dana completed college at Iowa State College (ISU) in 1935. During that time, Avis worked at the Iowa Highway Commission.
Before moving to Belmond in 1940, Dana and Avis managed dairies in Wichita, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Fargo, N.D., and Hampton, Iowa.
In Belmond, they opened an ice cream and Maid-Rite shop, later known as the "Mello Maid," which they ran until 1965. Dana had juke boxes in the surrounding 10-countywide area. Avis and Dana also owned and operated laundromats which included dry cleaning facilities in Belmond, Dayton, and Mason City; car washes, and a drive-in south of Belmond. Avis retired in 1971.
Avis was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church Women.
Avis was preceded in death by her husband Dana on May 23, 2000; her parents; her brother
Ray Van Scoy; and sisters, Jessie Johnstone, Mae Lyttle, and Doris Wagoner; son-in-law David Cleveland; and grandson Tim Cleveland.
Avis is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Marlys and Gene Parks of Charles City, Janet Cleveland of Forest City, and Lora and Russ Talbot of Belmond.
Also surviving are eight grandchildren, 18 great -grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Belmond Public Library Foundation, Belmond-Klemme Scholarship Foundation-II, Belmond-Klemme School Building Project,
Belmond Community Hospital Foundation, or to an organization of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are with the Dugger Funeral Home of Belmond, 641-444-3248.
 

ALEXANDER - Raymond Lewis Larsen, 84, died Sunday (Aug. 30, 2009) at Hampton Health Care in Hampton.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Alexander with Pastors Phil Arnold and Craig Larsen officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Alexander Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Andrews Funeral Home, 516 First St. S.E. Belmond and continue one hour prior to the services on Friday at the church.
The family suggests those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Ray's name consider the Humane Societies of Wright or Franklin County, or their choice.
Born to Fred and Lottie (Bell) Larsen, on Dec. 25, 1924, on the family farm north of Alexander, Raymond grew up on the farm and graduated from Alexander High School in 1944. During his youth, Raymond helped his parents with chores and farmed with horses and mules. He fondly recalled his Shetland pony, Major, that he taught to do tricks, such as counting by pounding his hoof on the ground when told a number. His father, Fred, ordered a rat terrier from Minnesota that arrived on a train. The family named him Rod, and Raymond also developed a strong attachment to the dog. Raymond was a catcher on the baseball team and sang on the choir at the United Methodist church where he was baptized and confirmed.
After graduating, Raymond worked for area farmers until he started farming on his own.
He met Betty Marie Hansen at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, and they were united in marriage on Dec. 17, 1951, at the Little Brown Church by Nashua. The couple settled on a farm north of Coulter where they started a family. They later moved to a farm near Clear Lake, then to a 120-acre plot northeast of Mason City where they raised corn, beans, oats and hogs, and milked 18 dairy cows.
Raymond and his family moved back to Alexander in 1966, and his trucking career began, first as an independent contractor, then for Asgrow Seed Co. in Clarion where he worked for 20 years until retirement in 1987.
During his years as a truck driver, Raymond delivered seed to many farms across the United States and Canada. He often took his children along, one at a time, to revel in such sights as the Dakotas, the sunflower fields in Kansas, the White Sands, and the beauty of rural roads.
His favorite vacation was with his wife, Betty, two children and two grandchildren to California where he saw the ocean, toured the Queen Mary, and visited Betty's brother Jim and family.
Raymond grieved the loss of Betty, who died Aug. 12, 1983.
Several years passed before he went dancing again at the Surf Ballroom and met Salinda Josephine Wilkinson. They were married on Dec. 16, 1990. Raymond and Josephine enjoyed traveling together, dining out, shopping and attending auctions. They lived most of their years together at her house in Manly. Josephine died July 1, 2005.
Raymond had a stroke shortly before Josephine's death and lived in his home in Alexander with the help of his children until a second stroke disabled him to the point he could not live alone. He then became a resident at Hampton Health Care where he spent three years.
Raymond loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs. He had several hobbies, including playing accordion, riding his 350 Honda, woodworking and collecting toy tractors. People were his greatest pleasure. He loved to socialize.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Roger Larsen and wife, Rose, Bloomfield, N.M., and Virgil Larsen and wife, Kim, Alexander, and daughters Nancy Sweeny and friend, Dorance Louden, Belmond, and Julie Weide and friend, Dar Horgen, Grafton; grandchildren Tony Larsen, Matthew Larsen, Becky Larsen, Aaron Sweeny, Angela (Sweeny) Lowery and husband Jon, Quentin Larsen, Kami Larsen and Christian Larsen, and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Elmer, Wilbur and Clifford, wife Betty, and wife Josephine.
Andrews Funeral Home, 641-444-4474.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Richard Paul Satter, 62, of Clear Lake, died Saturday (Aug. 29, 2009) at home of a heart attack.
A celebration of Rick's life will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday Sept. 4, 2009, at the Lodge, Girl Scout Camp Tanglefoot, 14948, Clear Lake, Iowa.
Friends are welcome to gather after 12:30 p.m.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Born in Clear Lake, Iowa, Jan. 2, 1947, to Paul and Nancy Satter, Rick was a talented photographer and avid collector of Western art.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree and was the head of the Audio/Visual Department in the College of Medicine at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.
He moved to Summit County, Colorado, in 1977 and joined a real estate appraisal company. After several years, Rick went on to manage Virgin Islands Ski Rental in Silverthorne, Colo., where he lived until moving back to Clear Lake upon retirement.
Rick loved to ski, travel, and spend time at the houseboat on Lake Powell. More than anything, he loved spending time with his friends, of which he had many.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother John.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Chelsea, of Austin, Texas; his identical twin brother, Bob Satter of Iowa City; his nephew, Zachary Satter of San Francisco, Calif.; and his niece, Cassie Goodwin of Washington, Iowa.
Arrangements are with the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. in Clear Lake; 641-357-2193, www.colonialchapels.com.
 

THOMPSON - Marjorie "Mert" Senne, 81, of Thompson, died on Friday (Aug. 28, 2009) at Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. today, Tueday, Sept. 1, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson with Pastor Mark Decker, officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Friends and family were welcome at her visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson and also one hour before the service today at the church.

Marjorie Maxine (Finer) Senne was born on Nov. 24, 1927, on the Finer family farm south of Thompson to R.A. and Evelyn (Anderson) Finer. She attended King Township No. 8 country school and graduated from Thompson Community School in 1945.

She married Alvin Senne on March 6, 1958, and lived on a farm south of Thompson for 40 years before moving to Thompson in 1997.

Marjorie was full of love and life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an active, life long member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her husband, Alvin; and her children: Dennis (Joan) of Ames, Douglas ( Bette) of Downingtown, Pa.; Brenda Senne Robinson (Donald Woodwick) of Thompson, Becky Kem of Johnston, and John Kem of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren: Todd Senne (Faye) of Des Moines, Tanya Austin (Steve) of Ames, Travis Senne (Jennifer) of Des Moines, Tiffany Senne of Downingtown, Pa.; Troy Senne of Downingtown, Pa.; Nate Robinson of Sandpoint, Idaho; Zach Robinson and Marissa Eichenberger of Des Moines, Amber Robinson of Thompson, Danielle Kem of Johnston, and Alex Kem of Johnston; great-grandchildren: Riley, Ty, and Alli Austin; Meredith and Jake Senne and Braden and Andrew Senne; sisters: Virginia Meinecke of Forest City, Ardis Olson of West Des Moines, Lois Holst (Ralph) of Leland, Ruby Olson of Richfield, Minn.; and Barb Thompson (Ron) of Urbandale; brothers: Vincent Finer (Eunice) of Leland, Keith Finer (Beverly) of Thompson, and Kenneth Finer (Sue) of Perry; and a sister-in-law Joan Finer of Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Eileen Strong and brother Junior Finer; brothers-in-law, Jim Strong, Joe Olson, Bob Severson, Al Meinecke, and Richard Olson; and a nephew Jeffery Olson.

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

Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 245 Harrison St. Thompson; 641-584-2520, www.winterfuneralhome.com.
 

IOWA FALLS - Ronald W. Skogerboe, 76, of Iowa Falls, died Monday (Aug. 31, 2009) at the Rolling Green Village, Nevada.

Funeral services for Ronald W. Skogerboe will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Brian King officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Linn's Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls. Burial will be at the Northlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

The Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel is handling the arrangements; 641-648-2569.
 

Globe Gazette 1 September 2009

CLARION - Gary L. Bridger, 65, of Clarion, died Monday (Aug. 31, 2009) in Clarion.
Memorial services will be held att 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion with Pastor Bill Kem officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Ewing Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St., in Clarion and continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Ewing Funeral Home, 515-532-2233.
 

FOREST CITY - Pat Dahlen, 82, of Good Samaritan Center in Forest City, formerly of Joice, died Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Good Samaritan Library Fund in Forest City, Iowa, or to Hospice of North Iowa.

Patricia Ann Dahlen was born March 15, 1927, at home in Thompson, to Lulu (DeVries) and Clarence Torgeson. She graduated from Thompson High School in the Class of 1944 and attended Waldorf College.

In July of 1945, she was united in marriage to Ralph Dahlen in Thompson. To this union five children were born: Klareese, Lynn, Kermit, Rebecca and Patrick.

Pat worked for Deluxe Products in Lake Mills in the 1960s and, for a time, assisted the librarian at the Joice Library.

She loved her family, enjoyed reading, and crafts. She was president of the Resident Council at Good Samaritan Center and enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society.

Pat is survived by four of her children: Lynn Dirks of Apple Valley, Minn., Kermit (Mari) Dahlen of Hinton, Iowa, Becky (Ron) Hagen of Forest City, and Patrick (Eileen) Dahlen of Rio Rancho, N.M.; a son-in-law, Larry Thorson of Onalaska, Wis.; nine grandchildren, Amy (Joe) Gosz, David Thorson, Jeffrey Dirks, Kristopher Dahlen, Brian (Jamie) Hagen, Allison Hagen, Eric (Rachel) Goranson, Savannah Dahlen and Nicholas Dahlen; three great-grandchildren Andrew Gosz, Kyle and Keira Goranson; along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; and daughter, Klareese.

You can contact the family with on-line condolences at: www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 641-592-0221.

www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.
 

BRITT - Rosella Daniels, 86, of Britt, died Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2009) at Cardinal Grove Assisted Living in Garner.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt.
Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-843-3811.
www.cataldofuneralhome.com.
 

CAMERON PARK, Calif. - Kathryn Jean (Ennis) Fields, 49, of Cameron Park, Calif., formerly of Mason City, Iowa, died Saturday (Aug. 29, 2009) at Mercy Hospital of Folsom, Folsom, Calif.
Kathryn was born on Jan. 5, 1960, in Mason City, to Richard and Marlys (Larson) Ennis. She attended Mason City Schools and graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1978.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Fields; and her son, Jared Bracken, of Cameron Park, Calif.; mother, Marlys Ennis; sisters, Julie (Dave) Cooper, Nancy (Bert) Lee, Peggy (Rick) Pitzenberger, Mary (Jay) Miller, and Jodi (Brent) Fisher; aunt and uncle, Ronnie and Doreen Ennis; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Ennis; grandparents, Walter and Mildred Ennis and Clifford and Agnes Larson, and an infant sister.
A time of remembrance will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at her mother's home, 841 12th St. N.E. Mason City, Iowa.
 

MASON CITY -Lois Lorain Gray, 73, died Sunday (Aug. 30, 2009) in her home.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 4060 Fourth St. S.W., Mason City, with Brother Al Williams officiating.
Lois Lorain was born on Dec. 22, 1935 in Hume, N.Y., daughter of Raymond W. and Mary M. (McMurtry) Catlin. She grew up in New York, until she moved to California where she graduated from Lunnwood High School in 1953.
Lois Lorain was baptized a Jehovah's Witness in January 1952 in Los Angeles, Calif.
She was an administrative assistant for many agencies. She was a dispatcher for the Worth County Sheriff's Department and then drove school bus for Northwood-Kensett schools for many years.
She enjoyed flowers, music, her ministry, and old movies. Her favorite part of her day was meeting all the wonderful people at the North Iowa Community Credit Union in Mason City, where she worked for the last four years.
She married her love and best friend, Donald E. Gray on June 21, 1992, in Ports O'Call in San Pedro, Calif. They spent 10 wonderful years in the Morro Bay, Calif., community, until 2002 when they moved to Mason City.
Lois Lorain is survived by her husband, Don Gray, Mason City; and her brothers, Daniel Weaver and wife, Janet, Pilot Hill, Calif., Raymond (Billy) Catlin, New York; and her children, Lori Dorsey and husband, Joe, Manly, Robert G. Trumble, Mason City, Katrina Larson and husband, Tom, Baxter; two step-sons, Kevin Carter, California, and Jim Carter, California, her grandchildren, Melissa Schroeder and husband, Spencer, Clear Lake, Joshua Overbeck, Okoboji, Carter Larson and Piper Larson, Baxter, Tonya Kiefer and Tammy Kiefer, Thornton, and one great-grandchild, Emma Schroeder, Clear Lake, and many dear friends, especially Darlene, Vonda, and Jean.
Lois Lorain was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her childrens' fathers, Robert G. Trumble Sr. and James R. Carter, and her parents-in-law.
 

BRITT - C. Rosella Daniels, 86, of Britt, died Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2009) at Cardinal Grove Assisted Living in Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt with Father Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. today, Thursday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt with a Catholic Daughters of the Americas rosary at 8 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

C. Rosella Daniels, the daughter of Joseph and Ella (Buckley) Chizek, was born on Nov. 26, 1922, on a farm near Garner. She attended rural school near Britt and graduated from Britt High School in 1940.

On Aug. 6, 1946, she was united in marriage to Lester Daniels at Britt. They made their home on a farm north of Duncan where they raised their family.

Rosella enjoyed her chickens, sewing, reading, flowers, gardening, and bird watching. Visiting with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews brought her great joy and Rosella looked forward to her regular gatherings with her sisters.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, was a 25-year member of Catholic Daughters of Americas, Court 284 St. Catherine of Siena, and belonged to the Britt American Legion Auxiliary.

Rosella is survived by her children, Don (Denise) Daniels of Forest City, Mary (Dave) Millis of Elk Grove Village, Ill., Jim Daniels of Britt, and DiAnn (Terry) Jass of Garner; eight grandchildren, Christopher Daniels of Burlingame, Calif., Meghan Daniels and Patrick Daniels both of San Francisco, Calif., Eric Millis of Elk Grove Village, Ill., Nathan Millis of Chicago, Ill., Kim (Nick) Upmeyer of Garner and Kelli and Kami Jass of Garner; sisters, Kay (Leonard) Pistek of Britt, Irene Hiscocks of Garner, Rita Stevenson of Mason City, Veronica (Bill) Lawlor of Clear Lake and Marge (Steve) Jano of Berlin, Pa.; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Chizek, of Mason City; one brother-in-law, Richard (Gladys) Daniels of Houston, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lester, Feb. 23, 1988; brother, Virgil Chizek; brothers-in-law, John Stevenson, Bill Hiscocks, Clarence Daniels, Lawrence Daniels and Lawrence Spieker; sisters-in-law, Hattie Spieker and Irene Daniels; and a nephew, Michael Stevenson.

Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-843-3811.

www.cataldofuneralhome.com.
 

MASON CITY - Robert Warren Dirksen, 85, of 931 14th S.E. died Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. Mason City, with the Rev. Sid Bohls officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, with full military honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street N.E. Mason City; and continue one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Robert W. Dirksen Memorial Fund.

Robert was born June 3, 1924, in Hampton, the son of Ole and Eva (Newton) Dirksen. He attended school in Mason City. Robert enlisted into the United States Army serving during WWII in the Philippines; he was later honorably discharged. Returning from the war he worked for the Mason City School System as a ground foreman.

Robert was united in marriage to Theodora "Babe" Pappas on Sept. 30, 1949, to this union two children were born. He retired from the Mason City School System after 42 years of service.

After retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, hunting, and woodworking.

Robert was a member of the V.F.W. and St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Mason City.

Robert is survived by his children, Linda (David) Nolte, of Mason City and Kathy (William) O'Dell, of Alaska; grandchildren, Brian (Diann) Nolte, Stacy (Garry) Cunningham, Bill (Shana) O'Dell, Dan (Lisa) O'Dell, Tracie (Ryan) Behr, Fred (Stacey) O'Dell; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother Walt (Lorraine) Dirksen, of Plymouth; along with several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Ole and Eva Dirksen; wife Theodora "Babe" Dirksen; sisters, Shirley and Katie; and one brother Floyd.

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

DUMONT - Gertrude Franke, 82, of Dumont, died Wednesday (Sept. 2, 2009) at the Dumont Wellness Center in Dumont.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont, 641-456-3232.
 

CLEAR LAKE -Peter "Pete" Christian Jensen, 49, 9175 Dogwood Ave., Clear Lake, died Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2009) at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 301 S. Main St., Ventura, with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Inurnment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. today, Thursday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. Clear Lake.

Memorials may be given to the Pete Jensen Memorial Fund.

Pete was born on Aug. 6, 1960, in Washington D.C., the son of Warren L. and Marjorie Ellen (Umhau) Jensen. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1978 in Maryland. He moved to Clear Lake in September 1978 and worked as a handyman and farmhand.

He married Joleen Patro on Aug. 6, 1986, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, and to this union, three children were born.

Pete loved all animals including "exotic" animals. His house was open to anyone and if it was mealtime you didn't go hungry.

He loved snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, his Harley, and his truck. Pete had back surgery so he could keep using his "toys." Pete's favorite quote was "He who dies with the most toys, wins!" He had a heart of gold.

Pete was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, and rode with the Sons of Silence.

Pete is survived by his wife, Joleen Jensen, of Clear Lake; three children, Joseph Hall and his wife Krista, of Cedar Rapids, Christian Jensen, of Cedar Rapids, and Zachary Jensen, of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Maddi "May" Grace and Noey Ann; his mother Marjorie U. Jensen, of Clear Lake; sisters, Katherine Schwartzbeck and her husband Ralph, of Atlanta, Ga., and Amy Mahaffey and her husband Michael, of Clear Lake; mother-in-law, Nancey Guhl and her husband John, of Clear Lake; brother-in-law, Alan Patro, of Clear Lake; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; many friends and beloved dogs Chi-Chi and Bailey.

Pete was preceded in death by his father Warren, one nephew and his grandparents.

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

www.colonialchapels.com.
 

CLARION - Mary Anne Morphew, 79, of Clarion, died Wednesday (Sept. 2, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St. Forest City.

Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 641-585-2685.

www.petersenlundfh.com.
 

FOREST CITY - Kathryn Waldrop Oulman, 92, of Forest City, died Wednesday (Sept. 2, 2009) at "The Commons" in Owatonna, Minn.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City with Pastor Jerry Swanberg officiating. Burial will be at Brush Point Cemetery in Hanlontown, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, Sept. 4, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St. Forest City and an hour prior to service at the church.

Kathryn Waldrop Oulman was born on March 2, 1917, in Woodbury County, Sioux City, the daughter of John and Etta (Husiman) Osterkamp. As a young child, she moved with her family to Cerro Gordo County where she attended school in Ventura.

In 1937, she married Burley Waldrop and the couple lived in Hanlontown. Kathryn was very busy with church and community activities, her big lawn and flowers, and kept a large garden, known as the "Waldrop Garden". She worked for Friedman's Produce in Forest City for many years, then at Winnebago Industries for 10 years before retiring. Mr. Waldrop passed away in 1972.

She was united in marriage to James F. Oulman in 1974 and they made their home in Forest City. For 17 years the couple traveled all over in their motor home and enjoyed every minute of it. Mr. Oulman passed away in 1996.

Kathryn was a member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City and the Kum Along Club.

She is survived by a son, Jerald L. Waldrop (Ardythe); three grandchildren, Michelle (Ed) Tarka, Marsha (Bobby) Elliott and Shannon (Carrie) Waldrop; four great-grandchildren Leigha Tarka, Joshua Tarka, Sidney Waldrop and Keira Waldrop; a sister, Grace Morehead of Hawarden, Iowa; a brother, Edward (Joan) Osterkamp of Alcester, S.D.; and a very close nephew, Lynn Osterkamp, his wife Jill and their children of Forest City. She is also survived by many other nieces and nephews and their families.

Also surviving are four stepchildren: Gary (Gay) Oulman, of Buchanan, Tenn.; James (Sandy) Oulman of Lakeland, Fla., Eugene Oulman of Waterloo; Sandy Gutasky of Grundy Center; and 15 step-grandchildren.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, three brothers, William, John Jr. and Richard, and six sisters, Lena Oulman, Elizabeth Heitzig, Minnie Pitzenberger, Frances Heck, Mary Harris and Christina Duello.

Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Forest City.

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

ALGONA - David Lynn Steven, 67, formerly of Algona, died Tuesday (Sept. 1, 2009) at his residence in Forest Lake, Minn.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, Algona, with the Rev. Steve McElroy officiating. Burial will be in LuVerne Cemetery, with a flag folding presentation by the Algona VFW and American Legion.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Friday, at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, and will continue on Saturday one hour prior to the service.

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

Mason City - Jerry Dean Whitney Sr., 69, of 1634 N. Carolina Ave., Mason City, died Wednesday (Sept. 2, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with Pastor Paul Martin officiating. Cremation will take place after the service.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel.
Memorials may be directed to Erika in memory of Jerry.
Jerry was born Sept. 27, 1939, in Mason City, the son of Earl and Edith Whitney. He graduated from Mason City High School, then worked in construction until moving to California. Jerry moved back to Iowa and was in a car accident that left him disabled in 1967.
Jerry married Erika (Murnigkeit) in September of 1968. Between them, they had seven children.
Jerry loved to read before he lost his eyesight, and he also enjoyed watching TV, especially the History Channel and the Green Network. He loved his family and his Chihuahua, Angel.
He is survived by his wife, Erika, Mason City; his children, Monica (David) Teeter, Mason City, Mike (Sheryl) Trenary, Mason City, Jamey (Lisa) Whitney, Kansas, Steve (Lori) Whitney, Mason City, Tim (Marcie) Whitney, Rochester, Minn., Wendy (Jeff) Ewing, Mason City, and Jerry Whitney Jr., Manly; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several brothers and sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Anna Marie Ewing.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, 641-423-2372.
www.colonialchapels.com
 

Globe Gazette 3 September 2009

OSAGE - Larry Lee Ackley, age 48, of Osage, was called to heaven on Thursday (Sept. 3, 2009) after a brave battle with cancer, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center-Hospice Unit in Osage.
Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Edward Bard, chaplain-Hospice of North Iowa, officiating.
There will be a gathering of family and friends from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
Larry was born Oct. 6, 1960, in Osage, the son of Neil and Joan (Philipp) Ackley. Larry was united in marriage to Julie Heffron on July 6, 1990. He was employed with ACT in Northwood until he quit due to illness.
He loved spending time with his family and friends, reading, his Harley and tiger lilies. Larry will be remembered for his big grin and great sense of humor. He had a heart of gold.
Larry is survived by his wife, Julie Ackley of Osage; a son, Eric Young of Bonita, Calif., and his daughter Megan; a son, Andrew Young of Greeneville, Tenn.; a daughter, Savanna (Kevin) Lane of Mason City and their children Lorali and Collin; his mother, Joan Ackley of Nora Springs; his father, Neil (Connie) Ackley of Mason City; a brother, Mark (Nancy) Ackley of Charles City and their sons, Mark Jr. and Phillip; a sister, Kim (Tim) Hofler of Nora Springs and their children T.J. and Krysta; a brother, Steven (Jennifer) Ackley of Yerington, Nev., and their children Jordan, Jacob, Chubby and Taiwana; and many other relatives and friends.
Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 702 State St., Box 84, Osage, 641-732-3706.
 

MASON CITY - Martha G. Austin, 83, of Mason City, died Thursday (Sept. 3, 2009) at the Good Shepherd Health Center.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Jim Magelssen officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa, Good Shepherd Health Center or Kentucky Ridge Assisted Living.
Martha G. Austin was born June 25, 1926, in Mansfield, Minn., the daughter of Benhard H. and Nellie C. (Bakke) Bendickson. Martha and her family moved to Mason City in 1936 and she attended Mason City Schools. She was married to Kenneth D. Austin on Feb. 9, 1962, in Austin, Minn. She was employed by GAF as a driver for many years until her retirement.
Martha enjoyed fishing, gardening, flowers and especially spending time outdoors. She loved to play cards and the board game Wahoo with her family or anyone who would play.
Martha was a homemaker at heart; she took great pride in taking care of her family and home. She will be remembered for being a phenomenal cook and a talented crotchetier.
Family was important to her and she loved having family gatherings and she liked having them often. She was a past member of the V.F.W. and also the Eagles Club.
Martha had a strong relationship with God and she enjoyed attending Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was a member.
She is survived by her children, Janice Lewis and husband Gary of Altoona, Paul Austin and wife Peggy of Pekin, Ill., Mike Austin and wife Liz of Mason City, JoAnn Jensen and husband Jeffery of Pekin, Ill.; sister, Doris Bradley of Mesa, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren, Lynette (Rob) Dickerman, Jay (Olga) Lewis, Kelly (Gene) Williams, Tom Austin, Jennifer Creekmur, Katie (Ken)Vacek, Jeff (Jill) Austin, Eric (Paula) Jensen, Cory (Karrah) Jensen and Megan Jensen; 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; brothers-in-law Jerry Austin and Don Austin and sisters-in-law Delores Bolster and Inez Bendickson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth D. Austin in 1985; infant daughter; and four brothers.
Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 641-423-0924.
www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

MASON CITY - Earlene Dawn Boyer, 70, of 402 24th St. S.W., Mason City, died Wednesday (Sept. 2, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit after a long struggle with breast cancer.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday Sept. 5, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, Mason City, with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

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

Family suggests memorials to Opportunity Village.

Earlene was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Mason City, the daughter of Earl and Goldie (McKee) Burgess.

Earlene graduated from Mason City High School in 1956, while going to school and after graduation she worked for the J.C. Penney Store in Mason City.

Earlene married Cliff Boyer Sept. 29, 1956, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. They lived in Emmetsburg then later moved to Clear Lake, where she worked at X Size Fashion and the Holiday Motor Lodge. They later moved to Mason City.

Earlene enjoyed reading books, watching T.V. and especially spending time with her friends and family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Mason City.

Earlene is survived by her husband Clifford Boyer, of Mason City; two daughters, Cynthia Thompson and her husband Mike, of Clear Lake, and Rebecca (Tom) Ackerman, of West Des Moines; three grandchildren, Andrew Thompson and his wife Amanda, of Mason City, Ashley Boehmer and her husband Adam, of Clear Lake, and Emily Ackerman, of West Des Moines; three great-grandchildren, Parker, Taryn and Jenner; niece Barbara Carr, of Mason City; and a nephew, Gary Burgess, of Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Daryl Burgess; and his wife, Norma Burgess.

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

CLEAR LAKE - James "Jim" Robert Conroy 62, of 1312 Fifth Place N., died Thursday (Sept. 3, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.
A funeral service for Jim will be held at at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with Pastor Ed Bard officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.
Memorials may be directed to the James "Jim" Robert Conroy Memorial.
James Robert Conroy was born April 18, 1947, in Mason City, the son of Walter and Donna Belle Mae (Savage) Conroy. Jim began a career with Lehigh Cement on May 18, 1976, and continued working there for 33 years.
Jim was united in marriage to Claryce Pitkin on Nov. 20, 1964, at the Evangelical Free Church, Clear Lake. To this union two children were born and they raised one grandson, Tony.
Jim graduated from Clear Lake High School and continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College, graduating in 1984.
Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife, Claryce Conroy, Clear Lake; mother, Donna Belle Axelsen and step-father Chris Axelsen, Thornton; mother-in-law Jeri Pitkin, Clear Lake; children Clark James (Missy Meyerhofer) Conroy, Clear Lake, Christine J. (James) Kuhlmeier, Clear Lake; grandchildren, Tony (Jen) Conroy, Shanda (Jonathan) Burgos, Laura Swai, Koty (Jessica) Conroy, Hunter Kuhlmeier; siblings Chuck (Nancy) Conroy, Clear Lake, Tom (Gina) Axelsen, Forest Lake, Minn., Rick Axelsen, Thornton and Dawn (John) Drydale, Clear Lake; 11 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Walter Conroy; brother, John Axelsen; and father-in-law, Ivan Pitkin.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. Clear Lake, 641-357-2193.
www.colonialchapels.com
 

OSAGE - Lavern D. "Bud" Funk, age 82, of Osage, died Thursday (Sept. 3, 2009) in Osage.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Dennis Hanson and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. by Osage Masonic Lodge 102 A.F. & A.M.
He was born Feb. 13, 1927, near Osage, the son of Roy and Mabel (Olson) Funk. Bud was united in marriage to Shirley Feldt on Dec. 4, 1949, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He graduated from Osage High School in 1944.
After graduation, Bud served in the military and was in the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his return from the military, he attended Iowa State Teachers College. After graduation, he taught for two years in New Hartford. Bud returned to Osage in the spring of 1953 after his father suffered a heart attack and continued the family farm.
He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Osage Masonic Lodge and the Osage American Legion. He served on the board of Osage Farmers National Bank/First Citizens National Bank for several years. Bud enjoyed woodworking, mechanics, science, cars, fatherhood, good friends and family.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of Osage; his four sons, Steven of Vancouver, B.C., Tracy of Osage, Todd of Winona, Minn., and Spencer of Onalaska, Wis.; daughters-in-law, Paige Amsler, Peggy Funk, Heather Funk, Cindy Funk and Elizabeth Funk; 12 grandchildren; a sister, Betty (Keith) Morse of Mason City; and a sister-in-law, Helen Funk of Austin, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Keith Funk.
Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 702 State St., Box 84, Osage, 641-732-3706.
 

MASON CITY - Lyle M. Humphrey, 92, died Thursday (Sept. 3, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Private family inurnment services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the family to be used for nursing scholarships.
Lyle was born Oct. 31, 1916, in Hesper, to John and Beata (Wold) Humphrey. He was preceeded in death by his parents, brother Harlan and sisters Geraldine Olson and Delores Oesterborg.
He graduated from Mason City High School in 1934 and served in the Navy during World War II, stationed in San Diego and Oakland, Calif.
In April 1943 Lyle married Mary (Giere) Humphrey. They welcomed twin daughters Jan and Sue in 1945 and returned to Mason City. A third daughter, Julie, was born in Mason City to round out his "sorority."
Lyle completed a 30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1972.
His highest calling, apart from his Lutheran faith, was on the golf course. Most local golfers and golf enthusiasts will remember him as a "good caddy boy," as he would humbly state. Highland Park Golf Course was his home course and where he worked to improve his game.
In 2005, Globe Gazette opinion page editor Tom Thoma wrote, "If I could build a North Iowa Golf Hall of Fame, the first two people I'd put in it are Anne Casey Johnstone and Lyle Humphrey ... As for Mr. Humphrey, all he did was win the Mason City men's city tournament 11 times. Imagine that - 11- time city champ in a city that's produced some very fine golfers. It's an accomplishment that will be very difficult to match, indeed."
Years before Mr. Thoma's article, when Lyle was winning his third Mason City championship, a Globe Gazette columnist gave a report on Lyle's integrity.
"The going in the first five holes had been mighty tough for him. He was three down and he had a chance for a birdie four on the sixth hole. With this in his thinking, he surveyed his 'lie' with special care and took some extra swings with his putter.
"All of a sudden he announced that he was 'shooting 5.'
"I touched my ball with my putter," he explained.
"Those in the gallery hadn't noticed it.
"As he teed off for the seventh hole, he was 4 down, with prospects for winning not too bright.
"Such is the quality of 'Baldy' Humphrey's sportsmanship. He had placed sportsmanship above victory."
Lyle most of all loved his family and delighted in their successes as he would proclaim "hooray for the home team!"
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Humphrey; brother Jim (Mil) Humphrey, Iowa City; daughters Jan (Charlie) Hall, Prior Lake, Minn., Sue (Bob) Simons, Clive, and Julie (Rolf) Aronsen, Mason City; grandsons Jeffrey (Aubrey) Hall, St. Paul, Minn., Matt (Dana) Simons, Brooklyn, N.Y., Andrew (Rachel) Hall, San Diego, Calif., Steve Simons, San Diego, Calif., and Nicholas (Sarah) Aronsen; great-grandson Benjamin, Mason City; and granddaughter Erica (fiance Chris Axiotis) Aronsen, Ames.
Lyle's family extends special thanks to his longtime friends Tom Waggoner, Jack Proscovec and Paul "Blackie" Espinosa.
Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 641-423-0924.
 

IOWA FALLS - Eunice Jutting, 77, of Iowa Falls, died Thursday (Sept. 3, 2009) at Scenic Manor, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Linn's Funeral Homes, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, with Pastor Harry Imlay officiating. Private family burial will be held at the Northlawn Memory Garden Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

A time of visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel.

Memorials may be directed to the family c/o 312 School St., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

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