Dixie Bartsch

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - Dixie Bartsch, 93, passed away in New Braunfels on Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at her home surrounded by her loving family.
    She was born Lucy Delpha Wagner on April 25, 1916, in Bristow.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, John Wagner and Ella Davis Wagner; four brothers, Ollie, Verland, Howard and Delbert; one sister, Iola. Dixie was also preceded in death by her husband, James Bartsch.
    She is survived by her sons, Larry Nichols and wife, Carol Jean, of New Braunfels, and Roger Nichols and wife, Carol Ann, of New Braunfels; four step-sons: Thomas and wife, Diane, Steven, Robert and wife, Susan, of Ames, William and wife, Jean, of Hazel Green, Wis.; two stepdaughters, Beth, Peggy and her husband, Frank, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 18 loving grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Dixie graduated from Dumont High School with honors and was valedictorian of her class. She attended Iowa State Teachers College, now known as The University of Northern Iowa, at Cedar Falls. She taught school in Iowa for a number of years.
    In 1939, she married Lloyd Nichols and had her two sons, Larry and Roger. Lloyd preceded her in death.
    In 1974, Dixie married James D. Bartsch and lived and worked in Mason City. James and Dixie worked at Interstate Power Co. and then later retired. After retirement, they moved to New Braunfels where they resided for 22 years.
    A visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels.
    Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 27, at the Bracken Methodist Church in Bracken, Texas, with burial to follow at the Bracken Community Cemetery.
    Memorials may be given to the charity of one's choice.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Francis "Frannie" Claude

CLARION - Francis "Frannie" Claude, 70, of Clarion died Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at Careage of Clarion.
    Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 1, at First United Methodist Church in Clarion with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
    Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Ewing Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St. in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to the services Monday at the church.
Ewing Funeral Home, 515-532-2233.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Carl O. Gibbs Jr.

MASON CITY - Carl O. Gibbs Jr., 78, of Mason City died Tuesday (Feb. 23, 2010) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.
    Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. today at St. James Lutheran Church, 1148 Fourth St. S.E., Mason City, with Pastor Paul Nelson officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.
    Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
    Memorials may be directed to the Carl Gibbs Memorial Fund in care of the family.
    Carl was born Dec. 18, 1931, in Mason City, the son of Carl Sr. and Hulda (O'Green) Gibbs. Hulda later married John J. "Smitty" Ringis, who raised and became Carl's father. He graduated from High School, attended Drake University and graduated from Buena Vista.
Carl was very proud to have served in the Navy from 1951 to 1954 on the USS New Jersey during the Korean War. Carl married June Foss on Feb. 11, 1954, in Mason City.
    Over the years, Carl worked for Farmers Grain Dealer in Des Moines, Frank Embusk Accounting Firm in Mason City, Forest City Elevator as a controller, and the State of Iowa-Department of Revenue before retiring. He had a passion for numbers.
    Carl was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Harding Masonic Lodge No. 649 A.F. & A.M., AMVETS, and a lifelong member of the VFW.
    He enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking, fishing, crossword puzzles, socializing with people, working with numbers and surfing the Internet.
   Carl is survived by his wife of 56 years, June Gibbs of Mason City; his children, Helen Holtan and husband, Paul, of Minneapolis, Minn., Carla Dempsey and husband, Terry, of Mason City, and Christopher Gibbs of Mason City; seven grandchildren: Andrew Holtan and wife, Sarah, of Milwaukee, Wis., Miranda Holtan and Nicholas Holtan, both of Minneapolis, Minn., Heidi Wilson and husband, Aaron, of Eagan, Minn., Erin Julson and special friend, Kenny Hudson, of Rudd, and Joshua Dempsey and Megan Dempsey, both of Mason City; three great-grandchildren, Pierce Wilson and Kairi and Alexandria Hudson; one brother, John Ringis, of Mason City; and two sisters, Sandra Solsaa of Mason City and Cheryl Ringis of Green Bay, Wis., He is also survived by family, nieces, nephews and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Hulda Ringis; one son: Carl O. Gibbs III; in-laws, Clarence and Alice Foss.
    Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Published in Globe Gazette from February 24 to February 26, 2010

Amanda Gray

CHARLES CITY - Amanda Gray, 101, of Charles City died Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
    Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main St. in Charles City.
    Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323, www.hauserfh.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Frances M. Hundt

CHARLES CITY -Frances M. Hundt, 87, of Charles City died Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
    Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hauser Funeral Home, 1205 S. Main in Charles City, with Pastor Debra Lincoln of the Jordan River and Colwell U.C.C. officiating. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.
    Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Visitation will continue an hour before the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
    The Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323, www.hauserfh.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Lori (Abrams) Lichty

MASON CITY - Lori (Abrams) Lichty, 48, of 232 Fourth St. N.W., Mason City, died Thursday (Feb. 25, 2010) at home surrounded by her family, following a heroic battle with cancer.
    Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 1, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
    Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, and one hour prior to services Monday at the church.
    Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa, First United Methodist Church or to Lori's family.
    Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 641-423-2372. www.colonialchapels.com
 

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Barbara J. Oudekerk

HAMPTON - Barbara J. Oudekerk, 53, of Hampton died Thursday (Feb. 25, 2010) at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
    Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.
Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, 641-456-3232. www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Bertilla "Bert" Pint

OSAGE - Bertilla "Bert" Pint, 84, of Osage died Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
    Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
    Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a rosary at 4:30 p.m.
    Bertilla was born Aug. 23, 1925, in Stacyville at her home, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rauen) Isaac. She attended school in Stacyville at Visitation Academy.
    Bertilla was married to Kenneth Pint on July 16, 1947, at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. She was a housewife until she drove school bus for Osage from 1968 until 1991.  She also worked part time as a cook for Christiansen's Drive Inn. Bertilla owned Farmer's Inn until the late 1980s. After that she got her CNA and worked at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage until she retired in 2006.
    Bertilla enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
    Bertilla is survived by six children, Curtis (Lois Jean) Pint of Dickyville, Wis., LuAnn (Bruce) Budahn of Austin, Minn., Lynda (Larry) Johnson of Osage, Lynn Pint of Osage, Gwen Driscoll of Osage, and Neil Pint of Lenexa, Kan.; son-in-law, Tom Gast, of Nora Springs; sister, Lorraine (Leo) Meitner, of Osage; brother, Harold (Kay) Isaac, of Stacyville; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth, in 1975; daughter, Pamela Gast, in 2002; brother, Verlyn; sister, Esther; and sister-in-law, Kay Cahill.
    Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.
    Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 641-732-3706.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 25 to February 26, 2010

Deanna Kay Piska

PHARR, Texas - Deanna Kay (Monter) Piska, 68, formerly of Mason City, passed away on Wednesday (Feb. 17, 2010) at the Comfort House in McAllen, Texas.
    Deanna was born July 20, 1941, to Don and Luella (Puls) Monter of Arapahoe, Neb., who now reside in Overland Park, Kan. Deanna graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1959. She was involved in the standard youth activities - drill team, band, 4-H and many others.
    After graduating she went to work as a nurse assistant in Holdrege, Neb., where she met and married the love of her life, Gerald Jay Piska. They were united in marriage on Aug. 8,1960, in Council Bluffs.
    Jay and Deanna's career choices kept them in the upper Midwest where she became wife, mother of three and foster mother to many. Deanna enjoyed the role of motherhood. She dedicated many hours to each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and many stray children.
    After the nest was empty Deanna and Jay enjoyed their hobby/business of horses. They went on countless trail rides to scenic destinations. Life was good until Deanna received the life altering news of cancer. Deanna and Jay were able to take early retirement so they could travel to many points of interest. Along their way they gathered many new friends and reconnected with old ones, Ultimately they were able to fulfill a lifelong dream to retire in the south of Texas. For 10 years they have called the Tip-of-Texas home. This is where Deanna fought her courageous and inspirational 11-year battle with cancer.
    Survivors include husband, Jay, of Pharr, Texas; three children: Randall of Ankeny, his daughters, Elizabeth Piska of Rogers, Ark., and Erin Piska of Ankeny; Renee (Joe) Nelson and their sons, Steven Nelson of Thornton and Brad (Logan) Nelson of Fort Rucker, Ala., and Chris Nelson of Thornton; Robert (Joanne) Piska of Mason City and their family, Mindy, Amy and Eric of Mason City; parents, Don and Luella Monter of Overland Park, Kan.; brother, Kent (Kathi) Monter and their family, Bradley, and Michaela of Overland Park, Kan.
    Preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, one sister, one niece, one nephew and one grandson.
    Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, at Amador Funeral Home in Pharr.
    Funeral mass was held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb., 19, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Pharr.
    Final resting place will be held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Thornton at a later date.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Galen L. Waage

MASON CITY - Galen L. Waage, 65, of 777 S. Eisenhower Ave., died Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at his home.
    Arrangements are incomplete at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.
    Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 641-423-2372. www.colonialchapels.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 26, 2010

Posted on 26 February 2010

Robert E. Barner

BRADENTON, Fla. -Robert E. Barner, 81, of 3914 41st St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205, formerly of Mason City, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at Tidewell Hospice Home, Bradenton, Fla.
    Arrangements are incomplete at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, 641-423-2372. www.colonialchapels.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 27, 2010
 

Grace Chrischilles

ALGONA - Grace Chrischilles, 89, of Algona died Thursday (Feb. 25, 2010) at Good Samaritan Communities in Algona.
    Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 1, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Algona with the Rev. Deborah Pope officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Algona.
    Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona.
    Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, 515-295-3731. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 27, 2010
 

Francis "Frannie" Claude

CLARION - Francis "Frannie" Claude, 70, of Clarion passed away Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at Careage of Clarion.
    Funeral services for Francis Claude will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 1, First United Methodist Church in Clarion with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
    Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Ewing Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St. in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.
Jule Francis "Frannie" Claude was born July 29, 1939, to Jule Archie and Fern Fannie (Loux) Claude on the Loux family farm in Wall Lake Township near Woolstock.
    Frannie moved into Woolstock on his second birthday and attended school in the Woolstock, Wall Lake No. 9, and Clarion schools where he graduated in 1958.
    After high school, Frannie worked for Shupe Hardware, the Iowa Department of Transportation, and Hagie's in Clarion prior to becoming self-employed as an electrician in 1972.
    Frannie was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Anderson on June 16, 1962, and to this union, one daughter, Cathy Jo Claude, was born.
    Frannie enjoyed going to wrestling meets, vegetable gardening (there wasn't room for flowers in his garden), reading and spending time with family and friends. He was a hard worker who enjoyed the challenge of repairing or rebuilding anything that wasn't working properly, be it as small as a flashlight or as large as a grain dryer.
    Frannie is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Clarion; one daughter, Cathy, of Cassville, Mo.; one granddaughter, Amber (Stan) Powell, of Berryville, Ark,; one grandson, Tracy Mikesh, of Cassville, Mo.; one great-granddaughter, Alexis Powell; one brother, Gary (Edwina) Claude, of Clear Lake; one niece and three nephews.
    Frannie is preceded in death by his father, Jule Archie Claude, on Jan. 31, 1995, and his mother, Fern Claude, on Jan. 18, 2010.
    Ewing Funeral Home, 515-532-2233.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 26 to February 27, 2010
 

Betty A. Dreyer

LATIMER - Betty A. Dreyer, 78, of Latimer, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.
    A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty Dreyer will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tueday, March 2, at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Hampton. Father Bernie Grady will officiate. Burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery.
    Visitation for Betty Dreyer will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 1, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 320 East St. in Latimer, and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Betty Dreyer's name.
Dugger Funeral Home, 320 East Street, Latimer, 641-579-6278.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 27 to February 28, 2010

Harold Gronbach

LIVERMORE - Harold Gronbach, 92, of Livermore, died on Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at the Humboldt North Care Center.
    Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Livermore, with the Rev. Henry Friedrich officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Otto-Field American Legion Post No. 415 of Livermore.
    Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Lentz Funeral Home in Livermore.
Harold's video may be viewed at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
    Lentz Funeral Home, 515-295-2622.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 27 to February 28, 2010

Irene Harlan

IOWA FALLS - Irene Harlan, 89, of Iowa Falls died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, Iowa Falls.
   Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 313 Lee Lane, Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Paul Beisel officiating. Burial will be at the Northlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa Falls.
    A time of visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 1, at the Linn's Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls.
    Memorials may be directed to the family c/o her son: Terry Harlan, 23474 County Highway D-15, Iowa Falls, IA 50126.
    The Linn's Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 27, 2010
 

Dorothy Hazel Hovel

MANLY - Dorothy Hazel Hovel, 92, died Thursday (Feb. 25, 2010) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City surrounded by her family.
    A funeral mass for Dorothy will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 412 N. Broadway, Manly, with the Rev. David Kucera and Monsignor Joseph Slepicka officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Manly.
    Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly, with a rosary being lead by Pat Dixon at 6 p.m. followed by a scriptural wake service.
Online condolences may be sent to www.colonialchapels.com.
    The family of Dorothy Hovel suggests that those wishing to give a memorial may wish to consider contributions to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, the Manly Public Library, or to Hospice of North Iowa.
    Dorothy H. Hovel, 92, was born on March 5, 1917, in Estherville, the daughter of Alfred D. and Martha (Betz) Rose. Dorothy and her parents and brother Tom moved to Manly in 1922, and she graduated from North Central High School in Manly in 1935. Dorothy attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and graduated with a two-year teaching degree in 1939.
    During her long teaching career, she taught students at elementary schools in Dumont, Buffalo Center, Indianola, Ottumwa, North Central, Holy Family School in Mason City and Northwood-Kensett.
    She was united in marriage to Leo H. Hovel on June 11, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly and lived on South Broadway for many years. She and Leo were parents to two daughters, Mary K. and Cyndy. Dorothy returned to school and taking courses in Mason City and attending summer school, she earned a bachelor's degree in Education from Drake University in Des Moines.
    Dorothy was a long-time member of Sacred Heart parish in Manly, particularly as a member of Our Lady of Victory Guild. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Iowa State Teachers Association.
    After her retirement in 1979, she and Leo enjoyed traveling around the U.S. by bus and spending time on her hobbies of quilting, embroidery, knitting, gardening, baking, and playing cards with friends.
    Following Leo's death on April 24, 2001, she continued to live in her home in Manly until she moved to the Homestead Assisted Living in Mason City in November 2008. She enjoyed living at the Homestead and her family wishes to thank Administrator Mary Montgomery and her staff for their caring service during her time at the Homestead. Dorothy was recognized there for her award winning sugar cookie recipe.
    Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Mary K. Mahoney and her husband, Stephen, and her grandson, Edward Mahoney, of Gilbert, and Cyndy Hovel-Wright and her husband, Mike Wright, of Des Moines; sister-in-law, Ruby Rose, of Rochester, Minn., along with several nieces and special friends, Dick and Nancy Koob of Manly and their children, Connie Koob of Milwaukee, Wis., Brian and Emily Koob of Rockwell, and Carolyn Scheppler, as well as other extended family members and friends.
    Her parents, husband, Leo, and her brother, Tom, preceded Dorothy in death.
Bride Colonial Chapel, 641-454-2242. www.colonialchapels.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 27, 2010
 

Lori (Abrams) Lichty

MASON CITY - Lori (Abrams) Lichty, 48, of 232 Fourth St. N.W., Mason City, passed away Thursday (Feb. 25, 2010) at home surrounded by her family, following a heroic battle with cancer.
    Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 1, at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, Mason City, with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
    Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa, First United Methodist Church or to Lori's family.
    Lori was born on April 6, 1961, in Mason City, the daughter of Dennis and Betty (Brown) Abrams. She was united in marriage to Kurt Lichty on Oct. 8, 1982, at First United Methodist Church, Mason City, where they worshipped with their family.
    Lori was a 1979 graduate of Mason City High School and attended North Iowa Area Community College. She was working at Godfather's Pizza when she met her husband Kurt.    She later managed the LA Express Pizza, Mason City. Lori then worked as an employment recruiter for Ameri-Link and Express Services. She also worked as an account executive for the Mason City Shopper. Lori took time off to raise her four daughters, and returned to work as a graphic designer for Premium Beverage, for several years.
    Her life was centered around her family. She spent her free time making crafts, such as flower arrangements and wreaths. She collected images and figurines of clowns. Lori also enjoyed late night bike rides with her friends and especially with her brother, Kelly. Lori loved to attend motorcycle rallies with her girlfriends. Above all, she enjoyed camping with her family while going to the Sprint Car National Races at Knoxville.
    Lori is survived by her husband, Kurt Lichty, Mason City; four daughters, Jonna Lichty, Ames, Kyla Lichty, Mason City, twins, Brooke and Alexis Lichty, Mason City; parents, Dennis and Betty Abrams, Ames; brother, Kelly Abrams, Mason City; in-laws, DeRay and LaVaughn Lichty, Mason City; brothers and sisters in-law, Dana Lichty and her husband Jim Weikart, White Plains, N.Y., Brett (Barb) Lichty, Libertyville, Ill.; DeeRay (Bev) Lichty, Jacksonville, Fla.; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
    She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Weldon and Luella Brown and her paternal grandparents, Orville and Viola Abrams.
    Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126Third St. N.E., Mason City, 641-423-2372.
www.colonialchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 26 to February 28, 2010
 

Barbara J. Oudekerk

HAMPTON - Barbara J. (Svendsen) Oudekerk, 53, of Hampton passed away Thursday (Feb. 25, 2010) at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.
    Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at Faith Baptist Church in Hampton with Pastor David Koenigsberg and Pastor Brian Hayes officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.
    In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.
    Barb was born Aug. 23, 1956, in Belmond. She was a graduate of Hampton Community Schools. She was united in marriage to Rick Oudekerk on April 16, 1988. She worked for Birdsell's Super Value in Hampton for many years.
    She received a kidney transplant on April 20, 1994. She became a resident of the Hampton Rehabilitation Center.
    Barb enjoyed camping, stock car races, making blankets for family and friends, bowling, being a Girl Scout leader and visiting with friends and family.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Jane Svendsen; and her mother-in-law, Ila Oudekerk.
    She is survived by her husband, Rick Oudekerk of Hampton; her two beloved furry children; brother, Chuck (Joan) Svendsen, of Hampton, sister, Joann (Tom) Kramer, of Clarion, sister, Kathye (Lon) Gaines, of Mason City; father-in-law, Gordon Oudekerk, of Aredale; sister-in-law, Bonnie Jung, of Dumont; and brother-in-law, Randy Oudekerk, of Hampton, nieces and nephews, Matt Gaines of Mason City, Angel (Chris) Gaines-Jarosh of Mason City, Gloria Kramer of Des Moines, Clay (Heather) Kramer of Fonda, Jon (Lori) Kramer of Des Moines, Stacey (Jason) McVicker of Hampton, Jodi (Mark) Bosscher of Pella, Ricky J. Oudekerk of Mason City; and eight great-nieces and nephews.
    Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, 641-456-3232. www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com


Published in Globe Gazette from February 26 to February 27, 2010

Kathryn A. Reines

Lake Mills - Kathryn A. Reines, 92, of Lake Mills, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.
    Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 1, at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, with the pastor Bill Peters officiating. Burial will take place at the Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery.
    Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church only.
Kathryn A. Reines, daughter of Erik and Olina (Honsey) Reines, was born on July 22, 1917, on a farm in Mount Valley Township, Winnebago County. She was baptized and confirmed at Winnebago Lutheran Church.
    Kathryn lived on the home place with her family and attended country school. She worked for and retired from Deluxe Mfg. in Lake Mills, and also volunteered at the Lake Mills Care Center.
    In 1965, Kathryn bought a home with her sister Esther in Lake Mills and lived there until she entered the Lake Mills Care Center in August of 2008.
    Kathryn is survived by her nieces, Marilyn (Gene) Brady of Perry, Cheryl (James) Moore of Waterloo, Linda (Ken) Ferjak of Forest City, JoAnn (Tony) Onnen of Cokato, Minn., Darla Thorland of Decorah; nephews, Carroll (Virgean) Reines of Lake Mills, Rodney (Lynda) Thorland of Blaine, Minn.; along with several great-nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Esther Reines, Geneva (Harold) Thorland; brothers, Melvin Reines, Conrad (Alpha) Reines; nephew, Edward Thorland and great nephew, Greg Thorland.
    You can contact the family with online condolences at, www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com, 641-592-0221.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 27 to February 28, 2010
 

Alvera Mary Schoneman

WATERLOO - Alvera Mary Schoneman, 92, of Waterloo, formerly of Allison, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at the Ravenwood Nursing & Rehab Center in Waterloo.
    Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Burial will be in the Allison Cemetery. The Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank will be officiating.
    Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.
    Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home, 641-456-3232.
www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 27 to February 28, 2010

Leo R. Vasquez

MASON CITY - Leo R. Vasquez, age 87, of Mason City, died Thursday (Feb. 25, 2010) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, following a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.
    Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Mark Doebel officiating.
    There will be no visitation.
    Memorials may be directed to the Leo Vasquez Memorial Fund in care of the family.
    Leo was born on Aug. 1, 1922, the oldest child of Armando and Lupe (Trijillo) Vasquez. He was united in marriage to Norma Jean Frazier in 1949. From this union he was blessed with a son and his best friend Dan.
    Leo worked for years as a mechanic, welder and farmer. He was also a supervisor at Mid-Equipment in Mason City and I.M.T. in Garner. He always took great pride in his work.
    Leo was "larger than life" to all who knew him. He always had a story to share. No one he encountered ever remained a stranger. He had a love of cars and motorcycles, and loved riding his Harley with one of his best friends, Elmo Frazier.
    On Saturday nights, you could always find him out dancing with his "baby," Charlotte. He loved his country music, the VFW, and the band "Full House."
    In 2007, he was featured on the front page of the Globe Gazette for his whistling. Over the years, he whistled with Patti Page, Marvin Rainwater, John Blanchard, Misty Morgan, Kitty Wells, Full House, and many others. He enjoyed watching his Westerns on TV, many times over.
    Leo is survived by the "love of his life," Charlotte Stensrud of Mason City; son, Dan Vasquez and fiancée Candy Pitkin of Clear Lake; Charlotte's children, Randy (Debbie) Stensrud of Joice, Charlene (Mike) Martin of Marshalltown, Marlene (Rodger) Jessen of Isaquah, Wash., Renae (Bernie) Thompson of Camas, Wash., Rhonda (Patrick) Zender of Portland, Ore.; and his "four-footed fuzz balls," Ginger, Ralphie, Barney and Pumpkin; brother, Rufus (Alice) Vasquez of Mason City; sisters, Josie Ruiz of Mason City, Anna Vasquez of Fort Worth, Texas, and Lupe Reyes of California. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and many special friends.
    He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary, Angie, Teresa, and Johnnie.
    Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements, 641-423-0924.
www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 27 to February 28, 2010
 

Galen L. Waage

Mason City - Galen L. Waage 65, of 777 South Eisenhower, died Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010) at his home.
    A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. Mason City, with the Rev. Jeni Bohls of St. James Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
    Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 1, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Galen L. Waage Memorial in care of Nancy Waage, 777 South Eisenhower, Lot 132, to later be used to offset funeral expenses.
Galen Lenard Waage was born on Feb. 6, 1945, in Winnebago County, the son of Ben Lenard and Garland Ethel (McClain) Waage. Galen attended school in the Clear Lake and Nora     Springs school systems. Galen was united in marriage to Nancy James on Aug. 9, 1969, in Northwood. To this union two children were born.
    Galen worked for Winnebago Industries, in Forest City, retiring after 34 years of service. He later worked part time for North Iowa Vocational Connection.
   Galen enjoyed horse shows, horseback riding, including riding numerous trails, going to the races, traveling and loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church and was a past member of the Rainbow Trail Riders of Forest City.
    Galen is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Waage, Mason City; children, Scott Waage, Mason City, Amy Waage, Lake Mills; sisters Rosemary (David) Thompson, Forest City, Lucille (Ronald) Torkelson, Forest City; nieces and nephews Laura Haugen, Farmington, Minn., Lisa Lacy, Fertile, Jason Thompson, Forest City, Sheldon Torkelson, Kassen, Minn., Mark Torkelson, Kassen, Minn., along with other relatives and friends.
    Galen is preceded in death by his parents; nephew Hollis Torkelson; and nieces Debbie and LaRay Torkelson.
    Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. Mason City.
www.colonialchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 26 to February 28, 2010
 

Glenn Robert Willis

CLEAR LAKE - Glenn Robert Willis, 83, 816 Fifth Ave. Court S., Clear Lake, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.
    A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 1, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 122 W., Mason City. Military honors will be provided by the Clear Lake VFW.
    Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.
    Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa.
    Glenn was born Sept. 3, 1926, on a farm west of Fertile, the son of Raymond and Selma O. (Johnson) Willis. He moved with his family to rural Clear Lake where he attended Clear Lake High School. After school, he farmed with his father and brother until enlisting in the Army during World War II. After an honorable discharge, he returned to farming with his family.
    Glenn married Ruth C. (Amundson) Paine June 3, 1970, in Clear Lake. They farmed until 1980 when they moved into Clear Lake. Glenn enjoyed collecting toy tractors, playing with his dogs and camping. He was a member of the Clear Lake VFW.
    Glenn is survived by his wife, Ruth Willis; two stepchildren, Gary Paine and his wife, Sue, of Davison, Mich., and Judy Fessler and her husband, Dick, of Swaledale; sister, Norma Fulton, of Clear Lake; niece, Beth Barker, of Des Moines; four stepgrandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
    Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Cora Willis, nephew, Steve Fulton and stepgreat-grandchild Julie Philpott.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 641-357-2193. www.colonialchapels.com

Published in Globe Gazette on February 27, 2010

Posted on 28 February 2010

Eugene Allen Bartz

Grafton - Eugene Allen Bartz, 74, of Grafton, died on Dec. 22, 2009, at his home.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Highway 65 South in Northwood.
    Gene was born on March 2, 1935, Son of Alvin and Vera (Hartwig) Bartz. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. He graduated from Grafton High School, Class of 1953. He married Joann Heizelman on March 4, 1956. They had four children. He farmed all his life in the Grafton area.
    He is preceded in death by his son Michael Bartz; mother Vera Bartz and father Alvin Bartz; and brother Roger Bartz.
    He is survived by daughter Bonnie (and Dean) Crosier of Bloomington, Ill.; granddaughter Kathryn (and Matthew) Lollar and great-grandchildren Bridget and Graham; Grandson Kelsey Thayer; daughter Brenda (and Greg) Evenson of Boone; grandsons Ryan Billings and Karl Billings; son Mark (and Rebecca) Bartz of Mason City; the children's mother Joann Bartz of Mason City; his sister Marjorie Lane of Minneapolis, Minn.
    Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, is in charge of arrangements, 641-324-1121.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 28, 2010
 

Betty A. Dreyer

LATIMER - Betty A. Dreyer, 78, of Latimer, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.
    A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty Dreyer will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tueday, March 2, at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Hampton. Father Bernie Grady will officiate. Burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery.
    Visitation for Betty Dreyer will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 1, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 320 East St. in Latimer, and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Betty Dreyer's name.
Dugger Funeral Home, 320 East Street, Latimer, 641-579-6278.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 27 to February 28, 2010
 

Ellen Fisher

IOWA FALLS - Ellen Fisher, 92, of Iowa Falls, died Saturday (Feb. 27, 2010) at the Mercy Hospice, Johnston.
    Funeral services for Ellen Fisher will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Linn's Funeral Chapel, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls. Burial will be at Union Cemetery.
    Visitation will be one hour before the funeral service.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 28, 2010
 

Harold Gronbach

LIVERMORE - Harold Gronbach, 92, of Livermore, died on Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at the Humboldt North Care Center.
    Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Livermore, with the Rev. Henry Friedrich officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Otto-Field American Legion Post No. 415 of Livermore.
    Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Lentz Funeral Home in Livermore.
    Harold's video may be viewed at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
    Lentz Funeral Home, 515-295-2622.

Published in Globe Gazette from February 27 to February 28, 2010

Gregory Allen Grothe

LELAND - Gregory Allen Grothe, 49, was born to Richard and Sandra (Lund) Grothe on Dec. 18, 1960.
    Gregory went to meet his heavenly maker on Wednesday (Feb. 24, 2010.)
Greg attended school at Forest City and graduated in 1979. Greg and Kathy Skoog were married in 1980, and he attended college at Mankato State University where he graduated with high honors.
    Greg and Anne Klaers of Maple Plains, Minn., were married in 1994. They were blessed with two children, Noah, 15 and Grace, 11. They live in Medina, Minn.
Greg worked as a tax specialist for many years.
    Greg was a loving husband, father, brother and son, he had a great admiration for his two children, and his heart was enormous to all! Greg is now with his precious savior, his arms wrapped around him where he will no longer see the darkness but only the brightness of heaven.
    Greg is survived by his wife of 16 years, Anne; children, Noah and Grace; parents, Richard and Sandra Grothe of Leland; brother, Terry Grothe of Leland; sister Christine Hembree and husband Tommy of Leland; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Engolf and Agnes Lund, Joesph and Rose Grothe; uncles, Joe Grothe Jr., Paul Grothe, Joe Zila, Barney Smith; and his brother, Brian.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leland.
Peterson Lund Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 28, 2010
 

Blanche Lois McGrady

Clear Lake - Blanche Lois McGrady, 102, Clear Lake, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.
    A memorial service for Blanche will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 1, at the United Methodist Church, 508 Second Ave. N., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Hwy 18 West, Mason City.
    Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time on Monday at the church.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North Fourth St., Clear Lake, is in charge of the arrangements.
    Blanche Lois McGrady was born on March 4, 1907, at the farm home of her parents near Redfield, the daughter of Powers and Nora Mae (Clayton) Inman. Blanche attended a one-room rural school for her first three years, graduating from Earlham High School in 1925. Blanche later attended Penn College in Oskaloosa, and graduated from Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Blanche taught elementary school for six and a half years in Kelly and Earlham community schools.
    Blanche was united in marriage to Marvin Renshaw on Feb. 17, 1934, in Earlham. After their marriage, they farmed in Cerro Gordo County until his death in 1958. Blanche remained on the farm north of Ventura until October 1968, when she moved to Clear Lake. While on the farm, she did substitute teaching in the Ventura school system for many years. She also enjoyed being a girls 4-H leader in Grant Township and gardening, growing flowers and sewing.
    Blanche was united in marriage to Sidney McGrady on Feb. 21, 1969, in Ventura. Their retirement years were spent traveling and wintering in Arizona, where Sid died on April 14, 1981.
    Blanche joined the Clear Lake United Methodist Church in 1941, where she has been an active member in both Sunday school and United Women's Society. She has been a volunteer member for both Opportunity Village and the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, and she was also a member of the Lakeview Club and Ventura Garden Club, but her greatest love and enjoyment was to get together with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Fred (Sharon) Renshaw of Green Valley, Ariz., Patricia Millard of Clear Lake, and Robert (Heather) Renshaw of Richardson, Texas; eleven grandchildren, Sheila (Tom) Harmon, James (Barbara) Renshaw, Jill (Kevin) Sheimo, Terry (Tracy) Millard, Todd (Denise) Millard, Teresa Millard, Nikki (Andrew) Drago, Abby Ragan, Aaron (Cynthia) Renshaw, Denise (Steve) Jennings and Eric (Shelly) Kingland; 21 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; her brother, Frank (Erma) Inman of Earlham; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family members and friends.
    Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Marvin and Sidney; her brothers, Floyd and Glen Inman; a sister, Doris Nelson; and a son-in-law, Jerry Millard.
    Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 641-357-2193.
www.colonialchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 28, 2010

Maribel Jean Murphy

HAMPTON - Maribel Jean Murphy, 82, of Hampton, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.
    Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 3, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. The Pastor David Sorenson will officaite the service.
    Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

Published in Globe Gazette on February 28, 2010
 

 Alvera Mary Schoneman

WATERLOO - Alvera Mary Schoneman, 92, of Waterloo, formerly of Allison, died Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) at the Ravenwood Nursing & Rehab Center in Waterloo.
    Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. Burial will be in the Allison Cemetery. The Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank will be officiating.
    Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.
    Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home, 641-456-3232.
www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.

Posted on 28 February  2010 by Marie Thompson