Fern F. Claude

CLARION - Fern F. Claude, 94, previously of Woolstock, passed away Monday (Jan. 18, 2010) at Careage of Clarion.

     Funeral services for Fern Claude will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Woolstock with Pastor LJ Hartley officiating. Interment will be at the French Church Cemetery in rural Woolstock.

     Visitation will be held from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at the United Methodist Church in Woolstock.

     Fern was born Aug. 3, 1915, in Wright County, Iowa, to John and Mary Loux. She attended school in Wright County. She was baptized at the Methodist Church in Eagle Grove.

     Fern married Jule Archie Claude on May 15, 1937. They lived in Wall Lake Township for a few years before moving to Woolstock.   Fern and Archie later farmed for many years in Wall Lake Township before buying and moving to a farm northwest of Belmond. They later retired from farming, sold the farm and moved to Woolstock.

     Fern was a member of and continued to attend church at the Methodist Church in Woolstock until her health began to fail a few years ago.

     While Archie was alive, they enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada and traveling to visit relatives and friends in Arizona, Wisconsin and locally in Iowa. They enjoyed playing cards and other games with family and friends.

     They also enjoyed gardening and Fern continued to garden and care for her yard until recent years. She spent a great deal of time and pleasure knitting, tatting and crocheting, and gave many of her creations to friends and relatives. She enjoyed seeing and visiting with her children and their families; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.

     Fern is survived by her son, Gary Lee Claude and his wife, Edwina, of Clear Lake, and her son, Jule Francis Claude and his wife, Beverly, of Clarion; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild, along with numerous nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.

     Fern is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jule Archie Claude in 1995; a grandchild, Wendy Kaye Claude; two sisters: Gladys Kastler, and Leona Reiland; and three brothers: Clarence, Lawrence, and Lloyd Loux.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Woolstock United Methodist Church and/or Hospice for Wright County.

     Arrangements are with the Ewing Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St., Clarion, 515-532-2233.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 19 to January 21, 2010

 Doris Dirks

THORNTON - Doris Dirks, 72, of Mason City and formerly of Thornton, died Sunday (Jan. 17, 2010) at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Retz Funeral Home in Thornton with Pastor Rose Calderon-Kahn of the United Methodist Church of Thornton officiating.

     Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of the service Friday at the funeral home.

     Doris had expressed that her memory could best be honored by a memorial to Hospice of North Iowa in place of flowers for her services.

     Doris Elaine Dirks was born Dec. 28, 1937, in Meservey, a daughter of Louis and Tena (Boelman) Dirks. She was educated in the Meservey and Thornton schools and graduated from La James College in Mason City.

     She worked in beauty shops in Forest City, Swaledale and Thornton. Doris also worked in the dietary departments at both Mercy Hospital and the Rockwell Nursing Home. For 16 years Doris worked as an inspector for Metalcraft Inc. in Mason City.

Doris was a member of the Thornton United Methodist Church and formerly a member of Grace Methodist Church in Mason City.

     Her spare time was spent, fishing, cooking and spending time with her friends. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews.

     Doris is survived by her brothers and sister, Ronald (Judy) Dirks, of Meservey; John (Cindy) Dirks, of Mason City; James (Nancy) Dirks of Clear Lake; and Karen (Frank) Uhde of Thornton; sister-in-law, Elsa Dirks, of Republic, Mo.; and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friends, Carolyn Lansaw of Mason City and Mildred Renner of Thornton.

     She is preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Robert, Louis, Jerry and Ann Dirks; nephew, Scot Dirks; and great niece, Jennifer Hamand.

Retz Funeral Home, 641-998-2311.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 18 to January 21, 2010

Pastor Gerry Dyste

 
FOREST CITY - Pastor Gerry Dyste, 79, of Forest City died Tuesday (Jan. 19, 2010) at his home in Forest City in the loving arms of his wife, son and daughter.

     A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at Highview Christiania Lutheran Church, 26690 Highview Ave. W., Farmington, Minn. 55024, with a reception in the Celebration Center.

     Inurnment will be at the Highview Christiania Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of North Iowa, Forest City Good Samaritan Physical Therapy Department, National Parkinson Foundation or your home church.

     Gerry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sonya; his son, Peter (fiancee Caitlin Karolczak); daughter Kathryn (Dan) Hainlin; grandchildren, Michael, Ben and Ally Hainlin; brother, Paul (Jan) Dyste; and many nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

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

Phyllis Burlingame

ALGONA - Phyllis Burlingame, 75, of Algona died Wednesday (Jan. 13, 2010) at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

     Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Algona with the Rev. Dr. Mark E. Holmer, officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Algona.

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

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

Published in Globe Gazette on January 22, 2010

Louie A. Flores Sr.

MASON CITY - Louie A. Flores Sr., 56, of 1012 N. Georgia Ave., Mason City, died peacefully in his sleep at his home after a courageous battle with cancer Monday morning (Jan. 18, 2010).

     Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City, with Monsignor Joseph Slepicka officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

     Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Louie A. Flores Sr. Memorial Fund.

     Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com

     Louie Angel Flores was born on Dec. 3, 1953, the son of Albert and Herminia (Minnie) "Loera" Flores. Louie was baptized and confirmed at Holy Family Catholic Church.

     He was a 1972 Mason City High School graduate. He was employed as a utility operator for Lehigh Portland Cement Company for 30 years, retiring in 2002.

     He was united in marriage to Marcene Hesley in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 27, 1977. To this union two children were born. Marcene preceded him in death on March 3, 1999.

     Following his retirement he traveled the United States on his Harley Heritage Springer. He loved to travel and had visited every state except Hawaii, but had planned on a trip there, too. He also traveled outside the United States and visited New Zealand and the Czech Republic. His favorite place to go was the Gulf Shores of Alabama.

     He made lasting friendships wherever the open road took him. He loved talking about his travels and the interesting people he met along the way. He enjoyed going to the Suzy Q Café each morning to visit with Troy and his friends.

     He loved his mom's cooking, Jimi Hendrix music and the Oakland Raiders. Gardening and making his special hot sauce were also favorite pastimes.

     Those thankful in sharing Louie's life include his special friend, Mindy Ficken; his two children, Amber Zamora and Louie Flores Jr.; his grandson, Lucas Awe; parents, Albert and Minnie Flores; three sisters, Margaret (Dick) Rodgers and Stella (Jeff) Cumming, all of Mason City, and Anita (Brett) Bigger, of Omaha, Neb.; two brothers, Joe (Nancy) Flores, of Fayette, Iowa, and Dan (Joni) Flores of Council Bluffs; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

     Louie was preceded in death by his wife, Marcene; maternal grandparents, Luis and Angela Loera of Durango, Mexico, and paternal grandparents, Joseph and Emma Flores of Mason City; his brother Steve; uncle, Roy Flores; and cousin, Nick Aguilera Jr.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from January 19 to January 22, 2010

Olga L. Jass

GARNER - Olga L. Jass, 96, of Garner, died Wednesday (Jan. 20, 2010) at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura with Pastor Daird Korth officiating.    Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

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

     Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner is in charge of arrangements.

     Memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church or donor's charity of choice.

     Olga Louise Jass, the daughter of Gustav and Minnie (Michaelis) Jass, was born Sept. 15, 1913, on a farm near Garner.   She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church east of Garner. She attended St. John's Parochial School and country school in Ellington Township.

     Olga worked on the family farm for several years and then moved to Peoria, Ill., where she helped her aunt and uncle for 10 years. In 1946, she returned to Iowa and lived on the family farm with her parents. In 1966, Olga and her mother moved into Ventura. She worked at Oakwood Manor in Clear Lake and E.F. Johnson Electronics in Garner, retiring in 1974.

     She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church until 1946 when she joined Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura. She belonged to Dorcas Society, sang in choir for many years and was a Sunday school teacher. Olga also was a member of the Ventura Senior Citizens.

     Olga is survived by extended family and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Elmer (Dorothy) Jass; and special friend, Edward Stohr.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from January 21 to January 22, 2010

Donald J. Kudej

FOREST CITY - Donald J. Kudej, 86, of Forest City died Thursday (Jan. 21, 2010) at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City from complications of a stroke.

     Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City with Father Henry Huber and the Rev. Monsignor Joseph Slepicka officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan with graveside Military Rites by Forest City American Legion Post No. 121.

     Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 22, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St. in Forest City, with a Parish scripture service at 7 p.m.    Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church.

     Donald Joseph Kudej was born on June 19, 1923, on a farm southwest of Duncan. He was the son of Matthew and Emma (Hejlik) Kudej. During World War II Don was a sergeant in the United States Army, serving in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

     On Jan. 4, 1949, Don was united in marriage to Florence Currier, recently celebrating over 61 years of marriage. The couple made their first home on a farm in rural Duncan. In 1955, they moved to a farm near Wesley. In 1963, he purchased an acreage near Forest City.

     He was employed by Winnebago Industries for 25 years. He was proud of the fact that he helped build the first Winnebago motor home. He always was a farmer at heart. His children and grandchildren enjoyed his storytelling about his life adventures. He enjoyed listening to his polka music.

      Don is survived by his wife, Florence; his children, Lawrence (Kim) Kudej of Swisher; Joyce (Sandy) Gruhn of Humboldt; Keith (Charla) Kudej of Madrid; Dr. Ray (Amy) Kudej of Westborough, Mass.; and David (Laura) Kudej, of Forest City. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew Kudej, Angie (Voss) Clark; Andrew Voss; Dan and Joe Gruhn; Adam and Chuck Kudej; Emma and Ellie Kudej; Anton, Josef and Sophia Kudej; and step-grandchildren Matthew and Kate Brown.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donna (Kudej) Voss; a grandson, Michael Kudej; a granddaughter, Christine Joy Gruhn; and brothers, Robert and Eugene.

     In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to St. James Catholic Church in Forest City.

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

Published in Globe Gazette on January 22, 2010

Richard K. Samec  

NEW HAMPTON -Richard K. Samec, 62, of New Hampton died Wednesday (Jan. 20, 2010) at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton after a short battle with lung cancer.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, at Holy Family Parish-St. Mary's Center in New Hampton with Monsignor Carl Schmitt celebrating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery at New Hampton.

     Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton with a 6 p.m. scriptural wake service. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Monday.

     Online condolences for Richard's family may be left at www.conway-kolbetfuneralhome.com.

     Rich is survived by his wife of 39 years, Joeleen Samec of New Hampton; three children, Jerry Richard Samec of New Hampton, Randy Brian Samec of Janesville and Jill Marie Samec of Mason City; three sisters, Eleanor Wilkes of Waterloo, Ruth (John) Northness of Waterloo and Hazel (Kenneth) Hammell of Wapello; a sister-in-law, Deanna (Mike) Shoars of Orchard; and several nieces and nephews.

     Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home, 641-394-4331.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 22, 2010

Eugene R. Schaefer
 

MASON CITY - Eugene R. Schaefer, 87, of Mason City, died Tuesday (Jan. 19, 2010) at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

     Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Friday, at the United Methodist Church in Garner with Pastor Tim Riekhoff-Faris officiating. Inurnment will be at Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

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

     Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner is in charge of arrangements.

Eugene Robert Schaefer, the son of Roy and Cora (Gates) Schaefer, was born July 13, 1922, near Klemme. He attended Liberty No. 9 country school and Klemme High School. He farmed with his parents and did custom work for farmers in the area.

     Gene also worked on road construction in North Iowa, was employed by Weisenberg John Deere and drove truck for Bock Transport in Garner.

     On Oct. 15, 1950, he married Reta Humphrey at the United Methodist Church in Klemme. In 1953, they moved to Storm Lake and Gene began working at Farm Service Transport. They moved to Sioux City in 1960 and Milford in 1968. In November of 1970 Reta passed away.

     On Jan. 17, 1976, he married Gloria Timmons Baker at Sibley. Gene retired from Farm Service Transport in 1983 after almost 30 years of employment. In 1987, they moved to Mason City and spent their winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas for a number of years. In August of 2008 Gloria passed away.

     He enjoyed fishing, especially at Two Rivers, Wis., and at several lakes in Minnesota, talking to people, puttering and in his younger years water skiing and snowmobiling.

     He is survived by his two children, Jennifer Helle of Milford and Jeff Schaefer (Cherry Urch) of Plano, Texas; five step-children, Jerome (Kathy) Baker of Chapel Hill, N.C., Diana (Mark) Rettig of Cedar Rapids, David (Cindy) Baker of Des Moines, Richard (Mary) Baker of Omaha and Pamela (Robben) Wellendorf of Owasso, Okla.; 13 grandchildren, Jaymeson Sprague, Jessica Sprague, Michael Baker, Amy Wiese, Adam Baker, Jill Zegers, Mark Wellendorf, Kara Baker, Allison Payne, Robyn Wellendorf and Stephanie Rettig, Heath Barry and Grant Barry; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rose Trca of Story City, Iris Rayhons of Clear Lake and Daisy (Jesse) Schwichtenberg of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

     Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Reta and Gloria; sister, Violet Weaver; brothers, Calvin "Joe," Donald and Merle Schaefer; and grandson, Frank Baker.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from January 21 to January 22, 2010

Tonya Smith

RAKE - Tonya Smith, 19, of Tallahassee, Fla., passed away on Saturday (Jan. 16, 2010) in the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Tallahassee, Fla.

     Her memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, with the Rev. Carlton Shaw, officiating.

     Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, at the Winter Funeral Home, 414 First St. N.W., Buffalo Center, and one hour before the service on Saturday at the church.

     Tonya Renee Smith was brought into this world on Feb. 21, 1990, in Albion, Ind., to Mark and Shaun (Farrow) Smith. She was raised in Rake and relocated to Punta Gordo, Fla., in 2002.

     There she met and fell madly in love with her fiance, Jesse Fox. They were inseparable and spent their time with friends and family. They enjoyed swimming in the ocean, riding motorcycles, fishing and horseback riding. Together, they loved and cared for their pit bull, Red Dog, and rescued any pet that needed a good home.

     Tonya is survived by her parents, Shaun Smith, of Huntley, Minn., and Mark Smith of Albion, Ind.; fiance, Jesse Fox of Tallahassee, Fla.; six sisters, Jessica Jones and special friend, Loren Sherman, of Ankeny; Jennifer Jones and special friend Shawn Wumkes of Ankeny; Tia Smith of Huntley, Minn.; Jade Wipplinger of Albert Lea, Minn.; Jessica Wipplinger of Albert Lea, Minn.; and Tarryn Smith of Albion, Ind.; four brothers, Brandon Smith and wife Angel of Georgia; Chandler Smith of Albion, Ind.; Kayden Smith of Albion, Ind.; and Joshua Jones of Tallahassee, Fla.; nephews, Jace and Jaden Smith of Georgia; grandparents, Dick and Leona Farrow of Swea City, Herman English of Red Lake, Minn., and William Smith of Albion, Ind.; and many aunts and uncles.

     She was preceded in death by two grandmothers, Constance Monroe and Racine Smith; her uncle, Justus Deegan; and by Charles Dess and Crystal Stone.

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

     Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 641-562-2858. www.winterfuneralhome.com

Published in Globe Gazette from January 19 to January 22, 2010

Virginia L. Thompson

 NORTHWOOD - Virginia L. Thompson, 86, of Northwood died Thursday (Jan. 21, 2010) at the Luther Midelfort Oakridge of Osseo, Wis.

     Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S., Northwood.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 641-324-1543. www.colonialchapels.com

Published in Globe Gazette on January 22, 2010

Kenneth D. "Kenny" Dreyer

 LATIMER -Kenneth "Kenny" D. Dreyer, 82, of Latimer died Thursday (Jan. 21, 2010) at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

     Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hampton with Father Bernie Grady officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery.

     Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 320 East St. in Latimer.

     In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to be made to the family of Kenneth Dreyer.

     Dugger Funeral Home, 641-579-6278.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 23, 2010

Marie Ann Griffin

 CHARLES CITY -Marie Ann Griffin, 48, of Charles City died Friday (Jan. 22, 2010) at the Muse Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

     Public visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua.

     At Marie's request, private family services and interment in Sunnyside Cemetery will be held.

     Online condolences for Marie may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 23, 2010

Alice Isobel Leonard

OWATONNA, Minn. -Alice Isobel Leonard, 95, of 2480 St. Paul Road, Owatonna, Minn.. formerly Clear Lake, died peacefully (Jan. 21, 2010) with family members beside her at her son Jim's residence in Owatonna. She had been living in The Brooks on St.      Paul assisted living in Owatonna since October 2005.

     Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake with the Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.
Friends may greet the family Monday from noon until the time of services at the church.

     Memorials are preferred to Owatonna Hospice, The Brooks on St. Paul, or of the donor's choice.

     Alice was born July 19, 1914, to William and Lena (Brauneisen) Martin in Harrison County. She graduated from Logan High School in 1932.

     Alice married Reuben Leonard on May 31, 1939, at Broadway Methodist Church in Council Bluffs. Alice taught country school for several years before becoming a full time homemaker and helping Reuben farm in Harrison County. In 1964, they sold the farm, moved to Clear Lake, where they purchased and operated the Gamble store until 1974. Alice then worked at Pearl's clothing store.

     She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Clear Lake and Wa Tan Ye organization. In later years she volunteered at Handicap Village store.

     Alice enjoyed spending time and cooking for her family making them many delicious pies. Hobbies included playing cards, reading, traveling and doing crossword puzzles.

     Alice is survived by her sister, Lola Dinsmore of Logan; daughter, Connie (Merlyn) Kiefer of Bella Vista, Ark.; sons, Jim (Kay) Leonard of Owatonna, Minn., and Tom Leonard (life partner Lori Hatch) of Granite Falls, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Stephen Kiefer, Stuart (Mindy) Kiefer, Stephani (Nathan) Tobin, Derek (Kari) Leonard, Julie (Jason) Pewe, Renee Leonard, Kristen Leonard and Ashley Leonard; 13 great-grandchildren, Joshua and Jessica Kiefer, Marissa and Ethan Pewe, Jordyn, Sydney, Grace and Megan Tobin, Kaden and Trent Leonard, Tyler, Benjamin and Charles Kiefer; one great-great-grandson, Braeden Kiefer; and three sisters-in-law, Nelle Wilcox of Clear Lake, Maxine Lloyd of Richland, Wash., and Zolabeth Leonard of Logan.

     Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Reuben; one son, Earl; her parents, two sisters, Freda Myer and Lois Dinsmore; two brothers, Samuel Leslie and John Paul Martin; one grandson, Gregory; and one great-grandson Isaac.

     Arrangements are with the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, 641-357-2193. www.colonialchapels.com

Published in Globe Gazette on January 23, 2010

Marjorie Ann Reding

 ALGONA - Marjorie Ann "Marge" Reding, 81, of Algona died Thursday (Jan. 21, 2010) at her home.

     A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Algona, with Father Edward M. Girres officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Algona.

     Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, with a Catholic Daughters of the Americas rosary beginning at 4:30 p.m. and a Scripture prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.
 
     Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, 515-295-3731. www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com

Published in Globe Gazette on January 23, 2010

Virginia Lee Thompson

NORTHWOOD - Virginia Lee Thompson, 86, of Northwood died Thursday (Jan. 21, 2010) at Luther Midelfort Oakridge in Osseo, Wis.

     A funeral service for Virginia will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at First Lutheran Church, 309 N. Ninth St. in Northwood, with the Rev. Daniel R. Hart officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood.

     Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S. in Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Monday at the church.

     Virginia Lee Thompson was born July 28, 1923, in Worth County, the daughter of Leslie Abraham and Bertha Irene (Johnson) McHenry. Virginia graduated from Northwood High School in 1940, and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Virginia began her teaching career in Northwood before her marriage to John B. Thompson on Sept. 2, 1945, in Northwood, and to this union two children were born, Lucretia and Lewis. John preceded Virginia in death on Sept. 8, 1995.

     John and Virginia moved to Albuquerque, N.M., in 1948, where her husband John worked for Southern Union Gas Co. until 1955, when Virginia and John owned and operated the JD One-Stop and car wash in Northwood, and also built the Viking Restaurant and the trailer park in Northwood.

     Virginia enjoyed "Life" as well as her family and many friends.

     Virginia was a member of First Lutheran Church in Northwood, past president and member of Anna Circle, taught Sunday school for 62 years, taught Bible school at Elk Creek and First Lutheran Church, adult Bible school, the Bethel Bible Course for four years, was First Lutheran Women president in 1966, delegate to many church conventions, secretary to the Maricopa County Auditor in Phoenix, Ariz., was a member of Entre Nous Study Club for 25 years, a Girl Scout leader for four years, played in Bridge Club in Northwood, was a member of the American Legion ladies Auxiliary for 16 years, was in Our Buddies Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and was a charter member since 1946 and 3rd district president, attended annual lay academy sessions and Bible study presentations at Wartburg Seminary for 23 years, was secretary of ALCW conference for six years, was treasurer of congregate meals in Northwood for three years, and was Mason City conference secretary of stewardship ALCW for three years.

     Those left to cherish her memory are her two children, Lucretia (Gerald) Ferley of Northwood, and the Rev. Lewis John (Karen) Thompson of Osseo, Wis.; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Arlynn (Ruth) McHenry of Northwood; as well as other extended family members and friends.

     Her parents, Leslie and Bertha McHenry; her husband, John B. Thompson; her sister, Verna Mae Pixley; and a brother-in-law, Robert Pixley, and a sister-in-law, June Lancaster preceded Virginia in death.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 641-324-1543. www.colonialchapels.com

Published in Globe Gazette from January 22 to January 23, 2010

 Zelma Harms

FOREST CITY - Zelma Harms, 82, of Forest City, died Sunday (Jan. 24, 2010) at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, 641-585-2685.

www.petersenlundfh. com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 25, 2010

Lynn V. Howieson

FOREST CITY - Lynn V. Howieson, age 69, of Forest City, died Sunday (Jan. 24, 2010) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Inurnment will be in the spring in Clarion, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, and will continue an hour prior to service at the church.

Lynn V. Howieson was born to James and Irene (Nelson) Howieson on Oct. 12, 1940, in Clarion.

He graduated from Clarion High School in 1958. During high school he began working for the Iowa State Highway Commission. He was hired on full-time at the Clarion garage in 1959.

Lynn Howieson and Barbara (Moats) Feller were united in marriage on May 1, 1964.

In 1972 they moved to Forest City, where Lynn worked for the DOT as the garage foreman. He held various positions with the DOT, and retired from the Mason City office as a district engineering tech after 42 years of service to the state.

Firefighting became a big part of Lynn's life after moving to Forest City. Lynn joined the Forest City Fire Department in 1974 where he served for 26 years, serving as the fire chief for five of those years. He also started his own business selling and servicing fire equipment to area fire departments and businesses.

Lynn was a wrestler in high school and loved watching wrestling all of his life, rarely missing an Iowa-Iowa State meet. He enjoyed golfing and never missed a chance to take his kids and grandkids out for a day on the course. He spent many hours bird- watching from his back deck or from his living room chair. If only he could have chased all those darn squirrels away! He loved more than anything to watch his grandchildren play in everything from track, cross country, wrestling, football, baseball, basketball, and swimming to watching his granddaughters dance!

Lynn is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children: Cindy Torkelson (Dale Gjerstad) of Minneapolis, Lynne Feller (Bart Spencer) of Charles City, Shelby (Terry) Tweeten of Forest City, and Kent (Darla) Howieson of Dubuque; three brothers and a sister, Robert (Eleanore) Howieson of Grand Rapids, Mich., Verla Brooks of Queen Creek, Ariz., James (Mary) Howieson of Clarion, and Darrell (Ruth) Howieson of Pequot Lakes, Minn.; his grandchildren, Janelle (Paul) Youngers, Brett and Adam Torkelson, Tyler and Shaden Tweeten, and Kyra and Paige Howieson; and two great-grandchildren, Brittany and Andrew Youngers; and lifelong friend, Larry (Jan) Taylor of Clarion. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Irene; one brother, Merle Howieson; and one nephew, Caryl.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from January 25 to January 27, 2010

 Percy Johansen

LATIMER - Percy Johansen, 85, of Latimer, died Sunday (Jan. 24, 2010) at his home in Latimer.

Funeral arrangements are pending with the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Latimer, 641-456-3232.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 25, 2010

 Merle "Moe" Kerns

BRITT - Merle "Moe" Kerns, 87, of Britt died Sunday (Jan. 24, 2010) at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Britt with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Inurnment will be in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Britt United Methodist Church, Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Hospice of North Iowa or the Alzheimer's Association.

Cataldo Funeral Home, Britt, 641-843-3811.
www.cataldofuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 25, 2010