MASON CITY - Flora E. Jones, 94, Mason City, passed away Sunday morning, July 31, 2011, under Hospice Care at the Heritage Care Center, 501 South Kentucky, Mason City.

Family will greet visitors on Wednesday, Aug. 3, beginning at 1 p.m. at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania, Mason City, followed by a Trisagion Service at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Joseph Mirowski of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church officiating. Private family committal services will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and condolences may be directed to the family in care of Debra Klein, 118 South Rhode Island, Mason City.

Flora Emily Lundberg was born on April 13, 1917, in Marmon, N.D. Her parents were Viola Williams Lundberg and Albert Lundberg, Sr., of St. Louis Park, Minn. Flora's earliest and favorite memories are of spending her summers with her grandparents Flora and George Jacobs on the old Beck farm in Cumberland, Wis., beginning when she was about 2. After graduating from high school, she worked in the auditing department at Dayton's.

Flora and Byron met in 1936 at the Cobble Crest country estate by Minnetonka Boulevard, where there was a dance floor by the lake and bands were brought in to provide music for dancing and entertainment. Byron played the bass fiddle in one of the bands. Flora and Byron married Sept. 19, 1939 at a Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, and they honeymooned with the band on the road!

Flora traveled with Byron and the Bobby Griggs Orchestra and various bands throughout his career as a musician in Minnesota, Iowa and the upper Midwest. After settling in Mason City in the fall of 1939, Flora and Byron started their family while Byron began his career with the Mason City Post Office and continued touring with Bobby Griggs Orchestra during the 1940s before and after his service in World War II. After his time with Bobby Griggs, Flora and Byron enjoyed their times together on the weekends while he played at various clubs in Mason City with the Hob Mason Trio, Vern Leonard and Bill Mahone including the Red Llama and Costa's until his death in 1963.

After Byron's passing in 1963, Flora had to re-learn a whole new way of independent living and self reliance. She still had two young children at home and needed to support them. During her marriage to Byron, she worked as a full-time mother and homemaker while raising her four children and was quite the seamstress, making suits and many outfits for them. She was surrounded by a multitude of friends and neighbors to help her through this time of grief and facing life without Byron.

Charles Patridge taught Flora how to drive a car and Attorney Charles (Chuck) McManigal helped Flora re-enter the workforce to support her family. Flora and her family were always proud of the fact that she was Chuck's first client when he joined the Laird Burington Bovard Law Firm.

Flora worked for the American Heart Association, Charlie Brown Day Care and Art Rodriguez Real Estate. After retirement, she was a live-in daycare provider for the families of Jerome and Brenda Barr, David and Jan Roberts, Dan and Jane Sherwin and for Grandma Rozen (Elizabeth).

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years and a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the North Iowa Mercy Health Center - she had over 7,000 hours as a volunteer for the Mercy West Campus Gift Shop.

In the summer of 1993, Flora had to once again find her strength and stamina when her daughter Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer. Flora faced the challenge and struggled through the journey with Dana and was a strong support for the family; she would take care of Dana at home until her passing in the fall of 1996. Flora always sacrificed for family and friends and was a woman who defined the words of giving and being non-judgmental.

Flora is survived by three children, Dara L. Miller (Gary), Des Moines, Jay M. Jones (Connie), University Place, Washington and Debra L. Klein (James) Mason City, five grandchildren, Dean Miller, Gina Miller, Taylor Jones, Logan Jones, and Dimitria Klein and one great-granddaughter, Samantha Miller.

Flora was preceded in death by her husband Byron, daughter Dana, and her brother Albert Lundberg, Jr.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, Iowa 50401. 641-423-0924.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 1 to August 2, 2011

Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother Ila.
www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com, 641-456-3232.

Published in Globe Gazette from July 31 to August 2, 2011

Joseph C. Lynch

MASON CITY - Joseph C. Lynch, 82, of Mason City, died Sunday, July 31, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Major Erickson Funeral Home 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Larry Day of Victory in Christ Free Methodist Church officiating.

Visitation from 5-7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Major Erickson Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed Hospice of North Iowa. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements: Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, Iowa 50401. 641-423-0924.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 1 to August 2, 2011

BRITT - Randy M. Nomeland, known in the Hobo community as "Railroad Randy," 60, of Minneapolis, Minn., died Friday (July 29, 2011) in Britt.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ewing Funeral Home, 178 Center St. W., Britt, 641-843-3839, www.ewingfh.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 1, 2011

GARNER - Nile E. Patton, 80, of Garner, formerly of Sumner, died Friday (July 29, 2011) at his home surrounded by his family.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Committal Shelter in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Military rites will be provided by the Iowa Honor Guard.

There will be no visitation.

Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner is in charge of arrangements.

Nile Edward Patton, the son of Deles and Velma (Kost) Patton, was born Sept. 6, 1930, near Woodland in Decatur County. He graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1949. Nile served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to Iowa. On May 9, 1953, he married Marjorie Slauter at Lamoni. They lived in Woodland for three years before moving to Sumner in 1957. Nile farmed near Sumner for a time and was a long time employee of Beatrice Foods in Fredericksburg. In 2005, Nile and Marjorie moved to their home in Garner. Nile enjoyed his family, gardening and was a car enthusiast.
He was a member of the Sumner American Legion.

Nile is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of Garner; four children, Joyce (Doug) Decherd of Moline, Ill., Mary (Kenny) Walleser of Waterloo, Rodney (Miriam) Patton of Hartley and Sharon (Darren) Welsh of Garner; four grandchildren, Jason, Nathan and Adam Walleser and Laura Welsh; four siblings, Gary (Kathie) Patton of Lamoni, Doris (Jim) Harvey of Urbandale, Dorothy (Bill) Bond of Earlham and Fay (Judi) Patton of Des Moines; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from July 31 to August 1, 2011

Mason City - Patrick Fredrick Petersen 58, of 816 S. Maryland Ave., died Friday (July 29, 2011) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held for Patrick at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Craig E. Steimel officiating.

Burial will be in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City; where full military honors will be conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

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

Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Patrick F. Petersen Memorial in care of Richard Petersen, 816 South Maryland Ave., Mason City, IA 50401.

Patrick Fredrick Petersen was born April 21, 1953, in Mason City, the son of Robert and Maxine (Burns) Petersen. He received his education from Newman Catholic Schools and graduated in the class of 1971. He attended North Iowa Area Community College for a year, then enlisted into the United States Army where he served his country until his honorable discharge.

Patrick was an avid sports enthusiast he enjoyed playing pool and golfing. He was a good person; he was a quiet man that kept to himself. He really enjoyed drinking coffee especially at Pro's Sandwich Shop. Patrick would always accept a good cup of coffee!

Patrick is survived by his siblings, Robert Petersen, Mason City, Richard Petersen, Mason City, Jean (Larry) Johnson, Hanlontown; along with seven nieces and nephews; numerous great- nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Maxine Petersen.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from July 31 to August 1, 2011

DUMONT - Gladys M. Skarr, 92, of Dumont, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the Dumont Wellness Center in Dumont.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m., at the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place in the Belmond Cemetery. Pastor Mark Young will officiate the service. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Dumont is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice, the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont or to the Dumont Wellness Center.

She was born July 13, 1919, in Belmond, Iowa, to Harry and Beulah (Guest) Larson. Gladys attended school in Belmond. She lived in Belmond, Mason City and for the last 25 years in Dumont. Gladys was united in marriage to Joseph O. Skarr on May 22, 1937, in Belmond. She owned and operated Skarr's Café & Bus Depot with her husband.

Gladys was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond and attended services at the United Methodist Church in Dumont. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, making special pillows for her family and playing bingo.

Gladys is survived by her daughter Kay Studer of Des Moines, son Jay (Carol) Skarr of Dumont, grandchildren Deann Howell of Dumont, Tammy Yescas of Sioux City, Jason Skarr of Mason City, Jeremy Skarr of Las Vegas, Nevada, Julie (Jesse) Boelsen of Mason City, great-grandchildren Tyler Rowe of Hansell, Joey and Chris Howell of Dumont, Javier and Andres Yescas of Sioux City and Braden Boelsen of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Beulah, husband Joseph, son Gary and son-in-law Don.

www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com, 641-456-3232.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 1 to August 2, 2011

GARNER - George L. Tanner, 86, of Garner, died Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. Fourth St., Garner, with the Rev. Paul Evans officiating. Burial will be in Concord Township Cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel and will continue one hour prior to services at the funeral chapel.
Cataldo Funeral Home 641-923-2841, www.cataldofuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 1 to August 2, 2011

GREENE - Merna Teeple, 94, of Greene, died (July 31, 2011) at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.

Arrangements are pending at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. Greene, 641-823-4457, www.reidsfuneralchapel. com.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 1, 2011

CHARLES CITY - Evelyn M. Mrachek, 90, of Charles City, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, at 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

A funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Rev. Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday where the Rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. and a scriptural prayer service will be at 6:30 p.m.
Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass on Thursday at the church.

The Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City, 641-228-2323, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 2, 2011

OSAGE - James Ervin Sullivan, 59, of Osage, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, at his home in Osage, of renal cancer, under the loving care of his family and Hospice of North Iowa.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Father Jack McClure, CPPS, officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery in New Haven. The family will greet friends from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Iowa.
Jim was born July 2, 1952, in Osage, the son of Keith and Marilyn (Groth) Sullivan. He served in the National Guard from 1971 to 1977 while farming with his dad on the family farm. Jim loved all sports, especially boating, bowling, baseball, and snowmobiling. He also played amateur baseball with the North Stars when Al Christiansen was manager and coach.

After Jim sustained a head injured in 1977, he continued living at home, going daily to the library and Senior Citizens in his wheel chair. He traveled with his parents to southern Texas every winter for the last 12 years.

Jim is survived by his parents, Keith and Marilyn Sullivan of Osage; three sisters, Linda (Al) Marquesen of Albia, Kathy (Larry) Vaira of Lambert, Montana, Mary (Michael) Irigoin of Brockton, Mont.; six brothers, Joe (Deb) of Olympia, Wash., Bill of Ames, Dan (Diane) of Osage, Mike (Lisa) of Kasson, Minn., Tom (Donna) of Osage, Ed of Charles City; 14 nieces and 11 nephews; and his many friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Marie Sullivan, and Ervin and Esther Groth.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.
Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home 641-732-3706.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 2, 2011

John W. Buehler

MASON CITY - John W. Buehler, 59, of Mason City died Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the IOOF Home.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Pastor Ed Bard officiating. There will be a visitation two hours prior to the graveside services at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the John W. Buehler Memorial Fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

John was born June 4, 1952, in Mason City, the son of Harvey and Romona Buehler. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1971. John married Susan Rheingans on March 15, 1980, in Mason City.

John enjoyed spending time with his family - especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, cooking, playing marbles and sitting in the garage visiting with friends. John was self-employed in the auto body industry.

John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan Buehler of Mason City; two daughters, Tina Miller of Mason City and Holly Crooks and husband Wade of Mason City; two grandchildren, Kaylee and Jacob Miller; three siblings, Karen Chensvold of West Union, Lyle Buehler and wife Janet of Westgate, and Judy Rood of Mason City. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Buehler; in-laws William and Alberta Rheingans; brothers-in-law Paul Rood and Les Chensvold; and nephews Jeff Buehler and Michael Gobeli.

Arrangements: Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 2 to August 3, 2011

CHARLES CITY - Maxine Ebel, 69, of Toledo died Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St. in Charles City. She will be cremated after the service and burial will be in the Howardville Cemetery at a later date.

There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, IA; 641-228-4211.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 3, 2011

MASON CITY - Joseph C. Lynch, 82, of Mason City died Sunday, July 31, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Major Erickson Funeral Home 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Larry Day of Victory in Christ Free Methodist Church officiating.

Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Major Erickson Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed Hospice of North Iowa. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Joseph Charles Lynch was born Dec. 16, 1928, the son of Claude L. and Viola M. (Lee) Lynch in Mason City. He attended and graduated from Mason City High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1953. He returned to Mason City and was married to Linda L. Larson on March 25, 1961, in Princeton, Mo., and to this union three sons were born.
Joe worked at Jacob E. Decker's in the box room, then moved to Fort Madison and worked as a can inspector. He then came back to Mason City and inspected meat on the conveyer belt at the Armour building. A couple of years later he retired after 38 years of service.

He enjoyed his work, camping, fishing and traveling in his motor home with his family. Family was important to him and he enjoyed the time he spent with them. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of Mason City; sons, Larry Lynch and fiancée Flossie of Forest City, James Lynch of Mason City and Jerry Lynch of San Fransisco, Calif.; daughter, Pam Langhoff and husband Dave of Mason City; four grandchildren, Justin (Jacki) Lynch, Steven Lynch, Crystal Lynch and Andy Lynch; great-grandchildren, Kyndra, Annabel and Jaxon Wilcox; sister, Betty Jane Kalvig of Mason City; nephew, Joe Kalvig; and sister-in-law, Deeann Lee Horstman.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; and brothers-in-law, David Kalvig and Joe Horstman.

Arrangements: Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 1 to August 3, 2011

MASON CITY - Leona Anne Rafferty, 87, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A memorial Mass for Leona will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Craig E. Steimel officiating. Inurnment will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday with a Scriptural Wake service at 7 p.m. at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.

The family of Leona Rafferty would like to suggest that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient unit in Mason City in her memory.

Leona Ann (Helin) Rafferty was born on Jan. 25, 1924, in Buffalo Center, the daughter of Albert and Elizabeth (Meimann) Helin. Leona attended and graduated from Buffalo Center Community schools.

After completing her schooling, Leona worked at the White Castle Restaurant in Minneapolis, Minn. Leona was united in marriage to Thomas Edward Raffety Jr. on May 3, 1945, in Buffalo Center, and to this union six children were born, Barbara, Thomas, Peggy, Marcia, Patrick and Pamela.

After the death of her husband, Leona worked at Katherine's Cafe, Easter's and County Market grocery stores until her retirement.

Leona loved puzzles of all kinds, reading and canning, but her great love and enjoyment were her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, helping them whenever needed. Leona was always happy to make her delicious fried chicken and pies for her family. Later KFC was her favorite meal, with peaches and cream for dessert.

Leona was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the church circle in Mason City.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Barbara (Gary) Rush of Mason City, Thomas (Donna) Rafferty of Mason City, Peggy (Clifford) Davis of Rockwell, Marcia (Charles) Anderson of Merriam, Kan., and Patrick (Pamela Rafferty of Mason City; 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Sheehy of Mason City; as well as many nieces, nephews and many other extended family members and friends.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband Thomas, who died in 1963; daughter Pamela; two infant grandsons, Gary Rush Jr. and Peter Thomas Davis; and two brothers and seven sisters.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from August 2 to August 3, 2011

GARNER - George L. Tanner, 86, of Garner died Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. Fourth St., Garner, with the Rev. Paul Evans officiating. Burial will be in Concord Township Cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel and will continue one hour prior to services.

George Laverne Tanner, the son of Albert and Rosetta (Schwichtenberg) Tanner, was born Jan. 4, 1925, on a farm southeast of Klemme. He attended the rural schools of Hancock County and served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.

George was employed at Decker's Meat Processing in Mason City before retiring in 1975. He enjoyed spending winters in Harlingen, Texas, for more than 30 years.
George was a life member of the Edwin Jante VFW Post 5515.

He is survived by his brother, Walter (Lois) Tanner of Mason City, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ervin Tanner, Anna Carolus, Beverly Prescott, Clair Tanner, Delores Johnson, Ione Harms and Lorraine Houdek.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from August 1 to August 3, 2011

KANAWHA - Jerry Thomas, 64, of Kanawha passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services for Jerry Thomas will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the Immanuel Reformed Church, 3157 130th St. in Belmond with Pastor Dave DeKuiper officiating. Burial will be at Immanuel Reformed Cemetery in Belmond.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Ewing Funeral Home, 118 E. Second St. in Kanawha, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Jerry Lee Thomas, the son of George and Pearl (Sorenson) Thomas, was born Nov. 26, 1946, in Sheldon. He was raised in the Paullina area graduating from Paullina High School in 1965.

Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard of Iowa on active duty for about two years and in the Reserves from 1971 to 1987.

Jerry worked various jobs throughout Iowa. He was united in marriage to Janice Steenblock on April 18, 1970, at Immanuel Reformed Church in Belmond Jerry continued his career changes until 1972 when he began working at IMT in Garner and retired after 38 years in May 2010.

Jerry really enjoyed fishing, hunting and bowling. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jan, of Kanawha; children, Chris (Aaron) Bottorff of Nashua, Linda Thomas (Kevin Strantz) of Milford, Kelly Thomas (Mike Tobin) of Garner and Scott Thomas (Holly Limberg) of Ankeny; grandchildren, Matthew, Sydney, Megan, Sawyer, Alex, Noah, Tristan, Austin, Sean, Conner and Gavin; brothers, Donald Thomas of Cherokee, Ronald (Pat) Thomas of Spirit Lake, Kirt (Debbie) Thomas of Prior Lake, Minn., and Richard (Cindy) Thomas of Sioux Rapids; sisters, Liz Peters of Sutherland, Pam Leth of Hartley and Alicia (Jessie) Crouch of May City; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Frederick George in infancy and sister Rita Morgan.

Ewing Funeral Home, 118 E. Second St., Kanawha, IA 50447,
641-762-3211, www.ewingfh.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 2 to August 3, 2011

CHARLES CITY - Maxine Ebel, 69, of Toledo, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m. at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St. in Charles City, with Pastor Jan Tjaden of the First Congregational Church of Orchard officiating.

Maxine will be cremated following the service and burial will be in the Howardville Cemetery at a later date.

There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Maxine Lucille (Lockie) Ebel was born on Feb. 26, 1942, on a farm three miles west of Floyd, to Robert and Nellie (Shorey) Lockie. She was united in marriage to William Jr. Shafer on Jan. 31, 1960. They were later divorced and she married Lee Ebel on July 22, 1969. She raised five boys of her own and her niece.

Maxine enjoyed playing card games of all types and went in for the kill when she did. She also liked to sew and play games on the computer. Most of all, she loved her family and was a stalwart at helping with the family reunion every year. She always had a smile on her face that could cheer up anybody. It was always a pleasure to see her.

She leaves behind her husband, Lee Ebel of Toledo; three sons, Dennis Shafer of Michigan, William Shafer of Mason City and Jack Ebel of Manly; daughter, Rachel (B.J.) Halterman of Des Moines; three sisters, Shirley Decker of Floyd, Jean Underwood of Peru, Ind., and Sandra Burd of Mason City; brother, Delbert (Judy) Lockie of Cameron, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert; and two sons, Douglas Shafer in 2007 and James Ebel in 2010.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, IA, 641-228-4211, www.fullertonfh.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 3 to August 4, 2011

WHITTEMORE - Marvin C. Erpelding, 81, died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011 at Good Samaritan Society, Algona.

A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore with the Rev. Victor Ramaeker officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

His family will greet friends 5-8 p.m. on Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Parish Center, Whittemore, with a scripture prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary.

Oakcrest Funeral Services, Whittemore, is in charge of arrangements; 515-884-2246, www. oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 4, 2011

GREENE - Mabel Mary Steere, 91, Greene, died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457, www.reidsfuneralchapel.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 4, 2011

MORTON, Ill. - Connie Sue Wright, 64, of Morton, died at 2:31 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at her home.

She was born April 20, 1947, in Mason City, Iowa, to Arthur Harry and Mildred C. (Anonson) Grant. She married Michal E. Wright on July 31, 1965, in Mason City.

Surviving are her husband of Morton; one son, Chuck A. Wright (Shay Marliere) of Peoria; four grandchildren, Joshua, Bryant, Jacob and Breanne; two brothers, Mike (Diane) Grant of Mason City, and Richard (Diane) Grant of Rochester, Minn.; and one sister, Sally (Greg) Angell of Omaha, Neb.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Julie Wright on May 24, 2002, and her parents.

She was a 1999 graduate of Mid-America Narazene University in Olathe, Kan., where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services.

An accountant, Connie was employed with Prevention Fire for eight years, Honeywell International for five years in Kansas and Tom Smith Plumbing in Peoria for nine years.
She attended Lutheran churches in Peoria.

Connie enjoyed spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with the Rev. Dr. Curt D. Keller officiating.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following services. Private interment of cremated remains will be in Roberts Cemetery in Morton at a later date.

Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice, 2265 W. Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL 61615.

To view Connie's video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit at www.knappjohnson.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on August 4, 2011

LAKE MILLS - James Alan Brosdahl, 72, of Lake Mills, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011. He was surrounded by his loving family at home, as he peacefully returned to his Maker after a 16-year battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 8, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown with Pastor Randy Baldwin officiating. Burial will take place at Somber Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lake Mills.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Aug. 7, from 5-7 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main St. in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

James Alan Brosdahl was born on Dec. 3, 1938, in Forest City, to parents Thomas and Alvina (Tweed) Brosdahl. He attended Fertile and Lake Mills schools and later attended Waldorf College where he was a basketball star.

On Aug. 16, 1958, James was united in marriage with his homecoming queen, Marilyn Hanson at Somber Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills. They were married for 53 years this month.

James was the "Twinkie Man" and worked for Wonder Bread for many years until he and Marilyn bought the Victorian House in Parkersburg, and they catered and served many hungry people delicious meals for 15 years.

The couple recently retired and moved back to Lake Mills.

James was an avid collector of antiques, anything Campbell Soup, coins, trains, and many other collectibles. He had a wide variety of interests that he used to connect with his family and his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Marilyn of Lake Mills; two daughters, Kim Brosdahl of Charles City, and Ann (Steven) Hersom of Peachtree City, Ga.; five grandchildren, Ashley, Calvin, Carl, Tanner, and Madalyn; one great-granddaughter, Lila Rose; three brothers, Gene (Dorothy) Brosdahl of Thornton, Denny (Donna) Brosdahl of Cresco, and Arlyn (Elaine) Brosdahl of Mason City; a sister, Ardelle Osnes of Forest City, along with many extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Brandon James Ciavarelli; and a brother-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Russell Osnes.

You can contact the family with online condolences at www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com, 641-592-0221.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 5 to August 6, 2011

GREENE - Mabel Mary Steere, 91, of Greene died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Gary Hatcher officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, with a public Scripture service at 7 p.m.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to St. Peter Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Arrangements are with Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene; 641-823-4457; www.reidsfuneralchapel.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 4 to August 5, 2011

CLEAR LAKE - Dan L. Vasquez, 60, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, at his home.

Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date. There will be no visitation; per his wishes, he was cremated.

Memorials may be directed to the Dan L. Vasquez Memorial Fund in care of Candy Pitkin, 913 12th Ave. S., Clear Lake, IA 50428.

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from August 5 to August 6, 2011