CLEAR LAKE - Myrtle "Myrt" Doris Hanson, 72, 6382 320th St., Clear Lake, Iowa, 50428, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at her home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 28, at Galilean Lutheran Church, Highway 18 W., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Randy Nielsen officiating.

Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 27, from 4 until 7 p.m., at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 122 W., Mason City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Myrt Hanson Memorial Fund.

Myrt was born on July 6, 1938, in Central City, Neb., the daughter of Frank and Marjorie (Baird) Rose. She attended rural school in Buchanan County, and graduated from Independence High School in 1956. Myrt married Gene Hanson on Oct. 26, 1958, in Independence. They lived in California, and returned to Iowa in 1960, and moved to their present home in Clear Lake in 1970.

Myrt worked for Northwestern Bell in Independence and Mason City and then worked for Iowa State University for 41 years as a secretary in the Iowa State Extension Office. She retired in 2010. Myrt graduated from Iowa State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. All her spare time was spent at the art department at ISU. She was an avid photographer, reader, gardener and baker. She especially loved making pies and doing woodworking. Myrt loved spending time with her family and watching old western movies and playing cards. Myrt was a member of Galilean Lutheran Church.

Myrt is survived by her husband Gene Hanson, Clear Lake; four children, Dana Sorensen and her husband Scot, Clear Lake, Steve Hanson and his wife Lori, Hamilton, Montana, Greg Hanson and his wife Deb, Garner, and Tim Hanson and his wife Kelly, Louisville, Ky.; ten grandchildren; one brother Walter Rose and his wife Christine, Aurora, Mo., three sisters, Lois Sloan and her husband Larry, Marion, Virginia Nelson, Orlando, Fla., and Elaine Gold and her husband Jim, Billings, Mo., and several nieces and nephews.

Mryt was preceded in death by her parents.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, IA, 50428, 641-357-2193 www.colonialchapels. com.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 25 to January 26, 2011

OMAHA, Neb. - Richard A. Holt, 79, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2011.
A memorial service will be held in the springtime and will be be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to American Cancer Society .

Richard was preceded in death by grandson, Porter James Black. He is survived by wife, Virginia J. Holt; children and spouses: Deborah, James, Lois, Robert (Debbie), Don (Janelle); 11 grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters.

Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE, 68124, 402- 391-3900.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 26, 2011

MASON CITY - Zell Karamitros died Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City.

A private memorial service will take place at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City. An interment was held on Thursday, Jan. 27, in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

Zell's family will greet friends and former patrons of the Troika from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel.

Zelda Ann Karamitros was born on Dec. 8, 1930, in Clotho, Minn., to Vernon and Martha (Zimmel) VerValen (VanderValen). She was one of 11 children. The family moved to Grand Forks, N.D., where she graduated from West Side High School in 1948. She moved to Mason City in 1950 to help care for her nieces and eventually began waitressing for Clarence and Olli Ellingson at the Park Inn Café sometime during the early 1950s.

She married Konstantino "Denno" Karamitros in 1954 and soon began waitressing and eventually partnering with him in the operation of the Troika Night Club. After Denno's death in 1978 she continued to run the business until its closing in August of 1993. Zelda was known for her amazing ability to take large numbers of food and drink orders and never writing anything down.

After retirement she especially enjoyed cooking for her granddaughters and gambling at Mystic Lake with her friends.

If anyone would care to share old memories of the Troika, please direct them to Helen Karamitros, c/o Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, 50401, or leave them on Zell's Memorial Guestbook at www.colonialchapels.com.

"The Troika Blues"
I was standing on the corner / Of 25th Street and Highway 65
I was standing on the corner / Of 25th St. and Highway 65.
I'm going out to the Troika, / Won't someone please give me a ride?/
I've got the Troika blues / I've got the three-horse-headed blues. / I'm going out to the Club Troika / If I have to walk with cement dust on my shoes. /
Chorus: / I've been working at the cement plant from 9 till 5, / I'm tired and I want to get loose.
I've been working at the cement plant from 9 till 5, I'm tired and I want to get loose.
I'm going out to the Troika / Have a little drink / Play the juke box, / And help Denno and Zell put up a new cement goose.
-1962, Hob Mason, jazz musician and friend
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City. 641-423-2372. www.colonialchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 26 to January 27, 2011

MANLY - Thomas R. "Tom" Kockler, 63, of 197 W. South St., died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Craig E. Steimel and the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Bancroft.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary being said at 4:30 p.m. and a scriptural wake service at 6:30 p.m. at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E. Mason City, Iowa 50401.

Memorials may be directed to the Thomas R. Kockler Memorial.

Thomas Richard Kockler was born Dec. 16, 1947, in Estherville, the son of Sylvester and Alice (Doocy) Kockler. Tom graduated from Swea City High School and attended North Iowa Community College in Mason City. Tom was united in marriage to Cynthia Goeke on Sept. 7, 1968; to this union two sons were born.

For more then 30 years Tom owned and operated the Van Shack in Manly, customizing vans. He later changed his business name to T.V.S., specializing in handicap wheelchair installation. Tom gained national notoriety traveling the United States and Canada, receiving many national awards for his creative talent in customizing vans. In 1980, Tom designed and customized a van known as the Tawny Port, winning a national award in his class.

Tom loved spending time with his family and friends. In his free time he enjoyed camping, '50s and '60s music, classic cars, motorcycles, playing pool and barbequing. Tom was a member of ABATE and the River City Street Rod Club and attended Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Catholic Churches.

Tom is survived by his sons, Dr. Timothy (Christina) Kockler, St. George, Utah, and James (Sharron) Kockler, Sachse, Texas; grandchildren, Abigail Yahnke, Chloè, Caitlin and Cole Kockler, siblings Larry Kockler, Mary Kay Kockler, both of Mason City, Richard "Dick" Kockler, Manly; nieces and nephews, Lisa Severson, Mason City; Laurie (Rod) Katcher, Charles City; Jeff Kockler, Manly; and Nick Kockler, Mason City; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews and many cousins and friends.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Alice Kockler, and one brother, James Allen Kockler.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-2372, www.colonalchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 24 to January 27, 2011

MANLY - Betty L. Milbrath, 80, of Mason City, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, at Manly Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Pastor Ed Bard, Hospice Chaplain officiating. Inurnment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph's Cemetery. Upon her wishes she was cremated. Gathering of friends and family will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home today, Wednesday. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Betty was born on Nov. 18, 1930, in Mason City, the daughter of Albert T. and Jean Koerber. She attended schools in Mason City, Rock Falls and Rockwell.

She worked at Earl's Fruit Market, J.C. Penny's and Montgomery Ward's and Fannie Farmer. She was also known for being a seamstress and enjoyed sewing. Betty enjoyed the time she spent with her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her children, Michael Milbrath and wife Rosie of Mason City, Daniel Milbrath and wife Savey of Creston, Ill., and Kelly Giese of Mason City; grandchildren, Tiffany, Jeffery, Douglas Milbrath, Jenna Giese and Travis and Taylor Everett; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Braylon, Eliza and Nathaniel; brother, Jerry Koerber and wife Mary of Mason City; sister-in-law, Wanda Koerber and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Benjamin and brother, Albert Koerber.

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, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 24 to January 26, 2011

SHEFFIELD - Lavon Loretta "Bonnie" Miller, 84, of Sheffield died Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center- North Iowa.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rockwell, with the Very Rev. Kenneth Gehling presiding. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery, Sheffield.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, with a Scripture Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, Sheffield.

Lavon "Bonnie" Miller was born in Sheffield on April 10, 1926, a daughter of Martin and Olive (Gamble) Ubben. She attended country schools. As the oldest child in her family she cared for the younger children. During World War II, Bonnie worked at the Sheffield Brick and Tile plant. She also worked at the canning plant in Ackley.
Bonnie is remembered for always being welcoming with a fresh pot of coffee and being devoted to her children and grandchildren. Bonnie remembered all her relatives' birthdays and made sure each received a birthday card from her. She cared for all God's creatures especially in feeding the birds. She loved her caregivers from home health and the Sheffield Care Center, especially Dixie Martin, Sue Davolt and Jeanne Wogan.

Bonnie is survived by her children: Buddy Ubben, Chapin; Cindy (Kent) Koch, Sheffield; Butch (Carol) Miller, Hampton; Deb (Martin) Barnes, Sheffield; and Shelley (John) Rooney, Sheffield; grandchildren, Jenny (Rick) Knudson and their children, Nathan and Kaitlyn; Sara (Todd) Nierengarten and their children, Joshua and Emma; Andy Ubben; Ben Ubben; Dan (Lisa) Blum and their children, Ashley, Hunter and Grady; Audrey (Jason) Arndt and their children, Cody, Collin and Alli; Catherine (Ryan) Crooks and their children, Ava and Nicholas; Mike (Jessica) Barnes and their son Jaxin; Mandy (Brian) Johnson and daughter Skyler; Olivia Rooney and Taylor Rooney; and Roy Slocum and Megan (Nick) Ries; brother, Alvin (Sallie) Ubben; and sisters-in-law, Connie Ubben and DeLoris Ubben.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Olive Ubben; son, Gary Ubben; daughter in infancy, Catherine; sister, Ilene Oehlert; and brothers, Martin Ubben Jr. and Kenneth Ubben.

Retz Funeral Home, www.retzfh.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 25 to January 28, 2011

OSAGE - William "Bill" Scharper, 84, of Osage died Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Dennis Hanson and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Rock Township. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Bill was born Aug. 19, 1926, in Mitchell, the son of Christian and Flossie (Moore) Scharper. He grew up and attended school in Mitchell. Bill served in the U.S. Army in the Philippine Islands and Japan during World War II.

He was united in marriage to Lucille R. Hartwig on Aug. 16, 1953, at St. John's Lutheran Church. Bill worked for the Iowa State Department of Transportation for 35 years, retiring in 1988. He also worked for Wilmer R. Rachut in the produce fields near Fertile and did seasonal farm work for Bud Funk.

Bill enjoyed music and played drums for the Rhythm Rascals band. He also enjoyed woodworking, working in his garden and was an avid Twins fan.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lucille Scharper of Osage; a daughter, Mary Jean (Dave) Olson and their children, Dan (Valerie) Olson and Nicholas Olson of Mason City; a son, Kevin (Jill) Scharper and their children Haleigh, Carly, Riley and Russell of Forest City; a sister-in-law, Lucile M. Scharper of Osage; a sister-in-law Lois (Lee) Dutcher of Manly; an aunt Hazel Moore of St. Paul, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruth Briggs and Evelyn Fletcher; a brother, Robert Scharper; and a nephew.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from January 26 to January 27, 2011

Clear Lake - Mildred "Betty" Wind, 82, formerly of Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at the Heritage Club at Greenwood Village, Colo.

Arrangements are incomplete at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, IA, 50428, 641-357-2193 www.colonialchapels. com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 26, 2011

JEFFERSON - Jeffry Hansen, 46, of Jefferson, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2011, at Hospice North Iowa, Mason City.

A graveside service was held Friday, Jan. 7, at the Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter with Pastor Ronald Stein officiating.

Jeff was born Nov. 17, 1964, in Atlantic to parents Franklin E. Hansen and Carolyn J. Odem Hansen. Most of his life growing up was spent in Bedford. He graduated from the Bedford Community High School in 1983.

He joined the Army National Guard at the age of 16, serving in the 1168th Transportation Co. in Red Oak. He was called to active duty in the winter of 1990 and deployed to the Persian Gulf where he proudly served his country. He retired from the Guard after 20 years of service.

Jeff enjoyed riding his Harley, hunting, fishing, building things and working on vehicles. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Franklin and Carolyn Hansen, Mason City; three sisters, Sherri Olson, Mason City; Fran Booth, Bedford; and Stacey Lugar (Dave), Mason City; seven nieces and nephews, Timothy Curphy, Shauna Olson, Tara Harvey, Cody Lugar, Marissa Olson, Tyler Lugar and Summer Spencer; his grandpa, Burt Bagley; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by all other grandparents.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 27, 2011

MCCAMMON, Idaho - Virginia Ruth "Jenny" Peterson, 61, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, with her husband by her side.

There are no public services scheduled at this point.

Jenny was born June 29, 1949, in Springfield, Greene County, Mo., to Albert Emito and Ruth E. (Smith) Vegas.

Jenny married Stephen Alan Peterson on July 27, 1990, in Charleston, S.C.

Jenny is survived by and will be dearly missed by her husband, Steve Peterson, McCammon, Idaho; daughters, Lori Holtz, Charles City, Iowa; Annette Holtz, Charles City, Iowa; and Angela Kramer, Mason City, Iowa. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorla; and brothers, Kevin, Eddie, and Albert.

Jenny was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Vegas and Ruth Nease, and a brother, Anthony.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID, 208-238-8000. Condolences for the Peterson family may be sent online at www.wilkfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 27, 2011

THOMPSON - Shane A. Porter, 54, of Thompson died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson. Inurnment will be at a later date in Linden Cemetery south of Thompson.

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

Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City is in charge of arrangements.

Shane Allen Porter, the son of Ronald and Janice (Burkhard) Porter, was born July 28, 1956, in Lakewood, Colo. He grew up in Evergreen, Colo., where he graduated from high school in 1974. After high school he worked various construction jobs in the Denver area.

In 1986 he moved to Thompson where he raised his three sons. Shane was employed at Winnebago Industries and later Spahn and Rose Lumber Co. in Forest City. He enjoyed teaching and taking his three kids fishing hunting and camping.

Shane is survived by his three sons, Travis Porter of Minneapolis, Minn., Andy Porter of Ames and Jason Porter of Thompson; his father, Ron Porter of Thompson; a sister, Lisa Porter of Forest City; two nephews, Joel Porter of Woodward and Luke Evans of Forest City; and his former wife and mother of his three sons, Kari Porter of Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Porter, in October of 2010.
Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 641-585-2685, www.petersenlundfh.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from January 27 to January 28, 2011

MASON CITY - Jorgen Sogn Thompson, 89, passed away Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, in Mason City surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran prior to the memorial service.

Jorgen Sogn Thompson, son of Johan and Stella (Sogn) Thompson, was born July 16, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minn. He grew up in Northfield, Minn. Jorgen received his bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College, master's degree from the University of Colorado and doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota.

Jorgen was united in marriage with Rita Goehner on Sept. 12, 1943. The couple moved to Sioux Falls in 1947 where Jorgen worked as a professor of psychology, dean of men, vice president for student affairs and as the director of the Learning Support Center and adult education at Augustana College for 39 years, retiring in 1986.

Jorgen was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church since 1947, president of the congregation, Lutheran Men in Mission, choir and South Dakota Psychological Association and was a member of the east chapter Kiwanis Club for many years. He enjoyed reading, golfing, singing, dancing, traveling, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Judith Ann Beyers, St. Louis Park, Minn.; Carl J. (Elizabeth) Thompson, Mason City; Barbara (Peter) Sogn Frank, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and three grandchildren, Nicholas, Jase Thompson, and Kaylee Eytchison.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Good Shepherd Health Center of Mason City, Iowa, and Hospice of North Iowa for the friendship and phenomenal care and compassion that they shared with Jorgen and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Thompson Scholarship Fund at Augustana College. For a full obituary go to www.heritagesfsd.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 27, 2011

WATERLOO - Michael Richard "Mike" Reynolds, 37, Waterloo and formerly of Mason City, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City surrounded by his family.

A memorial service for Mike will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with Pastor Ed Bard officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the chapel.

Michael Richard Reynolds was born on Nov. 17, 1973, in Highland Park, Ill., the son of Larry and Debra (Stevens) Reynolds. Mike attended and received his education in the Mason City High School. After his schooling Mike worked for Zilge's Appliance Store in Mason City as a salesman. Mike later worked as the manager of the Village Inn Restaurant in Waterloo.

Mike enjoyed golfing and spending time with his friends, going to music concerts, had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor, and laughing.

Those left to cherish his memory are his father, Larry Reynolds of Mason City; his mother, Debra (David) McClung of Mason City; his maternal grandparents, Glen and Norma Stevens of LeRoy, Minn.; his uncles, David (Pam) Stevens and Robert (Ann) Reynolds, all of LeRoy, Minn.; his aunt, Patricia Reynolds, and her husband, Jeff, of Rochester, Minn.; his step-brothers, Chris and Dan McClung of Des Moines; his cousins, Heidi, Angie, Justin and Katie; his dog, Jack; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Lillian Reynolds.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 641-423-2372, www.colonialchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 28, 2011

BETTENDORF - Rose A. Smith, 73, of Bettendorf passed away Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, at her home.

Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Monday, Jan. 31, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Her family will greet friends at the church Monday, Jan. 31, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Honoring Rose's wishes cremation rites will take place following the funeral Mass. Private family inurnment will take place in the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal, at a later date.

Rose Anne Downs was born Feb. 20, 1937, in Mason City, a daughter of James J. and Genevieve (Baumstark) Downs. She was united in marriage to Larry A. Smith on Jan. 16, 1971, in Rock Island. Rose had worked for the former Case/I.H., East Moline, retiring in 1992.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The Sisters of Humility, 820 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, IA 52804.

Survivors include her husband, Larry, Bettendorf; her daughters, Gennie Bloomingdale Liesemeyer, Mukwonago, Wis., Laura Bloomingdale Dahlstrom, Eldridge, Rosina Bloomingdale (Andrew) Norton, Milwaukee, and Irene Bloomingdale (Lyle) Hart, Davenport; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; sister, Margaret (Downs) Lindahl of Mason City; and brother, Jerry Downs of San Diego, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her two sons, Matthew and Michael Bloomingdale; her parents; her brothers Jim, Joe and Jack; and her sisters Therese and Mary.

Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed by visiting Rose's obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.

Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 28, 2011

Kathryn Winter (Johnson) Kruse

MASON CITY - Kathryn Winter (Johnson) Kruse, 71, Mason City, died on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the 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 January 29, 2011

Leonard Philip Pecha

DUMONT - Leonard Philip Pecha, 84, of Dumont, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2011, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hampton with burial in the Dumont Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 until 5 p.m. with a rosary service at 5 p.m. at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont. Father Bernard Grady will officiate the service.
www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com, 641-456-3232.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 29, 2011

Helen G. Wycoff

MASON CITY - Helen G. Wycoff, 65, of Mason City, died Thursday (January 27, 2011) at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

A service of celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 N. Delaware Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Helen's service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Helen Wycoff Memorial Fund in care of Bill Wycoff, 509 Fourth St. N.E., Mason City, IA 50401.

Helen Glee Stabell was born on November 28, 1945, in Mason City, the daughter of George and Lilly (Motland) Stabell. She attended Mason City High School.
On June 19, 2004, Helen was united in marriage to William "Bill" Wycoff at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City.

Helen and Bill enjoyed spending time with one another; one of their favorite places to go was the Southbridge Mall. They often joked that the mall was a second home. Helen liked to spend her time in the beauty shops and they both enjoyed the bakery items at Cookies, Etc.

One of Helen's most prized collections was her stuffed animals; she especially liked collecting stuffed bears, her favorite being "Bubba the Bear." She was fond of cats and in earlier years had a pet cat named "Babe."

She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Helen is survived by her husband Bill of Mason City as well as many friends and fellow members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She is preceded in death by her parents.
 
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, IA, 641-423-2372, www.colonialchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 29, 2011

OSAGE - Cornelia M. Backman, 96, of Osage, died Saturday (Jan. 29, 2011) at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Services are pending at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, 641-732-3706, www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 30, 2011

DUMONT - Lois M. Eberline, 86, of Dumont, died Saturday (Jan. 29, 2011) at the Dumont Wellness Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Allison. Burial will take place in the Oak Hill Cemetery in rural Bristow. Pastor Gary Mulder will officiate the service.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. on Monday at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont, 641-456-3232, www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 30, 2011

MANLY - Margaret Sophie Groen, 86, of Manly, formerly of Plymouth, died Saturday (Jan. 29, 2011) at her home in Manly surrounded by her family.

A funeral Mass for Margaret will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 410 N. Broadway, Manly, with the Rev. Kenneth Gahling officiating. Burial will be in the Bohemian Cemetery in Plymouth.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time on Wednesday at the church.
The family of Margaret Groen would like to suggest that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Iowa, 232 Second St. S.E., Mason City, or to the Winona T.V. for Catholic Masses, Box 588, Winona, MN, 55987, in her memory.

Margaret Sophie Groen and her twin brother George were born on May 11, 1924, in La Crescent, Minn., on the family farm, the daughter of William and Sophie (Truempi) Miller. Margaret received her education in the La Crescent, Minn., school system. Margaret was united in marriage to Marvin Peterson and to this union five children were born. In 1970, she was united in marriage to Harm Groen. Margaret retired from Drives Inc. in 1992 in Fulton, Ill.

Margaret was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly, former member of the Betterment committee, and also did volunteer work for different organizations over the years.

Margaret enjoyed fishing, gardening, canning, baking and dancing.

Those left to cherish her memory are her four daughters, Margaret (Pat) DeCenso of Higgins Lake, Mich., Judith (Ron) Smith of Titusville, Fla., Patricia (Mike) Buland of Rockvale, Col., and Mary Lou (Mick) Wyborny of Mason City; ten grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. Also left to cherish her memory is her sister, Angeline Hofer of La Crescent; and two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Miller of La Crosse, Wis., and Mary Miller of La Crescent, Minn.; as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; one son, William Peterson; four brothers, William, Ernest, Harvey and twin brother, George; and two sisters-in-law.

Bride Colonial Chapel, 641-454-2242, www.colonialchapels.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 30, 2011

MADRID - Marvin D. Snider, 85, of Madrid, formerly of Woden, passed away Thursday (Jan. 27, 2011).

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, at Brandt Woodward Funeral Home in Woodward, followed by a military burial at the Liberty-Cass-Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. today, Sunday, Jan. 30 at the Brandt Woodward Funeral Home.

Marvin Dean Snider was born to Earl LeRoy and Cora Ethel (Dugan) Snider on March 10, 1925, in Madrid. He graduated from Woodward High School in 1942, after which Marvin enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Tripoli and then the USS Ticonderoga during World War II. Marvin was united in marriage to his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Kathryn Harnish on April 13, 1945, in King County, Wash. They were blessed with four children.

Marvin attended Upper Iowa University where he earned his bachelor's degree in education. He taught math for many years beginning in Albia in 1953. He then studied at Iowa State University and Drake University before receiving his master's degree from University of Wisconsin at Madison, (Go Badgers!). Marvin then served as a principal in the Thornton, Lincoln Central, and Bayard school districts before becoming Superintendent of Schools for the Woden-Crystal Lake School district in 1975. He retired in 1987 and continued to live in Woden until 2005.

Marvin was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many hours fishing the area lakes and rivers. He and Mary also enjoyed camping and traveled through much of the U.S. vacationing with their family. While not traveling, he enjoyed watching and feeding the goldfinches in his yard. Marvin was also always up for a good game of cards including pinochle, hasenpfeffer and cribbage.

Those left to cherish Marvin's memory are, his wife Mary; his sister Bonnie Klatt of Madrid; his children Ron Snider and Ann Meixner of Sioux Falls S.D., Sharon and Pat Vaughan of Tulsa, Okla., Dave and Carol Snider of Forest City, Earl and Betty Snider of Harvey; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Marjorie McDaniel.

Old sailors never die, they just weigh anchor and sail away. God be with you Marvin.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 30, 2011

NORTHWOOD - Zora Crane, age 96, of Northwood, was called home Saturday (Jan. 29, 2011) from Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services for Zora will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at First Lutheran Church in Glenville, Minn. The Rev. Barbara Wills will officiate. Interment will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Bayview-Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral. com.

Zora Crane was born on May 26, 1914, to Priscilla (Brown) and John Hargis in Ida Grove. In 1925 the family moved to Freeborn County. On Oct. 20, 1933, Zora was united in marriage to Giles Crane in Mason City. Zora helped start the cafeterias in Glenville, Gordonsville, and Myrtle schools. She ran the Glenville Café and worked at Carroll-George, Northwood as well as working alongside her husband in their Bag business. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Northwood. Zora enjoyed fishing, camping, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, and most of all she enjoyed everyone and every minute of her 96 years of life.

Survivors include her children, Robert (Carol) Crane of Johnston, and Judy (Ron) Wangen, Northwood; daughters-in-law, Maxine of Albany, N.Y. and Patricia of Maple Grove, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, George (Beverly) Hargis; sister, Betty Athey; sisters-in-law, Doris and Marlene Hargis, and Mildred Behsman; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Zora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Giles; two sons, LaDon and Richard; granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann; siblings, Mable, Dwaine, John Jr., Irene, and Roger; in-laws, James, Alex and Mary Elizabeth.

Bayview-Freeborn Funeral Home, 1415 Highway 13 N., Albert Lea, Minn., 507-373-4330, www.bayviewfuneral. com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 31, 2011

STORM LAKE - Keaton Patrick Murphy, 20, formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (Jan. 20, 2011).

Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the University of Minnesota Student Union, Presidential Room third floor and at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Hope Evangelical Free Church at 2015 W, Milwaukee, Storm Lake.

Keaton was born on May 6, 1990, in Mason City, to David and Shell Murphy. He graduated from Storm Lake High School in 2008. Keaton participated in choir, speech, theater performances, tennis and Boy Scouts. He received a Gold Key for his mask sculpture in art. He was inducted into the National Honor Society in 2007. He was an ambassador with People to People. He attended the AWANA program at Hope EFC and continued through his high school years as the Game Director. The AWANA kids were always excited to see him fill in as game director during Christmas Break from college. He loved sailing and playing video games with friends.

He is survived by his parents, David and Shell Murphy; two grandmothers; many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 31, 2011

IOWA FALLS - Mary "Niki" Prochaska, 59, of Iowa Falls, died Saturday (Jan. 29, 2011) at her home.

Funeral services for Mary Prochaska will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Jackson Township Hall, Owasa.

A time of visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Linn's Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls.

Memorials may be directed to the family in care of her husband: Dennis Prochaska, 22849 170th St., Iowa Falls, IA, 50126.

Linn's Funeral Homes, Iowa Falls, 641-648-2569, www.linnsfuneralhome. com.

Published in Globe Gazette on January 31, 2011