MASON CITY - Donavon Dwain Bailey, 82, of 829 Sixth St. S.W., died Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City.

Graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, at Elmwood St.-Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Full military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veteran's Memorial Association.

Donavon's family will greet friends Sunday, May 22, from 3-5 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.

Memorials may be directed to the Donavon Bailey Memorial Fund.

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

Published in Globe Gazette on May 21, 2011

BUFFALO CENTER -William L. Bargman, 79, of Buffalo Center, died Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

A memorial service will be on Monday, May 23, at First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Bill Peake officiating. The burial is a private family burial.

There is no public visitation.

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

Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 414 First St. N.W., Buffalo Center, IA 50424, 641-562-2858.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 21, 2011

MASON CITY - Mary Dresser Curtis, 91, died peacefully of pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by her loving family. She will be missed for her love and devotion to her family.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 28, at 2 p.m. in the Mason City Room of the Mason City Public Library.

Mary was born Mary Ann Gianakopoulos (Poulos) on Sept. 16, 1919, in Enid, Okla., to parents Tom Gianakopoulos and Stauroula Kalamitches.

Mary graduated from Mason City High School in 1937 and then attended the University of Iowa, graduating in 1941 with a Bachelor's in Education. She taught English at Hayfield. During World War II, Mary was a Supervising Classification Analyst for the U.S. Army. Mary married Howard Dresser in 1942 and he died in 1969. After their marriage, the couple lived in Iowa City, where Howard completed his law degree. The couple moved to Mason City, where Howard set up his law practice. Mary was part of the civil rights movement during the 1960s and was active in the League of Women Voters where she was president of the Iowa chapter from 1965 to 1969 and national treasurer in 1969. Mary also was a Division Director for the Iowa Heart Association from 1969 to 1971 and the Director of Health Services for the Migrant Action Program of Iowa from 1970 to 1971. Mary spent two years in Thailand from 1971 to 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English to students who would come to the United States for additional education. Upon returning from Thailand, Mary was the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Education Association from 1973 to 1981. Mary was married to William Curtis from 1975 and he died in 1996. Mary was a member of the Maria Mitchell club whose function is to stimulate discussions on a variety of topics. Mary was also a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Mason City. Mary is listed in Who's Who of American Women.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Georgia Cahalan and Betsy Long, first husband Howard, second husband William, adopted son William Dresser, and an infant son.

She is survived by daughters Deborah Dresser Knowles (Jack) of Rapid City, S.D., and Judith Dresser Venz (Michael) of Rochester, Minn.; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; three step-daughters, Paulette Appel (Robert) of Spencer, Annette Webber of Omaha, Neb., and Lisa Curtis (James) of Orlando, Fla.; nine step-grandchildren and eight step-great- grandchildren.

Mary will be missed by everyone for her wit, her lifelong interest in politics, a willingness to discuss any interesting topic, and her ongoing quest for knowledge. She was brave, unselfish, devoted to her friends and family, and always ready for the next adventure. We loved her very much.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 21, 2011

Roger Keith Merrick
U.S. Air Force Vietnam War

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Roger Keith Merrick, 64, of Anaheim, Calif. died Saturday, May 14, 2011, at the Veterans Hospital Hospice in Long Beach, Calif. after battling cancer for two years.

Roger's wishes were for his body to be cremated and to have no memorial service.
Roger was born Feb. 12, 1947, in Charles City, the son of Merlin Roger and Luella May (Schriever) Merrick. He attended school in Rockford and graduated from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School in Rockford, Iowa, in 1965.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1970 and while in Vietnam earned and received a Bronze Star.

His adult life has been spent in Arizona/California working in the banking/trust industry as vice president of property management.

Roger is survived by two sons: Brian (Crystal) Merrick and their children, Madison and Brenden of Avondale, Ariz., and Bradley (Victoria) Merrick and their children, William and Christopher of Anaheim, Calif.; a sister, Karen Thal of San Diego, Calif.; two step-sisters, Connie (Harlan) Kreider of Jacksonville, Fla., and Robin Buikema of Clinton, Iowa; a step-brother, Ken (Jane) Siefken of Buena Vista, Colo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Mary Merrick, an infant granddaughter, and his grandparents.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 21, 2011

MASON CITY - Cynthia K. Perkins, 46, of Mason City, died Friday, May 20, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Arrangements are pending with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA, 50401, 641-423-0924.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 21, 2011

WESLEY - John Stegman, 49, of Wesley died Friday, May 20, 2011, at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 22, from 5-7 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. W., in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. W., Britt, IA 50423, 641-843-3839, www.ewingfh.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 21, 2011

GREEN - Rose Wihlm, 86, of Greene, died Friday, May 20, 2011, at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Reid's Funeral Chapel, Greene, www.reidsfuneralchapel.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 21, 2011

Mason City - Donavon Dwain Bailey, 82, of 829 Sixth St. S.W., died Thursday (May 19, 2011) at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, at Elmwood St-Joseph Cemetery, Mason City with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veteran's Memorial Association.

Donavon's family will greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m. today, Sunday, May 22, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E., Mason City.

Memorials may be directed to the Donavon Bailey Memorial Fund.

Donavon Dwain Bailey was born on Sept. 15, 1928, in Mason City, the son of Fitch and Edna (Turner) Bailey. He attended Mason City Schools. Donavon enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, serving during the World War II and the Korean War, and was later honorably discharged. On Nov. 5, 1960, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hedrick; to this union three children were born.

Donavon was very proud of serving his country and recently attended the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He was also very instrumental in helping get the military memorial monument in Central Park, Mason City. Donavon enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, and watching old Western movies, especially ones with John Wayne. His greatest love was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Donavon was an avid Minnesota Vikings football fan.

Donavon was a member of the V.F.W., D.A.V., Marine Corps League, Veteran's Memorial Association, commander of the American Legion, and president of Grant Village Senior Citizens Association. He was very active volunteering for many organizations. Donavon enjoyed attending Grumpy Old Men's Coffee Club at McDonald's.

Donavon is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bailey, Mason City; children, Barbara (Norman) Sato, Maple Grove, Minn., Nancy (Frank) Pearson, Mason City, Sue (Rod) Park, Mason City; grandchildren, Beth Snyder, Mason City, Steve (Brooke) Bailey, Rochester, Minn., Christina Sato, Denver, Colo., Rachel Pearson, Mason City; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Elsie, Myra, Colton and Caelyn; siblings, Douglas Bailey, Meredith (Fran) Bailey, Ramona (Leroy) Baker, Patricia (Jack) Behne along with several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Donavon is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marjorie Frandsen, Rovine Bailey and infant Janet Bailey; brothers Leonard, Jerry, Raymond, and Robert Bailey.
Semper Fi.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 21 to May 22, 2011

MASON CITY - Eleanor K. Buttjer, 85, of Mason City, died Saturday (May 21, 2011) at Heritage Care Center.

Arrangements are pending with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 641-423-0924. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 22, 2011

MASON CITY - Lillian Eveline Eller, 97, of Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Mason City, died Tuesday (May 17, 2011) at the Green Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Fort Worth.

Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Pastor Kathy Graves of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Lillian E. Eller Memorial Fund.

Lillian Eveline Eller was born July 9, 1913, in Clermont. She was the only child of Roy Henry Meyer and Clara Josephine Larsen Meyer. She was baptized and confirmed in West Clermont Lutheran Church. Lillian was married May 22, 1939, in West Clermont Lutheran Church, to Arthur Raymond Eller of Oelwein. They lived in Oelwein until 1943, when they moved to Mason City where her husband was employed by Standard Oil Company. They had two children, Donald Eller and Kristine Eller Randles.

In 1959, Lillian enrolled in Mason City Junior College, graduating in 1961. In the fall of 1961, she began teaching third grade at Garfield Elementary School, where she taught for sixteen years. She received her B.A. degree in Education from Drake University in 1966. When Garfield School closed in 1977, she taught one year at Hoover School, returning in June 1978.

Since moving to Mason City in 1943, Lillian was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 62 years. She was active in Circles and the Women's Missionary Federation. She was a member of Retired School Personnel, and served on the State Care Review Board of Good Shepherd Care Center. Her hobbies were poetry, books and travel. She was interested in the Monarch Butterfly. In the 1960s and 1970s, she banded butterflies for a Professor of the University of Toronto, Canada, to help determine the fly-ways and wintering area of the Monarch Butterfly.

In August of 2005, because of age and health, she moved to North Richland Hills, Texas, to be closer to her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She joined the Peach Lutheran Church in 2006.

Lillian is survived by her son, Don Eller and wife, Lynda, of Lanett, Alabama; her daughter, Kristine Randles and Husband, Stephen, of North Richland Hills, Texas; two grandsons, Kurt Jeffrey and wife, Heather, and Eric Jeffrey and wife, Melissa; one granddaughter, Shannon Jeffrey; five great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Hannah, Eli, Kayden, Lilly Jeffrey.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, who died in 1980.
Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 641-423-0924.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 19 to May 22, 2011

Lake Mills - Robert "Bob" Harang, 61, of Lake Mills, died Friday (May 20, 2011) at St. John's Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, Minn.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills, 641-592-0221, www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 22, 2011

ALBERT LEA, Minn. - Sidney G. Johnson, 93, of Albert Lea, Minn., formerly of Rake, Iowa, died Friday, May 20, 2011, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, with Rev. Terry Mahnke officiating. Interment will be in East Cemetery, rural Rake. Military honors will be accorded by Rake area veteran's organizations.

Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, Minn., 507-373-2461, www.bonnerupfuneralservice.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 21 to May 22, 2011

Mason City - Roland "Ron" Eugene Lonergan, 87, Mason City, died Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

A funeral Mass for Ron will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, in Rockwell, with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. with a scriptural wake service at 6 p.m. followed by a parish Rosary on Monday at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.

The family would like to suggest those wishing to give a memorial in his memory may wish to consider memorial contributions be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or to Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Roland Eugene Lonergan was born on July 30, 1923, in Osage, the son of Charles and Ruth (Gunsallus) Lonergan. Ron attended and received his education in the Osage Community Schools. Ron was inducted into the U.S. Navy on March 24, 1944, and was involved in the Normandy invasion and the Pacific Theater during World War II, and received several medals which included the World War II veteran's medal.

Ron was united in marriage to Grace Engels on May 29, 1948, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockwell.

Ron worked as a welder for 36 years for Lehigh Corporation in Mason City, until his retirement in 1985.

After his retirement, Ron and Grace took many bus trips together. Ron was also honored by being able to go on the Honor Flight in 2009 to Washington, D.C.
Ron enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, especially deer hunting with bow and arrow.

Ron was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City, and the Mason City Veterans of Foreign Wars in Mason City.

Those left to cherish his life are his wife, Grace Lonergan of Mason City; his children, Kathleen (Gaylan) Willert of Rochester, Minn., and Stephen (Lindia) Lonergan of Gwinn, Mich.; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are his brother, Robert (Jean) Lonergan of Dexter, Minn.; his sister, Catherine (Corky) Estergren of Chaska, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Betty Lu Lonergan of Muskegon, Mich., and Laura Lonergan of Charles City; a brother-in-law, Oliver Whalen of Rose Creek, Minn.; many nieces and nephews; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth Lonergan; two brothers, Kenneth and Dale Lonergan; a sister, Pauline Whalen; and two great-grandchildren, Patrick and David Willert.

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

Published in Globe Gazette on May 22, 2011

Darlene Myers

Clear Lake - Darlene "Dawn" Myers, 86, 1201 First Ave S., Clear Lake, died Wednesday (May 18, 2011) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. According to her wishes, her body has been cremated.

Graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating.

Memorials may be directed to Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake or Hospice of North Iowa in Dawn's memory.

Dawn was born Dec. 28, 1924, in Riceville, the daughter of Floyd and Doris (Kimble) Auringer. From an early age she was nicknamed "Tootie" by her family. She grew up in Riceville where she attended school. She was united in marriage to Robert L. Myers in 1948, to this union three children were born, Diane, John and Robert "Bob" or as his father called him, "Charlie."

Robert farmed, which took them to the Dakota City-Humboldt area, and later they moved to Clear Lake. Dawn worked at Jensen's Grocery Store and Easter's Grocery Store as a cashier. She was also a school crossing guard at Central School in Clear Lake. She was a wonderful wife, mother and mother to her pets, dog' Pepe, and cats' Gracey and Kitty.

Dawn's hobbies included sewing, yard work, puttering in her garden, and watching the news. Dawn loved to play cards including 500, with her husband Robert and family. She attended the United Methodist Church.

Dawn is survived by her three children, Diane (David) Stark, Ames, John (Monica) Myers, Evansdale, and Robert "Bob" (Renae) Myers, Clear Lake; grandchildren, Ben (Ashley) Stark, Manhattan, Kansas, Matt Stark, Des Moines and Nicole Myers, Evansdale, Eric Shahan, Clear Lake and Spencer Shahan, Mankato, Minn.; two great-grandchildren, Zachary Hippie and Alex Myers, Evansdale; and one sister Jean Andersen, Omaha.

Dawn is preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert (1975); and brother Jack Auringer.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from May 19 to May 22, 2011

MASON CITY – Cynthia K. (Allison) Perkins, 46, of Mason City, died on Friday (May 20, 2011) at the Muse Norris Inpatient Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Interment will be held in Elmwood- St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 23, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the Cynthia Perkins Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 641-423-0924.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 21 to May 22, 2011

CLEAR LAKE - Lois A. Wangberg, 85, of Clear Lake, died Friday (May 20, 2011) in Rogers, Minn.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Pastor Randy Nielsen officiating. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, May 24, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that gifts in Lois' memory may be given to Galilean Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Clear Lake, Iowa, or the Alzheimer's Association , www.alz.org.

Lois Ann (Linde) Wangberg was born on June 20, 1925, to Herman Oliver and Albertine (Olson) Linde in Forest City. She attended Forest City public schools through high school and then earned her Associate Degree in Education at Waldorf College in Forest City. Lois moved to Cresco and taught there for two years, at which time she went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Education degree at Agustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.

While at Agustana she met Ludvig Wangberg, an aspiring musician, and they were married on June 1, 1947. They lived in St. Ansgar for three years during which time their two children, Philip and Mary, were born. In 1951, they moved to Clear Lake and lived there until 2008.

She was an invaluable lover, wife, partner and friend to Lud for 64 years. She also served as musical consultant and music librarian for the Clear Lake Municipal Band and its conductor.

Lois ended her baptismal journey after a prolonged illness last Friday in Rogers, Minn.
Lois is survived by husband Ludvig; son Philip and wife Pat; daughter Mary and husband Ben; grandchildren, Karin and husband Matt, Benjamin and wife Jessica, Julia and husband Jim, and Anna; great grandchildren, Gretchen and Winona.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that gifts in Lois' memory may be given to Galilean Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Clear Lake, or The Alzheimer's Association ,  www.alz.org.

May God bless and keep the memory of Lois' life hallowed among us.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from May 21 to May 22, 2011

GREENE - Funeral Mass for Rose Delores Wihlm, 86, of Greene, will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 23, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Roseville, rural Marble Rock, with the Rev. Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery, Roseville.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., today, Sunday, May 22, at St. Mary Catholic School in Roseville. There will be a Rosary Service and Scriptural Wake at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the school one hour before services on Monday.

Rose Delores Esser was born on Sept. 29, 1924, in Cartersville, Cerro Gordo County, the daughter of William D. and Lena (Backer) Esser and died Friday (May 20, 2011) at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.

Rose grew up on a farm near Rockford and graduated from the country school near their farm. Rose worked as a hired hand on the Hitzhusen farm at Marble Rock.

Rose was united in marriage to Alphonse Eugene Wihlm on Oct. 12, 1943, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Carterville. This union was blessed with eleven children.
Rose and Alphonse started farming in March 1947 east of Dougherty and farmed over the years in Dougherty, Rockford, Marble Rock, Greene, and the Roseville area.

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene and Roseville and a member of her ladies circle serving as president and vice president at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene.

Rose enjoyed working along side her husband, Alphonse, on the farm. She loved to spend time with her family and grandchildren, fishing in Canada, playing cards, and watching soaps on TV. Attending all her grandchildren's sporting events was especially important to her.

Rose is survived by her 11 children, Bill (Shelby) Wihlm of Greene, Dan Wihlm of Madeila, Minn., Larry (Jane) Wihlm of Greene, Dick (Micki) Wihlm of Marble Rock, Kathy Brunsma of Harrogate, Tenn., Dave (Linda) Wihlm of Greene, Connie (Bruce) Helgeson of Lake Mills, Barb (Bob) Raisty of Greene, Rosie (Bryon) Trees of Greene, Judy (Dave) True of Mason City, Mike Wihlm (special friend Debra Shindelar) of Rockford; 32 grandchildren; 55 great grandchildren (one more on the way), six step-great grandchildren; three sisters, Leone (Rowland) Coonradt of Eden Prarie, Minn., Arlene (Clarence) Kirchoff of Rockwell, Betty (Wayne) Larson of Dougherty; one sister-in-law, Mary Paulus of Mason City; two brothers-in-law, Bob (Barb) Wihlm of Cedar Rapids and Joseph Wihlm of Sheffield.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Alphonse; her parents; three sisters, Marcella Esser, Alice Stricker, and Dorothy Ross; one brother, Leo Esser; three half-brothers, Lester Esser, Dutch Esser, and Harry Esser; one brother-in-law, Joseph Paulus; one sister-in-law, Rita Paulus; one step- brother-in-law, Francis Backer; one daughter-in-law, Karen Wihlm; and two step-grandchildren, Shannon and Little David True.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Rose Wihlm Memorial Fund P.O. Box 10, Greene, IA 50636-0010.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St. Greene, 641-823-4457, www.reidsfuneralchapel.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 21 to May 22, 2011

MASON CITY - Eleanor Kathleen (Brattrud) Buttjer, 85, of Mason City, died Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the Heritage Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 27, at the Aredale United Methodist Church, 218 East Main Street, Aredale, with Pastor Mark Young officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held in Dumont Cemetery in Dumont. Memorials may be directed to the Eleanor K. Buttjer Memorial Fund.

Eleanor Kathleen Brattrud was born Dec. 15, 1925, to John and Anna (Egan) Brattrud in Hanlontown. She was baptized and confirmed in the Norwegian Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown. She also attended school in Hanlontown. On May 22, 1941, she married Earl Buttjer in Bethany, Mo., and to this union came two children, Earldean and Shirley. They lived in the Aredale and Dougherty area for 27 years. She was a member of EUB Church in Aredale, that later combined with Methodist Church. She was a member of Helping Hand Club, card groups, and Baptist Society. In 1968, they bought a farm in Riceville where they lived until Earl died in 1985. She stayed on the farm for five years before moving to Mason City. She has been in failing health for several years. She was area queen while in TOPS Chapter in Elma, having lost 72 pounds. She helped organize a morning TOPS Chapter in Mason City. Her hobbies were music, cards, sewing, writing poetry and songs and playing several instruments. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends and the coffee pot was always hot.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Shirley Buttjer-Harmon, of Mason City; four grandchildren, Jon Buttjer of Denver, Colo., Jim Buttjer of Chicago, Ill., Dana Dow of Champagne, Ill., Sara Buttjer of Chicago, Ill.; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; son, Earldean; two brothers; five sisters.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-0924.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 22 to May 25, 2011

OSAGE - James C. Champion, 77, of Osage, died Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with the Rev. John Moser officiating. Inurnment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery with a flag presentation by Osage American Legion Post 278. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5-7 p.m. today at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Jim was born Sept. 23, 1933, in Osage, the son of Maurice K. and Maurine E. (Mayer) Champion.

He graduated from Osage Community High School in 1951, and attended St. Ambrose College, Arizona State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He married Judy Dunkelberg in 1965 in Tempe, Ariz. Jim was an owner of Champion Furniture Store in Osage. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Osage American Legion, and the Osage Chamber of Commerce.

Jim enjoyed World War II history, philosophy, crossword puzzles, talk radio, and current events. For many years, he sponsored a child through Pearl Buck Charities. Jim was a Minnesota Twins fan, and enjoyed Iowa and Iowa State athletics. He doted on his dogs, Larry and Toby.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy Champion of Osage; his son, David Champion of St. Petersburg, Fla.; his brother, Craig (Connie) Champion and family of Iowa City; a sister-in-law, Sue (Gary) Schulz and family of Melrose; a brother-in-law, Jim Dunkelberg and family of Osage; and the families of Jim's 15 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1989; and his mother in 1990.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from May 23 to May 24, 2011

CHARLES CITY - Elsie R. Gordon, 95, of Charles City, died Saturday afternoon, May 21, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.

Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until service time Friday.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church or a charity of choice.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from May 23 to May 24, 2011

Lake Mills - Robert "Bob" Harang, age 61, of Lake Mills, died Friday (May 20, 2011) at St. John's Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, Minn.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, with Pastor David E. Jordon officiating. Inurnment will take place at Salem Memorial Cemetery, Lake Mills.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Robert Dean Harang was born on Nov. 10, 1949, at Forest City, to parents Kermit and Wilma McClain Harang. He was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. Bob attended and graduated from Lake Mills High School with the Class of 1967, and went on to attend Iowa State University in Ames.

Following his schooling, Bob worked at Cardinal Construction in Waterloo for over 25 years, specializing in concrete work. He then moved back to Lake Mills where he had been employed with Larson Contracting.

Bob was a hard worker and often completed extra concrete and building projects. He enjoyed participating in sports leagues including softball, volleyball, and golf. Bob was devoted to his daughters, attending all of their activities during their school years, and worked hard to support them through college.

Survivors include his two daughters, Kristen (Brad) Holtan of Pleasant Hill, and Jenna (Jonathan) Grimm of Ashburn, Va.; a granddaughter, Avery Holtan of Pleasant Hill; his mother, Wilma Harang of Lake Mills; and his siblings, Ray Harang of Thompson, Renee (John) Matson of Olds Mar, Fla., Rick (Marlene) Harang of Leland, and Rod (Sandy) Harang of Lake Mills. Bob is also survived by two aunts, Blanche (Kermit) Grunhovd of Lake Mills, and Arlene Rauan of Washington; nieces and nephews, Jay (Teri) Clough, Terry Harrington, Kim Jensen, Britney Hultman, Shawna Matson, Jillian (Nate) VanEpps, Jordan Harang, Nicole Hermanson, and Sabrina Roll; a special cousin, Darlene Gremmer of Britt; and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kermit Harang; fiancée Michelle Brown; and a nephew, Joshua Matson.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills, 641-592-0221.

You can contact the family with online condolences at www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 22 to May 23, 2011

NEW HAVEN - Marilyn Elizabeth Helfter, 83, of New Haven, died Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center Emergency Room in Osage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven with the Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with a rosary at 5:30 p.m.

Marilyn was born Oct. 2, 1927, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Loren and Frances (Kortuem) Reed. She graduated from St. Augustine Catholic High School in Austin in 1945. On April 7, 1947, she married Donald J. Helfter at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. Marilyn was a farm wife and a homemaker. She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven and was a member of the Ladies Altar Society. Marilyn enjoyed reading, Scrabble, puzzle books, gardening, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Donald J. Helfter of New Haven; her children, Michael (Eileen) Helfter of Jasper, Ind., Frank (Joann) Helfter of Osage, Theresa (Dale) Newton of Stacyville, Ellen (Mark) Vogel of Scottsdale, Ariz., Henry Helfter of Hollandale, Minn., Mary Helfter and husband Bill Thompson of Primghar, Rebecca Helfter of Wilmington, Del., Anthony (Kristy) Helfter of New Haven; grandchildren, Todd and Ryan Helfter, Kayla Williams, Christopher Helfter, Nick Newton, Allison Schroeder, Diana Newton, Dana and Scott Vogel, Adam, Kiel and Ellen Helfter; seven great-grandchildren, a sister, Sharon Miller, and two brothers, Richard (Char) Reed and Clifton (Nancy) Reed, all of Austin, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ken; a granddaughter, Rhonda Wagner; a great-grandson, Tyler Wagner; and a sister, Dorothy Schroeder.

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

Published in Globe Gazette from May 23 to May 24, 2011

MASON CITY - Cynthia K. (Allison) Perkins, 46, of Mason City, went to be with her Savior on Friday (May 20, 2011) at the Muse Norris Inpatient Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Interment will be held in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Monday, May 23, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Cynthia Perkins Memorial Fund.

Cyndy Perkins was born July 20, 1964, in Charles City, to Melvin and Sharon (Kollmann) Allison. The oldest of five children (her twin by half a minute) she grew up in rural Ionia. Cyndy loved the farm and enjoyed visiting every chance she could. She graduated from Nashua High School and went on to attend North Iowa Area Community College to get her RN nursing degree. From the age of four, Cyndy knew she wanted to be a nurse and help others. True to form, she succeeded and graduated with honors.

On May 4, 1996, she was joined in marriage to Joseph Perkins of Isle, Minn., at Trinity Lutheran Church where they were both active members. Their pride and joy was Chumley, a miniature schnauzer that kept them busy. Cyndy had a heart of gold and was always the first to help out family or friends. She worked for Mercy Medical Center for 20 years in hospital, through Amicare Home Health (a division of Mercy) and the Skilled Nursing Unit. Even after her health failed and she was no longer able to work, she helped to establish Trinity's Parish Nursing board and worked for Trinity's Health Cabinet. Her faith kept her active and she spent a lot of her time at the church helping out in many aspects from serving communion and reading Scripture to blood pressure clinics. When she wasn't helping out, she could be found running around and spending time with her twin, friends and family. Her laugh was contagious and her smile would light up a room!

Cyndy is survived by her parents, Melvin and Sharon Allison of Ionia; her twin, Sandy (Al) Haubrich of Mason City; her brother, Jim (Gail) Allison of Fredericksburg; a sister, Amy (JR) Allison of Mason City, and sister Jennifer Allison of Mason City. Cyndy is also survived by a nephew, Justin Haubrich of Mason City, and nieces Cassidy and Valerie Allison of Fredericksburg and Kira and Marissa Schwickerath of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Perkins and her puppy, Chumley.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 641-423-0924.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Published in Globe Gazette from May 21 to May 23, 2011

ST. ANSGAR - Wayne I. Bork, 86, of St. Ansgar, died Sunday, May 22, 2011, at Good Samaritan Society Center, St. Ansgar, after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be today, Wednesday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Burial will be in St. Ansgar City Cemetery. Military honors will be by the Walter T. Enneberg Post No. 358.
Visitation was held Tuesday, May 24, from 5-7 p.m.at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Wayne Ivan Bork was born on Sept. 9, 1924, in Iowa City. Following the death of his mother, Clara Bork, when he was age 3, he lived with his grandparents August Sr. and Berth Bork, and then with aunt and uncle August and Lillie Bork.

He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton. He attended school at Grafton and Otranto. He served in the Army in World War II in the European Theater. He was wounded in action in Italy. He received European, African, Middle Eastern Theater medal with Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged on July 3, 1945.

Wayne was united in marriage to Ellen Elizabeth Laabs on April 14, 1946, at Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter. They celebrated 65 years of marriage. They lived in Carpenter and worked as a self-employed truck drive, later lived and farmed near Otranto, moved to St. Ansgar and continued trucking with son Gary until retirement at age 77.

He was a 65-year member of the American Legion in Carpenter, serving as commander and adjutant and later joining the St. Ansgar post. He was also a member of the DAV.
In his leisure he enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting sporting clays and trap, and golfing.

He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and having coffee with his friends.

Wayne is survived by wife Ellen of St. Ansgar; two sons Gary (Linda) Bork of St. Ansgar, James (Venita) Bork of Alamo, Ga.; two daughters Barbara (Dean) Feldt of Milford, and Susan (Michael) Nicholson of Osage; one brother Dale (Donna) Bork of Inver Grove Heights, Minn. and one sister Betty (Gene) Rosenberg of St. Ansgar; nine grandchildren (Tori) Brian Steinberg of St. Ansgar, Spencer (Laurel) Feldt of Osceola, Wis., Brian (Tara) Bork of St. Ansgar, Kimberly (Joe) Beland of St. Ansgar, Jeremy (Lisa) Nicholson of Osage, Neko (Ethan) Kleckner of Grimes, Jesse Nicholson and fiancé Brianne Newton of Iowa City, Adam (Christine) Bork of Waterloo and Sarah Bork of New Bedford, Mass.; 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother Clara Bork, Aunt and Uncle Lillie and August Bork, sister Gala Stelter and great-granddaughter Anna Kleckner.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, is in charge of arrangements, 641-713-4920.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 24 to May 25, 2011

NORA SPRINGS - Nellie M. Frese, 95, died Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Nora Springs Care Center, Nora Springs.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 27, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 110 N. Hawkeye, Nora Springs, with the Rev. Dr. Jack Gannett officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 26, from 3-5 p.m. at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye, Nora Springs.

Memorials may be directed to the Nellie M. Frese Memorial Fund.

Nellie Mae Crosby was born July 21, 1915, in Rock Grove Township, Nora Springs, the only daughter of Joseph A. and Mildred (Finch) Crosby. She grew up on a farm and attended country school near her home for eight years. Nellie graduated from Rudd High School in 1932. She worked various housekeeping jobs in order to save money for higher education. She moved to Waterloo, living with an aunt and uncle while she attended business college.

Nellie was united in marriage to Harry Green during World War II. To this union a son, Joseph, was born. Nellie and Harry lived a nomadic life on Army bases from Illinois to Indiana and South Dakota.

Returning to Nora Springs, Nellie worked for a number of years at Mercy Hospital, Cedar Valley Hospital, Lundeman Abstract Co. and retired from the Department of Transportation after 19 years.

On Oct. 19, 1974, she was united in marriage to Clyde E. Frese. Nellie and Clyde enjoyed traveling the world together. Their trips included Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland and Belgium.

During the summer they enjoyed time at Lake Jefferson in Minnesota and winter months in Hawaii. Nellie enjoyed fishing, bowling, quilting, knitting, sewing, embroidery and Rosemaling painting.

She was a very active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Nora Springs.

Nellie is survived by many cousins and great friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Joseph Green in 1969, and husbands Harry Green in 1971 and Clyde Frese in 2010.

Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye, Nora Springs, Iowa 50458, www.colonialchapels.com, 641-749-2210.

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

MASON CITY - Darlene M. Gruetzmacher, 85, of Mason City, and formerly of Hazleton, died on Saturday morning, May 21, 2011, at the Hospice Inpatient Unit at Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, at Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein. Officiating wil be the Rev. Mark E. Lavrenz from the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m. on Friday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein and after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church; interment: St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery at Westgate, Iowa.

A memorial fund has been established in her name.

Online Obituary at: www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.
Darlene May Zupke was born on May 29, 1925, at Sumner, the daughter of Carl Phillip and Eva Lela Fern (Paul) Zupke. She graduated from Fayette High School at Fayette, Iowa in 1943. Darlene married Harold Frederick Gruetzmacher on June 6, 1947, at Fayette. She was a country school teacher near Hawkeye, a office clerk at Gamble's Store, sales clerk at the Conner's Department Store in Oelwein for 24 years until it closed in 1986 and assisted Harold on the farm for many years. Darlene was a former member of Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein and was currently a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City. She has lived in Mason City since 2005. Darlene enjoyed spending time with her family, loved to garden, walking, ballroom dancing with Harold, and attending church functions. Darlene enjoyed listening to KCMR radio station in Mason City and was a friend of KUNI public radio in Cedar Falls.
Darlene is survived by son, Dwight (Nancy) Gruetzmacher of Duluth, Minn., four daughters, Vicki (Steve) Wolfe of Mason City, Jackie Tallman of Cresco, Iowa, Kelly Renee (Merle) Brockshus of Mason City, Iowa, Kristi Kay Gruetzmacher of Clear Lake, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Sara (Rob) Berding of Mason City, Matt (Courtney) Wolfe of Mason City, Heidi Wolfe and Blake Cooper of Mason City, Tony Tallman of Coralville, Benge (Gisele) Tallman of Iowa City, Lindsay Tallman of Coralville, Josh Brockshus of Mason City, Noah Brockshus of Mason City, Talia Gruetzmacher of Duluth, Minn., and Clayton Gruetzmacher of Duluth, Minn.; six great- grandchildren, Morgan and Ethan Beals, Logan (Sara) Berding, Dakota Scott, Elliot Pace, Madelyn (Matt) Wolfe, and soon-to-be-born grandson to Heidi and Blake Brother-Vaylard (Lorna) Zupke of Randalia, Iowa; sister-in-law, Gladys Klemp of Sumner, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband (Harold F. Gruetzmacher on Dec. 12, 2003).

Published in Globe Gazette on May 24, 2011

MARBLE ROCK - Sara J. Kelly, 64, of Marble Rock, passed away peacefully Monday morning, May 23, 2011, at her home after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

A funeral Mass for Sara Kelly will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26, at St. Mary's Catholic Church-Roseville. Monsignor Walter Brunkan will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Roseville.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church-Roseville Gymnasium where there will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the gymnasium.

Sara Jane Warner was born July 25, 1946, in Charles City, the daughter of Ceo D. and Sadie M. (McMullen) Warner. Growing up in Rockford, she was the eighth of nine children. In 1964, she graduated from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School. On Oct. 23, 1965, she was united in marriage to Norman Kelly at St. Mary's Catholic Church-Roseville. Together they made their home on the Kelly family century farm near Marble Rock where they raised their four children. In addition to helping on the farm, Sara also had various other jobs over the years including Marble Rock town librarian, waitress at Clancey's, Farmers Cooperative, and media aide for RRMR School for 15 years, retiring in July of 2010. Sara was also a long time active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church - Roseville and Rosary Society. Above all, she was devoted to her family and friends and was a very patient and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Sara loved life and some of the things she loved most were family gatherings for birthdays and holidays, hours spent in her large vegetable garden and among her perennial flower beds, watching the many birds that visited her feeders, cross country skiing, reading by herself and to the grandchildren and visiting and traveling with friends or family. Over the years, she was involved in many activities including Hi-Neighbor Club, Cub Scouts, 4-H, Bowling League, canoeing and camping. Sara's family was very important to her and her grandchildren will especially remember her tea parties, sunflower houses, garden "jungle," and "adventures" including 4-wheeler rides, time at the river and sandpit. She was always ready to try new things and visit new places. It is hard to put into words everything Sara's life was, but she will be missed greatly.

Living family members include her husband, Norm Kelly of Marble Rock; four children, Bob Kelly of Mason City, Mardel (Rod) Brockett of Reinbeck, Andy (Dr. Corey) Kelly of Sherrill and Frank (Mary) Kelly of Mason City; eight grandchildren, Kelly, Sadie and Paul Brockett, Skyler, Liam and Bryce Kelly and Ryan and Avery Kelly; two sisters, Bethel (Ronald) Ritter of Charles City and Ethel Ann Lane of Frederic, Wis.; four brothers, Allan (Betty) Warner of Charles City, Charles (Audrey) Warner of Sheffield, David (Cheryl) Warner of Greene and Gary (Virginia) Warner of Denver; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Gordon and Max Warner.

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

Published in Globe Gazette on May 24, 2011

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 28, at First Presbyterian Church in Woden with the Rev. Glenn Wilson officiating. A private burial will be held at Buffalo Township Cemetery south of Titonka.

There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Clara.

Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden is in charge of arrangements. Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-926-5756, www.cataldofuneralhome.com.

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

ALGONA - Dr. Kevin C. Nash, 79, of Algona, died Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 24, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church with Father Edward Girres officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Oakcrest Funeral Services-Algona, 515-295-3731, www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 24, 2011

Gary is survived by his wife, Margaret Smolik of Osage; his children, Sr. Katherine Ann Smolik, OSB, of Beech Grove, Ind., Frank (Becky) Smolik, and daughter Megan, of Bondurant, Iowa, Mark Smolik of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Michael (Gloria) Smolik, and children, Alejandro, Adrian, and Adam of Colorado Springs, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Velva Smolik.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, 641-732-3706.

Published in Globe Gazette from May 24 to May 25, 2011

CLEAR LAKE - Mildred Christensen Wind, better known as "Betty" to friends and family, passed away on Jan. 25, 2011, in Greenwood Village, Colo. at the age of 82.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Clear Lake Cemetery, Saturday, May 28, with Pastor Randy Nielsen of Galilean Lutheran Church officiating. Inurnment will take place at the memorial service and respecting Betty's wishes, her urn will be joined with that of her husband Allan's, who died in 2005. Dedication of the headstone will take place while family and friends are in attendance. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

A lunch following the memorial service will be held at the Best Western Hotel in Clear Lake. Friends are asked to attend and share special memories of Betty and Allan. Memorial contributions may be made to Galilean Lutheran Church, the Clear Lake Art Center's Youth Art Program or the charity of one's choice in her memory.

Mildred Elizabeth Christensen was born on Sept. 6, 1928, in Atlanta, Ga., to parents Paul and Ruby Christensen. Betty spent her school years in Clear Lake, and Vero Beach, Fla. and graduated high school in Florida.

Betty married Allan Wind in Clear Lake on Sept. 4, 1948. They started their married life in Ames, while Allan completed his degree in engineering at Iowa State. While living in Ames, Betty worked for Meredith Corporation and Allan was called to serve again in the Army during the Korean Conflict. After his tour of duty, Allan and Betty returned to Clear Lake, where Allan worked as city engineer until 1960. In the fall of 1960, the family relocated to Prairie Village, Kan., where Betty was active at First Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher, dedicated time to disabled children, enjoyed garden club and PTA participation, as well as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scout organizations. After retirement, Betty and Allan returned to their beloved Clear Lake and to the congregation and fellowship of Zion and Galilean Lutheran Churches.

Betty was passionate about family, friends and her faith. Known for her sharp wit and sense of humor, she enjoyed sharing a joke or story over a cup of coffee. She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking, gardening, fishing, painting, sewing and the companionship of many wonderful dogs over the years. Always willing to lend a hand whether at church, to a neighbor or a friend in need, Betty is missed for her smile, her contributions and her laughter.

Cherishing her memory are her children: Peter Wind and his wife Stephanie of LaGrange, Ill., Melissa Wilson and her husband Ron of Englewood, Colo., and Kristi Greven and her husband Jerry, of Anthem, Ariz., three grandsons, Christian, Evan and Seth Wind; Nephew, Jon Harvey, niece Dee Harvey and daughter Christina in Colorado, cousin, Maxine Christensen Kostopulos of Council Bluffs.

Her parents, her husband, an infant son, Thomas Allan Wind, sisters Lily and Nancy preceded her in death.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, IA 50428, 641-357-2103. www.colonialchapels. com.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 24, 2011

OSAGE - Gladys Brych, 90, of Osage, died Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Dennis Hanson and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating.

Inurnment will be at the Bohemian Cemetery in Plymouth, Iowa. There will be a time for light lunch and fellowship following services at the church.

Gladys was born Jan. 20, 1921, near Osage, in Mitchell County, the daughter of Andrew and Ida (Seffinga) Anderson. Gladys was baptized and confirmed at Rock Creek Lutheran Church near Osage. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1940. She married Frank J. Brych on June 15, 1940, at Manly. They farmed in the Plymouth, Grafton and Osage areas, and moved in to Osage in 1972. Gladys was employed at Mitchell County Memorial Hospital as a nurse's aide and in the housekeeping department. She was a very active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann (Daryl) Riensche of Jesup; her son, Leslie (Linda) Brych of Stacyville; seven granddaughters; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Katherine (Ray) Christiansen of Marshalltown, Adeline Beinke of Fort Dodge; three brothers, Glen (Elida) Anderson of San Antonio, Texas, Melvin (Joyce) Anderson of Ionia, and Arnold (Sylvia) Anderson of Surprise, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank in 1972; two sisters, Bernice Peterson, and Darlene Buckmaster.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage 641-732-3706.

Published in Globe Gazette on May 25, 2011

MASON CITY - Ruby R. Easley, 83, died Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the IOOF Home in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 27, at the IOOF Home, 1037 19th St. S.W., Mason City, with Pastor Jeni Bohls of St. James Lutheran Church presiding. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, Thornton, at a later date.

Ruby Rae Easley was born to Chris and Pearl (Buck) Nielsen on Oct. 20, 1927, on a farm near Thornton, Iowa.

After graduation from Thornton High School Ruby worked at Arnie Numelin's Grocery in Thornton then moved to Forest City to work at Forest City Bank & Trust. Ruby then worked at First National Bank in Mason City, retiring after 31 years. In retirement Ruby worked at McDonald's.

Ruby was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City. She enjoyed bingo, hanging out at the Community Kitchen and collecting rocks. Ruby was a mother to many and a friend to all.

Surviving family includes a son, Darryl (Jayne) Easley; daughter, : Cheryl Easley; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sisters, Mavis (Rod) Jensen and Joy Bulow; brother, Leo (Betty) Nielsen; and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Dale, Ivan, Gene, Don and Franklin, and sisters Opal Obrecht and Marlene Sheriff.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the IOOF Home, Mason City, or the donor's choice in Ruby's memory.

Retz Funeral Home, www.retzfh.com.

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

WODEN - Clara (Doden) Kwolek, 90, of Danville, Calif., formerly of Woden died Monday May 23, in California, with family at her bedside.

Memorial services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, May 28, at First Presbyterian Church in Woden with the Rev. Glenn Wilson officiating. A private burial will be held at Buffalo Township Cemetery south of Titonka.

There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Clara. Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden is in charge of arrangements.

Clara (Doden) Kwolek, the daughter of Ubbe and Christina (Loeschen) Doden, was born March 13, 1921, on a farm near Titonka. She attended the rural schools near Woden and graduated from Woden High School in 1938. She continued her education at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls and upon graduation taught at Lake Mills, Woden, Crystal Lake and Waterloo.

On Aug. 23, 1947, she was married to Stephen Kwolek (Hammond, Ind.) in Waterloo, where they lived and owned and operated a bulk oil station. They built a home south of Dewar where they raised their two daughters, Marsha and Marilyn.

Clara was very proud of her daughters. Marsha joined the Air Force achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel and Marilyn became a medical doctor. In 1981, Clara moved to Woden to be closer to family and friends and in 2000, moved in with her sister, Bernice, in Britt. The last six years Clara had been living with her daughter Marilyn in California. Clara enjoyed her flowers, gardening, golfing, playing cards and tea parties with her friends. She loved spending time with her friends and most of all having coffee "uptown."

She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, attending games at Kinnick, Carver and cross-state rival at Ames, and following the Hawkeyes on TV and radio.

Clara battled valiantly the many health obstacles that confronted her with dignity and stoic grace until faced with a terminal and inoperable condition.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Woden, Woden American Legion Auxiliary and Woden Senior Citizens.

Clara is survived by her two daughters, Marsha Kwolek of Tucson, Ariz., and Marilyn Kwolek (Terry Williams) of Danville, Calif.; a sister, Bernice Larson of Britt; a brother, Johnny (Sharon) Doden of Mason City; and her blue-eyed cat, Tuffy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stephen in 1977; a sister, Irene Doden; and two brothers, Rudy and Arnold Doden.

Cataldo Funeral Home, 641-926-5756, www.cataldofuneralhome.com.

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