Dorothy Durrell Friedline

Plymouth — Dorothy Durrell Friedline, 104, affectionately known as Gigi to her family and friends, died Friday, April 5, 2013, at her daughter’s home in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

A funeral Mass for Dorothy will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, at Epiphany Parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., Mason City, Iowa, with the Rev. Neil T. Manternach officiating. Burial in the Oakwood Cemetery in Plymouth at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 17.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral Mass on Tuesday at the church.

Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring St., Manly, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy Durrell Dixson Friedline was born on Dec. 14, 1908, in Ogden, the daughter of Ray L. and Priscilla “Sylvia” E. (Smith) Dixson. Dorothy graduated from Plymouth High school in 1927. She went on to college, her first year to Mason City Junior College, to wait for her sister to graduate from high school so they could go on to college at Cornell College in Cedar Rapids. They spent two years there, but had to stop because of the Great Depression.

Dorothy started teaching in country schools to help her parents, while living at home. She went back to college at Iowa State University in Ames. Dorothy graduated in 1935 with a B.S. degree in home economics. After graduation she taught school, and worked for her father as secretary at the R.L. Dixson Implement Co. in Plymouth, Iowa, before their implement company was moved to Mason City.

On Jan. 26, 1941, she married her college sweetheart, James M. Friedline, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City, and to this marriage three children were born: Priscilla, Cynthia and John, with Dorothy loving to be a stay-at-home mom.

After her father’s death in 1956, Dorothy went back to work as secretary for her husband, James, who was her father’s partner. In 1961, they sold the business because of her husband’s illness. Dorothy stayed home to care for him for the next 13 years until his death on Sept. 25, 1973.

From 1973 to 2013, Dorothy followed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all of their activities. She was always there for them, from grade school to college; volleyball, baseball, football, dance and theater, high school rodeo, pro-rodeo, high school and college wrestling, and horse racing. She took up golf in her 70’s, traveled to Europe, Hawaii and other states. Dorothy enjoyed reading, sewing, horseback riding, fishing and being famous for making “Grandma Cookies.”

Dorothy was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly, (former member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Plymouth), Daughters of the American Colonists, Daughters of the American Revolution, (and can trace her line to John Quincy Adams, U.S. president, and Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration of Independence), Edward Tossel American Legion Aux. in Manly, and more than a 75-year member of Kappa Delta Sorority. While living in Albert Lea, Dorothy attended St. Theodore’s Catholic Church.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Priscilla (Rodger) Kelber of Albion, Cynthia (Gary) Trebil of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and John (Connie) of Apex, N.C.; nine grandchildren: Scott (Ashley) Kelber, Pamela (Frank) Lange, Jason (Renee) Kelber, Jared (Michelle) Kelber, Nathan (Sara) Trebil, Anne (David) Bachem, Amy Hamilton, Jennifer (Mathew) Inskeep, and Liberty (Jonathan) Hill; 18 great-grandchildren: Lakoda, KeAnn, Joshua, Aaron, McKenzie, Madison, Jordan, Grace, Maci, Brody, Koltt, Morgan, Reese, Bailey, Joey, Brooks, Saylor, and Harrison; nieces, Gretchen (Tim) Collins, Judy Steinmetz; nephew Ray (Torri) Steinmetz; a special friend, Shirley Snell; as well as other extended family members and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James M. Friedline; sister, Grayce (brother-in-law, George) Steinmetz; nephew, George Steinmetz II; brother-in-law, Fred Friedline; and sister-in-law, Marie Friedline.

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

 Irene A. Hiscocks

GARNER — Irene A. Hiscocks, 81, of Garner died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Fr. Dennis Miller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at St. Boniface Catholic Church with a Rosary Society rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Boniface Catholic Church and may be sent in care of the family of Irene Hiscocks, 2340 210th St., Garner, IA 50438.

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

Velma P. Severson

FOREST CITY — Velma P. Severson, 95, of Forest City, died Monday, April 8, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 12, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

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

Velma Priscilla Severson, the daughter of Thomas and Alta (Eikenberry) Potter, was born on Jan. 8, 1918, in Grimes. She received her education in Buffalo Center rural schools.

In 1940 Velma moved to Forest City and began working at the Central Cafe, where she met her future husband, Orville Severson. They were married in Forest City on April 12, 1941. The couple made their home on a farm east of Forest City their entire lives.

Velma was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She recently retired after 42 years at Waldorf Food Services, a job she “loved every minute of,” she said. She was an avid quilter. Velma loved her extended family very much and enjoyed being part of their lives as often as she could.

She is survived by her son, Julius Severson of Forest City; her daughter, Elizabeth (Joe) Ritscherle of Naperville, Illinois; three grandchildren: Bob (Paulette) Gray, Lisa (Gary) Gramm, and Lynn (Mike) Patton; and five great-grandchildren: Dan, Kelly, Paige, Liam and Emily.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orville; six brothers and one sister.

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

Julia Bormann

ST. JOSEPH — Julia Bormann, 101, of St. Joseph, died Monday April 8, 2013, at the Algona Good Samaritan Care Center.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 12, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph, with Rev. Victor Ramaeker officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lentz Funeral Home in Algona, with a 4:30 p.m. rosary and a 7 p.m. Scripture service.

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Linda J. Radcliff

Mason City — Linda J. Radcliff, 64, of Mason City, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 12, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Memorials may be directed to the Linda Radcliff Memorial Fund in care of the family.

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

Linda was born Nov. 6, 1948, in Mason City, the daughter of Fred and Marjorie (Harrison) Legler. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1967. On June 23, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Terry Radcliff. They later divorced. She later continued her education at NIACC, where she completed the nursing program. Linda worked as an LPN at the IOOF Home for 15 years before her recent retirement.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing with her granddogs, picnics, casino trips, sewing, reading and baking — especially her famous holiday sugar cookies.

Linda is survived her children, Brian Radcliff and wife, Shelly of Mason City, Brent Radcliff of Mason City, Tami Anderson and husband, Joseph of Mason City; four grandchildren: Samantha Radcliff, Scott Radcliff, Ian Anderson and Morgan Marshall; her mother, Marjorie Funk of Mason City; three siblings: Nancy Wise-Runnels of Mason City, Katherine Askeland of Mason City, and John Legler and wife, Martha of Mason City; godmother, Betty Legler of Mason City; and two goddaughters: Carmen Jepsen and Amy Legler, both of Mason City. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and granddogs.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Legler; twin brother, Larry Legler; brother, Fred Legler Jr.; and sister, Mary Jane Badker. She was also preceded in death by her ex-husband, friend and father of her children, Terry Radcliff.

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

 Roger E. Johnson

FOREST CITY — Roger E. Johnson, 80, of Forest City died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 13, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Burial will be at Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, with graveside military rites.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

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

Margie Lockwood

FENTON — Margie Lockwood, 87, of Fenton, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 12, at the Presbyterian Church in Lone Rock with the Rev. Doug House officiating. Burial will be in the Fenton Township Cemetery, rural Lone Rock.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Lone Rock.

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

Lois Trimble

Clear Lake, Iowa — Lois Trimble, 89, Clear Lake, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 Ninth Ave S., Clear Lake, Iowa, with the Rev. John Gossman and Monsignor John Hemann co-celebrating.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 until 7 p.m., with a scriptural wake service at 6:30 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 held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 122 W., Mason City, Iowa.

Memorials may be given to the Lois Trimble Memorial Fund.

Lois was born on the family farm near Wesley, Iowa, on Feb. 15, 1924, the daughter of Anthony Joseph and Oma Elizabeth (Downs) Hildman. She attended first grade in Whittemore, and second through eighth grade in parochial school in Wesley. She graduated from Wesley High School in 1942, then graduated from Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa. She worked for the Globe Gazette in the Classified Advertising Department for four years.

Lois married Morris Trimble on Oct. 8, 1947, in Wesley, Iowa. She worked with her husband at Forest City Aviation Inc. from 1971 to 1992. She loved gardening, was an avid reader, enjoyed sewing and her Busy Bee Club. Lois was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Lois is survived by her husband, Morris Trimble, Clear Lake, Iowa; five children: James David (Diane) Trimble, Iowa City, Iowa, Thomas John (Elvira) Trimble, Champlin, Minnesota, Nancy Ann (Steven) Toepfer, Oacoma, S.D., Richard LaVerne (Theresa) Trimble, Forest City, Iowa, and Ted Allen (Lori Hackbarth) Trimble, Clear Lake, Iowa; 11 grandchildren: Alicia (Ian Patterson) Trimble, John Trimble, Jake (Stephanie) Trimble, Heather (Jesse Amundson) Trimble, Christine Mallare, Davine Trimble, Eric Toepfer, Amber (Jason) Stone, Tyler (Maggie) Trimble, Tricia Trimble and Josh (Brook Lauren) Trimble; two great-grandchildren: Evan and Breah Trimble; brother, Dennis (Glenda) Hildman, Northwood, Iowa; sister, Joyce Sankey, Britt, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Sidney Allen Trimble; and two brothers: Kenneth and Larry Hildman.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fouth St., Clear Lake IA 50428; 641-357-2193; ColonialChapels.com.

Leone V. Depping

LATIMER — Leone V. Depping, 96, of Latimer passed away Monday, April 8, 2013, at the Madrid Home for the Aging.

Funeral services for Leone V. Depping will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 12, at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Latimer. Pastor Lindsey Braun will officiate. Burial will take place in the Alexander Cemetery east of Alexander.

Visitation for Leone V. Depping will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 320 East St., Latimer, and will continue one hour prior to services on Friday.

Leone, the daughter of Vernon and Mary Larsen Finkle, was born Oct. 31, 1916, in Hampton. She attended school in Hampton until 1929, then went to Latimer schools. Leone graduated from Latimer High School in 1934. Following graduation she spent time helping a neighbor lady who had recently had surgery. Leone later returned home to help on the farm.

Leone was united in marriage to Henry Depping on Oct. 10, 1940, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple farmed in the Rowan area for two years before returning to Latimer to her dad’s farm. Henry and Leone were blessed with two children: Lynn and Kay.

Leone was a member of the Immanuel UCC Church in Latimer. She enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping and crocheting. Leone is most remembered, though, for how much she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leone is survived by her children, Lynn Depping and wife, Elaine of Madrid, Kay Meek and husband, B.J. of Springville, California; three grandchildren: Stephanie Eckhoff of Latimer, Michael Depping and wife, Robyn of Madrid, Julie Shannon and husband, Tim of Madrid; eight great-grandchildren: Bree and Carrie Mulford, Emily Eckhoff, Sierra, Ava, and Layna Depping, and Cole and Taylor Shannon.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry in 1999; and a half-brother, Leroy.

Dugger Funeral Home, 320 East St., Latimer, 641-579-6278, www.duggerfunerals.com

Posted on 11 April 2013

Sharon Ann Blake

St. Ansgar — Sharon Ann Blake, 70, of St. Ansgar, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with Msgr. John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, April 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with a Rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar s in charge of arrangements.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920. www.schroederandsites.com.

 Irene A. Hiscocks

GARNER — Irene A. Hiscocks, 81, of Garner died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 13, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Fr. Dennis Miller officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at St. Boniface Catholic Church with a Rosary society rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Boniface Catholic Church and may be sent in care of the family of Irene Hiscocks, 2340 210th St., Garner, IA 50438.

Irene Angelice Hiscocks, the daughter of Joseph and Ella (Buckley) Chizek, was born June 29, 1931, on a farm west of Britt. She attended the rural schools near her home and graduated from Britt High School in 1948. She continued her education at Britt Junior College and Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls where she received her teaching certificate. Irene then taught in the rural schools of Hancock County. On Nov. 20, 1954, she married William (Bill) Hiscocks at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt. They farmed near Britt until 1965, when they moved to a farm southeast of Garner. After Bill passed away in 2003 she continued to live on the farm until moving into Garner in 2011. Irene enjoyed her family, baking chocolate chip cookies, playing bridge, reading, doing crossword puzzles and gatherings with her sisters.

As a mom, she supported her children in their 4-H projects and as a member of the Music Mothers at Ventura Community School. Her organizational abilities ensured that her husband never missed a volunteer board meeting. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and Rosary Society.

Irene is survived by her four children, Kerry (Denise) Hiscocks of Ventura, Kathleen (Bennett) Cepak of Colleyville, Texas, Mark (Sandy) Hiscocks of Garner and Rita Hiscocks of St. Charles, Missouri; seven grandchildren and their families, Ryan (Brandi) Hiscocks and their three children, Riley, Parker and Brinley, Emily (Lansing) Hill and their two children, Aspen and Ruger William, Erin Hiscocks (fiancé, Josh Missman), Michael (Kristen) Cepak, Natalie Cepak, Scott (Lindsay) Britson and their two children, Drew and Sadie and Matt Hiscocks; three sisters, Rita Stevenson of Mason City, Veronica (Bill) Lawlor of Clear Lake and Marge (Steve) Jano of Somerset, Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Chizek of Britt; a brother-in-law, Leonard Pistek of Britt; and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill, on Aug. 25, 2003; sisters, Rosella (Lester) Daniels, and Kathleen Pistek; a brother, Virgil Chizek; brother-in-law, John Stevenson; and a nephew, Michael Stevenson.

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

Floyd McKenna

OSAGE — Floyd McKenna, 94, of Osage, died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 15, at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Riceville.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

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

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

Dorothy Bennett

CHARLES CITY —Dorothy Bennett, 91, of Charles City, died Wednesday April 10, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Hauser Funeral Home. Pastor Gordon Berryman of Howardville Wesleyan Church will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

The family will greet friends Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until service time.

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.

Posted on 12 April 2013

Eunice Field

Charles City — Eunice Field, 97, of Charles City, Iowa, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Nora Springs Care Center in Nora Springs, Iowa.

Funeral services for Eunice Field will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Hauser Funeral Home. Pastor Martha Bennett of Grace United Methodist in Floyd, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery at Floyd.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, and Tuesday an hour prior to the service.

Georgia Eunice Stewart Field was born March 5, 1916, at Floyd, the daughter of George and Emma (Colson) Stewart. In 1933, she graduated from Floyd High School. On February 19, 1934, she was united in marriage to Harry “Doc” Field at St. Paul, Minnesota. To this union six children, Roger, Pat, Judy, Ginger, Eddie and Kenny, were born.

Eunice and Doc lived in Floyd County and farmed, raising livestock and turkeys. In 1967, they moved to Harpers Ferry and owned and operated a marina until Doc’s death in 1984. In 1989 she moved to Charles City and resided in her home for 19 years and then at Apple Valley Assisted Living for nearly four years. Eunice was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed and cherished all the times and gatherings spent together including playing cards with family and friends. Eunice always looked forward to sharing her life with her family and creating life experiences with them. She will be remembered for her faith, strength, friendship, kindness and love of family and will be greatly missed by all.

Living family members include four children, Pat (Deryl) Swedberg of Lancaster, Missouri, Ginger Shipman of Nora Springs, Eddie Field of Charles City, and Kenny Field of Mason City; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Field of Charles City; 23 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 22 great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two children, Roger Field and Judy Schilling; three grandchildren, Michael Schilling, Robin Rosson and Dean Swedberg; two great-grandsons, Dean Boyd and Dakota Swedberg; two sons-in-law, Ron Shipman and Bob Schilling; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Field; three sisters; and five brothers.

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.

Roger E. Johnson
U.S. Navy (1951-1974)

FOREST CITY — Roger E. Johnson, 80, of Forest City, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., today, Saturday, April 13, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating.

Burial will be at Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, with graveside military rites.

Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 12, at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark Street, Forest City, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Roger Eugene Johnson was born February 15, 1933, to Gus and Eunice (Stoddard) Johnson in Gowrie, Iowa. He attended Gowrie Community School and graduated in 1951. Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 1, 1952. He married Sonja Bergquist on January 12, 1963, at the Skaraborg Swedish Lutheran Church in Rockwell City, Iowa.

While in the service they were stationed in San Diego, California, where he worked as an aviation electrician. They moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he served as a Naval recruiter after serving in Vietnam for one year. They then welcomed their twin daughters into the world and four years later moved to Brunswick, Maine. He continued his service until his retirement on June 4, 1974, giving 22 years of service.

Roger and his family moved to Forest City where he worked at Winnebago Industries for 11 years.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 121, Fleet Reserve Association and Immanuel Lutheran Church. He enjoyed woodworking, working outdoors, collecting trains, traveling to Branson, Missouri, and you could always count on him to be watching the Saint Louis Cardinals. He also looked forward to receiving his annual boxes of chocolate turtle candies every Christmas.

Roger is survived by his wife, Sonja, of 50 years; his twin daughters, Carla (Randy) Jutting of Huxley, Iowa, and Colleen (Brad) Lamping of Forest City. He has twin granddaughters, Grace and Hanna Jutting; three step-granddaughters, Amy, Randi and Beckie Jutting; two step- grandsons, Chris Lamping and his fiancée, Tiffany, and her son Dominik, and Brandon Lamping and his wife, Kelsey and one step- great-grandson, Carter Lamping; along with several special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin, Pete, Don and Jim; and sisters Dixie and Pat.

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

Sharon Ann Blake (O’Marro)

St. Ansgar — Sharon Ann Blake (O’Marro), 70, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on April 10, 2013, at Rochester, Minnrsota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, Iowa, with Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Visitation Catholic Church, with a Rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar is in charge of arrangements.

Sharon was born on July 14, 1942, the daughter of John and Adeline (Boss) O’Marro in Austin. She was very proud of playing the flute in the Austin High School band and worked at Hormel prior to her marriage. She married Walter Blake on June 10, 1967. They farmed near Stacyville until 1990 when they moved to St. Ansgar. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in June of last year. Prior to that, they experienced the marriage of their youngest daughter at sea aboard the Celebrity Eclipse which toured the Caribbean in February last year. This past January, she was gifted with the birth of her sixth grandchild, Silas Courtney Reese, son of Shane And Susan (Blake) Reese.

Sharon enjoyed reading, watching Fox Cable News, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, computer solitaire and spending time with her friends, “the Grannies” at the 4th St. Café.

She was an interested amateur genealogist and would often enjoy taking trips with her sister, Barb, to South Dakota to investigate their O’Marro and Boss family history.

While Sharon’s children were young, she volunteered her time at the Visitation Grade School and as a Sunday School teacher. She also worked at the Stacyville Nursing Home for many years. Sharon also worked at the Food Center in St. Ansgar before her retirement in 2005.

Sharon was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville and was active in regular Bible study with the St. Isidore Catholic Community’s women’s group. In more recent years, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren never missing an opportunity to stop at an unfamiliar antique store with husband in tow.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, John Walter Blake as well as a sister and brother, Barbara Kath and Lanny O’Marro; sister in law, Germaine Blake and niece Nicole Kath; uncle and aunt Kent and Judy Keyser and cousin Judy Keyser.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Walter; sons Dennis Blake, Raymond Blake; daughters Cynthia (Greg) Yokanovich, Linda (Luis) Lampon and Susan (Shane) Reese; she was a proud grandmother of six, including Enrique, Catherine, Ileana, Spencer, Evelyn and Silas; brothers-in-law, Dave Kath, Willard Blake, Don and Jean Blake, Chuck and Myrna Blake, Roger and Betty Blake, Glenn and Pat Blake; Blake nieces and nephews, Debra, Diane, Mark, Sandra, Sharon, Mary Beth, Dave, Craig, Connie, Russell, Becky, Vicki, Jeff, Deena and Rodney; O’Marro nieces and nephews, Laura, Lana, Tammy, Jeff, Jamie and Perrin.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920, www.schroederandsites.com.

Robert Carl Knudtson

Forest City — Robert Carl Knudtson, 79 of Forest City, died Friday, April 12, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Minneesota.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills.

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

Frankie Dean “Bud” Meyers

Clear Lake — Frankie Dean “Bud” Meyers, 80, of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday April 20, at St. Patricks Catholic Church, Clear Lake. Family will greet friends one hour before the service. Following the service, there will be a time of sharing memories and celebrating of Bud’s life at Holt Airport Hanger, Mason City Municipal Airport.

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

Floyd McKenna

Osage — Floyd McKenna, age 94, of Osage, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 15, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Riceville, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Floyd was born September 13, 1918, on the home farm near David, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Oril (Harrington) McKenna. He attended Riceville High School. On March 15, 1943, he married Lillian Barenz at her parents’ home near McIntire, Iowa. They farmed the century family farm near David. Floyd was a member of David Community Church all of his life and was baptized by immersion at an early age. He was a deacon of the church and Sunday school treasurer for many years. Floyd was an avid reader. He studied and showed much admiration and respect for many of the individuals who shaped the world, such as Thomas Edison and Charles Lindbergh. Floyd enjoyed all trains, especially steam trains, steam engines and threshing machines. He also enjoyed telling “true stories” about days past and his life and writing daily in his diary. He loved to garden and got many compliments on his gardening skills. Floyd loved his chocolate chip cookies and chocolate candy bars. He enjoyed his time spent with his beloved wife of 70 years and his family.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Lillian of Osage; his children, Ruth (Roger) Stark of Osage, Allen (Margaret) McKenna of Riceville, Dorothy (James) Saltou of Waukon, Glen (Bonnie) McKenna of Chester; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Grace McKenna; his granddaughter, Lori (McKenna) Livingston; grandson-in-law, Bill Decker; and two cousins, Euna Erickson and Frank Hollenberger.

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

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

Posted on 13 April 2013

Deborah J. Barsness

MASON CITY — Deborah J. Barsness, 63, of Mason City, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 15, at Epiphany Parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams.

A private family inurnment will take place at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Deborah Barsness Memorial Fund in care of the family.

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

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Mason City, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Eunice Field

Charles City — Eunice Field, 97, of Charles City, Iowa, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Nora Springs Care Center in Nora Springs, Iowa.

Funeral services for Eunice Field will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Hauser Funeral Home. Pastor Martha Bennett of Grace United Methodist in Floyd, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery at Floyd.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, and Tuesday an hour prior to the service.

Georgia Eunice Stewart Field was born March 5, 1916, at Floyd, the daughter of George and Emma (Colson) Stewart. In 1933, she graduated from Floyd High School. On February 19, 1934, she was united in marriage to Harry “Doc” Field at St. Paul, Minnesota. To this union six children, Roger, Pat, Judy, Ginger, Eddie and Kenny, were born.

Eunice and Doc lived in Floyd County and farmed, raising livestock and turkeys. In 1967, they moved to Harpers Ferry and owned and operated a marina until Doc’s death in 1984. In 1989 she moved to Charles City and resided in her home for 19 years and then at Apple Valley Assisted Living for nearly four years. Eunice was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed and cherished all the times and gatherings spent together including playing cards with family and friends. Eunice always looked forward to sharing her life with her family and creating life experiences with them. She will be remembered for her faith, strength, friendship, kindness and love of family and will be greatly missed by all.

Living family members include four children, Pat (Deryl) Swedberg of Lancaster, Missouri, Ginger Shipman of Nora Springs, Eddie Field of Charles City, and Kenny Field of Mason City; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Field of Charles City; 23 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 22 great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two children, Roger Field and Judy Schilling; three grandchildren, Michael Schilling, Robin Rosson and Dean Swedberg; two great-grandsons, Dean Boyd and Dakota Swedberg; two sons-in-law, Ron Shipman and Bob Schilling; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Field; three sisters; and five brothers.

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.

Roger E. Johnson
U.S. Navy (1952-)

FOREST CITY — Roger E. Johnson, 80, of Forest City, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., today, Saturday, April 13, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating.

Burial will be at Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City, with graveside military rites.

Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 12, at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark Street, Forest City, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Roger Eugene Johnson was born February 15, 1933, to Gus and Eunice (Stoddard) Johnson in Gowrie, Iowa. He attended Gowrie Community School and graduated in 1951. Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 1, 1952. He married Sonja Bergquist on January 12, 1963, at the Skaraborg Swedish Lutheran Church in Rockwell City, Iowa.

While in the service they were stationed in San Diego, California, where he worked as an aviation electrician. They moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he served as a Naval recruiter after serving in Vietnam for one year. They then welcomed their twin daughters into the world and four years later moved to Brunswick, Maine. He continued his service until his retirement on June 4, 1974, giving 22 years of service.

Roger and his family moved to Forest City where he worked at Winnebago Industries for 11 years.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 121, Fleet Reserve Association and Immanuel Lutheran Church. He enjoyed woodworking, working outdoors, collecting trains, traveling to Branson, Missouri, and you could always count on him to be watching the Saint Louis Cardinals. He also looked forward to receiving his annual boxes of chocolate turtle candies every Christmas.

Roger is survived by his wife, Sonja, of 50 years; his twin daughters, Carla (Randy) Jutting of Huxley, Iowa, and Colleen (Brad) Lamping of Forest City. He has twin granddaughters, Grace and Hanna Jutting; three step-granddaughters, Amy, Randi and Beckie Jutting; two step-grandsons, Chris Lamping and his fiancé, Tiffany, and her son Dominik, and Brandon Lamping and his wife, Kelsey and one step- great-grandson, Carter Lamping; along with several special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin, Pete, Don and Jim; and sisters Dixie and Pat.

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

Sharon Ann Blake (O’Marro)

St. Ansgar — Sharon Ann Blake (O’Marro), 70, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on April 10, 2013, at Rochester, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, Iowa, with Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Visitation Catholic Church, with a Rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar is in charge of arrangements.

Sharon was born on July 14, 1942, the daughter of John and Adeline (Boss) O’Marro in Austin. She was very proud of playing the flute in the Austin High School band and worked at Hormel prior to her marriage. She married Walter Blake on June 10, 1967. They farmed near Stacyville until 1990 when they moved to St. Ansgar. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in June of last year. Prior to that, they experienced the marriage of their youngest daughter at sea aboard the Celebrity Eclipse which toured the Caribbean in February last year. This past January, she was gifted with the birth of her sixth grandchild, Silas Courtney Reese, son of Shane And Susan (Blake) Reese.

Sharon enjoyed reading, watching Fox Cable News, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, computer solitaire and spending time with her friends, “the Grannies” at the 4th St. Café.

She was an interested amateur genealogist and would often enjoy taking trips with her sister, Barb, to South Dakota to investigate their O’Marro and Boss family history.

While Sharon’s children were young, she volunteered her time at the Visitation Grade School and as a Sunday School teacher. She also worked at the Stacyville Nursing Home for many years. Sharon also worked at the Food Center in St. Ansgar before her retirement in 2005.

Sharon was a member of the Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville and was active in regular Bible study with the St. Isidore Catholic Community’s women’s group. In more recent years, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren never missing an opportunity to stop at an unfamiliar antique store with husband in tow.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, John Walter Blake as well as a sister and brother, Barbara Kath and Lanny O’Marro; sister in law, Germaine Blake and niece Nicole Kath; uncle and aunt Kent and Judy Keyser and cousin Judy Keyser.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Walter; sons Dennis Blake, Raymond Blake; daughters Cynthia (Greg) Yokanovich, Linda (Luis) Lampon and Susan (Shane) Reese; she was a proud grandmother of six, including Enrique, Catherine, Ileana, Spencer, Evelyn and Silas; brothers-in-law, Dave Kath, Willard Blake, Don and Jean Blake, Chuck and Myrna Blake, Roger and Betty Blake, Glenn and Pat Blake; Blake nieces and nephews, Debra, Diane, Mark, Sandra, Sharon, Mary Beth, Dave, Craig, Connie, Russell, Becky, Vicki, Jeff, Deena and Rodney; O’Marro nieces and nephews, Laura, Lana, Tammy, Jeff, Jamie and Perrin.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920, www.schroederandsites.com.

Robert Carl Knudtson

Forest City — Robert Carl Knudtson, 79 of Forest City, died Friday, April 12, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Minnesota

Funeral arrangements are pending at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills.

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

Frankie Dean “Bud” Meyers

Clear Lake — Frankie Dean “Bud” Meyers, 80, of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday April 20, at St. Patricks Catholic Church, Clear Lake. Family will greet friends one hour before the service. Following the service, there will be a time of sharing memories and celebrating of Bud’s life at Holt Airport Hanger, Mason City Municipal Airport.

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

Floyd McKenna

Osage — Floyd McKenna, age 94, of Osage, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 15, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Riceville, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Floyd was born September 13, 1918, on the home farm near David, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Oril (Harrington) McKenna. He attended Riceville High School. On March 15, 1943, he married Lillian Barenz at her parents’ home near McIntire, Iowa. They farmed the century family farm near David. Floyd was a member of David Community Church all of his life and was baptized by immersion at an early age. He was a deacon of the church and Sunday school treasurer for many years. Floyd was an avid reader. He studied and showed much admiration and respect for many of the individuals who shaped the world, such as Thomas Edison and Charles Lindbergh. Floyd enjoyed all trains, especially steam trains, steam engines and threshing machines. He also enjoyed telling “true stories” about days past and his life and writing daily in his diary. He loved to garden and got many compliments on his gardening skills. Floyd loved his chocolate chip cookies and chocolate candy bars. He enjoyed his time spent with his beloved wife of 70 years and his family.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Lillian of Osage; his children, Ruth (Roger) Stark of Osage, Allen (Margaret) McKenna of Riceville, Dorothy (James) Saltou of Waukon, Glen (Bonnie) McKenna of Chester; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Grace McKenna; his granddaughter, Lori (McKenna) Livingston; grandson-in-law, Bill Decker; and two cousins, Euna Erickson and Frank Hollenberger.

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

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

Posted on 13 April 2013

James P. “Jim” Mitchell
U.S. Army   WWII

James P. “Jim” Mitchell was born July 2, 1919, in Seymour, Iowa, to Samuel A. and Loreta (Estes) Mitchell.

He spent his childhood in Brooklyn, Iowa. The family later settled in Ames, where Jim graduated from Ames High School. Following graduation, he opened a men’s clothing store in ISU’s “Campus Town.” While there he met his future wife, Hazel (Gelner), who was working in Boone. They were married Nov. 28, 1940, in Forest City, Hazel’s hometown.

Three children were born to this union: Carolyn, James D. and Mary.

On Oct. 12, 1942, he entered the U.S. Army. After basic training, he served as battalion supply clerk in San Luis Obispo, California, before being shipped to Leyte in the Philippine Islands. He was promoted to staff sergeant for the 321st Engineering Battalion. His platoon received several commendations for meritorious service. Upon return to the states, he was stationed at Camp Adair, Oregon Master Sgt. Mitchell was honorably discharged on Dec. 9, 1945. Two of his most memorable journeys were to take his wife, Hazel, to Hawaii to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial and taking the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., at the age of 90 with other World War II Veterans. He was a member of the American Legion Post 121, Gold Member of VFW Post 6161 and a former Knight of Columbus

He gave wholeheartedly to his endeavors: salesman, business owner, inventor, carpenter, electrician and plumber. Jim loved music, played many instruments, sang in barbershop, church choir, led many sing-alongs for senior centers, long-term and assisted-living facilities. He loved music, dancing, golf, bowling, pool and card games.

He was a loving husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, and friend to many. Most remember his great smile and friendly conversations. He will be missed by everyone. But, he is happy to finally be with his loving wife, Hazel, and his other family and friends that have gone before him. He has gone home.

Jim passed from this life on Jan. 16, 2013, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Hazel, his siblings Ruth, Mildred and Sam, and an infant granddaughter, Angela.

He is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his children: Carolyn (Wayne) Konechne of Ames, James D. (Cory) Mitchell of Urbandale and Mary (Michael) Harms of Forest City; eight grandchildren: Kim (Shane) Coats, Kari (Sean) Paulson, Todd (Sara) Mitchell, Chad (Robbie) Mitchell, Matthew (Kristin) Harms, Mason (Kelli) Harms, Melissa (Harms) Eastvold, Melanie Harms (Todd Espeland); great-grandchildren: Jordan, Tyler, Madison, Jessica, Kristina, Emily, Lauren, Anna, Evan, Alexzandra, Laura, Jack, Julia, Michael, Madysen, McKenna and Easton.

His “Celebration of Life and Hymn-fest” will be held Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, with a reception to follow. A private inurnment will be held at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to the James P. Mitchell Memorial Fund or a favorite charity.

Lois Jean Vermillion

MASON CITY — Lois Jean Vermillion, 85, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed on to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, April 1, 2013.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at the First Covenant Church, 422 S. Ohio Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, with the Rev. Steve Johnson officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to First Covenant Church, 422 S. Ohio Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, Hospice Care of Mason City, 232 Second St. S.E., Mason City, IA 50401, or to a charity of your choice.

Lois Jean was born on an 80-acre farm two and one-half miles from Shenandoah on Oct. 16, 1927, daughter of Hilda (Hendrickson) and Oscar Peterson, the youngest of five (two of whom had previously died). She attended a country school one and one-half miles from home, as did her older brother and sister. After graduating from Shenandoah High School in 1945, she got a job starting that summer at the local Earl May Garden’s radio station, KMA. She typed the daily log for announcers and assembled the continuity book each day. The station, on the air 19 hours/day, boasts such well-knowns as the Blackwood Brothers and the Everly family, where Don and Phil Everly got their musical start. She would chuckle to herself when people would tell her about getting the opportunity to hear the Blackwood Brothers sing and just think to herself, “What if they knew I knew them when ..?” Anyone who knew Lois Jean knew how humble she was, but she told a story, complete with pictures, about her being chosen to ride on the Earl May float in the local parade one summer while working at KMA.

After seven years and working up to 75 cents and hour, she gave her boss one day’s notice and she married her handsome sweetheart, Dick Warner, on April 12, 1952, at the Fremont Mission Church parsonage.

Debbie was born July 12, 1953. Just six short months later, Dick died at age 28 during complications of an appendectomy in February 1954. In order to be home with her baby, Lois Jean bought a typewriter and stayed home to type labels for 1 cent each, making $5 per day. Along with Dick’s Social Security of $33 a month, she got by. Lois Jean’s mother, Hilda, came to live with her in her home on Sunset in Shenandoah to help her.

Her friends played matchmaker by inviting her to dinner one evening along with a fellow chiropractor friend of theirs. She met Vernon Overturf, from Red Oak, and a friendship ensued. They were married on Jan. 1, 1956, and lived in a new home in Red Oak. Feeling very unhappy at the prospect of leaving her surroundings, she followed her husband as he started a practice in Mason City in June 1956. Vernon was also the supply pastor at Nora Springs Evangelical United Brethren Church. He also served the Congregational Church at Rockwell. They were living at Clear Lake when a heart attack took Vernon from the family on August 29, 1973. Once more, Lois Jean was left alone. Once more she relied on her strong faith to get her through.

She moved back to Mason City in May 1975. Her face would glow as she recalled the dedicated commitment in taking care of her “mama” for two years prior to her death. Since that time, she worked at NutriSystems, Dean Huff Realty, Larson’s China & Gifts and Sears. She also found the time to volunteer with Hospice as a grief counselor from 1982 to 1995.

On April 25, 1993, she and Jack Vermillion married. They were asked out to dinner, separately, by mutual friends. The home they lived in in Mason City had a guest book for all to sign when they stopped by — both family and friends. She had a knack for arranging heirlooms from both families was apparent throughout their home. Jack passed away March 13, 2001. Lois Jean cared for him as long as she was able to in their home before he had to have Hospice care.

There are so many memories of Lois Jean that some might be omitted. One memory that is a common thread amongst friends is of her cat, Socker (Soccer?). Lois Jean fed her throughout one winter and then invited her into their home to live. Some have said if you were lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the cat, but there were also those who were thankful it was such a secretive cat when company came around! Lois Jean’s fondness for sheep was in displays through her home. They reminded her of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. She loved to take pictures and put them away into scrapbooks to share with visitors; travelling; bowling; riding her moped ; golfing; cross country skiing; snowmobiling; shopping — especially for bargains; spending time with family and friends; decorating her home for holidays throughout the year; personalizing birthday cards and gifts; dressing up for Halloween; eating; chocolate and last, but not least, reading her Bible.

Lois Jean is survived by daughter, Debbie L. Moyer, Iowa City, Iowa; granddaughters Emily (James) Reid and Chelsea (Timothy) Williams; great-granddaughters, Ally and Sydney Reid; great-grandson, Aidan Williams; stepdaughters, Sandy L. (Overturf) Hunter, Dougherty, Iowa, and Karen (deceased); stepson, Ron Vermillion, Iowa City, Iowa; stepdaughter, Michelle (Frank) McDonald, Boise, Idaho; several step-grandsons and step-granddaughters; also several step great-grandchildren; nieces, Randi (Tsune) Kawakita, Kris (Ken) Korn, JoAnn Peterson; nephews, Dennis, Tony and Larry Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Inez, and her brother, Delaine.

Lois Jean will also be missed by her dear and loving friends at church, Thursday morning coffees at Pies & More, Tuesday morning Bible Study, the Manor, the community and all of the other activities in which she was so involved.

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

Frankie Dean “Bud” Meyers
U.S. Air Force (1950-)

CLEAR LAKE — Frankie Dean “Bud” Meyers, 80, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake. Family will greet friends one hour before the service. Following the service, there will be a time of sharing memories and a celebration of Bud’s life at Holt Airport Hangar, Mason City Municipal Airport.

Family suggests memorials to Frankie Dean Meyers Memorial Fund.

Bud was born June 9, 1932, in Clear Lake. He was the son of Frank Dean and Beulah (Breuer) Meyers. He attended Clear Lake High School and was a member of the Class of 1950. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. His unit was one of the first units to receive blue uniforms, but he was not issued black shoes, as they did not have shoes big enough for him.

Upon the death of his father, he moved back to Clear Lake after serving in the U.S. Air Force, and helped his mother operate Frank’s Café, their family business. This is where he learned to cook. He later worked at the Ritz as a bartender.

Bud married Helen Langenfeld on April 23, 1955, in Carroll. They operated a nursing home in Clear Lake from 1955-1957. He then went to work for Nabisco as a route driver. He worked for Fredriksen Welding for 18 years and learned the art of ornamental design through observation and practice. For the next few years, Bud drove truck for Kennedy Farms, delivering produce.

He enjoyed bowling, gardening and canning. His goal one year was to put up over 1,000 jars, and he came close with over 700 jars. He shared much of this with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, and was especially known for “Bud’s Chili” which was enjoyed by many people.

He enjoyed hunting and had made over 35 duck boats. He had a duck shack on the Ventura Marsh. He was a member of Clear Lake Rifle and Pistol Club and was one of the individuals that help start the gun show. He was a long time member of the Ventura Gun Club and was involved in Iowa State Trap Shoot Association and had shot over 400,000 registered clays. He enjoyed shooting at The Ventura Gun Club, and at The State and National Trap Shoot level. He was a very accomplished shooter.

He was a member of Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department from 1970 until 1993. He was the assistant chief from 1974, until he retired in 1993.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake and Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board. While on the board, he helped with walleye conservation and restoration projects.

He was a lifetime member of The Amateur Trap Shooting Association, The National Rifle Association and The Iowa Firemen’s Association. He served on The Board of Directors of Iowa State Trap Shooters Association for 15 years.

He is survived by his wife Helen Meyers, Clear Lake, Iowa; five children Douglas Dean (Mary Helen) Meyers, Clear Lake, Iowa, Diane K. (Mark) Holt, Mason City, Iowa, Randall S. Meyers and special friend Mary Hankenson, Clear Lake, Iowa, Donna Meyers (Jaimi Kiger), Mason City, Iowa, and Shelly (Jerry) Gardinier, Clear Lake, Iowa; seven grandchildren Jennifer (Greg) Johnston, San Marcos, California, Jonathan Holt and (Rachel Elsbury) Mason City, Iowa, Kathleen Hartnett and (Steve Everett) Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sarah (Matt) Norris, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Megan Hartnett, and (Tom Budde), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Daniel Hartnett, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Kelli Gardinier, Clear Lake, Iowa, and three great-grandchildren Luke James Johnston, Owen Matthew Norris and Will Everett.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Ann Marie Meyers.

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

Elaine G. Pitkin

CLEAR LAKE — Elaine G. Pitkin, 80, of Clear Lake, died Saturday April 13, 2013, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the Rolling Acres Christian Reform Church, 340 20th St. S.W., Mason City, with the Rev. Jack Vanden Heavel and the Rev. Nate DeVries officiating.

Burial will be in Meservey Cemetery, Meservey.

Visitation will be Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fouth St., Clear Lake, and then one hour before the service at the church.

Family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Iowa.

Elaine was born Dec. 22, 1932, in Goodell, the daughter of George and Cora (Kamp) Watermiller. She graduated from Ventura High School in 1951. She worked for the Mason City School District in the administration building as a secretary for many years.

Elaine married Franklin Pitkin Sept. 29, 1951, in Missouri.

Elaine enjoyed the many fishing trips to Leach Lake, spending the winters in Arizona, coffeeing with her friends, cooking and entertaining. She was a member of Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church, Mason City.

Elaine is survived by a sister Vergene Koenen, Clear Lake; two nieces Valerie (Wayne ) Koehler, Meservey, and Renae (Joe) Jones, Des Moines; great niece and nephews Carly Jones, Ty Jones, Shawn (Kelly) Koehler, Brandon (Peggy) Koehler and Matthew (Brittany) Koehler and many great- great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; brother-in-law Byron Koenen and in laws Austin and Nellie Pitkin.

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

Phyllis I. Woodley

CLARION — Phyllis I. Woodley, 93, of Clarion died Friday, April 12, 2013, at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services for Phyllis Woodley will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Christ, 420 N. Main St., Clarion, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Ave. E., in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Ave. E., Clarion IA 50525, 515-532-2233, www.ewingfh.com.

Robert C. Knudtson

Forest City — Robert C. Knudtson, 79 of Forest City, died Friday, April 12, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Minnesota

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Leland, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills, IA 50450, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will take place at Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery in rural Leland.

You can contact the family with online condolences atwww.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com; 641-592-0221.

Gerald B. Blackman

CLARION — Gerald B. Blackman, 92, of Clarion died Friday, April 12, 2013, at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services for Gerald Blackman will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Ave. E., in Clarion with Mr. Stan Watne officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2013, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Ave. E., in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Ave. E., Clarion IA 50525, 515-532-2233, www.ewingfh.com.

Deborah J. Barsness

MASON CITY — Deborah J. Barsness, 63, of Mason City, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2013, at Epiphany Parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., with the Rev. Rod Allers and the Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiating.

A private family inurnment will take place at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2 to 5 p.m. with a Rosary service at 4:30 p.m. today, Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Deborah Barsness Memorial Fund in care of the family.

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

Deborah Jean was born Oct. 29, 1949, in Mason City, the daughter of Raymond and Jean (Lambert) Dombrowski. She graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1968, and continued her education at Mason City Junior College.

On June 17, 1972, Debbie married Jerry Barsness at Holy Family Catholic Church. The couple resided in Anchorage, Alaska, for a couple years until Jerry was honorably discharged from the U.S. military. On Dec. 10, 1973, they moved back to Mason City.

Debbie enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed reading, collecting angels, watching girls basketball and softball, animals — playing with her dog “Lizzie” and taking the car out for a drive. Debbie was a member of the Catholic Daughters and a lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Debbie was a strong woman who conquered her disabilities and gave great inspiration to her family. She will be deeply missed.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 40 years: Jerry Barsness of Mason City; her children: Jeremy Barsness and wife Kim of Des Moines, and Amanda Barsness of Des Moines; her mother, Jean Dombrowski of Mason City; two grandchildren, Melanie and Caleb; two brothers, Richard Dombrowski and wife Cindy of Esco, Minnesota, and Robert Dombrowski and wife Patty of Maryland; and one sister, Diane Strelow and husband Richard of Minneapolis, Minnesota

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; and a daughter, Emily Jean Barsness.

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

Robert Bachmann

CRYSTAL LAKE — Robert Bachmann, 70, of Crystal Lake, died on Friday April 12, 2013, at his home.

Services are pending.

The Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Betty J. Ward

ALLISON — Betty J. Ward, 84, of Allison, died Saturday at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.

www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.

Posted on 14 April 2013

Robert C. Knudtson,

FOREST CITY — Robert C. Knudtson, 79 of Forest City, Iowa, died Friday, April 12, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Leland, Iowa, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. today, Monday, April 15, at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street, Lake Mills, IA 50450, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will take place at Winnebago Lutheran Cemetery in rural Leland, Iowa.

Robert Carl Knudtson was born December 9, 1933, the eighth child of Knudt B. and Clara (Haugen) Knudtson on the farm, Winnebago County, near Forest City, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Winnebago Lutheran Church, where he remained a life-long member.

He attended Paulson Country school in Mt. Valley Township for eight years, then attended and graduated from Forest City High School in 1951.

On April 24, 1955, he was united in marriage to Delores Davidson at Zion Lutheran Church in Thompson, Iowa. They would have celebrated 58 years of marriage on April 24, 2013.

After their marriage, they lived on the original homestead where Robert raised livestock and worked in the fields. He was very proud of his dairy herd and livestock he raised. He started milking cows and farming with his father Knudt at age 18.

Robert had a love for the land and for the farm he called home for so many years. He lived on the Knudtson home place for 72 years before he and Delores moved to Forest City in November 2007. Even then, a trip to “the farm” was one of his daily routines as well as riding exercise bike at the YMCA, shooting pool and playing pingpong.

He often talked about the “good ol days” working the horse-drawn, two-bottom plow, to most recently driving a tractor “hands free” allowing him to multi-task (lol).

He enjoyed the tractor rides every year with his nephews and friends, ice fishing, playing cards, golfing at Rice Lake and dancing.

Robert was a very active member of Winnebago Lutheran Church, serving in numerous capacities from the cemetery board (he was a Trustee), to Brotherhood and Winnebago Couples Club. Robert also served on many area boards, everything from Farm Bureau, Creamery Board, Elevator Board and rural Forest City Fire Department.

He is survived by his loving wife, Delores; his daughters, Karen Kester (her fiancé Mark Stenzel), Kathleen (Bernal) Hanna, Brenda (Mark) Kingland, and son, Brian (Carmen) Knudtson, all of Forest City, Iowa; his grandchildren, Rachel (Jeremy) Rognes, Kimberly (Rob) Scott, Levi Kester, Justin (Michelle) Kester, Jeremy (Elissa) Hanna, Jessica (Nick) Kudej, Alyssa (Ash) Lange, Josh Hanna, Ben (Sara) Kingland and Sara Kingland, Kalin and Truman Knudtson; and eleven great-grandchildren, Brynn and Calvin Rognes, Wesley and Spencer Scott, Millie Kester, Ethan and Owen Kudej, Jonah and Benjamin Lange, twins, Pemberley and Paisley Hanna.

Also surviving are in-laws, Ruth Knudtson, Cleone Knudtson, Evelyn Knudtson, Mavis Thorson, Lois and Valdean Lembke, Gloria Davidson; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Knudt and Clara; step-mother, Mabelle; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ernest (Avis) Knudtson, Charles (Irene) Knudtson, Melburn Knudtson, James Knudtson, Victor Knudtson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Edith (Raymond) Knutson and Florence (John) Albaugh; along with brothers-in law, Robert Thorson and David Davidson.

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

Alton Clair Halvorson

St. Ansgar — Alton Clair Halvorson, age 95, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, at First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa

Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. today, Monday, April 15, at Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home in St. Ansgar and one hour before the funeral service on Tuesday.

Burial will be in First Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar.

Alton was born August 5, 1917, at Park Rapids, Minnesota, to Clarence and Lydia (Larsen) Halvorson. At age three, the family moved to St. Ansgar, Iowa, where he attended school and graduated in 1935.

He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. After high school, he worked for area farmers and hauled cream for the local creamery.

He joined the Army in March 1941 where he was involved for 55 months with the 113 Calvary Division and Signal Corps. He served in Central Europe in Belgium, Germany, Italy and France, where he took part in the Normandy Invasion. He received the Bronze Star for Heroic Action and also a Good Conduct Medal while attaining the rank of sergeant.

In 1996 the French president came to Iowa and personally presented Alton a gold medal and plaque for his participation in the French liberation.

Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he started farming north of St. Ansgar and lived there his entire life. He was an active 4-H leader, church deacon, chairman of First Lutheran Church building committee, member of the Iowa Corn Growers, Registered Holstein Association, and the American Legion.

Alton Halvorson and Allene Rosenberg were united in marriage March 23, 1946, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural St. Ansgar.

Alton is survived by his wife, Allene; sons Wayne (Kathy) Halvorson of Chatfield, Minnesota, and Curt (Annette) Halvorson of St. Ansgar along with seven grandchildren, Kimberly (Andy) deLeon, Lakeville, Minnesota, Brian (Emily) Halvorson, Eyota, Minnesota, Ben (Jennifer) Halvorson, Chatfield, Minnesota, Julie (Mike) Sogla, Northfield, Minnesota, and Nick (Anna) Halvorson, Thomas (Leah) Halvorson and Valerie (Cory) Johnson all of St. Ansgar, and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Betty Halvorson of Casa Grande, Arizona.

Alton was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gerald Halvorson, Casa Grande, Ariz., and his sister Esther Quam, Minneapolis, Minnesota Also preceding him in death were brothers/sisters-in-laws Roy and Savera Rosenberg, Lawrence and Esther Rosenberg, Elmer and Pearl Rosenberg, Rueben Rosenberg, Harvey and Irene Boettcher, and Melvin Quam.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920, www.schroederandsites. com.

Betty J. Meyer

HAMPTON — Betty J. Meyer, 83, of Hampton died Sunday at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

Sietsema Vogel Funeral Homes, Box 403, Hampton IA 50441, 641-456-3232, www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes. com.

Betty Jo Ward

ALLISON — Betty Jo Ward, 84, of Allison, died April 13, 2013, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.

Friends may call Wednesday from 11 a.m. until service time at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.

Pastor Gary Mulder will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date at the La Center Protestant Cemetery in La Center, Ky.

Sietsema Vogel Funeral Homes, Box 403, Hampton IA 50441, 641-456-3232, www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes. com.

Theodore F. Kehm

MASON CITY — Theodore F. Kehm, 75, of Mason City died Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Sean McRoberts officiating. Interment will take place at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

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

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

Juanita A. Oleson

DOWS — Juanita A. Oleson, 99, of Dows died Saturday April 13, 2013, at the Wiseman House in Williams.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Dugger Funeral Home, 100 N. Lee St. in Dows.

Dugger Funeral Home, 100 N. Lee St., Dows IA 50071, 515-852-4134, www.duggerfunerals.com.

Mildred K. Wheeler

WAVERLY — Mildred K. Wheeler, 99, of Waverly and formerly from Mason City and Charles City, died on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly.

Graveside service was held on Sunday, April 14, 2013, at the Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

Online condolences for Mildred may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home of Waverly was in charge of arrangements.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, 319-352-1187.

Lawrence Riedel

ALGONA — Lawrence Riedel, 92, of Algona, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the North Iowa Hospice Muse Norris Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Algona, with the Rev. Dr. Steve Turner officiating.

Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery.

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

Robert W. “Bob” Mock

Clear Lake — Robert W. “Bob�� Mock, 78, Clear Lake, died Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, 641-357-2193, ColonialChapels.com.

Robert Bachmann

CRYSTAL LAKE — Robert Bachmann, 70, of Crystal Lake died on Friday April 12, 2013, at his home.

Masonic services will be 6 p.m. Thursday at Lentz Funeral Home in Algona.

Visitation will be 4 until 6 p.m. Thursday at Lentz Funeral Home in Algona.

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Doris Schreck

HAMPTON — Doris Schreck, 83, of Hampton, died Sunday at her home in Hampton.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

Sietsema Vogel Funeral Homes, Box 403, Hampton IA 50441, 641-456-3232, www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes. com.

Posted on 15 April 2013 by Marie Thompson