Pedro “Pete” Torralba

MASON CITY — Pedro “Pete” Torralba, 91, of Mason City, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at Epiphany Parish-Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., with the Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will be in Kensett Cemetery, Kensett.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, where a Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m., and a scriptural wake service will be held following the Rosary.

Pedro (Pete) Torralba was born Sept. 17, 1921, in Mexico. At age 14 he came alone by train to the United States to make a better life for himself, which was his dream.

Pete first settled in New Mexico, where he met and married Ruth (Rodriquez) in 1949. To this union was born a daughter. A few years later they moved to Los Angeles, California, where Pete started his own landscaping business after an accident working in the mines which nearly cost him his life. Pete welded fuel tanks for military aircraft as part of the war effort for WWII.

Pete retired and enjoyed music, people and always remembered how everyone in Iowa was so friendly. Pete moved to Iowa in 2011 to be closer to his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. He was the happiest when he could be with them. Pete loved going out to his daughter and son-in-law’s farm.

Pete was also fond of traveling. He went to Europe in 1990, and last year took a cruise to the Bahamas with his entire family to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. It was a trip he would always remember. Even at age 90 he was never afraid to try new things, like go-carting and water slides.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Yolanda “Yo” (Dennis) Dahl, Manly, Iowa; grandson, John (Angela) Mensink, Lake St. Louis, Missouri; granddaughter, Lanie (Joseph) Spence, Waterloo, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Spence, Kennedy Spence, Colin Mensink, Carson Mensink; sisters: Maria Ramirez, Pueblo, Mexico, Hope (Robert) Meyette, Culver City, California; brother, Salvador Torralba, Chula Vista, California; and very special friend of so many years, Carlota Rivera, Los Angeles, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jose (Gonzala) Torralba; sister, Julia Garcia; brothers, EliseoTorralba, and Juan Torralba.

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

Josephine E. Sherwood

LAKE MILLS, Iowa – Josephine E. Sherwood, 82, of Lake Mills, Iowa, died Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, August 16, 2013, at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills with Pastor David E. Jordon officiating. Burial will be in Salem Memorial Cemetery, rural Lake Mills.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 15, 2013, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main Street in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Josephine Elaine (Flattum) Sherwood was born on June 12, 1931, on the family farm to parents John A. and Anna (Anderson) Flattum. She attended country school through the 8th grade.

Following her schooling, Josephine worked as a hired girl for some local families as well as helping on the home farm.

On December 27, 1957, she was united in marriage with Harold Sherwood at Silver Lake Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Lake Mills where they raised five children. Throughout the years, Josephine worked various jobs including Johnson Laundry and Land O Lakes, both in Albert Lea and the Cool Springs Canning Factory in Lake Mills.

Josephine enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s ball games, she was an avid bowler, played Bunco and Bingo, and did crafts.

Survivors include her five children: David (April) Sherwood of Rockwell, Julie Sherwood of Forest City, Harlan Sherwood and his partner Phil Rendina of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Paul Sherwood of Lake Mills, and Fern (Robert) Zabel of Lake Mills; and four grandchildren: Andrew Zabel, Joshua Zabel, Courtney Sherwood, and Clancy Sherwood. She is also survived by a brother Arthur (Deb) Flattum of Albert Lea, Minnesota; a brother-in-law, Ralph Sabin of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and two sisters-in-law: Sadie Flattum of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Rosemary (John) Spratt of Webster City; as well and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold; brothers: Orville, Carl, and George; a sister Gladys; and a sister in infancy.

You can contact the family with on-line condolences at: www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com. 641-592-0221.

Jacklyn (Jackie) M. Reyna

DOWS, Iowa — Jacklyn (Jackie) M. Reyna, age 49, of Dows, passed away Wednesday Aug. 14, 2013, at the University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Funeral services for Jackie M. Reyna will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg. Pastor Ron Lotz will officiate. Burial will take place in the Fairview Cemetery in Dows.

Visitation for Jacki M. Reyna will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 100 N. Lee St. in Dows, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

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

Kathryn A. Wise

MANLY, Iowa– Kathryn A. Wise, 94, of Manly, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 410 N. Broadway Ave., Manly, with the Rev. Neil Manternach officiating. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Manly.

A visitation with a public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 16, at the Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring St., Manly. The reciting of the Rosary will take place at 5 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 6:30 p.m., the night of the visitation.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Kathryn Wise Memorial Fund in care of her family.

Kathryn A. Wise, daughter of Steve and Mary (Chladek) Miller, was born Aug. 21, 1918, near Rock Falls, Iowa, in Cerro Gordo County. She attended many local country schools near Manly and Mason City before graduating from the Manly High School in 1936. She continued her education at Hamilton Business College and was very proud to have graduated the secretary course. She first worked at the Credit Bureau for several years in Mason City as a secretary.

She was united in marriage to Leon J. Wise on Feb. 14, 1942, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City. Kathryn continued her career and worked for the Civil Services at Camp Hale, Colo., and later was secretary to the chief nurse at the VA Hospital at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri. The family moved back to Iowa in 1962. She and Leon, who you would always see together, worked for the Worth County Conservation Board for thirteen years. They planted thousands of trees in Worth County. They later worked together at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church doing custodial work until her husband’s retirement in 1978.

Kathryn’s family was precious to her. She enjoyed spending time with her son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and one special great-granddaughter. She loved tending to her flowers, making quilts, and playing cards. Kathryn was known for her delicious, warm baked apple pies, that she would bake for her grandchildren and others as well.

She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly.

Kathryn will be missed by her son, Steve (Mary) Wise, of Manly; three grandchildren: Joshua Jacob Wise, Katy Lynn (Alex) Hoksbergen, and Jenna Sue Wise, all of Manly; her miracle great-granddaughter, Liberty Hoksbergen of Manly; her sister, Vivian Dahl of Dexter; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon in 1993; parents; siblings: Flossie, Helen, Ruth, Cleo, and Orval; along with several nieces and nephews.

Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring St., Manly, IA, 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com

James M. Devine

CORWITH, Iowa– James M. Devine, 86, of Corwith, passed away peacefully, with his loving wife holding his hand, Aug. 13, 2013, in Britt.

A Mass of Christian Burial for James Devine will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 Third St. S.E., in Britt, with Father Dennis Miller officiating. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Corwith.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. West in Britt, with a Rosary service beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Jim was born Nov. 17, 1926, to Steve and Susan (Reding) Devine in Algona. His family moved to Corwith when he was 12 years old to a farm south of Corwith, graduating from Corwith High School in 1944. After High School graduation, he married Catherine Jean Cosgriff, on Valentine’s Day 1953, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Corwith.

Jim spent most of his life farming around the Corwith area, where he is well known for his love of St. Bernard dogs. He was an avid sports fan his entire life, closely following the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. His greatest joy in life was his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his wife, Catherine; brother, Steve; children: Jim Jr. (Deb), Tom (Renee), and Dave. He has three wonderful grandchildren: Rachel (Jerod) Storck, Christopher Devine (Julie Hutson), and Timothy (Susan) Devine. He is blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Susan Devine, and his brother, Maurice.

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

Harry Vincent Stough

NASHUA, Iowa – Harry Vincent Stough, age 77, of Nashua, died Saturday, July 27, 2013, at his home.

A private family graveside service was held at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Nashua. A celebration of Harry’s life will be at a date to be announced. Online condolences for Harry’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com

Harry Vincent Stough was born Sept. 27, 1935, in Jackson, Minnesota, the son of Glen and Lillian (Benes) Stough. At an early age, the family moved near Plainfield, Iowa, where Harry received his education in rural country schools. On Aug. 30, 1954, at the St. Michael’s Rectory in Nashua, he married Margaret E. Knight. To this union eight children were born. The couple made Nashua their home. Harry worked at the former Oliver/White Farm Equipment Co., retiring after 41 years of service. Margaret died on Jan. 25, 1982. He later met Lavon Wehrhan who shared 22 years with Harry until her death in 2007. He currently enjoyed spending time with his dear friend, Delores Ingersoll. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his shop, and collecting marbles and tin cans. He will be also be remembered as a great mechanic.

Survivors include two daughters: Elaine Dralle of Knoxville, Iowa, Teresa (Craig) Monson of Forest City, Iowa; six sons: Greg Stough of Charles City, Barry Stough of Alma, Colorado, Arnold Stough of New Hampton, Steve (Randi) Stough of Charles City, Kevin Stough of Nashua, and Ken (Lori) Stough of Pella; his companion, Delores Ingersoll; 19 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one sister, LaVonne (Jim) Dietz of Cedar Falls; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife; and companion Lavon.

Posted on 16 August 2013

Mrs. Lilly Woolery

MASON CITY – Mrs. Lilly Woolery, 87, Mason City, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

A funeral service for Lilly will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., Mason City, with Pastor Renee Smithback and Pastor William J. Cannon officiating.

Burial will follow in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

A visitation with a public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy should direct them to Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel at 126 Third St. NE, Mason City, IA 50401.

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

Eugene R. Bruesewitz

GRAFTON – Eugene R. Bruesewitz, 88, of Grafton, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Manly Nursing and Rehab Center in Manly.

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

Posted on 17 August 2013

Robert “Bob” Pletcher

FOREST CITY — Robert “Bob” Pletcher, 95, of Forest City died Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 19, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City with the Rev. Charles Layton officiating. Cremation will follow with burial of the urn at a later date in Madison Township Cemetery.

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

Petersen Lund Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Forest City United Methodist Church Elevator Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.

Robert Ellsworth Pletcher, the son of Winton and Emma (Rietz) Pletcher, was born December 2, 1917, at Eagle Grove. In 1918 he moved with his family to a farm southwest of Forest City where he attended country school. In October of 1934 he married Lorraine Albertson and to this union five children were born: Shirley, Faye, Robert, Marcia, LaRae and Darold, Lorraine’s son from a previous marriage.

Bob operated his own trucking and transportation business, Pletcher Transfer and Storage, for many years. He also delivered travel trailers for Forester Trailer and Winnebago Industries. In 1975 he sold his business and began farming and raising hogs until he retired in 1987. In 1990, he and Lorraine purchased a condo in Forest City. Lorraine passed away in December of 1991.

In May of 1994, Bob married Irene Anderson of Britt. They lived in the condo in Forest City and spent their winters in Texas which they enjoyed very much.

Bob was a member of the Forest City United Methodist Church, IOOF Lodge, Forest City Lions Club and Forest City Development Group. He also served one term on the board of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Bob proudly served as president of Kum Along Club for several years during the time of the planning and contract letting for the new Kum Along Club building which was built in 1990.

He is survived by his wife, Irene, of Forest City; five children, Shirley (Keith) Heavner of Clarks Grove, Minnesota, Faye Tegland of Forest City, Keith (Monica) Pletcher of Forest City, Marcia (Dick) Formanek of Garner and LaRae (Ron) Holland of Forest City; stepchildren, Larry (Cindy) Anderson of Garner, Carolyn Hopkins of Ripley, Miss., Peg (Red Putzspuck) Claude of Kanawha, Michael (Mary) Anderson of Britt and Craig Anderson of Boise, Idaho; twenty-three grandchildren; fifty-two great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lorraine; son, Darold in 1982; brothers, Lloyd, Leonard and Howard Pletcher; sister, Mildred Johnson; son-in-law, Virgil Tegland; daughter-in-law, Rose Mae Pletcher Baker; grandson, Tony Tegland; granddaughter, Linda Pletcher; and a great-grandson, Ryan Helin.

Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City IA 50435, 641-585-2685, www.petersenlundfh.com.

Melvin Arndorfer

WESLEY — Melvin Arndorfer, 84, of Wesley, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church in St. Benedict with the Rev. Peter Nguyen officiating. Burial will be in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church with a 5 p.m. Rosary and a 7 p.m. Scripture Service.

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

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Lentz Funeral Home, 515-295-2622.

Donald F. Kusian

BELMOND — Donald F. Kusian, 76, of Belmond died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at his home in Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. Pastor Donna Buckman will officiate.

Burial will take place in the Belmond Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane S. in Belmond, and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Dugger Funeral Home, 641-444-3248, www.duggerfunerals.com.

Eugene R. Bruesewitz

GRAFTON — Eugene R. Bruesewitz, age 88, of Grafton died Friday, August 16, 2013, at the Manly Nursing and Rehab Center in Manly.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton with Pastor Solveig A.H. Zamzow officiating. Burial will be in the Grafton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton.

Gene was born October 7, 1924, in Grafton, the son of Alfred and Elenora (White) Bruesewitz. He was educated in Grafton and graduated from Grafton High School in 1943. Gene married Connie Olsen on February 9, 1947, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The couple lived their entire married life in Grafton. Along with his father and son, Gene farmed, owned and operated Bruesewitz Chevrolet, the Allis-Chalmers Dealership and Grafton Oil Company. He was an active and lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Connie Bruesewitz of Grafton; his daughter, Koral (James) Rosendahl and their son, Jimmy, all of Estherville; his son, Keven (Sandy) Bruesewitz of Grafton and their children Raechel of Grafton and Holly of Clear Lake; his daughter, Jurene (Jeff) Wegner and their children Michael and Lauren, all of Omaha, Nebraska; and a niece, Laurel (Pete) Lagoni of Fort Collins, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Gilman Olsen Jr.

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

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 702 State St., Osage IA 50461, 641-732-3706.

Al Bremer
U.S. Air Force   Korean War

Naples, FlORIDa — Al Bremer, a longtime Mason City resident, died peacefully in Naples, Florida, on August 15, 2013, at the age of 82.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday (August 19, 2013) at Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, with the Rev. Roy Fisher officiating. Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Naples Memorial Gardens, Naples, Florida.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home.

Al was born in Horton Township, Iowa, on September 12th, 1930, a son of Edward and Adele (Ostermann) Bremer. Not long after graduating from Ocheydan High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a B29 gunner in the Korean War and being awarded the Purple Heart. Upon returning from Korea, Al returned home to the Ocheydan area where he met Marge Stallinga. Al and Marge were married on August 16th, 1957.

In 1959, with two young children, Al and Marge made the decision to leave the family farm with Al enrolling at the University of Minnesota and earning a degree in Mortuary Science, leading to his eventual move to Mason City in October 1963. The Bremers purchased the then McCauly-McKassen Funeral Home and operated as McCauley-Bremer Funeral Home from 1963 to 1968. In 1968, McCauley-Bremer merged with Hogan-McKee Funeral Home, where Al and Charles Hogan operated as Hogan-Bremer Colonial Chapel until their retirements in 1996, also establishing Colonial Chapel Funeral Homes in Northwood, Manly, Nora Springs and Clear Lake, as well as Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory.

Al and Marge eventually moved to Naples, Fla., in their retirement years.

While in Mason City, Al was active in local service organization such as Kiwanis, Rotary and Toastmasters as well as the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. Appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad, he served three terms on the Iowa Board of Mortuary Science Examiners. He was also an active member of the Republican Party in Cerro Gordo County and Iowa, including a run for U.S. Congress for Iowa’s 6th District in 1982.

In his spare time, his passion was fishing, making numerous trips to Canada and Lake Michigan with good friends and spending hours tinkering in the garage to equip the perfect fishing boat.

More than anything, Al was a devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather, unfailingly generous with his time and love.

He is survived by Marge, his wife of 56 years; daughter, Sonda Kuhn and husband Paul of Naples, Florida, son Glendon and wife Diane of Beaverton, Oregon, and grandchildren, Brandon, Alton, Mackenzie and Zoie; and a brother, Donald Bremer, Ocheydan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Arlene Range.

We will all miss him greatly.

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

Mrs. Lilly Woolery

Mason City — Mrs. Lilly Woolery, 87, Mason City, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City.

A funeral service for Lilly will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Avenue, with Pastor Renee Smithback and Pastor William J. Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

A visitation with a public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 19, 2013 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, Iowa.

Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy, please direct them to Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel at 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, Iowa.

Lilly Woolery, daughter of the late Ernest and Anita (Riley) Anderson, was born August 21, 1925, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Lilly attended and graduated from the Fort Dodge High School and was united in marriage to William Woolery on June 22, 1946. The couple became the proud and busy parents of nine beautiful children.

Lilly was a homemaker all of her life, raising and tending to their nine children. She was a loving and giving woman who was not only an inspiration to her family but also to many in the community as well.

When Lilly was younger, she enjoyed partying with friends and was an avid poker player. Many may attempt to make her fried chicken and baked beans; however, no one will be able to duplicate her special touch. Most importantly, she cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to pass on Lilly’s inspiration include her children, Ronald (Mary) Woolery, Veronica (Willie) Richmond, Barbara (Reed) Brown, Michael Woolery, Wallace Woolery, Linda Woolery, Judy (Greg) Johnson, Charles (Lisa) Woolery and Ernest Woolery; 30 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Woolery; parents Ernest and Anita Riley; step-father, Leonard LaFrance; her children, Robert, William and Thomas Woolery; siblings, Rudolph Anderson, Debouras McCaleb, Charles LaFrance, Roberta Terrell; brother-in-law, Carl Ross; and daughter-in-law, Mattie Woolery.

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

 Bessie “Bess” A. Schmidt

MASON CITY — Bessie “Bess” A. Schmidt, 89, of Mason City died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

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

Ona Butler

NORA SPRINGS — Ona Butler, 90, of Nora Springs died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, at the Rudd United Methodist Church in Rudd with Pastor Wendy Johannesen and Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

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

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 702 State St., Osage IA 50461, 641-732-3706.

Guadalupe Dianda

Mason City — Guadalupe Dianda, 84, of Mason City, died on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at Epiphany Parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., Mason City. Burial will follow in the Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City where full military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans.

A visitation with a public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2013 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, where a rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 6:30 pm.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Guadalupe’s name in care of his family.

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

Posted on 18 August 2013

 Dorothy J. Schroeder

ST. ANSGAR — Dorothy J. Schroeder, 89, of St. Ansgar, died on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home.

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

 Kathleen A. Gangi

BRITT — Kathleen A. Gangi, 65, of Britt passed away Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt. Per Kathleen’s wishes, cremation will be conducted with no services.

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

Ona Butler

NORA SPRINGS — Ona Butler, age 90, of Nora Springs died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, at the Rudd United Methodist Church in Rudd, with Pastor Wendy Johannesen and Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Ona Butler was born July 4, 1923, in rural Osage, the daughter of Clarence and Elizabeth (Minnis) Gilbert. She attended country schools and graduated from Osage High School. Ona received two years of normal school training and taught school near McIntire. On Aug. 8, 1943, she married Leonard Butler at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Osage. Ona worked for 33 years at Mode O Day in Mason City. She was an active member of the Rudd United Methodist Church and always enjoyed music. Her family and friends were the highlight of her life Ona will always be remembered for her terrific sense of humor.

Ona is survived by her two children, James (Diane) Butler of Nora Springs, Donna (Tony) Kuhlemeier of Rudd; four grandchildren, Pamela (Kim) Butler Channel of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Brent (Heather) Butler of Kensett, Corey (Marria) Kuhlemeier of Rudd, and Kyra (Greg) Fritz of Pocahontas; 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard in 1994; her sisters, Ruth Williams and May Nielsen; and her brothers, George, Alan, Grant, John, Max, and Laurence Gilbert.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 702 State St., Box 84, Osage, IA 50461-0084, www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com.

Donald F. Kusian

BELMOND — Donald F. Kusian, 76, of Belmond, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

Funeral services for Donald Kusian will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. Pastor Donna Buckman will officiate. Burial will take place in the Belmond Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation for Donald Kusian will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond, and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to Hospice for Wright County, the United Church of Christ in Belmond, or a memorial of your choice.

Don was born on Nov. 5, 1936, to Fred and Emma (Van Horn) Kusian of Parkersburg. He attended school in Parkersburg until he started working construction, which brought him to Belmond where he met the love of his life, Karen Bohning. They were united in marriage on Nov. 5, 1955, in Princeton, Missuori They made their home and raised their family in Belmond, and Donald continued to work in construction for the Andersen Co. out of Clear Lake. Donald was a hard worker and a devoted employee. Don and Karen later bought the company and continued the operation out of Belmond until their retirement. Donald took great pride in his work and enjoyed building Fareway stores throughout the state for many years.

Donald enjoyed gardening and reading. He also loved fishing, golfing, playing cards and pool, and having coffee and eating out with his friends. Don was an avid sports fan, closely following the Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeyes. Don and Karen loved spending their winters in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. His greatest joy in life was his family, including his children and grandchildren.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are Karen, his wife of 57 years; three daughters: Donita (Roger) Anders of Marshalltown; Tami of West Des Moines; Kim (Perri) Draisey of Keota; and five grandchildren: Eric (Allison) Anders of Iowa City; Nicole Anders of Iowa City; Dustin Draisey of Johnston; Lucas Draisey of West Des Moines; and Trevor Draisey of Cedar Falls. He is also survived by one sister, Juanita (Lester) Sents, of Aplington and two sisters-in-law: Nyle (Bradley) Jenison of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Alta (Randall) Barkema of Charles City, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Fred; three brothers: LuVerne, Duane, and Kenneth; three sisters: Jean, LaVonne, and Betty; and one grandchild, Zachary Draisey.

Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South, Box 233, Belmond, IA 40421, 641-444-3248, www.duggerfunerals.com

Laurie C. (Bartell) Cowell

MASON CITY — Laurie C. (Bartell) Cowell, 60, of Mason City, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Memorials may be directed to the Laurie Cowell Memorial Fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Guadalupe Dianda
U.S. Army   Korean Conflict

MASON CITY — Guadalupe Dianda, 84, of Mason City entered into eternal life on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at Epiphany Parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Ave., Mason City. Burial will follow in the Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City where full military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans.

A visitation with a public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, where a rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Guadalupe’s name in care of his family.

Guadalupe Dianda, son of Fermin and Refujia (Olinares) Dianda, entered into this world on Sept. 22, 1928, in Grulla, Texas. He attended school in Grulla before moving to Mason City where he met the love of his life, Lupe Infante. They were united in marriage on Dec. 29, 1951, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict before he was honorably discharged in 1954. Following his military service, he returned to Mason City where he began working at the Lehigh Cement Plant in Mason City working various jobs before retiring as a heavy equipment operator in 1988. During his time at Lehigh, he occasionally worked for McKiness Nursery for 10 years and was very involved in keeping bees having learned the trade from his lifelong friend, Cecil Fitzsimmons.

Guadalupe was very involved in the community, volunteering his time at Mercy Medical Center, North Iowa Fairgrounds, and the MacNider Art Museum. Guadalupe had an interest in pottery and sculptures, taking lessons at the museum and also enjoyed dancing, traveling and loved to drive to various destinations for family vacations. One of Guadalupe’s passions included gardening which involved tending to his flowers, vegetable gardens, and his fruit trees.

He was a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church and was a member of the Mason City American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lupe Infante Dianda, Mason City; children, John (Barbara) Dianda, Phoenix, Arizona, Connie Dianda, Mason City, and Salvador Dianda, Des Moines; granddaughter, Jessica (Jimmy) Nickel, Kansas City, Missuori; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Taylor, and Ryder Nickel, all of Kansas City, Missuori; his brother, Salvador Dianda, Santa Monica, California, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carmen and Leandro Dianda and his sisters, Maria and Jessie Dianda.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, 641-423-2372, ColonialChapels.com

Posted on 19 August 2013

Floyd A. Johnson

Clear Lake — Floyd A. Johnson, 88, of Clear Lake, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, in Rochester, Minn.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Dean Hess officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour before the service.

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

Marie Frevert

AMES — Marie Frevert, 109, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at Green Hills Health Care Center in Ames, of which she had been a longtime resident.

Marie was born November 22, 1903, in Denison, Iowa, to the Reverend Albert and Lydia (Schwieger) Gauger. She graduated from Garner High School, then went on to attend Morningside College, Iowa State Teachers College and the University of Colorado. Marie taught country school in Klemme and town school in Hampton and Odebolt.

On September 12, 1935, Marie was united in marriage to Warren Frevert at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Warren and Marie farmed near Rudd, Iowa, and she enjoyed being a housewife, gardening and caring for her family.

Marie is survived by her sons, Bill (Marcie) Frevert of Emmetsburg and Jim (Clare) Frevert of Nevada; her daughter, Alice Srp of Camanche; her brother, CJ Gauger of Ames; her grandchildren, Larry (Suzie) Frevert of Ashville, North Carolina, Anne (David) Cable of Rockford, Illinois, Daniel (Liz) Srp of Camanche, Julia (Chris) Brush of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Tom Srp of LeClaire, and Jody (Dan) Zarnowiec, Anne (Greg) Sween, Kristen (Gerard) Ruiz and Kortney (Sheri) Freeman, all of Emmetsburg; 21 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1994; and three brothers, William, Harlan and Stanley Gauger.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2013, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Rudd, Iowa. A time of luncheon and fellowship will follow at the Rudd United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rudd United Methodist Church in loving memory of Marie.

Bacon Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Nevada are handling arrangements.

Abbey Jean Almelien Banh

Iowa City — Abbey Jean Almelien Banh, 34, of Iowa City passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 17, 2013.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 23, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Christ the King. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Abbey Jean Almelien Banh Memorial Fund to be directed for future nursing scholarships at Luther College.

Abbey was born in Mason City, Iowa, on December 12, 1978, the daughter of Molly and Ronald Almelien. She was a 1997 graduate of Forest City High School and later went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Luther College, where she was currently working toward her master’s degree. In 2011, Abbey married the love of her life, Dr. Luong Banh.

Survivors include her loving husband, Luong; her mother, Molly Iverson (Dave) of Greene, Iowa; her mother-in-law, Annette Banh of Ankeny, Iowa; two brothers, Isaac Almelien (Karen) of Greene and Evan Almelien (Carolyn) of Minnetonka, Minnesota; a sister, Anna Canton (Nate) of North Liberty, Iowa; two step-sisters, Leah Iverson of Lake Mills, Iowa, and Hannah Iverson of Iowa City; a brother-in-law, Dong Banh (Jen) of Ankeny; nine nephews, Owen, Alex, Ezra, Eddie, Charlie, Bryson, Briggs, Brokk and Logan; three nieces, Bridget, Keira and Helene; and her grandmother, Lois Reinsmoen of Mason City.

Abbey was preceded in death by her father Ronald, father-in-law Tom Banh, grandmother Opal and grandfather Ole Reinsmoen.

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com

Theresa Leners

Clive — Theresa Leners, 80, formerly of Bancroft, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at the Woodlands Retirement Community in Clive.

Visitation is Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Bancroft.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Sunny Dominic officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery.

Oakcrest Funeral Services, Bancroft, 515-885-2521, www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

Laurie C. (Bartell) Cowell

MASON CITY — Laurie C. (Bartell) Cowell, 60, of Mason City, Iowa, died Friday, August 16, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. The family has requested casual attire.

Memorials may be directed to the Laurie Cowell memorial fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Laurie was born November 7, 1952, in Mason City, the daughter of Lyle and Clara (Holmen) Bartell. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1971. Laurie worked for Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa for 29 years as a CNA in the Orthopedic Department. Laurie enjoyed spending time with her family — especially her niece, nephew and three great-nieces. She also enjoyed shopping, being outdoors and taking family fishing trips to Minnesota. She was an animal lover and liked playing with and taking care of her cats and dogs. Laurie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Laurie is survived by her mother, Clara Bartell of Manly, Iowa; one brother, Lyle Bartell Jr. and wife Beth of Mason City; one sister, Linda Clarke and husband Dan of Mason City; one niece, Tracy Albrecht and husband Scott of Mason City; one nephew, Matt Bartell and wife Hillary of Mason City; and three great-nieces, Hannah Albrecht, Hattie Albrecht and Gracie Bartell.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lyle Bartell Sr., and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements, Mason City, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Jean Schroeder

St. Ansgar — Dorothy Jean Schroeder, 89, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died on Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, August 21, at 10:30 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Dorothy was born on December 26, 1923, in Marengo, Iowa, to Charles D. and Ada (Buhlman) McGoon. Due to her father being a superintendent of schools, she lived in various places including Marengo, Arlington and Hampton, Iowa. She graduated from Hampton High School and Iowa State as a home economics teacher. She taught in Postville, Carpenter and St. Ansgar.

Dorothy married Oscar J. Schroeder on November 28, 1948, at the Hampton Methodist Church, Hampton, Iowa, and they made their home in St. Ansgar.

She acquired the interest of traveling from her father and passed it down to her children. No state of the union could be gone through without making a stop at that state’s capitol. She was in a constant state of movement, from working at “the farm” to housework (she thoroughly enjoyed ironing), to playing games, to going to meetings, to teaching both high school and Sunday school. Fishing “up north” and winters in Texas were definite highlights.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one granddaughter, Molly; and her brother, Dr. Dwight McGoon.

Dorothy is survived by two sons, Dr. Dwight (Dr. Deborah) of Cedar Rapids and Melvin (Julie) of St. Ansgar; five grandchildren, Jonathan (Katie), Christopher and Elizabeth and Mitchell (Amanda) and Betsy; and two great-granddaughters, Quinn and Emma.

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

Bessie “Bess” Alvina Schmidt

MASON CITY — Bessie “Bess” Alvina Schmidt, 89, of Mason City, died Friday, Aug. 16, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Good Shepherd Health Center Chapel, 302 Second St. N.E., with the Rev. Kent Mechler officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Bess Schmidt memorial fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Clarence Bormann

St. Joseph — Clarence Bormann, 92, of St. Joseph, died on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph with the Rev. Merle Kollasch officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church with a 4 p.m. Knights of Columbus rosary and a 7:30 p.m. Scripture service.

The Lentz Funeral Home in Algona, 515-295-2622, is serving the family. Clarence’s video tribute may be viewed at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Posted on 20 August 2013 by Marie Thompson