Leland L. Dittberner

MASON CITY — Leland L. Dittberner, 70, of Mason City, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. with Pastor Will Hunsaker of the Open Bible Church- Clear Lake officiating.

A gathering of friends and family will be held one hour prior to the services on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Leland Dittberner Memorial Fund in care of the family.

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

Billy DeKruyff

KANAWHA — Billy DeKruyff, 74, of Kanawha, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013.

Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, 129 E. Third St., in Kanawha, with Pastor Steve Schulz and Pastor Daniel Lindley officiating.

A committal service will be held on Monday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Pella.

There will be no visitation.

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

 Larry Gene Hess

HAMPTON — Larry Gene Hess, 62, of Hampton, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at his home in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Burial will take place at a later date.

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

Arlo “Dean” Halvorson
U.S. Army   Korean Conflict

MASON CITY — Arlo “Dean” Halvorson, 84, of Mason City, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Saturday, Jan. 26, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Ed Bard, Hospice Chaplain, officiating.

Private family interment will be at the Rockwell Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association.

Visitation was held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Arlo “Dean” Halvorson memorial fund in care of the family.

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

Arlo “Dean” Halvorson was born Jan. 31, 1928, in Fertile, the son of Ernest P. and Ida M. (Sorenson) Halvorson. He attended school in Mason City, graduating in 1946. He served in the National Guard and was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952. He served in the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1955.

Dean worked a variety of jobs and always said he had the types of jobs that every little boy dreamed of doing. He worked for the Mason City Fire Department, the Clear Lake Police Department, was a supervisor for Mid Continent Bottlers and lastly worked as a bus driver and custodian for the Mason City School System for thirteen years until his retirement in 1992.

Dean was married to Carol Biedermann in 1984 at Clear Lake.

Dean enjoyed traveling, spending the winter months in Texas and telling stories. He enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and in his younger years participated in softball and basketball. Dean was an avid boxer. He fought many professional bouts and was instrumental in a youth program for beginning boxers in the Mason City area. Several of his students were successful in the Golden Gloves competitions. He had a passion for flying; he obtained his private pilot license in 1977 and his instrumental rating in 1978 and flew charters for many years.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the VFW Post 733 and Aircraft Owners & Operators. Dean loved to be around his friends and family, especially Grandma Jennie who was often quoted as commenting “Oh, Vell”.

Dean is survived by his wife, Carol of Mason City; sister, Dorothy Van Fleet; nieces, Donna (Don) Wernet and children, Logan (Brenda) Wernet; Kris (Mike) Blunt and children, Shane (Michelle) Blunt, Jason (Megan) Blunt; and Mindy (Damon) Runge all of Mason City; brother-in-law, Paul (Jane) Biedermann of Spirit Lake; and nephews, Blaine (Dr. Christine) Biedermann of Madison, Wisconsin and L. Bradley Biedermann of Salt Lake City, Utah; and many great, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, brother-in-law Bill Van Fleet and many good friends.

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

Marjorie H. Evans

MASON CITY — Marjorie H. Evans, 84,of Mason City, died, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at the Heritage Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 28, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1402 S. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marjorie H. Evans 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, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City IA 50401, 641-423-0924.

Madeline Elizabeth Peterson

MASON CITY — Madeline Elizabeth Peterson, 101,of Mason City, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at the IOOF Home.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1402 South Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Keith Scott and the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Rock Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church.

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

Madeline was born Dec. 2, 1911, in Rock Falls, the daughter of Ray and Mary Josephine (Minott) Edgar. She attended school in Rock Falls, graduating in 1930.She also attended the Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls. She was married to Marvin M. Peterson on June 7, 1932, in Rock Falls. To this union three sons were born.

Madeline was the head baker in cafeterias for the Mason City School System for many years before retirement. Madeline was well known in Mason City for her baking skills, especially her angel food cakes. She volunteered her time with Roosevelt PTA, Citywide PTA, three time president of W.S.C.S. and a founding member of the MINERVA club. She was a long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church, church circle, and the Woman’s Club.

As a couple, she and Marvin were among the founding members of the church’s We-MarCo Club, which for many years operated a favorite food booth at the old North Iowa Fair. She also was a former office holder in The Order of Eastern Star. Madeline loved baking for her family and friends. She had a passion for cooking and baking and did this up until her late 90s. She enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Madeline was an avid sports fan, especially watching the Minnesota Vikings and Twins on television, and in person. She was 91 when she saw her last Vikings game, live, at Metropolitan Stadium, from the next to the top row of the upper deck, and she loved every minute of it. She was also a loyal Mohawk sports fan, of football, basketball, and baseball.

Madeline is survived by her sons, Richard “Dick” Peterson and wife Sharon (Tisor) of Mason City, Jerry Peterson of Boone, and Thomas Peterson of Mason City; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin in 1994, and her sister, Dorothy.

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

Edna Balvance

Buffalo Center — Edna Balvance, 92, of Buffalo Center died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center with Pastor Bill Peake officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center.

Online condolences can be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com.

Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 414 First St. N.W., Buffalo Center, IA 50424, 641-562-2858, winterfuneral@wctatel.net.

Posted on 26 January 2013

Leland L. Dittberner

MASON CITY — Leland L. Dittberner, 70, of Mason City, passed Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Will Hunsaker of the Open Bible Church- Clear Lake officiating.

A gathering of friends and family will be held one hour prior to the services on Monday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

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

Leland was born May 30, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Albert and Martha (Walk) Dittberner. Lee was married to Judy Hendrickson on Nov. 2, 1963, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Mason City. To this union two daughters were born: Christie and Julie.

Lee worked for Decker’s Packing Plant until its closing. He then worked at Walmart for many years while owning and operating his own floor cleaning business.

Lee enjoyed fishing, taking many of his nephews and grandsons along through the years. Lee loved to cook and especially barbecue for his many family and friends.

He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Family was important to Lee. He enjoyed all the family gatherings and the time he spent with family and friends. God and the Bible were important to him and he often prayed for his family and friends that were in need of pray. He loved his dog, Zena, and they were great companions for each other.

Lee is survived by his wife, Judy Dittberner of Mason City; daughter, Julie Berding of Mason City; grandchildren, Eric Dittberner, Sara Berding, JaceBerding, Kyle Huebner and Cody Huebner; son-in-law, Kevin Huebner; one great-grandchild, Carter Huebner; brother, LaVerne (Shirley) Dittberner; sister, Lois (Jim) Gorell; half-sister, Patti; three sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Christie Huebner; granddaughter, Amanda Huebner; and brother, Leonard Willer.

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

Marjorie H. Evans

MASON CITY — Marjorie H. Evans, 84, of Mason City, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at the Heritage Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1402 S. Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 3 to 5 p.m. today, Sunday, Jan. 27, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Marjorie H. Evans Memorial Fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Marjorie H. Evans was born Dec. 25, 1928, the daughter of John S. and I. Ada (Butcher) Deardeuff. She attended and graduated with honors from Rockwell High School. After high school, she attended Hamilton Business College.

Marjorie was united in marriage to Lewaine R. Evans on Aug. 28, 1949, in Mason City, Iowa.

She worked at A.C. Nielson Co., the Cerro Gordo County Recorder’s Office, ASCS office and the Amercian Cancer Society office.

She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and church circle. She enjoyed dancing and also enjoyed going to the Senior Center to visit with her friends and attend the dances. Marjorie enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Marjorie was survived by her children, Lois Knutdson and husband, Dan, of Roland, Iowa, Ronald Evans and wife, Cheryl, of Chicago, Illinois, Barbara Lageschulte of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Dennis Evans and wife, Jamie, of Owatonna, Minnesota; grandchildren, Brian (Tamara) Knudtson, Marisa (Matt) Cameron, Matt Evans, Kraig (Eveny) Lageschulte, Taylor (Dave) Jarrett, Jake Evans, Molly Evans, Nick Evans; great-grandchildren, Kaelan Knudtson, Coen Knudtson and Aubria Cameron; sister, Arlene Van Sabben of Northwood, Iowa; brother, Les Deardeuff and wife, Jo, of Rockwell; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lewaine; two sisters; two brothers; and a grandchild, Karl.

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

Darrell “Mac” McFarland

ALGONA — Darrell “Mac” McFarland, 81, of Algona, died on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at the Floyd House in Sergeant Bluffs.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Steven McElroy officiating. Burial will be in the Burt Township Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Carter-Stott VFW Post No. 5236 of Burt.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Lentz Funeral Home in Algona.

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Lentz Funeral Home, Algona, 515-295-2622.

Glade Elson Heichel

Clarksville — Glade Elson Heichel, 77, of Clarksville, died Jan. 22, 2013, at his residence.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.

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

Fritz Duane Dickman

CLARKSVILLE — Fritz Duane Dickman, age 81, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born March 7, 1931, the son of Fred and Lamena (Carney) Dickman in Clarksville.

He received his education from Clarksville Schools and graduated in 1949. Following graduation, Fritz began working at Plastering Homes.

On July 30, 1951, Fritz married Marcia Merfeld at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene, Iowa. Fritz worked at Oliver’s Manufacturing for nine years while farming and raising dairy cattle. In 1954, Fritz and Marcia purchased and moved to the family farm west of Clarksville, where they lived for 40 years. After their retirement they moved to town.

Fritz was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene. He loved tractors and although farming was his occupation, it was also his hobby.

Fritz died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa, from complications of pneumonia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister in infancy, Janice; and one granddaughter, Elizabeth Doty.

Fritz is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Marcia of Clarksville; three sons: Doug Dickman of Clarksville, Steve (Kelly Allen) Dickman of Belmond, Iowa, and Greg (Teri) Dickman of Garner, Iowa; one daughter, Roxann (Reginald) Boyce of Wellton, Arizona; nine grandchildren: Joey, Charlie, Abbee, Melissa, Ashley, Aimee, Byron, Autumn and Jasmine; nine great-grandchildren; and one brother, Mark (Bev) Dickman of Clarksville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, both in Greene.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Clarksville, 319-278-4245, and will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Thomas S. Smith
U.S. Air Force  (1960- )

WODEN — Thomas S. Smith, 71, of Woden, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City after a long hard-fought battle from a stroke suffered on Sept. 11, 2012.

Per Tom’s wishes, his body was cremated and Tom requested no visitation or services. A celebration of life will be held this summer in Clear Lake and at Lake Rathbun for his family and friends when the fish are biting.

Tom was born Oct. 20, 1941, at Concordia, Kansas, to Ray and Dorothy (Scholl) Smith. Following graduation from Rockford in 1960, he entered the United States Air Force.

On Sept. 8, 1962, Tom married Carolyn (Norby). To this union was born two daughters, Roxanne and Heidi.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, he eventually opened his own electrical business in Rudd, Iowa. Later he moved to Centerville, Iowa, where he and partners started Centerville Electric. After returning in 2006 to Northern Iowa, Tom and Carolyn made their home in Woden, Iowa.

Tom’s home in the last few months was made at Good Shepherd Health Center. The staff there quickly became his second family.

Tom was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. The following is a favorite quote of Tom’s which conveys his beliefs: “God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day. And when my final cast is made I most humbly pray, when in the Lord’s landing net I am peacefully asleep, that in his mercy I be judged, as ‘Good Enough to Keep’.”

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Carolyn of Woden; daughters, Roxanne (Travis) Stohr of Woden and Heidi (Dennis) Maertens of Clear Lake; brother, Max (Lori) Smith of Ventura; sister, Linda Quackenbusch of Ventura; sister-in-law, Mary Norby of Rudd; sister-in-law Barb (Toby) Annema of Windsor Heights; brother-in-law Bill (Vickie) Norby of Rudd; grandsons Cody Marzen and fiancé Brittany Jeffries, Marble Rock; Lee Marzen, Rudd; Chase Stohr, Woden, and Chance Stohr, Woden; stepgrandaughter, Lauren Maertens, Clear Lake; great-granddaughter, Mahayla Marzen, Rudd; and several nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ray and Dorothy Smith; brother, Gary; mother and father-in law, Robert and Doris Norby; brother-in-law, Ronald Norby; brother-in-law, Terry Quackenbusch; and last and not least, his best buddy, Sam.

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

Posted on 28 January 2013

Miriam Gowdy

BELMOND — Miriam Gowdy, 99, of Belmond died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Arrangements for Miriam Gowdy are pending at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane S., Belmond.

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

James “Jim” McEnroe

ALGONA — James “Jim” McEnroe, 91, of Algona died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at the Algona Manor Care Center.

Visitation will be held today, Monday, Jan. 28, from 4 until 7 p.m. with a rosary at 4 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church with Father John Thomas officiating.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

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

Posted on 28 January 2013

Richard Dale Schmidtke

Charles City — Richard Dale Schmidtke, 65, of Charles City, passed away Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, peacefully at home with his wife, Deborah by his side.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the Bethany Alliance Church in Charles City.

Richard Schmidtke was born June 5, 1947, the son of Vernon and Hazel (Meyers) Schmidtke. He was united in marriage to Deborah Caster on April 24, 1993. Throughout the years, Rich was employed with Home Services, Mason City, from 1968-73; James Refrigeration, Charles City, from 1974-77; and Mechanical Air Systems, Mason City, from 1978 until retiring from there in 2009.

Rich was a man of many talents. There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t do or anything he couldn’t fix. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who ever needed him. He worked hard and played hard. He loved living in the country and turned their home into a show place. Rich enjoyed trout fishing, camping, playing games and gambling trips with all his friends. He will truly be missed by all who loved him.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the hospice staff, especially Nurse Amy and Pastor Janet. Also, the radiation oncology department at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Rich is survived by his wife, Debbie; children: Rachelle Mineck, Cory Schmidtke and Andrew Schmidtke (special friend Michelle Maggard); step-children Todd Caster and Wendy (Craig) Bonzer; grandchildren: Makhenna, Riley, Emily, Spencer, Ben and Sam; his brother, Ray; and nephews Brian and Tony.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Judy Schmidtke; and his very special companion, Shelby, the family pet.

Robert Joseph “Bob” Schreiber
U.S. Army    WWII

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota — Funeral services for Robert Joseph “Bob” Schreiber, 87, of Albert Lea, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel in Albert Lea. Pastor David Schreiber will officiate. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service Chapel, and one hour prior to the service.

Bob passed away on Friday, Jan. 25, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Robert Joseph Schreiber was born on Jan. 6, 1926, to Edward C. and Anna (Peschek) Schreiber in Wagner, South Dakota. He attended Wagner Public Schools. In high school he played trumpet in the band, was on the debate team, was in chorus and dramatics, and played varsity basketball and football (going to the conference championship) while working 40 hours per week at the local drug store. Following graduation in 1944, he served his country in the United States Army during the final stages of World War II in Europe. After the war, he worked for a short time in the dental department for the Veteran’s Administration. Quickly realizing that life behind a desk was not for him, he took a traveling sales position with Bahr’s Beauty Supply in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was during one of his sales calls in Faribault, Minnesota, that he met Marjorie Mae Bosshardt. He and his “Little Margie” were united in marriage on April 23, 1949, in Faribault. Together they lovingly raised six children: Sue Ann, Steven Jay, David Dale, Todd Robert, Karrie Kay, and James Stewart.

In 1955, after having worked for Bahr’s for eight years, he partnered with one of his clients, T. Dean Borland, opening Bo-Dean Beauty Supply Inc. “Bo-Dean Country” included southern Minnesota, northern Iowa, and parts of western Wisconsin and eastern North and South Dakota. Bob greatly enjoyed his profession and continued in the beauty industry for over 60 years. He loved to drive, and he enjoyed washing and waxing his cars. He was always on the search for the perfect wax. Sports were also a favorite pastime, particularly golf.

His faith in God and his commitment to his beliefs were very important to him. Bob was a member of the United Church of God, serving faithfully as a deacon for many years. He genuinely loved people and was well loved by all who knew him. He was especially passionate about spending time with his family and friends. A devoted family man, he was married to the love of his life, Marjorie, for 62 years. He had the remarkable ability of letting each member of his family know just how special they were and how much he loved them. He was always encouraging and uplifting.

Bob touched the lives of so many people and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his children, Sue (Jerry) Fakler of Osage, Iowa, Steve (Louise) Schreiber of Rochester, David (Jolinda) Schreiber of Albert Lea, Todd (Sarah) Schreiber of Rochester, Karrie (Mark) Christopherson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and James (Dawn) Schreiber of Albert Lea, Minnesota; grandchildren, Randy Fakler, Rich (Courtney) Fakler, Mara (Chris) O’Byrne, Andy (Heather) Schreiber, Scott Schreiber, Brian Schreiber, Jamie Schreiber, Kelley (Justin) McGinnis, Jonathan (Cassandra) Schreiber, Christopher Schreiber, Micah Conti, Angie (Grant) Erlandson, Brittany Schreiber, and Kelsey Schreiber; six great-grandchildren; sister Leonilla Christopher-son, sister-in-law Mildred Schreiber, and many nieces and nephews.

 LaDonna (DeWitt) Catalano

Santa Ana, California — LaDonna (DeWitt) Catalano, 66, of Santa Ana, California, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at Carehouse Healthcare Center in Santa Ana, California

She was born November 22, 1946, in Spokane, Washington, the youngest of five children of Leland and Gloria (Tapager) DeWitt.

The family returned to Mason City, Iowa. She was raised in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School in 1964. She moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she worked for a modeling agency prior to moving to California.

She married John V. Catalano on January 16, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada For many years, she and her husband were involved in the restaurant business in southern California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 2004; and her sister-in-law, Judy (Bohnsack) DeWitt, in 2004. She is survived by four brothers; Charles of Peoria, Illinois, David (Virginia) of Mason City, Thomas of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Steven (Patricia) of Alexandria, Virginia; half-sister, Patricia (Dale) Seimens of Lancaster, Wisconsin; half-brother, Richard Eaver of Peoria, Illinois; also aunts and uncles, Myrna and Bruce Angell of Mason City; Allan and Marian DeWitt of Garner, Iowa, nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

According to her wishes, she was cremated and her cremains were returned to Mason City, where she will be interred at a later date.

Kristina L. Fransen

MASON CITY — Kristina L. Fransen, 32, of Mason City, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Nathan Gann of Rhythm Church officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kristina Fransen 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, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

 Shirley B. Moore

OSAGE — Shirley B. Moore, 87, of Osage, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

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

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

Thelma E. Sefton

Hampton — Thelma E. Sefton, 92, died Jan. 22, 2013, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Andrews Funeral Home 516 First St. S.E., Belmond. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Pastor Brian Cushman will officiate.

Those wishing to express their sympathies in memorials may address them in memory of Thelma Sefton to: Andrews Funeral Home P.O. Box 224, Belmond, IA 50421.

Arrangements are by Andrews Funeral Home Belmond, 641-444-4474.

Russell Beving

Ackley — Russell Beving, 79, of Ackley, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at his home.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley with a memorial service at a later date.

Sietsema Funeral Home, 641-847-2333, www.surls.com.

 Inez J. Ketchum

Belmond — Inez J. Ketchum, 80, of Belmond, most recently a resident of the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Visitation will be today, Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Belmond United Methodist Church, 1031 First St. S.E., Belmond.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at the United Church of Rowan, 811 Pesch St., Rowan. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church in Rowan on Wednesday. Pastor Nancy Hofmeister will officiate. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, is in charge of arrangements, 641-444-4474.

Posted on 29 January 2013

Lucy Loise (Benter) Christopherson

ALLISON — Lucy Loise (Benter) Christopherson, 91, of Allison, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at the Allison Rehabilitation Center in Allison.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 2, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison. Burial will take place at the Allison Cemetery in Allison. The Rev. Jeffery Blank will officiate.

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

Shirley Marie Loux

CLEAR LAKE — Shirley Marie Loux, 90, 108 Wedgewood Drive, Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke.

Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Other arrangements are incomplete at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, IA 50428 , 641-357-2193, ColonialChapels.com.

Mary Gales

SEATTLE, Washington —Mary Gales, 48, of Seattle, Washington, formerly of St. Joseph, Iowa, died on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph, with Father John Thomas officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Lentz Funeral Home in Algona, with a 6:45 p.m. Scripture service.

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Darlene Feikes

ACKLEY — Darlene Feikes, 82, of Ackley died on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the St. Peter’s UCC in rural Wellsburg with inurnment in the church cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to7 p.m. at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.

Sietsema Funeral Home, 641-847-2333.

Gene Blau

MESA, Arizona — Gene Blau, 82, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Alexander, Iowa, died Monday Jan. 28, 2013, at his residence in Mesa, Arizona.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane S. in Belmond, 641 444-3248, www.duggerfunerals.com.

Bernard Lubbert

OSAGE — Bernard Lubbert, 89, died on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday Feb. 1, 2013 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville with the Rev. Michael Parris officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.

Friends may call two hours before services at the funeral home.

Marlyn Miller

ALDEN — Marlyn Miller, 81, of Alden, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at his home in Alden.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the United Methodist Church in Alden with inurnment in the Alden Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour before services at the church on Friday.

The Surls Funeral Home of Alden is in charge of arrangements; 641-648-9554.

Kristina L. Fransen

MASON CITY — Kristina L. Fransen, 32, of Mason City, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Nathan Gann of Rhythm Church officiating.

Visitation was held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

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

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

Kristina was born Feb. 26, 1980, in Mason City, the daughter of Mike and Nancy (Phillips) Fransen and James Fransen. She graduated from Mason City Alternative School in 1997, where she was awarded several honors. Kristina really enjoyed working as a server for Perkins Restaurant & Bakery. She also enjoyed dancing, singing, watching “American Idol” and “Dirty Dancing.” Most of all, Kristina loved spending time with her family - especially her children.

Kristina is survived by her husband: Chad McGuire of Mason City; four children: Kaitlyn, Jayce, Joshua, and Maci McGuire; stepson: Blake McGuire; her parents; two brothers: James and Bradley Fransen; two half-sisters: Loretta and Amanda; great grandparents: Bev Murphy and Carol and Dale Huebner; mother-in-law: Kim Huebner; and father-in-law: Robert McGuire and Char Plucker. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Lyal Phillips, Rosalie LeDuc, and Loren Murphy; and special uncle: Charles Murphy.

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

Shirley B. Moore

OSAGE — Shirley B. Moore, 87, of Osage, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Shirley was born Feb. 15, 1925, in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Guy and Lucille (Smith) Buttolph. She graduated from Osage High School in 1942 and from Hamilton Business College in Mason City in 1943.

On Feb. 15, 1950, Shirley married Michael Moore at Sacred Heart Church in Osage.

Shirley was a legal secretary for Joe Sams for 12 years and also did tax work for Glen Crossman. She also worked at the Riceville Sale Barn. Shirley started in the Mitchell County Clerk of Court’s Office in 1968 as a deputy and was appointed clerk of court in 1974. In the 1980s, she lobbied for the state to take over the Clerk of Court offices. She was appointed to many committees and subcommittees as a representative for the Iowa State Association of Counties and served as President of the Association from 1981-1982. Shirley retired as the Mitchell County Clerk of Court in January of 2002. She was on the board of directors for the Elderbridge Agency on Aging from 2003-2009.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Shawna (Steve) Ferguson and their children, Guy and Taylor of Spokane, Washington; her three sons, Mark Moore of Osage, Kevin Moore of Indianola, and Brian (Vickie) Moore and their children, Nolan and Kate of Windsor, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Michael in 1984; and a sister, Beverly Ritter.

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

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home 641-732-3706.

Emily Block

MASON CITY — Emily Block, 99, of Mason City, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at Heritage Care and Rehab Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th Street N.W., with the Rev. Brent Hamilton officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the church service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Emily Block 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, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City IA 50401, 641-423-0924.

Marie G. Miller

Mason City — Marie G. Miller, 89, of Mason City died Tuesday, Jan.29, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. NE, Mason City, 641-423-2372, Colonial Chapels.com

Inez J. Ketchum

BELMOND — Inez J. Ketchum, 80, of Belmond, most recently a resident of the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, died Sunday, Jan. 27 2013, at the Rehabilitation Center in Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., today, Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the United Church of Rowan, 811 Pesch St., Rowan. Pastor Nancy Hofmeister will be officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., at the Belmond United Methodist Church, 1031 First Street S.E., and continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church in Rowan today.

Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Inez’s name may wish to consider the United Church of Rowan, Rowan Lions Club, Belmond-Klemme Scholarship Foundations I or II.

Inez Koenen, was born June 15, 1932, at her parents’ home in George. She was the second of nine children. The family moved to a home near Aplington, in December of 1940, when Inez was in second grade. She attended school in Aplington graduating with the class of 1950. Her high school years were filled with music and drama in which she won several awards.

Inez continued her education at Central College, Pella, and obtained an early childhood teaching degree. Teaching led her to school in Rowan, and to Bob Ketchum. They married on July 30,1954, at the Bethel Reformed Church, Aplington, and started their family the following year. The union was blessed with three children; Julie, Kevin, and Jody.

Inez took some years off from teaching to raise their three children and provide them with a loving and nurturing home. She later returned to her passion for teaching young people in 1962 at the Belmond Community Schools, where she taught for 30 years. Her assignments included first grade, second grade and Title 1 teacher.

Inez and her husband, Bob, were committed and involved community members in Rowan. Inez devoted much of her time to the Rowan community Church, as a singer, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Women’s Group member, and Bible Study participant. She and Bob also served for 13 years on the Unlimited Opportunities Board in Clarion. Inez had belonged to the “Come Join Us” Club and various other organizations over her life. The remainder of her free time was involved in her children’s and then grandchildren’s lives. She loved to travel with Bob and her family on various vacations and enjoyed family fishing excursions to Minnesota. Playing cards, especially, 500, Jokereno, Bridge, and Solitaire, was one her favorite past times. She also received great joy in pursuing her many hobbies, including traveling, baking wedding cakes, sewing, and entertaining family and friends. She loved to bird watch and could identify a bird by it’s song without even seeing it. She was an avid reader, had a keen interest in geology and loved music. Throughout her life she was a green thumb always raising a large flower and vegetable garden while on the farm.

After retiring, Inez and Bob became “Snow Birds.” They spent many winters at their residence in Harlingen, Texas, where they enjoyed numerous activities and countless friendships. In earlier years of their family, Inez, Bob, and the kids enjoyed the friendships and times they spent hosting foreign exchange students.

Those who had the honor of crossing in Inez’s life journey will remember her as a lady who was strong willed, believed in family values, promoted a strong education, boundless in her faith life, and was a good sport when it came to teasing by her husband and other family members. She loved others and treated both her family and strangers as if she had known them forever.

Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her daughters, Julie Ketchum, Belmond, Jody (Steve) Ketchum, Aurora, Colorado; son, Kevin (Marcia) Ketchum, Belmond; grandchildren, Nikki (Matt) Olson and their daughter, Lilly Olson, and Mark Ketchum. Her siblings, Vera Osland, Wayne (Judy) Koenen, Justin (Elaine) Koenen, Rita (Dick) Vanden Oever, Alta (Don) Fry, and Dennis Koenen, also many nieces and nephews.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob on June 23, 2010, and infant brother, David Koenen, and her brother, Paul Koenen.

Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, Iowa, 641-444-4474.

Roger Johnson

CHARLES CITY —Roger Johnson, 77, of Charles City, formerly of Hampton, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Funeral services for Roger Johnson will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the First Congregational Church in Charles City. Pastor Forrest Cornelius will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

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

Roger Dean Johnson was born Oct. 9, 1935, in Thornton, the son of John and Helen (Nicolet) Johnson. He graduated from Swaledale High School in 1955. On June 10, 1956, he was united in marriage to Nola Bredlow at the Swaledale Methodist Church. Over the years Roger farmed, ran the North Shore Standard Station in Clear Lake, drove truck until he retired at which time he enjoyed working for D&L Sanitation of Sheffield. He enjoyed driving tractors, especially his John Deere Model B which he and his wife, Nola, restored, taking his grandkids for rides on the Model B, socializing and solving world problems while drinking coffee, yard work, gardening, and his cats and dogs. Roger was a member of the First Congregational Church in Charles City.

Living family members include his wife Nola, of Charles City; children, Steve (Krystal) Johnson of Charles City, Connie (Kim) Weyant of Boone, Brian (Jessica) Johnson of Hampton; grandchildren, Garald (Jenny) Rivers, Josh Hovenga, Brandy Rivers, Jesse and Jared Johnson, Brandon, Chris, and Ashley Kew, Brayden, and Carter Johnson; great-grandchildren, Johnny, Ally, and Emma; siblings, Mavis (Marius) Floy of Thornton, Bob (Judy) Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona; sisters-in-law Letha (Keith) Markwardt, Myra (Dale) Karsjens, Vel (Jerry) Mondahl, and Marlene Bredlow; and many nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marlys Pitkin; and three brothers-in-law, Dennis, Delmer, and Duane Bredlow.

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.

Allan Gilbertson

FOREST CITY — Allan Gilbertson, 75, of Forest City, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark Street, Forest City, and continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Allan was born June 29, 1937, to Leonard and Olive (Tweeten) Gilbertson. He graduated from Forest City High School in 1955, Waldorf College in 1957 and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls.

He married Donna (Heitland) Gilbertson Nov. 26, 1958, and to this union three children were born, Mark, Dennis and Mary.

Al had an extraordinary career teaching high school advanced math, where he was a favorite teacher to many.

He coached almost every girls’ and boys’ sport at one time or another.

He taught in Wellsburg and Rolfe before returning home to Forest City in 1972. Al’s greatest passion was girls’ track and field. In Rolfe he coached two state championship teams in 1967 and 1968, when all schools were in one class. At Forest City, he coached several state champion events, and his teams won many conference championships. He was inducted into the Rolfe Athletic Hall of Fame and the Forest City Education Hall of Fame. He recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Forest City High School.

Al was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a former member of the Forest City Lions Club. He spent many summers doing exterior painting in the area. He painted with other teachers and also had a paint crew with his kids. He also enjoyed treasure hunting. You could see him all lover town with his metal detector looking for coins and treasures.

Al and Donna spent fourteen winters at Fiesta Village in Mission, Texas. They have many dear friends from Forest City and Fiesta Village.

Al was a devoted husband, a loving and caring father, and a proud and generous grandfather. He and Donna loved supporting their grandkids at their athletic and fine arts events.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, of 53 years; children Mark (Rita), Denny (Beth) all of Forest City, Mary (Scott) Meyer of Dougherty; grandchildren Robby, Reid, Holly and Bailey Gilbertson, Justin and Morgan Meyer, and step-granddaughter Alison Hagarty; a brother James (Karen) of Prairie Village, Kansas; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Shirley (Jerry) Higbee, Butch (Jean) Heitland, and (Gescha) Heitland, all of Lake Mills; many nieces and nephews, extended relatives, friends and former students.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Olive Gilbertson, in laws Edward and Marion Heitland, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Jim (Marilyn) Heitland, and Dave (Mae and Betty) Heitland.

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

Melvin Wilson Jr.
U.S. Navy  ( - 1978)

MASON CITY — Melvin Wilson Jr., 87, of Mason City died Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, at home.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with the Rev. Duane Miller, Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.

Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans Association.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at Major Erickson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Melvin Wilson Jr. Memorial Fund.

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

Melvin was born Nov. 1, 1925, in Fertile, the son of Melvin and Gladys (Jenkins) Wilson. He attended schools in Mason City. Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a cook for 24 years. He retired from the Navy in 1978. Following his retirement, he lived in St. Cloud, Minnesota, then moved to Mason City in 1997. In Mason City, he was a driver for North Central Lab for 10 years.

Melvin is survived by a niece, Lori Groth (Tom) Tierney of Minnetonka, Minnesota; nephew, Richard (Sharon) Groth) of Mason City; great nieces and nephews, Aron, Christopher, Megan, and Kelsie; great-great nephew, Andrew.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Dale Groth.

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

Elsie A. Koppen

Lakota — Elsie A. Koppen, 84, of Lakota, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, in Fairmont.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakota with the Rev. Dr. Elaine Siemsen officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Lakota.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakota and will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to www.oackrestfuneralservices.com.

Eunice Kuhn

CHARLES CITY — Eunice Kuhn, 86, of Charles City, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at her home.

Funeral services for Eunice Kuhn will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Bethany Alliance Church. Pastor Kent Sovine will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Hauser Funeral Home, and at the church an hour prior to the service.

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 30 January 2013

Ronald Ziegler

Mason City — Ronald Ziegler, 71, of Mason City died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at his home.

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

Emily Block

MASON CITY — Emily Block, 99, of Mason City, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at Heritage Care and Rehab Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thurs-day, Jan. 31, at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.W., with the Rev. Brent Hamilton officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the church service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

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

Emily was born Sept. 17, 1913, in Britt, the daughter of Henry and Emily (Herkes) Smidt. Emily was united in marriage to Walter Block in Britt. Over the years, she worked in housekeeping, and retired from the Sheraton at the age of 78.

Emily was a hard worker and self-sufficient. If there was a job to be done — she handled it herself. Emily enjoyed spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, taking care of her dog “Petey,” and her daily 10 a.m. tea time.

Emily is survived by her daughter, Loretta Johnson of Mason City; four grandchildren: Vern Johnson and wife, Julie, Vicki Davis and husband, Al, Val Smith, and Victor “Dirk” Johnson; eight great-grandchildren: Chris and wife, Amy, Misty, Nicky and husband, Eric, Sara and husband Brett, Cody (Laurie), Aurora (Tony), Brandi (Troy), and Dave (Jessica); 19 great-great-grandchildren: Bailey, Taylor, Jacob, Makayla, Braiden, Iliana, Miranda, Keagan, Ryan, Jared, Justin, Lauren, Nico, Jace, Deacon, Jaylah, Devlin, Amarea, and Sienna; four siblings: Helen Smidt, Geraldine Pitkin, George Smidt and Jenny Gorley. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1936; a daughter, Doris Block; and nine siblings: Hanselmen, Ole, Henry Jr., Louis, Ben, Ann, Lena, Alice and Fransis.

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

Paul. E. “Gene” Carse

FORT DODGE — Paul. E. “Gene” Carse, 80, of Fort Dodge, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at his home.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home with Hannah Hannover officiating. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery in Forest City at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

A visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Gene is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Fort Dodge; children, Kathy Dahlgren and her husband, Dave, of Clarion, Steve Carse and his wife, Bryce, of Altoona, Craig Carse of Columbus, Ga., Martha Hagar and her husband, Mark, of Fort Dodge, Jon Carse and his wife, Sandy, of LaGrange, Georgia, Jeff Carse and his wife, Kathy, of Williston, Florida, Laura Gobeli and her husband, Jon, of Mason City; 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great grandson due to join the family in May.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anna (Berger) Carse; and his daughter-in-law, Theresa Carse.

Paul Eugene Carse was born Oct. 28, 1932, in Kansas City, Mo. In 1939 he and his family moved to Forest City. He graduated from Forest City High School in 1951. He then attended Waldorf College for a year and then began working at Hanson Funeral Home in Forest City.

In 1952 Gene moved to Mason City, where he worked for McAuley Funeral Home. In July of that year, he met Phyllis Berk on a blind date. On Jan. 3, 1953, the couple was married at Holy Family Catholic Church.

They established their home in Mason City until the couple moved to Kansas City, Kansas. There, Gene attended K.C. College of Mortuary Science and graduated in 1954.

Gene then returned to McAuley Funeral Home in Mason City where he worked until August of 1956. They then moved to Forest City where he worked for Hanson Funeral Home and Furniture Store. In September of 1959 they moved to Fort Dodge where Gene worked for Bruce’s Funeral Home until May of 1984. He then worked for Palmer Funeral Home in Rockwell City until September 1994 and before he retired in 1999 Gene worked for Fosters Funeral Home in Webster City.

Gene was the past president of Forest City Jaycees, member of Fort Dodge Jaycees, and later Fort Dodge Civitan’s Club. Also he was a past member of the IFDA, Rockwell City Lion’s Club, Webster City Lions’ Club, and RSVP Birthday Club.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Shirley Marie Loux

CLEAR LAKE — Shirley Marie Loux, 90, 108 Wedgewood Drive, Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, Iowa, with Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and one hour preceding the service at Ward-Van Slyke. Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Shirley Marie Loux Memorial Fund.

Shirley was born Oct. 3, 1922, in rural Wright County near Woolstock, Iowa, the daughter of Rolla E. and Marie (Hilpipre) Lindsey. She attended rural schools there.

Shirley married Lloyd Loux, July 14, 1940, in Woolstock. They farmed in the Woolstock and Garner area. They had two children, Dennis and Diane. She worked at the Concord Care Center as a dietician for many years. They moved to Clear Lake in 1991.

Shirley really enjoyed working. She loved playing cards and “winning.” Her favorite hobby was “thrifting” and going to thrift stores around the area. They wintered in Arizona for more than 20 years. In 2009 she moved to her son and daughter-in-law’s where they have had many enjoyable card games.

Shirley is survived by her two children: Dennis (Virginia “Tootie”) Loux, Clear Lake, and Diane (Willard) Netland, Mesa, Arizona; six grandchildren: Valerie (John) Burtness, Clear Lake, Vonnie (Scott) Amosson, Clear Lake, Dino (Dawn) Loux, Clear Lake, Jeanne (Jerry Hanson) Helling, Dubuque, Jodi (Ron) Claydon, Mesa, Arizona, and Tammy (Kris) Burckhard, Mesa, Arizona; 14 great-grandchildren: Whitney and Colby Dye, Chase and Cameron Burtness, Jade and Myah Loux, Dustin and Tyler Claydon, Kameron Burckhard, Lisa and Nick Kies, Cody and Rebecca Wolter and Carter Hanson; three great-great grandchildren: Kinsey Andregg and Colton and Marinda Kies; one sister, Nadine Rapp, Clarion; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd (Sept 2, 2004); and brother, Everett Lindsay Jr.

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

James C. “Jim” Peterson

BELMOND — James C. “Jim” Peterson, 94, of Belmond, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Private family funeral services for Jim Peterson will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South, Belmond. Pastor Cindy Morrison will officiate.

Burial will take place in the Alexander Cemetery east of Alexander. Graveside military rites will be provided by the Belmond honor guard.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Dugger Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in James C. Peterson’s name to the family.

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

Posted on 31 January 2013 by Marie Thompson