Genevieve Palmerine (Butler) Johnson Methus

Northwood — Genevieve Palmerine (Butler) Johnson Methus, 97, Northwood, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.

A funeral service for Genevieve will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 18, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North Ninth Street, Northwood, with Pastor Judy Converse officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 4 until 6 p.m. at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, and will continue one hour prior to Genevieve’s service on Monday.

Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Genevieve’s name to First Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Retirement Home, both in Northwood.

Genevieve Palmerine (Butler) Johnson Methus, was born on January 20, 1916, the daughter of Palmer and Georgina (Knutson) Butler, in Kensett. She was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church in Kensett, and reaffirmed the faith of her baptism through confirmation at the Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Gen graduated from Northwood High School in 1934. She was united in marriage to Conrad Johnson on September 26, 1937, and lived northwest of town on the Johnson farm until 1966, when they moved to town. Conrad preceded her in death on July 12, 1986. Gen and Conrad were the parents of three foster children and two adopted children, Curtis and Sharyl. Gen spent 18 years working at Fleet Guard in Lake Mills.

She was united in marriage to Junior “Jay” Methus on September 5, 1993. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2006.

Gen enjoyed traveling, wintering in Arizona during the winter months, entertaining, and playing cards. As well as flower gardening, tending to her geraniums, and putting on hat shows with her sister, Shirley.

She was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church, the Julia Circle, Golden Tones Choir, and the Sorosis Club, all in Northwood.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Sharyl (Jim) Golway of, Santa Rosa, California; grandsons, Shawn Dahlstrom of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jon and Kyle Smith of Mason City; a great-granddaughter, Angela Dahlstrom of Kansas City; two sisters, Margaret Weingart of Manly, and Shirley (Norm) Olson of Northwood, as well as many nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members and friends.

Gen was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; son, Curtis Johnson; sister, Annette Miller; brothers, Earl, Melbourne, and Kenneth Butler; sisters-in-law, Luella and her husband, Reverend Orion Anderson, and Carmen Butler; and brothers-in-law, John Weingart and Don Miller.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 641-324-1543, ColonialChapels.com.

Melvin Schilling,

Charles City — Melvin Schilling, “Mr. Hy-Vee,” 90, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services for Melvin Schilling will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, and Tuesday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Melvin Henry Schilling was born on a farm five miles south of Charles City on February 2, 1923, to Emil and Myrtle (Osterhage) Schilling. On September 4, 1955, he married Kathleen Rex. This union was blessed with two children, Rex and Melody. Mel was raised on a farm. He worked at Shell and Farm Service Co-Op gas stations, Charles City drive-in theater, and Salsbury Laboratories. He spent many years bartending at the Moose Club, and Dave’s Restaurant in the old Cedar Mall. He worked for RJC Corporation before starting his 32 years of service at the Charles City Hy-Vee store. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Hy-Vee.” On Sundays you could find Mel ushering at St. John Lutheran Church where he was a lifetime member. He also was a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He volunteered as an escort at the FCMC. Mel enjoyed being around people more than anything else. He was “Uncle Sam” in the 4th of July parade each year, named “Mr. Shamrock” for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, recognized with a “Good Neighbor Award,” and in 2004 was honored as “America’s Hometown Hero.” For every holiday you could find Mel dressed up to match the holiday, especially the Halloween Spook Walk where all the children knew his name. He enjoyed planting flowers around his yard, and he also loved to dance. He never retired from working, always finding and bringing joy to those around him.

Mel is survived by his wife, Kathleen Schilling of Charles City; two children, Rex (Robin) Schilling of Charles City and Melody (Mark) Thompson of Rochester, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Heather Schilling and Jon Schilling of Charles City and Mallory Thompson of Rochester, Minnesota; six great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Demetra Schilling of Charles City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale and Roy Schilling; and his sister, Irma Volbrecht .

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.

Stella Kudej

BRITT — Stella Kudej, 88, of Britt, Iowa, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Stella Kudej will be held today, Saturday, March 16, 2013, at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 Third Street South East, in Britt, with Rev. Dennis Miller officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Duncan.

Visitation will be held on today, Saturday, March 16, 2013 one hour prior to services at the church.

Stella Lavonne Kudej, the daughter of Steven and Laura (Helgeson) Tschirki, was born April 12, 1924, on the family farm near Forest City. She was raised there and attended country schools. After her schooling, Stella did housekeeping for several families.

In January of 1956, Stella was united in marriage with Gene Kudej at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. The couple made their home in Britt. Stella worked at the old milk plant, Winnebago and finally in housekeeping at Westview Care Center before her retirement.

Stella was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and watching television. Stella loved spending time with her family, and she always left them with many hugs and kisses. She will be remembered as a very kind person who thoroughly enjoyed life and having a good time in general.

Stella is survived by her nephew and niece, Wayne and Becky Kudej of Britt; sister-in-law Florence Kudej of Madrid; aunt Mille Tschirki of Britt; along with several other nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene on April 9, 1973; 2 brothers-in-law: Bob and Don Kudej; and sister-in-law Gladys Kudej.

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

 Patricia K. Bastian

CLEAR LAKE — Patricia K. Bastian, 93, of Clear Lake, Iowa, formerly of Mason City, Iowa, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at the Sheffield Care Center in Sheffield.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Dr. Rhoda Preston of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Patricia Bastian Memorial Fund in care of the family.

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

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

Iris V. Burger

MANCHESTER, NewJersey — Iris V. Burger, 97, of Manchester, NewJersey, died Monday, March 11, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Iris Burger Memorial Fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Iris was born March 5, 1916, in Plainfield, NewJersey, the daughter of Henry and Louise (Gehrlein) Althenn. In 1934, she graduated from Hillside High Schoolin Hillside, NewJersey

Iris married Ernest J. Burger on October 14, 1939, at the Hillside Presbyterian Church in Hillside. After Ernest was honorably discharged from the military in 1952, the couple moved to Madison, NewJersey, where they raised their family. Over the years, Iris worked as a secretary for Propane Gas, Ciba Pharmaceuticals, and Applegate, Quinn & Magee Estate Planning-Madison, before her retirement in 1978. Iris enjoyed traveling abroad with her husband — including Sweden, Greece, Holland, Portugal, Italy, and the Caribbean. She also enjoyed taking weekend trips to the Jersey Shore to visit family and listening to Lawrence Welk. Iris was a Cub Scout leader and a member of the PTA.

Iris is survived by two children: Jeff Burger and wife Myrna of Mason City, and Diane Spieckerof Hampton, New Hampshire; six grandchildren: Michael Burger of Mason City, Kerry Furness and husband Jerry of Lebanon, Wisconsin, Jennifer McCoullgh of Glenville, Minnesota, Robin Viens of Epping, New Hampshire, Chris Spiecker of Ashland, Massachusetts, and Karen Sterl of Oberkappel, Austria; nine great-grandchildren; and one niece: Barbara (Caspersen) Perry and husband John of Tinton Falls, NewJersey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1994; and her sister, Arlene Krumbeigel.

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

Velma VanGerpen

DOWS — Velma VanGerpen, 80, of Dows, Iowa, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at the Clarion Wellness and Rehab Center.

Funeral services for Velma Van Gerpen will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 18, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows. Pastor Ron Nelson will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the Fairview Cemetery in Dows at a later date.

Visitation for Velma VanGerpen will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows and will continue one hour prior to services on Monday.

Dugger Funeral Home, 100 N. Lee St. in Dows is in charge of arrangements.

Dugger Funeral Home, Dows, 515-852-4134, www.duggerfunerals.com.

Wayne Norton Lawhorn

Northwood — Wayne Norton Lawhorn, 88, Northwood, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at his home.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the United Methodist Church, 1000 First Ave. N., Northwood, with Pastor Wendi Gillan officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S., Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Tuesday at the church.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 641-324- 1543, www.colonialchapels. com.

William R. “Bill” Harang

Lake Mills — William R. “Bill” Harang, 53, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at his home in rural Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18, at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, with Pastor David Schreiber officiating. Burial will be in Salem Memorial Cemetery, rural Lake Mills.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 17, 2013, from 3 until 6 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour before the service time on Monday.

You can contact the family with online condolences atwww.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, 641-592-0221.

Marjorie Ellen Miller

Clear Lake — Marjorie Ellen Miller, 83, 1616 N. Eighth Place, Clear Lake, Iowa, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating.

Visitation will be Monday, March 18, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, and one hour preceding the service at the church. Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake.

Memorials may be given to the Marjorie E. Miller Memorial Fund.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, 641-357-2193, ColonialChapels.com.

Posted on 16 March 2013

Gloria M. Dean

Rudd — Gloria M. Dean, 86, of Rudd, passed away suddenly on Friday, March 8, 2013, at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona.

A funeral service for Gloria will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 18, 2013, at Rudd United Methodist Church, 611 Sixth St., Rudd, with the Rev. Jerry Avise-Rouse and the Rev. Wendy Johannesen officiating. Following the funeral service, burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in rural Rudd.

A visitation will be held from 2 until 4 p.m., today, Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye Ave., Nora Springs IA 50458, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at the church.

Should friends desire, memorials may be left to the Rudd United Methodist Church.

Gloria Maxine Dean, daughter to Elmer and Rose Haberkorn Green, was born Sept. 15, 1926, in Little Cedar. She attended and graduated from Orchard rural school in 1944, where she enjoyed playing on the basketball team. Gloria worked for the telephone company in Osage for a few years before she was united in marriage to Clinton Dean on July 28, 1949. To this union, three children were born: Angela, Terry, Karla. Gloria was a full time homemaker and helped Clinton with the family farm for many years, before retiring in late the ’90s.

Gloria enjoyed crocheting, cooking, baking, reading, playing solitaire, traveling and played BINGO down at the park. Gloria and Clinton spent over sixteen years wintering in Arizona at their second home. Family was very important to her, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gloria was an active member at the Rudd United Methodist Church.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 63 years, Clinton Dean, Rudd; three children, Angela (Mike) Vest, Indianola, Terry (Leota) Dean, Rudd, and Karla (Tom) Swenson, Mason City; two grandchildren, Justin (Lacey) Dean and their children Ashlyn and Isaac of Olathe, Kansas; and Erin (Jason) Trask and their children Kayla and Kasey of Nora Springs; sister-in-law, May (Jerry) HIlsman of Austraila and her family; and some cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye Ave., Nora Springs, IA 50458, 641-749-2210, Colonial Chapels.com.

Velma VanGerpen

DOWS — Velma VanGerpen, age 80, of Dows passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at the Clarion Wellness and Rehab Center.

Funeral services for Velma VanGerpen will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday March 18, at First Lutheran Church in Dows. Pastor Ron Nelson will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the Fairview Cemetery in Dows at a later date.

Visitation for Velma Van Gerpen will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today, Sunday March 17, 2013, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Dugger Funeral Home, 100 N. Lee St. in Dows, is in charge of arrangements.

Velma, the daughter of William and Amelia Hipp Schroeder was born Nov. 9, 1932, on a farm near Williams. She grew up near Dows, where she attended country school through the seventh grade. Velma graduated from Dows High School in 1951.

Velma was united in marriage to Richard VanGerpen on Aug. 17, 1951. The couple was blessed with three children, Ricky, Cynthia and Garry. The couple lived their entire married life in Dows.

Velma was a pillar of the Dows community and served that position in numerous ways. Dick and Velma owned and operated the Dows Bowl, where Velma ran the kitchen and was very good at it. Velma often served over 100 for lunch. Lunch and coffee at the Bowl was always quick, generous, home-made and well worth the wait. From scratch coffee-cake, cinnamon rolls, and two soups were always on the menu.

She also excelled at retail sales, Velma was a fixture at the Dows Apparel. She also owned and operated Cindy’s Flowers, grooming numerous employees to be their best.

A devoted member of both the Presbyterian and Lutheran churches in Dows, Velma served as Sunday School superintendant and sang in an area-known spiritual quintet, the Lyn Quintet. The group sang often at churches and radio programs.

Velma was the queen of multi-tasking. She and her sister spent many a day, climbing ladders, hanging wall paper, painting walls of many homes in the community. She served as the head cook at the Dows School. A genuine care-giver, Velma gave of herself at the next door nursing home.

During these years Velma was also active in the Dows celebrations. She spearheaded committees and participated in all aspects of the celebrations. From orchestrating food to building booths, Velma took great joy in watching her efforts come to fruition. Velma’s passion for the past 20 years was working at the Dows Mercantile. She could do it all and do it with a smile and energy only Velma had. Name the club in Dows, and Velma had her part: Legion Auxiliary, Kensington Club, Corn Days, church ... only Velma could have spread herself so generously.

Of all her activities and achievements, nothing could ever come close to the importance she placed for her family and friends and deep love and respect she showed for each and everyone of them.

Velma is survived by her children, Rick VanGerpen and wife Sue, of North Bend, Washington, Cynthia VanGerpen Henn and husband, Lynn Henn of Gilbert, Garry VanGerpen and wife, Valerie of San Diego, California, three grandchildren, Cole VanGerpen, Brooke Henn and partner Andrew Hess, Jacob Henn and his wife, Rana Webber, two sisters, Arlene Montandon of Clarion, Erma Cullinan of Clarion, three brothers, Wilbur Schroeder of Dows, Harold Schroeder and wife, Lannie of Morrison, Colo., Melvin Schroeder and wife, Josie of Fort Dodge, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Dick in 2004, and brother, Walter.

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

Wayne Norton Lawhorn

Northwood — Wayne Norton Lawhorn, 88, Northwood, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at his home in Northwood.

A memorial service and celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the United Methodist Church, 1000 First Ave. N., Northwood, with Pastor Wendi Gillan officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. S., Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Tuesday at the church.

Wayne Norton Lawhorn was born Feb. 24, 1925, in Garner, the son of Clarence and Ruby (Morse) Lawhorn. Wayne attended the Garner Community School, graduating from Garner High School in 1942. After his schooling, he farmed on the family farm in rural Garner. He was united in marriage to Frances “Fran” Lechelt on Sept. 12, 1947, in Britt, and to this marriage they were blessed with three daughters, Linda, Julie and Joan. After their marriage, the family moved to Northwood in 1961, and Wayne began working for George Kesler at Veterans Petroleum in Northwood, later called Thermogas, until he retired in 1987.

After his retirement in 1987, Wayne enjoyed helping his son-in-law’s farm. After 10 years into retirement, Wayne began working for Menards in Mason City until his second retirement. While at Menards, Wayne enjoyed helping and visiting with his customers.

Wayne enjoyed singing in the Barber Shop Chorus, the Minor Leaguers Quartet, singing solos, woodworking, boating, fishing, and in his earlier years hunting, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren.

Wayne was a member of the Northwood United Methodist Church, Board of Trustees at the church, church choir, Garner Jaycees, Northwood Lions Club, River City Barbershop Chorus, and Minor Leaguers Quartet.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Fran Lawhorn of Northwood; children, Linda (Chuck) Myhre of Northwood, Julie (Denny) Hauge of Ronan, Montana, and Joan (David) Peterson of Northwood; his grandchildren, Kim Myhre of Mason City, Megan (Brian) Burke of Des Moines, Darcy (John) Corley of Polson, Montana, Luke Hauge of Ronan, Montana, Amanda (Don) Frost of Janesville, Wisconsin, Micah (Heather) Peterson of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, Nathan (Katie) Peterson of Lakeville, Minnesota, and Dalton Peterson of Ames; his great-grandchildren, Gabriel Burke, Trevor Corley, Emilie Corley, Mckenna Corley, and Alyssa Peterson; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Joanne (George) Kesler of Northwood, and Ron (Nancy) Lechelt of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Ginny Lechelt of Park Rapids, Minnesota; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Gladys and Evelyn; and his brother-in-law, Merrill Lechelt.

Conner Colonial Chapel, 641-324-1543, www.colonialchapels. com.

Robert Allen Davis

MASON CITY — Robert Allen Davis, 73, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2013, with his family by his side at the IOOF Nursing Home in Mason City.

Robert was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor in December and fought a courageous 13-week battle.

Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial to the Robert A Davis Memorial Trust in care of his wife Eloise. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Robert was born March 15, 1939, to Russell and Vivian (Cunningham) Davis. Along with brother, Jim and sister, Nancy the Davis Family also lived in Cresco and Perry, Iowa. Robert graduated from Perry High School in 1957 and attended Parsons College in Fairfield, where he participated in track and football and was a vocal and trumpet major. Robert received his master’s degree in vocal music from Drake University in 1967.

Robert was united in marriage to Eloise (Soma) on June 9, 1963, in Belmond. This June Robert and Eloise would have celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Robert was the vocal music instructor at Belmond and Boone High School before he became the director of choral activities at North Iowa Area Community College in 1974. During his tenure at NIACC, he was instrumental in changing the lives of countless students. He was a teacher, mentor, role model, father figure and friend. Robert retired from NIACC in 2001.

Robert is responsible for creating NIACC Singers, North Iowa Choral Society and Quodlibet. He managed the NIACC Auditorium for many years. He served as the president of the North Central Choral Directors. He was instrumental in starting the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) and the ICDA Summer Symposium held in Mason City every summer. Robert also held many positions in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and was a former member of the North Iowa Concert Band. He organized the Pride of Iowa Choral which traveled and performed throughout Europe in the 1980s. Robert served on the NIACC Board of Directors from 2007 to 2012 and also on the Board of Directors of Stebens Children’s Theatre. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church from 1974-2012 where he often volunteered as an usher, reader, musician and board member. Robert received the Robert McGowan Award for education excellence in 1988 and the Iowa Outstanding Music Educator Award in 1995. Robert judged music contest for Iowa All State for many years.

Robert enjoyed anything NIACC-related. He was found at numerous NIACC events, but especially enjoyed supporting the athletic program. He was once referred to as the “unofficial assistant men’s basketball coach”. Most recently you could find him spending time on the track and visiting with the NIACC coaching staff. He enjoyed volunteering as the ticketmaster for the sporting events. Robert was an avid runner and was always proud of his daily four miles. Robert greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He appreciated good food, a good Toyota, any dog, lounging in the sun and a dandelion-free yard.

Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years Eloise; son, Paul Davis of Mason City; daughter, Kristin (Brian) Hummel of Fort Myers, Florida; daughter, Andrea (John) Crites also of Fort Myers; brother, Jim (Madonna) Davis of Minneapolis; sister, Nancy (Will) Rathert of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Sydney and Jordan Hummel, Alexia and Kayla Davis and Gabe Helland; step-grandchildren, several in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Vivian Davis.

A post-memorial gathering celebration will be held Saturday, March 23, 5:15 p.m. at the Historic Park Inn, 7 W. State St., Mason City, in the lower level lounge and wine room.

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

Patricia (Kirk) Bastian

CLEAR LAKE — Patricia (Kirk) Bastian, 93, of Clear Lake, formerly of Mason City, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2013, at the Sheffield Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Dr. Rhoda Preston of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

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

Patricia (Pat) was born on July 3, 1919, to Dorothy M. (Marston) and Roger Kirk. She was born on the family farm south of Mason City, and her grandfather, Dr. Marston, helped with her delivery. Pat attended Mason City schools and graduated from Mason City High School. After high school, she attended the University of Iowa to study Art. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Pat married William (Bill) Bastian in January 1942. She was a homemaker for many years, and she and Bill had three children, Michael (Leoma) Bastian, Stephanie (John) Ball, and Erin (Dennis) Phillips. After Bill retired, Pat worked at Lundberg’s Department Store in clothing sales. She enjoyed this line of work and customers often requested her expertise.

Pat had nine grandchildren: Kate and Joe Ball, Jennifer and Scott Bastian, Todd Newton, Niki, Summer, Ben and Dan Zickefoose. Pat had fifteen great grandchildren, twelve boys and three girls.

In Pat’s earlier years, she loved swimming and horseback riding. In later years, Pat enjoyed bird watching, gardening, painting, entertaining friends and family, and reading books on the peaceful wraparound porch of her beloved family cottage on the South Shore of Clear Lake. Pat was known for her love of the color green and for signing letters and cards with her signature phrase, “oodles of love.”

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her younger brother, Charles (Chuck) Kirk, and a younger sister, PollyAnn K. Mersky.

Pat is survived by an older sister, Dorothy K. Leuken, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

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

Marjorie Ellen Miller

Clear Lake — Marjorie Ellen Miller, 83, 1616 N. Eighth Place, Clear Lake, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Visitation will be Monday, March 18, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, and one hour preceding the service at the church. Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake.

Memorials may be given to the Marjorie E. Miller Memorial Fund.

Marjorie was born in Mason City, Iowa, July 14, 1929, the daughter of Harry Carl and Lottie Pearle (Willis) Young. At an early age her father died. Marjorie’s mother remarried Edwin Schultz and he raised her as his daughter. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1947. She married Richard K. Miller June 7, 1947, in Albert Lea, Minnesota They lived in Mason City for 5 years and later settled in Clear Lake where they raised their family. She worked for many years at Mode-O-Day and Rockwell International (that became FRC) in Mason City until she retired at age 82.

Her faith and family were very important to her and she lived her life with these convictions and beliefs. She was the rock of her family and friends. Hobbies included crocheting, sewing, reading and taking a walk every day. Marjorie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.

Marjorie is survived by her five children Richard Miller, Des Moines, Iowa, Charles (Marilyn) Miller, Hamilton, Illinois, Paul Miller, Ankeny, Iowa, Susan Miller, Clear Lake, and David (Connie) Miller, Mason City; nine grandchildren Pamela (James) Patrick, Danielle (Jon) Vollbracht, Scott Miller and his life partner Brianna West, Joshua Miller and his life partner Elizabeth Lantz, Timothy (Shannon) Miller, Laura (Marc) Cahalan, Brian Miller and his special friend Chantal Jamaica, Max (Chris) Bumgardner, Jason (Heather) Bumgardner; twenty two great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters Delores (James) Harner, LuVerne, Minnesota, Beverly Hall, Sioux City, Iowa, and Maxine Hull, Mason City; brother Ronald (Donna) Schultz, Urbandale, Iowa; sister-in-law Rose Schultz, Northwood, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews.

The family wants to give special thanks to Dr. Vemula, Dr. Mixdorf and Deb Groath for the wonderful medical care and also her daughter Susan for her loving and dedicated home care.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Larry Schultz, grandson Jarrod Miller and two brothers-in-law George Hall and L. Perry Hull.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, 641-357-2193, ColonialChapels.com.

Joan Brunsvold

HAMPTON — Joan Brunsvold, 69, of Hampton, formerly of Falls City, Neb., died Friday March 15, 2013, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services for Joan Brunsvold will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander. Pastor Phil Arnold and Ken Draper will officiate. Burial will take place in the Graceland Cemetery in Webster City.

Visitation for Joan Brunsvold will be held from 9 until service time on Tuesday at the church.

Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane S. in Belmond, is in charge of arrangements.

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

Glenn Hubert Stohr

Charles City — Glenn Hubert Stohr, 89, of Charles City, died on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at County Care Manor in La Vernia, Texas.

Online condolences may be left at www.fullertonfh.com.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main St., Charles City. The Rev. Dennis Niezwagg will officiate. Interment will follow at Sunnyside Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 20, at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, 641-228-4211, www.fullertonfh.com.

Anna “Millie” Tschirki

FOREST CITY — Anna “Millie” Tschirki, 100, of Forest City died Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 18, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City with the Rev. Jerald Swanberg and the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Inurnment will be in Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Anna “Millie” Tschirki Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, IA 50436.

Anna Mildred Tschirki, the daughter of Gus and Ida (Burseth) Hagen, was born March 12, 1913, on a farm near Forest City. She attended Forest City Community Schools and helped her family and neighbors on the farm. Later on, she moved to town and worked at a restaurant. On Dec. 16, 1933, she was married to Christian Julius Tschirki at the Lutheran Church parsonage in Forest City. They farmed in the Hayfield area until 1972, when they moved into Forest City. Millie helped serve for some special events at Waldorf College, worked at The Doughnut Shop on Main Street in Forest City with her sister, Violet, and also was employed at the Forest City school cafeteria. She enjoyed crocheting, baking, gardening, shopping, playing cards and dancing.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City, UMW, Forest City Senior Citizens and several card clubs.

Millie is survived by her two children, Donna Nedved of Britt and Robert (Mandy) Tschirki of Denver, Colorado; six grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Christian, in 1985; her parents; son-in-law, Don Nedved; three sisters, Gladys Anderson, Violet Tschirki and Alice Thorson; and a brother, Gordon Hagen.

Millie and Christian enjoyed and loved their family very much and were always there for them. Millie will be well remembered by her relatives and friends.

Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark St., Forest City, IA 50436, 641-585-2685 www.petersenlundfh.com.

Richard Balk, Sr.

ALGONA — Richard Balk, Sr., 93, of Algona, died Friday March 15, 2013, at the Algona Good Samaritan Care Center.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona with the Rev. Ed Girres officiating. Burial will be in the St. Benedict Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at Lentz Funeral Home in Algona, with a 6 p.m. rosary and a 7:30 p.m. scripture service.

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Lentz Funeral Home, 515-295-2622.

Doris A. Murphy

Vancouver, Washington — Doris A. Murphy, 95, of Vancouver, Washington, and a long-time resident of Mason City, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013.

Doris Adeline (Fisher) Murphy was born June 21, 1917, to parents Forrest Fisher and Emma (Schaub) Fisher in Forest City. Doris joined three older brothers and eventually helped to raise eight more siblings of the Fisher family in Thompson.

Doris married Frank Murphy on Nov. 24, 1936. She and Frank welcomed three children, Barbara (Murphy) Brokop, Gary, Westchester, California, and Roger (now deceased) and formerly of Columbus, Ohio.

Doris worked in retail sales for many years and later earned a real estate license in Portland, Ohio. She and Frank moved to Aurora, Colorado, for about four years and then moved on to Portland, Oregon. She worked in retail sales and later in real estate. Doris lost Frank in 1982 and continued to work until she was 70 years.

Doris moved to Vancouver, Washington She was active in Salmon Creek United Methodist church.

Doris left us while residing at Caretique in Vancouver, Washington

She was laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, Washington, on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

Ronald Roy Brandt

RICEVILLE — Ronald Roy Brandt, 55, of Gillespie, Illinois, formerly of Riceville, died on Tuesday March 12, 2013, at the St. Francis Hospital, in Litchfield, Illinois.

Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville on Thursday March 21, 2013, during the hours of 1 to 3 p.m.

Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville after the visitation with the Rev. Candraeah Carey officiating.

Lindstrom Funeral Home, 401 E. Main St., Riceville, 641-985-2242.

Shirley Darlene Johnson

DUMONT — Shirley Darlene Johnson, 82, of Bristow, died Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the Dumont Wellness Center in Dumont, Iowa.

Funeral service be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday March 21, at the Church of Christ in Bristow.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 20, from 4-7 p.m. at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont. Burial will take place at the Oak Hill cemetery in rural Bristow, Iowa. Pastor Justin Briney will officiate.

Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home, Dumont, 641-456-3232, www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.

 Donald F. Ruffridge

MASON CITY — Donald F. Ruffridge, 93, of Mason City, formerly Northwood, died Friday March 15, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with the Rev. Janet Dorenkamp, chaplain, Hospice of North Iowa officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Plymouth, Iowa.

Family suggests memorials to Donald F. Ruffridge Memorial Fund.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, 641-357-2193.

Wilma Johnson

OSAGE — Wilma Johnson, 102, of Osage, died Friday, March 15, 2013, at Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church.

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

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

Posted on 17 March 2013

Joan Brunsvold

BELMOND — Joan Brunsvold, age 69, of Hampton, previously of Falls City, Nebraska, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services for Joan Brunsvold will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander. Pastor Phil Arnold and Kenny Draper will officiate. Burial will take place in the Graceland Cemetery in Webster City at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Visitation for Joan Brunsvold will be held from 9 a.m. until service-time on Tuesday at the church.

Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond, is in charge of arrangements.

Joan Elizabeth, the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth Hoover Draper, was born on April 15, 1943. She was raised on a farm outside of Alexander, Iowa, and was a proud member of the Alexander High School class of 1961 and recently had attended her 50-year class reunion.

Joan spent many years living and raising her family in Belmond. Once her family was raised, Joan followed her husband Don to Falls City, Neb., and worked with him at Boss Trailers until his death in 1990.

Joan chose to stay in this community and here she met her soul mate, Charlie Malcolm. Joan and Charlie enjoyed the next 20 years together.

Joan and Charlie like boating on the Missouri River, spending the weekends at the cabin in Rulo and spending time with the River Rats Boat Club. Together they loved watching and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and cherished every moment spent with her two grandchildren. Joan volunteered many hours for the Richardson County Humane Society.

Joan will be deeply missed by her daughters, Annette Hargadine (Sam) of Iowa City and Tammy Schimp (Mike) of Hampton; son, Mitchell Peddicord; two grandchildren, Bryce and Molly Schimp of Hampton; two brothers, Marvin and Eugene (Judy) Draper of Alexander; and two nephews, Ken (Jodi) Draper and Michael (Julie) Draper; and several great- nieces and great-nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don Brunsvold, niece Jacki Anderson and her special friend, Charlie Malcolm.

Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South, Belmond, Iowa 50421, 641- 444-3248, www.duggerfunerals.com.

Posted on 18 March 2013

Edward Boyken

TITONKA — Edward Boyken was born Sept. 26, 1915. His final wish for The Lord to take him to his eternal home was granted on Friday, March 15, 2013.

Ed loved his community, was very thankful for his very long and rewarding life, and his strong faith supported him throughout all of his days. Ed loved to have family members participate with him in the reading of the Bible and his daily devotional book. Each night Ed would say a prayer to himself and end it with the words “The Lord is good, and his mercy endureth forever. Blessed be the word of The Lord.” The Lord truly did bless Ed throughout his more than 97 years of life.

Ed was the first born child of William and Martha (Fritz) Boyken. He was raised in Titonka and received his elementary and secondary education in the Titonka schools. He was an outstanding high school athlete and was active in numerous extracurricular activities. He attended Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, for two years before joining his father at the Titonka Savings Bank in 1934, initially serving as the bank’s cashier. Ed held the office of President of Titonka Savings Bank from 1959 to 1984, when he assumed the office of Chairman of the Board. In his later years, Ed continued to serve the bank as director emeritus. At the time of his passing, Ed was the longest serving banker in the State of Iowa having been associated with the Titonka Savings Bank for nearly 79 years.

As a lifelong resident of Titonka, Ed was active in many phases of community life, and he especially enjoyed his years of playing on the town baseball team in the 1930s and 1940s.

In 1968 he received a citation as Outstanding Civic Leader for outstanding service and for innumerable terms of office in the various organizations and institutions of the community. Ed served as scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop, was an active member of the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce, served terms in the Titonka City Council, served as treasurer and later secretary to the Titonka School Board and also served as treasurer of Good Hope Lutheran Church. He also taught Sunday School for many years and served as a volunteer fireman for several decades.

Ed spearheaded numerous projects for community development and progress with untiring contributions of time, talent, physical labor and generous financial support. Notable among community achievement was his effort in the construction of the Titonka Swimming Pool in the 1960s for which he worked a full day of labor every third day. Ed also worked actively to support the development of the Titonka Care Center and served for a number of years on the Titonka Care Center Board. In his final days, it was the Titonka Care Center that provided excellent and nurturing care for Ed.

Ed was married to J. Clarine Johnson of Ellsworth, on June 28, 1939, and they were blessed to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in 2009, shortly before Clarine’s death in August of the year.

Ed and Clarine had five sons: Allan (Joy) Boyken, who currently serves a President and CEO of Titonka Savings Bank; Jeff (Carolyn) Boyken of Viera, Florida; Dr. Mark (Barbra) Boyken of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; Karl (Diane) Boyken of Iowa City, and Quentin (Inez) Boyken of West Des Moines.

Ed is survived by his five sons, his 11 grandchildren (Aaron, Marshall, Lucas, Wade, Grant, Jon, Steven, Frances, Edward, Dr. Scott and Eric), 15 great grandchildren, his sister Verdene Ryder, and his brother William Boyken, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife Clarine, his parents William and Martha Boyken, his parents-in-law Jesse and Mathilda Johnson of Ellsworth, Iowa, and his brothers, Arthur and Neal Boyken.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Titonka with the Rev. Wayne Garman officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Titonka.

Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time at the church. Oakcrest Funeral Services of Titonka is in charge of arrangements.

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

Deacon Nicholaus “Nick” Schmit

BELMOND — Deacon Nicholaus “Nick” Schmit, 90, of Belmond, died Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Nick Schmit will be held on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1207 Third St. N.E., in Belmond, with Archbishop Jerome Hanus officiating.

Visitation will be held today, Tuesday, March 19, from 4 until 7 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1207 Third St. N.E., in Belmond. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

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

 Wilma Johnson

OSAGE — Wilma Johnson, 102, of Osage, died Friday, March 15, 2013, at Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage with the Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday at the church.

Wilma was born Sept. 9, 1910, in Cedar Township, rural Osage, the daughter of Gustav and Alvina (Hartwig) Troge. She graduated from Osage High School.

On June 28, 1933, at St. John’s Lutheran in Cedar Township, rural Osage, she was united in marriage to Ingvald Johnson.

Wilma was a lifelong resident of Osage, and lived at Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for the past 13 years. She worked alongside her husband in his painting and interior decorating business until his death in 1970. Wilma was very active in her church, and volunteered with the Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, disaster relief programs, and served as chair of the nursing home’s resident council.

Her life was characterized by her willingness to help, support, and give of herself freely to all in need. Wilma’s family and friends will remember the touch of her love, warmth, and guidance she provided in their lives.

Wilma is survived by her two daughters, Delores Swan of Antioch, Illinois, Nadine Giannopoulos of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; two grandchildren, Andreas (Liz) Giannopoulos of London, U.K., and their children James and Alexander, Effie (Stephen) DuPlantis of Dallas, Texas and their children Remy and Andre; a sister, Darlene Lorence of Osage; nieces and nephew, Diane (Ron) Thompson, Craig (Jody) Lorence, Debra Lorence; great-niece and nephews, Heather Thompson, Robert (Robby) Waters, Jerry Waters, Jody Staff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ingvald; sisters, Hildegard Staff, Hulda Troge, Verena Waters; sons-in-law, John Swan, Pericles Giannopoulos; brothers-in-law, Hans Staff, Vinton Waters, Carl Lorence; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

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

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

Posted on 19 March 2013

Ann M. Becker

Algona — Ann M. Becker, 63, died Monday, March 18, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minn.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona, with Father Edward M. Girres officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Algona.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona with a Scripture Prayer Service beginning at 7:30 p.m.

www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

Gilbert “Skip” Fleming

Charles City — Gilbert “Skip” Fleming, 95, of Charles City, died Monday, March 18, 2013, at Green Hills Retirement Community in Ames.

Private graveside services will be conducted at Elmwood Cemetery by Adas Israel Synagogue in Mason City. A memorial service will be held in late June.

Gilbert “Skip” Charles Fleming was born on January 24, 1918, in Elroy, Wisconsin, the son of Gilbert and Nina (Florence) Fleming. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse and later the University of Minnesota.

On August 11, 1948, he was united in marriage to Rose Basuk in Chicago, Illinois.

Over the years Skip built homes, worked for an aircraft construction company in San Diego, and Oliver/White Farm. He was a passionate sports fan; and an athlete himself — scoring the most points in a high school basketball game in the state of Wisconsin in 1936 —16 of the team’s 29 points. His high school football coach called him the “toughest player he ever coached.” He loved the Minnesota Twins and Vikings and learned from his sons that this state’s true colors are really Cardinal and Gold and not Black and Gold. He treasured the time spent with his family during football and basketball game weekends in Ames.

In addition, Skip loved to listen to big band music, garden, and read. However, his absolute favorite times were the family trips to Lake Vermillion, Minnesota, where he had previously worked as a dock boy after college.

Although Skip did not complete his degree program at the University of Minnesota, he had an intense passion for higher education and strongly pushed his sons to academically achieve. Between the three of them they had 35 years of higher education after high school graduation, and was very proud of the Phi Beta Kappa keys they earned while at Iowa State University. He was equally proud of the current high academic achievements accomplished by his grandchildren Leanne, Bradley, and Dane.

Living family members include his sons, Dr. Jon Fleming of Ames, Dr. Jim (Raphael) Fleming of Arcadia, Oklahoma, and Jerry (Rhonda) Fleming of Boston, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Leanne, Bradley, and Dane.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rose on October 11, 1999, and his siblings Jerry and Ruth.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Iowa State University Foundation — Gilbert Fleming Account, 2505 University Boulevard, P.O. Box 2230, Ames, IA 50010-2230.

Skip will be dearly missed by his family and the many friends he made in Charles City, and more recently in Ames.

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.

Edna Petzoldt

Newell — Edna Petzoldt, 84, of Newell, died March 18, 2013, at the Newell Good Samaritan Center in Newell.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery.

Visitation will take place today, Wednesday, March 20, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell.

The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.

Dennis Dean Loomer

Austin, Texas — Dennis Dean Loomer, 80, of 12429 Scofield Farms Drive, Austin, Texas, formerly of Mason City, Iowa, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Park Bend Health Center.

Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Cooke-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. Services will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor John Hirsch officiating.

Memorials appreciated to the American Cancer Society and The Alzheimer’s Association.

James Richardson

Algona — James Richardson, 70, of Algona, died Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines.

Funeral services are pending.

Condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Lentz Funeral Home, 515-295-2622.

 Deacon Nicholaus “Nick” Schmit
U.S. Navy   WWII

BELMOND — Deacon Nicholaus “Nick” Schmit, 90, of Belmond, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Nick Schmit will be held today, Wednesday, March 20, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1207 Third Street North East, in Belmond, with Archbishop Jerome Hanus officiating.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 19, from 4 until 7 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1207 Third Street North East, in Belmond. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Nicholaus Sylvester, the son of Nicholaus and Elizabeth (Olinger) Schmit was born February 13, 1923, in Osmond, Nebraska. Nick was one of 13 children.

Nick graduated from Atkinson High School in Nebraska before attending Wayne State College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1950. He later spent his summers earning his Master’s Degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Nick served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Mississippi during World War II, where he was a fire control man and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Nick was united in marriage to Patricia Prawit on August 25, 1949. To this union eight children were born.

Nick held various teaching positions, beginning at Chambers, Nebraska, followed by Ord, Nebraska, Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado, and at Bemidji State University in Minnesota. He left teaching for about a year before returning to teach in Michigan and Council Bluffs.

Nick later ran a home fire safety business for 14 years before returning to teaching full-time in Belmond in 1978, where he taught Industrial Arts until his retirement in 1990.

Building on his lifelong hobby of woodworking, upon his retirement from teaching, Nick ran a cabinet shop on Main Street in Belmond for about five years. Nick also enjoyed golfing, skiing, walking, playing bridge, and stopping by Mark’s construction sites.

Nick was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, and was ordained as a Deacon in the church in 1984, and served at many Masses and funerals. In this capacity, he taught baptism classes for new parents, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the VFW.

Nick is survived by his wife, Pat, of Belmond; children, Nicholette (Lee) Barbee of Denver, Colorado, David Schmit of Chicago, Illinois, Jane (Jim) Kennedy of Lone Jack, Missouri, Paula Schmit of Little Falls, Minnesota, Jill (Brian) Hall of Ooltewah, Tennessee, Virginia (Rick) Anderson of Boone, Sue (Brian) Symens of Hampton, and Mark (Stephanie) Schmit of Belmond; thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Betty, Catherine, Leona and Eleanor; brothers John, Richard, George, and Ben; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Ann and Rosemary, and brothers Clarence, Mike, and Raymond.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.

Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, Clarion, 515-532-2233, www.ewingfh.com.

 Donald F. Ruffridge
U.S. Army   WWII

MASON CITY — Donald F. Ruffridge, 93, formerly of Northwood, Iowa, died Friday March 15, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday March 23, 2013, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, Iowa, with Chaplain Janet Dorenkamp of Hospice of North Iowa officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Plymouth, Iowa. Visitation will be Saturday one hour before the service. Military honors will be provided by Tabbert Hallatz Post No. 616, Grafton American Legion.

Memorials may be directed in Donald’s name to Hospice of North Iowa.

Donald was born October 12, 1919, in rural Grafton, Iowa, the son of Henry Oscar and Myra Jane (Graves) Ruffridge. He attended school in Grafton and then helped on the family farm. He enlisted in the United States Army and served during World War II. Following the service, he came back to the Grafton area and worked on various farms. He moved from the farm, on November 1, 1998, to the Viking Manor Apartments in Northwood.

He was a resident of Northwood Pines Assistant Living from October 1, 2010, until just recently when he moved to the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City, Iowa.

He was a member of Tabbert Hallatz Post No. 616 Grafton American Legion.

He is survived by nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the nurses of Hospice of North Iowa and Good Shepherd Health Center for the wonderful care he was given.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Harvey, Myron and Lloyd Ruffridge and three sisters Lucille Van Orden, Ruth Millis and Pearl Grundel.

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

Toni Marie Buck

Nora Springs — Toni Marie Buck, age 51, of Nora Springs, and formerly of Mitchell, died Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage with Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Mitchell, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.

Toni was born March 18, 1961, in Osage, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Stella (O’Rourke) Barrett. She received an A.A. degree from North Iowa Area Community College. On March 17, 2007, she married Randall Buck at the Old Stone Methodist Church in Rock Falls. Toni enjoyed her family.

Toni is survived by her husband, Randall Buck of Nora Springs; three children, Esther (Michael) Murphy and children, Kaleb and Emma, Elizabeth Gray, and Thomas Barrett, all of Tomball, Texas; three stepchildren, Corey Buck of Klemme, Dustin (Laila) Buck and son, Sully, of Clear Lake, and Alissa Buck of Clear Lake; mother, Stella Barrett of San Benito, Texas; brothers and sisters, Michael (Janis) Barrett of Williamsburg, Virginia, Peggy House of Longview, Washington, Danial Barrett of Brownsville, Texas, and Sheila Barrett of San Benito, Texas; father-in-law, Virgle Buck of Worthington, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas, her brother, Patrick Barrett; two infant brothers; mother-in-law, Joyce Buck; and brothers-in-law, Fred Buck and Richard House.

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

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

Posted on 20 March 2013