John Thomas "Tommy" Koehler

FOREST CITY-- John Thomas "Tommy" Koehler, age 69, of Forest City died Sunday, September 29, 2013, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2013, at Petersen Lund Funeral Home 505 N Clark Street in Forest City Iowa.

Graveside Services will follow visitation at Grant Township Cemetery in rural Woden, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be directed to the Good Samaritan Society.

John Thomas "Tom" Koehler was born in 1943, the son of Harley and Anne (Madson) Koehler. Anne later married Allan Hanna and John lived with them on a farm near Woden, Iowa. John went to rural one room school until he started eighth grade at Woden Schools. He was a 4-H member and showed sheep and rabbits at the Winnebago County fair. He also attended Grant Lutheran Church. John graduated from Woden-Crystal Lake High School.

After high school he drove truck for Marting Manufacturing in Britt, hauling hog feeders throughout the United States. John went to a school in Omaha for training in Autobody Repair. He was employed by Pritchard Auto of Britt after graduating from the Omaha school.

He lived in California for 2-3 years before returning to the Ames area where he worked for Benson Motors. Later in his working career, John worked as a nursing aide at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

John was diagnosed with schleroderma in his mid-50s, which eventually was a leading cause for his death. John was preceded in death by his grandparents, his biological father, a sister, Patricia and his step- father.

He is mourned by his mother, Anne Hanna; his siblings, Carol Neal and Paul Hanna; his sister- in- law, Jeanette Hanna; and his niece and great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express gratitude to all those who cared for John over the years at Mercy Medical Hospital, Good Samaritan Care Center, Nora Springs Care Center, and most recently Hospice of Northern Iowa. His care givers were also family to him and he enjoyed his interactions with them.

Petersen Lund Funeral Home,Forest City, IA; 641-585-2685; www.petersenlundfh.com

Ethelyn Marjorie Snyder

WAVERLY -- Ethelyn Marjorie Snyder, 92, of Waverly, Iowa, and formerly of Manly and Cedar Falls, Iowa, died on Monday, September 30, 2013, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly.

Ethelyn was born on August 3, 1921, on a farm near Ostrander, Minnesota, the daughter of Chester and Bessie Hendrickson. She graduated from Manly High School in 1940 and continued her education by earning a degree from Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa.

Ethelyn was united in marriage to Elmer “Ham” Snyder on July 6, 1945, in Long Beach, California. Elmer died on August 12, 2007.

Ethelyn was head of the stenographic pool at the University of Northern Iowa for many years. She was very active in The Polka Club of Iowa, and during Ethelyn & Ham’s retirement years they loved snow-birding out west.

Ethelyn is survived by two daughters: Linda Anderson of St. Louis, Missouri, and Susan (Rod) Rowland of Waverly, Iowa; three granddaughters: Randi Sue (Alec) Sanders of Idaho, Lori Anderson of California, and Ravyn Rowland of California; one brother, Vergil (Jeannette) Hendrickson of Kankakee, Illinois, and one sister, Winifred Dickinson of Manly, Iowa; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a great grandson Justin King, and a great granddaughter Ruthie Mae Sanders.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Chapel, Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly, Iowa. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City, Iowa, following the service.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at Kaiser Corson Funeral Home in Waverly, IA, and also an hour prior to the service at the Good Shepherd Chapel.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation) and online condolences for Ethelyn may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. 319-352-1187.

Marguerite "Sis" L. Haight

MASON CITY-- Marguerite "Sis" L. Haight, 86, of Mason City, IA, died Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, with Rev. Sean McRoberts officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made in her name to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Federal Bldg #566, 210 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309-2107.

Marguerite was born on November 15, 1926, in Mason City, IA, the daughter of August and Mary (Mannens) VerHelst. In 1945, she graduated from Mason City High School. She married Keith L. Haight on Feb. 11, 1948, in Mason City. Over the years, Marguerite worked at Krieger’s Green House, World Wide College of Auctioneering, Senior Center, and Roosevelt Head Start. She also opened up her home as a “Safe House” for battered women. Marguerite was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pleasant Ridge Club, VFW Auxiliary, P.O.W. (Germany), D.A.V., and a 4H Leader of the Mason Thrifty Fixers. She also delivered meals on wheels as a volunteer. Marguerite was very family oriented and enjoyed “catching up” with her extended family at reunions and gatherings. She also enjoyed cooking for family and friends, gardening, spending time outdoors, and in her younger years: playing softball and catch. She had a caring heart and often befriended “random strangers”.

Marguerite is survived by her daughter: Julie Haight of Richfield, Minnesota; son: Alan Haight of Mason City, and Balkuu (Barney) Kumangai and wife Laurie, and their daughter Kelsie and son Victor of Koror, Republic of Palau; step-granddaughter: Katie Curran- Lavendoski and husband John of Austin, Texas; step- great- grandchildren: twins, Stephen Thomas Lavendoski and Ester Rose Lavendoski; four sisters-in-law: Doris VerHelst of Nora Springs, Isabelle VerHelst of Mason City, Peggy DeGraffenried of Warsaw, Missouri, and Shirley Dean of Mason City. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2001; daughter: Nancy in infancy; son-in-law: Tom Curran; three brothers: Gerald, Raymond and Donald VerHelst; brothers-in-law: Don Sivwright, Paul Poppen and Richard Dean; and two sisters-in-law: Amy Poppen and Charleen Sivwright.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Lola Maxine Springer

Lola Maxine Springer, 97, of Hampton, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at the Franklin Country View Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m., Friday, October 4, 2013, at the Hampton United Methodist Church with Pastor Corby Jo Johnson officiating. Burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday prior to the services at the church.

The Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton is in charge of arrangements. www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com, 641-456-3232.

June E. McKeehan

MASON CITY--June E. McKeehan, 86, of Mason City, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at the Heritage Care Center.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with Deacon Renee Smithback officiating. Interment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, Illinois, on Friday, Oct. 4.

There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

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

Dean Joseph Dvorak
U.S. Army (1967-1969)

STANLEY, NORTH DAKOTA -- Dean Joseph Dvorak, 63, of Stanley, North Dakota, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 28, 2013, in Somerset, Ken.

A memorial service will be held at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville on Saturday, October 5, at 10 a.m., with burial to follow. For those unable to make the service, the family will be hosting a luncheon at the Windy Tree Caff in Riceville after the burial.

Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Riceville with Military Honors conducted by the American Legion Roy Gue Post 244.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given.

Dean was born on October 12, 1949, in Riceville, Iowa, to Woody and Irma Jeanne (Spurbeck) Dvorak. He attended Riceville schools and graduated in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. army and belonged to the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment for two years before he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant.

He married Becky Gansen on March 7, 1970, and they raised two children.

Dean was a division manager with Woolco for a number of years, working in Cedar Falls, Iowa; St. Joseph, Missouri; and Indianapolis, Indiana, before returning to Iowa to start farming. He farmed most of his adult life, and he and his brother Bob built a sprawling farming operation around Riceville and in western Iowa and Nebraska.

Most recently, he was the general manager of the Cenex in Stanley, North Dakota, in the heart of the oil boom, where his charismatic personality won over even the toughest oil workers and truckers that passed through his store.

Dean enjoyed fishing and driving, especially his yearly road trips with his friend Jon Kinter. He adored his grandson, Nikolai (“Nick”), and was looking forward to meeting a new granddaughter, due to arrive in December.

Family and friends will remember him as a great story-teller, entertaining everyone with (only slightly embellished) tales of his travels, the people he’d met, and his amazing border collie, Bub. Dean was truly one of a kind.

Survivors include a son, Aaron Dvorak of Sheldon, Iowa; a daughter, Rachel and her husband Kjell Stura of Belton, Missouri, and their son Nikolai; his ex-wife Becky Dvorak of Rochester, Minnesota, with whom he remained close; three brothers: Lee and his wife Rita of Riceville, Iowa, Dennis and his wife Anita of Byron, Minnesota, Robert and his wife Roxanne of Riceville, Iowa; a sister, JoAnn, and her husband James Piper of Great Falls, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Woody Dvorak and Irma Jeanne Dvorak; an infant brother, Jon; and his beloved dog and ever-present sidekick, Bub.

Posted on 01 October 2013

Wilma M. Taylor

CHARLES CITY -- Wilma M. Taylor, 99, of Charles City, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at the Aase Haugen Home in Decorah.

Funeral services for Taylor will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Pastor Jim Beranek will officiate. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service Monday at Trinity United Methodist Church.

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.

June E. McKeehan

MASON CITY -- June E. McKeehan, 86, of Mason City, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at Heritage Care Center.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with Deacon Renee Smithback officiating. There will be no visitation. Interment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, Illinois, on Friday, Oct. 4. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

June was born Sept. 2, 1927, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the daughter of Howard and Rhoda (Mitten) Hayden. She graduated from high school there in January 1945. Before starting college, and during the summers, she worked at Monsanto Chemical Co. laboratory. She received a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 1949. June did graduate work at Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota She taught third grades in Taylorville, Bloomington and Eureka, Illinois. She taught second grade in Rochester, Minnesota. June married Charles “Del” McKeehan June 14, 1949, in Bloomington, Illinois.

She was an active member of University Christian Church at Normal, Illinois, where she served as secretary of the church board. She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Rochester where she was a leader in the local women’s society. Then she was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church at Mount Dora, Florida, for three years, and the First United Methodist Church of Mason City for many years where she was chairperson of the Mary-Martha Circle and a member of the United Methodist Women.

During high school and college she was a member and officer in Job’s Daughters, Bethel 20 in East St. Louis. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women in Eureka and Rochester. In Mount Dora she was active in the Orange Blossom Circle of the Garden Club. After her husband’s open heart surgery in April 1989, she became a charter member of the North Iowa Chapter 22 of Mended Hearts and served two years as the first visiting Co-chairs with her husband, Del.

June is survived by her daughter, Joy Langworthy of Forest Lake, Minnesota; grandson, Casey Allen Langworthy of Woodbury, Minnesota; two sisters, Marian (Bill) Kraft of Lady Lake, Fla., Nancy Raps of Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

June was preceded in death by her parents, grandson in infancy, Dustin Lee Langworthy, and husband, Charles “Del” McKeehan.

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

Kevin Leroy Railsback

AUSTIN, Texas -- Kevin Leroy Railsback, 59, died after a long struggle with cancer on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, in Austin, Texas. He was born on Dec. 30, 1954, in Mason City, Iowa, to Dean and Delores Railsback. He is survived by Colleen Kelly Railsback, his loving wife of over 40 years, his daughter, Nicole Viator, son-in-law, Rick Viator and two granddaughters, Samantha Sechrest and Aria Viator, who all reside in Austin, Texas.

Tom Rich

ALGONA -- Tom Rich, 78, of Algona, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 5 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona. Funeral mass will celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church with Rev. Edward Girres officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Whittemore.

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

 Betty G. Clark

MASON CITY -- Betty G. Clark, 86, of Mason City, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City.

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

Naomi Elizabeth Roggeman

MASON CITY -- Naomi Elizabeth Roggeman, 84, of Mason City, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at Hospice of North Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.Fullertonfh.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held tentatively at 10:30 am on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St S.E., Mason City. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

A wake will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. scripture service Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at Fullerton Funeral Home. Those planning on expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Hospice of North Iowa.

Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com

Posted on 2 October 2013

Douglas Keith Walker

GREENE -- A Celebration of Life service for Douglas Keith Walker, 92, of Greene, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor Jennifer Suyman officiating. He died Sept. 28, 2013 in Greene.

Private burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, following the luncheon.

Memorials may be directed to the Douglas Walker Memorial Fund, Box 219, Greene, IA 50636.

Reid's Funeral Chapel, Greene, is in charge of arrangements; 641-823-4457 www.reidsfuneralchapel.com.

Lucille Grace Killpack

MASON CITY -- Lucille Grace Killpack, 88, of Mason City died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are being handled by Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, Mason City.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-0924.

Naomi Elizabeth Roggeman

MASON CITY -- Naomi Elizabeth Roggeman, 84, of Mason City, Iowa, went to be with Jesus on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at Hospice of North Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.Fullertonfh.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E., Mason City. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. A wake will be held from 4-6 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. scripture service on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 at Fullerton Funeral Home. Those planning on expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Hospice of North Iowa.

Naomi was born on Aug. 31, 1929, to Albert and Eunice Smith in Bismarck, N.D. From 1935-1955 she resided in Austin, Minnesota In 1956 she moved to Mason City where she resided for the past 57 years.

As a young adult she worked at her mother’s restaurant and also as a bookkeeper at Hormel for many years. On Aug. 18, 1956 she was united in marriage to Raymond in Albert Lea, Minnesota She was blessed with seven children.

Naomi spent many years as a homemaker. She loved to bake; especially homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. She spent countless hours each day making sure that her children were taken care of, cleaning, doing laundry, polishing shoes, taking her children to dance lessons and music lessons, and sewing. She was always first one to awake in the morning and last to go to bed.

When her children got older Naomi enrolled in North Iowa Area Community College and earned her Registered Nursing Degree. She was a nurse at North Iowa Medical Center for over 18 years until she retired in 1993.

Naomi loved unconditionally. She was a good listener, she was kind and she was patient. Naomi loved spending time with her children and grandchildren; it always put a smile on her face. Naomi liked going on car rides and road trips. One of her favorite things to do was taking drives in the fall when the leaves were beginning to turn. She will be remembered by her family for her strong faith and big heart.

Those left to carry on her legacy of love are her children:Dawn (Bill English) Branstad of Mason City, Stephanie (Richard) Hodge of Cedar Rapids, Jeffrey Roggeman of Mason City, Gregory (Sandi) Roggeman of Mason City, Renee (Rick) Wasinger of Rochester, Minnesota, Lisa (Russell) Smith of Mason City, and “adopted” daughter Maggie Adams of Mason City; sisters, Bonnie Shroyer, Esther Young and Jean Jelinek; brothers, Jerry and Duane Smith; grandchildren, Ryan Branstad, Jeremy Branstad, Benjamin (Anna) Hodge, Stephen Hodge, Gabriel Hodge, Joshua (Jamie) Roggeman, Jordon Roggeman, Kyle Wasinger, Eric Hart, Robyn (Craig) Skipper, Matthew (Randi) Roggeman, Darren (Julie) Roggeman, Todd (Kim) Roggeman, Aimee (Casey) Mussman, Kasandra Smith, and Jacob Smith; great-grandchildren, Joseph Branstad, Joshua Stepleton, Ava Mussman and Elle Mussman; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond John Roggeman; son, Daryl Roggeman; parents, Albert and Eunice Smith; brother, Charles Smith; and sister in infancy, Beverly Smith.

Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com

Larry Pleggenkuhle

ST. ANSGAR -- Larry Pleggenkuhle, 68, of St. Ansgar died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Toeterville, with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, St. Ansgar.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920. www.schroederandsites.com

Posted ion 3 October 2013

Frank Lowell Horsfall

ST. ANSGAR -- Frank Lowell Horsfall, 60, of Carpenter, died Wednesday evening, Oct. 2, 2013, in Denver, Colorado. Funeral services are pending with Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920, www.schroederandsites.com.

Larry Eugene Pleggenkuhle

ST. ANSGAR -- Larry Eugene Pleggenkuhle, age 68, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 1, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota, of natural causes. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, with the Rev. Lance Kittleson officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Larry Pleggenkuhle was born in New Hampton, Iowa, on March 17, 1945, the son of Ross and Esther (Bergmann) Pleggenkuhle. He graduated from North Fayette High School in 1963 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wartburg College, Waverly, in 1967. In the fall of 1967, he began his teaching career that spanned 40 years in the St. Ansgar Community School District.

On April 12,1995, Larry married Marcia Steinberg, and the couple made their home in St. Ansgar.

Larry, or Mr. P. as he was know to students, dedicated his life to others. He was a devoted English teacher, inspiring students to enjoy his love of mythology, Chaucer and poetry. Larry was an active member of the St. Ansgar community, serving on various committees, including the Board of Adjustment and Park Board. He was also active in the development of the Children's Garden, and portrayed Santa Claus for many local events. Larry had a gift for gardening and will always be remembered for his love of plants, especially hostas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and brother Lavern.

Larry is survived by his wife Marcia, two daughters, Ann (Dan)Tate of New Brighton, Minnesota, and Kate (Matt) Hansen and grandchildren Hadley and Duncan Hansen of Omaha, Nebraska, his sister, Bev (Dave) Malausky of Manchester, Iowa, one niece and one nephew, two aunts, one uncle, several cousins, and many beloved friends.

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

Karen Younie

FORT DODGE -- Funeral Services for Karen Younie, 64, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. Burial will take place in Rockford, Iowa, at Riverside Cemetery at 4 p.m. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa, with the family present to greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. Memorials may be given to Greene County School District in the name of Karen Younie.

Karen Younie, daughter of Sylvan and Thelma Kock, was born, April 27, 1949. She is one of four children born to this union. Karen peacefully passed away of cancer on Oct. 2, 2013, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

In 1973, Karen was united in life and marriage to Robert A. Younie in Charles City, Iowa. They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to seven grandchildren. Karen was active in philanthropic, community service and church roles.

Karen was an educator for 42 years. Middle level principal in Jefferson-Scranton for three years, Karen was previously principal at the high school. She was the first female building principal in the history of the district. Prior to being named the high school principal, she was the high school counselor for several years.

Karen’s experiences also include serving as high school counselor at Manson-Northwest Webster, middle school English/language arts teacher and coach at Northwest Webster, where she started the volleyball program and middle school English/language arts teacher and coach at Lake Mills. She is a graduate of Wartburg College and earned her counseling degree from Morningside College and her administrate degree though Drake University.

Karen is survived by her husband Robert of Fort Dodge; children: daughter Erin (Cory) Jenkins (Amani and Joshua) of Johnston, Iowa; son Michael (Cori) Younie (Kellen, Bryce and Hadley) of Aurora, Illinois; daughter Jennifer (David) Suchan (Leland and Bella) of Waterloo, Iowa; father Sylvan Kock, mother Thelma Kock, sisters: Carma Hillman, Brenda (Dick) Dight, Sherrine Bundt.

She was preceded in death by grandparents: Charles and Ada (Smith) Kock and Orvel and Mildred (Daake) Kielsmeier, brother-in-law Danny Hillman; nephew Kyle Dight.

Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home

www.sliningerrossowfuneralhome.com

Robert Woolworth

CHARLES CITY -- Robert Woolworth, 78, of Charles City, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at the Floyd County Medical Center.

Arrangements are pending with the Hauser Funeral Home, in Charles City, 641-228-2323, www.hauserfh.com.

Ruby M. Green

MASON CITY-- Ruby M. Green, 96, of Mason City, Iowa, died on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at Heritage Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.W, with Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the Ruby M. Green memorial fund or Grace United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

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

Loretta (Hagen) Cotton

MASON CITY -- Loretta (Hagen) Cotton, 88, of Parker, Colorado, and formerly of Mason City, died Thursday (Oct. 3, 2013) at the Life Care Center of Stonegate in Parker, Colorado

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

Mary Jean Lill

KINGMAN, ARIZONA --Mary Jean Lill, age 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at Kingman Regional Medical Center, Kingman, Arizona. She was born August 17, 1937, in Clear Lake, Iowa, to Blanche and Frank Hanna.

She received her education in the Clear Lake school system, graduating high school in 1955. After residing many years in Iowa, (including Mason City, Storm Lake and Clear Lake), she fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and did so with her husband Doug Lill, of Storm Lake, and in his words, "shared 33 years of love, life, laughter..& dancing."

In addition to being a mom, she also worked as a bartender and later as a computer operator. She enjoyed people from "all walks," retiring from the Gold Strike Casino in Las Vegas in 1998. Jean's special interests included writing and corresponding with her four "girls," caring for her beloved dogs, most recently her Alaskan Eskimo "Princess," sketching, crocheting and reading romance and mystery books.

Jean was preceded in death by her father, Frank Hanna who died in WW II in 1945, stepfather, Leonard Davis, mother, Blanche Davis, daughter, Sandra Borrill and grandchild, Christina Nielson.

Jean's memory will be held dear, living on in the hearts and minds of those left behind. She is survived by her husband Doug Lill, daughters, Suzan (Alf) Larson, of Mason City, Iowa, Sharon (James) Koehler-Janowski, of Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, Shirley (Jim) Koehler-Jansma, of Hopewell, New Jersey, son-in-law, Jeffrey Borrill of Ames, Iowa, stepsons, Randy (Robin) Lill, Brad Lill, grandchildren, Carrie Keel, Cassie Nielson, Jonathan Nielson, Bethany Larson, Amanda Borrill, Brittany Borrill, Izaak Janowski, Ava Janowski, step-grandchildren, Brandon Lill, Isabel Lill, great grandchildren, Austin Roberts, Gracie Clare Keel, and step-great grandchildren, Seth Keel and Amber Keel, as well as extended family and friends. Memorial services will be private.

Posted on 05 October 2013

Vern N. Morische

RUDD -- Vern N. Morische, 87, of Rudd, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1921 317th St., south of Osage, with the Rev. Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery with a flag presentation by Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

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

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

Ruby M. Green

MASON CITY-- Ruby M. Green, 96, of Mason City, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at Heritage Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th St. N.W, with the Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the Ruby M. Green memorial fund or Grace United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Ruby was born on Sept. 27, 1917, in Sullivan County, Mo., the eleventh in a family of 12 children born to John and Mary (Norris) Walters. Home for Ruby was the family farm, and as a youngster she attended school in Sullivan County. She grew up under the sound of the gospel as preached by her granddad, Thomas Henry Walters, and professed faith in Christ at the age of eight. Some years later she was baptized in believers baptism.

Ruby moved to Iowa in 1937, and on Aug. 31, 1940, she was married to Wendell "Pat" Green. The couple was at home in Story City, until Pat entered the Navy in 1944. During his enlistment, Ruby moved the young family to Mason City. Four children were born to Ruby and Pat, two sons and two daughters.

Ruby's church home in Mason City was Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church, which later merged with the Methodist church and became Grace United Methodist. She was an active member of her church all of her adult life and served faithfully in various offices and committees over the years. She was active in the church Circles, and especially enjoyed a weekly Bible study group. She will be greatly missed.

Ruby was devoted in her jobs of wife and mom, the welfare of her husband and children always her first priority. She possessed excellent managerial skills, and was a firm believer in the importance of a well-run home. She sewed extensively for her family, and also designed and hand-quilted many patchwork quilts. Her quilts were never sold, but given to those she loved.

Ruby was also an excellent cook. She liked to invent new variations, and was always pleased when asked to share her recipes and expertise. She was an avid reader on many subjects, but especially liked stories that were true to life and uplifting and encouraging. She enjoyed music and encouraged her children to develop their musical talents.

Ruby enjoyed having family around her, her many brothers and sisters as well as her children and grandchildren. She was a great story teller and shared countless narratives of family, friends and neighbors who shared her growing-up years in Missouri.

She always looked forward to the Walters family reunion, and attended every summer as her health permitted. She also possessed an excellent memory, and was a valued team member in family games of Trivial Pursuit.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Wendell “Pat”, her son John and daughter-in-law Maxine of Mason City, her son Joe of Des Moines, her daughters Annette and Nancy of Mason City, her grandchildren Jeff, Tony, January and Heath, her great-grandchildren Jason, Pete, Jordan, Jade, Jacob, Leah, Jessica, Heather, Scott, Elizabeth, Hunter, Cierra and Piper, plus great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, six brothers (Everett, Tom, Carl, Raymond, Gilbert and Joe), five sisters (Maude, Fern, Berniece, Pearl and Opal), and two grandchildren (Hans and Lee).

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-0924. www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Dennis “Buck” Schriever

MARBLE ROCK -- Dennis “Buck” Schriever, 61, of Marble Rock, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at his home.

Funeral services for Dennis “Buck” Schriever will be held at a later date.

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.

Eloise Beth Gentz

NORTHWOOD -- Eloise Beth Gentz, 73, Northwood, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at her home.

A funeral service for Eloise will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at First Shell Rock Lutheran Church, 1406 Central Ave., Northwood, with the Rev. Erich Hoeft officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Northwood. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Monday at the church.

Eloise Beth (Johnson) Gentz was born on Feb. 6, 1940, the daughter of Genevieve Johnson in rural Northwood. She was baptized and reaffirmed her faith through confirmation in the First Lutheran church in Northwood. Eloise attended the Northwood Public Schools, and graduated from Northwood High School in 1958.

Eloise was united in marriage to Roger Gentz on Sept. 1, 1961, and to this marriage two sons and two daughters were born, Steven, Bradley, Brenda and Deanna.

Eloise spent her entire life in Northwood, working numerous jobs, eventually retiring as a cook for the Northwood-Kensett High School.

Eloise loved playing bingo, spending time at the casino, and enjoying time with her friends and family. Her biggest enjoyment of life was spending time with each and every one of her grandchildren. She was a member of the First Shell Rock Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Roger Gentz of Northwood; her children, Steven (Kristi) Gentz of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Bradley Gentz of Osage, and Brenda and Deanna Gentz both of Northwood. Also left to cherish her memory are 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Eloise is preceded in death by her mother, Genevieve; her step-father, Verl Welsh; and her sister, Gwendolyn Martin.

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

Gary Irons

BUFFALO CENTER -- Gary Irons, 68, of Buffalo Center, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Mason City.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center. Visitation is at the funeral home one hour before services.

Burial will be in West Cemetery, Rake.

Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center.

Bernice Johnson

GREENE -- Bernice Johnson, 90, formerly of Greene, died Friday, Oct. 6, 2013, at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa.

Arrangements are incomplete at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457, wwwlreidsfuneralchapel.com.

Robert “Bob” Woolworth

CHARLES CITY -- Robert “Bob” Woolworth, 78, of Charles City, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at the Floyd County Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Rev. Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Garden, rural Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to the service at the church.

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.

Jerry A. Keeney

GRAFTON -- Jerry A. Keeney, 73, of Grafton, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 308 Fourth Ave., Grafton, with the Rev. Solvig A. H. Zamzow officiating. Burial will be held in Grafton City Cemetery, Grafton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jerry Keeney memorial at 1005 S. Third St., Clear Lake, IA 50428.

Jerry A. Keeney, the son of Glenn (Pearl) Keeney, was born Jan. 15, 1940, in Mason City.

Jerry was drafted in the Army, and spent two years in Germany. Following his time in the service, Jerry came back to Grafton and worked at Iowa Beef meat packing plant and worked for area farmers. After a few years at the packing plant he focused his time working only for local farmers. Jerry's interests were stripping cars, junking, and socializing at the Gobbler's Roost and Jake's Place.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his daughter Barbara (Tom Simmer) Lowman, son Curtis (Misti) Keeney, brothers Glen Keeney Jr., Tucson, Ariz., Ronnie Keeney, Belvidere, Illinois, Gerald Keeney, Belvidere, Illinois, sisters Beverly Krause, Nora Springs, Iowa, Joyce Fisher, Belvidere, Illinois, Phyllis Endriss, Mason City, Iowa, Karen Bendickson, Nashua, Iowa, Sharon Keeney, Clear Lake, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren with one more on the way, as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Pearl (Coonrod) Keeney, brother Harold Keeney, and granddaughter Whitney Keeney.

Bride Colonial Chapel 110 Spring St., Manly, 641-454-2242, ColonialChapels.com.

Myrtle E. Hagen

SCARVILLE -- Myrtle E. Hagen, 91, of Scarville, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville with the Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Burial will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Scarville.

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

Posted on 05 October 2013 by Marie Thompson