Marie C. Field

June 10, 2008

Marie Christine Birkedal Field, age 90, formerly of Osage, died peacefully at her home in San Gabriel, California, on Wednesday June 4, 2008.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, June 9, at the Eden Presbyterian Church, Rudd, with the Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating and assisted by the pastors in Marie's family. Burial was in the Rock Creek Cemetery.

She was born on October 20, 1917, at home in Dunn County, North Dakota, the daughter of Peter and Sara (Motland) Birkedal. She was baptized immediately at birth because they thought she may not live. For the first years of her life, the family spoke only Norwegian. When it was time for Marie to go to school, the family moved to a farm near Osage, where many relatives lived and Marie learned English. She graduated from the Otranto High School and received an Associate of Arts Degree in elementary education from Waldorf College in 1937. In 1969 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Marie taught grades 3-8 in Carpenter, Plymouth and Osage from 1937-43. She subsequently taught special education in Osage from 1964-83.

Marie was married to John Field on January 28, 1942, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, by the Rev. C. B. Gunderson. They raised their family of four children on their farm west of Osage. In many ways, their lives were their children. They helped them with 4-H projects, attended their son's many sports events, and especially encouraged their music. No wonder that three of their children became college music majors, and all four of them have been active in music their entire lives.

John and Marie later took many trips to Indiana to attend their two grandsons' events. In 1998, John and Marie bought a condominium in San Jacinto, California. They then spent winters in California and returned to Iowa from planting through harvesting seasons. After John died in 1998, Marie lived with her daughter, Geraldine, in San Gabriel, California, but she still visited her farm in Iowa every year.

Marie was a life long member of the Rock Creek Lutheran Church and its organizations. She was also a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Sons of Norway, American Legion Auxiliary and the Shakespearean Club. She was secretary of the Maakestad Picnic for many years and served North Iowa CEC as president and SECDC (Special Education Curriculum Development Center) as consulting teacher for Area II. Scrapbooks, photo albums, hosting family get-togethers and family history were very important to her. She was especially known for her Christmas family newsletter.

Marie and John enjoyed traveling very much. They drove through all fifty states, the Canadian provinces, Mexico, Germany and Scandinavia. They also traveled in England, Japan and Korea. Many of these trips were happy times with the family. Family was very important to both John and Marie. John did not live to see Kai (age 6), Lilly (age 3), and John (age 1), but Marie was able to enjoy these new little members of the family. Her last trip was to Missouri to be at John's baptism on June 1st, 2008. Marie struggled with Parkinson's since 1999. Everyone admired her courageous spirit. She still went to church every Sunday and attended family gatherings and concerts. She was an inspiration to all of us.

Marie is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Cassidy of Logansport, Indiana, Geraldine Keeling of San Gabriel, California and Joanne Field of Topeka, Kansas; a son, Donald Field and wife, Kye-Suk and daughter, Kai Marie og Topeka, Kansas; two grandsons, Brendon Cassidy of Sherman Oaks, California and Michael Cassidy and wife, Elizabeth and children, Lilly and John of Warrensburg, Missouri; a sister, Margaret (Philip) Luttio; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; one brother, Palmer; Carolyn's husband, Dick and Geraldine's husband, Steve; and many other loved ones. Blessed be their memories.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

F.D. "Jack" Warrington

June 17, 2008

F.D. "Jack" Warrington, formerly of Richardson, Texas and for the past 10 years a resident of Lufkin, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

Memorial services are planned for 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 21, at the Pinecrest Retirement Center Chapel, with the Reverend Mike Hunter officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 p.m., until the service time on Saturday, at the Pinecrest Retirement Center Chapel.

He was born on August 28, 1920 in Little Cedar, Iowa. He attended Waldorf College for 2 years before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He flew 55 missions during World War II in North Africa and the Mediterranean Theater of operations as a radio gunner. Mr. Warrington received the Winged Boot medal, a symbol of "Late Arrivals", for returning safely after being shot down. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 8 clusters, and the Presidential Citation for service. After his discharge from the Army Air Corps in 1945, he married Vera Caldwell in Galveston, Texas.

Jack completed his education at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, receiving degrees in Electrical and Industrial Engineering in 1950. Mr. Warrington and his wife and family made their home in Richardson, Texas for 45 years before moving to Lufkin in 1998. In retirement Mr. Warrington tutored algebra to students at the Richardson West Junior High and Lufkin Middle School. He received the Texas State Board of Education "Heroes for Children" award in 1999 for his dedication to mentoring Lufkin Middle School students. Mr. Warrington established a scholarship for graduating Lufkin High School Seniors through the Lufkin Alumni Association.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Darryl Greenfield of Houston and Susan and Doug Ashburn of Lufkin; granddaughters, Megan Greenfield of Chicago, Illinois and Elyse Ashburn of Washington, D.C.; brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Evelyn Warrington of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Vera C. Warrington; parents, Leroy and Lois Elizabeth Warrington; and brother, Alvin Warrington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jack Warrington Memorial Student Assistance Fund for purchase of uniforms and school supplies for needy students, Lufkin, Texas.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Lynn "Bud" Larson

June 10, 2008

Lynn "Bud" Larson, 91, of Osage, died on Friday, June 6, 2008, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 12, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery, with military honors by the Osage American Legion Post 278. Visitation will be one hour before the services at the church.

Lynn was born on April 2, 1917, the son of Henry and Clara (Bagstad) Larson, in Dickey, North Dakota. His family moved to Lyle, Minnesota where they farmed. They later moved to Osage. Lynn attended school in Osage. He married Marion Baldner of Austin, Minnesota, on October 7, 1939.

Sgt. Larson was inducted into the Army in December 1942. After completing his training at Fort Warren, Wyoming, he left for overseas duty. He was assigned to the 43rd division while they were in the New Georgia campaign. After the campaign, the division left for New Zealand. The division's final trip led to Japan. The march included two of the roughest campaigns, the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns. Lynn was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for action in Luzon and three Bronze Stars on his Asiatic theater ribbon. The battalion in which he served was presented the Distinguished Unit Citation for its part in the Campaign on Luzon.

Lynn returned to Osage and worked as a dry cleaner for 30 years at Osage Cleaners. He also worked at the Mitchell County Hospital in maintenance and as an ambulance driver and for the Conservation Commission. He loved trout fishing and visiting with family and friends.

He is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Alan) Brooker of Eagan, Minnesota and Beverly Larson of Mason City; grandchildren, Carrie (Tom) Brooker/Hunter of Springfield, New Jersey, Mikan (Phil) Sheldon of Algonquin, Illinois, Jeff Brooker of Eagan, Minnesota and Lyndsay (Mat) Schulz of Denver, Colorado; great-grandsons, Noah Sheldon and Max Hunter; 1 sister, Helen Potter of Peoria, Arizona; and many other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Clara; his wife, Marion; infant daughter, Carol; a brother, Truman; and a sister, Vida Hovelson.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Mary E. Owens

June 10, 2008

Mary E. Owens, age 89, of Iowa Falls and Des Moines, died on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the United Methodist Church in Alden, with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the services on Wednesday at the church. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary was born on October 6, 1918 in Franklin County, Iowa, growing up in the Alden area. She graduated from the Alden High School in 1936. She was a teacher, attending Iowa Falls Teachers College and Drake University, attaining a Masters Degree. She taught most of her career in the Des Moines school system. Like all great teachers, education was a calling for her.

Mary enjoyed her cats, bird watching, the outdoors, sports and politics.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Alvin Smith; mother, Emma Smith; father, Earl Smith; and husband, David.

She is survived by her cousin, Lois Haaland; her niece, Susan Westerdahl; her nephews, Craig Smith and Steven Smith, and their families.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

John C. Seckar

June 11, 2008

John C. Seckar, 85, of Charles City, died on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at his home in Charles City.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, June 13, at the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, from 5-8:00 p.m., on Thursday. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

John Charles Seckar, was born on March 1, 1923, on a farm near Erin, New York, the son of Joseph and Apolena (Tethal) Seckar. His early childhood was spent in the New York area until the age of four, when the family moved to St. Ansgar and then to Austin, Minnesota. During the depression his parents bought a small acreage in Mitchell. John graduated in 1941 from the Mitchell Community Schools. After graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force on June 10, 1941. He was stationed for one year in Australia. John was a First Lieutenant and flew 36 missions over enemy territory.

On April 21, 1945, he was united in marriage to Emma M. Loden at Monroe, Louisiana. To this union four children were born. They made their home in Mitchell, during this time John served on the city council, school board, cemetery board and as mayor. John spent 41 years working for Oliver/White Farm Equipment Co. in both blue collar and management positions. He held many positions including night superintendent. In 1960, they moved to Charles City where he served on the draft board, as a Boy Scout Leader and taught gun safety.

John was a member of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served on the Stewardship Committee and chaperoned a youth group to New Orleans. He was very proud of his 47 year membership in the Floyd Lions Club. During retirement, John and Emma spent 24 wonderful years in Harlingen Texas, where they enjoyed the company of their friends at the Emerald Grove Resort. The family spent many enjoyable times together traveling and camping. He was pleased with his involvement initiating and participating in family reunions on both sides of the family that remain active to this day. John also enjoyed photography and the companionship of many appreciative dogs. John had many physical challenges during the last several years. He was a dialysis patient for three years and survived numerous surgeries for his heart and back.

Living family members include his wife, Emma Seckar of Charles City; his children, Paula (Terry) Wittmer of Sheridan, Wyoming, David (Jenny) Seckar of Floyd, Patricia Seckar of Decorah and Marilyn (Ted) Horsley of Sheridan, Wyoming; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two granddaughters; three brothers; and five sisters.

Memorials may be directed to the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles City or to the Mercy Dialysis Center, Charles City.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Lavern M. Brockney

June 17, 2008

Lavern M. Brockney, Age 85, of Elma, Iowa, died on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at the Franklin General Hospital, Hampton, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 13, at the St. Peters Lutheran Church in Elma, with Reverend Michael Parris as officiate. Burial was in the Howard Cemetery at Elma.

Lavern Myron Brockney, was born on May 13, 1923 to Frederick and Clara (Flugge) Brockney on the family farm near Riceville, Iowa. He attended country school and farmed with his father. In 1959 Lavern was united in marriage to Arlene Chambers who was tragically killed in a car accident one month after their marriage and he never remarried. Lavern farmed until 1975 when he retired and moved to Elma. He continued to help out on farms in the area. He entered Colonial Manor in 2003.

Lavern enjoyed farming, old country music, his family and especially the children.

Lavern is survived by his sister, Goldean Steffen of Greenwood, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Warren Ewy of Elma, Iowa; sister-in-law, Delores Brockney of Riceville, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Arlene (Chambers) Brockney; two brothers, Ivern and Lester; one sister, Alice Ewy; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Cody Borcherding

June 17, 2008

Cody Borcherding, 22, of St. Ansgar, passed away on Thursday, June 12, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. His death was due to complications stemming from a broken leg.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, June 16, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, with Pastor Porisch officiating. Burial was in the First Lutheran Cemetery.

Cody Daniel Borcherding, was born on April 10, 1986, to Michael and Janet (Voight) Borcherding in Osage. He graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 2004 and went on to receive his AA in Automotive Technology at NIACC. Cody lived north of St. Ansgar and worked at McKinley's as an auto mechanic.

Cody grew up on a farm north of Toeterville. As a young boy he loved to ride in the tractor and combine to make sure his mom was doing everything right. When he was older he loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile, dirt bike and most of all, be with his family and friends. Cody loved his cattle and was a great help to his dad on the farm. He wanted to be a farmer someday. Cody was caring, fun loving and always had a smile on his face.

He is survived by his parents, Michael and Janet; three sisters, Erin (Imam) Loukili of Gilbert, Arizona, Amber (Jerad) Stricker of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Brianne Borcherding of Cedar Falls, Iowa; niece, Ama Loukili; grandparents, Raymond and Dallas Borcherding of St. Ansgar and Jim and Marcella Voight of Osage; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Russell Voight and his aunt, Deb Voight.

Cody touched many people and will be greatly missed by all.

The Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Mary Louise Holmquist

June 17, 2008

Mary Louise Holmquist, 86, a resident of Crestview Acres in Marion, died there on Saturday, June 14, 2008, following a brief illness.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, June 18, at the Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the services. Inurnment will take place in September at the Mound Cemetery in Ortonville, Minnesota.

Mary was born on July 12, 1921, the daughter of Prosper and Selma (DeVrint) Toye in Mitchell. She married August F. Holmquist on January 26, 1946, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. She and August owned and operated Big Augie's Bait Shop in Ortonville, Minnesota for many years. Mary was an avid BINGO player, enjoyed sporting events, and being surrounded by her family.

Survivors include four sons, Paul (Sandy Miller) Holmquist, August J. (JoAnn) Holmquist of Cocoa, Florida, John (Christina) Holmquist of Big Rapids, Michigan and Joe Holmquist of Marion; six grandchildren, Tammy (Mark) Asplund of Marion, Todd Holmquist and Shannon Holmquist, both of Cedar Rapids, Emily Holmquist of Big Rapids, Michigan and Jeremy and Josh Bertsch of Florida; ten great-grandchildren, Mallory, Mckenzie, Maddison, Troy, Spencer, Trinity, Bailee, Alexus, Abigail, and Sophia; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters; two brothers; and a daughter-in-law.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Shirley Nell Sattre Kark

June 17, 2008

Shirley Nell Sattre Kark, 83, of Osage, Iowa & Ft. Myers, Florida, passed away on April 23, 2008. All family and friends are invited to a memorial service and reception on Saturday, June 21, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Arthur Kark; her sons, Richard Kark of Madison, Wisconsin and Kenneth (Cindy) Kark of Tucson, Arizona; and her daughter, Sylvia Kark of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; four grandchildren; two sisters; and nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Lloyd F. Indra

June 23, 2008

Lloyd F. Indra, age 92, died on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at the Faith Home in Osage.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 20, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, with Rev. John Moser officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage, with military honors at the grave by the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920.

Lloyd was born on October 26, 1915, to Joseph and Amelia (Hovel) Indra, on a farm west of Osage. He helped on the family farm until 1943, when he entered the U.S. Army in Camp Fannin, Texas. There, he specialized in telephone communications. He was sent overseas in 1944 to New Guinea, in the South Pacific. After that island was liberated, Lloyd was sent to Luzon in the Philippines in the initial invasion of Manila. There, he received the bronze star for repairing telephone lines under enemy fire. He was a member of the Headquarters Battery of the 51st Field Artillery Unit of the (Red Star) Sixth Division. When Japan surrendered, Lloyd was sent to South Korea for occupation duty, before coming home in 1946. He then farmed and worked as an electrician for Arnie Bartsch and Bill Nack. In 1955, he became self-employed as an electrician. Lloyd was a life member of the Osage V.F.W. Post 7920.

Lloyd is survived by his brother, John Indra of Osage; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Leona Indra.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Lavonne "Bonnie" Dorothy Kruger

June 23, 2008

Lavonne "Bonnie" Dorothy Kruger, age 77, of Grafton, died on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 20, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Cemetery - Rock Township, rural Osage.

Bonnie was born on March 1, 1931, a mile and a half east of Grafton, in Worth County, Iowa, to Art and Dora (Schultz) Trettin. She was baptized on March 21, 1931, and on March 25, 1945, was confirmed in her faith at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. She graduated from the St. Ansgar High School in 1949. On September 7, 1951, she was united in marriage with Elery Kruger at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She was a devoted and active lifelong member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. She taught Sunday School for 25 years and was a longtime member and officer of the Emmanuel Women of the ELCA.

Bonnie was a Worth County Homemaker Health Aide for 19 years, a certified nurse aide at the Good Samaritan Home in St. Ansgar for seven years, and a morning cook at the Gobbler's Roost in Grafton. She loved her family and her many friends, enjoyed cooking for her guys, and keeping up her acreage.

Bonnie is survived by her five sons, Thomas Kruger of Grafton, James and Rose Kruger of Grafton, Mike and Jeanie Kruger of Grand Junction, Colorado, Joel and Julie Kruger of St. Ansgar and Jon Kruger and his friend, Susan of Aurora, Indiana; her nine grandchildren, Tim, Chris, Lynn, Jamy and his wife, Holly, Jessena, Lindsey, Kory, Kelsi and Stacey; one great-granddaughter, Hannah; one great-grandson, Zack; two step-granddaughters, Noelle Blair and Nicole (Toby) Axelsson; and four step-great-granddaughters, Aubrie and McKenna Blair and Hannah and Emilie Axelsson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elery Kruger in 1989; and by her parents.

May God bless Bonnie's memory among us, and may God grant faith, comfort, and peace to her family and friends.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Gerald Francis

June 23, 2008

Gerald Francis, age 83, of Osage, died at home on Tuesday, June 17, 2008.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, June 21, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery.

Gerald was born on January 25, 1925, the son of Otha and Wanda (Lundy) Francis. He attended all twelve years at the Orchard School, graduating in 1942. Gerald was united in marriage to Zella Fritcher in 1948, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage. Gerald and Zella farmed near New Haven for 42 years and then retired and moved to Osage.

Gerald enjoyed farming and caring for livestock and kept a few cattle and sheep until his death. He was a Hawkeye fan and seldom missed watching a basketball or football game. He enjoyed playing "500" with the card club and also at the Senior Center.

His survivors include his wife, Zella Francis of Osage; sons, Gary (Barbara) Francis of Osage, Herbert (Claire) Francis of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kenneth (Shea) Francis of Cedar Rapids and Robert Francis of Pierre, South Dakota; a daughter, Colleen (Mike) Counsell of Gainesville, Florida; three sisters, Maxine Dostart, Betty Kleckner and Juanita Halvorson, all of Osage; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; sons, David in 1986 and James in 2008; and two brothers, Melvin and Keith.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Jerry Ones

June 23, 2008

Jerry Ones, age 57, of Frederic, Wisconsin, and formerly of Osage, died on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, near Osage.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, June 22, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, Osage, with the Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Burial was in the Rock Creek Cemetery.

Jerry was born on June 24, 1950 in Osage, the son of Justin and Clara (Kroneman) Ones. He attended and graduated from the Osage High School in 1968. Jerry was united in marriage to Julie Heitmann in 1972 at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church and they made their home in Nora Springs. They later divorced.

Jerry was employed at Tatum's Hardware Hank in Nora Springs. He then was the owner and operator of Ones Plumbing and Heating. In 2004, he moved to Frederic, Wisconsin, to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Jerry enjoyed bowling, playing pool, taking walks, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family.

Jerry is survived by two daughters, Angie Ones and boyfriend, Daniel Mortensen of Frederic, Wisconsin and Jessica Tollander and husband, Ryan of Siren, Wisconsin; one son, Jeremy Ones and wife, Renee of Frederic, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Jaryd and Jori Braden, Macy, Morgan, and Kylie Tollander, Benjamin Justin Ones; his mother, Clara Ones of Osage; and a brother, Laird Ones of Osage.

He was preceded death by his father, Justin Ones.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press

Eleanor Janet (Fouts) Krapek

July 8, 2008

Eleanor Janet (Fouts) Krapek, 75, formerly of Mason City, Iowa, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Porter Hospice, Centennial, Colorado, following a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday September 6, 2008, in Mason City, with details to be announced at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Per Elly's wishes, memorial contributions will be distributed among her favorite charities and organizations, including the Porter Hospice of Centennial, Colorado, the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care of Evanston, Illinois, the Diana Price-Fish Foundation of Denver, Colorado and the Multiple Myeloma Research.

Elly was born on June 10, 1933 in Canton, Illinois, to George M. and Thelma R. (Landis) Fouts. She was raised in Canton, graduating from the Canton High School and going on to study nursing at the University of Iowa.

She married Joseph John Krapek on September 7, 1952 at Canton, Illinois. They lived in Texas and Clear Lake, Iowa, before settling in Mason City, where they lived for over 50 years.

Elly worked for ten years as a paraprofessional at the Mason City High School. Upon her daughter's graduation from high school, Elly was trained by her daughter to replace her as a unit secretary at the North Iowa Medical Center. Elly stayed in this position for over 20 years, until the time of her retirement in 2003.

She was active with the Hoover PTA, served on the board of the Mason City YWCA, and was active within the Republican Party. Among her hobbies was a love of reading, listening to good music, gardening, and travel. Elly enjoyed baking, and was famous for bringing together spur-of-the-moment dinner parties. She loved giving out her favorite recipes and sharing her culinary talents with others. She treasured her "Jefferson Avenue" neighbors and enjoyed their many years of back door and backyard get-togethers. Upon her relocation to Littleton Colorado in 2007, she was able to experience her love of nature through the front window of her apartment. Pink and lavender sunrises, golden sunsets and the mountains were daily pleasures. Her favorite phrase, quoting her son, Gary, was "It's a great day."

She is survived by a son, Steven Krapek of San Jose, California (Kelly (Urban) Krapek, Chanhassen, Minnesota), daughters, Kimberley Krapek of Littleton, Colorado and Kay Nolan (Dan) of Monmouth, Illinois. She was the proud grandmother of John and Annie Mae Krapek of Chanhassen, Minnesota and Andrea Nolan of Davenport, Iowa. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Krapek) McDonald and husband, David of Orinda, California; sister-in-law, Shirley Krapek of Grand Canyon, Arizona; nephew, John VanVoorhis and family of Fort Meyers, Florida; and special friends, Nancy Suty of Littleton, Colorado and Michela Del Borgo of San Jose, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; two sons, Gary and John; her parents; one sister, Charlotte (Fouts) Cook of Roseville, Illinois; sister-in-law, Helen Richey of Van Nuys, California; mother-in-law, Sophie Krapek and brother-in-law, Dr. Frank Krapek, both of Osage, Iowa.

The Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2008 Mitchell County Press