Irene Chizek, 82

December 5, 2006

Irene Margaret (Jager) Chizek, 82, of Garner, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Lector will be Roger Kopacek. Music will be provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who will accompany the church choir and vocalists, Chester Plonski and Tanna Frederick. Ushers will be Arnold Prohaska, Wayne Chizek and Warren Chizek. 

Honorary bearers will be her grandchildren. Casket bearers will be Don Prohaska, Gary Thoms, David Frederick, Tom Frederick, Chester Plonski and Sydney Shand. Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. Visitation was held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with a combined Rosary Society and Catholic Workman Rosary at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Irene Margaret Chizek, the daughter of Charles and Fannie (Helmers) Jager, was born on February 20, 1924 at South St. Paul, Minnesota. At the age of 9 she moved with her family to Mason City, where she graduated from high school in 1942. In the fall of 1940, Irene met the love of her life, Clarence Chizek, at Hobo Days in Britt while on a blind date. On June 20, 1945 they were married at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, while Clarence was on leave from the military. 

After the war, they made their home north of Garner where they farmed and raised their eight children. In 1980, they retired from farming but continued to live on the farm until 2004, when they became tenants of Cardinal Grove Assisted Living. In May of 2006, Irene became a resident of the Concord Care Center in Garner.  

Irene loved spending time with her friends and was devoted to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, playing cards, traveling, especially trips to Las Vegas, California and New York, and going on girl's weekend trips to Lake Nancy, Wisconsin with her daughters and granddaughters. 

She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Rosary Society, Catholic Workman FCSLA W51, and the Garner American Legion Auxiliary, Birthday Club and Happy Homemakers.

Irene is survived by her husband, Clarence of Garner; 8 children, Mary (Gary) Thoms of Garner, Barbara (Chester) Plonksi of Forest City, Nancy (David) Frederick of Mason City, Cindy Chizek of Mason City, Sharon (Tom) Frederick of Forest City, Tom (fiancée, Michelle) Chizek of Garner, Betty Chizek of Mason City and Robert (partner Sydney Shand) Chizek of San Jose, California; ten grandchildren, Shelly (Don) Prohaska, Tanna Frederick, Nathaniel Frederick, Joshua Frederick, Hannah Frederick, Mara Frederick, Colton Voss, Mariel Voss, Ryan Sanner, Jenna Chizek and Arandas Alahan; 2 great-grandchildren, Caleb and Jesslyn Prohaska; a brother, Kenneth Jager of Jacksonville, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, June Pitts. 

If love could have saved thee, thou would not have died.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Cecil Mitchell, 73

December 12, 2006

Cecil Mitchell, age 73, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 9, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg and Pastor Steve Hansen officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held on Friday, December 8, at the funeral home and an hour prior to services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Cecil Dewane Mitchell, was born on June 17, 1933 at home in Forest City, to Milo Merle and Daisy R. (Wilson) Mitchell. He attended school in Forest City, graduated from the Forest City High School in 1952. He continued his education by attending Waldorf College, graduating in 1954.

In 1957, he moved to Ajo, Arizona, where he worked as a minor league umpire and at a grocery store for a mining company. He returned to Forest City in 1959 and for several years did carpentry work in the area. He helped build the cement silos at the Forest City Co-op Elevator. In 1962 he began working at the Aljo Trailer Plant in Forest City. He continued there after it became Winnebago Industries, installing windshields in the north plant and later running the big saws at the Sawmill. Cecil retired in March of 1996.

On August 1, 1965, Cecil was united in marriage to Karen Alne at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in rural Joice, Iowa. The couple made their home in Forest City and raised two children, daughter Tina Marie and son Douglas Dewane.

Cecil enjoyed doing his woodcrafts, visiting with friends and playing “Uno”. He especially enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren fishing. Cecil entered the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City on March 9, 2003. While there, he enjoyed playing on the computer, visiting with and picking on his friends and nursing staff.

Cecil is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karen Mitchell of Forest City and his children and their spouses, daughter, Tina (Scott) Mahon of North Richland Hills, Texas, and their children, Levi, Cody, Tyler, Sydni & Syrinna; and son, Douglas (Dawn) Mitchell of Mason City, and their children, Brittany, Sierra & Colton.

Other survivors include a sister, Jeanette (Doyce) Michelson of Mt. Pleasant; sister-in-law, Marlys (Earl) Hill of Britt; two brothers-in-law, Dan Alne of Mason City and John (Sandy) Alne of Rockwell City; mother-in-law, Lillian Alne of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Phyllis; and brothers, Phillip and Darol Mitchell.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Robert C. Kennedy

December 12, 2006

Robert (Bob) Charles Kennedy, 71, of Fertile, joined Our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 6, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, after a lengthy illness in Mercy Hospital.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, December 9, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Nimrod Anderson from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, December 8, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake. Memorials may be given to Muse-Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City.

Robert Charles Kennedy, was born on August 10, 1935 in Mason City, Iowa to Charles and Esther (Weitzel) Kennedy. He graduated from the Mason City High School in 1953. On February 9, 1952, Bob was united in marriage to Mary Ann Elizabeth Bentele at the Central Heights Community Church in Mason City. Bob and Mary Ann moved their family to a farm near Fertile and have lived there for 43 years, raising two sons and three daughters. These children have given them seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bob worked driving a gas truck in Mason City. Then while in Fertile, he worked for Winnebago Industries for 26 years before retiring in 1995. He also drove a school bus for the Forest City Schools for several years. His passion was farming which he did from 1963 until retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Mason City. After retiring, Bob and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling in their fifth-wheel trailer and spending the winters in Texas.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, of Fertile; three daughters, Bobbi Ann (Don) Elbert of Ventura and their son, Kyle, Kim (David) Brue of Forest City and their daughters, Jennifer and Kelsey and Kathy Wise and special friend, David Johnson and her children, Amber Wise and son, Justice and Cory Wise and wife, Liann. He also has two sons, Danny Kennedy of Plymouth and special friend, Patti Lauritson and Chuck Kennedy and his wife, Susan (Johnson) and son, Troy Johnson.

He is also survived by his mother, Esther (Kennedy) Mulhern of the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake; sister, Arlene Kafer of Sheffield and a sister Mary Whitnable of Bussey, Iowa; along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Charles Raymond Kennedy; a brother, Clarence Kennedy; and two sisters, Linda Peterson and Violet McCloud.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Aileen R. Keough, 77

December 12, 2006

Aileen R. Keough, 77, of Forest City, died on Thursday, December 7, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 12, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Rev. Barb Spaulding officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation was held at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and continued one hour prior to services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Aileen Rose Keough, the daughter of John and Rose (Stoll) Enright, was born on March 11, 1929 at Iowa City, Iowa. She attended school at Forest City. On September 19, 1948, she was married to Joseph Keough at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. They made their home on a farm north of Garner. They later moved to Forest City, where Aileen raised their children and helped with the bookwork in the family business, Wapsie Hatchery.

Aileen enjoyed camping, gardening, baking, crafts and bowling. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Aileen is survived by her five children, Greg Keough of Forest City, Ron (Jeanette) Keough of Forest City, Sandi (Dennis) Peterson of Lake Mills, Rose Marie (Brad) Wicker of Forest City and Glenda (Tim) Lauritsen of Garner; sixteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Dorothy) Enright of Hemmitt, California; and a sister, Katherine Flugum of Nashua.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph on October 10, 2005; her parents; a grandson, Nathan Wicker; and a granddaughter, Heidi Keough.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Fredrick M. Fraizer, 56

December 12, 2006

Fredrick M. Fraizer, 56, of Thompson, died on Friday, December 8, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Monday, December 11, at the United Methodist Church in Thompson, with Pastor Wayne Squier and Pastor Wendy Johannssen officiating. Inurnment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 10, at the funeral home.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Larry Grandgenett, 76

December 26, 2006

Anthony “Larry” Grandgnett, 76, died on Saturday, December 9, 2006, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, after a battle with cancer. 

Funeral services for were held on Monday, December 11, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley, Iowa.

Lawrence Anthony “Larry” Grandgenett, was the first child born to Anthony John and Martha Cink Grandgenett on April 30, 1930, at St. Benedict, Iowa. He graduated from the LuVerne High School in LuVerne, Iowa in 1948. After his schooling, Larry served his country in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. 

After the service, Larry was married to Joan Goetz on June 22, 1954, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley. The couple lived north of Wesley and farmed for 2 years. They moved into Wesley and Larry worked for the Robinson Produce for the next few years. He then was employed at the Farmer's Coop Elevator in Wesley. He worked there until his retirement in 1992.

Larry was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley. He was also an active member of the Andrews American Legion Post #428 in Wesley for over 50 years. Larry was also active in the Veteran's Affairs Administration. 

He enjoyed yard work, gardening, fishing and playing cards. He also enjoyed his work with the American Legion and traveling to see family and friends. Larry's greatest joy, however, was his family and he loved watching his grandchildren participate in all of their activities.

Larry is survived by his wife, Joan of Wesley; his children, Dan Grandgenett and wife, Judy of Corwith and their children, Joe and Amy, Ron Grandgenett and friend, Holly of Orlando, Florida, Tom Grandgenett and wife, Caren of Merriam, Kansas and their children, Sarah and Luke, Alan Grandgenett of Colon, Nebraska and his children, Abbey, Ben and Samantha, Marla Reding and husband, Jerry of Wesley, Iowa and their children, Kayla, Cindy and David and Diane Suntken and husband, Bruce of Kearney, Nebraska and their children, Mikki and Tim. 

Also surviving are 5 brothers and sisters, Leroy Grandgenett and wife, Marilyn of Algona, Iowa, Paul Grandgenett and wife, Evelyn of Wesley, Iowa, Carol Barlow of Mason City, Iowa, Mary Lou Crawford and husband, Ralph of St. Petersburg, Florida, Jim Grandgenett and wife, Joyce of Algona, Iowa; and 2 sisters-in-law, Shirley Grandgenett of Plymouth, Iowa and Donna Grandgenett of Algona, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Harold and Dick; his sister and brother-in-law, Adeane and Cletus Hejlik; his daughter-in-law, Lori Grandgenett; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Barlow.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Doris G. Jones, 85

December 19, 2006

Doris G. Jones, age 85, of Osage, died on Sunday, December 10, 2006, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

Funeral service were held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 14, at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with Rev. Dennis Hanson, Rev. Roy Ott and Father Mike Hess officiating. Burial was in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation was held on Wednesday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and continued for one hour before the services at the church.

Doris was born on October 17, 1921, at Thompson, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Minnie (Hauen) Bell. Doris graduated from Waldorf College. She taught grade school in Osage Public, Little Cedar Public, and Sacred Heart Catholic Schools.

Doris was a member of the Eastern Star and Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She loved to golf and play bridge.

Doris is survived by one son, Michael (Ann) Richards of West Des Moines; three grandchildren, Theresa (Gary) Corona of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michael (Leighton) Richards of Roanoke, Virginia and Elizabeth Richards of Chicago, Illinois; two great-grandchildren, Andrew Corona and Maggie Richards; and one brother, Glen (Claudia) Bell of Palm Desert, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Glenn Richards; her second husband, Carroll Jones; and a brother, Allen Bell.

The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Bert Siehlmann, 73

December 19, 2006 

Bert Siehlmann, age 73, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, December 12, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 16, at the Ramsey Reformed Church in Titonka, with Pastor Dennis Redeker officiating. Burial was in the Ramsey Reformed Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, December 15, at the funeral home and an hour prior to the services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Bert F. Siehlmann, was born on August 8, 1933 in Titonka, Iowa, to Ben and Alice (Wagens) Siehlmann. He attended the Titonka Schools. On July 29, 1955, he was married to Florene Stensrud at Joice. The couple lived in New Richland, Minnesota, before moving to Forest City in 1957. Bert worked for the Allis Chalmers dealership, M&N Motors and retired from the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1996. During retirement he was employed as a Headstart Bus Driver in the Forest City School District.

He was a member of the Ramsey Reformed Church in Titonka. Bert loved spending time with family & friends, joking and laughing. He enjoyed tractor pulls, collecting toy tractors and all types of mechanics.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Florene Siehlmann of Forest City: children, Beth Tjarks and husband, Vern of Forest City, John Siehlmann and wife, Jamie of Ankeny and Carol Gaffney and husband, John of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Katie and Erik Tjarks, Jillian and Joe Siehlmann and Luke and Gwen Gaffney.

Also surviving are two sisters, Ronna Bowers and Bertha Helmers, both of Titonka; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Darvin Bowers.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Carroll G. Torkelson, 69

December 19, 2006

Carroll G. Torkelson, age 69, of Fertile, died on Thursday, December 14, 2006.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Robert Snitzer officiating. Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery in rural Forest City. Visitation was held on Monday, December 18, at the funeral home and an hour prior to services at the church. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Carroll Gene Torkelson, was born on a farm west of Forest City, Iowa, on March 14, 1937, the son of Clarence and Othelia Torkelson. He received his education in the Fertile Schools. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1960-1966. He married Linda Hoffman in 1964. The marriage later ended in divorce. Carroll worked for Forester, Hancock County and most recently for Holland Construction. He enjoyed attending sales & auctions, loved old cars and tractors and could spend hours visiting with friends over coffee. He liked all kinds of "critters" and had a special way with animals.

Carroll was a very social man who liked sharing a laugh and a joke with friends and treasured time spent with his extended family.

He is survived by his children, Melody (Scott) Soldwisch of Forest City and Shannon Torkelson of Leland.

Also surviving are his siblings, Margie Sogard of Ames, Bernice Voelker of Charles City, Ronald (Lucille) Torkelson, Leslie (Paulette) Torkelson, Roger Torkelson, Wayne Torkelson and Marsha (Mark) Brunsvold, all of Forest City; sister-in-law Janice Torkelson of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clarence Junior; sister, Margie Helen; nephew, Hollis Torkelson; and nieces, Lisa Tate and Debra & LaRae Torkelson.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

December 26, 2006

Irene Ellen Cook, 96, of Clear Lake, died on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and a source of endless love for her family.

A funeral service to celebrate her life, will be held on Friday, December 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the Forest City United Methodist Church, Forest City, Iowa, with Rev. Jerald Swanberg officiating. Interment will be held in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, and one hour before the service on Friday at the church. Family suggests memorials to the Forest City United Methodist Church.

Irene was born on April 18, 1910 near Woden, Iowa. She was the daughter of Peter & Mary (Barth) Etzen. Irene spent her entire life as a resident of north central Iowa. She was married on June 18, 1928 to Joe R. Cook. They spent their lives together farming in the Forest City area until Joe's death in 1963.

After Joe's death, Irene worked 12 years as a seamstress for Stitch Craft Industries. In 1995, she moved to the Meadows in Clear Lake to be near her daughter and son-in-law, Bob & Bonnie Starkey. She has been a resident of Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, since 2003.

Irene was a devoted wife, cherished mother, loving grandmother, adored great-grandmother and faithful friend. She loved her family and treasured the times they spent together.

Irene had a servant heart. She possessed unlimited love, endless energy, and a sweet spirit that drove her to always do more for others than herself. Whether she was taking meals to those in need, feeding farm laborers, calling on the sick, or caring for her great-grandchildren, her motivation was always selfless and genuine.

She was also known for her strong work ethic, fierce determination and delightful sense of humor. Her optimistic attitude brought much joy to her in all her work and life endeavors. She especially enjoyed baking, sewing, craftwork, embroidering, quilting, playing cards, and caring for children. She was not hesitant to express her opinions candidly and spiritedly. She has been an inspiration to those privileged to know her and loved by the many people whose lives she influenced.

Irene had a simple and abiding faith. Before her health failed, she was an active member in the United Methodist Church, Forest City. She was involved in several lay ministries, was a member of Rebecca Circle, and worked tirelessly, to prepare for the annual church bazaar. Irene reflected the light of God's love in kind and gentle ways.

Irene is survived by her grandson, Dr. Randall Starkey & his wife, Mary Jo of San Francisco, California; granddaughter, Dawn Starkey Sipe & her husband, Dr. James Sipe of Golden Valley, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Joe & Jenny Starkey and Rachel & Christopher Sipe; and brother, Edward Etzen & wife, Dorothy of Forest City; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her daughter, Bonnie Starkey; son-in-law, Robert Starkey; brothers, Enno, Pete and John Etzen; and sisters, Louise Hanson, Bernadetta Brackey, Grace Larson and Rose Peterson.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
© 2006 Forest City Summit

Lola K. Muhm, 81

January 2, 2007

Lola K. Muhm, 81, of Britt, died on Monday, December 25, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, December 29, at the Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church, north of Britt, with Rev. Jason Boomgarden officiating. Music was provided by pianist, Bertie Nedved who accompanied soloists, Paulette Westerberg and Joyce DeWaard. Ushers were Nels Jensen, Ronald “Babe” Swanson and Jim Peterson. 

Casket bearers were Brad Muhm, Kevin Muhm, Brian Muhm, Kevin Westerberg, Tony Muhm, Eric Muhm, Jill Westerberg and John Westerberg. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Lola Kathleen Muhm, the daughter of Paul and Mary (Munson) Madson was born on March 13, 1925, on a farm north of Britt. She attended the rural schools near Britt and graduated from the Britt High School in 1942. Lola continued her education at the Britt Junior College for a year and then taught school for three years in the rural schools of Bingham Township and four years at Crystal Lake.

On August 26, 1950, she was married to Merle Muhm at her parent's home north of Britt. They lived north of Britt where they farmed and raised their family. Lola enjoyed cooking, traveling, boat rides, doing word search and, most of all, spending time with her family.

She was a member of the Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church.

Lola is survived by her husband, Merle of Britt; four children, Kevin (Patti) Muhm of LeMars, Paulette (Kevin) Westerberg of West Frankfurt, Illinois, Brad (Sonja) Muhm of Miller and Brian Muhm of Janesville, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Jill Westerberg, Tony Muhm, Eric Muhm and John Westerberg; and two great-grandchildren, Dana Westerberg and Adonis Westerberg.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Rodney; infant sister, Wanda Lee; two sisters, Thelma (Russell) Swanson and Alice (Leonard) Manson; and a brother, Richard (Dolores) Madson.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Douglas D. Adams, 46

January 2, 2007

Douglas D. Adams, 46, of Garner, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2006, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview Campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 31, at the Garner-Hayfield High School Auditorium, with Rev. David Wagner officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

Pat L. Morse, 50

January 3, 2007

Pat Leo Morse, 50, of Clear Lake, died on Wednesday December 27, 2006, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, December 30, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, with Reverend Dennis Ganz officiating. Visitation was held on Friday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel and one hour before the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Pat was born on January 4, 1956, in Iowa City, the son of Harry E. & Ida (Cooley) Morse. He was a graduate of the Forest City High School. Pat married Elida Kofoed on October 25, 1980, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. Pat was employed in the heating & air conditioning service and worked in the Clear Lake and Mason City areas.

Pat enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, watching the Cubs & Hawkeyes, playing bingo and playing cribbage with his sister, Sandy. He also liked to listen to western music and going to breakfast with Shorty and his brothers, when they were in town.

Pat is survived by his wife, Elida Morse of Clear Lake; two children, Melissa Morse of Iowa City and Ryan Morse of Clear Lake; four brothers, Steve (Geri) Morse of St. Paul Park, Minnesota, Tim (Kathy) Morse of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Scott Morse of Anchorage, Alaska and Jon (Debbie) Morse of Salem, Oregon; two sisters, Sandy (Dave) Gjerdahl of Quartzsite, Arizona and Elin (Harold) “Shorty” Miner of Fertile; and several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a nephew, Troy Burke.

The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2007 Forest City Summit

William Goetz, 78

January 16, 2007

William “Bill” Goetz, died on Sunday morning, December 31, 2006, at the Hospice of North Iowa Center in Mason City, at the age of 78.

A Funeral Mass was held at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Wesley, Iowa, on Tuesday, January 2, 2007. The service was officiated by Father Tim Johnson. Interment was in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Wesley, with military graveside rites conducted by the American Legion Andrews Post #428, Wesley.

Bill was born on September 28, 1928, near Wesley, Iowa, to Joseph and Marjorie (Sparks) Goetz. He attended country schools and graduated from the Wesley High School. He farmed before serving his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, Bill returned to Wesley to farm. During the 1970's and 1980's, Bill delivered Winnebago motorhomes. On June 20, 1992, Bill was united in marriage of Sonja Assink.

Bill enjoyed working crossword puzzles and drinking coffee with his friends at the Wesley Elevator and MBT Bank in Forest City. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandsons, Reid and Cody.

Bill was a member of the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City. He was a member of American Legion Andrews Post #428 in Wesley, past State Vice-Commander, past District Commander and past Post Commander of the American Legion. He was also a member of the V.F.W. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Iowa American Legion Foundation and the State Liaison Committee.

Survivors include his wife, Sonja of Forest City; two sons, Gary Goetz and wife, Jean of Wesley and Mark of Wesley; two grandsons, Reid and Cody; four sisters, Joan Grandgenett of Wesley, Toots Youngwirth and husband, Johnny of Wesley, Marlys Kelly and husband, Paul of Britt and Norma Biegger of Polk City.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lois Weiland; two brothers-in-law, Larry Grandgenett and Frank Biegger.
© 2007 Forest City Summit