Ruth Binkard, 94

April 15, 2008

Ruth Binkard, 94, of Britt, died on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 7, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation was held on Sunday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Britt or the Britt Swimming Pool Fund.   

Ellen Ruth Binkard, the daughter of Benjamin Alfred and Crescy Ellen (Downing) Ball, was born on February 7, 1914 on a farm near Collins. She attended the rural schools through the eighth grade and graduated from the Maxwell High School in 1931. She continued her education at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls graduating in 1938 with a degree in Primary Education. Ruth taught for 10 1/2 years in rural schools and  then in Rutland, Webb and first grade in Garner. 

On July 29, 1945, she was married to Frank E. Binkard at her parent's home in Eldora. They lived in Webb for 13 years where they operated a Drug-Sundry Store with Frank's father. In 1959 they moved to Britt where they owned and operated the Coast to Coast Hardware Store until retiring in 1979. She enjoyed gardening, quilting and traveling.

Ruth was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt, UMW,  United Methodist Sewing Group, United Methodist Builders Club, Rebekah Lodge,  Britt American Legion and VFW Auxiliary, Federation of Women's Club, Hancock County Hospital Auxiliary, Hancock County Historical Society, Silver Stars and  the King's Daughters. She received the Governor's Award for volunteer service from Governor Terry Branstad in 1994.

She is survived by her daughter, Beryl  Binkard Collins and her husband, Larry Collins of Fairborn, Ohio; a granddaughter, Cassandra Collins;  a sister, Anna Laura Carlson of Prescott, Arizona; a brother, Dr. Roger (Louise) Ball of Midland, Texas; and sisters-in-law, Betty Ball of Grundy Center and Harriett Donovan of Guthrie Center.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents;  a sister, Doris Christian; and four brothers, Dr. Edwin, John, Dr. Dale and Glen Ball.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Merle O. Kluver, 75

April 22, 2008

Merle O. Kluver, 75, of Garner, died on Sunday, April 13, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 16, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with Rev. Jerry Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Crystal Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Visitation was held at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner.

Merle Orren Kluver, the son of Glen and Eva (McClain) Kluver, was born on June 27, 1932 at Crystal Township, in Hancock County. He graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in 1949. Merle served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from April of 1953 to April of 1955 and was in the Reserves from 1955 to 1961. Following his honorable discharge he returned to the Crystal Lake area and farmed. In 1958, he married Karen Brown. To this union four children were born, Bruce, Kevin, Tracy and Toni. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1976, he established his own trucking business which he operated until October of 2007.

He was a member of the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his children, Bruce (Marcia) Kluver of Crystal Lake, Tracy Kluver of Eldridge and Toni Williams of Clear Lake; a daughter-in-law, Victoria Kluver of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Brett (Heather) Kluver of Crystal Lake, Amber Kluver of Forest City, Logan and Carson Williams of Clear Lake and Ashley, Amber and Jason Kluver of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; a brother, Morris (Janice) Kluver of Forest City; two sisters, Eleanor Kluver of Crystal Lake and Glenys (Dale) Bird of McHenry, Illinois; eight nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kevin; and a sister, Evelyn Irons.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Ervin Sveen, 85

April 29, 2008

Ervin “Red” Sveen, 85, of Woodland Hills, California, formerly of Forest City, died on Sunday, April 13, 2008, at the West Hills Hospital in California.

Ervin was born on May 26, 1922 in Thompson, to Bert and Dena Sveen. He graduated from high school in Forest City.

A memorial service was held at the Faith Lutheran Church in Canoga Park on Saturday, April 19. Funeral arrangements were made by the Gates, Kingsley and Gates Praiswater Mortuary in Canoga Park.

He is survived by his wife, Clara; and area nieces and nephews.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Willis L. Janes, 76

April 22, 2008

Willis L. Janes, 76, of Britt, died on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 19, at 10:30 a.m., at the Britt Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, April 18, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Home in Britt, and continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Willis Janes, the son of Veryl and Ella (Greenfield) Janes, was born on August 12, 1931 in Jewel, Iowa. The family lived in the Jewel area until 1941, when they moved to a farm near Wesley. Willis attended country school and helped on the family farm. 

On March 15, 1951, Willis was united in marriage with Phyllis Ullmann at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple farmed near Woden until 1958 when they moved to the family farm near Wesley. They farmed the home farm until 1968 when they moved into Britt.

Willis was then employed at Standard Oil for a couple of years, he drove school bus and worked for the Kerns John Deere Implement in Britt. He then began working for Hancock County running a maintainer grading country roads and moving snow. He was employed with Hancock County for 25 years retiring as road foreman.    

Willis loved spending time with his family and his neighbors who were always ready to help when needed. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, boxing, and racing, he was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. Willis also enjoyed gardening, woodworking and bird watching.

Willis was a member of the Britt Christian Reformed Church and the Britt Country Club.

Willis is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis; four children, Verdelle Janes of Sherman Oaks, California, Marline (Robert) Lewerke of Garner, Arliss (Robert) Bailey of Cedar Rapids and Ronald (Pam) Janes of Olathe, Kansas; three grandchildren, Lori (Wilken)  Benjamin, William (Natalie) Janes and Matthew Janes; three great-grandchildren, Tre, Olivia, Marin; siblings, Verla (Jere) Schmidt, Deloris (Robert) Ruter, Keith (Sandy) Janes; aunt, Maria Lenning; several nieces and nephews; along with other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Veryl and Ella.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made the West Hancock Ambulance Service (WHAS).
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Alvin Raymond Brandt, 86

April 22, 2008

Alvin Raymond Brandt, 86, died on Thursday, April 17, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Titonka.

Alvin was born on March 22, 1922 near Titonka, to William and Ella Pannkuk Brandt. He was baptized on May 7, 1922 and confirmed on June 4, 1939, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church near Titonka. Alvin received his education at the country school near Titonka. His education was shortened, because of his father's death. Alvin then helped his mother on the farm.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Doty on January 15, 1956, at the United Methodist Church in West Bend, Iowa. The couple moved to the family farm and lived and farmed there until October of 2006, when they moved to Forest City.

Alvin was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church near Titonka. He enjoyed flying airplanes in his younger years. His greatest love was his family.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy of Forest City and his children, Gary Brandt of Forest City, Judy Colschen and husband, Brad of Gales Ferry, Connecticut and Becky Stumme and husband, Mark of Forest City; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his sister, Alma Lauck and husband, Mervin of Whittemore, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David; his daughter, Tami; and two brothers, August and Raymond.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Michael Becker, 58

April 22, 2008

Michael "Butch" Becker, age 58, of Clear Lake, died on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at his home in Clear Lake.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, from 5-8:00 p.m. and for an hour prior to the service at the church.

Butch Becker, was born on November 18, 1949 in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the son of the late Myron (Mike) Becker from Forest City and Bette (Butteris) Becker from Clear Lake. He graduated from the Forest City High School in May of 1968 and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1968, receiving an honorable discharge in 1972. He married Ann Moffit from Tucson, Arizona, on July 24, 1970 while stationed in Bitburg, Germany. From this union two children were born. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1983.

Butch enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, working on his '85 Monte Carlo, woodworking, tinkering in his garage, cooking, 50's music, snowmobiling, boating, fishing, and playing Frisbee with his dog Scooter.

He is survived by his mother, Bette Becker from Clear Lake; son, Wayne (Jeanette) Becker from Spokane, Washington; daughter, Trisha (Kevin) Andresen from Tucson, Arizona; five beautiful grandchildren, Maxwell, Josh, Samantha, Alexandria and Melanie; brothers, Gary (Teresa) Becker from Cottonwood, Minnesota, Richard Becker from Shakopee, Minnesota and fiancée, Judy Benson from Forest City; sisters, Sharlyn (Larry) Pardubsky from Johnston, Iowa, Pam (Harley) Urbatsch from Forest City and Karla (Tim) Woodward from Mason City; step-mother, Judy Becker from Forest City and her children, Kevin (Beth) Dahle from Northfield, Iowa, Tony (Colleen) Dahle from Mason City, Kim (Mathew) Jennings from Forest City; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his father, Myron (Mike) Becker and brother, Andrew (Andy) Becker from Forest City; paternal grandparents, Herman and Lillian Becker from Blairstown, Iowa; and maternal grandparents, William and Henrietta Butteris from Lisbon, Iowa.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Bernard Kunkel, 82

April 29, 2008

Bernard F. Kunkel, age 82, of Britt, died on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, April 25, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. Benedict Cemetery in St. Benedict, Iowa, at 1:30 p.m. Military Graveside Services were provided by the American Legion Andrews Post #428 in Wesley, Iowa.

Visitation was held from 4-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 24, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt. A Scriptural Wake Service was held at 7:45 p.m.  Visitation continued one hour prior to the funeral services at the church on Friday.

Bernard Kunkel, son of Bernard “Ben” and Caroline (Lang) Kunkel, was born on September 2, 1925 in St. Benedict, Iowa. The family lived on a farm near St. Benedict. Bernard attended school in St. Benedict and worked on the family farm. He entered the United States Army in 1945 and obtained the Victory Medal during World War II. He received an honorable discharge in 1946.

On February 16, 1949, Bernard was united in marriage to Elsie Zeimet at the Catholic Church in Bancroft, Iowa. The couple farmed near Clarion, Iowa, until 1957 when they moved to the family farm in Wesley. They farmed until 1979 and later moved to Britt. Bernard managed the Hillside Country Club in Wesley, and later served as greens keeper at the Britt Country Club and an assistant greens keeper in Wesley.

He was a member and usher at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, a member of the American Legion Andrews Post #428 in Wesley, a 4-H Leader for 15 years in Wesley and a long-time pork producer.

He enjoyed gardening, weather reporting, golfing, fishing, playing cards, horseshoes, watching professional baseball and golf and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elsie; seven children, Duane (Vicky) Kunkel of Andover, Kansas, Larry (Jan) Kunkel of Crystal Lake, Dan Kunkel of Garner, Carol (Doug) DeGroote of Corwith, Daryl Kunkel of Manchester, Roxanne (Paul) Studer of Corwith and Allen (Karen) Kunkel of Springfield, Missouri; twenty-one grandchildren, Phillip, Brandy, Sabrina (Justin), Jamie (Belal), Heather, Ashley, Nick (Katie), Nathan, Brent (Beth), Bethany, Benjamin, Kara (Jarom), Kody, Katie, Kristen, Jenny, Megen, Derek, Logan, Braden and Eden; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rita Frankl, Edna Zeimet and Rose Marie Schiltz; four brothers, George, Virgil, Omer and Conrad; nine sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard “Ben” and Caroline Kunkel; four sisters, Ilene Ptacek, Kathleen Becker, Veronica Spangler and Jean Marie; three brothers, Robert, James and Clarence Dean; two sisters-in-law; and twelve brothers-in-law.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Arlene Burma, 81

April 29, 2008

Arlene M. Burma, 81, of Woden, died on Friday, April 25, 2008, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, April 28, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with Rev. David Bergstrom officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Bingham Township Cemetery near Woden. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden was in charge of the arrangements.

Arlene Marvella Burma, the daughter of Christ and Clara (Stokkeboe)  Leithe, was born on August 9, 1926 at Rake. She graduated from the Rake High School. After high school she helped families in the Rake area with child care. On December 23, 1948, she was married to Aeilt “Al” Burma at Rake. They made their home at Wesley until 1959 when they moved into Woden. Arlene enjoyed cooking, crocheting and visiting with people.

She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church and WELCA.

Arlene is survived by her children, Janet (Arthur) Hardman of Jefferson, Larry Burma of Woden and David (Renee) Burma of Wesley; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Burma of Crystal Lake; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Clarine (Vernon) Leeck of Algona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Al on December 6, 1991; and her son, Allan on February 21, 1998.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Lester Gabrielson, 90

May 8, 2008

Lester E. Gabrielson, age 90, of Britt, formerly of Belmond, died on Sunday, April 27, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 1, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. The Pastor Troy Pflibsen officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Lester Ervin, the son of Gabriel and Anna Marie (Sunde) Gabrielson, was born on July 9, 1917, on a farm near St. Olaf, near Belmond. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Lester attended school in Belmond, graduating from the Belmond High School in 1935. Lester married Florence B. Mack on August 29, 1942 at Storm Lake, Iowa. They became the proud parents of five children.

Lester was a very hard worker. He farmed, drove school bus, operated a bulk tank truck for Hancock County Oil, and worked for Central Soya. As an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, Lester served on numerous boards and was a member of the Sons of Norway. Lester enjoyed fishing, working outside, gardening, and he was well known as a good cook. He was also known as a very good dancer.

Florence died in 1979 and Lester retired from Central Soya in 1981. He then moved to Des Moines where he was employed by Hertz Rentals. Lester enjoyed dancing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake and the Val Aire Ballroom in Des Moines. Lester moved back to Britt where he resided until he moved to the Leinbach Apartments in Belmond for three years. He moved to the Westview Care Center in Britt in 2006.

Lester is survived by his children, Pamela (Donald) VanLaningham of Chandler, Arizona, Gayle (Louis) Smidt of Britt, Neil (Kathleen) Gabrielson of Britt, Mack (Cindy) Gabrielson of Clear Lake and Faye (Karen Fickenwirth) of Seattle, Washington; special companion, Palma Quandahl; grandchildren, Joy (Kent) Venton, Julie (Sonny) Wehrer, Jeffrey (Annette) Smidt, Sarah (Jayson) Keiper, Kimberly Smidt, Kurt (Christa) Gabrielson, Karen (Chris) Solien, Lori (Travis) Clendenen, Lisa (Dr. Christopher) VandeLune, Bonnie (Jay) Hiscocks, Jennifer (Dr. Steven) Tenold, Laurie (Robert) McKenna, Dr. Daniel (Lyndi) Gabrielson, Jay (Elizabeth) LeFevre and Joshua (Lauren) Daniels; 30 great-grandchildren (3 on the way); sister, Ruby Boller of Belmond; sister-in-law, Marion Gabrielson of Belmond; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence; sisters and spouses, Burley, Liz (George Waddington), Beulah (Ed Reasoner) and Ruth (Wes Boller); brothers and spouses, Tolford (Agnes), Gerhard, Norman (Marian, Alta), and Elmer (Shirley); and brother-in-law, Kenny Boller.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Elsie Marie Johnson, 94

May 6, 2008

Elsie Marie Johnson, age 94, of Forest City, died on Monday, April 28, 2008, at her home at the Forest Plaza in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 2, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in rural Forest City. Visitation at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City, on Thursday, May 1, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Elsie Marie Johnson, the daughter of Jens and Anna Andersen, was born on July 23, 1913 in Crystal Township, between Forest City and Crystal Lake. She graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in 1931. On June 14, 1932, she was united in marriage to William Johnson at her parent's home. The couple began farming near Hayfield in 1940 and in 1959 moved to a farm west of Forest City. They retired to Forest City in 1979.

Marie was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, a charter member of the UMW and Circles and held offices in these organizations for many years. She was active in many other clubs and worked tirelessly for the Kum Along Klub and the Senior Citizens Center before it was built.

She loved the Lord and people. She touched many people's lives with her love. Marie was an avid reader and loved to bake and garden.

She is survived by two sons, Robert and wife, Martha of Forest City and Gary and friend, Barbara McKinnon of Orlando, Florida; two beloved granddaughters, Lisa Marie Johnson and her husband, Michael Haley and their son, William Bryce Haley, all of Summerville, South Carolina and Christina Ann Johnson and her fiancée, Brad Bolte and their son, Conner Michael Johnson-Bolte, all of Kissimmee, Florida; and many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; and seven brothers and twin brothers who died in infancy.
© 2008 Forest City Summit

Vernon E. Schutter, 79

May 6, 2008

Vernon E. Schutter, age 79, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 3, at the West Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Leland, with Pastor Timothy Miller officiating. Burial was in the West Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, with graveside military rites by the Leland VFW Post 6161. Visitation was on Friday, May 2, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home in Forest City and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Vernon Edward Schutter, the son of John and Martha (Bruns) Schutter, was born on December 23, 1928, at the family farm near Titonka. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka and attended the German Valley School.

In 1952, Vernon entered the US Army where he attained the rank of Sergeant in the 65th Infantry. He was on active duty in Korea during the Korean War. On June 19, 1955, he married Shirley Gustafson at the Winnebago Lutheran Church near Lake Mills. The couple farmed near Buffalo Center for three years then bought a farm near Leland where they lived for 40 years.

Vernon was an active member of the West Prairie Lutheran Church. He was Treasurer for several years and was on the church council. He also served on the Elevator Board and was a member of the American Legion in Forest City and the VFW in Leland.

The couple enjoyed traveling and visited Alaska, New York City, Mexico, Washington, D.C. and San Antonio, Texas. In 1997 they turned the family farm over to their son, Bill and his family and moved to Forest City. Vernon continued to help Bill on the family farm during harvesting and planting seasons. Family was always very important to him.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Beth Eilers and husband, Dan; a son, Bill and his wife, Rita; four grandchildren, Austin and Sydney Eilers and Ethan and Haley Schutter; sister, Evelyn Taylor; brother, Harry and his wife, Marcella; brother-in-law, Carroll Gustafson and wife, Karen; sister-in-law, Harriet Gustafson; and several nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Ralph Taylor and Gerald Gustafson.
© 2008 Forest City Summit