North Central Iowa
Genealogical Society
Box 237
Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

Obituary Archive

Winnebago County
 Iowa

and surrounding areas
Forest City Summit
105 Clark St. S.  
Forest City IA
50436-1710 

Buffalo Center Tribune
124 N. Main Street
Buffalo Center IA
50424


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The Winnebago County Archive



Marlene Jane Eekhoff, 71

January 5, 2010

BELMOND-Marlene Jane Eekhoff, age 71, of Belmond, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 6, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond. Pastor Troy Lohmeyer will officiate. Burial will take place in the Madison Township Cemetery near Forest City. Visitation was held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 5, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

Marlene Jane, the daughter of Earl G. and Irene Lackore Peterson, was born on December 29, 1938 in Forest City. She grew up in the Forest City area and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1956. Marlene was united in marriage with Hemmo Eekhoff on September 4, 1964, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City. The couple made their home north of Belmond, where they farmed and raised their family. She worked as a nurse's aid at the hospital in Britt. Marlene was not only a dedicated mother, she also played a major role in the farming operation.

Marlene is remembered for the love of scrap-booking. She chronicled not only her family, but the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, a passion she passed on to her sons. Marlene was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond. She is most remembered for her service as the Sunday School Secretary at the church.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Hemmo; children, Tim and wife, Jeannie of Pittsville, Wisconsin and Larry of Belmond; granddaughter, Stephanie; twin sister, Marlys Clark and husband, Dennis of Forest City; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The Dugger Funeral Home of Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Gladys Irene Daniels, 82

January 13, 2010

Gladys Irene Daniels, 82, of Houston, Texas, died on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at College Station.

Memorial services were held on Saturday January 9, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lakewood United Methodist Church, Houston.

Glad was born on August 23, 1927 in Nora Springs, Iowa, to Neil and Grace Burnett. She attended Upper Iowa University. She married Richard Daniels on August 10, 1947. Glad and Dick were married sixty-two years and lived in Houston for 31 years.

Glad played the piano and flute and enjoyed playing Scrabble and Joker.

Glad is survived by her husband, Richard; four children, Gloria Daniels, Steve Daniels (wife Sue), Linda Brochu (husband David) and Gary Daniels (wife Donna); her brother, Clyde Burnett; by 6 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Vivian Formanek, 91

January 13, 2010

Our loving mother, grandmother, friend and mentor, Vivian Formanek, 91, of Britt, died on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, with a rosary being recited  at 4:00 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church or to the Hospice of North Iowa in her memory.

Vivian Formanek, the tenth of twelve children of Frank and Elizabeth (Kudej) Kopacek, was born on November 20, 1918, on a farm south of Duncan. She attended the rural schools of Liberty Township and the Britt High School, where she graduated as class valedictorian at the age of fifteen. She continued her education at Britt Junior College. During high school and college she lived with her maternal grandparents and various family members, caring for her many nieces and nephews. On April 13, 1937, she married Edward John Formanek at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They were the loving parents of five children. They farmed northeast of Duncan until 1975 when Ed became ill. They moved to Britt in 1976 where Vivian cared for Ed until he passed away in December of 1983. 

Vivian was a compassionate and caring individual. She worked at the Westview Care Center and was an active church and community volunteer. Vivian delivered Meals on Wheels, was a hospice volunteer, taught catechism and was a Eucharistic minister. She took communion to patients in hospitals and nursing homes for thirty years. Vivian received the Governor's Volunteer Award for her service. She was devoted to her church and family. She enjoyed genealogy, traveling and baking.

She was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Catholic Workman FCSLA w51.

Vivian will be greatly missed by her children, Gary (Jane) Formanek of Portland, Oregon, Karen (Al) Boeck of Phoenix, Aarizona, Patricia (David) Wallen of Minot, North Dakota and Cindy Formanek  Kirk (Bob Florian) of Birmingham, Alabama; daughter-in-law, Jean (Ron) Pederson of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Kim Becker, Rachel Formanek Monteiro, Renee Patchak, David Haverly, Patrick Wallen, Stephanie Wallen, Beth Wallen, Brian Kirk, Elizabeth Kirk, Krisanne Pederson and Jason Pederson; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister, Marie Brcka of Britt; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ed on December 26, 1983; son, Ron on October 18, 1966; sisters, Mildred Wellik, Lillian Chizek, Agnes Rayhons, Blanche Paca and Evelyn Kopacek; brothers, Vincent and Raymond Kopacek; and three siblings in infancy, Helen, Arnold and Francis. 

The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. 
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Laura Mae “Tudy” Green, 85

January 13, 2010

Laura Mae “Tudy” Green, of Hastings, Minnesota, formerly of Wesley, died on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the Regina Care Center in Hastings, following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were held at 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 12, at the Regina Chapel, Hastings, Minnesota and will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 14, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, Iowa.  Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be for one hour prior to each service. Arrangements are being handled by the Caturia Smidt Funeral Home in Hastings and the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt.

Laura was born on May 3, 1924 in Ottumwa, Iowa, to H. Sidney and Bertha C. (Davis) Lundgren. She grew up in and attended school in Crystal Lake, Iowa. She enjoyed sports of all kinds and was a basketball player at her school and was the team's high scorer on the state championship team. She was an avid card player, an excellent seamstress, she loved poetry and was active in local 4-H groups. Laura's greatest pleasure was spending time with her family.

She married William G. Green on September 18, 1943 at Garner. They made their home near Wesley, Iowa where they farmed for 55 years. After William's death on January 18, 2003, Laura moved to Hastings to live nearer to family.

She is survived by four children, Kim Smidt and her husband, Steve of Hastings, Minnesota, Nancy Smith and her husband, Don of Kasson, Minnesota, Patsy Dudgeon of Riverside, California and Gerald Green and his wife, Bea of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, Adam Smidt  and Allison Smidt (Derek), Michelle Dudgeon (Tommy) and Jennifer Dudgeon (Rick), Brian Green (Jennifer) and Chad Green; three great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Victoria and Saige; one brother, Ronald Lundgren; and one sister, Jeannette Wolff and husband, Peter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; sisters, Doris Van Note, Phyllis Schmidt, Arlis Demro, Mavis Hill, an infant sister; brothers, Laurice Lundgren, Delbert Lundgren, Loren Lundgren and  Francis Lundgren.
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Orville “Curly”Weiland, 79

January 13, 2010

Orville Harold “Curly” Weiland, died on Sunday, January 10, 2010, at the Algona Manor Care Center.  He was 79.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 10:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Wesley, with Reverend Denise Group officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Arrangements were handled by the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Wesley.

Orville was born on May 2, 1930 in rural Wesley, the son of John B. and Della Marie (Thompson) Weiland. He attended the Wesley Country School. Orville was united in marriage to Marilyn Price on June 8, 1950 and to this marriage five children were born. In March of 1977, he was united in marriage to Dorla Dangelser. Both had been divorced so together they combined their families and became friends with each others children and grandchildren.

Orville worked for the Kossuth County Road Department for 42 years, retiring in 1992. He took great pride in his long term employment with the county. He was also a long time member of the United Methodist Church in Wesley. Orville liked to play golf with his sons and golf buddies at the Hillside Golf Course. He always enjoyed a good cup of Earl Grey Tea and the company and conversation that went with it. He had a passion for clean and shiny vehicles. After retirement Orville enjoyed a good ol' snow storm knowing that he wouldn't have to “man the plow” for hours on end. He loved visiting with children and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his five children, Patricia (Robert) Frayne of Clear Lake, David (Susan) Weiland of Algona, Betty (Craig) Erpelding of Algona, Judy (Dave) Weber of Corwith and Jon (Janelle) of Britt; two step-sons, Jeff (Linda) Dangelser of Manson and Adrian (Tammy) Dangelser of Boone; 12 grandchildren, Tara, Marc, Matthew, Ryan, Jill, Candace, Emily, Tyler, Elise, Jacob, Jenna and Jordan; three step-grandchildren, Clint, Alex and Amber; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorla; sister, Doris Widen; and two infant brothers.    
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Frank S. Haugland, 89

January 27, 2010

Frank S. Haugland, 89, of Crystal Lake, Iowa, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 23, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with Pastor Jacqueline A. Ziemer officiating. Burial will be in the Crystal Lake Township Cemetery when weather permits. Visitation was held on Friday, January 22, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt and continued one hour prior to the services at the church.

Frank Sanford Haugland, was born on April 24, 1920 in Maple Island, Minnesota, to Theodore and Frida (Osmundson) Haugland. Frank was educated in the Crystal Lake School System and served in the United States Army from 1942 until 1945. Upon his discharge from the Army, he farmed with his father for several years. On August 13, 1950, Frank married Eloise Morgan and to this union four children were born. The couple farmed for several years before moving to Crystal Lake in 1969, where they operated the Crystal Café and later, Frank's Café and Lounge in Woden and The Coffee Shop in Crystal Lake until their retirement in 1982.

Frank enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards and junking. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Frank was a member of the Grant Lutheran Church, the American Legion, the VFW and was a past member of the National Cribbage Congress.

Frank is survived by four children, Lois (Steve) Hogard of Crystal Lake, Franklin (Linda) Haugland of Manly, Ruth Haugland of Crystal Lake and Rita Gross of Crystal Lake; seven grandchildren, Ben (Tina) Hogard, Jaime Haugland, Nicole Bayer, Michelle (Mike Wright) Demery, Allyson (Brett Wilson) Gross, Katie Gross and Amanda Gross; five great-grandsons, Wesley, Kaden and Tylar Hogard, Christopher and Shaun Bayer; two brothers, Marvin (Janice) Haugland of Crystal Lake and Bobbie (Barbara) Haugland of Garner; three sisters, Sally Peterson of Britt, Frances Hallett of Crystal Lake and Barbara (Jim) Larson of Crystal Lake; along with many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eloise; sister, Marie; and brothers-in-law, Harold Peterson, Lee Hansen, Ivan Iverson and Stanley Hallett.
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Donald J. Kudej, 86

January 27, 2010

Donald J. Kudej, age 86, of Forest City, died on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, from complications of a stroke.

A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 23, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with Fr. Henry Huber and Rev. Msgr. Joseph Slepicka officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan, with Graveside Military Rites by the Forest City American Legion Post 121.

Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Friday, January 22, at the Peterson Lund Funeral Home, Forest City. There was a Parish Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continued an hour prior to the services at the church.

Donald Joseph Kudej, was born on June 19, 1923, on a farm southwest of Duncan. He was the son of Matthew and Emma (Hejlik) Kudej. During WW II, Don was a Sergeant in the United States Army, serving in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946. On January 4, 1949, Don was united in marriage to Florence Currier, recently celebrating over 61 years of marriage. The couple made their first home on a farm in rural Duncan. In 1955, they moved to a farm near Wesley. In 1963, he purchased an acreage near Forest City.

He was employed by Winnebago Industries for 25 years. He was proud of the fact that he helped build the first Winnebago motor home. He always was a farmer at heart. His children and grandchildren enjoyed his storytelling about his life adventures. He enjoyed listening to his polka music.

Don is survived by his wife, Florence; his children, Lawrence (Kim) Kudej of Swisher, Joyce (Sandy) Gruhn of Humboldt, Keith (Charla) Kudej of Madrid, Dr. Ray (Amy) Kudej of Westborough, Massachusetts and David (Laura) Kudej of Forest City; grandchildren, Matthew Kudej, Angie (Voss) Clark, Andrew Voss, Dan and Joe Gruhn, Adam and Chuck Kudej, Emma and Ellie Kudej, Anton, Josef and Sophia Kudej; and step-grandchildren, Matthew and Kate Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Donna (Kudej) Voss; a grandson, Michael Kudej; and a granddaughter, Christine Joy Gruhn; and brothers, Robert and Eugene.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City.

The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City, was in charge of the arrangements.
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Merle "Moe" Kerns, 87

January 27, 2010

Merle "Moe" Kerns, 87, of Britt, died on Sunday, January 24, 2010, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Inurnment will be in the spring in the Evergreen Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Britt United Methodist Church, Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Hospice of North Iowa or the Alzheimer's Association. 

Merle "Moe" Eugene Kerns, the first of three sons of Paul and Lura (Cruickshank) Kerns, was born on January 13, 1923, on a farm near Marshall, Minnesota. He graduated from the Plover High School where he played trombone and basketball. After high school, he joined the Army Air Corps serving in Egypt, India and Italy during WW II. In junior high Merle met the love of his life, Betty Trimble at a church youth group. On January 8, 1945, they were married at Rochester, Minnesota and made their home in California. After his honorable discharge they moved to Iowa where Moe worked at a John Deere dealership in Ringstead. In 1951, they moved to Britt and established their own business, Kerns Implement Company, which included John Deere, Behlen and Honda motorcycles along with other sidelines. Moe was the first Honda motorcycle dealer in Iowa. Betty was the bookkeeper. After 48 years in the business both retired at the age of 76. 

Moe enjoyed spending time with his family. His passion was riding motorcycles in every state and Canadian province. He loved music of all kinds and had a large collection. He loved traveling in his motor home and enjoyed the Minnesota State Fair. Moe was a hard worker known for his generosity, kindness and compassion. He had a heart for helping those less fortunate. He was always willing to give someone a chance. He had strong moral values and instilled a sense of right and wrong and patriotism in his daughters. Moe always flew a flag in his yard.

He was a member of the Britt United Methodist Church, BIDCO, Britt American Legion and VFW  and served on the hospital board. Moe was instrumental in establishing the Britt Medical Clinic, the Alzheimer's wing of the Britt nursing home  and the Summit House in Britt. He was the first Grand Marshall of the Hobo Day parade. His daughters remember his love, generosity, support, wonderful sense of humor, playful nature, card playing and great love for their mother. Moe and Betty celebrated 61 years of marriage on January 8, 2006. His friends will remember his loyalty, strong opinions and letters to the editor. One always knew where Moe stood on an issue. He will be greatly missed.

Moe is survived by his daughters, Pamela Kerns of Garner, Patricia (Bill) Hopes of Treynor, Deborah Kerns of Adel, Linda Kerns of Omaha and Rebecca (Mike) May of Britt; grandchildren, Nicholas (Lisa), Ivy, Lucas and Paige May and Clay, Alex and Jacob Hopes; great-granddaughter, Kylie May; brothers, Laurice (Beryl) Kerns of Ankeny and Larry (Jeanice) Kerns of Britt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents; and step-mother, Diamond.
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Mildred "Millie" Schaefer, 79

February 3, 2010

Mildred "Millie" Schaefer, 79, of Garner, died on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a. m., on Saturday, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial was in the St. Boniface Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Catholic Charities, American Lung Association or The Salvation Army.

Mildred Mae Schaefer, the daughter of Martin and Anna (Hrubes) Stupka, was born on March 6, 1930, on a farm north of Garner. Millie graduated from the Hayfield High School in 1947. After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at Reuben's Shoe Store in Forest City. On November 25, 1948, she was married to Calvin "Joe" Schaefer at the St. James rectory in Forest City. Joe was in construction work and they traveled to different construction places in the Midwest. In 1954, they returned to Garner where they raised their family. Millie worked in a variety of jobs including the nursing home, Dr. Fuller's medical office, secretary at the Garner-Hayfield High School and 20 years as part-time secretary at North Iowa Printing Company. 

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, church activities, card playing and in her earlier years, camping. She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society and the Garner VFW Auxiliary.

Millie is survived by her  six children, Sandra (Lt Gen Dennis) Hejlik of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Linda (Gary) Lemke of Billings, Montana, Janelle Luppen of Billings, Montana, Joanne Case of Eden, North Carolina, Joe Schaefer of Seattle, Washington and Greg Schaefer of Ames; eight grandchildren, Jason (Kamber) Hejlik and their three children, Kayla, Kassidy and Kenzie, Jill (LCDR Mike) Brady and their son, Michael, Jamison (Linda) Lemke, Ben Lemke, Michael Schaefer, Chris Schaefer, Jenny Schaefer and Ryan Schaefer; a sister, Anna Tlach of Garner; a brother, Clarence (Marlene) Stupka of Ankeny; sisters-in-law, Rose Trca, Iris Rayhons and Daisy (Jesse) Schwichtenberg; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe on December 28, 1990; her parents; sisters, Agnes Formanek and Dorothy Bosch; and brothers, Lewis, Ray and Harold Stupka.
© 2010 Forest City Summit



Alvin Becker, 80

February 10, 2010

Alvin Becker, died on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital.  He was 80 years old.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, February 4, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley, with Father Randy Schon officiating. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. 

Alvin James Becker, was born on July 14, 1929 in Burt, the son of Mathew and Justine (Bormann) Becker. His family moved to the St. Joseph area where he attended school and later finished his schooling in St. Benedict and Wesley. After his schooling, he began to farm before he entered the military. Alvin served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953, before returning to the Wesley area after he was honorably discharged.

On June 2, 1955, Alvin was united in marriage to Margaret Young at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. After their marriage, they lived near Wesley where they raised their family and farmed. He also sold farm equipment and feed. Alvin retired from farming in 1996.

Alvin loved to fish and took many fishing trips to Canada and Alaska, as well as, playing cards and wintering in Texas and Arizona. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Andrews Post 428 in Wesley, past member of the Pork and Creamery boards and member of the St. Joseph Parish in Wesley.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Wesley; children, Ed Becker and friend, Susie Durst of Everly, Jean Warm of Carroll, Betty (Ron) Koontz of Council Bluffs, Donna (Steve) Brown of Omaha, Nebraska, Mike (Terry) Becker of Humboldt, JoAnn Gronstal of Houston, Texas, Jerry (Jeanine) Becker of Gilbert, Arizona, Pat Becker and friend, Kathy Manning of Las Vegas, Nevada and Donnie (Dawn) Becker of Iowa City; 15 grandchildren; many step-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Delores Augustine of Cresco, Lorene (Arnold) Kollasch of Whittemore, Rosemary (Allen) Vaske of Bancroft, Harold (Theresa) Becker of Port Isabel, Texas, Mark (Mary) Becker of Monroe, Wisconsin, Betty (Bitz) Berte of St. Joseph, Norma (Don) Reding of St. Joseph, Bob (Mary) Becker of Wesley, Pat Baumann of Whittemore, Marge (Ray) Brcka of Forest City, Joyce (Lee) Wagner of Torrance, California and Jane (Don) Potthoff of Algona; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary Jane; brother, Frank (Mari) Becker; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Rose Young; and brothers-in-law, Greg Augustine, Pat Baumann, Don Young, James Pavelka, Al Huinker and Art Chizek.

Arrangements were handled by the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Wesley.
© 2010 Forest City Summit

 

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