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

Obituary Archive

Wright County

Including Belmond, Clarion, Eagle Grove and surrounding areas

Belmond Independent

 
214 E. Main St.
Belmond, IA
50421-1122

Clarion-Wright County Monitor
107 2nd Avenue N.E.
Clarion, IA
50525-0153

Eagle Grove Eagle
314 West Broadway P.O. Box 6
Eagle Grove, IA
50533



Keystroke Ctrl F is a page search tool
Ideas to help you power search this obituary archive

The NCIGS Wright County Archive


  
Harold "Sonny" Erdman

March 12, 2001

Harold F. (Sonny) Erdman, 72, of Belmond, died on Sunday, March 11, 2001, at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 15, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond with Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery near Belmond.

Music was provided by Marilyn Janssen, soloist and accompanist, Marlys Nail. Honorary casket bearers were Homer Brinton, Roger Kinseth, Don Piel, Jack Fulton, Irv Kuester, Curtis Rise, Edgar Janson, Johan Pals and Ed Stoffer. Casket bearers were Verlyn Boelman, Joe McLaughlin, Virgil Draper, Steve McLaughlin, Gerald Madison and Dalon Obrecht. Ushers were Soupy Cramer, Henry Gerdes and Robert Kalkwarf.

Harold, the son of Philip and Elizabeth Groh Erdman, was born on April 1, 1928, in Klemme. He grew up in the Belmond area where he attended country schools and helped on the family farm.

Harold was united in marriage to Charline Miller in 1950. He served in the United States Army from 1953 until 1955.

Sonny was employed for 17 years at the Belmond Creamery where he picked up milk and made butter. He was a car salesman for 26 years at McLaughlin Bros. in Belmond, retiring in 1991. He worked at the bottle redemption center since that time.

Sonny was united in marriage to Wilma Gordon in 1975. He was baptized and confirmed as a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond. He was a member of the Belmond Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; son, Fred Erdman, Jr., in 1992; two sisters, Mollie Kalkwarf and Hilda Lee; and true friend and former wife, Charline Erdman in May of 2000.

Survivors are one son and daughter-in-law, Philip and LuAnn Erdman of Belmond; daughter-in-law, Janette Erdman of Belmond; five grandchildren, Trisha, Trevor, Katie, Kristin, and Kristopher Erdman, all of Belmond; four sisters, Mary Pringnitz of Belmond, Betty Faulkner of Webster City, Ann Pierce of Webster City, Minnie Johnson of Belmond; good friend Wilma Erdman of Garner, and Wilma's daughters, Diane Gilbert and Twyla Erdmann.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
Herma Gladys Halverson Roseth

March 19, 2001

Herma Gladys (Halverson) Roseth, 82, of Americus, Georgia, died on Saturday, March 17, 2001, at the Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, March 22, 2001, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery, Belmond, with Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating. Interment was in the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery, Belmond.

Casket bearers were Paul Roseth, Douglas Roseth, Jr. Jim Roseth, Doug Roseth, Brandon Roseth, Garfield Halverson and Merlin Halverson.

Herma was born on July 24, 1918, a daughter of the late Garfield Theodore Halverson and Millie Wicks Halverson. She was a homemaker. Herma served as secretary/treasurer at the St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Plains, Georgia for 20 years. She was a gift shop manager at Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus and was a charter member of the Hospital Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Brandon D. Roseth on May 30, 1999; two brothers, Melvin and Ervin Halverson; and sister-in-law, Esther Halverson.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Debbie Roseth of Pembroke Pines, Florida and Douglas and Jayme Roseth of Americus, Georgia; one step-son and step-daughter-in-law, James and Bev Roseth of Plainfield, Illinois; and two grandchildren, Brandon Roseth of Pembroke Pines, Florida and Douglas Roseth of Americus, Georgia; two brothers, Garfield "Gus" Halverson and his wife, Shirley of Kanawha and Merlin Halverson and his wife, Marcella of Kanawha; and sister-in-law, Peggy Halverson of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
John G. Bachman

March 19, 2001

John G. "Buster" Bachman, 86, of Belmond, died on Sunday, March 18, 2001, at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 22, at the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond, with Pastor Curtis DeVance officiating. Interment was in the Amsterdam Cemetery, Goodell. Casket bearers were Ronald Cabay, Jim Bachman, Kevin Bachman and Clayton Leonard.

John Bachman, the son of John and Anna Hanson Bachman, was born on March 18, 1915, in Avery Township near Klemme. He grew up in the Goodell, Klemme, and Meservey areas where, as a young man, he worked for area farmers. He later moved to Des Moines where he worked in defense.

In 1941, John married Evelyn Bosworth in Des Moines.

John entered the United States Army in 1942, and served in the European Theater during WW II. Following his discharge in 1946, John made his home in Des Moines. He later moved to Kanawha where he was employed as a welder. John later operated Rhodes Cafe in Klemme and another restaurant in Ventura. Following his retirement, John moved to Meservey, eventually moving to Belmond after Evelyn's death.

John loved fishing, hunting and playing cards, especially cribbage. He was a member of the Clear Lake American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers; and one sister.

Survivors include one brother, Elmer and his wife, Mary Lou, of Meservey; two sisters, Vera Osborn of Reno, Nevada and Madeline Hymas of Las Vegas, Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
James Louis Burt

March 19, 2001

James Louis Burt, 68, of Belmond, died on Sunday, March 18, 2001, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 20, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond, with Pastor Celestyne DeVance officiating. Music was provided by Dona Cleveland, organist and Marilyn Janssen, soloist. Casket bearers were Don Aldrich, Rick Hild, Larry Bailey, Merlin Loux, Kevin Hadley, Merlin Loux and Mark Slining. Ushers were Ralph Johnson and Donald Robinson. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

James Burt, the son of Louis and Alta Allen Burt, was born on February 24, 1933, on the family farm near Rowan. He attended Rowan schools through the eighth grade, then Clarion High School, graduating in 1951. Jim ran track for Clarion High School and participated in the State Track Meet and the Drake Relays.

In 1953, Jim was united in marriage to Joan Shadbolt and from this union two children were born.

Jim entered the United States Army and served from 1953 until 1955 during the Korean Conflict. After his service, Jim returned home and farmed in the Rowan area from 1955 until 1987.

On August 7, 1976, Jim was united in marriage to Judy Nelsen Gaulke at the Little Brown Church. He continued to farm near Rowan and also worked as a machinist at Lakeside Lifts in Belmond. The couple moved to Belmond in 1992.

Jim was an avid sports fan, liked airplanes, WW II history and collected toy farm machinery. He spent a lot of time working in his machine shed. He was a member of the Belmond United Methodist Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and bother-in-law, Elmer Howard.

Survivors are his wife, Judy; son, Richard Burt of Rowan; daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Scott McLaughlin of Overland Park, Kansas; step-son and his wife, Bennett and Deb Gaulke; step-daughter and her husband, Natalie and Anthony McBride of Des Moines; two grandchildren, Cory and Colin McLaughlin; six step-grandchildren, Nathan, Lauren, and Logan Gaulke, Mark, Jeff, and Meghan McBride; sister, Maxine Howard of Des Moines; mother and father-in-law, Iris and Ernie Nelsen of Rowan; and many nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
Gertrude Stadtlander

March 27, 2001

Gertrude Fern (Smit) Stadtlander, 73, of Meservey, died on Monday, March 19, 2001, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Services were held on Thursday, March 22, 2001, at the First Reformed Church, Meservey, with Rev. Rodney Meester officiating. Interment was in the Meservey Cemetery. Music was provided by Janet Pals, organist and Ron Symens, soloist.

Honorary casket bearers were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Matthew, Amy, Jordan and Spencer Proctor; Rebecca, Tyler, Joshua and Alex Stadtlander; and Brittany and Chelsea Bracklein. Casket bearers were Mike DeVries, Rich Miller, Ardell VanOsten, Joel Smit, Tom Jancka, Chuck McCloud, Butch DeVries and Kevin Mollenbeck.

Gertrude "Gert" was born on November 4, 1927 near Latimer, Iowa to Dick and Ettie (Janssen) Smit. She attended country schools and then stayed home to help her dad raise her younger brothers and sisters after the illness and death of her young mother.

Gert married Louis G. Stadtlander on February 20, 1948, at the Zion Reformed Church Parsonage in rural Sheffield. They made their home in Meservey and were the parents of six children.

Gert loved life and especially loved family gatherings. She was a member of the First Reformed Church of Meservey, the RCW, Meservey Legion Auxiliary, and other organizations in the community including the Golden Years Club. She babysat in her home for many years and enjoyed meeting people while working with Shirley at the Chit Chat Cafe'.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis G in 1982; her parents; and her step-mother, Bessie.

Survivors include six children, Larry and Connie Stadtlander of Thornton, Shirley and Marty Proctor of Thornton, Rich and Jennifer Stadtlander of Meservey, Beverly of Meservey, Dean and Renae of Clear Lake and Brenda and John Bracklein of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Matthew and Janet Proctor, Amy Proctor, Joshua Stadtlander, Rebecca Stadtlander, Brittany Brachlein, Chelsea Bracklein, Tyler Stadtlander and Alex Stadtlander. Two great-grandchildren, Jordan Practor and Spencer Proctor; two brothers, Willard and Arlene Smit of Iowa Falls and Dennis and Sue Smit of Hampton; two sisters, Mildred and George Wenzel of Belmond and Esther and Al DeVries of Sheffield; and many nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
Alre Watts

April 5, 2001

Alre Robert Watts, 87, of Clarion, died on Saturday, March 24, 2001, at the Belmond Care Center. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Alre Robert Watts was born on August 31, 1913, the son of Earl and May (Mechem) Watts in Oelwein. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1930, and then attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines and Gregg College in Chicago. Following college he made his career as a court reporter.

Alre married Mary Goodman in February, 1945 and they had one son, Robert. They were life time residents of Lake Cornelia, as well as long time members of the Clarion Church of Christ where he was an officer and teacher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Dorothy Warner.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of Clarion; son, Robert of Belmond; and one sister, Betty Kitchen of Tumwater, Washington.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
Jeanne Christie Shepard Olson

April 12, 2001

Jeanne Christie Shepard Olson, died on Monday, March 26, 2001, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Services were held on Friday, March 30, at the First Congregational Church of Christ in Appleton. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery.

She was born in Belmond on March 6, 1923, the daughter of Clair and Dorothy Lierle Christie. She graduated from the Belmond High School. She received a BA at the University of Iowa in 1944, where she was president of Delta Gamma sorority.

Jeanne lived in Appleton for approximately 40 years where she was active in the Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Blood Center, Charity Circle of Kings Daughters, Appleton Art Gallery, Riverview Country Club and the First Congregational Church. She exhibited art, sponsored a craft show, and enjoyed gatherings of friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and husband, Marlyn.

Survivors include daughter, Catherine Shepard of Milwaukee and her two sons and their wives, John (Sharon) Shepard and Stephen (Kristen) Shepard; three grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; a step-son and step-daughter; step-grand and great-grandchildren; and various other relatives including cousins, Doris Gabrielson and Roger Johnson of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
Almira Strait

April 12, 2001

Almira Geneva Strait, 85, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, March 28, 2001, at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, March 31, 2001, at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Music was provided by Carol Severson, organist. Loren Bamford and Francis Morris were ushers. Casket bearers were David Christenson, Ron Hamilton, Mike Strait, Charles Elberg Jr., Larry Severson and David VanZee.

Almira, the daughter of Hans Christian and Mabel Gunderson Larson, was born on April 11, 1915, in Eagle Grove. She grew up in the Eagle Grove and Clarion area and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1934.

On September 1, 1935, Almira married Emra Harrison Strait at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple made their first home in Eagle Grove. The couple moved to a farm near Belmond in 1945 and into the city of Belmond in 1952. Almira moved to the Belmond Apartments in 1990.

Almira was employed as a nurse's aid at the Belmond Community Hospital in 1953, and at the Clarion Hospital in 1962. She then worked at the Rotary Ann Home in Eagle Grove for 20 years where she was a licensed dietitian. In later years she assisted with congregate meals.

Almira enjoyed dancing, gardening, crocheting, playing bingo and card games. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, the Esther Circle and Dorcas Circle. She was also a member of RSVP, Sr. Citizen, Over 60's, Grandmothers Club and Wright County Elderbridge.

Preceding her in death were her parents; infant daughter, Peggy Ann; husband, Emra (E.H.); five brothers, Marion Larson, Harold Larson, Gordon Larson, Bernard Larson and Lester Larson; one sister, Irene Benoit; two brothers in law, Gus Hopfinger and Jack Benoit; and one sister-in-law, Sally Larson.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharen June TerHark of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Myrna Rae Baker and her husband, Terrell of Belmond; one son, Charles James Strait and his wife, Judy of Flomaton, Alabama; eight grandchildren, Debra Jean TerHark, Steven Terhark, Randall Terhark, Denise (Baker) Hamilton, Annette (Baker) VanZee, Christine Baker, Robert Strait and Michael Strait; nine great-grandchildren, Jennifer, Amber and Tyler TerHark, Benjamin and Kaitlin Hamilton, Savannah Strait; Dillon and Damon Strait and Logan VanZee; two sisters, Maxine Phipps of Lakeside, Ohio and Beulah Jean Hopfinger of Coronado, California; two brothers, James Larson of Palm Desert, California and Robert Larson of Huntington Beach, California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
Richard L. Arends

April 5, 2001

Richard L. Arends, 87, of Kanawha, died on Thursday, March 29, 2001, at the Belmond Medical Center in Belmond.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, April 2, 2001, at the United Methodist Church in Kanawha, with Pastor Susan Detwiler officiating. Interment was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery.

Music was provided by Louise Smith Hoelscher, organist and Pat Hartwig, soloist. Ushers were LeRoy Cooper and Ron Pringnitz.

Honorary casket bearers were Raymond Burras, Herbert Schreur, Lori Jones, Barbara Zeigler, Jake DeWaard, Delos Smith, Katherine Olmstead, Jan Zeigler, Eldon Harson, Lyn Candor, Daphne Pogge and Pam Zeigler. Casket bearers were Todd Candor, Jeffery Jones, Ron Olmstead, Jay Pogge, Danny Zeigler, Dennis Zeigler and Doug Zeigler.

Richard, the son of John Casper (J.C.) and Anna Bode Arends, was born on January 27, 1914, near Alexander, Iowa. He grew up in the Alexander area where he attended Alexander schools. Richard was baptized at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church by his grandfather, Rev. Cornelius Bode.

Richard married Jennie Veldhouse on August 25, 1935, at the Methodist parsonage in Kanawha. The couple made their home south of Kanawha where Richard farmed. Richard farmed until he was 80 years old and never really retired. Richard and Jennie had two daughters.

Richard was a member of the United Methodist Church in Kanawha where he served on the Official Board of the United Methodist Church. Richard taught Sunday School, was an MYF leader, a member of the Methodist Men, served as treasurer for the Building Fund, and was a trustee for many years. He was a Director of the Kanawha Co-op Oil and Director at Norway Rural Schools. Richard was a member of the Wright County ASCS and Country Cousins. He enjoyed bowling and golf. Richard enjoyed his family, church and his friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a grandchild, Robin Lynn Pogge; a great-grandchild, Nicholas Jay Pogge; two sisters, Edna Tucker and Hazel Benson; and three brothers, Orville, Henry and infant, John.

Survivors include his wife, Jennie; two daughters, Dawn Zeigler and husband, Lyle of Kanawha and Joyce Pogge and husband, Kenneth of Kanawha; seven grandchildren, Kathryn Olmstead and husband, Ron, Dennis Zeigler and wife, Barbara, Doug Zeigler and wife, Jan, Lori Jones and husband, Jeffery, Danny Zeigler and wife, Pam, Jay Pogge and wife, Daphne and Lyn Candor and husband, Todd; sixteen great-grandchildren, Amy, Bryan and Krista Olmstead, Aaron and Melissa Zeigler, Joshua and Justin Zeigler, Jonathan and Jennifer Jones, Jaime Zeigler, Ashley, Lindsey and Zachary Pogge, Tyler, Kendall and Keaton Candor; one sister, Lena VanDusseldorp of Sheffield; and several nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2001


  
Mildred Hammond

April 12, 2001

Mildred Hammond, 96, died on Saturday, March 31, 2001, at the St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 3, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, with Andrew Lindahl officiating. Casket bearers were John Register, Harold Mauseth, Ted Hinrichs and Kenny Guy. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery.

She was born on October 20, 1904, near Meservey (Hancock County) to William and Laura (Vietmeier) Koehler. She married Albert Hammond on May 18, 1935, in Waseca, Minnesota. She was a former school teacher and a homemaker.

Preceding her in death were her parents; four brothers, Herbert, Walter, Gilbert, and Raymond.

Survivors are her husband, Albert Hammond of Austin, Minnesota; and two sisters, Edna Lauen of Belmond and Viola Bredlow of Garner.
©Belmond Independent 2001

 
Community Project:

Volunteers maintain this archive by posting directly to the web from their home computers.