Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 7, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Music was provided by Maxine Jenison, organist and "Free Spirit" comprised of Dianne Suntken, James Suntken, Marilyn Janssen and Bernie Urich, accompanied by Janet Pals and a special duet by Carla and Blake Martin.

Casket bearers were Marc Behrends, Duane Thompson, Lee Drohlich, Dean Ball, Ryan Ball, Michael Behrends, Blake Martin and Scott Martin. Honorary casket bearers were Jerry Walton, Kevin Butt, Rocky (Allan) Adams, J. R. (Jerome) Mainquist, Scott Butt, Wayne Schmidt, Randy Butt and Cliff Moldenhauer. Ushers were Lloyd Cunningham and Roger Modderman. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Nete Walton, was born on October 25, 1918 at Linn Grove, the daughter of Vern and Eunice (Butterfield) Walton. She grew up in the Storm Lake area, graduated from the Storm Lake High School in 1934 and then worked in her family's shoe repair business.

On December 16, 1938, she was united in marriage to Theodore "Ted" Behrends at Fairmont, Minnesota. They resided in Kansas while Ted was in the service. Then they moved to Emmetsburg and then to Belmond in 1939. In 1953 Nete and Ted adopted two boys, Larry and Leon.

In Belmond, the Behrends owned and operated both a coffee shop and a shoe store, continuing with the shoe store until 1971 when they retired. Nete continued to work. She lived in Forest City and Mason City before entering the Belmond Health Care Center in October of 2001.

She was a charter member of the Belmond VFW Auxiliary, a member of the Eastern Star and was a long time member of the United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for 14 years. She was an avid bingo and bridge player, being a member of one bridge club for 30 years.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Ted in 1979; brother, Lester; and five sisters, Lillian, Evelyn, Verna, Alice and Lela.

Veva, was born on May 5, 1907 in Dows, to Clarence Hill and Mildred Bates. She graduated from the Rowan High School. On December 12, 1928, Veva and Clifford White were married. They owned a hardware store.

Veva was a member of the Dows Presbyterian Church.

Veva was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, Delbert; three brothers; and one sister.

Lorraine Luella, the daughter of Ray and Edna (Brewer) Norris, was born on October 29, 1918, on a farm near Belmond. She was baptized at the Belmond United Methodist Church. The family lived in Garner, Belmond, and moved to Rowan when Lorraine was in kindergarten. She graduated from the Rowan High school in 1937. Lorraine attended the Evangelical Deacon School of Nursing in Marshalltown where she graduated from their three year nursing program in 1940. She worked as an O.B. nurse in Marshalltown for four years and worked in Iowa Falls for two years.

Lorraine and Laurel W. Baines, were united in marriage on August 30, 1942, in Klemme. Laurel was inducted into the United States military service five days later and during Laurel's time in the service they lived in Missouri, Mississippi and Louisiana. When Laurel was stationed overseas, Lorraine moved back to northern Iowa and took a job in Hampton. In 1946 Laurel returned to the United States and was transferred to LeMars where he resumed work for the phone company. Lorraine worked at the LeMars hospital. The couple moved back to Rowan in 1951. In 1956 Lorraine began her nursing career at the Belmond Hospital, where she was the director of nursing. She retired in 1980.

She spent time crocheting, gardening, and she enjoyed cooking. The couple began wintering in Weslaco, Texas and Lorraine continued until 2000, to spend her winters in Texas after Laurel's death.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; and brother, Merlynd.

Lura, was born on November 27, 1912 in Clarion, to David B. and Loretta Smith Swisher. She graduated from the Clarion High School in 1930.

On May 8, 1934, she married William Zeddie Rout in Boone. They farmed and raised seven children on the same farm William was born on near Dows. In 1979 they moved into Dows.

Lura was active in the Royal Neighbors of America, the Dows United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and the Dows Senior Citizens.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; and one sister, Ruth Weiss.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Janet Wearda officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Lloyd was born on November 23, 1924, the son of Clarence and Harriet (Brandies) Gordon, on a farm near Rowan. He attended the Rowan Public School, graduating in 1942. He helped his father on the farm.

On December 29, 1946, Lloyd was united in marriage with Julia Jane Bell at Klemme. To this union, three children were born. The family lived on a farm next to the Gordon home farm until 1976 when they moved into Rowan.

Lloyd served on the Wright County Extension Council, the Wright County Cattleman's Board, the Rowan School Board, and he was the chairman of the Wright County Planning and Zoning Committee. Lloyd was also a member of the Masonic Lodge of Clarion, the Wright County Shrine Club, the Iowa Falls Elks Club, and the Rowan Lions. He was a life time member of the United Church of Rowan, where he served on the property and maintenance board and the church council.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 16, at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme, with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery near Goodell.

Organist was Kim Palmquist. Honorary casket bearers were Rick Hawley, Kap Blank, Arley Waddingham, Cliff Anderson, Chuck Butler and Leon Gelner.

Forrest was born on November 20, 1914, on his parent's farm near Goodell, the son of William Frederick and Anna (Rust) Langlitz. He attended Goodell Schools until his junior year, when he moved to Meservey. He graduated there in 1932.

He farmed in the Klemme area for 33 years and retired in 1978. He later moved to the Klemme Apartments where he made his home for 20 years.

Forrest enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, and later took up bowling and golf. He also liked playing cards, especially cribbage, and reading.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Elmer; sister-in-law, Wava Langlitz; niece, Eileen Trager; and nephew, Bill Langlitz.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 18, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows, with burial in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Larry Carl, the son of Telbert and Eleanor Christensen Tonderum, was born on December 2, 1957 at Clarion. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Dows. He graduated from the Dows High School in 1976 and from AIB in Des Moines in 1978.

Larry worked for the State 4-H and Youth Office in Ames, and currently worked at Iowa State University as the professional administrator of the food services at Friley Hall.

He was a member of the performing arts council of Ames, was vice president of the housing association in his neighborhood, and was active with the Quasdorf Museum and Historical Society in Dows.

Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Arlyn; paternal grandparents, Carl and Helena Tonderum; and maternal grandparents, Jens and Edna Christensen.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 18, 2002, at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Chapel in Algona, with Pastors Lowell Halvorson and Ed Harp officiating. Burial was in the Riverview Cemetery, Algona.

Casket bearers were Tim Lighter, Ben Lighter, Todd Lighter, Jim Pergande, Harvey Tulp and David Fenton. Jack Celoni was an honorary bearer.

Thomas was born on May 16, 1957 in Britt. He graduated from the Algona High School in 1976 and attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He married Joan Marso on September 3, 1977, at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in West Bend. He owned Lighter Electric and then Mr. Computer in Algona. He also worked at various sales jobs.

Tom moved to Belmond in 2000, where he became a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Dwaine Lighter.

Music was provided by Mary Van Weelden, organist and a men's quartet of John Smidt, Paul Tjaden, Gerald Redenius and Harlan Eekhoff. Casket bearers were Dennis Kruger, Roger Seefeld, Harlan Eekhoff, Clarence Harringa, Albertus Kruger and Keith Mayland. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery near Britt. Military rites were conducted by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Carl was born on July 16, 1918 at rural Belmond, to Dirk and Reka (Loats) Pals. He attended country school near Belmond and then worked on the family farm. He served in the army during World War II, and upon his discharge worked at the General Mills plant in Belmond. He later started a feed grinding business.

Carl was married to Odessa Anfinson on June 23, 1950, at the Prairie Center Church near Britt. They later purchased a farm northeast of Wesley and then a farm southwest of Woden, that they farmed until retiring in 1986. Carl and Odessa later moved into Britt.

Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing, and baseball. He was active in annual army reunions and stayed in touch with his army buddies. He was an active member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church, where he belonged to the Men's Society and served as Deacon.

Preceding him in death were his parents; five brothers, Dick A. Pals, Andrew Pals, Bill Pals, Fred Pals and Roy Pals; and five sisters, Mattie Smith, Sema Helland, Henrietta Kalkwarf, Grace Mennenga and Jennie Smith.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 19, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Jeanne was born in Clarion on March 7, 1917, to Lloyd and Jeanette Morgan Strom. She graduated from the Clarion High School in 1934.

She served as a nurse in the U.S. Army during WW II at various posts in the U.S. and in England. She worked in the public health department in the state of Iowa from the early 1950's until her retirement in 1981. After living in Des Moines for 35 years, she moved to the Meadows in Clarion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Mary Byrne.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 20, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Organist was Lynette Nuerhing and soloist was Lance Arnold. Ushers were Terry Woiwood and Kirk Pearson.

Casket bearers were Steven Ostendorf, Rob Ostendorf, Jerry Ostendorf, David Stromer, Brian Bovenmeyer, Kevin Bovenmeyer, Wade Grieman and Ron Bachman. Interment was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Arnett Duane, was born on September 27, 1926 at Mason City, the son of Harry James and Orpha Belle (Smith) Ostendorf. He graduated from the Meservey High School in 1944.

Arnett was united in marriage to Jean H. Barkema on December 27, 1946, at the United Methodist Church. The couple farmed in the Belmond, Goodell and Klemme areas from 1946 until retiring in September 1971. In 1975 they moved to Klemme.

Arnett worked for the Klemme Co-op Elevator in the grain department, retiring in 1988. He then helped area farmers with their spring and fall field work, including Alden Hagen. He also transported blinds for PAR Products of Klemme.

He was an active member of his church, having been a deacon, an elder, and on the church consistory. He was a member of the Klemme Lions Club and a Past President. He worked on the grounds of the Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme and was a long time member of the board at the course, serving two terms as President. He was a past member of the Klemme Area Development Organization.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant son, Todd; brother, Robert; brother-in-law, Keith Bovenmeyer; and a nephew, Randy Stromer.

Thelma Marie, was born on March 8, 1917 in Dows, one of eight children of Ralph and Gunda Evans Moore. She attended school in Popejoy and Dows. She married Arthur Westre and the couple had three children. Thelma and her children moved to Bagley in 1945. She moved to Rippey in 1978.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Helen Didio and Doris Blankenship.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 22, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Meservey. Jan Christianson was organist with Lois and Terry Long vocalists. Casket bearers were Trent Pals, Trevor Pals, Mark Oxley, Andrew Pals, Douglas Pals and Derrick Reynolds.

Elmer was born on October 25, 1915 in rural Thornton, to Harm J. and Alida Sweede Goemen Pals. He attended the Wisner Township School through the eighth grade and graduated from the Meservey High School.

He married Marcele Waddingham at the Meservey Reformed Church Parsonage on August 20, 1936. They farmed in the Meservey and Thornton areas for 41 years. Most of these years were on the family farm which was certified as a century farm in 1992.

Upon retirement, Elmer and Marcele moved to Thornton. They wintered in Dade City, Florida the past ten years.

Elmer helped build the first lighted softball diamond in Meservey and helped start several youth baseball programs. He served on the Meservey-Thornton School Board. In 1950 he was instrumental in helping his church sponsor the Lipin family from Latvia, as they came to America to begin a new life.

Elmer was a long time member of the Meservey (EUB) United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for 40 years.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Marcele of 65 years; four children, Dallas (Kaye) Pals who live on the family farm, Deloris (Roger) Monson of Nevada, Larry (Darlene) Pals of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Gary (Carla) Pals of Clinton; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Ruth Waddingham of Meservey and Ruth Dorenkamp of Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 23, at the Salem United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dan Voss presiding. Interment was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Bob was born on February 17, 1924 at home in Meservey, the son of Garfield E. and Katharine (Foss) Raecker. At a very young age his mother died and he was cared for by his grandmother, Antonette Raecker. Bob graduated from the Meservey High School in 1941. He then worked for the family Chevrolet dealership and Standard Oil garage prior to entering the service.

During WW II, Bob joined the Army Air Corp and served with the 8th Air Force. He flew 29 missions as a gunner on a B-17. He was awarded the Air Medal with 3 Oakleaf Clusters for his service.

Bob returned to Meservey following the war and worked with his dad until he took over the auto dealership. He was united in marriage with Sylvia Maxine Quandt on July 29, 1945 at the Salem UMC.

After he retired from the dealership and garage, he worked as foreman in the shipout department of Winnebago Industries in Forest City and managed Pals Mobile Homes in Clear Lake. Bob retired in 1984.

Bob was a life time member of the Salem United Methodist Church. He was a member of the William Schmalle Legion Post #171 in Meservey and the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He also served on the Meservey School Board. He enjoyed automobiles and watching baseball.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and step-mother, Mary; a granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth; and a sister, Arnelda in infancy.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 24, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond, at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Lowell H. Halvorson officiating. Organist was Carol Severson and vocalists were Diana Suntken and Dan Beenen. Ushers were Hank Gerdes, Bob Kalkwarf and Soupy Cramer.

Honorary bearers were Joe Kaiser, Bob Erickson, Roger Boelman, George Crawford, Lambert Barkema and John Halfwassen. Casket bearers were Rodney Meints, Rick Brooks, Darin Meints, Bruce Whipple, Kevin Smith and Wendel Whipple. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking. He was a life long member of the St. John Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and as an usher.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Duane Watkins; sister, Maxine Hamiel; son-in-law, Alvie Smith; and great-grandson, Benjamin Meints.

Royce Albin, the son of Albin and Emma (Dorenkamp) Tomson, was born on July 27, 1916 in Belmond. He began his education at Hickory Grove and then attended the Belmond High School. After graduation he worked as a salesman for the Nissen Packing Co. in Webster City. He married Mildred Frohling on June 14, 1939 in Belmond.

In 1945, he joined the United States Army and served in central Europe during WW II. He was awarded four bronze stars and the bronze star medal. After being honorably discharged in 1945, he was employed by the government meat grading service in Waterloo. In 1962 he transferred to Fort Dodge and retired in 1976. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Masons, Elks, NARFE, AARP and the Men's Garden Club.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one brother, Robert.

Ralph was born on November 15, 1917 in Townwood, Putnam County, to George G. and Eleanore Forney McDougle. He married Etheleene Dennis on March 18, 1936.

He retired from Central Soya, Bellevue in 1980, after working 45 years in the grain elevator business.

He was preceded in death by his wife; brothers, Serge, Harold and Gerald; sister, Dorothy Aller; an infant sister; and grandson, Jon Morris of Belmond.

Richard Banning, was born on February 12, 1921 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the eldest of three sons of Robert and Flora Banning.

He graduated from high school in 1938 and attended the Britt Junior College at Britt. He was part of the six-man football team which won the State of Iowa Junior College Championship in 1939.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940 and his career spanned 30 years. He graduated from the Aviation Cadet Flying School in 1942 as a 2nd Lt. He flew 50 missions in B-17's. The last nine years he was a Bird Colonel.

After WW II and while stationed in the United States, he attended Indiana University and graduated in 1959 with a BS in Business Management. He retired in 1970. 

Richard and his wife, Doris resided in Gahanna, Ohio, from 1967 to 1993. During that time he worked for the State of Ohio as an auditor in the State Welfare Department. After the death of his wife, he retired to Austin, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; daughters, Mary Ann Wheeler and Edith Anderson; his brother, G. Ed Banning; and second wife, Joanna Glesecke.

Edward, the son of Anton and Christina (Hejlik) Stupka was born near Lawler, Iowa, on February 2, 1919. In 1920, he moved with his parents and sister, Rose to Wisconsin where they purchased a farm and lived for 15 years. Ed attended grade school and high school in Colby.

In 1936 they moved to the Goldfield/Eagle Grove area, where Edward worked as a farm hand. In 1940, he married Fern Vroman of Goldfield and they were engaged in farming. In later years, Edward worked at Broshar Implement as a salesman. The Stupka's had two sons, Marvin and Wayne.

Edward and Fern lived in the retirement apartments in Kanawha.

He was reared in the Catholic faith as a child, later attending the Baptist Church at Goldfield and then joined the Baptist Church in Holmes. He served as a deacon and received a plaque for over 40 years as senior usher.

Preceding him in death were his wife; his brother, Frank and his wife, Rose; and his sister, Rose Unger and her husband, Harry.