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



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Clair Hugh

January 6, 2005

Clair Hugh, BHS principal during the early 50's, died on Sunday, January 2, 2005, of cardiac arrest.  Clair is survived by his wife of Bellevue, Washington.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Linda N. Diekhuis

January 13, 2005

Linda Nadine Diekhuis, 47, of Belmond, died on Tuesday, January 4, 2005, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 8, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Rod Hopp officiating. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Organist was Eldoris Bunnell and soloist was Marilyn Janssen. Ushers were Glenn Meints, Al Charlson and Al Olson. Casket bearers were Don Goeman, Jr., Tom Schiltz, Angie Covington, Dave Goeman, Roger Asmus and Laurie Gottschalk.

Linda was born on February 28, 1957 in Lake Mills, the daughter of Marvin and Viola Brakke Bendickson. She graduated from the Lake Mills High School.

She married Delos Diekhuis on June 21, 1980, at Trinity Lutheran in Belmond. She had been employed at the Belmond Health Care Center for 25 years, much of that time as a certified nursing assistant.

Linda looked forward to the various holidays of the year and keeping up with her favorite "soap" General Hospital. She received great joy and pride from her husband, children and family. For most of her life she battled diabetes and in later years rheumatoid arthritis.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Survivors include her mother of Lake Mills; her husband, Delos and children, Brandon and Stacy; sisters, Laurie McDonald of Lake Mills and Marsha (Randy) Mincer of Arkansas; and brother, Steve Bendickson of Lake Mills.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



George R. Mikesh

January 13, 2005

George Richard Mikesh died on Wednesday, January 5, 2005, at Mercy Hospital in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 9, at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Druhl officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Amsterdam Cemetery east of Goodell.

Music was provided by Lyn Courson, organist and Warren Torkelson, vocalist. Honorary bearers were, Merlin "Mort" Stockseth, Rob Courson, Art Melchow, Albert Lopez, Dave Nelson, Rita Mae Rossman, and Refine Rossman. Casket bearers were, Doug Pals, Darvin Peters, Ron Even, Paul Dahlman, Dave Fuls, James Reidenour, and Steve Dahlman.

George was born on May 20, 1924 at Klemme, the son of Charles and Kathlyn (Pannhoff) Mikesh. The family moved to Forest City and then Belmond where he finished his last two years of high school.

He was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served with the 63rd Division, 254 Infantry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Army. He served as a machine gunner in France and Germany. He received the following military medals: Bronze Star with "V" Device, First Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with bronze service stars for the Rhineland and Central European Campaigns, World War II Victory, Distinguished Unit Emblem, Army of Occupation with Germany Clasp, Combat Infantryman Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, and French Croix de Guerre with Palm for Colmar and Battle of the Bulge.

Following the end of the war he was sent to Berlin to help set up the Office of Military Government. He served as honor guard and received training in military intelligence. In 1947 he was discharged from the Army. He went into civil service as Deputy Chief Warden at Spandau Prison in Berlin.

He returned home after his father's death in 1949. George married Emily Goll in 1955. He farmed near Hickory Grove northwest of Belmond. Following his retirement in 1989, he enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, auctions, cooking, nature watching, polka music, photography, reading and a good debate.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Grace Zaspel.

Survivors include his wife; children, Sheila Johnson of California, Kim Campbell of Florida, George Mikesh, Jr, (Sarai) of Georgia, Michael Mikesh of Goodell and Suzanne Mikesh of Belmond; sisters, Colona Hahn of Belmond, Ruby Dwyer of Harper's Ferry, Gladys (Pete) Pals of Belmond and Constance Roley of Minnesota; brother, Charles (Wanda) Mikesh of Belmond; and grandchildren, Lesley, Rebecca, and Kandiss Campbell, James and Joseph Mikesh, Lynne and Christopher Akin, Tracy Mikesh, Amber (Mikesh) Powell, Kathlyn and Rachal.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Robert W. Mosiman

January 13, 2005

Robert Walter Mosiman died on Thursday, January 6, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 8, at the Salem United Methodist Church, Meservey, with Rev. Rose Calderon-Khan officiating. Burial will be in the Meservey Cemetery at a later time.

Robert was born to Simon and Cathryn (Patterson) Mosiman on February 23, l926 at Corwith. He attended Belmond schools and finished his education at the Toledo State Children's Home after his parents died when he was nine.

He married Irene Heuberger on July 9, 1955 at Chapin, and they made their home in Clear Lake and later in Meservey. He graduated from the Des Moines Barber College and worked in Clear Lake and Meservey. Later he worked as a plumber and then drove a feed truck for the Klemme Co-op until he retired.

In his youth he hunted ducks, geese and pheasants, ran a trap line in the fall, and fished all the streams and lakes surrounding Belmond and many in Minnesota. He lived for the weekends when he could be out with nature. He won many trap shoot prizes and was a dead eye with a shotgun. He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Lynn Ann Mosiman of Omaha; brothers, Cecil (June) Mosiman of Belmond and Art Mosiman of Mason City; sisters, Beverly (Lloyd) Faaborg of Swaledale and Esther (Peter) Daniels of Garner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rollin and his wife, Janette; sister, Clara Mae Steenblock and husband, Paul; an 8-year old brother, Eugene; two special nephews, Gene Faaborg and Billy Heuberger; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Mosiman and Elinor Mosiman.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Mary Kinseth Legate

January 25, 2005

Mary (Kinseth) Legate, 79, died on Saturday, January 8, 2005, at Largo, Florida. Memorial services will be at a later date.

Mary was born on June 1, 1925, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She moved to Belmond when her mother, Olinda Richards, married Ray Kinseth in 1934. She worked as a secretary at the Kearney, Nebraska, Court House, before retiring to Largo.

Survivors are two daughters, one son, five grandchildren, one step-sister, Luann (Kinseth) Hohbein of Beatrice, Nebraska and one step-sister-in-law, Virginia Kinseth of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2005      



Sherman A. Ekeland

January 18, 2005

Sherman Adrian Ekeland, 82, of Belmond, died on Thursday, January 13, 2005, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 16, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, with Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Organist was Marlys Nail and a trio of Lori Mathahs, Lisa Sweet and Terra Johnson sang. Ushers were Merlyn and Marcella Halvorson. Casket-bearers were Clifford Toft, Paul Rokke, Tom Hill, Jim Moore Jr., Mike Studer and Mike Lette. Honorary casket-bearers were his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Sherman was born on April 15, 1922 in Kelly to Hans and Karina (Westvold) Ekeland. He was baptized at the Kelly Lutheran, confirmed at Palestine Lutheran in Huxley and graduated from the Kelly High School. In 1941 the family moved to a farm north of Clarion.

On August 20, 1966 he married Gladys Anderson Johnson. He was a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee and usher for many years. Sherman continued to farm until his health began to decline. He enjoyed the simple life; being outdoors, farming and raising livestock, but most of all spending time with his family and friends. Because of Parkinson's disease he resided the last four years at the Belmond Care Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents: brother, Joe; and an infant brother.

He is survived by his wife; step-sons, Edwin Johnson of Belmond and Alfred (Donna) Johnson of Kanawha; grandchildren, Laurie (Jeff) Mathahs of Garner, Lisa (Matt) Sweet of Cedar Rapids, Brent (Terra) Johnson of Clarion, Rene (Dan) Retterath of Elma and Darren Johnson of Clarion; great-grandchildren Sarah and Alicia Mathahs, Caleb and Taylor Dirksen, Nicholas Dreckman, Bryce Dake, Chloe Johnson, Brennan Dake, Dakota Retterath, Remi Johnson, Dawson Sweet and Abigail Retterath; brother, Erwin (Anita) Ekeland of Parker, Colorado; sister-in-law, Tillie Ekeland of Newton, Kansas; and daughter-in-law, Ann Johnson of Belmond. 
©Belmond Independent 2005     



Avery A. Heaberlin

January 18, 2005

Avery Arnold Heaberlin, 81, of Rowan, died on Friday, January 14, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond.

Avery, the son of Wesley and Annie Ford Heaberlin, was born on September 15, 1923, in Knoxville. The family made their home in Swan, and Avery graduated from the Indianola High School. He was inducted into the Army and served during WW II and the Korean Conflict.

On June 24, 1950, Avery married Darlene Smith in Des Moines. They farmed near Norwalk for 30 years. After leaving the farm they moved to Rowan where he had a service station and cafe. After selling the business, Avery and Darlene cared for the Rowan Cemetery and the community center until retirement.

Avery loved hunting and was a man who never met a stranger. He spent many hours visiting and helping his neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Ann; brother, John; and son-in-law, Larry Robb.

Avery is survived by his wife; children, Thomas (Mary) of Mason City, David (Glenda) of Earlham, Avery "Butch" (Shellie) of Des Moines, Terry of Rowan, Gary of Klemme, Larry (Terri) of Rowan and Mary Lou Robb of Des Moines; twenty grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and sister, Frankie Wilson of Carlisle.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Blanche L. Jergensen

January 25, 2005

Blanche L. Jergensen, age 100, a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center, formerly a long time Clarion resident, died on Wednesday, January 19, 2005.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, January 25, at the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion, with Reverend Tim Platt of the Clarion Church of Christ officiating.

Blanche Sibert, the daughter of Elmer and Effie (Dodge) Sibert, was born on November 5, 1904 at Williams. At a young age she moved with her family to the Clarion area where she lived nearly all her life.

Blanche was a life long home maker. She had worked for periods of time at the New Home Restaurant and had done housekeeping for residents in the Clarion area. She also helped in the farming operation, raised chickens, had a large garden, and enjoyed raising flowers. She was a long time member of the Church of Christ and was active in various church ladies groups when younger.

Blanche had been a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center for nearly nine years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Clarence in 1959.

Survivors include sons, Earl Jergensen of Clarion and Paul Jergensen of Oxford, Wisconsin; and five grandchildren. 
©Belmond Independent 2005     



Robert E. Wade

January 25, 2005

Robert Eugene Wade, 70, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, January 19, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 22, at the Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond, with Pastoral Minister Regina Lamoureux officiating.

Casketbearers were Vic Fleener, Bill Miller, Russ Barkema, Brian McVey, Josh Dorr, Rick Kinseth and John Just.

Robert was born on February 15, 1934 to James Alton Wade, Sr. and Analene Norpha Millard. He grew up in Tennessee near Bristol and Kingsport where he graduated from high school. He loved to race cars on a dirt track and built his own dragster. Bob was was one of the first to drag race at the Daytona Speedway. He worked at Holliston Mills in Kingsport. He then moved to Florida where he built bridges, working for Soules Construction and later working for Florida Gas.

He married Kathryn Dorr on July 6, 1973 in Salt Springs, Florida. In 1991 they moved to Belmond where he did many odd jobs and was considered "the Bob of all trades". He loved woodworking and spending time with friends, but his greatest love was racing.

Bob is survived by his wife; children, Debbie (Steve) James of Citra, Florida, Lisa Hill of Jacksonville, Florida, Brian Wade of California, Roger (Jackie) Wade of Jacksonville, Florida and Cara (Tom) Marple of Mullica Hills, New Jersey; brothers, Jimmy (Mary) and Larry (Shirley) of Kingsport; sixteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2005       



Richard Crapser

January 25, 2005

Richard Crapser, 73, of LaHabra, California, son of Glen and Juanita Crapser of Belmond, died on Saturday, January 22, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 28, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Belmond. There will be no visitation.

Richard Allen Crapser was born on June 17, 1931 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Glen and Juanita (DeVries) Crapser. When Richard was very young, he and his family moved to Belmond. Richard graduated from the Belmond High School in 1949. He played basketball in high school, at Waldorf College and in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955. Richard attended and graduated from Drake University with a degree in accounting and finance. For a time he lived in Carlisle and then moved to California in 1964. He retired in 1993.

Richard enjoyed genealogy. he taught Sunday School, was an Indian Guide, served on school PTA committees, helped with many fund raisers, was a member of many coffee groups, and was very family oriented.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Whittier, California and the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; sons, Mark of LaHabra Heights, California and Craig (Karen) of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, David, Aaron and Kevin; his parents; and special cousins, Mary (Ron) DeVries-Lindquist of North Branch, Minnesota and their daughters Amanda and Megan.
©Belmond Independent 2005    
  



Wilma M. Cornwell

January 25, 2005

Wilma M. Cornwell, 76, died on Sunday, January 23, 2005, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 25, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Belmond, with the Pastor Lynne Spencer-Smith officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery near Goodell.

Organist was Carol Severson and soloist was Mark Schlichting. Casketbearers were Reuben Wenzel, Wayne Mason, Terry Ziegler, Victoria Wenzel, Sam Hancock, Travis Nolte and Randy Covington.

Wilma, the daughter of Reuben and Ethel McElroy Pedersen, was born January 16, 1929 in Clear Lake. She moved to Mansfield, Missouri where she grew up. After completing school, Wilma lived and worked in California before returning to the Goodell and Belmond area in 1969.

Wilma married Delbert Cornwell in 1978. Wilma worked at and owned the DX station on Highway 69 in Goodell. She was fondly remembered for baking and cooking. Talking on the CB to the truckers was one of Wilma's pastimes, as was playing cards.

Wilma belonged to the Breakfast Club and Birthday Club. She was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Jacqueline; two brothers; and a sister.

Wilma is survived by daughters, Judy (Doug) Churchill of Phoenix, Arizona; Christy Hancock of Eldon, Missouri and Laura (Loren) Wenzel of Belmond; grandchildren, Michael, Dottie, Roberta, Reuben, Victoria, Zachary, and Samuel; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Violet White of California and Charlotte Meadows of Indiana; and brother, Henry Pedersen of California.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Lorene Suntken

January 25, 2005

Lorene Suntken, 80, of Belmond, died on Sunday, January 23, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, January 26, at the Immanuel Reformed Church, with Pastor Art Zewert officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Lorene, the daughter of John P. and Laura Trager Waltzing, was born on February 5, 1924 on the family farm northeast of Belmond. She attended country school in Pleasant Township.

Lorene married Frederick W. Suntken on December 29, 1949 at Belmond. They moved to a farm southeast of Belmond where they lived from 1950 until retiring to Belmond in 1984. Lorene actively helped Fred farm and sometimes drove a tractor and operated other farm machinery.

Lorene was a member of the Immanuel Reformed Church, the Latimer Legion Auxiliary, and served as a youth group leader and a 4-H leader. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, quilting, playing cards, and bus trips.

Lorene was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Clara Hopkey; and brother, Elmer Waltzing.

Survivors include daughters, Joy (Dave) Bonin of Belmond, Charlene (Rod) Plagman of Storm Lake, Shirley (Dave) Birkenholz of Newton, Sandra (Roger) Guhl of Gahanna, Ohio; son, Jonathan (Tami) Suntken of Belmond; grandchildren, Michelle (Mike) Collignon, Jeremy (Erica) Plagman, David P. (Brooke) Bonin, Jason Plagman, Sara and Brian Birkenholz, Lindsey and Jordan Guhl, Katelyn, Kellen, Kendrick and Kirsten Suntken; and great-grandchildren, Colton and Liberty Bonin. 
©Belmond Independent 2005     



Ryeleigh Marie Steenblock

January 26, 2005

Ryeleigh Marie Steenblock, infant daughter of Rusty and Crystle (Asmus) Steenblock, rural Alexander, was stillborn on Monday, January 24, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

A private service was held on Thursday, January 27, at the Andrews Funeral Home, with Reverend Rod Hopp, Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Ryleigh's family will deeply miss the chance to fulfill the hopes and dreams they looked forward to sharing with her upon her arrival into the world.

She was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Robert and Donna Asmus, Milo Bonebrake, Henry and Maggie Steenblock and Merlin Townsend.

Survivors include her parents; sister, Kayla; maternal grandparents, Roger and Sue Asmus of Belmond; paternal grandparents, Robert and Carol Steenblock of Belmond; maternal great-grandmother, Mildred Bonebrake of Winnebago, Minnesota; paternal grandmother, Viola Townsend of Belmond; aunt, Elizabeth Asmus of Belmond; and uncle, Ryan (Arianne) Steenblock of Panora, Iowa.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Doris Burk

January 31, 2005

Doris Ardelle Burk died on Monday, January 24, 2005, at the Wright County Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 28, at the Goodell United Methodist Church, with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery near Goodell. Arrangements were handled by the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home.

Shirley Kuhlers was the organist and the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir of Belmond sang. Ushers were Jay Smith, Brent Boelman and Perry Green. Casketbearers were Dighton Pals, Kent Kuhlers, Mike Mennenga, Philip Burk, Nathan Burk and Ryan Paulsen.

Doris, the daughter of Roy Davis and Myrtle Bearbower, was born on April 18, 1920, in Mora, Minnesota. As a young child Doris and her family moved to the Kanawha area where she graduated from high school in 1938.

On June 14, 1939, Doris married Don Burk at the Kanawha United Methodist Church. They made their home at Ruby Hill Farm where Doris helped with the farming and with the chickens. In 1989 they moved to Belmond.

Doris and Don loved square dancing and spending time with friends. She was a wonderful cook and baker, she enjoyed tending to her flowers and especially enjoyed quilting. She was a member of the Prairie Quilters Club, Over Sixty Club, and Grandmothers Club. Often Doris could be found watching son, Tom play softball or having coffee with her friends. She loved it when the boys would take her fishing. Most of all, she enjoyed doing things for her family.

Doris was a member of the Goodell United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women in Klemme. In her younger years she was a Sunday School Teacher.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Marlyn Kuhlers; brothers, Howard and Harold; and sister, Lela.

Doris is survived by daughter, Patty Kuhlers of Clear Lake; sons, Bob (Karen) of Story City and Tom (Jackie) of Goodell; grandchildren, Krista (Kighton) Pals, Kent (Kim) Kuhlers, Kari (Mike) Mennenga, Phil (Laura) Burk, Ryan (Robyn) Paulsen and Nathan Burk; great grandchildren, Julia (Shane) Eckhoff, Alyssa and Brianne Pals, Shelby Mennenga, and Colton and Olivia Kuhlers; great-great-grandchild, Emily; and brother-in-law, Gerald (Nellie) Burk.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Eldon Bell

February 1, 2005

Eldon Lewis Bell, 86, of Thornton, died on Wednesday, January 26, 2005.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 29, at the Alexander United Methodist Church, with Rev. Tony Hershey officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant View Cemetery at Thornton.

Eldon, the son of Lewis and Dora (Larsen) Bell, was born on January 13, 1919 on a farm near Alexander. He graduated from the Alexander High School in 1936. On July 19, 1941 he married Luverne Baker at Bethany, Missouri.

Eldon farmed most of his life near Alexander and Thornton. He enjoyed operating machinery. His sons remember him teaching them how to operate tractors and other farm equipment. Eldon raised horses and ponies, and for a number of years he milked a herd of Holsteins. He was one of the first farmers in the area to own a combine. Eldon's passion for farming continued through this past fall when he operated a combine at age 85. He also did custom work for area farmers.

In earlier years Eldon and Luverne loved to ballroom dance and polka at the Surf. They spent several years in Texas where he was active with pool leagues, horseshoes, and darts at the church. He was a member of the Alexander United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Erma Neal; brothers-in-law, Glen Neal, Kenet Ginapp, Russell Baker and Willie Pals; nephews, Duane Card and Larry Neal; and niece, Mary Ann Baker.

Survivors include his wife; children, Douglas of Minneapolis, Richard (Julie) of Thornton and Dennis (Gloria) of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Alison Bell of Kansas City, Aaron (Kimberlee) Bell of Eudora, Kansas, Megan Bell of Des Moines, Tammy (Harlan) Sorensen of Clay Center, Nebraska, Bryan (Lisa) Bell of Lincoln and Trent (Jenny) Bell of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Abigail Sorensen and Garrett, Hayley, Karissa, Nicholas, Hannah and Emalee Bell; sisters, Lavonne (Dallas) Card and Alma Pals of Alexander, Dorothy (Cliff) Poland of Rockwell and Inez Ginapp of Belmond; and sister-in-law, Jean Baker of Sheffield.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Bonnie Anderson

January 31, 2005

Bonnie Sue Anderson, 43, died on Friday, January 28, 2005, at her home in rural Goodell with her family at her side. She fought a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 1, at the St. John Lutheran Church, Belmond, with Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiating.

Bonnie Nelson was born on June 13, 1961 at the Belmond Community Hospital, the daughter of Gerald and Irene (Renicker) Nelson. She graduated from the Belmond High School with the class of 1979. She received a degree in Horse Science Husbandry from Kirkwood Community College. In her childhood she became infatuated with, and especially fond of horses, a passion she carried throughout her life.

Bonnie married Terry R. Anderson on March 20, 1982 at St. John Lutheran. Following their marriage Bonnie signed Terry for three years in the United States Army. She traveled with him to Germany for his 18-month tour. In Europe they saw many exciting places.

Bonnie and Terry had two sons, Joshua Leonard and Duane Gerald. She was blessed with the 30 some hours Joshua lived. Much of Bonnie's energy was focused on loving care for Duane. She and Terry devoted themselves to providing Duane with the best care, love, and parenting they could give him. Though much of the last 16 years, Bonnie's life was focused on what was best for her son.

She was very ambitious with her time and talents. Bonnie was vice president of the ladies auxiliary and enjoyed meeting with the gals. She was an enterprising businesswoman and accomplished author. Bonnie had been published more than 200 times in instructional books, novels, periodicals, newsletters, newspaper articles, and websites. She was in the process of making audio book recordings for Duane so he would be able to experience some of her writings. Bonnie owned and operated her own company called Magefire Book Publishing. Her passion for horses was a major part of her business career and leisure time. Bonnie operated the "Saddle's & More" tack shop at the couple's acreage.

A favorite pastime was horse archery, a sport of archery shooting on a galloping horse. Her zest for this sport allowed her to become very accomplished in a short time. Bonnie published a book entitled "The Horse in Horse Archery - A Buying, Riding and Training Guide --a comprehensive overview of this unique sport". She was the only woman in Iowa to attend horse archery training. She was active in the International Horse Archery Festival as a board member.

Bonnie enjoyed the time spent with her son, Duane and husband, Terry. Her father was one of the most important people of her life, and her mother had been a special part of her life, too. She enjoyed times spent with her siblings and extended family. Bonnie was an avid reader, when she wasn't working with her horses, she was reading. She loved animals and in her youth was involved in FFA. In her spare time Bonnie liked to go inline skating and had been active in karate programs for a number of years.

She will be remembered by her family as quiet, yet stern in her beliefs and passions. Bonnie had a wonderful and warm sense of humor that showed through best when she was faced with the trials of life, especially during her battle with cancer. Her husband will cherish the special bonding time that he shared with "Bon" during the final weeks and days of her life. The two fought the dreadful complications of her disease until the very conclusion of her battle.

She was preceded in death by her father; son, Joshua Leonard; and infant sister, Geraldine.

Survivors include her husband; son, Duane at home; mother, Irene Nelson of Belmond; sister, Lee Ann Nelson of Belmond; brother, Jerry (Kym) Nelson, of Renton, Washington; half-sister, Betty Lou Hammond of Bellevue, Nebraska; and her special companion, horse "Wizzo". A very special thanks to Velere and Juanita Stromer of Klemme for all the love and healing.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



David G. Kennedy

February 15, 2005

David George Kennedy, 80, Belmond, died on Saturday, January 29, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Memorial services will be at a later date. The body has been cremated. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

David, the son of Charles and Edith Price Kennedy, was born on March 5, 1924 in Colfax. He graduated from the Colfax High School in 1941. During his school days he had a paper route and worked in a grocery store on Saturdays. He also worked in a bottling company after school and learned the business. After graduating he got a job at the Monroe Company making tables; then he worked for, and was soon promoted to, general manager of Dr. Pepper Bottling in Des Moines. Then he worked for Maytag.

In 1943 he entered military service and trained at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He passed the Officers Training Test and was sent to a four-year college crash course in engineering to be completed in 12 months. But after three months he was sent to England and assigned to the 348th Special Engineer Brigade, which built pontoon bridges. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant. His unit was part of the Normandy Invasion. He was discharged in 1945.

David met his wife, Donna Jeanne Johnson, at Belmond. He helped his aunt at Waddington's Store for awhile and then decided to open his own sandwich shop which was destroyed by fire several weeks later. In March 1946 he purchased a local freight business. He married Donna in July of 1946, and they operated a furniture store which was destroyed by the Belmond Tornado. In 1968 he purchased a small decorator pillow factory and moved it to Belmond.

Donna died in 1969 and David then took a sales job. In May of 1972 he married Sharon Williams. She had five children, and David had five children. The "Brady Bunch" or "Eight Is Enough" didn't hold a candle to their family.

In 1972 David joined Kiefer Built Trailer Company in Kanawha as a sales representative. In 1978 he became general sales manager. At the time of his death David was selling and promoting his current company.

David was a devoted father and grandfather. He was a member of the Belmond United Methodist Church.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Donna; and his second wife, Sharon in 2003.

Survivors are his children, Sandra (Ramon) Licon, Linda (Lynn) Loux, David Kennedy, James (Jane) Kennedy, April (Randy) Kemmer, Terry (Jim) Corsello; step-children, Jack (Robin) Williams, Kristie Buseman, Randy (Diane) Williams, Shelley (Terry) Buseman, James Williams; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Valerie, Gabriel, Jason, Joshua, Austin, Katherine, Michael, Anna, Jonathan, Lindsay, Chad, Donnie, Casey, Eric, Jessica, Nicole and Desiree.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Russ Schaal

January 31, 2005

David Russell Schaal, 98, Belmond, died on Sunday, January 30, 2005, at the Belmond Health Care Center. A private family service will be held at a later date.

The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
©Belmond Independent 2005    



Timothy Dorr

February 8, 2005

Timothy Dorr, 36, of Rowan died on Monday, January 31, 2005, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 3, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Ray Salemink officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. The Dugger Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of arrangements.

Timothy O'Larry Dorr, the son of O'Larry and Mary Wedekin Dorr, was born August 21, 1968 in Belmond. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1986. While in high school he participated in wrestling and qualified for the state tournament two years.

On August 23, 1996 Tim married Tracy Riedel in Sioux City. The family made their home in Rowan.

Tim was a true family man and adored his wife and their daughter, Kaitlyn. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and was recently elected vice-president. He worked for Dorr and Sons Construction with his father and brothers for seven years. He spent the past five years at Pella Windows in Story City.

Tim was an avid Viking fan with a great love of football. His hobbies included crossword puzzles, storm chasing, the Humboldt Motorcycle Rally, fishing with Kaitlyn, pets Diamond and Nika, golfing, and playing Risk with his brothers. He was a very caring and giving person who loved to hug, and all his friends and family will miss those great bear hugs. He always enjoyed a great laugh with family and friends. Tim loved family outings to the woods, and holidays, especially Christmas. He was patriotic and loved his country. Most of all, Tim enjoyed being a father to Kaitlyn.

Tim was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Dorr Thompson, in October 2004.

Tim is survived by his wife and daughter of Rowan; father, O'Larry (Doris) Dorr of Belmond; brothers and sisters, Lorann (Daniel) Lonnevik of Meservey, Sharri (Barry) Kankel of Scottsdale, Arizona, Patrick (Robin) Dorr of Belmond, Michael (Michelle) Dorr of Norwalk, Terry Dorr of Sioux City, Cynthia (George III) Wakeman of Sioux City; father and mother-in-law, David and Barbara Riedel of Rowan; brother-in-law, Joshua Riedel of Belmond; sisters-in-law, Jaclyn (Jason) Wessels of Belmond and Emily Riedel of Belmond; nieces and nephews, Eric Lonnevik, Elisa (Brian) Nelson, Skylar, Nicholas and Kassidy Dorr, Ryan and Alex Dorr, Colton Dorr, George IV, Charles, Henry and William Wakeman, and Madison and Tristan Wessels.
©Belmond Independent 2005