Ralph Nuehring

August 7, 2007

Ralph W. Nuehring, 76, of Klemme, died on Friday, August 3, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center, as a result of injuries from a bicycle-motor vehicle accident on Saturday, July 28, near Klemme.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 11, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the church and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The Andrews Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Ralph William, the son of Owen and Blanche (Montgomery) Nuehring, was born on October 5, 1930 on his parents' farm near Klemme. He attended the Ell Township #3 rural school and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1948.

In the fall of 1948, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four years. Ralph's military tenure included time at Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. Ralph fulfilled his role in the Air Force as a control tower operator. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Klemme where he lived on the family farm for a time and later in town.

Ralph was a fairly quiet man who enjoyed a simple life as a bachelor. He enjoyed reading on a wide variety of topics and especially looked forward to his newspapers and the Iowa Conservationist magazine. He had a garden, and in earlier years looked forward to a competitive game of cards. He could be seen almost daily on his bicycle, tooling around the Klemme area.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lyle and Morris; sisters, Clara, Grace and Betty; infant brother, Lorril; brothers-in-law, Warren Bier, Norman Eckes, Ken Van Nurden and Richard Ver Helst; and sister-in-law, Elsie Nuehring.

Ralph is survived by sisters, Dorothy Brede of Goodell, Mavis Eckes of Long Prairie, Minnesota, Marie Ver Helst of Klemme and Inez (Bruce) Dunbar of Mason City; brothers, Dean Nuehring of Osage and Keith (Wilma) Nuehring of Webster City; sisters-in-law, Margaret Nuehring of Britt and Doris Nuehring of Mason City; and brother-in-law, Art Kemp of Colome, South Dakota.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Raymond Ross

August 14, 2007

Raymond O. "Ray" Ross, 91, of Byron, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at the Season's Hospice in Rochester.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 13, at the Byron United Methodist Church, with Rev. Sharon Nelson officiating. Interment was in the Pine Island Cemetery, with military honors provided by the American Legion Post of Byron.

Raymond Omer, was born on September 15, 1915 in Wright County, Iowa, to Omer and Clara (Ritter) Ross. As a child he moved with his family to Monticello, Minnesota where they farmed.

On January 25, 1941, Ray married Ethel M. Jenkins in Heartland, Minnesota. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 11, 1942 and served as a sergeant in the 81st Infantry during WW II and was stationed in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star. Ray was honorably discharged on December 8, 1945.

After returning from the military Ray and Ethel lived in Belmond and then Dows, where Ray operated a garage with his brother, Omer. In 1958 the couple moved to rural Byron and farmed in Salem Township. Ray worked at the McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing in Dodge Center, and in the late 1970's began working at Ross Designers and Manufacturing, which is owned by his son, Dennis.

Ray was a member of the Sumner R. Hair American Legion Post #119 of Byron and the Byron United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading Westerns and mechanical design.

Ray is survived by his wife; children, Lanny Ross of Sargeant, Barb (Jim) Kurth of Zumbrota, Dennis Ross (Karen O'Shaughnessy) of Wabasha, Kay Ross (Kent Mc-Daniel) of Rochester and Lynette (Jim) Miller of Pine Island; grandchildren, Julia Dickey, Jennifer Kurth, Wil Kurth, Scott Miller, Matt Ross, Steve Ross, Karla Sheda, Cheryl Simpson, Collin Strain and Amy Thiemann; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Omer (Donna) Ross of Mazeppa; sister, Thelma Andersen of Austin; and sister-in-law, Opal Ross of Sauk Centre.

Ray was preceded in death by brothers, Richard Ross and Freeman Ross.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Robert Etzen

August 14, 2007

Robert "Bob" J. Etzen, 75, died peacefully in his sleep at his Belmond home on Thursday, August 9, 2007.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 13, at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Druhl officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Madison Cemetery south of Forest City.

Robert John, the son of John and Gladys (Olson) Etzen, was born on October 26, 1931, on his parents' farm near Hayfield. Bob attended rural school and the Forest City Schools until his dad passed away in 1941. He then went to school at Crystal Lake, graduating with the Class of 1950. During high school he was active in baseball and basketball.

In January 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, training at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Bob spent time in Korea and Japan. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class. Bob had received numerous medals for his military service.

Upon return to civilian life Bob married Geraldine Graff of Forest City in 1955. They were later divorced.

During his life Bob, or "Cobby" as many might have known him, had many different occupations, employment with many different farmers, a stint at Hagie Manufacturing in Clarion, driving trucks for Umthum and Ellsworth Trucking, operating Darlene's Restaurant in Clarion and managing the Belmond and Lake City golf courses. Bob moved to Tampa, Florida, where he lived for 22 years. There he operated the United Cab Co. Taxi Service and was contacted by many celebrities and professional athletes for transportation when they were in town. Bob also drove trucks and had been employed at a swimming facility when he was in Florida.

Bob returned to Iowa in March of 2002 to be closer to his family. He resided at the Belmond Community Retirement Apartments and had been working at Sport Cages/ T.J. Party Rentals. Bob had been a member of the VFW, American Legion, Moose Lodge, Elk's, Belmond United Methodist Church, and several golf clubs.

Bob had a wide variety of interests, including baseball, basketball and bowling. He was a proficient golfer, winning many trophies and other awards. He enjoyed cribbage and the camaraderie and competition with his cribbage friends, and the opportunity to spend time and socialize with friends and family. He enjoyed volunteering with the Belmond Food Pantry. He will be remembered for his pleasant personality, the gleam in his eye, and his knack for practical jokes. His passing will leave a void in the lives of his buddies, Terry Anderson of Belmond and Bill Kincer of Tampa, as well as his longtime friend Nancy.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include sons, Lyle Etzen (companion Brenda Tinkle) of State Center and Michael Etzen of Klemme; sister, Beverly (Carroll) Carlson of Owatonna; brother, Jerry Etzen of Duncan; and grandchildren, Carrie Etzen of Norwalk, Connecticut, Stephanie Etzen of Flagstaff, Arizona and Tiffany, Tina and Tonya Etzen of Creston.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Alan Oelmann

August 14, 2007

Alan Oelmann, 54, of Ackley, died on Thursday, August 9, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 13, at the First Presbyterian Church in Aplington, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley.

Alan was born on August 25, 1952 in Waterloo, to Charles and Ruth (Adolfs) Oelmann. He graduated from the Aplington High School in 1970 and Hawkeye Tech in 1972. Alan married Sharon Neessen in 1976 in Austinville. He worked many years for DeVries Trucking and was presently working at Eaton Corp. in Belmond.

Alan is survived by his wife; daughter, Jennifer Oelmann of Des Moines; and sons, Heath (Heather) Oelmann of Lakehurst, New Jersey and Riley Oelmann at home.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Dawn Bales

August 21, 2007

Dawn M. Bales, 63, died on Monday, August 13, 2007, at her home in Alexander, following a 13-year battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 18, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Dawn Marie, the daughter of Jess Williard and Gladys Elva (Prentic) Rivard, was born on April 28, 1944 at Southgate, California. Throughout her life Dawn lived in many different places, including since 1994, Belmond, Rowan, Klemme and Alexander.

Dawn was a diligent and devoted caregiver, sharing her love and compassion with her family and the many people she came into contact with during her career in healthcare. She worked as a certified nursing assistant at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond Health Care Center and the Dows Care Center, and worked in housekeeping at the medical center as well. The needs of everyone else were almost always placed in front of her own. She will be remembered for her positive attitude as she faced many health issues related to her cancer battles. She showed a tremendous will to live and persevere in the face of adversities.

Dawn had many different interests. She liked to read a good mystery, investigative story, or true story, and enjoyed television programs on those same subjects. She looked forward to spoiling her grandbabies, teaching her children crocheting, and making gifts for others. Dawn looked forward to collecting miniature pigs, playing Nintendo and other games, and the challenge of crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents; companion, James Vincent Porzio; husband, Warren Duane Bales on June 26, 2007; brother, Raymond; and sister, Darlene.

She will be missed by daughter, Dee Dee (Marshal) Barr and their children, Dianna, Kaitlin, Clarissa and Marshal, Jr.; son, Raymond Bales and companion, Sara Mulford and children, Mariah, McKayla, Jadon, Dayton and Connor, all of Hampton; son, Warren Bales, Jr. and family of Pennsylvania; daughter, Pattie (Donald) Gordon and their children, Donnie and Jamie of California; and sister, Gloria (Wayne) Hitchcock of California.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Kathy Temeyer, DDS

August 21, 2007

Dr. Kathleen Temeyer, 60, died on Friday, August 17, 2007, at her home in Clarion, after fighting a battle with cancer.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, August 22, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove, with Fathers Chris Podhajsky and John Hemann officiating. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Kathleen, the daughter of Milo "Mike" and Whyla (Kitch) Karkosh, was born on March 8, 1947 in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from the LaSalle High School in Cedar Rapids in 1965 and the University of Iowa, receiving her B.A. in sociology in 1968 and graduating from the School of Dentistry in 1980.

Kathleen married Jerry Temeyer in Cedar Rapids on December 27, 1970. They made their home in Eagle Grove for 22 years and in Clarion the last five years. She worked as a dentist for 27 years, retiring due to her health in 2007. She had practices in Clarion and Eagle Grove.

Kathleen was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters of America, the AAUW and the American Dental Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband of Clarion; daughter, Pauline Temeyer of Clarion; sons, Joe Temeyer of Le Mars and Tim Temeyer of Albany, New York; grandchildren, Thomas and Katie Temeyer of Clarion; sister, Marcia (Paul) Lemke of Ankeny; and brother, Roy (Diane) Karkosh of Churchton, Maryland.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Derl Morris

August 28, 2007

Derl G. Morris, age 76, of Belmond, died on Saturday, August 25, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 29, at the Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond, with Pastor Phil Arnold officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery.

Derl Glenn, son of Orra Glenn and Ruby (LaGue) Morris, was born on June 5, 1931, on the home farm near Belmond. He attended country school and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1949. He married Betty Pals on May 22, 1951, at the Reformed Church in Meservey.

Derl enjoyed the outdoors as an avid fisherman and hunter. He and Betty enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. He was a farmer, multi-talented carpenter, and held many other jobs. Derl was noted for tearing down old houses and barns and building others with the lumber. He lived by his motto, "You don't quit until it is done!"

Betty, his wife of more than 50 years, died in 2001. Derl retired in 2003, never leaving the home place.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Lindsey; and brother, Gordon.

Derl is survived by daughter, RoxAnne (Lyman) Emery of Cedar Rapids; sons, Kerry (Trish) of Belmond and Brian (Cheryl) of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Josh, Matt, Courtney, Amanda, Susan, Dara, Michael and Ryan; six great-grandchildren; and mother-in-law, Dena Pals and her family.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Gerald Burk

September 4, 2007

Gerald Burk, 92, a lifelong resident of Goodell, died on Sunday, August 26, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 30, at the Goodell United Methodist Church, with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery near Goodell.

Gerald, the son of Wilmer and Elizabeth (Brannan) Burk, was born on March 25, 1915 in Goodell. He graduated from the Goodell school in 1933. He married his lifetime sweetheart, Nellie Griggs, on September 11, 1936, at the United Brethren Church Parsonage in Goodell.

Gerald began farming in 1937 southwest of Goodell, later moving to Nellie's childhood home and farming the land in Avery Township from 1942 until 1996. He loved the land, was a meticulous farmer, and loved seeing the seasons.

In 1955, he was honored as an Iowa State Swine Master Producer in Des Moines. He was very proud of his years raising hogs, and his grandchildren fondly remember getting to hold squealing little pigs when they were young.

For many, many years he sold seed corn and seed beans and enjoyed visiting with his customers. For 15 winters he worked for the Hancock County Assessor. Gerald was a highly respected County Supervisor for 12 years and served on numerous committees in that capacity. He served as Avery Township committee person and worked a number of years for the A.S.C.S., measuring and checking farms, as well as bin sites and elevators.

He was a Goodell Boy Scout Leader for 12 years. Gerald was a faithful Lions member and served as zone chairman for his district. He also served on the county historical board for Hancock County. Duck hunting with Don and Wilmer Burk at Twin Lakes was a highlight in Gerald's life, and he will be remembered for shooting the last wolf in Hancock County.

Gerald was a loyal and devout member of the United Methodist Church in Goodell for all his life, having been baptized and confirmed there. He was active in church in many capacities, served as the Administrative Board Chairman and worshiped faithfully every Sunday.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Donald and wife, Doris.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie; sons, Kay (Gloria) and Dean (Joyce) Burk; grandchildren, Lisa (Mark) Woiwood, Steve (Julie) Burk, Dana (Kathy) Burk, Sarah (Frank) Oldham and Richard (Cassie) Burk; and great-grandchildren, Adam, Aaron, Annie and Ashton Woiwood, Alyssa, Abigail, Karina, Brayden and Kaylie Burk, Delbert Oldham and Adrian Martin.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Larry Larson

September 11, 2007

Lawrence H. "Larry" Larson, 89, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he had resided for the past eight months.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, at 10:30 a.m., at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. The family will receive visitors at the church from 9-10:00 a.m. Private graveside services will be held.

Larry was born on March 16, 1918 in Lohrville, to Vegor and Lillian (Voss) Larson. He began working in the Rockwell City area where he met Lyda Barnes, a school teacher. They were married on June 30, 1940 in Sheffield.

In his early life as a laborer, Larry spent one year working for the REA, living in a tent, and moving across the plains states. He was proud that he helped set the original electric poles in Wright County. He and Lyda began farming in 1945. They farmed near Rockwell City, Laurens, and Thornton. In 1963 they quit farming and moved to Belmond. He retired in 1979 to care for his beloved wife until her death from Alzheimer's Disease in September 1991.

Larry served on the Belmond City Council for over five years and was mayor of Belmond from 1977 until 1996. He was a charter member of the Belmond Ambulance Service and served the community in that capacity for 23 years. He was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Belmond Jaycees in 1997. In 1998 he received the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame award (the first Wright County recipient) presented by then-Governor Terry Branstad. He will be remembered by those who knew him because of his servant's heart and always being willing to help others.

Survivors include his children, Susan Nelson of Bloomington, Minnesota, Nancy Larson of Des Moines, Kathryn (Merlin) Wenzel of Phoenix and L. Joe (Kelly) Larson of Ankeny; his brother, Harold (Eldora) Larson of Pomeroy; five grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; all of whom he loved and enjoyed teasing, and to whom his memory will probably always bring a smile.

Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association, a cause dear to both Larry and Lyda.
©Belmond Independent 2007