Phyllis Fischer

December 4, 2007

Phyllis Fischer, 81, of Thornton, died on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 5, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Meservey, with Rev. Rose Marie Calderon-Kahn and Reverend Rodney Meester officiating. Burial will be in the Meservey cemetery.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Kenneth Kluckhohn

December 11, 2007

Kenneth L. Kluckhohn, 92, a nearly lifelong resident of Klemme, died on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt, following a short illness.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 8, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Rev. Donna Buckmann officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Kenneth was born on February 17, 1915, in a house on 2nd Street in Klemme, the oldest son of Frank and Ann (Liljenberg) Kluckhohn. He attended school in Klemme and graduated in 1932. After graduation he worked at various jobs. In 1941 he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. New Mexico. He served his country until 1945 and was honorably discharged as a Fire Patrolman 3rd Class. On July 10, 1946 he married Caroline Schwartz in Cedar Falls.

His best friend, Joseph West, talked him into joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. One of their many jobs included laying railroad tracks from Klemme to Belmond. Kenny very much enjoyed working alongside of Joe.

For five years Kenny owned and operated the Klemme Shoe Shop, selling and repairing shoes. He eventually worked as the janitor and bus driver at the old and new Klemme schools. After retirement he and Caroline both worked at BMD in Klemme.

He joined the Klemme Fire Department and was a volunteer for quite a few years. He was a member of the Klemme American Legion and the Garner VFW. He was the adjutant for the Klemme American Legion for many years. He was a member of the UCC Church and served as an elder.

His hobbies included calligraphy of old English letters, painting and gardening. In earlier years he had been a musician and was the master of ceremonies for the community movies that were held downtown. Kenny and Caroline would help people in town doing jobs such as painting, house cleaning, and cleaning yards. In recent years he enjoyed Congregate Meals.

In 1999 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He was sent to the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines for surgery. He had been a cancer survivor until the time of his death.

Caroline died in June 2006, and in August of that year he moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner. He enjoyed visiting with the other residents and getting involved in activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Franklin Kluckhohn; and sister, Carmen Back.

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Marchant and granddaughter, Angie Kluckhohn, both of Klemme; grandson, Jeffrey Marchant and special friend, Susie Field; and nephew, Randy (Monica) Olsen.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Harriet Hecklinger

December 11, 2007

Harriet G. Hecklinger, 94, of Stuart, Florida, died on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at the Treasure Coast Hospice in Stuart. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, December 12.

Harriet Gowdy, was born on January 9, 1913 in Belmond. She had been a resident of Stuart for 23 years and previously lived in Massachusetts. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the PEO, and several art groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Dick and Jim Gowdy.

She is survived by a daughter, Ann Panhorst of Stuart and a son, Tom Hecklinger of Greenfield, Massachusetts.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Audrey Lobenstein

December 11, 2007

Audrey Loraine Lobenstein, 85, formerly of Portage, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at the Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena, Wisconsin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at held at noon on Saturday, December 15, at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy officiating. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

Audrey was born on October 21, 1922 in Warrens, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frank Oscar and Florence Ellen (Frink) McNutt. She joined the Catholic Church and married Bernard Lobenstein on August 10, 1946 in Sparta, Wisconsin. She was a stay-at-home mom for 32 years. Audrey had eight children and was divorced in 1978. She went back to school and graduated top in her class as a certified nursing assistant. Audrey worked at the Divine Savior Nursing Home until her retirement in 1987.

Audrey's main focus in life was her children. She enjoyed watching them play sports, and then watching her grandkids, too. Her hobbies were playing euchre, crosswords, ceramics, bowling and crocheting. She loved to watch the Brewers and Packers, and going to the McNutt family reunions. She stayed close to her lifelong best friends, Virginia and Nello Felton. Audrey enjoyed her apartment in Portage for over 20 years, making many friends, especially Marge, Ruth, Bea and Fran. She spent the last few years at the Columbia Health Care Center. She will be remembered for her kindness to others and her great smile.

She was preceded in death by infant son, David Andrew; her parents; and nine brothers and sisters.

She is survived by sons, Dennis and Joanne Lobenstein of Spring Green, Gary and Joan Lobenstein of Dodgeville and Rick and Kathy Lobenstein of Reedsburg; daughters, Shari and Dan Rataczak of Montello, Julie and Mark Jordahl of Portage, Terry and Mark Plesek of Middleton and Jane and Craig Boller of Belmond, Iowa; grandchildren, Ryan and Hillary Lobenstein, Michelle and Rick Marx, David, Joe and Josh Lobenstein, Kori and Greg Coddington, Matt and Mindy Rataczak, Karyn, Sharyn, Lisa, and Michael Jordahl, and Harry Plesek; great-grandchildren, Lily Coddington and Luke Marx; sister and brother-in-law, Erna and Benny Mee; sister-in-law, Leona McNutt; and special nephew and niece, Jerry and Peg Hilliker. 
©Belmond Independent 2007 

Douglas White, Sr.

December 11, 2007

Douglas W. White, Sr., 57, a native of Belmond, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 8, 2007, of an apparent heart attack at his home in rural Lorimor, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, at the Osceola Assembly of God, with Pastor Chuck DeVos officiating. Burial will be at noon on Thursday, at the White-Woolery Cemetery, Climax Springs, Missouri.

Douglas Wayne, the son of Robert and Evelyn Tiggeman, was born on February 10, 1950 at Belmond. He spent most of his early years in the Belmond area. He married Jonelle Ann Wagner on September 14, 1968. They had six children and were later divorced.

Douglas married Roberta Burns on August 13, 1994. The couple lived in various places, most recently on their acreage near Lorimor.

For most of his life Douglas drove semis, hauling throughout the United States. He had driven for himself and many different companies. His occupation carried him on countless journeys and over millions of miles as he traveled the countryside.

Douglas enjoyed times spent with Jonelle, and later Bobbi, and the rest of his family when he was able to take time off from the road. He looked forward to gatherings with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether it was the holidays, a camping excursion, or a trip to the fair. The family enjoyed afternoon sing-a-longs accompanied by the guitar and banjo. Douglas appreciated time in the pasture working his horses, Belgians being a favorite. He also enjoyed times spent at the Osceola Assembly of God. Douglas was always up for a good movie, a good conversation, and the fellowship shared around a good meal. The road kept him away from his family for extended periods, but he did his best to keep in contact and abreast of the happenings at home. In recent years his trucking slowed as his health declined.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents; maternal and paternal grandparents; and step-son, Chris Burns.

He is survived by his children, Douglas White, Jr. (Brenda) and their children, Eric, Johanna, Tristan, Trevor, Joey and Kiera of Mason City, Donnell Ann (David) Buerckley and their children, Taylor, Layne and Bailey of Collins, Joann Love Salazar and her children, Keegen, Jada, Jesenia of Jefferson, South Dakota, Joan Henri White of Des Moines and her daughter, Kyler Rae-Love Hartson, Jackie Dean (Raymond) Schmidt and their son, Alex of Wahiawa, Hawaii and Charity Faith White and her son, Benjamin of Kanawha and her son, Blake Charles Gradoville; step-son, Brian Burns of Camdenton, Missouri; brothers, Keith Robert Tiggemann and wife of Linn Creek, Missouri and Scott Robert Tuey and wife of Clever, Missouri; sisters, Rebecca Love Smith and husband of Roach, Missouri, Yavonne Evelyn Henthorne and husband of Edwards, Missouri, Lana Lynn Pottoroff of Climax Springs, Renee Antoinette Patton of Climax Springs, Missouri and Lawana Starr Miller and husband of Sunrise Beach, Missouri.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Francis Ames

December 11, 2007

Francis G. Ames, 78, of Klemme, died on Sunday, December 9, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 13, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Interment will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme and will continue one hour before the services at the church.

Francis George, was born on August 19, 1929 in Swaledale, to Lloyd and Ethel (Long) Ames. He graduated from the Swaledale High School in 1947. He married Luella Priebe on October 11, 1952. They had five children. Francis farmed and had a dairy herd for many years just south of Klemme. He also did some trucking for Richard Tiggemann.

On December 12, 1975, Francis married Beverly Olthoff. Two more daughters joined the family. Francis worked at the Garner Farm Supply from 1976 to 1990, and for a short time he worked at the Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme.

Francis enjoyed camping, golfing, fishing, spending time with his family, and in earlier years, snowmobiling. Francis loved to tease others and receive it back. He was definitely a kid at heart. Francis was a sports fan, especially softball and baseball. He played on church softball teams and looked forward to attending Twins baseball games. He had been active with K.A.D.O. and served on the church consistory and as an usher. He looked forward to visiting with friends over coffee and could often be seen tooling about town checking out the happenings of the day.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; son, David; granddaughter, Amy; brother, Robert; sister, Charlotte; step-father, Ed Ransom; and step-mother, Lucille Ames.

Survivors include his wife, Bev Ames of Klemme; daughters, Nancy Nieman of Clear Lake, Chris (Norman) Bruggeman of Garner and Karen (Bob) Thuerauf of Ely, Minnesota; sons, Mark (Carol) Ames of Rockwell, Steve (Mary Jo) Ames of Garner and Doug (Carol) Ames of Garner; grandchildren, Jeremy (Mindi) Ames, Jennifer (Jon) Holbach, Greg Nieman and special friend, Julie Monson, Merrielle (Chad) Hinz, Cherilyn Schafer, Tanya Ames and special friend, Eric Wolvers, Jenna Ames and special friend, Nick Wellik, Chris, Jon, Rachel and Emily Thuerauf, Nick Bruggeman and special friend, Brittney Cornik, Alex and Eric Bruggeman, Christian, Kayden and MacKenzie Ames, and Adrian and Jordan Hinz; brothers, Roger (Leona) Ames, Bill (Virginia) Ames, Dale Ames and Jerry (Barb) Ames; sisters, Gladys Siems and Barb Havill.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Peggy Wolters

December 19, 2007

Peggy E. Wolters, 58, of Forest City, died on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 19, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Douglas Farrell officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery near Forest City.

Peggy, the daughter of Fred and Jean (Wharton) Markham, was born in Hampton on November 2, 1949. The family lived near Rowan and then moved to a farm near Thornton where she began her schooling. Peggy always said she attended the last one room country school house in Iowa. She graduated from the Clarion School after the family moved to a farm near Lake Cornelia.

On August 6, 1968, Peggy married Gary Lynn Wolters at the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond. They moved to an apartment in Ankeny and attended the Faith Baptist Bible College. They lived in Des Moines, Polk City, and then on a farm near Crystal Lake.

Peggy was saved at an early age while attending vacation Bible School. During her teen years she was baptized by immersion. She enjoyed serving her Lord and was a faithful prayer warrior for her family and friends. Peggy was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Forest City and served as a Sunday School teacher, nursery and AWANA worker, deaconess, mission circle officer, and state ladies representative.

Peggy loved to cook and share her goodies with everyone. She cooked at the Crystal Lake School for seven years and was the director of dietary services at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City for over 15 years.

She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Peggy is survived by her husband; children, Lynn (Shereen), Robert (Kasey) and Heidi Ann; grandchildren, Elliana Joy and Madeline Grace (daughters of Lynn and Shereen) and Katelyn Marie (daughter of Robert); her mother of Belmond; sisters, Diane (Ronald) Kallal of Fieldon, Illinois and Suzanne Markham Kocurek of Stacy, Minnesota; mother-in-law, Violet Wolters of Belmond; and special family friends, Juern and Helen, Juern Thomas, Joanna (Avery), Joy and Job Akkermann.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Ina Smith

December 21, 2007

Ina M. Smith, 92, of Belmond, died on Monday, December 17, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 21, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Troy Pflibsen officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Ina Myrtle, the daughter of Alvis and Tillie (Severson) Berhow, was born on September 27, 1915, on a farm east of Kanawha. She was baptized at the West Lake Lutheran Church and confirmed in the Kanawha Lutheran Church. She graduated from the eighth grade on June 12, 1929 and attended the Kanawha High School for one year. Then she worked in the homes of neighbors and others as a helper.

Ina married William Smith on April 12, 1935 at Garner. She was a devoted mother who enjoyed her family and being a homemaker. Ina had to be busy, and she worked at Hildman's Variety Store for three years and at P&G Grocery for a time. She was a receptionist for Dr. W.W. Weisbrad for sixteen years. She retired on September 27, 1977.

She and Bill enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and spending time with their family. Ina was very active in her church, working in many organizations and projects. She enjoyed quilting and looked forward to helping with church quilts every fall. She was a member of the Pearl Circle and the ELCW.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Richard, Roger and Alvie; sisters, Viola Duffrens, Delores Johnson, Marlys Schwichtenberg and Alva Davis; infant brother, Alvis Berhow, Jr.; brother, LeRoy "Bud" Berhow; step-grandson, Rodney Smith; and son-in-law, Larry Schimp.

Survivors include her daughters, Sharon (Larry) McMurray of Ackley and Nancy Schimp of Belmond; daughters-in-law, Carol, Ellen and Shirley; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Orpha (Clifford) Trees of Riverside, California, Ardith Mickelson of Klemme and Thelma Boller of San Luis Obispo, California; brother, Mike (Arlene) Berhow of Belmond; and sister-in-law, Lucille Berhow of Kanawha.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Mary Bock

December 21, 2007

Mary E. Bock, 78, of Belmond, died on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at the Goldfinch Estates Care Center in Fairmont, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 22, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with Rev. Christopher Podhajsky and Deacon Nick Schmit officiating. Burial was in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.

Mary Ellen, the daughter of Walter and Clara Bride Lage, was born on January 24, 1929 in Kingsley. She attended country school and graduated from the Kingsley High School in 1947. Then she attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City.

Mary was united in marriage to Harold Bock on June 14, 1949, at St. Michael's in Kingsley. The couple made their home in the Remsen and Kingsley areas where Mary helped Harold farm and they raised their family. In 1960, they moved to Belmond where they continued to farm. Mary's true life work, though, was her children.

Mary liked to travel. She loved spending time with her husband and being at family activities, especially family campouts. A wonderful cook, Mary could put together wonderful meals at a moment's notice with whatever she had on hand.

Mary was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond. She served her church in many capacities, most notably were the years in charge of preparing funeral meals. Mary was also a long time member of the Catholic Daughters and the Rosary Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2002; granddaughter, Erin Schavey; son-in-law, Cecil Pruitt; two brothers; and two sisters.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Sandy (Wayne) Roetman of Bethany, Missouri, Marilyn Bock of Spencer, Marcia (Bill) Naber of Spencer, Jeanne Pruitt of Arcadia, Wisconsin, Patty (Tim) Rouse of Ruthven and Sue (Harlan) Schavey of Blue Earth, Minnesota; sons, Tom and fiancée, Dort Lehman of Belmond, Kenny (Jacki) of Belmond, Mark (Denise) of Belmond and Steve (Donna) of West Des Moines; 24 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Evelyn Bierman of Tempe, Arizona; brother-in-law, Dean (Sharon) Harvey of Marcus; and special caregiver friends, Charlene Anderson and Ida Schoon.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Donald Lemke

December 21, 2007

Donald H. Lemke, 88, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Graveside services were held on Friday, December 21, at the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Donald Henry, was born in Garner on November 17, 1919, the son of Henry F. Jr. and Daisy (Greimann) Lemke. In 1922 the family moved to Klemme where he attended grade school.

Following the death of his father, he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Hulda and Fred Etchen, where he assisted with farming. When they retired to their new home in Klemme, he accompanied them and continued to care for them as long as they lived.

Donald was a familiar figure in Klemme, as he walked at least 16 blocks daily. He enjoyed fishing and spending holidays with his sister, Marjorie and her family.

After his own health failed, he moved to the Belmond Health Care Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leon Lemke; and sister, Mildred McLaughlin.

Donald is survived by his brother, Marvin Lemke of Des Moines; sister, Marjorie Hefte of Britt; special niece, Rosemary Middleton of Belmond who was his guardian angel; and five other nieces and eight nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Arlene Bier

December 31, 2007

Arlene Bier, of Alexander, lost her life to cancer on Thursday, December 20, 2007.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 29, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander, with Rev. Philip Arnold officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Alexander Cemetery.

Arlene Ruth, was born on February 16, 1923, to Chris C. and Minnie Schulte of Alexander. She attended the Alexander Consolidated School and graduated as valedictorian in 1940. She married Merlin L. Bier on January 23, 1944, and they farmed near Alexander.

Somewhere in between farming and taking care of their four incredibly energetic children, she found time to be very active at the First Reformed Church of Alexander. She taught Sunday School for 25 years and was a lifelong member of the RCW. She had a passion for gardening, cooking, canning and reading. She was deeply involved with the community, volunteering for elections, historical society, library board and anything else where someone needed help. Arlene started writing the Alexander News in August 1987 and retired in August 2007 when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In her last days at the care center the staff would always comment, "She always had a smile." Her family will miss that too. Arlene leaves a great legacy and a big hole that no one can fill.

Arlene was preceded in death by her brother, John Edward; her parents; her husband; and two nieces.

She is survived by her brother, Calvin Schulte; her sister, Evelyn Barkema; and her children, Susan Bier, Jerilyn and Delos Hansen, David Bier, and Loren and DJ Bier; five granddaughters; one great-grandson; and her constant companion, Tigger.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Wayne Janssen

December 31, 2007

Col. Wayne G. Janssen, U.S. Army retired, age 67, of Ohatchee, Alabama, died on Wednesday, December 26, 2007, at the Springfellow Memorial Hospital in Anniston, Alabama, from complications of lung cancer.

His body was cremated and no funeral was held. A memorial service will be held later in Iowa.

Wayne, the son of Vern and Edna (Peterson) Janssen, was born on May 5, 1940 in Mason City. He was baptized and confirmed at the Meservey United Methodist Church. He graduated from the Meservey Schools in 1958 and joined the National Guard when he was 18.

Wayne married Cheryl A. Pals on September 15, 1962. They had three children. After working in the Belmond area for several years, Wayne decided to make the military his career, and he went on active duty in the National Guard. This led him and his family to Missouri, Louisiana, Hawaii, Virginia, California, Iowa, and his final assignment at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He retired in the fall of 1992.

He married Carla Jean (Jeanie) Martin on September 27, 1993 in Ohatchee.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother.

He is survived by his wife; father, Vern Janssen of Belmond; his children, Susan (Kendall) Klinge of Belmond, Kevin (Jennifer) Janssen of Carl Junction, Missouri, Kimberly (Todd) Marnin of Belmond and Becky Roberson of Ohatchee; grandchildren, Tanner Klinge (fiancée, Amber Winans), Shaina and Justin Coonce, Bryer and Collin Marnin, Lisa and James Roberson; and brother, Michael (Karna) Janssen of Swea City.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Luella Yakel

January 9, 2008

Luella I. Yakel, 82, of Klemme, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 30, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 4, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Luella Irene, the daughter of Henry and Minnie (Schuettpelz) Theimann, Jr., was born on April 7, 1925, on her parent's farm four miles east of Klemme, the youngest of four children. She attended an Ell Township Country School and graduated from the Klemme Community Schools. She was baptized on May 7, 1925 and confirmed on April 7, 1939, at the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Klemme.

Luella married Roland F. Yakel on January 28, 1947, at the Evangelical and Reformed Church. They spent a number of years farming in rural Klemme where she assisted with farm operations such as milking the dairy cattle. Luella always raised a large vegetable garden and was known for her beautiful gladiolas and other flowers. Her green thumb was known for delicious tomatoes, squash, green beans, and cucumbers. She was looking ahead for her planting needs as spring 2008 approached. She was a devoted wife and partner on the farm and was a loving and nurturing mother.

Luella was a lifelong member of the church and had been active in Women's Fellowship, was Secretary of the Fellowship, served the Sunday School Board, and assisted with other tasks. She sang alto in the church choir and was very well read on the Bible.

Roland died in January 1972, just short of the couple's 25th wedding anniversary. Following his passing, Luella was employed for a time as a cook at the Garner Country Club and then at the Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme for many years before her retirement.

Luella enjoyed handicrafts. She was excellent at needlework, made many beautiful cross stitched items, and meticulously and lovingly made quilts for loved ones. She was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed the challenge of a good crossword puzzle. Luella looked forward to family get togethers and had just enjoyed the fellowship of her family the afternoon of her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; grandson, Troy Larson; two sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan (Marion) Larson of Woonsocket, South Dakota and their children, Amy (Rich) Miiller of Woonsocket and Tracy (Corey) Bird of Sioux Falls; daughter, Julie Mau of Klemme and her children, Trevor (Darla) Pasch of Yankton, South Dakota and Mandie (Noah) Reed of Kanawha; daughter, Kathryn Turnbull of Klemme and her son, Randy (Kathy) Yakel of Klemme; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Grace Thiemann of Klemme, Leona Yakel of St. Paul and Myrna Yakel of Hampton.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Alvin Pals

January 9, 2008

Alvin Pals, 82, of Belmond, died on Monday, December 31, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 5, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Troy Pflibsen officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Alvin, the son of Lambert and Marie Stadtlander Pals, was born on June 20, 1925 in Belmond. He attended Belmond Schools through the 9th grade. He married Eleanor Soma on January 1, 1946 at her parent's home.

Alvin lived most of his life on the Century Farm where he was born. Eleanor persuaded him to move to town when he retired in 1988. Farming was his life. He enjoyed everything about it. He also dug graves for 25 years, eventually turning the business over to his son, Curt.

Alvin was active as a 4-H Leader when his sons were members, and he held various positions at Trinity Lutheran.

Family was very important to Alvin. The children and grandchildren savored dinners at Eleanor and Alvin's home on Sundays. Their lake home was enjoyed by everyone in the family. One of Alvin's favorite pastimes was playing 500 with their card club. He also liked to watch professional wrestling.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Johan and Marvin; and infant sister, Edna.

Survivors include his wife; children, Douglas (Diana) of Moscow, Idaho, Barbara (Jim) Boelman of Belmond, Curtis (LuAnn) of Belmond and Luann (Steve) Huling of Hampton; grandchildren, Joel (Melinda) Pals, Karena (Michael) Houser, Danielle Pals, Angela (Clint) Johnson, Andrea (Matt) Insko, Kevin, Steven and Laura Pals, and Amanda, Deborah and Christopher Huling; and great-grandchildren, Samuel, Henry, Gretchen, Chloe and Alaina.
©Belmond Independent 2008