Lyda Wiemann

February 6, 2007

Lyda A. Wiemann, 82, of Meservey, died on Thursday, February 1, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center, following a year long battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 6, at the First Reformed Church of Meservey, with Rev. Rodney Meester officiating. Interment was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Lyda Arlene, daughter of Jake and Minnie (Meints) Koenen, was born on March 16, 1924 near Meservey. She was educated through the 8th grade in country school. Lyda married Leonard Wiemann on June 3, 1943.

Lyda worked hard on the farm, driving tractors, getting the ground ready for planting, and helping at harvest. She enjoyed keeping a spotless lawn and beautiful flowers. Lyda loved all kinds of music, from polkas to old time hymns. She had a special talent for playing the guitar, accordion, piano and organ by ear. She told stories of how much she enjoyed playing when she was younger. Lyda enjoyed game shows and watching basketball games on television.

The past year Lyda had many trials, but by her sheer will to live and her determination, she became independent again. She proved just how tough she was and took great pride in her accomplishment. Lyda told it like it was. The bright spots in her life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lyda was a member of the First Reformed Church in Meservey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; granddaughter, Heidi Wiemann; son-in-law, Charles Rogalla; brothers, Arthur and Leland Koenen; and sister, Tena Pals.

Lyda is survived by her son, Gordon (Judy) Wiemann of Clear Lake; daughter, Carmen (Danny) Johnson of Belmond; grandchildren, Marcy (Randee) Hyde, Becky (Rich) Formanek, Gary (Brooke) Wiemann, Charles (Christa) Rogalla, Chanda (Jim) Englin and Donald (Amy) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Jamie and Jessie Halfpop, Jacob Hyde, Brittany and Nicholas Formanek, Cody, Haley, Conner and Cooper Wiemann, and Dylan Englin; sister, Grace Pals of Belmond; brother, Jake (Mavis) Koenen of Meservey; and sisters-in-law, Thelma Langlitz of Meservey, Dena Pals, Jennie Steenhard and Frieda Jurgens, all of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Thomas Virkus

February 6, 2007

Thomas D. Virkus, 53, of Mason City, formerly of Belmond, died on Friday, February 2, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient in Mason City.

A memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 10, at 1:00 p.m., at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, with Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Elton Brill

February 6, 2007

Elton "E. O." Brill, 90, of Kamrar, died on Sunday, February 4, 2007, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center at Ames.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 8, at the Faith United Methodist Church in Webster City. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery at Webster City. Visitation will be at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center, from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday and after 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Elton Orville, son of Harry and Flora Cormaney Brill, was born on August 24, 1916 at Kamrar. He graduated from the Kamrar Public School in 1934. He started working at Brill's Grill, his fathers restaurant. He then started the Kamrar Mercantile.

On October 9, 1942, he married Hannah Ethel Hauge at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, rural Stanhope. From 1942 to 1945 he served with the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Springfield, Missouri, in the medical lab at O'Reilly General Hospital. He returned to Kamrar and started Brill's Feed and Seed and served as postmaster at Kamrar for 30 years. He was a certified commercial seed cleaner and had interests in farming at Kamrar, Belmond and Williams.

He was the charter president of the Kamrar Lions and helped spearhead the construction of the community building. He helped bring weekly bingo to Kamrar. He was a Northrup King seed dealer and planted blue grass along many of Iowa's highways. He enjoyed traveling, was the oldest resident of Kamrar, and placed much importance on making Kamrar a part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Charlotte Baumann.

Elton is survived by his wife; daughter, Suzanne (Larry) Slauson of Belle Plaine and Kristine (Leo) Asaro of St. Louis; and grandchildren, Travis Slauson of St. Louis, Crystal and Rich Loy of Cedar Rapids and Alexandra and Vanessa Asaro of St. Louis.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Fred W. Beier

February 13, 2007

Fred W. Beier, 96, a long time farmer and resident of the Kanawha area, died on Monday, February 5, 2007, at Wright Medical Center Hospice Room in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 8, at the Kanawha United Methodist Church, with Rev. Cindy Morrison officiating. Interment with military honors was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Fred William, the son of Henry C. and Ida L. (Lenz) Beier, was born on June 18, 1910, on his parents farm in Liberty Township, Hancock County. At an early age his family moved to Beltrami, Minnesota, where he began his education. They later returned to the Kanawha area where Fred resumed his education at Garner.

As a young man Fred followed his lifelong passion for music through the founding of the Freddie Beier Orchestra. Fred played various saxophones, and the group played throughout the region, including a regular schedule at the All Vets Club in Clear Lake.

In October 1942, Fred enlisted in the United States Army and served in various foreign theatres and in Alaska. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in September 1946. Though he was not one to discuss much about his years in the service, Fred was always proud of that time in his life and he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Upon returning to civilian life, Fred was employed for a time at the John Deere dealership in Kanawha. He lived for many years with his sister and her husband on the family farm and eventually took over its operation following his brother-in-law's death. He received great joy in the working of the soil, the rewards of his labor, and the wonders of the outdoors.

Though Fred was never married, he always enjoyed time with the family, especially when they gathered for Sunday afternoons of food, fellowship and a few competitive games of cards.

Following retirement from the farm, Fred resided at the Kanawha Community Apartments. He looked forward to daily meals at the restaurant in Kanawha and spending time with friends. Those who knew Fred's daily routine saw him on his daily walks. He did woodworking from time to time and took an occasional fishing excursion.

Fred became a resident of the Kanawha care facility in June 2006.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl and Elmer; and sisters, Mabel Hanson, Esther Haefner, Ethel Cook, Ruth Kalm, Mildred Beier and Novella Budlong.

Fred is survived by his sister, Helen Leiran of Crookston, Minnesota.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Larry R. Nelson

February 13, 2007

Larry R. Nelson, 70, died on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, following a 14-month battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond.

Larry was born on November 10, 1936 in Belmond, the son of Clair and Louise Smith-Nelson. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1954. In January 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was a member of the 82nd Airborne Rangers Division.

Following four years in the service, including duty in Panama, Larry joined his father as a partner in the family business, C.R. Nelson Construction, building roads and doing excavation projects throughout Iowa.

In December 1966, Larry married Donna Simpson, daughter of Florence and George Simpson. In 1980 Larry and his younger brother, Danny moved their company, then called Northwest Contracting, to Lawton, Oklahoma, where they continued to build roads and do other construction projects. Upon Danny's death in 1994, Larry sold the business, retiring from active management. Because of his love for the industry, Larry continued to assist his friends who were in the same business.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother.

Survivors include his son, Erik Nelson of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Kristin Nelson-Dorrance of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Haley and Tyler Dorrance; and nieces, Ann Nelson of Belmond and Amber Rosendahl of Fort Dodge.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Lynna F. Smith

February 13, 2007

Lynna F. Smith, 90, of Belmond, died on Friday, February 9, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, February 12, 2007, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with Rev. Christopher Podhajsky officiating. Burial was in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery near Belmond.

Lynna Frances, the daughter of Frank and Jessie (Lowenberg) Dominy, was born on April 14, 1916, on her parents farm west of Goodell. The family was active at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Goodell and she graduated from the Goodell High School.

On May 29, 1937, Lynna married Leo Smith at St. Francis Xavier. They farmed in the Goodell and Belmond areas for a number of years. In addition to assisting Leo on the farm, Lynna worked as a nurse's aide at the Belmond Hospital and in the veterinary offices of Dr. Misner and Dr. Classick.

Lynna's family was first and foremost in her life, and she worked very hard to provide for them and nurtured them with love and tenderness. Some of her greatest joys were the successes in the lives of her family. She took great pride in their achievements and was always pleased when they furthered their education.

Lynna had been a longtime member of the St. Francis Church and the Rosary Society. A favorite past time was raising a large garden and sharing its bounty. She will be remembered for her strong faith and good sense of humor, a lady of quick wit who had many favorite phrases.

Her family will cherish the times spent in her presence at the Christmas holidays, a season which she so dearly loved, the memories of the aromas and tastes from her kitchen such as divinity, beef and noodles and sugar cookies.

Lynna became a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center in April 2005. She enjoyed the activities there and visiting with friends, family, residents and staff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1995; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Jim Nashel; brother, Phillip; daughter-in-law, Joyce Smith; and son-in-law, Jerry Chandler.

Survivors include her son, Lee Smith of Grand Junction, Colorado: daughter, Sandy (Terry) Anderson of Belmond; sister, Marilyn (Bob) Kral of Garner; grandchildren, Mike Smith, Matt (Sheryl) Smith, Marc (Mary) Smith, Michelle (Fred) Collichio, Lance (Kathy) Chandler and Lane (Sue Ann) Chandler; and 16 great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Richard "Dick" Finders

February 13, 2007

Richard "Dick" Finders, 77, of Klemme, died on Friday, February 9, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 11, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme, with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at the Resthaven Park in Glendale, Arizona, later in the week along with additional services.

Richard Lee, the son of Carl and Helen (Large) Finders, was born on November 23, 1929 at Ferguson, Iowa. The family moved to Klemme where Dick graduated from high school in 1948.

During his early adult years, Dick was employed with the Klemme Creamery as a driver, and was also employed at Northern Lumber, Andreson Veterinary, drove a school bus, and helped area farmers.

On October 12, 1948, Richard entered the United States Army. He spent a portion of his military tenure in Germany. On February 14, 1952, he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class. He then married Donna Greiman.

Richard was employed in the airline industry and later in the lumber industry where he assumed managerial, technical assistant positions, leadership capacities, and various support roles. Much of his focus was on market development, start ups, stability, and restructuring of the various companies.

A relatively quiet and reserved man, Dick was very proud of his German heritage and relished the opportunity to share it with family and friends. He loved to have one on one conversations and share stories of his life. His recollection of the places he had been and the people he had met was excellent. His knowledge of American Indians, their artifacts, and their cultures was vast. He looked forward to investigating the subject of the day, whether it was a plant, flower, animal or bird. Richard was an avid fisherman, enjoyed gardening, and was an expert at growing tomatoes and cooking. He loved to travel, explore, and spend time with Donna, his daughters and their families.

Following his wife's passing, he became reacquainted with Helen Roths, who was also widowed and someone he had known in Klemme. They shared many mutual loves and interests. They spent much of the year in Camp Verde, Arizona and returned to Klemme for a few months at a time. Taking the rugged mountain and back country roads brought great joy and excitement to Richard and Helen. In addition to his own children, Richard enjoyed time with Helen's, often taking them on fishing trips. His family will remember his patriotism and his special trip to South Carolina for a military reunion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; and a sister-in-law.

Survivors include daughters, LeiAnn Tomaninim of Phoenix, Karen (Craig) Steele of Dewey, Arizona and Melissa (Darren) Spicer of Gardnerville, Nevada; sister-in-law, Nellie Flagler; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his companion, Helen Roths of Klemme, and her children and their kids, Hunter, Tyler, Laura, Sarah, Zach, Miake, Erin and Kelsey.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Gordon Beier

February 20, 2007

Gordon "Gordy" Beier, 68, died on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at his home in Klemme, following a lengthy battle with kidney disease.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 16, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery.

Gordon Lowell, the son of Elmer and Faye (Bridges) Beier, was born on March 31, 1938 on his parents' farm in Liberty Township, Hancock County. He was baptized and confirmed at the Liberty Methodist Church. He attended the Liberty Township #8 Rural School and graduated from the Klemme High School.

Gordon married Ione Rosendahl. Gordon and Ione were later divorced and he married Jane Hrubes on October 29, 1989 at Garner.

Gordy had worked in various occupations, including Rosendahl Tiling, in the dairy industry in California and trucking throughout the region, including Rath Trucking of Clarion. For more than 19 years he had been a custodian at the Klemme School and later with Belmond-Klemme. His years were a labor of love, as both Gordy and the youth shared a mutual admiration for one another. His warm smile and personality were inviting to almost everyone. In addition to the school, Gordy worked at the Klemme Town Mart. He remembered the names of many customers and was quick to share a smile and hello.

For many years Gordy helped on the Pringnitz family farm. As long as he had a thermos of coffee, he could fulfill his role for hours. If he wasn't sitting on a piece of farm equipment, he might be found in the machine shop or other building making sure that everything was clean and in good repair.

He loved to spend time with his family and looked forward to teaching his kids and grandkids how to fish and taking them camping. One might find Gordy sitting next to them at the piano in a family sing-a-long, or in the middle of a game they were playing. He loved music and had sung at funerals with his sister and others, as well as in the church choir.

Gordy could often be found at the wheel of "Grandpa Gordy's Shuttle Bus Service". He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and his love for the "Purple and Gold" was only matched by his love for the "Green and Yellow" of farm machinery. On a summer evening he could often be found in the back yard sitting with family and friends sharing stories. He was especially fond of humming birds which often took a liking to him.

Gordy loved to golf, shared the spirit of Christmas year around, and enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino to play the slots. He was proud of his 26 years of sobriety as a member of AA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Gertrude Beier; brother, Eugene and his wife, Carmen; and sister, Shirley Doolittle.

Survivors include his wife, Jane; sons, Ben Beier and his sons, Trent and Tanner of Lake Mills, Jesse (Angie) Pringnitz and their children, Kelsi and Jake of Garner, Jerry (Karrie) Pringnitz and their children, Jade, Jace, Joseph and Jenna of Garner, Roy Hrubes and his special friend, Jamie of Shellsburg; daughters, Chris (Eric) Jackson and their children, Lucas and Miranda of Garner, Jeri VerHelst and her children, Justin (wife Tonia) and Stacey of Humboldt, Jody (Gary) St. John and their children, Chad and Cory of Fort Dodge, Joan (Bill) Arndt and their children, Nikki, Sammi and Keith of Fort Dodge and Jennifer (Mark) Slattery and their children, Audra, Kurt, Lauren and Emma of Taylor Ridge, Illinois; sisters, LaVonne Simon of Winterset, Beverly Thorson of Klemme, Janis (Wayne) Smith of Webster City and Joann (Roger) Hansen of Kanawha; brothers, Robert (Donna) Beier of Pleasantville, Ronald Beier of Leonardville, Minnesota, James Beier of Newtown, Pennsylvania and Roger (Linda) Beier of Mason City; and brother-in-law, Doug Doolittle of Webster City.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Darrell Kelley

February 20, 2007

Darrell L. Kelley, 60, of Belmond, died on Friday, February 16, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A prayer service was held on Wednesday, February 21, at the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home, with Pastor Troy Pflibsen officiating and with military rites by the Belmond Honor Guard.

Darrell Lee, the son of Edward and Tillie (Gohn) Kelley, was born on January 6, 1947 in Colona, Illinois. He grew up in Illinois and Missouri. He joined the Navy and served in Vietnam. He lived in Texas many years, doing construction work most of his life.

He married Darla Counsell on August 29, 1997 in Garner.  

Surviving are his wife; daughters, Christine Noah and Crystal Jacobs; and grandchildren, MaKayla, Jacob and Erik.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Shirley Koci

February 27, 2007

Shirley J. Koci, 82, died on Friday, February 23, 2007.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 28, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. Burial will be in the Plymouth Bohemian Cemetery, Plymouth.

Shirley Jeanne was born on March 15, 1924, at the family home located in Manly, to Charles and Edith (Seberson) Ciner. She was baptized and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith. At a young age her family moved to a farm northeast of Manly where she attended country school. When Shirley was in junior high they moved to Kensett where she attended school, participating in band and basketball, graduating in 1942. Shirley attended the Hamilton Business College and secured a position at Iowa State University.

On September 19, 1944, Shirley married Lowell H. "Bud" Koci at the Lutheran Church in Manly. While Bud was serving in the Marine Corps, the newlyweds lived in Hastings, Nebraska and San Diego, California. While in San Diego, Shirley worked at the Naval Depot. Following Bud's discharge in September 1945 they returned to Manly.

Shirley was a quiet, unassuming lady who liked to read, listen to Lawrence Welk, play bridge, and travel. She lived by the motto "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." She participated in Altar Guild and Star collating at Bethlehem Lutheran, taught Bible School, led Girl Scout Troops, participated in the PTA and Music Mothers, was a member of the Pioneer Town and Country Club and the American Legion Auxiliary, and served on the Worth County Welfare Board.

Shirley's true-life calling was being a good wife and mother. Her two daughters could always count on her to be a constant pillar of never-ending love and support, as well as a source of much fun. She found endless joy and delight in her five grandchildren and two great grandsons.

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

Survivors include her daughters, Jean Marie (Roy) Arends of Alexander and Ann Jeanette (Michael) Burkart of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Kelly (Joe) Pratt of Urbandale, Matthew Burkart of Houston, Texas, Jill Burkart and her husband, D. Hampton Finger of Austin, Texas, Andrew Arends of Las Vegas, Nevada and Johnathan (Kelle) Arends of Wichita, Kansas; great-grandsons, Nicholas of Urbandale and George of Austin; and sister-in-law, Pearl Urbatsch of Forest City.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Marian Kinseth

February 27 & March 6, 2007

Marian L. Kinseth, 74, of Belmond, died on Monday, February 26, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Troy Pflibsen officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home, Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given for Alzheimer Disease Research.

Marian Lou was born on April 30, 1932 in Twin Lake Township, near Goodell, to Verdie and Mary (Goodridge) Anderson. She attended country school and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1949.

Marian married Roland "Rollie" B. Kinseth, on March 16, 1951 on her family farm. She worked at the John Deere dealership and First State Bank in Belmond. While Roland was in the service in Louisiana, Marian was employed at a bank in Shreveport.

She had been a member of the Belmond Hospital Auxiliary and was involved in various Trinity Lutheran Church activities, such as teaching Sunday School, the Altar Guild and Ladies Circle. She also assisted with delivering Meals on Wheels. Marian enjoyed teaching, working with ceramics and crafts, square dancing, and being around young children and elderly people.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harvey Anderson and Leonard Anderson; sister, Harriet Halfpop; half-brothers, Clifford Anderson, Andrew Anderson and Harry Anderson; and half-sister, Mary Prelip.

Marian is survived by her husband; daughter, Sherri Kinseth of Belmond; son, Marc (Linda) Kinseth of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Ryan and Hayley Kinseth; sister, Loretta (Don) Smith of Belmond; and brother, Harold (Bonnie) Anderson of Goodell.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Helen C. Boulicault

March 6, 2007

Helen C. Boulicault, 67, died on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, at the Wright County Hospice.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 3, at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Marshalltown, with Pastor Duane Moraine of the Faith Assembly of God officiating.

Helen Carlene was born on October 20, 1939 in Beaman, the daughter of Harold and Helen Cartee. She graduated from the Beaman High School and later attended Kirkwood Community College and DMACC. Helen married Darroll White and moved to Topanga Canyon, California, before returning to Iowa to reside in Marshalltown. In Marshalltown she worked at the Joyce Lumber and then Fisher Controls.

Helen married William (Ray) Boulicault, on November 22, 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She joined Ray in R & H Trucking in 1994, as a driver and business partner. In 2002 Helen and Ray moved to Ankeny where Helen worked for Todd's LTD and later for WahlTek.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Tom and Doug; and grandson, Austin.

She is survived by her husband, Ray of Ankeny; sons, Aaron (Mary) White and Geoff (Becky) White all of Des Moines; step-daughter, Brenda (Doug) White of Belmond; and seven grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2007