Richard Cathey

January 10, 2007

Richard Cathey, died on Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at El Mirage, Arizona. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, in Arizona.

The Catheys lived in Belmond for several years while Richard worked for ACCO Seed. The family moved to Arizona in 1974.

Survivors include his wife, Laurie; and children, Drew, Kerrie and Danyelle.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Irene Sarber

January 10, 2007

Irene S. Sarber, 90, of Mount Vernon and formerly of Belmond, died on Friday, January 5, 2007, after a brief illness. A private family burial will be at a later date in Fort Dodge.

Irene was born on September 15, 1916 in Woolstock, the daughter of Henry and Martha Schutt Mourlam. She married DeWitt Sarber in 1947. Irene worked in maintenance at Cornell College in Mount Vernon from 1969 to 1994.

Preceding her in death were her husband; four sisters; and four brothers.
©Belmond Independent 2007

William Garrison

January 10, 2007

William "Bill" Garrison, Jr., 52, of Klemme, died on Saturday, January 6, 2007.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond. Private funeral services for the family will be held on Thursday, with military rites by the Belmond Honor Guard.

Bill was born on July 1, 1954 in Rochester, New York, to William and Dorothy (Fisher) Garrison. He graduated from the CAL Community School in Latimer in 1972. Then he served in the U. S. Navy Quartermaster/Navigation Dept. until he was honorably discharged in 1974.

Bill then attended NIACC in the pre-electrical engineering and architecture program and the electronics technician program, receiving associate of arts and associate of science degrees.

Bill married Jeanne Benson, and they had three children, Stacey, David and Nicole.

In 1996 Bill married Lona Johnson and became "Dad" to Michael, Allan, Matthew and Kasha. They enjoyed riding dirt bikes on paths they built at their acreage, riding motorcycles, skiing, bowling, and boating. Bill always looked forward to hosting the annual summer fireworks family party.

For the last 11 years Bill was employed at Eaton Corporation in Belmond in the maintenance department.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Dorothy (Garrison) Seely; father, William Garrison, Sr.; and brother, Tommy.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lona; children, Stacey (Travis) Higley of Swaledale, David Garrison and fiancée, Shari Kirschbaum of Mason City, Nicole Garrison and fiancée, Tony White of Rockwell, Michael Johnson and fiancée, Melissa Dickenson of Clear Lake and Allan Bates, Matthew Johnson and Kasha Garrison all at home; grandchildren, Dallas, Blake and Grace; brother, Steven (Bonnie) Garrison of North Plainfield, New Jersey; and sisters, Kathy (Doug) Bohman of Elkader and Margo (Ron) Ryan of Hansell.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Bill's name.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Jolynn Schrage

January 23, 2007

Jolynn "Jody" Schrage, 45, died on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, in Houston, Texas, following complications from cancer surgery.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, January 15, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, with burial in the Cedar Grove Cemetery on the University of Notre Dame campus.

Jody was born on June 9, 1961 in Belmond, the daughter of Marlin and Ardith Johnson Jenison. She graduated from the Urbandale High School in 1979, where she was a member of the basketball and softball teams and was First Team All-State in 1979. She graduated from Creighton University in 1983, with a degree in education and was awarded the Carl M. Reinert, S. J. Scholar Athlete award. She played in three College World Series.

She married David Schrage on August 9, 1986, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Des Moines.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Adele Johnson

January 16, 2007

Sarah Adele Johnson, 87, of Belmond, died on Sunday, January 14, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, with Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiating.

Sarah Adele, the daughter of Benjamin and Eva Nina (Reese) Fetrow, was born on December 12, 1919 in Belmond. She graduated from the Belmond High School and went on to work in clothing stores, Buttrey's in Mason City and Stark's in Clarion.

She married Ernest Johnson on July 16, 1950. They lived in town briefly before moving to the family farm.

Adele had a natural talent as an artist and she loved to paint. She was an avid bird watcher, and taking care of her family was her life. She was a charter member of both Beta Sigma Phi and Chapter LV, P.E.O., she was also a member of the Eastern Star, the Kensington Club and the Ladies Aid at St. Olaf.

Adele was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Robert Fetrow.

Adele is survived by her sons, George (Barbara) Johnson and Phil (Laurie) Johnson of Belmond; grandchildren, Darien Johnson, Brandon (Ariel) Johnson, Tyler Anderson and Jayme Anderson; great-grandchild, Savanna Shea Johnson; sister, Jean McNulty of Des Moines; and brothers, George (Betty) Fetrow of Belen, New Mexico and Herb (Jean) Fetrow of Owatonna, Minnesota.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Glenn Williams

January 23, 2007

Glenn A. Williams, a member of the Belmond High School Class of 1949, died on Sunday, January 14, 2007, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 75.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 18, at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Dina Sizemore

January 16, 2007

Dina Sizemore, 37, of Klemme, died on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at the Belmond-Klemme High School Auditorium, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Further services and burial took place in Kentucky.

Nadina Kay, the daughter of Randy and Debbie Moore Sizemore, was born on December 18, 1969 in Louisville, Kentucky. She grew up in Henry County, Kentucky and graduated from the Henry County High School in 1987. After high school she started working for the State of Kentucky. It was during this time that she met her life companion, Nathan Banta.

In 1997 Nathan and Dina moved to Iowa. Dina worked at the Belmond-Klemme High School as a teacher's aide the past four years. Devoted to her family, Dina's children were her life. She loved spending time with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Donald Van Gerpen

January 23, 2007

Don Van Gerpen, 75, of San Diego, California, died on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 24, at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Donald was born on February 22, 1931 in Buffalo Center, to Reinhard and Katherine (Burma) Van Gerpen, the fourth of ten children. After joining the U.S. Navy in 1950, he served in the Seabees and aboard the U.S.S. Rendova and U.S.S. Blue, along with other duty stations in the Philippines, at Camp Elliott and 32nd St. in San Diego, Atsugi and Camp Zuma in Japan, Washington, D.C. and Pearl Harbor. He retired as Chief Yeoman (E7) in 1972 and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1980. He joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Department in 1973 as a booking clerk and retired in 1993 as the Detention Processing Manager. He continued as a consultant until 1995.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jasper "Bud", R. Richard "Dick" and Russell; sister, Freda and her husband, Arlon Lein; and brothers-in-law, Lou Greenberg and David Parsons.

Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ellen Gervaise (Parsons) Van Gerpen; their daughters, Melinda (Joe) Rocco of San Diego, Brenda (John) Myers of Belmond, Pamela (Vince) DiMuro of Santee, California and his daughter by a previous marriage, Angela (John) Lundberg of Liberty, Missouri; grandchildren, Michael Rocco, Amber and Nick Myers, and Christina and Amanda DiMuro; brothers, Pete (Pat) of Iowa City, John (Edna) of Marion, Iowa, Jerry (Marian) of Nampa, Idaho and Larry (Sandy) of Emerado, North Dakota; sister, June (Allyn) Christensen of Clarion; and sisters-in law, Velma (Dick) Van Gerpen of Dows, Janet Greenberg of Edmond, Oklahoma and Joyce Parsons of Camanche, Iowa.

The family suggests donations to the San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care, 4311 Third Ave. San Diego, California 92103 or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, New York 10163.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Dallas W. Backer

February 8, 2007

Dallas W. Backer, 49, of Hamilton, Missouri and formerly of Lake Mills, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2007, at the St. Luke's Hospital North.

A memorial service was held on Monday, January 22, at the Hamilton United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be at a later date in the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery near Belmond.

Dallas was born on April 12, 1957 in Yuba City, California, to Virgil and Berniece Skinner Backer Fuls. He had retired from the Air National Guard and had served in the Army National Guard.

On June 18, 1977, he married Sonja Nelson at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church near Belmond.

Dallas had lived in Hamilton for the past 19 years and was a teacher, teaching in the Mirabile School District for six years and the Kansas City School District for the past 14 years. He was a member of the Hamilton United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph; brother, Jimmy; and step-father, Elton Fuls.

Survivors include his daughters, Melissa and Solveig Backer of Minnetonka, Minnesota; son, Ben Backer at home; mother, Berniece Fuls of Hamilton; sisters, Shari Ross of Idaho and Inez Jean of California; brothers, Charles of Arizona and Virgil of Texas.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Jeannie Campbell

January 23, 2007

Jeannie "Iva Jean" Campbell, 54, died on Friday, January 19, 2007, at her home in Belmond.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 25, at 1:00 p.m., at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery.

Jeannie Hopkey, was born on October 17, 1952, the daughter of Ardell and Florence (Robertson) Hopkey. She graduated from the Belmond High School with the Class of 1971.

Jeannie married Duncan Campbell on August 14, 1971, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They farmed south of Belmond for 32 years and raised their three sons.

Jeannie was a life long member of the Belmond United Methodist Church, where she was baptized and confirmed. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1982. She enjoyed being a volunteer for the Wright County Hospice and driving the Belmond Care Car.

Jeannie was very much a people person and received the greatest joy being able to spend time with her boys. She loved growing and working with flowers and looked forward to sharing time with her family. Jeannie was an avid fan of the Wizard of Oz, collecting many pieces of memorabilia. Jeannie had a fondness for animals, especially her Jack Russell Terrier "Daisy". She also enjoyed traveling, and in earlier years, camping with her family.

Jeannie moved to Sioux Falls in September of 2004, where she was a full time nanny and enjoyed the companionship of her friend Richard. She moved back to Belmond in October 2006.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dallas Carl Hopkey and Dennis Hopkey; and sister, Diane Kay Minor.
 
She is survived by her three sons and grandson, John Duane (Trudy) of Belmond, Jason Duncan (Ann) and their son, Jackson of Belmond and Jeremy Dennis and his fiancée, Jill Chapman of Helena, Alabama.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Ann Shobe

February 6, 2007

Ann J. Shobe, 92, former Belmond resident, died at her home on Tuesday, January 30, 2007, following a short battle with cancer. A private family service was held on Wednesday, February 7, in Columbus, Ohio.

Ann and her husband, Harold "Bud" Shobe, moved to Belmond in 1946. In the early 1990's they moved to Plant City, Florida and two years ago they moved to Worthington, Ohio, to be closer to family.

Ann was a full time homemaker and well known knitter. She excelled in cooking and loved to pay bridge and garden. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and was active in the Rosary Society. Ann and Bud liked to dance to big bands at the Surf Ballroom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Julie Nemeth; sisters, Elizabeth and Helen; and her husband last February.

Survivors include her daughter, Diane Rasmussen (Dewey Fisher); grandsons, Erik Rasmussen and David (Carrie) Rasmussen; and great-grandson, Kurt Rasmussen, all of Worthington.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Novella Bredbenner

February 6, 2007

Novella Dorothy Bredbenner, died at the Concord Care Center in Garner, on Tuesday, January 30, 2007.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, February 1, at the Klemme United Methodist Church.

Novella, the daughter of Clark and Martha (Lau) Bredbenner, was born on September 8, 1917 in Klemme. She graduated from the Klemme Public School as valedictorian of the Class of 1934.

For many years Novella alternated teaching and attending college. In 1935 she started her college education at Iowa State Teachers' College. Novella joined the Kappa Phi Club, a religious organization for university women. She received her two-year elementary degree in 1939 and returned to Cedar Falls in 1944 for her junior year of college. She completed her B.A. in elementary education and graduated with honors in 1948. In 1954 Novella was awarded a Ding Darling Fellowship from the National Wildlife Federation and completed her masters degree at Cedar Falls.

She began her teaching career at Riverside School, two miles south of Klemme, with a salary of $50 a month. Those were the days when the teacher not only taught school, but also built the fire, swept the floor, washed the blackboard, etc. She enjoyed playing ball with her students, skating on the river ice, sliding downhill on a toboggan in a snowstorm, or chasing butterflies in the spring.

She later taught at Allison and then at Brooks, Greenwood and Maple Grove Schools in Des Moines, including 27 years of elementary science and social studies at the Hubbell School. In Des Moines Novella was active in many school, church and community organizations.

Novella was confirmed in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1928 and was active in Standard Bearers and Epworth League. She taught Sunday School and Bible School. At Klemme, she was active in the United Methodist Women, the administrative council, and the Iowa Annual Conference. She attended World Methodist conferences in Singapore, England and Kenya.

Butterfly collecting, genealogy, photography, and traveling were among her hobbies. Novella and her mother, Martha enjoyed many trips together. She traveled to all 50 states and many countries around the world. She shared slide shows and artifacts from her travels.

Novella spent many hours assisting with the book on Klemme history for the centennial in 1989. She participated in the Hancock County Genealogical Society, Hancock County Historical Society, Federated Women's Club, and Federated Garden Club.

Novella embraced her extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. She enjoyed gathering with family for the holidays and at Lau reunions.

Novella was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by numerous loving friends and extended family members.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Muriel Ardyce Bailey

February 6, 2007

Muriel "Ardyce" Bailey, 86, of Rowan, died on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 5, at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Ardyce was born on February 1, 1920 on a farm near Rowan, the daughter of E. R. "Rollie" and Jessie (Allen) Harris. She graduated from the Rowan High School. On September 1, 1940 she married Kenneth Elmer Bailey and they lived on the family farm near Rowan.

Ardyce was a life member of the United Church of Rowan. She was very active at church and especially enjoyed the quilting group. She was an inspiration to many and always put the needs of others before her own. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Playing cards was a favorite pastime. She was often heard to say, "Sure would be nice if some of you folks could win." Her hobbies were quilting, crocheting, gardening, cooking, playing the piano and traveling. Over the years she completed more than 100 hand-stitched quilts. Each child, grandchild and great-grandchild received at least one of her labors of love, as did nieces, nephews and cousins. Ardyce enjoyed traveling with her husband all over the United States and other countries. They wintered in Florida, California and Arizona.

Ardyce had been living at the Apple Valley Assisted Living Center in Clear Lake, and she enjoyed her time there and the helpful friends she made.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brother, Bob Harris.

Ardyce is survived by her sons, Larry (Carol) of Belmond, Dennis (Donna) of Rowan, Ronnie (Connie) of St. Joseph, Missouri and Marv (Dee Dee) of Klemme; daughter, Cindy (Dean) Lehs of Clear Lake; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lois Johnson; and brother, Merle Harris.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Robert White

February 20, 2007

Robert "Bob" White, 85, died on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, at the Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 3, in Bellevue with full military honors.

Robert was born on March 6, 1921 in Belmond, to Joseph S. and Berniece (Legge) White. He graduated from the BHS in 1939. Robert married Alice Schirmer on October 7, 1972.

Bob was an insurance investigator, owned a Maid-Rite and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

Surviving are his son, Robert C. White of Texas and a daughter, JoAnn (James) MacClellan of New York.
©Belmond Independent 2007