Scott W. Sturm

May 7, 2007

Scott "Scooter" Sturm, 40, of Belmond, died on Saturday, May 5, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 1:30 p.m., at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Burial will take place in the Belmond Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Dugger Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond and will continue one hour prior to the services Thursday at the church.

Scott, the son of Marjorie Sturm, was born on January 1, 1967 in Iowa City. He grew up in the Belmond, Clarion and Hampton areas. He graduated from the Hampton High School in 1985. He and Sheri Keeling were married in her parent's home near Waverly on October 24, 1991.

Scott was a collector of eagles, miniature motorcycles, collectible knives, and unique pop cans and bottles. He was also an avid card player. Scott was a member of the DDT bowling team, winning several championships.

Scott's pride and joy were his family, including wife, Sheri, daughter, Kayla,14 and son, Zach, 11.

Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nellie and Albert Sturm; and grandmother-in-law, Ella Cagley.

Scott "Scooter" is survived by his wife; children; and mother, all of Belmond; mother and father-in-law, Sharon and Gene Keeling of Waverly; brother-in-law, Tom (Kris) Keeling of Sheffield; and sister-in-law, Sheila (Jim) Jones of Waterloo.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Robert Kellerman

June 5, 2007

Robert G. Kellerman, 87, died on Sunday, May 6, 2007, at the Marion, Ohio, General Hospital. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 12, at the Epworth United Methodist Church.

Robert was born in Hudson, Wisconsin, on April 5, 1920, the son of George and Helen Kellerman. He served as a Navy pilot in WW II. He married Gwendolyn Jones in 1943.

The Kellermans moved to Belmond in 1956, where Robert worked for General Mills. He continued to work for Central Soya after the Belmond plant was sold in 1965, and they were transferred to several communities. They moved to Marion in 1968.

Robert is survived by his wife of Marion; and daughters, Judith (David) McNeal of Seattle, Washington and Mary (Curtis) Galloway of Cardington, Ohio.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Lucille Guth

May 15, 2007

Lucille J. Guth, 85, of Klemme, died on Monday, May 7, 2007, at the Hancock Memorial Hospital Hospice Unit in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 10, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Lucille Jane, the daughter of Ray and Jewell (Young) Hatch, was born on May 3, 1922, on her parent's farm at Nemaha, Iowa. She graduated from the Nemaha High School in 1939. She then attended Buena Vista College and received a teaching certificate following two years. She taught in Rhinehardt and Albert City.

Lucille married Everett I. Guth on May 24, 1944, at the Methodist Church in Nemaha. They lived for a time on a farm near Meservey, and in 1946 they moved to a farm north of Klemme. They retired from active farming in 1979.

Lucille was a devoted wife and partner on the farm. Her greatest joy was providing for the needs of her husband and nurturing her children. Lucille looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with her children and their families. Her grandchildren reflect back on times when Grandma would babysit them. Lucille's family will cherish the memories of her homemade bars, cookies and pies, and seeing her yard filled with daffodils, her friendly smile, the twinkle in her eyes, and the love she shared with each of them.

Lucille was a devoted member of the Klemme United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for more than 15 years, served on the church memorial committee, and was a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service (UMW). Her strong faith carried out in all aspects of her life.

Lucille had been a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader and a long time member of the Grandmother's Club where she had held various offices.

Lucille and Everett enjoyed square dancing, traveling and camping. They looked forward to winters in Texas for 14 years. In recent years Lucille enjoyed congregate meals at the 4 Point Center in Klemme.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2006; and her brothers-in-law, Eugene Guth, Everett Frink, Ardell Rooks and Frank Rockufeler.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy (David) Cartier of Vienna, Virginia; grandchildren, Scott Cartier (Gwen Byard) and their children, Gavin and Gareth of California and Kristina Cartier of Virginia; son, Dennis (Margaret) Guth of Klemme; grandchildren, Eric (Ashley) Guth of Forest City and Natalie, Anna, Peter and Lillian Guth of Klemme; and daughter, Peggy (Frank) Talarico of Omaha; grandchildren, Angela and Amy Talarico of Omaha; step-grandsons, Steve and John Talarico of Oregon; sister, Evelyn Rockufeler of Storm Lake; and sisters-in-law, Marvyl Frink of New Hampton and Amelia Guth of Meservey.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Timathe Campbell

May 22, 2007

Timathe Allison Campbell, of Clarksville, Indiana, died on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at the University of Louisville Hospital. The body was cremated.

Timathe was born on October 13, 1948 in Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack D. Campbell; grandparents: John and Gertrude Campbell, Clarence "Tim" and Sylvia Bohlen and Rhea Campbell.

Survivors include her mother, Lillian Campbell; three brothers, Lance (Meg), Duncan (Connie) and Rodney (Dale) Campbell; nephews, John (Trudy), Jeremy (Jill), Jason (Ann) Campbell and Rodney Jr. Campbell; niece, Samantha Campbell; great-nephew, Jackson; and aunts, Berniece Anderson and Frances Larsen.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Grace Esk

May 15, 2007

Grace H. Esk, 89, formerly of Clarion, Lake Mills and most recently of Belmond, died on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 15, at the Immanuel Reformed Church near Belmond, with Pastor Rodney Meester officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Grace Henrietta, the daughter of Hilko and Amanda (Meints) Barkema, was born near Belmond on August 3, 1917. She was one of seven children. Her mother died during childbirth when Grace was fourteen years old, leaving Grace and her sister, Beulah to help their father raise the other five children, the youngest being four. Grace was educated in rural school and at Meservey, and could speak German as well as English.

Grace and Albert Esk were married at Immanuel Reformed on November 10, 1937. She worked as a proofreader for the Wright County Monitor in Clarion for ten years. She was later employed by Deluxe Products (now Fleet Guard) in Lake Mills for fourteen years.

Grace was a lady, always wearing a dress. She loved to fish and was known for growing the most beautiful African violets. She was very proud of her son, Larry and his family and she cut out articles concerning her grandchildren and shared them with others. She was a wonderful historian, keeping track of all the Barkema gatherings.

Her church (Palsville Church, which is now Immanuel Reformed) was a very important part of her life. What she enjoyed the most was when the entire family would go to church together. Guests who dropped in unexpectedly were always treated to a meal. She was known for her specken dicken on New Year's Day.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1965; brothers, Orval and Bud Barkema; and an infant sister.

Grace is survived by her son, Larry (Karen) Esk of Story City; grandchildren, Laura (Kent) Arnold of Story City, Thomas (Donja) Esk of Ames and Julie Jo (Brent) Emerson of Huxley; great-grandchildren, Payton and Colton James Arnold and Kelli Jo and Karlee Kate Emerson; sisters, Beulah Esk of Belmond, Leola Trowbridge of Griffen, Georgia and Evelyn (Harlan) DeGroote of Mascoutah, Illinois; and brother, Dale (Arlene) Barkema of Clear Lake.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Lambert Barkema

May 15, 2007

Lambert Barkema, 98, of Belmond, died on Friday, May 11, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 14, at the Immanuel Reformed Church east of Belmond, with Pastors Rodney Meester and Mike Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Lambert was born on January 11, 1909, on the home farm near Palsville (northeast of Belmond). He was the oldest of ten children, the son of Dick and Minnie (Pals) Barkema. He attended country school through the eighth grade, and then helped on his father's farm.

Lambert was baptized in the Palsville Reformed Church (now the Immanuel Reformed). He served as an elder and deacon.

In 1938, Lambert moved to one of his father's farms by Goodell and began farming on his own. Lambert and Genaveva Bertha Gruis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gruis, were married on January 1, 1941.

After their children were married, Lambert and Gen took up golfing and bowling. He was actively bowling at age 96, the last few years watching his teammates bowl. Gen and Lambert had a winter home in Haines City, Florida for eighteen years. In later years you could find Lambert enjoying coffee at the Bloemke Pharmacy.

Lambert was a very kind, caring man, he never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings and would do his best to be sure no one ever felt left out or slighted in any way.

Lambert was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Tammy Clifton; three sisters; and one brother.

Lambert is survived by his wife; daughter, Donna (Harold) Buseman of Belmond; sons, Dennis (Betty) Barkema of Goodell and Byron (Sherry) Barkema of Minnesota; sisters, Esther Dorenkamp of Mason City and Amelia Guth of Meservey; brothers, Ben Barkema of Clarion, Arnold Barkema of Belmond and Dick Barkema, Jr. of Goodell; ten grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Agnes Munro

June 5, 2007

Agnes A. Munro, 93, of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of Belmond and Alexander, died on Monday, May 21, 2007, at the Royal Oaks Care Center.

A memorial service was held on Friday, May 25, at the Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City.

Agnes was born on June 9, 1913 in Belmond, the daughter of Henry and Stella (Greenfield) Stoffer. Agnes grew up on her parents farm near Alexander. A gifted pianist, Agnes worked during her teen years as a substitute accompanist for silent films at a nearby theater.

After graduating from high school Agnes studied nursing at the Asbury Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis. She later worked in Detroit. On September 18, 1937 she married George W. Munro on her uncle Freerk Frohling's farm near Belmond. Agnes was recruited in 1962 to a position as a pediatric and OB-GYN educator for a nursing program in Detroit.

George and Agnes retired in 1973 and moved to Sun City. They were charter members of the Faith Church of Sun City, where Agnes served as long-term member of the choir.

Preceding her in death were her husband; and brothers, Glenn Stoffer, Bernald Stoffer and Henry "Hank" Stoffer, Jr.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda Cailliez of Chanhassen, Minnesota; son, Larry (Kim) Munro of Huntington Beach, California; grandchildren, Jason, Mark, Margeaux, Eric and Kristy; great-grandchildren, Allan, Connor and Briana; sisters, Leona Shipley of Minnesota, Irene Hofmaster of Wisconsin, Shirley Brinkman of Florida, Viola Koenen of Hampton and Berta Rietema of Kanawha; and brother, LeRoy Stoffer of Ohio.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Milo Lauffer

June 19, 2007

Milo S. Lauffer, 91, of Nevada, died on Monday, May 21, 2007.

Lauffer was an educator for 31 years and taught junior high in Belmond in the late 40's and early 50's. He is survived by his daughter, Beth (Robert) Newcomb of Denver, Colorado.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Anna Ruth Suntken

May 29, 2007

Anna Brinkman Suntken, 94, of Rochester, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, May 22, 2007.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 25, with her son, Rev. Ronald Suntken officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Anna was born on December 24, 1912 in Rowan. She was raised in Dows. She married William Suntken in 1940 and moved to the Elgin, Minnesota area, where she lived for 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and four sisters.

Survivors include four daughters; two sons; sister, Delores Beto of Salem, South Dakota; and brother, Kenneth (Phyllis) Brinkman of Gilmore City.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Arlene Bohning

May 29, 2007

Arlene E. Bohning, 90, of Belmond, died on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center Hospice Unit, following a battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 29, at the Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond, with Rev. Melvin Voss officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Reformed Church Cemetery, east of Belmond.

Arlene, the daughter of Fred and Lena (Arenholtz) Loats, was born on April 12, 1917, on her parent's farm at Palsville east of Belmond. She attended rural school and graduated from the Belmond High School.

Arlene lived for a time in California where she fulfilled the role of "Rosie the Riveter" in the manufacturing of airplanes during World War II.  

Arlene married Fredric William Bohning on July 11, 1950 at Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Fred was employed with the Veteran's Administration and State Department of Public Instruction, while Arlene worked for many years at the Campbell's Family Health Food Store on Locust Avenue in Des Moines. In 1989 they moved to Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on March 7, 1990; sisters, Jessie Loats and Willamine Smith; and brothers, Ben and Andrew.

Arlene is survived by her sister, Mildred Vestweber of Belmond; and ten nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Lillie Vierkant

June 5, 2007

Lillie L. Vierkant, 87, of Humboldt, died on Friday, May 25, 2007, at the Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge.

A private family service and burial was held on Wednesday, May 30, at the Meservey Cemetery, with Rev. Rose Calderon-Khan presiding.

Lillie Waltzing, was born on April 22, 1920. On March 1, 1937, she married Bennie R. Vierkant. They began their married life on the Vierkant family farm near Meservey. In December 1953 they moved to Meservey. Bennie died on October 20, 1990. Lillie lived in the same house for 49 years until 2002, when she moved to her daughter's home in Humboldt. She entered the hospital on May 22 of this year.

Lillie was an avid homemaker and gardener. She was known for her delicious homemade cookies, rolls, breads, pies and cakes, canned produce and meals prepared from her home. In earlier years she enjoyed baby sitting her two grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Until recently her hobby was crocheting, especially doilies, tablecloths and afghans.

Lillie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons-in-law, Frederick (Turk) Blau, Harold Jones and Paul (Gene) Crawford; and step-great-grandson, James True.

Lillie is survived by her daughter, Marlene Blau Crawford of Humboldt; grandchildren, Donnie (Jennie) Blau of Mason City and Betty (Tom) Blumer of Meservey; great-grandchildren, Krystal (Jesse) Perez of Newark, California, Melissa Blau of Mason City and Benjamin Blumer of Meservey; and great-great-grandchild, Navina Perez of Newark, California.
©Belmond Independent 2007

Minnie Meyers

June 5, 2007

Minnie M. Meyers, 85, of Belmond, died on Thursday, May 31, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 4, at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Minnie, the daughter of Elso and Lena M. (Smidt) Steenblock, was born on September 10, 1921 at Belmond. She graduated from the Belmond schools. In her early years Minnie took on the responsibilities of helping to raise her siblings. This became the center of her life's journey as she always nurtured and cared for the needs of her family, husband, children and grandchildren.

Minnie married Harm "Bud" Meyers on January 23, 1945, at the Belmond Baptist Church Parsonage. Minnie was a home maker and also worked at the Hill Motel as housekeeper for 25 years. Minnie assisted Dr. A.M. Nelson in various roles, including baby delivery, and helped bring many of her own relatives into the world.

Minnie spared no energy in providing a loving home for her family. She cared for her parents as their health declined. She was a meticulous housekeeper and a terrific cook. Her family recalls Sunday afternoon meals, her special cinnamon rolls, hot breads, home made pies, with tea and fresh cream.

Minnie loved a wide variety of music and was a proficient yodeler. She and Bud enjoyed dancing, especially if it included the Polka and the Two-Step. They enjoyed card parties and trips to the Grotto in West Bend. She loved to attend her grandchildren's sports and other events, and enjoyed following the high school softball team. Following Bud's passing in February 1981, Minnie became active in bowling leagues and won several trophies.

Minnie took great pride in decorating her home and filling the yard with flowers and a large vegetable garden. She helped the ladies of the church with funeral lunches and other activities. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and poetry. For the past four years at the Belmond Health Care Center she took part in many activities.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandson, Jonathan Thomas; granddaughter, Amanda Meyers; siblings, George, Peter, Lena, Ellsworth, Henry "Butch", Paul, Ronald "Roach", Arlena "Georgie", Elso "Eddie", Ruth and half-sister, Kate.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Schmalbeck of Belmond; son, Garry (Lori) Meyers of Stillwater, Minnesota and daughters, Darlene (Neil) Thomas of Dows and Joyce (Roger) Brown of Ankeny; grandchildren, Brian (Kari) Schmalbeck and their children, Tatum and Maci; Molly, Matthew, Jake and Megan Meyers; Janelle (Tim) Holmgren and their children, Olivia, Mitchell and Thomas; and Amelia, Aleksander and Aleyna Brown.
©Belmond Independent 2007