North Central Iowa
Genealogical Society
Box 237
Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

Obituary Archive

Wright County

Including Belmond, Clarion, Eagle Grove and surrounding areas

Belmond Independent

 
214 E. Main St.
Belmond, IA
50421-1122

Clarion-Wright County Monitor
107 2nd Avenue N.E.
Clarion, IA
50525-0153

Eagle Grove Eagle
314 West Broadway P.O. Box 6
Eagle Grove, IA
50533



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Roxanne Thompson

June 10, 2008

Roxanne Thompson, 33, of Kanawha, died on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at her home.

A private family service with military honors was held on Thursday, June 5, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond.

Roxanne, the daughter of Sandy Phillips and Robert Raftis, was born on February 23, 1975 in Hobart, Indiana. She graduated from the Hobart High School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps where she served until 1998. While in the service Roxanne met her future husband, David Thompson, and they were married on June 14, 1996. Following their discharge they lived in Humboldt and then rural Kanawha.

Roxanne is survived by her husband; children, Nicholas, age 12 and Haley age 9; her mother; and two brothers.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Robert Avery

June 10, 2008

Robert (Bob) Avery, 77, of Rowan, died on Monday, June 2, 2008, in the hospice unit of the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 6, at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Robert Gean, the son of John and Eva (Fischer) Avery, was born on April 23, 1931 in Miller, South Dakota. His family moved to the Eagle Grove area when he was a young boy. He attended country school and the Eagle Grove School until his family moved to Rowan in his freshman year. Bob graduated from the Rowan High School in 1949. He and Anna Mae (Annie) Tudor were married at the Little Brown Church on January 6, 1952.

Prior to his induction into the Army in March 1952, Bob worked for the railroad and various farmers in the Rowan area. He was particularly proud of his service to his country, including a year-long deployment to Korea, where he served as a Military Policeman. He was honorably discharged in March 1954 and returned to Rowan where he lived for the rest of his life.

With help from their parents, Bob and Annie began farming in 1954 on rented land north of town. Bob was proud of his success at farming, and he and Annie farmed until ill-health forced him to retire in 1989. Then they enjoyed winters in Weslaco, Texas with many friends from the Rowan area.

Bob was an outdoorsman and horseman, and took great joy in riding and greater joy in sharing his love of horses with his family and friends. He was an original member of the Belmond Saddle Club and a member of the Hamilton County Saddle Club. He was particularly proud of the riding skills of his grandchildren. He was a lifelong supporter of the Rowan community as a member of the United Church of Rowan, the Rowan Legion and the Rowan's Lion Club. He served for years as the Lion's Treasurer and will be remembered as the guardian of the sausages at the pancake breakfasts. He was one of the originators of the Rowan Endowment fund.

Bob rarely sat still and took his hobbies as seriously as he took his work. He was known for his clowning and trained mule, his skill as a square dance caller, as an amateur auctioneer, his drumming in the Aitken Hearts and Country Cousins, his decorative and humorous welding, and his love of stories, practical jokes and tall tales.

Bob was a great role model and teacher for his family. He was especially proud and supportive of Annie and daughter-in-law, Terri's musical performances.

Bob is survived by his wife; Jim and Terri Avery of Rowan; Jack Avery and Dan Lontkowski of St. Paul; and grandchildren, Abbey, Caleb and Brogan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; and his father and mother-in-law, Dillard and Luelda Tudor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Bob's name to the Rowan Endowment Fund, the United Church of Rowan or the Hospice of Wright County.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Harry Hinckle

June 10, 2008

Harry M. Hinckley, 83, died on Saturday, June 7, 2008, surrounded by his family at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 11, at 2:00 p.m., at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Graceland Cemetery, rural Rowan.

Harry Merton, the son of Samuel Dwight and Nellie Belle (Carter) Hinckley, was born on June 17, 1924 on his parent's farm near Rowan. He attended Rowan area schools. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving during WW II. Harry spent time in Germany, having some involvement in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his discharge he began farming in the Rowan area.

On December 12, 1948, he married Jean Aldrich at the church in Rowan. In addition to working the land and raising a crop, Harry, his wife, and children raised sheep and milked dairy cattle. For a time he was also a custodian at the Rowan School, did some custom farming, and assisted other farmers. Harry eventually went to work at Hagie Manufacturing in Clarion where he did welding, cut-out torch work and milling for more than 20 years. In later years Harry could be found helping at the Aldrich Tree Farm.

Harry and his wife were wonderful parents. Their children fondly remember family trail rides through Bingham Park near Rowan and the Grove near Belmond, trips to a horse show, sledding at Gunderson's Hill, and riding snowmobiles. Harry enjoyed the company of a wide variety of dogs and cats, especially his buddy "Mel". He enjoyed feeding the squirrels and birds. He assisted with the Iowa State High School Rodeo for several years when Belmond was the host and was a long time member of the Belmond Trail Blazers Saddle Club. A favorite adventure was taking his family to the Chuck Wagon Races at the Clay County Fair. Harry was an excellent dancer and proficient two-stepper, and he and Jean spent many years as members of the Grand Squares square dancing club in Rowan. Harry always supported his children and grandkids in their activities and was their number one cheerleader on the field and in life.

Jean died in September of 1983. After a period of time he enjoyed the companionship of Hazel Lester for many years.

Harry was a long and active member of the Rowan Lions. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a 61-year member of the Rowan Legion Post 159. He was very patriotic and proud of his military service and that of his comrades, illustrated by his participation in the Rowan military funeral unit for 55 years.

In later years Harry might be seen about town, checking on the happenings of the day, stopping by to see what family was up to, and visiting and drinking coffee at Keeling Auto. His daily adventures would include a meal or two followed by a chocolate malt or ice cream at Laurie's Diner. Later in the day Harry might be found at an athletic event, car race, or following the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team on television. Though he was somewhat quiet, he always seemed ready for a little conversation. His friendly smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and warm hello will be be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sisters, Marie Utz, Ruth Hoke and Neva Aldrich; brother, Lyle Hinckley; and infant brother, Edward.

Survivors include his daughter, Karen (Harlan) Tulp of Belmond and their children, Elizabeth and special friend, Seth Malek of Garner, Holden and fiancée, Tracy Heifner of Belmond and Kyle and Heath of Belmond; son, Robert (Robin) Hinckley of Sheffield and their children, Micah (Marty) Duncan of Fraser and McKray Hinckley of Sheffield; son, Thomas and fiancée, Tammy Strand and Tom's children, Brandon, Joshua and Mindy, all of Alta; sister, Ardyce Riis of Hampton; brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Mary Aldrich of Phoenix; and special friend, Hazel Lester of Fort Collins, Colorado and family.
©Belmond Independent 2008



John Ysker

June 17, 2008

John Ysker, 56, of Belmond, died on Saturday, June 7, 2008, in an automobile accident near Williams.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 13, at the Luick Memorial Auditorium at the Belmond-Klemme High School. Pastor Samuel Schmeling officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

John Allen, the son of Robert and Evelyn (Trapp) Ysker, was born on March 2, 1952 in Windom, Minnesota. He graduated from the Windom High School in 1970 and then attended the Jackson (MN) Vocational School for two years. John and Linda (Zerke) were married on June 23, 1972 in Estherville. They moved to Belmond in 1976 where he opened John's Body Shop.

John was very active in the Belmond community. He was a long-time member of the Belmond Fire Department and spent several years of service as a member of the Belmond Jaycees. John was a member of Pheasants Forever and the Richland Lutheran Church in Thornton.

John had many hobbies. You could often find him attending old car shows. He loved his old Case tractors and thoroughly enjoyed farming. His love of the outdoors showed in many different ways, from bailing hay, riding horses, hunting, trapping, and riding motorcycles. The highlights of his life, however, were times spent with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by older brother, Gary and his grandparents.

John is survived by his wife; sons, Nathan, Nolan (Julie) and Justin (fiancée, Jennifer Goeman) all of Belmond; his parents of Windom; sisters, Kathy (Mike) Earhart of Grand Rapids, Minnesota and Gail (Dennis) Craig of Alexandria, Minnesota; and sister-in-law, Linda (Richard) Paplow of Dundee, Minnesota.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Rosa VanGerpen

June 17, 2008

Rosa Van Gerpen, 102, of Belmond, died on Monday, June 9, 2008, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 14, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond, with Rev. Gary Schneider officiating. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Rosa Frances was born on November 22, 1905 in Aplington, the eleventh of twelve children of Jann and Engelina Bruns. Her parents were farmers, immigrants from Ostfriesland, Germany. When Rosa was two her father died. Her mother remarried and Aeilt Reemtsma of Aplington became her step-father when she was seven.

Rosa attended public school in Aplington for several years. At age 13 she was baptized and joined the Aplington Baptist Church. A few years later she became a housekeeper for a retired sea captain in nearby Ackley.

On January 5, 1927, she married John J. VanGerpen, a feed dealer from Buffalo Center, where they moved and started a family. For three years they farmed, then set up a hatchery and feed mill operation which continued for a decade or so. After briefly residing in Hampton and Sheffield, they moved to Belmond in 1941.

A loving mother, Rosa's greatest joy was her family. She enjoyed cooking and caring for flowers, for which she seemed to have a special talent. Her church affiliation was Baptist.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father; husband in 1993; and her eleven siblings.

Survivors include her eight children, Rev. Emory (Phyllis) VanGerpen of Washington, Iowa, Myrna Vandermeulen of Colorado Springs, Arthur (Carol) VanGerpen of LaHabra, California, Irvin (special friend, Carol Lockett) VanGerpen of Hampton, Merle (Eunice) VanGerpen of Webster City, Edythe (Bill) Henthorne of Denver, Colorado, John (Pam) VanGerpen of Garner and Dr. Royce (Cherie) VanGerpen of Spokane, Washington; 22 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Pauline Frohwein

June 17, 2008

Pauline Frohwein, 63, of Dows, died on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 16, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows, with Rev. Robert Edwards officiating. Inurnment was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Pauline, the daughter of Otto and Ida Evelyn Johnson Bonin, was born on May 19, 1945 in Iowa Falls. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran in Iowa Falls and confirmed at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran in Fairmont, Minnesota. Pauline attended schools in Iowa and Minnesota. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1963 and attended a one-year business course at Ellsworth Community College. Pauline married Larry Frohwein on January 17, 1965. They were divorced in 1991.

Pauline worked for eleven years at the USA Health Care Center in Dows. This was her extended family. The facility closed in May of 2002.

Pauline was a member of First Lutheran in Dows where she served as deacon and church secretary from 2003 to 2007. Pauline was also a member of the Mary and Esther Circle, Harmony Club, and Friends of the Library. Her children, grandchildren and siblings were her greatest joy.

Pauline was preceded in death by her mother and a sister, MaDonna.

Pauline is survived by her children, Bruce (Gayla) and their children, Derek and Riley of Des Moines and Brenda (Kevin) Cummer and their children, Andrew, Zachary and Tai of Waverly; father and step-mother, Otto and Beverly of Dows; sisters, Judy Kreitlow of Kirbyville, Missouri, Patricia (Donald) Lane of Dows, Lou Ann (LeRoy) Sharp of Cushing, Oklahoma and Shirley (Charles) Pack of Des Moines; and brother, David (Joy) Bonin of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Dorothy Brede

June 24, 2008

Dorothy Sheriff-Brede, 93, a resident of the Klemme-Goodell area, died on Sunday, June 15, 2008, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 28, at the Goodell United Methodist Church, with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Visitation will be from 9-10:00 a.m., on Saturday, at the church. Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may wish to consider the Klemme and Goodell United Methodist Churches.

Dorothy Laurena, the daughter of Owen and Blanche (Montgomery) Nuehring, was born on December 9, 1914 on her parents' farm in Liberty Township, Hancock County. She was baptized and confirmed at the Reformed Church in Klemme. Dorothy attended Liberty and Twin Lake Township rural Schools and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1934.

She married William H. Sheriff of Belmond, on March 11, 1936 at the Klemme Reformed Church. They had two children, Robert Owen and Beverly Jane. The couple farmed as a team in rural Hancock County. After William's death, Dorothy married Dale Brede and brought Dale's two children, Judith and Delwyn, into her heart and under her loving care. Dorothy and Dale also made their life together working the land and caring for hogs and other livestock on the farm.

Dorothy was a life long homemaker. The oldest of 12 children, she helped provide for her siblings. She always focused on putting the needs of her family and the hired hands on the farm before her own. She was a dedicated babysitter to the Barkema kids and others. Her hobbies included clipping recipes, gardening, bird watching and refunding. She loved to babysit and was an excellent cook. Dorothy enjoyed making baby quilts for family and friends, and crazy patch quilts and pillows for church bazaars. She was an active member of the Klemme UMW and the Belmond Legion Auxiliary for more than 50 years. She held memberships in both the Klemme and Goodell United Methodist Churches and was on the Belmond Methodist Church Building Committee. Dorothy belonged to the Friendly Neighbors Club and the Farm Bureau Women.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; son, Calvin Joseph Sheriff at age three; step-daughter, Arlene Sheriff Young; step-son, Delwyn Brede; sisters, Grace, Clara and Betty; brothers, Lyle, Morris and Ralph; sisters-in-law, Doris and Elsie; and brothers-in-law, Warren Beier, Ken VanNurden, Norman Eckes and Dick VerHelst.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Robert Owen (Betty) Sheriff of Belmond; daughter, Beverly Jane (Harvey) Harris of Herndon, Virginia; step-children, Donald J. "Red" (Margie) Sheriff of Belmond, William Sheriff, Jr. of Belmond and Judith Brede McClure of St. Charles; siblings, Dean Nuehring of Osage, Keith (Wilma) Nuehring of Webster City, Mavis Eckes of Long Prairie, Minnesota, Marie VerHelst of Klemme and Inez (Bruce) Dunbar of Mason City; brother-in-law, Art Kemp of Colorado; grandchildren, Matthew (Debra) Harris of Manassas, Virginia, Paul Harris of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Susan Sheriff of Des Moines and John (Devna) Sheriff of Ames; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Robert Harris of Manassas; step-great-grandchildren, Jenna and Collin Pritchard of Ames.
©Belmond Independent 2008



J. E. Blank

June 24, 2008


Junior E. "Cap" Blank, 85, of Klemme, died on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 23, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Reverend Donna Buckman officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Cap was born on June 27, 1922 in Britt, the son of John and Cora (Roushia) Blank. They lived in Britt until Cap was 1 1/2 years old, then moved to a farm in Erin Township, where he attended the Country School #7. He attended school through the 8th grade, then helped his father on the farm.

Cap married Nadine Charlotte Kimball on December 12, 1944. They lived with his parents on the farm until his parents moved to Britt. Cap and Nadine stayed on the farm for five years before buying their own farm southwest of Klemme. Cap loved to farm and he loved his animals, especially the cattle. Cap would farm from dawn to dark and then go play softball. He belonged to two teams, one in Klemme and one in Kanawha, and he was the catcher. Fishing, pheasant hunting and the outdoors were his favorite pastimes.

Cap and Nadine started delivering Winnebagos in 1969 and traveled to 48 states plus Canada. They retired in 1977 and remained on the farm, spending winters in Arizona and California. Later they wintered in Tonto Basin, Arizona, so Cap could fish Lake Roosevelt. He held a record for the largest bass caught in Lake Roosevelt. They made many, many friends.

Because of Cap's failing health, they moved to the Klemme Apartments in 2004. This past May he entered the Kanawha Community Home.

Cap was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Cecil, Irvine (Bodie), Alvin (Joe) and Paul; and sisters, Dorothy Nieman and June Nieman.

Survivors include his wife; daughters, Janice (Gene) Ross of Johnston, Judy (Daniel) Bauman of Goodell and Karen (Kevin) Boyce of Peoria, Arizona; grandsons, Shawn (Caryn) Bauman and Mark Bauman of Wyoming, Michigan; granddaughter, Samantha Boyce of Peoria, Arizona; great-grandsons, Trevor, Zakary, Jayson (Shawn) and Hunter (Mark) Bauman; and step-great-granddaughter, Lexi (Mark) Wolf.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Wayne Plagge

July 1, 2008

Wayne L. Plagge, 73, of Latimer, died on Monday, June 23, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 26, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Latimer, with burial in the church cemetery.

Wayne Louis, son of Louis and Louise (Imerman) Plagge, was born on August 24, 1934, three miles north of Latimer. He lived on that Century Farm until 2001 when he moved into town. Wayne and Evonne Freie were married on February 4, 1956.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, LaVerne.

Wayne is survived by his wife; daughter, Jolene Rodemeyer of Latimer; son, Jaylen (Brenda) Plagge of Grimes; four grandsons; one great-grandson; brother, Herbert Plagge of Latimer; and sisters, Lorena (Don) Koch of Latimer and Elaine (Don) Reinke of Geneva.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Lloyd Fuller

July 1, 2008

Lloyd B. Fuller, 89, of Belmond, died on Sunday, June 29, 2008, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, at 10:30 a.m., at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Military rites will be provided at the church and burial will be in the Berlin Cemetery, Jackson Township, at rural Owasa at 2:00 p.m. Visitation was held on Tuesday evening at the Dugger Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

Lloyd Benjamin, the son of Benjamin Star and Myrtle (Shaner) Fuller, was born on March 25, 1919 near Owasa. Lloyd attended country schools, often by way of a horse-drawn sleigh on a winter's day. When he was ten the family moved to Bradford, and Lloyd graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1936. The family then moved to Popejoy where Lloyd farmed with his father.

Lloyd served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946, including 18 months in Hawaii. He married Marian Boyington of Bradford on June 13, 1944 in California.

Following Lloyd's discharge from the service he and Marian moved to Alden, and soon, Belmond to continue farming. Lloyd and Marian farmed for 35 years with Lloyd retiring in 1984. Then they took on a new adventure, delivering Winnebago motor homes. This took Lloyd to almost every state in the continental United States.

Lloyd had many interests, but his family was the highlight of his life. He and Marian have great memories of their time spent on the dance floor, whether it was square dancing or ballroom dancing. Lloyd enjoyed fishing in the spring and summer, and ice fishing in the winter. He and Marian also found enjoyment in camping with their family and friends. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember Lloyd for his determination and patience teaching them to water ski, play cards, fish, and other activities.

He was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the Odd Fellows Lodge.

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

Lloyd is survived by his wife; daughters, Rochelle (Ron) Hook of Sibley, Sharon (Bob) Crane of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia and Janell (Richard) Ringuette of Richmond, Virginia; son, Ben (Kathy) Fuller of Bondurant; grandchildren, Kristine and Gregg Sherrard, Jennifer and Joel Johnson, Sheri and Mike Kilbey, Stacey and Michael Couch, and Jon Ringuette, Stefanie and Ryan Fuller; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Matthew and Joshua Sherrard, Caleb, Grace, Nathan and Luke Johnson, Nicholas and Zachary Couch and Markos, Julia and Matthew Kilbey.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Donna Wessels

July 15, 2008

Donna L. Wessels, 74, died on Sunday, June 29, 2008, at her home in Sunset, Washington. An inurnment was held on Sunday, July 6, at the Saint John Cemetery.

Donna Lee, was born in Sunset, Washington on April 24, 1934, to Ruby Mills and John Clark. She was raised in Sunset by her grandparents, Horace and Leola Mills. She attended the Saint John High School.

Donna married Airman Franklin D. Roths and moved to Louisiana for a time, then to Iowa. They had three children, Frank, Mike and Leanna Hergert. After Franklin's death Donna married Bernard E. Wessels, a native of Belmond. They moved to Sunset in 1973 and had one additional child, Lisa.

Donna was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, crafting and reading. She and Bernie loved to camp and vacation in Iowa to visit family. Their shared fondness for adventure and travel led them to move to Prince of Wales Island in Alaska from 1986 to 1995. Many beloved memories were made there, including whale watching, fishing and experiencing life on a floating log camp.

Bernie died on August 17, 2002. Donna spent the remainder of her days in the Sunset home they had shared.

Survivors include children, Frank (Maryann) Roths of Dallas, Texas, Mike (Shari) Roths of Sunset, Lea (Gaylon) Hergert of St. John and Lisa (Tim) Bluemenshein of St. John; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Lenore Swope of Ephrata, Washington; brother-in- law, Robert (Kathy) Wessels; sister-in-law, Elaine Wessels; and nephew, Duane (Barb) Wessels, all of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2008



Luther Proeger

July 1, 2008

Luther W. Proeger, 87, of Belmond, died on Monday, June 30, 2008, at the Belmond Medical Center, following a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 2, at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Druhl officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation was on Tuesday evening at the Andrews Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the services at church on Wednesday. Those wishing to express their sympathies may wish to consider the Belmond United Methodist Church or the Wright County Hospice.

Luther Warren, the son of Martin Luther and Olive Virginia (Hoffman) Proeger, was born on March 20, 1921 in Le Grand, Oregon. He moved with his family as his father pursued his floral profession, eventually ending up in Iowa. Luther served in the United States Army during World WW II (1943-46) as a military police officer and spent much of his time guarding POW camps.

Luther married Mary Catherine Whelan on July 29, 1945 at the Belmond Methodist Parsonage. They raised their children and farmed just southeast of Belmond for many years. In addition to farming, Luther did some carpentry and worked for many years as a custodian at the Belmond High School and Parker Elementary. His many years as a custodian cultivated numerous friendships with the staff and students. There was mutual admiration and respect for one another as well as a time for teasing and a good laugh. Luther retired in 1983.

Luther had many interests, and his first love was his family. He received great joy in spending time with his daughters and his grand and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed conversations with family and friends.

Luther had a green thumb and could grow the most beautiful flowers, especially orchids. He raised vegetables and fruits, both in and out of his greenhouse. Luther also was very proficient in the art of bonsai and enjoyed woodworking, a specialty was making clocks.

Luther was a charter member of the Belmond Jaycees, served on the Belmond City Council, was a current member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and was a longtime member of the Belmond United Methodist Church. He served many years as a Boy Scout leader and had taken scouts on trips to Ely, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Shirley Plagge.

Luther is survived by his wife; his daughters, Kathy (Roger) Linderbaum of Castalia and Barbara Gallaher of Newton; brother, Linden (Carol) Proeger of Prophetstown, Illinois; sister, Betty Conner of Alexandria, Louisiana; grandchildren, Sara (Mike) Richardson, Mathew (Hallie) Linderbaum, Seth (Jen) Gallaher and Jill (Ron) Dehning; great-grandchildren, Harrison Dehning, Ben Richardson, Hanna Dehning, Katie Linderbaum, Betsy Richardson, Will Linderbaum and Kate Gallaher.
©Belmond Independent 2008