Robert Dorenkamp

June 9, 2009

Robert B. Dorenkamp, age 82, a native of Meservey, died on Monday, June 1, 2009, at the hospital in Westminster, California.

Services were held on Saturday, June 6, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond, with Rev. Rodney Meester of the First Reformed Church in Meservey officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Immanuel Reformed Church Cemetery east of Belmond. 

Robert Benjamin, the son of Jacob and Rosa (Pals) Dorenkamp, was born on February 15, 1927, on his parents' farm north of Meservey, one of eleven children. "Bud" graduated from the Meservey High School and had enlisted in the United States Navy during his senior year. He served for a number of years in the Navy, including a stint on the USS Pennsylvania during WW II. He was honorably discharged and then employed for many years as an underground nuclear missile inspector for the United States government. His career took him throughout the United States and various countries throughout the world. Following retirement he managed various car washes in the Los Angeles, California area.

For much of his adult life Bud made his home in the Lakewood area where he lived a quiet life as a bachelor. As his health declined he moved to a community designed for veterans.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nettie Watermiller, Martha Heykants, Luella Boelman, Ethel Dorenkamp, Ruth Suntken and Marie Schott; and his brothers, Lewis and Lester Dorenkamp.

Bud is survived by his sisters, Leona Lieberknecht and Bonnie Boelman of Belmond; and sister-in-law, Ruth Dorenkamp of Clear Lake.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Gwendolyn Peterson

June 9, 2009

Gwendolyn A. Peterson, 85, formerly of Belmond, died on Monday, June 1, 2009, at Our House Memory Care in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

A celebration of her life was held on Friday, June 5, at the Evergreen Funeral Home in Eau Claire. Interment will be at a later date.

Gwendolyn Agnes, was born in Belmond on May 14, 1924, to Andrew and Henrietta (Frohling) Bohning. She married James R. Peterson on April 10, 1954 in Springdale, Arkansas. Gwendolyn was a loving mother to her three children and was employed by the USDA in Fargo, North Dakota for many years. Gwendolyn valued the many friendships she made while working there. After her retirement in 1987, she enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, four grandchildren, summers at the lake in Vergas, Minnesota and winters in Mesa, Arizona.

She survived by her husband of Eau Claire; children, Christine (Mike) Tandberg of Elk Mound, Wisconsin, Lynnette (Mark) Talge of Overland Park, Kansas and Kurt Peterson of Devils Lake, North Dakota; grandchildren, Andrew, Aaron and Alex Tandberg and Evan Peterson; and sisters, Barbara (Loren) Snyder of Des Moines and Karen (Ron) Carpenter of Holmen, Wisconsin.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Duard Lewis

June 9, 2009

Duard H. Lewis, died on Friday, March 7, 2008, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He had been living in Logan, New Mexico and wintering in Tonto Basin, Arizona.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, June 12, 2009, in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Those wishing to attend are asked to gather at the Andrews Funeral Chapel starting at noon on Friday. Military honors will be conducted by the Klemme Military Unit.
 
Duard Henry, was born on January 16, 1928 in Klemme, to Henry Lewis and Rose Etchen Lewis. He lived in Klemme until his marriage to Mildred Meinders on November 18, 1949. They moved to Humboldt where he worked for Cornbelt Power. In 1961, they moved to Phoenix where he worked for the Salt River Project until he retired in 1987.

Duard enjoyed hunting and fishing. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 through 1948. He was a member of the Maricopa County Volunteer Sheriff's Posse. In 1987, he started putting together a a cookbook for his wife and daughters. At 1,000 recipes he was going to quit, but never did.  He was always finding new recipes to try. His editorial comments were as good as the food.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Shelley (Dennis) Winn of Clovis, New Mexico, Ramona (Jerry) Adams of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and Cindy (Russell) Amidon of Herperus, Colorado; grandson, Jeremiah Heinz of Clear Lake; and two great-grandchildren.

(Note:  There is a death notice located in the March 2008 page of this archive.)
©Belmond Independent 2009

Walter Braner

June 23, 2009

Walter H. Braner, 91, died on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at the Angels Care Center in Cannon Falls, Minnesota.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Belmond Cemetery.

Walter Henry was born in Belmond, on November 28, 1917 to Harm and Lillian Braner. He farmed for many years and also worked at Kinseth Plumbing and Heating from 1960 to 1982. After retiring he spent many hours helping high school students learn life skills. He also helped his nephew on the farm east of town.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Les; grandson, Terry Joe; step-grandson, Jerrod Axelsen; and step-granddaughter, Chasidy Wood.

Walt is survived by his wife, Gloria of the Angels Care Center; children, Lonna Knutson of Thornton and her daughters, Melanie and Sandie, Douglas (Cathy) of Winter Garden, Florida and his son, Brent, David of Polk City, Lavonn (Mark) Dirks of Belmond and their children, Tiffiny and Jared, Lori (Bryan) Jacober of Wasilla, Alaska and children, Zachory and Jessica; seven great-grandchildren; step-daughters, Deanne of Rochester, Minnesota, Alana of Dallas, Texas and Polly of Cannon Falls; four step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; sister, June Kepley of Mason City; and brother, Donald Braner of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Alma Hennigar

June 16, 2009

Alma C. Hennigar, 88, died on Monday, June 8, 2009, at the Southern Hills Specialty Care Center in Osceola.

A memorial service was held at the Eagle's in Osceola on Saturday, June 13. 

Alma Carolyne was born in Diagonal on December 27, 1921, one of twin daughters of Tom and Maude (Williams) Taylor. She graduated from Diagonal in 1939 and then took Normal Teachers Training at the Clearfield High School, graduating in 1940. She worked in Des Moines during WW II and then went to Denver, Colorado, where she worked for Montgomery Wards until she was wed. She married Owen (Dex) Keith Hennigar on April 10, 1946 at Lakewood, Colorado. She lived most of her married life in Colorado with time in Texas, north Iowa, and Nunn, Colorado, where she worked in several cafes. She also worked with her husband in trucking, hauling hay, rocks and farm machinery. They moved to Alden in 1994 and continued trucking until retirement. 

She was a member of the Merry Matrons and birthday clubs and served as president for several years.

Alma was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years; twin sister, Alice Paulyne Schrodt and her husband, Elbert Schrodt; and nephews, Louie, Dean and Charlie.

She is survived by her husband's family and her sister's children, who cared deeply for her, including niece, Dee Schrodt of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Diane Lerdal

June 16, 2009

Diane P. Lerdal, 63, died on Monday, June 15, 2009, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 18, at the Elliott Chapel in New London. Following that, the family will greet friends at a luncheon at the Deerwood Golf Course in New London. Burial of her remains will be at a later date.

Diane was born on July 20, 1945 in Belmond, the daughter of Jelto P. and Evenette I. Klinefelter Eden. She graduated from the CAL High School. She married Bob Lerdal on December 19, 1964 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Diane worked as a bookkeeper for Centre State in Burlington and the Deerwood Golf Course in New London. She was of the Christian Faith.

She was a member of the Jaycee Ettes, Mothers Club and various golf leagues. She enjoyed golf, landscaping, working outdoors, cards, playing softball, wintering in Florida and especially watching her grandchildren's athletic events.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her step-mother, Beulah Hopkey Eden; and son, Alan who died at birth.

Survivors include her husband; sons, Greg (Shelly) Lerdal and Rich Lerdal, all of New London; five grandchildren; sister, Karole (Jim) Harms of Alexander, Iowa and Montgomery, Texas; two nieces; and one nephew.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Keith Nielsen

June 23, 2009

Keith S. Nielsen, 57, died on Friday, June 19, 2009, at his home near Dows.

Visitation was held on Monday, June 22, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Dows. There will be no immediate services. The body was cremated and a memorial service and burial will take place later.

Keith Steven, the son of Andrew and Marie Kienol Nielsen, was born on June 3, 1952 in Hampton. He grew up in the Dows area and graduated from high school there. He served in the U.S. Army for two years.

Keith is survived by two sisters; five brothers; two uncles; and an aunt.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Joan Nelson

July 14, 2009

Joan C. Nelson, 79, formerly of Belmond, died on Saturday, June 20, 2009, in Austin, Texas.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 10:30 a.m., at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with burial in the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Friday, July 17, at the Dugger Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Joan was born on June 17, 1930 in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, to Gerald E. and Bonnie Bell Ersland. She graduated from the Clarion High School and worked as a waitress, nursing assistant, homemaker and mother. She loved jitterbug dancing, gambling, bowling, lively spirits and having a great time.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Donald O. Nelson; her parents; and siblings, Joe, Jerry, John, Perry, Jean and Julia.

Joan is survived by her children, Ricky D. Nelson, Penny L. (Gary) Arnold, Ronnie D. Nelson and Peggy R. (Robert) Schweitzer; grandchildren, David K. (Jamilla) Arnold, Tiffany Marie Arnold and Lindy Rae Schweitzer; and great-granddaughter, D'Angela L. Arnold.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Benjamin Netland

June 23, 2009

Benjamin "Benjie" Netland, 54, a life long resident of Klemme, died on Sunday, June 21, 2009, at the Belmond Medical Center following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial will be in the Ell Township Cemetery.

Benjamin Lars was born on June 21, 1955 at Klemme, the son of George and Shirley (Rapp) Netland. He was active with his family in the Klemme United Methodist Church where he was baptized. He attended Klemme Schools where he participated in basketball and was an excellent football player. He also participated in recreational boxing. For many years he was a member of the Slippery Elm Golf Course. Benjamin married Eileen Olthoff on October 28, 1978 at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ.

For most of his career Benjie was employed in the manufacturing and restoration of clutches and other mechanisms of agricultural machinery. Shortly after high school he was hired by Butler Manufacturing (BMD) in Klemme, where he was employed for more than 35 years. He then became a partner and president of Theobald Manufacturing in Stacyville. A few years later the partnership sold the business. 

Benjie enjoyed a life filled with family, friends and fellowship. He and Eileen looked forward to taking their girls and grandchildren on camping excursions to McIntosh Woods State Park in Clear Lake and later to Lake Cornelia. His family will cherish memories of trips to the Kansas City Zoo, Ocean's of Fun, and World's of Fun. Benjie was a big kid at heart and could often be found with the kids on the rides. His grandchildren looked forward to rides on his lawn tractors, spending time doing yard work and as his health deteriorated, watching movies. He shared his athletic talents with his daughter, Teresa and would help her train for the cross country team. He looked forward to almost any opportunity to be in the outdoors such as deer hunting, working on his small conservation area and pond, putting up a duck box, or working on his lawn.

Benjie was always tinkering in his garage and shop, listening to classic rock tunes. He loved vintage tractors and was a master at tearing down and rebuilding them from the ground up. Friends will miss time with Benjie doing flawless restorations. In recent years he had become a member of the North Iowa Antique Tractor Club. Benjie had a zest for life and lending his knowledge and labor to help others. He will also be remembered for his positive outlook on life even in his difficult battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his father; sisters, Karen Lay and Wanda Netland; brother, George Netland, Jr.; and brother-in-laws, Gayle Lay and Donnie Sellars.

Survivors include his wife; daughters, Teresa Wester of Klemme and Kimberly (Jeremy) Abele of Klemme; his mother of Garner; brothers, Willard (Diane) Netland of Mesa, Arizona and Merlin Netland of Garner; sisters, Mary (Cecil) Noble of Garner, Marilyn (Duane) Roberts of Garner and Carolyn Rasmuson of Apache Junction, Arizona; grandchildren, Amanda Whitney, Michael Abele, Kaitlyn Abele, Samantha Wester, Desarae Abele, Benjamin Wester and Dominic Abele; brother-in-law, Verlyn (Kathy) Olthoff of Klemme; and sister-in-law, Kathryn Sellars of Klemme.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Wava Haupt

June 30, 2009

Wava K. Haupt, 84, of Clarion, died on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at the Wright Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 29, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Gary Boen officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Wava, the daughter of Harold and Dora Peterson Holmgaard, was born on January 8, 1925 in Coulter. She grew up in the Hampton area and graduated from the Hampton High School in 1943. Wava married Donald Haupt of Belmond on January 18, 1948, at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Coulter. They spent their lives farming, first in Goodell and then moving to Clarion in 1956. Don and Wava retired in 1990. Don died in 2004.

Wava was a member of Trinity Lutheran. She enjoyed gardening and playing cards. Time spent with family was very important to both Wava and Don. There are many fond memories of family gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, Horace and Junior.

Wava is survived by her son, Roger (Carol) of Clarion; grandchildren, Roger, Jr. (Tricia) of Clarion, Teron (Jill) Meinders of Waterloo and Tyler Haupt of Clarion; and great-granddaughter, MacKenzie Haupt.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Kathleen Dodson

July 7, 2009

Kathleen "Kathy" Marion Dodson, 66, a resident of Grand Terrace, California, for 41 years, died on Saturday, June 27, 2009, from complications of Parkinson's Disease.

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 3:00 p.m., at her daughter's home in Redlands, California.

Kathleen was born on May 10, 1943, in Klemme and moved to Long Beach as a teenager where she graduated from the Poly High School and met her husband of 46 years, Henry C. Dodson. She was a homemaker and a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Edith Lemke; and her brother, Gordon Lemke.

She is survived by her husband; daughters, Lynette Salamanca of Grand Terrace and Lisa (Gary) Paprocki of Redlands; grandchildren, Larissa and Phillip Salamanca and Christopher, Melissa and Megan Paprocki; sisters, Beverly (Dennis) Morrison of Yucaipa and Audrey (Merlyn) Olson of Santa Maria; and brother, Hershel (Pat) Lemke of Rough and Ready.
©Belmond Independent 2009

Mildred Smith

June 30, 2009

Mildred Smith, 85, formerly of Rowan, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Services are tentatively set for Friday, at the Andrews Funeral Home, with burial in Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. The Andrews Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
©Belmond Independent 2009