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Cleona Tegland
November 10, 2009
Cleona Tegland, 94, of Belmond, died on Monday, November 2,
2009, at the Belmond Rehabilitation Center.
Funeral services were held
on Friday, November 6, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with
burial in the Belmond Cemetery.
Cleona Marie, the daughter of Arthur Wallas and Erma Irene
(Meacham) Leonard, was born on the family farm in Grant
Township, rural Belmond, on October 25, 1915. She was
baptized at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. She
attended the Plum Grove Township School and graduated from
the Belmond High School in 1932, at the age of 16. She
taught rural school for several years. Cleona married Leslie
Aaron Tegland on February 28, 1937. They farmed and raised
their family in the Belmond and Clarion areas and also
farmed near Burchinal for three years. Cleona and Leslie
were later divorced. Cleona lived for 19 years at Lake
Cornelia before moving to Belmond where she lived the
remainder of her life.
Cleona's greatest joy came from time with her children and
grandchildren. Whether, it was a family gathering, special
event, or just time spent visiting, she truly cherished
every opportunity to be in their presence. Cleona loved old
time music, ballroom dancing and square dancing, and looked
forward to outings to area dances and the Surf Ballroom in
Clear Lake. Cleona was a proficient seamstress, making
handcrafted items, including quilts, for family and those in
need. She enjoyed the companionship of her poodles Howard
and Dolly. Cleona loved the outdoors, planting trees and
raising beautiful flowers.
She had been active in the P.N.G. Club, Birthday Club,
various coffee groups and the Trinity Lutheran Church, where
she belonged to the Esther Circle, Social Hour Club and
other groups.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Arthur
Wallas Leonard Jr.; sisters, Lova McAlpine and Icle
Severson; and great-grandson, Nick Shaw.
Survivors include her daughters, Gael Olson of Cascade,
Thelma Lindvall of Clarion and Erin Henry of Eagle Grove;
her grandchildren and their families, Lynn (Matt) Zabel and
Jade, Katelyn and Seth; Janet (Tim) Miller and Aiden; Bryce
Henry; Kathi (Paul) Ryan and Joe and Nick; Jenni,
Kendall and Alex Graham; Sara Davis, Curt and Tony Davis;
Tom (Holly) Olson; Dana Lindvall (Mark Southard); Jayne
(Gary) Miller; Brenda Lindvall; Peggy (Jason) Schluttenhofer
and Emma and Calvin; and her sister, Arlene (Don) Allen of
San Jose, California.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Minda Mora Heginger
November 10, 2009
Minda Mora Sabado Heginger, 48, of Klemme, a native of the
Philippines, died of cancer on Wednesday, November 4, 2009,
at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.
Funeral services were held
on Sunday, November 8, at the Andrews Funeral Home in
Klemme, with Pastor Kris Toyne officiating.
Minda Mora, the daughter of Satrunino Sabado, Sr. and Aurora
(Paray) Sabado, was born in Pagantucan Bukidnon, Phillipines.
She attend school there and graduated from high school at
the age of 15. She went on to graduate from college with a
Degree in Pharmacy. She worked as a Pharmacist for more than
22 years, part of that time operating her own pharmacy and
skin care establishment. She also served for five years as a
Pharmacist in an American medical center in Saudi Arabia
during the Gulf War. Minda was a creative and intelligent
lady who developed many of her own anti aging, skin care and
skin-lightening emollients and creams. She developed a great
business with customers far and wide.
Minda married Rick Heginger on September 18, 2007 in Garner.
They resided in Klemme where they were raising Minda's
daughter, Michell.
Minda was recently employed at the Dollar General Store in
Belmond where she enjoyed her Dollar General family and the
many customers she served. She was looking to the future and
the opportunity to rekindle her pharmacy career in the U.S.
by preparing to take the pharmacy licensing exam.
Minda was a consummate caregiver and was very devoted to her
family. Her children were the focus in her life, and she was
heart-broken when her son, Ralph died at the age of eight.
She was a loving and nurturing mother to her daughter, a
senior at Belmond-Klemme High School. Minda was proud of her
daughter and always made sure to teach her family the value
of a good education. She also enjoyed the simple things in
life with her husband, Rick.
Minda was a hardworking and meticulous person who loved to
provide a clean and well kept home for her family. She
enjoyed raising a garden and attending the Agape Church in
Clear Lake. She looked forward to watching her favorite
television shows.
She was preceded in death by her father; her son, Ralph
Roehl; and her first husband.
Survivors include her husband and daughter of Klemme; her
mother of the Philippines; her brothers and sisters,
Filipina Villa, Saturnino Sabado, Jr., Danilo Sabado and
Aida Naparan; and her half-brother and half-sister, Isa Mata
and Renato Sabado.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Dorothy Steenblock
November 10, 2009
Dorothy Gano Steenblock, 83, of Kanawha, died on Monday,
November 9, 2009, at the Belmond Medical Center.
Visitation will be at the
Kanawha United Methodist Church, on Friday, November 13,
from 6-8:00 p.m., with the funeral on Saturday, November 14,
at 10:30 a.m. A private graveside service will follow in the
Amsterdam Cemetery near Goodell.
Dorothy was born on February 26, 1926 in Washta, Iowa. In
the early 1940's she moved to California, where she worked
at Maris Island, running a switchboard and doing payroll for
the military. While in California she met Clark Gable, Gary
Cooper and Curly of the Three Stooges. In the 1940's she
moved back to Iowa and graduated from high school in
Cherokee. Dorothy married Harvey Steenblock on December 15,
1952 in Fort Dodge. They farmed the Steenblock family farm
near Goodell for awhile and then bought a farm near Kanawha
in 1957.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband; daughter,
Colleen Kaster; her parents, Hes and Sophie Gano; her Aunt
Eva and Uncle Gus, who helped raise her when her mother died
when Dorothy was six; and brother, Junior "Jack" Gano.
Dorothy is survived by two daughters, Susan (Jim ) Adams of
Webster City and Brenda Steenblock of Belmond; sons, Michael
(Pat) Mongan of St. Charles and Ralph Steenblock of Kanawha;
sister, Bonnie Ramirez and family of California; special
cousin, Jeanine McFarland of Rochester; granddaughter,
Kelsie (Jerid) Lallak of Garner; grandsons, Bruce (Julie)
Adams of Ames, Clint (Kelley) Mongan of West Des Moines and
Joshua (Sarah) Mongan of St. Charles; great-granddaughters,
Katelyn Adams and Sadie and Ella Mongan; sister-in-law, Dori
Gano; a brother-in-law, Richard (Chea) Steenblock; and
son-in-law, Bobby Kaster.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Gloria Arthur
November 17, 2009
Gloria Arthur, 60, a former Clarion resident, died on
Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at the Hospice House in Omaha.
Her body was cremated. A
memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 12, from
1-4:00 p.m., at the shelter house at Lake Cornelia.
Gloria was born and raised in Belmond, the youngest of
sixteen children of Vere and Dorothy (Lackore) Jenison.
After high school she married Gale Arthur (1966) and
together they raised three sons. Gloria worked for many
years at Super Valu and EDS in Clarion. She moved to Omaha
in 2003.
She enjoyed helping
others, reading, watching Minnesota Vikings games and
spending time with friends and family, especially her
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Hope,
Audra, Wanda and Carolyn Sue; and brothers, Jon, Greydon and
Randall.
Survivors include her
husband, Gale; sons, Alan of Omaha, Dayton of Omaha and
Cameron (Nicole) of Springfield, Missouri; brothers, Arthur
(Judy) Jenison of Randall, Peter (Yoshi) Jenison of Story
City, Oscar (Nancy) Jenison of Oklahoma City and Bradley (Nyle)
Jenison of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; sisters, Lorinda
(Gary) Mines of Des Moines, Jolene Smith of Clarion,
Geraldine McClure of Grinnell and Adelaide Delano of Des
Moines; and grandchildren, Kelsi, Aliah and Sophia.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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James Roberts
November 17, 2009
James R. Roberts, 69, died of cancer on Wednesday, November
11, 2009.
Services were held on
Saturday, November 14, at the United Church of Rowan. Burial
with military honors, was in the Graceland Cemetery near
Rowan.
James Roy, was born on July 23, 1940 in Falcon, Missouri,
the son of Rueben Roberts and Millie (Baker) Roberts
Johnson. He graduated from high school in Lebanon, Missouri
in 1959. He enlisted in 1962 and was honorably discharged
from the Army Reserves in 1965. Roy married Betty Tudor in
1962 and they settled in the Rowan area. They raised five
children, Paul, Dan, Tim, Rachel and Deb. Roy and Betty
divorced but remained friends. Roy retired from Cargill
after more than 28 years.
He was an avid
outdoorsman, a family man, loved fishing, hunting and
trapping and enjoyed trips across Iowa, Michigan, Missouri,
Alabama and Canada with his family and friends. Roy taught
his grandchildren to fish and enjoyed their help in his
workshop.
Preceding him in death were his father; and brother, Arthur.
Survivors include his sons and their families, Paul of
Tucson, Arizona and his sons, Christopher and Travis of
Belmond, Dan of Rowan and his sons, Jason and Stacey of
Forest City and Tim of Rowan; his daughters and their
families, Rachel (Tom) Luick and their children, Hailey and
Michael of Chicago and Deb Hoover and her daughter, Madison
of Forest City; mother, Mollie Johnson of Holland, Michigan;
brothers, Donald (Jean) and Bob of Osceola, Missouri and
Mike (Mary) of Holland; sisters, Helen (Wayne) Gillespie of
Indiana, Linda (David) Garcia of Orange Park, Florida and
Joyce (Wesley) Wenzel of Holland.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Marjorie Gilbert
November 17, 2009
Marjorie "Lorene" Gilbert, 87, a long time resident of
Thornton and most recently of Klemme, died on Thursday,
November 12, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City.
Services were held on
Monday, November 16, at the Thornton United Methodist
Church, with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the
Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thornton.
Marjorie Throssel, the daughter of Wesley and Lora (Parish)
Throssel, was born on December 20, 1921 at Thornton. She
was baptized at the Thornton United Methodist Church where
she was a life member. She graduated from the Thornton High
School in 1939. She married Albert J. Gilbert. They raised
their son and daughter on a farm near Thornton. In addition
to helping on the farm and raising their children, "Lorene"
had been employed with the Central Telephone, the Thornton
Enterprise, Ritter Nursing Home in Clear Lake, American
Crystal Sugar in Mason City, (EF Johnson) Sperry Univac and
retired from Unisys in Clear Lake. She had also been the
town assessor for many years.
Marjorie enjoyed her work, her friends and truly looked
forward to time with her family. She was a social lady and
had a wonderful, warm and friendly personality, and looked
forward to visiting with friends. "Lorene" enjoyed dancing
with Albert at various venues, including the Surf Ballroom.
Country, jazz and oldies were among her favorites. She was
an excellent cook. Marjorie and Albert have been living at
the Klemme Apartments for more than 12 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Majorie's survivors include her husband; son, David (Dawn)
Gilbert of Swaledale; daughter, Gail Lee (Gilbert) Copper;
two grandchildren; and brother, Lew W. Throssel of Eldora.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Ernest Frieden
November 17, 2009
Ernest M. Frieden, 72, formerly of West Bend, died on
Thursday, November 12, 2009, at his home in Belmond.
Services were held on
Monday, November 16, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
in West Bend, with burial in the West Bend Cemetery.
Ernest M. was born on August 18, 1937 in West Bend, to
Ernest L. and Lorraine (Klepper) Frieden. He received his
education in the West Bend School System and then joined the
United States Air Force. Ernie served four years with the
Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1959. Ernie
married Dana Pettit at the St. Michaels Catholic Church in
Whittemore, on November 15, 1960. Together they raised five
children. Ernie drove truck around the Midwest until he
retired in the early 1990's.
His retirement was spent
enjoying time with his loved ones and many pets. Ernie was
an avid fisherman and some of his fondest memories included
family vacations to Canada in constant pursuit of the "big
one". While the "big one" never found its way onto Ernie's
line, he passed on his love of fishing and the outdoors to
his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Dana; children, Pat (Judy)
Frieden of Rodman, Monica (Darwin) Christensen of Belmond,
Bill (Sherri) Frieden of West Bend, Ellen (Kenny) Bledsoe of
Maryville, Missouri and Dan (Lori) Frieden of Clifton, New
York; grandchildren, Matt and Joe Frieden, Leigh, Kasie,
Tyler, Dana and Caydon Christensen, Ben, Amanda and Sam
Frieden and Issac and Hannah Bledsoe; brothers, Les (Esther)
Frieden of West Bend and Chuck and Jan Frieden of
Charlottesville, Virginia.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Nellie Burk
November 17, 2009
Nellie C. Burk, 94, of Goodell, died on Friday, November 13,
2009, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.
Services were held on
Tuesday, November 17, at the Goodell United Methodist
Church, with burial in the Amsterdam Cemetery east of
Goodell.
Nellie was born on October 19, 1915, at the farm home where
she lived all her life. She was the daughter of Jay Thomas
and Margaret Grosz Griggs. She was a life long member of the
E.U.B. Church, later being the United Methodist Church in
Goodell. She graduated from the Goodell High School in 1933.
She married Gerald W. Burk on September 22, 1936, at the
parsonage in Goodell. They farmed and lived on the land that
was in the Griggs family for many years. They had two sons.
Nellie loved being a homemaker, cooking and especially
baking Gerald's favorite pie. She worked with Gerald during
harvest and loved her garden and raising chickens. She took
immense joy in the simple things of life: the finches at the
feeder, a beautiful sunset, the first ripe tomato. Her sons
were her pride and joy and when grandchildren and
great-grandchildren blessed them, she enjoyed them very
much. She was loyal all her life to her church and her faith
was strong in the Lord. She loved hearing, playing and
singing her favorite hymns.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2007;
and siblings, Fernon Griggs, Mae Kernan, Lela Boone and
Kenneth Griggs.
Survivors include her son, Kay (Gloria) Burk of Garner and
their children's families, Lisa (Mark) Woiwood and their
children, Adam, Aaron, Annie and Ashton of West Des Moines,
Steve (Julie) Burk and their children, Alyssa and Abigail of
Lakeville, Minnesota and Dana (Kathy) Burk and their
children, Karina, Brayden and Kaylie of Carlisle; and her
son, Dean (Joyce) Burk of South Padre Island, Texas and
their children's families, Sarah (Francis) Oldham of
Minnesota Lake and their children, Delbert and Michael and
Richard Burk of Englewood, Colorado.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Mildred Bonebrake
November 17, 2009
Mildred O. Bonebrake, 87, formerly of Winnebago, Minnesota,
died on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the Rehabilitation
Center of Belmond, surrounded by her family.
Services will be held at
2:00 p.m., on Monday, November 23, at the Lutheran Church of
Our Savior in Winnebago. Interment will be in the Riverside
Cemetery, Winnebago. Visitation will be at the church on
Monday at 12 noon prior to the services.
Millie, daughter of PerLenius and Anna Person, was born on
December 21, 1921, on the family farm 3.5 miles west of Lone
Rock. She graduated from the Lone Rock High School in 1939.
She found a job at Borchardt's Drug Store in Algona and
there she met her future husband, Milo "Mike" Bonebrake.
They were married on April 6, 1947 and moved to Winnebago in
November 1949. In 2007, Millie moved to Belmond to be closer
to family.
Millie understood the value of hard work and was a very
active woman. She raised four children, cared for her
husband, worked and volunteered. She worked at Florence
Hotel, Dick's Cafe and Winnebago Hospital as a cook and also
Super Valu and Electro-Craft, where she retired in 1986. She
volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Legion Auxiliary and
the Food Pantry.
Millie also had many hobbies. She loved to garden and
preserve produce. Everyone raved about her pies. Many of her
grandchildren will remember her rose bushes. She was a fan
of the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago Cubs. She made the
most beautiful afghans, doilies and quilts. The company of
her family meant more to her than anything on this earth.
She was proud of her Swedish heritage, had a fiery
personality and loving heart.
Millie was preceded in death by her husband in 1993;
daughter, Carol in 1997; sister, Ruth Meyer; brothers,
Arthur Person and Reinhold Person; and infant
great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Marie Steenblock.
Millie is survived by her children, Steven (Gretchen)
Bonebrake of Grimes, Ronald (Dianne) Bonebrake of Kirtland,
New Mexico and Sue (Roger) Asmus of Belmond; grandchildren,
William Jr., Bryan and Nicholas Griffith, Dawn (Trevor)
Hansen, Brett, Garrett and Bryce Bonebrake, Heidi and Katie
Bonebrake, Crystle (Rusty) Steenblock and Elizabeth
(Anthony) Ennis; and 15 great-grandchildren.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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David Robertson
November 24, 2009
David L. Robertson, 81, of Belmond, died on Sunday, November
15, 2009, at the Greenleaf Health Care Center in Fort Dodge.
Funeral services were held
on November 18, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond, with
Father Nils Hernandez officiating. Burial was in the St.
Francis Cemetery near Belmond.
David Luverne, the son of Harvey and Elsie Eccles Robertson,
was born on August 7, 1928 in Belmond. He attended school in
Belmond and married Donna Dorr on September 1, 1950 in
Goldfield. They made their home in Belmond and raised their
family. David worked in the plumbing and heating business
until ill health forced him to retire at an early age.
David was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic
Church. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting. David also
enjoyed fishing, gardening and playing cribbage.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna in
2006; daughter, Kathy; great-grandson, Brandon Hanse;
sisters, Florence, Millie and Elsie; brothers, Tom, Jon and
Robert; and a sibling in infancy.
David is survived by his children, Rhonda (Marvin) Winther
of Humboldt and Kenny (Teri) of Johnston; grandchildren,
David Hanse, Rochelle Himes, Penny Winther, Josh Robertson,
Jeremy Robertson and Joe Robertson; great-grandchildren,
Maddux, Dillon and Delaney; and sister, Gladys Walters of
Harlan.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Coni Stetson
November 24, 2009
Constance M. Stetson, 68, of Belmond, died on Tuesday,
November 17, 2009, at the Hamilton County Hospital in
Webster City.
Funeral services were held
on Monday, November 23, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in
Latimer, with burial in the Belmond Cemetery.
Constance Martha, the daughter of James and Elsie (Daniels)
O'Connor, was born on November 8, 1941 in Belmond. She grew
up in the Belmond area and then attended the Stewart Beauty
School in Sioux City. She was a beautician for a time. Coni
married Richard Stetson on September 2, 1959 in South Sioux
City, Nebraska. With Richard being in the Marine Corps, the
family lived in many areas around the world, finally
settling in Fort Dodge.
Coni loved caring for her home and was a great mother. There
wasn't anything she wasn't successful at. She was an
especially talented cook and baker. With her vibrant
personality, Coni loved to have fun. She always enjoyed
spending time with her family and friends, especially her
girlfriends, Sharon, Karen and Merideth. A spontaneous
woman, Coni would take a vacation at the drop of a hat. She
had a great love for animals, especially horses.
Coni was a member of St. Paul Lutheran. She taught Sunday
School and served in various capacities in the church.
She was preceded in death by her father; husband; and
brother, James.
Coni is survived by her children, Daryl Lynn (Derek)
Ridgeway of LeMars, Michael Stetson of Belmond and Stephanie
(Jim) Nelson of Belmond; her mother, Elsie Meyer of Belmond;
grandchildren, Richard and Nicole Ware, Angelina and Michael
Stetson Jr. and Danielle Nelson; and brothers, Michael
(Ruth) O'Connor of Long Beach, California and Robert
(Bonnie) O'Connor of Stockbridge, Georgia.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Beverly Curtis
November 24, 2009
Beverly A. Curtis, 68, of Rowan, died on Wednesday, November
18, 2009, at the Belmond Medical Center, after a courageous
battle with cancer.
Funeral services were held
on Saturday, November 21, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic
Church in Belmond, with burial in the St. Francis Cemetery.
Beverly Ann, the daughter of Clarence and Elda (Jandl) Diers,
was born on June 27, 1941 at the St. Ann's Hospital in
Algona. She grew up in the Bancroft area and graduated from
the Bancroft St. John's High School in 1959. She attended
business college in the Twin Cities and then moved to the
Washington D.C. area where she worked at the Pentagon for
the U.S. Navy. Bev married Clifford Curtis on December 20,
1960 in Alexandria, Virginia. They left the D.C. area and
raised their family near Lakota and West Bend. They moved to
Rowan in 1974. Bev worked at Aldinger's Market in Alexander
and in 1983 went to work at North Iowa Woods.
Bev was an avid sports fan. She loved to attend Hawkeye
football games and could always be found at her grandkids'
sporting events. Not only was she an instrumental part of
the Belmond-Klemme Wrestling Booster Club, Bev was an active
supporter of B-K athletics in general. She could be found
working in the concession stands at local sporting events.
She also enjoyed bowling and was a collector of Beanie
Babies and Precious Moments.
Bev was a faithful member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic
Church. She served an active role in the Catholic Daughters
of America, having held the position of Grand Regent.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Bev is survived by her husband, Clifford; children, Donna
Bruns (Dave Taylor) of Crystal Lake, Theresa Curtis (Larry
Heaberlin) of Rowan, Valerie (Rodney) Nelson of Renwick,
Spencer (Laura) Curtis of Grimes and Wesley Curtis of Iowa
City; grandchildren, Jeconiah, Elijah, Alisia, Cody, Megan,
Tanner, Logan, Dylan, Alex, Andy, Cole, Owen and Olivia;
great-granddaughter, Kylee; and brothers and sisters, Donald
(Kathy) Diers of Algona, Duane (Joyce) Diers of Fairmont,
Minnesota, Jerry Diers of Bancroft, Marie (Terry) Cook of
Burt, Patricia (Bob) Miller of Sauk Centre, Minnesota and
Bonnie (Ed) Layher of Brandon South Dakota.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Phyllis Boelman
November 24, 2009
Phyllis N. Boelman, 90, died on Wednesday, November 18,
2009, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.
Funeral services were held
on Tuesday, November 24, at the United Methodist Church in
Goodell, with burial in the Immanuel Reformed Church
Cemetery.
Phyllis Netha, the daughter of John and Carolina (Gartz)
Halfpap, was born on December 3, 1918 east of Belmond, on
the family farm. She graduated from the Belmond High School
as Valedictorian in 1936. She taught at Halfwassen No. 1 and
Pleasant Township No. 8 country schools for several years.
Phyllis married Andrew Boelman on Christmas Day 1940, at her
parents' home. The couple was blessed with three children
through adoption and they were the greatest joy in her life.
Phyllis was an integral part of the family farm. She did
everything: raising chickens, milking cows, helping in the
fields, raising a garden and canning the harvest.
Phyllis had many interests. Andrew and Phyllis traveled
throughout the United States as well as abroad, going to
Hawaii and Germany. The couple also enjoyed fishing trips.
She sewed beautiful quilts and was interested in genealogy
and photography. Phyllis loved music and was a talented
musician, playing the piano, flute and organ. Phyllis played
the organ at many area churches. She also taught Sunday
School for a time.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1984;
son, Andrew John; grandson, Nathan; great-grandson, Blake;
and sisters, Marvyl and Jessie.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Kim (Beth) of Slater,
Brent (Sheri) of Meservey and Netha (Brian) Wisa of LeMars;
grandchildren, Joshua (Jessica), Adam, Dena, Tarah, Andrew
(Heather), Jessie (Tanya), Tracy (Holden), Thomas (Jessica),
Morgan, Lauren, Joy, Jordan, Jacob, Brian and Joseph;
great-grandchildren, Emma, Elizabeth, Adrianna, Carter,
Ezra, Makayla, Koby, Taryn and Kyler; brother, Kenneth
Halfpap of Belmond; and sisters, Shirley (Carl) Kuhlers and
Ruth Pals, both of Belmond.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Dorothy McNeal
November 24, 2009
Dorothy L. McNeal, 92, formerly of Belmond, died on
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, in Overland Park, Kansas.
Funeral services were held
on Monday, November 23, at the Belmond United Methodist
Church. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
Dorothy Lucia, the daughter of Robert and Lucia (Lovin)
Courson, was born on December 11, 1916 in Remsen. She moved
to the Belmond area and graduated from the Belmond High
School. Dorothy attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon.
Dorothy married Clark McNeal on August 26, 1939 in Belmond.
They lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she worked as a
secretary for an international law firm. In 1942, they moved
back to Belmond to join the family business, the Courson
Agency and raise their family.
Dorothy supported Clark in his business and political
endeavors, as he was a member of the Iowa House of
Representatives from 1949 until his death in 1959. After her
husband's death, Dorothy attended Drake University and
achieved both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in
Education. She taught third grade in Garner, Rowan, Goodell
and Belmond. In retirement, Dorothy used her teaching skills
as a missionary, teaching at a Methodist-sponsored school in
Espanola, New Mexico. When Dorothy became a grandmother, she
moved to Osh Kosh, Wisconsin, to be a full time grandma.
Later she moved to Cedar Falls.
Throughout her life Dorothy was a strong witness for God,
serving in many capacities. She was a missionary who was
able to put her hand to work for His glory in so many ways.
If there was something that was needed, she provided it with
a loving heart. She served in numerous church capacities.
Dorothy enjoyed quilting and being outside riding a bike.
She was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Ronald;
and sisters, Ruth and Clara Jane.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Clark (Mary) McNeal of
Iowa Falls, David (Judy) McNeal of Seattle, Washington,
Kristin (Greg) Armstrong of Osh Kosh, Tyler (Roberta) McNeal
of Stilwell, Kansas and Sherman (Alison) McNeal of Cedar
Falls; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Kathryn,
Jonathon, Margaret, Fraser, Grace and Lucia;
great-grandchildren, Robert, Andrew, Madeleine and Emily;
and sister, Nina Courson of Italy.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Alice Lents
November 24, 2009
Alice M. Lents, 95, of Greenfield, died on Thursday,
November 19, 2009.
She is survived by her daughters, Margaret (Ed) Christiansen
of Arizona and Mary Lents of Ames; son, Ed (Becky) Lents of
Drexel, Missouri; seven grandchildren; and three
great-grandchildren.
©Belmond
Independent 2009
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John van der Linden
November 24, 2009
John E. van der Linden, 92, of Spirit Lake, died on Monday,
November 23, 2009, at the Hilltop Care Center in Spirit
Lake.
Funeral services will be
held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 28, at the Spirit
Lake United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends
from 3-5:00 p.m., at Wesley Place. Inurnment will be in the
Sunset Rest Cemetery at Northwood.
John Edward, was born on August 8, 1917 in Des Moines, the
son of John and Kathleen Gaylord van der Linden. He grew up
in Ames during the Depression, graduating from Ames High in
1935. He loved music. As a Boy Scout he played the bugle at
military funerals and lied about his age to join the Iowa
National Guard when a bugler was needed. He played the
trombone and baritone horn in high school and college.
John graduated from Iowa State College with a Degree in
Economics in 1940. While at the university he was the editor
of the Sketch, a literary magazine and the Green Gander, a
humor magazine. He was a member of Sigma Nu social
fraternity and was honored with membership in Cardinal Key,
Sigma Delta Chi, Phi Kappa Phi and Delta Sigma Rho. He
worked at the Ames Tribune and took a summer job at the
Scott County Tribune in Walcott. Upon graduation, he became
a reporter at the Mason City Globe Gazette. Having served in
the ROTC in college, John was called into active military
duty in December 1941. He served as an Army Field Artillery
Officer at six military camps before being stationed in
Hawaii, the Philippines and Hokkaido, Japan. He was
discharged with the rank of major in 1946.
After WW II, John spent a year with the Iowa Department of
the American Legion in Des Moines and then accepted a job at
the Marshall (Minnesota) Messenger. There he met his future
wife, Marjorie Wetherbee in a church choir. They were
married on November 27, 1948 and moved to Northwood, where
he became the editor of the Northwood Anchor and four sons
were born. John served as commander of the Legion Post and
was active in the Lions Club. He organized and was the
commander of an Army Military Government Reserve unit and
was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
The family moved to Sibley in 1960, where John was a partner
and later sole owner of the Gazette-Tribune. He founded
Northwest Iowa Publishers, a cooperative printing plant for
several area newspapers. He also helped organize the
Northwest Iowa Peach, a regional advertising supplement.
John also acquired ownership of the newspapers in Sanborn,
Rock Valley and Inwood for a time, and began publication of
the Dairyman's Digest magazine for the Associated Milk
Producers. He was named a Master Editor-Publisher by the
Iowa Newspaper Association in 1975. In 1978, John sold the
Gazette-Tribune and established a newspaper brokerage
business. He and Marge built a retirement home on Spirit
Lake in 1982. Although he slowed down a bit, he kept a small
office downtown and didn't fully retire until 2006. They
loved to visit Maui, Hawaii and did so many times.
John was always active wherever he lived. He was a strong
believer in the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle
Scout, served as a scoutmaster and was honored with the
Silver Beaver Award. He was a Kiwanian for 50 years in
Sibley and Spirit Lake, serving as a lieutenant governor in
1982. He was a member of the University of Okoboji
Foundation, the Friends of the Library in Sibley and Spirit
Lake, the Dickinson County Trails Association, the Iowa
State University Alumni Association (and Alumni Marching
Band), the American Legion, the Reserve Officers
Association, the Masonic Lodge and Abu Bekr Shrine. He was
named the Spirit Lake Citizen of the Year in 1996. He and
Marge sang together in Methodist Church Choirs for over 50
years.
John was long interested in politics. He and his brother,
Louis organized a Young Democrats Club while students at
Iowa State. He was elected to the Northwood City Council. He
served a term as Osceola County Democratic Chairman and was
an unsuccessful candidate for state senator. He served on
the Osceola County Board of Education and was named to the
board of the Iowa Association of School Boards. He became
president of that group in 1966. Governor Harold Hughes
appointed him to the founding board of Iowa Public
Television in 1967. Governor Robert Ray appointed him to two
terms on the State Board of Public Instruction and he was
then named to the board of the National Association of State
Boards of Education where he served as treasurer.
Known by many friends as "Johnny van", John seemed to know
people wherever he went. He was welcoming to new faces in
the community. John was a patient man who quietly taught his
sons to be good citizens. He would give advice when asked,
but would not thrust it upon you. He was proud of the
accomplishments of his sons, their families and his
brothers' daughters, who were fond of their Uncle John.
He was preceded in death by his wife in October 2009; his
brothers, Louis in 1971 and Spence in 1982 and their wives;
an infant brother, Lane; and an infant son, John Rodger in
1952.
John is survived by his sons, Peter (Judy) of Spirit Lake
and their children, Gretchen, John and Mark; Dirk (Lee) of
Belmond and their children, Kathryn and Grant; and Tom
(Jean) of LaCrescent, Minnesota.
©Belmond
Independent 2009 |
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Gloria Braner
December 1, 2009
Gloria J. Braner, 53, formerly of Belmond, died of cancer on
Thursday, November 26, 2009, at her home in Klemme,
surrounded by her family.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 30, at the
Belmond United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Graceland
Cemetery, Webster City.
Gloria Jean, the daughter of Harley L. and Phyllis I. (Gabrielson)
Wertz, was born on September 10, 1956, at the St. Luke's
Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was baptized at the Norway
Methodist Church. During her school years Gloria was active
in 4-H and was a wrestling cheerleader. She graduated from
the Chariton High School in 1974. Gloria attended the Des
Moines Area Community College and studied key punch. Gloria
married Leslie A. Braner on August 20, 1982, at the Little
Brown Church in Nashua and they had two sons. Gloria
thoroughly appreciated raising her family and was their
number one cheerleader. She relished the role of being the
Ultimate Soccer Mom, supporting them in all they did. Even
during her illness in recent months, she looked forward to
supporting her family and had attended Brandon's
weightlifting competition in September.
Gloria loved horses and enjoyed bonding and caring for each
of them. She was a long time member of various saddle clubs:
first with the Garner Saddle Club, then with the Three
Rivers Pony Express in Worth, Cerro Gordo and Mitchell
Counties. Gloria held various positions with the Pony
Express, including treasurer and more recently as the county
coordinator.
Gloria, Les and the boys visited Disney World, Universal
Studios and other points of interest in Florida and
the U.S. She cherished camping with family and friends,
snowmobile rides with family and the Iowa River Riders
Snowmobile Club and canoeing. She was an excellent cook,
making some of the hottest chili and most delicious potato
salad. She loved to spend time with her dogs and more
recently, working in her yard. She had a fondness for the
St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Gloria's life was driven forward to successful
accomplishments by her "give it 100%" attitude. For more
than ten years she was the sole operator and owner of the
Iowa Discover It quarterly magazine. Gloria was a partner
with Les in the farming operations prior to his death in
2002. She was very knowledgeable and skilled at tasks on the
farm. Most recently she had been a sales account manager for
Three Eagles Communications for a number of years.
She was preceded in death by her husband; and her
father-in-law, Donald Braner.
Gloria is survived by her sons, Brandon and Nathan Braner of
Burnsville, Minnesota; step-children, Les (Jamie) Braner,
Jr. and Michael (Jodi) Braner of Sacramento, California;
step-daughter, Colleen Braner of Massachusetts; her parents
of Menlo; brother, Michael (Carol) Wertz of Osage; and
sister, Christine Pace of Stuart.
©Belmond
Independent 2009
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