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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Rose Speth

April 6, 2010

Rose M. Speth, 73, died on Sunday, April 4, 2010, at her home in Belmond, following a battle with lung cancer..

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 8, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Alma Center, Wisconsin. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 7, from 4-7:00 p.m., at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond. There will be a Parish Rosary at 6:45 p.m. and Christian Wake at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday. There will be no viewing at the church on Thursday as the family will be gathering at the funeral home to process to the church preceding mass.

Rose Marie, the third of six children of George and Lenore (Gratz) Resch, was born in Ontario, Wisconsin on August 25, 1936. The family loved singing harmony and it was a large part of their daily lives. Rose attended Ontario Schools, graduating in 1954 and also attended the La Crosse State Teacher's College for a year. She enjoyed working with children and babysat for many, starting when she was nine. She worked in Barrington, Illinois as a nanny for a time. In 1958, she and daughter, Lisa moved to Sumner where she accepted a job caring for the household and three children of Norbert Speth, who had just been widowed. Rose also joined the local Catholic Church and there began her love affair with liturgical music.

On July 12, 1961, Rose and Norbert married. He adopted her daughter and in 1964 they completed their blended family when son, Steve was born. Steven died in 1992.

In 1972, Norbert's job took the family to Winona and Rose joined the choir at St. Mary's. In September of 1979, the older children being grown and gone from home, Norbert, Rose and Steven, moved to Belmond due to another company transfer. Norbert retired in 1984 and bought a chainsaw. He and Rose spent many enjoyable hours out in the woods cutting wood for their fireplace.

Rose joined the choir at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and in 1996 began planning liturgical music for the parish. The "volunteer" job expanded and for many years she did the planning and coordinating of all aspects of the program until illness made her give up the job in March 2007. Rose was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and a volunteer at the Belmond Health Care Center. In her spare time she liked doing any kind of puzzle, playing bridge and just being with friends. She hosted Easter and Thanksgiving for many family members and enjoyed doing all the cooking. She will remembered for her strong faith, straight forward beliefs and unselfish love for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Steven.

Survivors include her husband; son, Dan Speth of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; daughters, Susan (Rick) Christy of Dysart, Linda (David) Zahn of Pepin, Wisconsin and Lisa (Dan) Schultz of Winona; sisters, Rita (Carl) Stoikes of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, Mary Resch of Los Angelos, California and Georgia (Andy) Blackwell of Sumerduck, Virginia; brothers, Joe (Sue) Resch of Beloit, Wisconsin and John (Bernita) Resch of Milton, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Minnie Johnson

April 6, 2010

Minnie H. Johnson, 94, a long-time Belmond resident, died on Sunday, April 4, 2010, at the Madrid Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 8, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Burial will take place in the Alexander Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services.
©Belmond Independent 2010



William Gifford

April 13, 2010

William Leon Gifford, 93, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

William Leon, the son of Leon and Ruth Anderson Gifford, was born on January 27, 1917. Bill was a longtime member of the Belmond United Methodist Church. His kind and gentle spirit, humor, wisdom and love of his family will be missed.

He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Judy; and brother, Harold.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of almost 74 years, Marie VanDusseldorp; children, Wanda (Charles) Mikesh of Belmond, Coleen (Herb) Greiman of Belmond, Vicki (Gary) Claytor of Denton, Texas and Jon Gifford of Champlin, Minnesota; grandchildren, Charles (Lori) Mikesh Jr., William (Tracey) Mikesh, Debra (Tom) Rouchka, Sherrie (Brad) Revland, Wade (Debbie) Greiman, Bob Greiman, Field (Rita) Claytor, Hamilton Claytor, Katie Gifford and Alex Gifford; great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Don (Lois) Gifford.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Esther Tulp

April 20, 2010

Esther L. Tulp, 82, died on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, with her family at her side.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 17, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. The Andrews Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Esther Lucille, was born on June 7, 1927 at St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of William and Martha (Heginger) Tiggeman. As a child she moved with her family to Iowa where she attended the Klemme schools. Esther was a life long homemaker. She was also employed at Gerardi's Restaurant in Klemme, at a restaurant in Forest City and after moving to Belmond in 1963, at the Belmond Health Care Center and the Belmond Hospital.

Esther enjoyed luncheon outings with friends and was a member of the Belmond Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to work puzzle books of any kind.

Esther married Howard R. Tulp on June 22, 1994, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They enjoyed a great deal of traveling and spent many good years together before Esther's health required her to become a resident of the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond in September 2006.  During her time there she was blessed by visits nearly everyday from Howard.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Eddie, Robert and Richard Tiggeman. 

Esther is survived by her husband of Goodell; four step-children and their spouses; 13 step-grandchildren and their spouses; five step-great-grandchildren; son, Melford Velau and companion, Melissa; and sister, Velma (Lloyd) Serba of Mission, Texas.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Robert Johnson

April 20, 2010

Robert "Bob" Johnson, 86, died on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

A memorial service was held on Monday, April 19, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Interment, with military rites, was in the Ell Township Cemetery.

Robert Clarence, was born on August 14, 1923 in Klemme, to Clarence and Bernice (Gimer) Johnson. He graduated from the Renwick High School and then worked for the family creamery as a butter maker and cream route driver. He entered the armed services in April 1943 and married Judith Ruth Ceder on December 18, 1944. He attended Army Air Force Technical School at Dahlhart Field, Texas. He was a Quartermaster Supply Technician. He earned a WW II Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and one Overseas Bar. He left the service in April 1946 with the rank of sergeant.

Bob and Judy began farming near Klemme in 1952. Having grown up a "town kid", farming was new to him. He joked that he learned to farm by watching what his neighbors were doing. Bob was a hard worker and enjoyed his dairy herd of Holsteins. He always seemed to have an old car or truck around to tinker with. He could be seen driving one of his cars in area parades. His love of wheels and engines led him later to managing the Klemme "66" gas station. He could be seen sitting in front of the station, waving at the cars as they drove by.

He enjoyed woodworking, and helped his children and grandchildren with 4-H projects. He was an Asgrow seed dealer and helped at the elevator. Bob and Judy celebrated 50 years of marriage. She died on September 3, 1995. Bob married Lyola Tulp on June 26, 1998. While living in Belmond, Bob looked forward to coffee gatherings and traveling out of state to visit relatives. 

Bob later lived with his son, Marlin on his acreage west of Klemme. Bob could be found sitting on the bench with his dog, Bones, watching the cars go by. He always had a smile and a wave for everyone. In 2008, he moved to Concord Care Center in Garner. 

Bob was a member of the Klemme American Legion and served as a flag bearer in the color guard for many years. He also helped put up flags and crosses at the cemetery for Memorial Day. He enjoyed volunteering to deliver clothes to the County Cousins project in the southern U.S. He sang in the Klemme United Methodist Church Choir for many years and was an original member of the handbell choir.

Bob was also preceded in death by his parents; step-father, George Bell; sister, Barbara Pergande; grandson, Marlin Johnson, Jr.; and niece, Vivian Pergande Kitley.

Survivors include his daughter, Margaret Ann (Mark) Tue of Garner; son, Marlin Alan Johnson of Klemme and Coral Springs, Florida; grandchildren, Miekka (Randy) Milhan of Clear Lake, John (Gina) Katter of Klemme, Margan Tue of Ames (ISU); step-grandson, Drew Nelson of Des Moines, Eric Johnson of Des Moines, Mike Johnson of Klemme and Tina Summers of Forest City; great-grandchildren, Mia Katter, Jackson Milhan, Kana Katter, Kayla, Hannah and Nick Johnson, Blake and Zach Johnson, Kirstin, Zach and Dakota Schuver. Lyola Johnson and her children also survive.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Irene Koenen

April 20, 2010

Irene Koenen, 89, of Meservey, died on Friday, April 16, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services were held at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, with interment in the Meservey Cemetery.

Irene Koenen, was born on January 23, 1921 at Alexander, a daughter of Herman and Dena (Peil) Pals. She attended school in Alexander and Thornton, graduating with the Thornton Class of 1938. Irene worked as a hired girl doing childcare and housework for family members. She married Virgil Wayne Koenen after he returned from war on January 10, 1946. They farmed southwest of Meservey. Irene and Virgil retired from farming in the late 1970's and moved into Meservey.

Irene was active with the Reformed Church Women's Ministry, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Golden Years club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1995; and brother, Glen.

Survivors include her daughters, Patricia (Roy) Markwardt of Swaledale and Pamela (Mark) Thompson of Clear Lake; son, Darwin (Genelle) Koenen of Boone; grandchildren, Chad Markwardt, Justin (Wendy) Markwardt, Leslie Koenen, Monica Koenen, Natalie Koenen, Sara Thompson and Andy Thompson; five great-grandchildren; sister, Berniece (Herman) Suntken; brother, Robert Pals; special sister-in-law, Phyllis Steenhard; and sister-in-law, Lois Schlichting.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Doris Greimann

April 20, 2010

Doris I. Greimann, 88, died on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning, April 21, at the Peace Reformed Church south of Garner. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Doris Irene, the daughter of Frederick and Martha (Hartbeck) Barz, was born on January 28, 1922, on a farm northeast of Klemme. She was baptized and confirmed at the Klemme Immanuel Reformed Church. Doris graduated from the Klemme High School in 1938 and continued her education at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls. Then she taught in the rural schools of Hancock County. On November 9, 1941, she married Eugene Greimann at the Immanuel Reformed Church. They began farming on her parents' farm near Klemme and continued to live there until 1997 when they moved to Garner.

She was a member of Peace Reformed where she was an officer of Women's Missionary Society, chairman of the church dedication, chairman of the church's centennial celebration, taught Sunday School and was a member and officer of O.D.O. Homemaker's Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Kathleen Ann Greimann (2008); daughter-in-law, Jane Renner Greimann (2006); brothers, Harvey, Marvin and Ronald Barz; sister, Ella Rosendahl; sister-in-law, Mabel Barz; and brother-in-law, Walter Rosendahl.

Doris is survived by her husband of Garner; children, Lowell (Jennie) Greimann of Ames, Janette (Arthur) Hoffman of Owatonna, Minnesota and Janelle Bremer of Dyer, Indiana; grandchildren, Chad (Chris) Greimann, Amy (Winston) Trotter, Blair (Angie) Greimann, Michelle (Dale) Simon, Kelly (Brian) Schultz, Trent (Paula) Bremer and Janna (Darren) Van Essen; nineteen great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Gladys Barz of Garner and Emma Palmby of Garner.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Marcelene Hitt

April 27, 2010

Marcelene J. Hitt, 79, of Dows, died on Monday, April 19, 2010, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 23, at the Presbyterian Church in Dows.

Marcelene Jean, daughter of John R. and Caroline (Horstman) Jacobsen, was born on January 27, 1931, on the family farm north of Dows. Marcie graduated from the Dows High School. She married Russ Braun on January 27, 1950. She moved to Clarion and later returned to Dows to raise her family. After separating from Russ, she moved to Texas where she met Kent Hitt. Eventually she returned to Dows to help care for her mother. She married Kent in November 1984. Marcy was a lifelong homemaker and loving mother who focused much of her energies on providing for her family. Most of her life revolved around supporting her children and grandchildren. She was a Boy Scout Leader for a time.

In earlier life she enjoyed tap dancing and later she looked forward to any opportunity to go dancing. She was a social and outgoing person who relished each opportunity to be with family and friends. She had been active in the Pony Express, the Legion Auxiliary and the Presbyterian Church in Dows.

Marcy was truly a kid at heart who looked forward to her favorite holiday -- Halloween -- and the fun it brought to her and the kids in town. She would go all out with decorations at her home and dress up in costumes. Marcy enjoyed the simple things in life, whether it was a day in the field walking beans, relaxing on the porch, watching and feeding the birds and squirrels, or a wild asparagus hunt. Marcy had a fondness for all animals and cherished her pet dogs, cats and parrots.

This past January she became a resident of the care center in Clarion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Daryne Jacobsen; infant son, Vint Allen Braun; and her second husband, Kent Hitt.

Survivors include son, Lynn and Cathy Braun and sons, Shane and Leann Braun, sons, Cade and Toby; Clint Braun; Kyle and Jodi Braun and daughter, Josie; daughter, Jodi Tripp and life partner, Wayne Schlagel and Edde and America Tripp and son, Jacobe, Zach and Kelly Tripp and daughter, Katlyn; daughter, Dawn Isaacson and Steve, children, Brandon Braun and Whitney; Tara Johnson and children, Kainan, Keve, and Keely; and Nicole Isaacson and daughter, Ezra; son, Chad Braun and Jodi and daughter, Shelbi; nephews, Jim and John Jacobsen; and first husband, Russ Braun.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Uralee Dorman

April 27, 2010

Uralee "Lee" M. Dorman, 76, of Belmond, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 27, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Uralee Mae, the daughter of Vernon and Pearl (Koehler) Walk, was born on May 17, 1933 in Grafton. She graduated from the Manly High School and continued her education for two years at Iowa State Teacher's College (UNI) in Cedar Falls. While there she met her future husband and best friend, Howard G. Dorman. The two married on June 16, 1957 at Mason City. The union was blessed with two sons. Lee was a preschool and kindergarten teacher for many years, including tenures in Waterloo, Spirit Lake, Woden, Crystal Lake and Nora Springs. She chose this profession not only due to her belief in a good education, but also for her lifelong passion for children and young people. 

Lee's family was always foremost in her life and her children and grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She was proud of all they accomplished. She never found any fault in her grandchildren. Lee's love for Howard, her children and their families was boundless and she always went the extra mile for each one of them.

Lee loved the holidays and working with Howard as they decorated their home for the various seasons. Her home was always decorated with many special touches. She looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with her family, whether it was cooking a holiday feast or going to one of their many extra-curricular activities. Lee was a spectator at her children and grandchildren's ball games and had been the number one cheerleader for hundreds and hundreds of games coached by her husband.

Lee enjoyed the outdoors and her beautiful yard filled with wild violets, lilacs, rose bushes and wildflowers. She loved animals and the visitors from the woods in their back yard. Lee loved caring for her many pets, and was especially fond of her cats. She loved to relax with Howard and her family around her favorite fireplace. She would also look forward to shopping. Though she was never one for the spotlight or being in the forefront, in earlier years one might find her enjoying tap dancing and singing. Lee was a long-time member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and a past member of the Belmond Hospital Auxiliary.
   
She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Howard of Belmond; sons, Todd (Catherine) Dorman of Cedar Rapids and Joel (Lori) Dorman of Pella; grandchildren, Ashley, Jennifer, Nicholas, Jake, Tess and Ella; brother, Tom (Violet) Walk of Grafton; and nephews, Mike Walk and Scott (Mindy) Walk.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Beverly Prescott

April 27, 2010

Beverly A. Prescott, 76, of Garner, formerly of Klemme, died on Friday, April 23, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 26, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Beverly Anna, was born on January 6, 1937 in Garner, the daughter of Albert and Rosetta (Schwichtenberg) Tanner. She attended the Garner Schools. As a young person she took on the responsibilities of caring for her grandmother. Beverly had been employed at the milk plant in Britt for a short time before committing her energies, love and devotion to providing for her husband and family as a full time homemaker. On July 26, 1950, Beverly married Clayton Prescott, Sr. at Albert Lea. They lived in Illinois before returning to Klemme where they raised their children.

One of the main values Beverly tried to instill in her children and grandchildren was the importance of an education. She frequently reminded them of this. The number one focus in her life was her family. She relished her role of wife to Clayton, mother to her children and loving grandma to her grand and great-grandchildren. She appreciated any occasion that meant spending time with them. For many years Beverly enjoyed the freedoms of the open road and time spent on Harley motorcycle excursions with her husband. The family had an occasional camping outing, and Bev and Clayton spent countless hours at auctions.

Beverly loved to cook for her family, and one of her specialties was rum balls. No matter how well she hid them, they would vanish in a hurry. She always made sure there were homemade cookies, chocolate covered cherries and pecan logs around. She was fond of her pets and she always made sure there was plenty of food for the wild birds and squirrels. Her other interests included gardening, embroidery and sewing. A favorite past time was spending time in the backyard relaxing near the fire.

She was a long time member of the Klemme United Methodist Church. Beverly had been a resident of the Concord Care Center in Garner for the past 8 1/2 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in May 1984; son, Dean Prescott; grandson, Cody Prescott; a great-grandson; sisters, Claire, Lorraine, Delores, Anna and Ione; brother, Ervin; niece, Grace Monson; and nephews, Duane and August Harms.   

Survivors include sons, Sid Cuellar and companion, Julie Haugen of Klemme, Clayton (Roberta) Prescott, Jr. of Garner and Ronald (Jolene) Prescott of Des Moines; step-sons, Jim (Rosalie) Prescott of Klemme and Bill (Peggy) Prescott of Afton; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and brothers, George Tanner of Garner and Walter (Lois) Tanner of Mason City.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Paula Johnson

April 27, 2010

Memorial services for Paula Ann (Binnebose) Johnson of Belmond, will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Belmond. Inurnment will take place in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 30, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the church and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Lulu Selby

May 4, 2010

Lulu "Lu" Mae Selby, 87, most recently of Belmond and formerly of Minnesota, died on Monday, April 26, 2010, at the Belmond Medical Center. 

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 29, at the Andrews Funeral Home. A  service was also held on Friday, April 30, at the Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. Burial was in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Lulu, the daughter of Albert E. and Irma (Savoy) Berndt Evans, was born on November 30, 1922 in Kansas City. She graduated from the Wilson High School and continued her education at Cables Secreterial College in St. Paul. Lu married Harold E. Selby, Sr. and they were blessed with four children, Harold, Jr., Donald and Nancy and "chosen" daughter, Rishele. Lu worked outside the home in addition to being a wife and mother. Lulu's focus throughout her life was to provide for the needs of her family. Her nurturing and motherly ways were perfect for the role she truly relished. She received great personal satisfaction in caring and serving others. 

In earlier years Lu had been a Cub Scout den mother and a Blue Bird leader. She was involved in the PTA, Order of the Eastern Star and had been a member of Central Presbyterian, where she had been a youth leader. 

Lulu had numerous hobbies and pastimes including sewing, making Barbie doll clothes, reading, listening to music, working on craft projects, Bible studies and excursions to Como Park and Zoo. Her favorite event at the zoo was a ride on the carousel, something she included on her 75th birthday. Lu and family also enjoyed outings to the family cabin at Coon Lake while her first husband was alive. Harold preceded her in death.  

In 1996, Lu moved to Belmond where she enjoyed the community and her membership at Trinity Lutheran Church. Later she returned to Minnesota before she would eventually return to Belmond as she wanted to live in the surroundings of the Belmond senior community and enjoyed her time at Belle Haven Assisted Living. Her family and all who knew here will remember Lu as a determined, efficiency-minded lady who loved others and was a caring wife, mother and adoring grandma.

Survivors include sons, Harold E. "Bud" Selby, Jr. and wife, Shawn Goodwin of Silver Spring, Maryland and Donald (Daree) Selby of Wyoming, Minnesota; daughters, Nancy (Larry) Turner of Belmond and Rishelle (Greg) Teigen of Andover, Minnesota; grandchildren, Chris (Dean) Higgins of Belmond and their family, Jayden, Katelyn, Tony, Zach and Keaton; Robyn and Logan Selby of Wyoming; and Callie, Tommy and Esteban Teigen of Andover.
©Belmond Independent 2010



Darla K. Boyken

June 29, 2010

Darla Kay Boyken, 47, of the Woden/Britt area, died on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, in Forest City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 30, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Titonka, with Pastor Jackie Ziemer officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Church Cemetery.

Darla Kay was born in Britt on December 18, 1962, the daughter of Roger and Neoma (Johnson) Boyken.

She loved Elmo, western shows and movies. She never went anywhere without her "Ray" bear, Elmo, "Jesus" bear and Elmo blanket. She loved it when Pastor Jackie (whom she called "Jesus Jackie") would come to play the guitar and sing to her.

Darla was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Henry and Schwanye (Loeschen) Boyken; maternal grandparents, Harold and Gladys (Ladd) Johnson; uncle, Dustin Johnson; and godfather, Carl Mayland.

Darla is survived by her parents of Britt; brother, Steven (Leann) Boyken; sister, Debra (Bruce) Boyken Kamp; aunts and uncles, Duane and Effie Lea Johnson, Susan Johnson, Duane and Shirley Boyken, Dean Boyken and Louise and Virgil Heifner; godmother, Irene Mayland; and several cousins.
©Belmond Independent 2010