Grover Krugler

February 9, 2010

Grover Krugler, 88, of Belmond, died on Monday, February 1, 2010, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 6, at the Belmond United Church of Christ Congregational. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by the Andrews Funeral Home.

Grover Blaire, was born on a farm near Rockford on October 9, 1921, the son of Clarence Wm. and Elsie (Grover) Krugler. He attended the Walker Country School #5 until becoming ill with rheumatic fever in 1936. He helped his parents on the farm when his health allowed. In 1957, he moved with his parents to Nora Springs and he became a member of the Methodist Church there in 1960. Grover tended a small farm near Nora Springs that he inherited from an uncle. After the death of his father in 1961, Grover stayed with his mother. He sold the farm and bought a home on Highway 69 near the campground in Belmond in the early 1980's after his mother became a resident of the Belmond Care Center. Later he sold his home and moved to the Belmond Community Apartments.

Grover became a member of the Belmond United Church of Christ and enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of the members of the congregation. He looked forward to the opening of the new church late last year and attended the inaugural service. Grover loved to fish and he took many fishing excursions to area lakes. He loved to get on his scooter and check out the town. He became very attached to the Belmond community and it's citizens. He had a smile for all, a wave, a wonderful and heartwarming laugh and seemed to enjoy his life. He had a terrific sense of humor. Grover was quite proud of his 1979 Monte Carlo with the t-roof. 

Grover was very close to his brother, Robert and family and enjoyed family get togethers. Grover was always up for visitors and looked forward to spending time with others. He looked forward to visits with relatives in southern Iowa and in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Grover loved stories of family history and days gone by. He loved animals, especially cats and dogs. He enjoyed the outdoors. The farm he used to operate near Nora Springs is now a public nature area called "Grover's Meadow". 

He was preceded in death by his parents; four uncles; an aunt; and a niece.

Grover is survived by his brother, Robert (Marge) Krugler of Berryville, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Marguerite Rise

February 9, 2010

Marguerite C. Rise, 89, a former Belmond resident, died on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at the Clare Bridge Care Facility in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning, February 10, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. Burial will take place in the Belmond Cemetery.

Marguerite Caroline, was born in Geudertheim, Alsace, France on February 5, 1920, to Chretien Roser and Caroline (Wolff) Roser. She attended the local school at age three and enjoyed learning. After completing her education she took a job as a telegraph operator in the main railroad station in Strasbourg, France. While working at the railway station in 1945 she met a young American soldier, Curtis Rise, who was helping with transportation arrangements for the troops.

Curtis was shipped home in February 1946 and began the paperwork to bring Marguerite to the United States. They were reunited in New York City and traveled to Belmond where they were married on January 1, 1947. They made their home in Belmond for 55 years until Curtis' death in 2002. Marguerite was a stay at home mom, caring for their two sons. Later she worked as secretary at the Belmond Creamery and as manager of the Belmond Community Apartments. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and one nephew.

Marguerite is survived by sons, Philip (Betsey) of Centennial, Colorado and Robert (Becky) of Mankato, Minnesota; grandchildren, Arianne Rise, Meredith (Michael) Wilbur, Noelle Rise and Jonathan Rise; great grandchildren, Levi and Amanda Rise and Allie and Jacob Wilbur; sisters, Charlotte Huck and Bertha Daeffler of Geudertheim, France; brother, Philip (Alba) of Zurich, Switzerland; brother-in-law, Orville Davis of Story City; and sister-in-law, Jean Rise of LaMesa, California.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Owen Van Buskirk

February 9, 2010

Owen D. Van Buskirk, 87, of Osage, died on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Owen Dale, was born on February 22, 1922 in Belmond, the son of Loyd and Anna (Brass) Van Buskirk. He graduated from the Goodell High School. Owen married Lillian Chapman on August 21, 1945 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, with Pastor Alvin Rogness officiating. He farmed in Minnesota from 1947 to 1994, after which Owen and Lillian retired to Osage.

Owen was a member of the EUB Church (United Methodist) in Sargeant, Minnesota. He was also a member of the NFO. He enjoyed mechanics, traveling, visiting and reading.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John; brothers, Earl, Gerald and Russell; and sisters, Audrey Menninga and Loree Yager.

Owen is survived by his wife; children, Lois (Virgil) Frieden of Bemidji, Harry of Sargeant, Harold of Brownsdale, Wayne of Byron, Roy of Spring Valley, Linda (Wayne) Jorgenson of Sargeant, Gary (Laura) of Rose Creek, Loyd of Brownsdale (all in Minnesota) and Paul of Swea City, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Earline Finn, Carol Lauen, Faye Mewes, Ina Brinkman and Harriet Baker.   
©Belmond Independent 2010

Norma Hood

February 16, 2010

Norma Hood, 79, of Rockford, Illinois, died of cancer on Monday, February 8, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 13.

Norma was born on August 8, 1930 in Dows, to Clarence and Mary Richards. She married Bill Hood of Belmond in 1950 in Rockford.

She was preceded in death by her husband and son, Doug.

Survivors include sons, Gene and Steve; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Bea Burt of Rowan, Joyce Mason of California and JoAn Olson of Clarion.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Corey Carpenter

February 16, 2010

Corey R. Carpenter, 31, of Belmond and Clarion, died on Monday, February 8, 2010, in Clarion.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, February 16, at the Dugger Funeral Home. There will be no viewing; the body has been cremated.

Corey Ray, the son of Allen and Tammy (Faulkner) Carpenter, was born on January 31, 1979 in Belmond. Corey grew up and attended school in the Belmond area. While in high school he served for a time in the Army National Guard. Corey eventually earned his G.E.D. He worked in several jobs, but currently was a full time stay-at-home dad.

Corey liked spending time with his kids, nieces, nephews, brothers and sister. He collected Coke bottles. Corey enjoyed drawing, writing poetry and listening to music. He was a great fan of Metallica and a proud member of the Metallica Klan.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Opal Faulkner and Merrel Carpenter.

Corey is survived by two children, Tiffani and Connor; his girlfriend, Tina; her children, T.J., Samantha and Shawn; sister, Michelle (fiancée, Jon Halder) of Fort Dodge; brothers, Daniel (Shayna) of Belmond, Dustan and Kalob (girlfriend, Sam); grandmother, Marion Carpenter of Belmond; and nieces and nephews, Matthew, Patryck, John, Shyanna, Kaycie, Calli, Briley and Talon.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Eula Trampel

February 16, 2010

Eula A. Trampel, 92, died on Friday, February 12, 2010, at the Greenhills Health Care Center in Ames.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 16, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Eula Angeline, the daughter of Albert and Augusta Veenstra, was born near Cold Springs, Minnesota, on August 21, 1917. Her father died during the 1918 influenza epidemic and her mother subsequently married Henry Busse. The new family moved to a farm near Goodell. Eula graduated with a teaching degree from Waldorf College in Forest City and taught in a one-room country school before her marriage to Harmen Trampel on April 5, 1942, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme.  
     
Harmen was drafted into the United States Army in 1942 and served during World War II. Eula lived with him at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, San Antonio, Texas and Brownsville, Texas. After the war they moved to a farm southeast of Swaledale and in 1947 moved to their farm east of Meservey. They farmed together until they retired to Belmond in 1991. For the past three years Eula lived in Ames.

She was a member of First Reformed in Meservey for over 50 years and enjoyed participating with the Reformed Church Women.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and infant granddaughter.

Survivors include her sons, Larry (Bonnie) of Albert Lea and Darrell (Christine) of Ames; daughters, Janice Youngblood of Ankeny and Linda Spalla of Mason City; grandchildren, Carol Farris, Roger Trampel, Barbara Larson, Christopher Trampel, Rebecca Eness, Alexander Youngblood, Jennifer Alexander and Sara Spalla; seven great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Margaret Michael of Dyersville and Mildred Busse of Carol Stream, Illinois.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Marvin Bachman

February 16, 2010

Marvin G. Bachman, 47, of Klemme, died on Saturday, February 13, 2010, surrounded by his family, at the Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City, following a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 18, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme and continue one hour prior to the services at church on Thursday. 
 
Marvin Gene, the son of Eugene and Janice (Swanson) Bachman, was born on July 14, 1962 at Belmond. He graduated from the Klemme High School in 1980 and later attended North Iowa Technical College in Sheldon, where he studied automotive subjects. As a young man, Marv was active in baseball, basketball and was an excellent football player. Marv was a farmer with Bachman family farms. He loved working the land. As the years went by he continued this loved profession and expanded into trucking.

Marvin married Carrie Sorenson on July 13, 2002. They expanded the trucking operation and started Riverview Farms and Trucking. The two loved to travel the country, and they enjoyed Harley trips and socializing with friends and family. Marv had a passion for the outdoors and looked forward to any opportunity to going fishing in Canada, at Mille Lacs Lake or Leech Lake in Minnesota, or an outing to Clear Lake. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of family and friends while hunting pheasants, deer, coyotes and various other game.

Marvin was a single father for many years prior to marrying Carrie and he relished this role and the challenges and rewards that it brought in caring for the needs of his children. He enjoyed taking them and his grandkids on mini bike, four wheeler, truck and tractor rides. Marv also enjoyed being a grandfather and was looking forward to a granddaughter's expected arrival in May.

Marv will be remembered as a good friend and a soft-hearted man who would do almost anything for anyone. He enjoyed the companionship of their dogs, classic rock music and was a fan of Tony Stewart and Nascar racing. In recent years, Marv had became a member of the Klemme Volunteer Fire Department and liked to give back to the Klemme community.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; and his uncle, Albert Swanson.      

His is survived by his wife of Klemme; son, Chris Bachman and fiancée, Tera of Klemme; daughter, Dani (Nick) Neubauer of Hampton; sons, Chandler (Chelesvig) Bachman and Jameson (Chelesvig) Bachman of Belmond; grandchildren, Christian Bachman of Klemme and Libby Smith of Hampton; his parents of Clear Lake; mother-in-law, Barb Gremmer of Meservey; and father-in-law, Keith Sorenson of Britt.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Don Benson

March 2, 2010

Don Corbett Benson, 87, died on Saturday, February 13, 2010, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was born in Belmond on May 8, 1922, the son of Claude and Fanchon Onnalee Benson. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1940 and began studies at the University of Iowa before attending Officers Training School in 1941. After WW II he finished his degree and then began working for Sears Roebuck & Co. During his 40 years with the company he lived in Cedar Rapids, Moline, Kansas City and Albuquerque.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Presler Benson in 1991.

Survivors include his sister, Marilyn Benson Tucker of Cedar Rapids; and cousin, Del Eggers of Iowa City.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Douglas Barkema

February 23, 2010

Douglas L. Barkema, 51, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, from injuries sustained in an industrial accident.

Funeral services were held on Monday, February 22, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, with burial in the Meservey cemetery.

Douglas Lee, was born on December 5, 1958 in Belmond, the son of Junior and Viola (Pals) Barkema. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1977. He was employed at Central Soya and Sukup Manufacturing. In the 1980's, he began working for Eaton Corporation in Belmond as a machine operator, a position he held for 24 years.

Doug was a passionate hunter, golfer and sports enthusiast (volleyball). Wildlife preservation, bird watching, and collecting fine antiques and "stuff" were keen interests of Doug. He also enjoyed activities he could participate in with his family and friends, as well as working with his brothers on the family farm. He was active at First Reformed in Meservey, serving as a deacon. His faith was his foundation.

Doug consistently discovered ways to do more with less. He was honored to receive the first "cost savings" award from Eaton. He continued to receive numerous work-related awards and recognition through his dedicated years there.

Doug leaves a legacy by touching the lives of so many. He unselfishly volunteered his time in helping others. He was a good friend whenever you needed assistance, anytime and anywhere. He was well known for his sense of humor. He was often referred to as a teddy bear with a big heart.

He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Dwight; and sister-in-law, Nancy (Dean).

Doug is survived by his mother; brothers, Dean (Kim) of Mason City, Dave (Jeanne) of Belmond, DuWayne (Dawn) of Cedar Falls and Delwin (Dawn) of Belmond; sister, Darla (Tad) Gabrielson of Pella; nieces and nephews, Terisa (Bob) Schlueter of Des Moines, Sue (Chad) Cox of Prairie City, Richard Barkema of Mason City, Jim (Lisa) Barkema of Mason City, Laura Barkema of Mason City, Chris (Erin) Barkema of Story City, Tim (Katie) Barkema of Ames, Jon (Melissa) Barkema of Bondurant, Sarah Barkema (fiancée, Eric) of Belmond, Ashley Barkema of Chicago, Danielle Barkema of Ames, TJ Gabrielson of Altus, Oklahoma, Niki Gabrielson of Chicago and Brittany and Brenna Barkema of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Edgar Janson

February 23, 2010

Edgar C. Janson, 91, longtime Belmond barber and businessman, died on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 23, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with burial in the Osage Municipal Cemetery.

Edgar Charles, the son of Hjelmaar and Anna (Enge) Janson, was born on February 18, 1919, on his family's farm near Clarion. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church near Clarion. Edgar graduated from the Clarion High School and attended barber college in Des Moines. Edgar served in the U.S. Army during World War II, spending time in the Pacific Theatre, in the Philippines and other islands. He had received numerous awards and commendations. Edgar returned to civilian life where he farmed for a time and then became a barber for more than 50 years. Edgar married Grace Seter on October 10, 1948 at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. They moved to Belmond in the late 1950's. They had three sons and lost a daughter in infancy.

Edgar was a people person and enjoyed his life as a barber and the hundreds of customers served over five decades. Following retirement, he continued to provide his haircutting skills on a volunteer basis to friends and family members. Edgar's family remembers him as a caring and loving father and a wonderful partner to Grace. He looked forward to each and every opportunity to spend time at family visits. Edgar was progressive in his thinking and appreciated being "in the here and now" of the world. He loved being an active participant in his community and had served in various roles with the Belmond Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycees during his business years. He was a long time and active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and was a member of the VFW.

Edgar loved having coffee with friends at the drug store and enjoyed the special friends at the Belmond Community Apartments. Friends will remember him as easy going, warm and friendly. They will miss his warm hello, the twinkle in his eyes, his warm smile and his famous angel food cakes. 

He was preceded in death by his his wife in November 1999; his infant daughter; sister, Marjorie Holtzbauer; and brothers, Kenneth, Tolford, Eldon, Harley and Joel. 

Edgar is survived by sons, Charles (Linda) Janson of Des Moines, Mark (Lisa) Janson of Woodenville, Washington and Marshall (Christine) Janson of Reno, Nevada; grandchildren, Christopher (Kelly) Janson of Des Moines, Erin (Seth) Kaiser of West Des Moines, Katherine Janson of Reno and Eric Janson of Reno; sisters, Annelaine (Richie) Kane of Westgate, Iowa and Evelyn Leffingwell of Chicago.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Betty Dreyer

March 2, 2010

Betty A. Dreyer, 78, of Latimer, died on Friday, February 26, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, March 2, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hampton. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery.

Betty Ann, the daughter of Paul and Edith Land Kramer, was born on August 19, 1931 in Sullivan, Missouri. At an early age her family moved to Klemme. Betty graduated from the Klemme High School in 1948 and then attended Hamilton Business College. Betty worked for the Park Medical Clinic in Mason City. Betty married Kenneth Dreyer on February 12, 1955 in Goodell. They made their home in Latimer, where they had two sons. Betty worked with Kenneth in his businesses, doing book work and later working in the elevator office.

Betty was a very dedicated housewife and mother. She is remembered for her love of reading, knitting and playing cards. Socializing over coffee with community friends and family was also a favorite of Betty's. She was a member of the Latimer Park Society and the Hanson-Have Legion Auxiliary in Latimer. Betty was a long time member of St. Patrick's in Hampton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on January 21, 2010; nieces, Rita Bettinger and Diane Grandt; brothers-in-law, Casper Grandt and Joe Christman; and nephew, Kenneth "Bud" Grandt.

Betty is survived by sons, Jerry (Sharon) of Overland Park, Kansas and Jeffrey (Sandra) of Windsor Heights; grandchildren, Jaida, Juliana, Mikayla and Tyson; sister, Pauline (Robert) Bettinger of Vinton; brothers, Donald (Maureen) Kramer and Duane (Gini) Kramer, all of Sun Lakes, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Mardella Grandt of Latimer, Arlene Christman of Yuma, Arizona and Karen Omari of Omaha.
©Belmond Independent 2010