Danny Kelley

November 9, 2010

Danny W. Kelley, 63, died November 8, 2010 at his home in Summerfield, FL.

A memorial service will be held November 13, 2010 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services in The Villages. Committal will take place November 15 at Florida National Cemetery.

Danny Wayne was born in Belmond, the son of Omer and Irene Kelley. He served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Navy. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor. Later he worked as a regulatory investigator for the State of Michigan. He moved to Summerfield in 2003 from Lansing, MI.

He was active in the Del Webb Softball Club and attended the Church at the Springs. He enjoyed reading, playing softball, hiking, Michigan State sports, and traveling.   

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Earl Cagle; and brother-in-law Joe Cagle.   

He is survived by his wife Barbara of Summerfield; son Scott Kelley of Ocala, FL; siblings Joe (Marcia) Kelley of Norwalk, Kathy Kelley of Norwalk, Tim (Kelle) Kelley of Belmond, Laurie (Dennis) Nelson of Belmond; extended family Gail Peterson of Bangor, MI, Robert (Donna) Cagle of South Haven, MI, Darcy (Joe) Quinnan of Orlando, Jim (Sandi) Cagle of South Haven, Carla Cagle of South Haven, Debbie (Gary) Waite of Bangor; and mother-in-law Frances Cagle of Bangor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Marion County, Ocala, Florida or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, El Segundo, California.
©Belmond Independent 2010

John Peterson

November 16, 2010

John R. Peterson, 88, of Goodell and Belmond, died November 13, 2010, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held November 16 at the Goodell United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery east of Goodell with military rites by the Goodell American Legion and the Belmond Honor Guard.

John Ronald, the son of Lauretz and Laura Christie Peterson, was born September 8, 1922 in Goodell. He grew up in the Goodell area and graduated from Goodell High School in 1940. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corp where he served during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946. John married Mavis Schisel on February 22, 1948 in Garner. He farmed his entire life -- first east of Goodell, then in 1953, west of Goodell. In 1977 the John and Mavis moved to a house south of Goodell on Highway 69. In 1999 they moved to a home in Belmond. In 2008 they moved to assisted living in Clarion, where they spent the past two years before entering the the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

John is remembered for his love of caring for the grounds surrounding his homes. John had a love for music and was known to burst out in song at any time. John was a member of the E.U.B Church in Goodell (later the United Methodist Church) where he served in several capacities. John was on the board of directors at the Klemme Co-op. He was a member of the Goodell American Legion. John was very proud of the time, work and care he gave as a trustee of the Amsterdam Township Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his great granddaughter Maelani Rose; six sisters; two brothers; three brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.     

John is survived by his wife; children Betty (Kevin) Hadley of Rowan, Cindy (Jim) Fletcher of Clarion, and Ron Peterson of San Angelo, TX; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; sister Lula (Fred) Bell of Klemme; brother Christie Peterson of Goodell; in-laws Edna Peterson of Corwith, Leslie Meres of Arizona, Betty and Ed Anderson of Clear Lake, Elling Schisel of Bricelyn, MN, Jack (Bessie) Schisel, Larry (Linda) Schisel, Bob Schisel and Gary (Jean) Schisel, all of Garner.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Connie Watne

November 23, 2010

Connie (Corrine) Kay Watne, 59, Belmond, lost her battle with cancer on Monday, November 15, 2010 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Services were held Thursday, November 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Connie was born January 26, 1951 to Richard and Florence (Norby) Thompson and grew up in Kanawha. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and graduated from Kanawha High School in 1969. Connie attended the University of Northern Iowa for two years. In August 1971 Connie married Craig Watne. Early in her marriage she worked at Central Soya and Farmer's Grain. Later she worked at Master Mix in Belmond and then pursued an opportunity at Principal Financial Group in Mason City. Most recently she worked at Siemens Water Technologies in Ames.

Connie enjoyed watching her children grow and spending time with her six grandchildren. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her kind heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law John and Evelyn (Case) Watne; sister Ramona Peller; sister-in-laws Betty Watne and Barb Watne; and brother-in-law Earl Kolbeck.

Connie is survived by her husband of Belmond; son Jeremy (Jennifer) Watne of Fishers, IN; daughters Michelle (Grant) Simon of Bartlett, IL, Andrea (Jeremiah) Johnson of Lehigh and Rachael Watne of Urbandale; grandchildren Drew, Luke and Brooke Watne, and Kyle, Jordan and Collin Johnson; brother Doug (Barb) Thompson of Kanawha; sister Kris (Dave) Mehmen of West Des Moines; sisters-in-law Marcia Kolbeck of Ashton, Susan (Leland) Halfpop of Goodell, Phebe (Charles) Soma of Belmond and Norma (Jerry) McNertney of Nevada; brothers-in-law Mark Peller of Mesa, AZ, Jon Jay Watne of Belmond and Ted Watne of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Leland Dorr

November 17, 2010

Leland C. Dorr, 92, Belmond, died Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church west of Belmond. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service at church Friday. The family suggests memorials to the St. Olaf Memorial Fund, Opportunity Village, or Wright County Hospice.
©Belmond Independent 2010

James Unger ll and James Unger lll

November 23, 2010

James J. Unger II, 40, and James A. Unger, Jr, 14, of Dows and Williams, both died on Saturday, November 20, 2010 of injuries received in an automobile accident near Dows.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 24, at the Dows Community School gymnasium. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service on Wednesday. Dugger Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Elmer Dorenkamp

November 30, 2010

Elmer Dorenkamp, 89, Belmond, died November 25, 2010 at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held November 29 at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Elmer, the son of Carl and Lena (Groen) Dorenkamp, was born December 9, 1920 near Palsville. As a young boy Elmer attended Pleasant Township Country School northeast of Belmond. Elmer then moved to Thornton where he graduated from Thornton High School in 1938. During high school. Elmer participated in marching band where he played the baritone horn and marched in the first North Iowa Band Festival. Elmer also played on the high school baseball team as a pitcher. Elmer was often nostalgic about his team having to walk through a hayfield to play on their baseball field, which was a pasture. After high school Elmer began farming with his father. Elmer married Alvina Ostendorf on June 7, 1945 at First Reformed Church in Meservey. The couple made their home in Mason City where Elmer worked for the Holsum Bakery. First, he drove a truck route in northeast Iowa, and then he was promoted to employee superintendent. Elmer and Alvina returned to Meservey in 1949 to farm with his father. Elmer farmed his entire life in the Meservey and Belmond area. Alvina died in 2000. He entered the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond in 2007.

Elmer was an open, friendly, loving father and friend. Living the life of the Good Samaritan, Elmer was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need or offer a simple wave to those who passed by. Elmer was a lifelong member of First Reformed where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He also served as Sunday school superintendent. When Alvina began playing the organ at Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond, the couple became regular attendees. Elmer enjoyed cracking black walnuts. He and Alvina belonged to a card club and loved to play 500. Elmer never knew a stranger. Wherever he was, Elmer was looking for someone he knew or a new friend to make. Merely putting his name and address on an egg created a life-long friendship with people from Massachusetts.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Elmer is survived by his children Curtis (Skip) of Belmond and Michael of Mason City; grandchildren Christine, Timothy and Jennifer Dorenkamp, John (Brena) Dorenkamp, Julie (Corey) Schmidt and Jason Dorenkamp; great-grandchild Lillian; sister Marie (Bud) Boelman of Belmond; brother Marvin (Barbara) of Iowa Falls; and sister-in-law Dorothy Vos-Voelker (Donald) of Ames.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Viola Watkins

November 30, 2010

Viola C. Watkins, 90, Belmond, died November 26, 2010 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond with her loving daughters at her side.

Services were held November 30, at St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond with Rev. James Harbaugh officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Viola Clara, the daughter of Gus and Grace (Beenen) Vestweber, was born September 25, 1920 at the home of her aunt Anna Beenen in rural Alexander. She graduated from Alexander High School where she played girl’s basketball. Viola was united in marriage to Harold Richard Watkins on July 30, 1940 at the church parsonage in Tama. The couple farmed in Alexander, Lime Springs and the Coulter areas, before making their home on a farm west of Belmond. In addition to helping Harold with the farm and raising their daughters, Viola worked outside the home. She was employed for a number of years for Dale Kessler at Kessler Drug, Fred Pals at his neighborhood store near the school, and for 27 years at P & G Market in Belmond. Her soft nature, friendly personality, and warm and welcoming smile were wonderful assets.

Viola enjoyed any occasion that meant spending time with her family. One of her cherished pasttimes was family camping to a favorite campgrounds near the river at Alden. She loved the solitude, watching embers of a glowing campfire, and the simple pleasures of being with those she loved. The couple looked forward to camping trips to many other locations, and carried on this love of the outdoors up until Harold's passing in April 2002. Viola continued to camp with her family for a time after Harold died. Viola and Harold traveled to various places including Europe, Niagara Falls, and most of the western United States. Viola loved to fly and went on several trips with her twin sister, Iola Whipple and Iola's husband Merle.

The family took fishing trips to Mille Lacs Lake and Canada. In earlier years Viola and Harold could be found on the golf course. She enjoyed Saturday night card clubs, raising a flower and vegetable garden, canning and baking. Viola loved to start her days with an early morning walk with her daughters, regardless of the weather. She made many hand made doilies and afghans for her family and friends. Viola was a lifelong member of the St. John Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed. She was active throughout her life in the various offices and positions of WELCA and served as a Sunday school teacher and Sunday school Superintendent for many years.

Following Harold's death Viola continued to live on her own until moving to the Rehabilitation Center in April 2005. During her years there she enjoyed many activities and the friendships she made with fellow residents and staff. Those who had the privilege of crossing the path of Viola's life will remember her as a warm and welcoming lady with a beautiful smile and welcoming twinkle in her eyes. Her family will cherish memories of her nurturing and loving ways.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband; infant great-grandson Benjiman Meints; son-in-law Alvie Smith; and brother-in-law Merle Whipple.

Her legacy will live on the in the hearts and minds of her daughters Karen (David) Crawford and Carol Smith of Belmond; grandchildren Rodney (Lisa) Meints, Darin (Lori) Meints, Kevin (Kim) Smith and Rick (Kim) Brooks; great grandchildren Jessica, Merissa, Stephanie, Austin, James, Joel, Kody, Taylor, Kyle and Nicholas; step grandsons Jeff, Marc and Matt Crawford; step granddaughter Ann Campbell; step great grandchildren Madison, Allivia, Lauren, Jackson, Andrew, Abby and Carson; twin sister Iola Whipple of Mason City; and sister-in-law Lorraine Wilson of Newport, OR.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Bob Whipple

December 7, 2010

Robert "Bob" Whipple, 67, formerly a longtime resident of Britt, died unexpectedly Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held December 4, at the Belmond United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Druhl officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Richard was born May 13, 1943 in Belmond. He was raised by his parents, Duane "Red" and Anita (Thompson) Whipple in Belmond where he attended Belmond Community Schools. During his school years he was very active in extra-curricular activities and was an excellent athlete. He loved sports and was accomplished on both the gridiron and on the track. Bob won the state football throw and was a terrific football player. Bob was known for a famous trick play known as "The Whipple Special" where Bob would convert from the offensive line as a tackle to quarterback on a toss back and then use his rifle arm to lead his beloved team mates down the field for the score or a big gainer. Bob also made a name for himself in track and field where he had placed on a state level in the discus and was a place winner in the Drake Relays. Bob graduated from Belmond High School with the Class of 1961. Upon graduating he would enlist in the United States Navy in June of 1961, with a bit of influence from his uncle Ray Thompson who was Chief of Police and had caught Bob painting the local water tower.

While in the service Bob was united in marriage to Lois "Misty" Claude on June 8, 1961 at the Church of Christ in Clarion. Following their marriage the couple lived in Key West, FL where Bob was stationed and later moved to Washington, D.C. During his military tenure Bob spent much of his time in the Naval Air Corp and naval squadrons. He was honorably discharged June 25, 1965 as an AE-3 (E-4) after four proud years of of service to his country.

Upon returning to civilian life Bob commenced a career spanning more than 37 years in the electric and power industry. He and Lois first made their home in Newton for a short time before moving to Britt, where they raised their children, Rob, Roxanne and Rick. Bob was a lineman for Iowa Electric (Alliant Energy) for a number of years before a boom truck accident and injuries sustained from the mishap, mandated that Bob change positions within the company. Bob would fulfill various supervisory and management positions within the company with much of his knowledge and skills focused on the Environmental sector of his profession. During his years with Iowa Electric/Alliant Energy, Bob continued his education by completing two years of college at NIACC. Bob retired from Alliant at age 59. In the early 1980's Bob and Lois owned and operated "Whipple's Sight and Sound", an electronics and TV store in Britt for a time.

Being a man who loved to remain active in all areas of his life, he continued to work in various occupations. Bob spent a number of years working at Belmond Labs doing soil sampling. He was then employed by the City of Belmond as a groundskeeper at the Belmond Cemetery where he proudly and meticulously maintained and manicured the property. Bob drove bus for the mentally and physically impaired with Krysilis. In 2003 he and Lois’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of people led the couple to open and operate Double Dip Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Belmond. To the delight of hundreds of people through the region they decided to expand the business with the addition of a mobile ice cream van. They traveled the countryside bringing their delicious ice cream delights to neighborhoods, community events, and other occasions. Their outgoing personalities brought warmth to whatever event they were participating in. They sold the Double Dip in 2009. In recent times Bob, along with his teammate Lois, were involved in the sales area of CDI and FHP in Belmond, a position they both enjoyed as it allowed them to travel about and have the flexibility to attend family happenings which were a priority in their lives.

Bob's love for others and the communities he called home could be seen in his many years of service to the Britt Jaycees, in his leadership as a member of the Britt Country Club Board of Directors, and his various roles with the Belmond Lions Club, where one of his pet projects was helping to orchestrate the annual Lions Club Toy Show Auction. Bob was actively involved in the Britt United Methodist Church and Belmond United Methodist Church where he had served as a trustee. He was a life long member of the VFW and American Legion. Another personal accomplishment he was quite proud of was when he was secretary for astronaut James Lovell.

Bob was truly a good Samaritan who loved to lend his labors, talents and knowledge to his family and neighbors. He truly enjoyed giving of his time to those who needed a hand with any task no matter how big or small. He seemed to always find time for others and did so without expecting anything in return. He enjoyed visiting, socializing, dining out, and the occasional trip to the track or casino. He never met a stranger he couldn't visit with, as he was very much a people person. Bob's unselfish love for others could only be overshadowed by his boundless love for his wife, Lois, his children, and his grandchildren. He was their number one fan in all aspects of their lives. He and his life teammate, Lois, were always there for one another in the game of life no matter what curve it might throw at them. Over the years the two would travel about the country to be in the bleachers or seats of the athletic events and other activities of their children and grandchildren. Even as recently as the evening before Bob passed away, they had made the trek between several towns to attend two different grandchildren's sporting events. His family and friends will always remember his fiery passion for various sports events he attended and his strong views of the happenings of these games. One might hear Bob sharing his perspectives of the situation with the referees on the field or court. He might even stroll with them off the field bending their ears about the calls of the game. He might even have enjoyed ruffling the refs feathers and stripes from time to time. He will now be able to look over their shoulders and be the "Guardian Cheerleader" for his family.

Bob's love a sports continued throughout his life as he participated in slow-pitch softball leagues in earlier years, an active bowler, and had a great passion and skill for golf, including winning the Britt Country Club Championship in 1983. He was a avid Cyclone fan.

Over the years his family remembers many exciting and adventurous vacations with Bob and Lois, often referring to the them as the National Lampoon's Whipple Family vacations. Bob, Lois and family enjoyed camping trips and going on various other trips including Las Vegas and Hawaii. One of Bob's most favorite past times was taking the grandchildren on fishing excursions. If boating was a part of the occasion, the family always knew it might be more than just an outing, rather a true adventure on the water.

Bob will be remembered by all who crossed in the path way of his life journey as a genuine and devoted family man who thoroughly loved all life had to offer. His great laugh and innate sense of humor will be dearly missed. His family will miss his boisterous cheering over their shoulders, but will gain strength in knowing he is now their "Guardian Angel and Cheerleader".

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his wife and life partner of nearly 50 years, Lois "Misty" Whipple of Belmond; son Rob (Deb) Whipple of Baltic, SD; daughter Roxanne (Steve) Savoy of Britt; son Rick (Dodie) Whipple of Garner; his beloved grandchildren Megan, Molly, Daniel and Marissa Whipple, Brookelyn and Jordan Savoy, Dane, Max and Payton Whipple; Bob's sister Kathy (Joe) Moore of Plymouth; brother Dennis (Lori) Whipple of Salt Lake City; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends,

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother Helen Nelson and grandfather Richard Thompson; paternal grandparents Grant and Ruby Whipple; and sister-in-law Linda Whipple.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Carol Meyer

December 7, 2010

Carol Meyer, 60, Belmond, died Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held Saturday, December 4, at the Belmond United Methodist Church with burial in the Belmond Cemetery.

Carol Jean, the daughter of Ernest and Mildred Ladehoff Segebart, was born August 8, 1950 in Denison where she grew up and attended school. Carol married Ervin Steve Meyer on April 17, 1970 in Sioux Falls. The couple lived in several midwest communities. Carol worked at various meat packing plants and raised her family as a housewife and mother. In 1980 Steve and Carol moved to Corwith, and she worked until retirement at the Armour plant between Britt and Garner. The couple moved to Belmond in 2000.

Carol was an avid reader, reading mostly from the scriptures. She loved being outside fishing and gardening. Carol’s family was what meant most to her, and she spent as much time as she could with her children and grandchildren. Carol and Steve were long-time members of Grace Baptist Church in Corwith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Sandra; and a daughter in infancy.

Carol is survived by her husband; children Steven of Tiptonville, TN, Patricia Jarvis and Mike Ferch of Clear Lake and John of Belmond; grandchildren Alex Meyer of Clear Lake and Daniel Balcom of Welcome, MN; sisters Dorothy Fredickson of Denison, Ruby Fredickson of Denison, Evelyn Merit of Rock Rapids and June Albrecht of Lompac, CA; brothers Larry Segebart (Kathy) of Clinton, Bill Segebart (Vicki) of Dow City, Ernest Segebart of Denison, Jimmy Segebart of Knoxville and Charles Segebart (Joni) of Denison.
©Belmond Independent 2010