Jerry Jenison

October 5, 2010

Jerry Jenison, 66, of Lake Mills, died on Monday, October 4, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice in Mason City.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday, October 9, from 3-5:00 p.m., at Turnberry’s Rice Lake Golf and Country Club, rural Lake Mills. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 11, in Ames.

Jerry was born on January 27, 1944 in Belmond, the youngest son of Duane and Henrietta (Sturgeon) Jenison. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1961. Jerry married Bonnie Rogalla in 1964. Three children were born to this marriage, Gina, Tami and Judson. In 1979, he married Lynn Piper and one child was born, Scott. He worked in Ames for many years, retiring in 2004.

Jerry is survived by his wife of Lake Mills; daughters, Gina (Pete) Evans of Ankeny and Tami (David) Trotter of Lorton, Virginia; sons, Judson of Minneapolis and Scott of Ames; brothers, Roland (Phyllis) of Ames and Lynn (Karen) of Ellensburg, Washington.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Marguerite Ruka

October 19, 2010

Marguerite Drury Ruka, 92, died October 10, 2010 at the Mitchell Village Care Center in Mitchellville.

Services were held October 16 at the United Methodist Church in Goodell. Burial was in Amsterdam Cemetery east of Goodell.

Marguerite, the daughter of J.I. and Flora Fowler Drury, was born August 31, 1918 at Rowan. After graduating from Goodell High School she attended Iowa State Teacher’s College (UNI) in Cedar Falls. Marguerite completed a two year teacher certification and began teaching at the Twin Lake Township School. Marguerite married Merle Ruka on March 14, 1941 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Goodell, where they met. Marguerite and Merle made their home west of Goodell where they farmed and raised a family. They moved to Belmond in 1995. Marguerite moved to Mitchell Village in 2001.

Marguerite was a member of the Goodell United Methodist Church, the U.M.W. and the Ladies Aid. Family and friends will miss her good cooking, Christmas candy, and the many special dishes she prepared. She enjoyed going to see her grandchildren perform in their special events and taking trips with her sister, Florence and Donald Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband (2001); brother and sister-in-law Robert (Mae) Drury of Rowan; brother-in-law Milton Friedow of Kanawha; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Lyle (Bettey) Ruka and Donald (Eleanor) Abbas; niece, Jayanna Friedow; and nephews Wayne Johnson and Steven Drury.

Marguerite is survived by her children Gary (Sheila) of Belmond, Lynn (Lorraine) of Tucson, AZ and Marilyn (Dick) Beukema of Mitchellville; grandchildren Darcy Ruka of Council Bluffs, Julie (Todd) Kraaz of Omaha, Steven (Dena) Ruka of Thornton, CO, Lori (Octabio) Torres of Gilbert, AZ, Todd (Dawn) Beukema of Bonderant and Dean Beukema of Guthrie Center; 14 great grandchildren; one great great grandson; sisters Florence (Donald) Johnson of Britt and Beryl Friedow of Kanawha; brother Keith (Doris) Drury of Mobile, AL; and sister-in-law Evelyn Ruka of Boulder, CO.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Dena Pals

October 12, 2010

Dena W. Pals, 99, died on Sunday, October 10, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond surrounded by her family. Services were held Wednesday, October 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Dena, the daughter of John and Epka (Kaduce) Wiemann, was born on March 4, 1911 on the family farm near Meservey. She received her education in a rural school and at Meservey High School. Dena married Henry Pals, Jr., on July 13, 1929 at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Henry and Dena farmed and raised their four daughters in the Meservey, Belmond and Sheffield areas until retiring to Belmond in 1967. In addition to farming with her husband, Dena was a life-long homemaker, devoted wife, loving mother, and nurturing grandmother. After moving to Belmond she worked for many years as a cook at Belmond High School.

Dena was a member of First Reformed and later became a member of Bethany Reformed in Belmond. She was a member of the R.C.W. and served as president, treasurer, and secretary of education among other capacities of the group. Over a period of 20 years she taught Sunday school, catechism and Bible school. Throughout her life her faith and spiritual journey were strong. Dena enjoyed reading, crafts, crocheting and morning coffee with friends. She had been a resident of the Rehabilitation Center since January 2009.

Dena loved her family and many friends. She was a very gentle, caring and peaceful lady.

Dena was preceded in death by her husband (1987), daughter Betty Morris; sister Jennie Steenhard; brothers Henry and Leonard Wiemann; grandson Lindsay Morris; granddaughter Jody Priestly; and her sons-in-law Derl Morris, Robert Foss, Mark Eckerman and Dale Phelps.

Survivors include daughters Evanette (Kenneth) White of Belmond, Wanda (Leonard) Pals of Clear Lake and Dianne Phelps of Waterloo; sisters Thelma Langlitz of Meservey and Frieda Jurgens of Belmond; grandchildren Bobbi Jo (Guy) Priestly of Alexander, Anthony (Shelley) Foss of Belmond, Gayle (Leslie) Thompson of Belmond, Todd (Denise) Foss of Clarion, Sally (Brad) Lindeman of Belmond, Steven (Karen) Pals of Chicago, IL, Darwyn (Mary Ann ) Pals of Denver, IA, Tracy Jo Kessler of Clear Lake, RoxAnne (Lyman) Emery of Alburnett, Kerry (Trish) Morris of Belmond, Brian (Cheryl) Morris of Minneapolis, grand-daughter-in-law Jane Morris of Clear Lake, Kathleen (Robert) O'Connor of Needham, MA, Carmen (Nathaniel) Maendal of Brainerd, MN and Jim Phelps of Oceanside, CA; great grandchildren Ashly Priestly, Randi and Nikki Foss, Whitney and Brandon Thompson, Micki (Chad) Disney, Shea Marie Foss, Ryan and Kelsey Lindeman, Michael and Dara Morris, Susan (Clay) Starrett, Ryan Vestweber, Courtney (Anthony) Ayala, Joshua (Amanda) Morris, Matthew and Amanda Gaillard, Michael Pals, Tammy (James) Mason, Sarah and Bethany Pals, Elliott and Austin Kessler, Matthew, Justin and Julian Phelps, Brigid and Liam O’Connor, Joshua Maendal; great great grandchildren, Amaya, Izaac and Kaylie Morris, Sharise Ayala, Madison Roberts, Nevan Foss, Rilley Jo Disney and Ethan Starrett.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Blaine Nickles

October 26, 2010

Blaine Nickles, 82, died October 11, 2010 at Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Services were held October 14 at the Clarion United Methodist Church.

Blaine was born August 23, 1928 near Woolstock. He went to school in Blairsburg and served in the U.S. Army. He married Dorothy Nail in 1950, and she died in 1963. He married Melvene Tysdal Lowry in 1966.  Blaine was a well known Wright County farmer and received a number of awards from agricultural groups. He was active in the movement to question the impact of factory farms.

He is survived by his wife Melvene; children Mark (Deb) Lowry, Renee Von Hagen and Mitchell Nickles; brother Louis Nickles; and sisters Lavetta Batchellor and Dorothy Peterson.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Lynn Slining

October 19, 2010

Lynn R. Slining, 65, died October 12, 2010 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

A memorial gathering was held October 15 at the Veterans Home. A private ceremony will also be held at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado with his daughters.

Lynn Robert was born July 24, 1945 to Robert and Donna (Benson) Slining in Belmond. He graduated from high school in 1963. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1972. He married Glenda Anne Sorensen in August 1965. He had resided in Belmond, Des Moines, and for the last 3 1/2 years at the Iowa Veterans Home. Lynn was employed by the United States Postal Service for 30+ years.

The most important thing in Lynn’s life was his “girls” and their families. He enjoyed family, especially his grandkids (who called him “Poppo”), traveling to Colorado, and visiting with just about anyone.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Kathy Didio.

Survivors are his daughters Michelle (Mark) Shadle of Colorado and Stacy (Jay) Albright of Florida; grandchildren Cameron and Sydney Shadle and Jackson and Reese Albright; sister Roxanne Slining of Mason City; step-mom Martha Slining of Belmond; step-brothers Lyle Klinge and Kendall (Sue) Klinge; and step-sister Delorys (Marvin) Lonnevik.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Adelaide Hill

October 19, 2010

Adelaide E. Hill, 99, died October 13, 2010 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held October 19 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church west of Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Adelaide Evelyn was born in Wright County on August 11, 1911, the daughter of Elling J. and Anna (Michelson) Soma. She was baptized as an infant at the Kanawha Lutheran Church and confirmed at St. Olaf in 1925. After graduating from Kanawha High School and Normal Training (for teaching grade school) at UNI in Cedar Falls, she taught at country schools in Boone Township for two years and Belmond Township for one year. Her last year of teaching was in the same country school where she attended kindergarten. On May 22, 1935 Adelaide married Henry H. Hill. They farmed for a number of years before moving to the home they built in Belmond after the tornado of 1966.

Adelaide was an active member of St. Olaf where she enjoyed working in the Sunday school, especially the junior and adult Bible classes, and as Sunday school superintendent. She held every office of the Lutheran Church Women at various times. She was an honorary member of the Home Study Club, having been a member since it's inception and an active member for over 50 years. Since 1985, she read the entire Bible 22 times.

She enjoyed genealogy and kept up on both the Soma and Hill family trees.

She was preceded in death by her husband (1985); brothers Jovial, Norris, Melvin and Elmer; and sisters Gladys Mehl, Bernice Sebert, Shirley Gabrielson, Viola Morris, and June Kloberdanz.   

Adelaide is survived by her children Connie (Rev. David) Guetzke of Viroqua, WI, Erwin (Iva Jeanne) Hill of Albert Lea and Harold (Sheryl) Hill of Belmond; grandchildren Saundra (Paul) Tomascak of Lino Lakes, MN, Brenda (Brent) Brayko of Seoul, South Korea, Dennis (Chrissy) Hill of Hazel Green, WI, Kenneth (Michelle) Hill of Cedar Rapids, Rodney (Teri) Hill of Littleton, CO, Nathan (Takako) Hill of Okinawa, Japan, Sara Hill (David Baruthio) of Des Moines and Dorcas Hill-Wimp (Steve Wimp) of Altoona; great-grandchildren Anna and Alec Brayko, Elliott and Cameren Hill, Sydnee and Brady Hill, Loni and Luke Hill, and Mitsuki, Mitsuyoshi and Mitsunari Hill; and sister Margaret (Alvin) Dorenkamp of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2010

George Eekhoff

October 26, 2010

George A. Eekhoff, 77, Belmond, died October 18, 2010 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Services were held October 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial with military honors was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

George Aldrich, the son of George J. and Hannah (Einhuis) Eekhoff, was born February 7, 1933 at Kanawha. He attended Kanawha Schools, and following his sophomore year joined the United States Army. He was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church. George served his country in the Korean Conflict and received many commendations, including a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Occupation Medal (Japan) and National Service Defense Medal. He was discharged as a corporal in January 1954 after three years and one day of service. Upon returning to civilian life he began his career as a co-owner of Nelson Sand and Gravel near Belmond.

George married Marilyn Nelson on June 23, 1957 at the Belmond Methodist Church. They raised their family in Belmond while George and his partners operated their business for nearly 40 years. After the company was sold and became Wright Materials, George was the general manager of the business for ten years.

George was a hardworking man who always made sure the needs of his family were provided for, and he truly enjoyed the fruits of his labors. He took tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren and all they accomplished. He was their number one fan in life, and along with Marilyn their number one cheerleaders in all that they were involved in, both athletic and other extra-curricular activities. The couple would strive to attend as many events as possible no matter how far the distance. George's love of sports and the youth of the world continued after the kids had graduated, as he and his wife would attend numerous events of the school district and their grandkids activities.

George loved sports and was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, holding season tickets for many years. The family looked forward to times spent together on Hawkeye tailgating excursions. He also enjoyed traveling to Buena Vista College to watch Kevin play during his years there, and was a Minnesota Vikings fan.

George and Marilyn were longtime golf enthusiasts and had belonged to both the Klemme and Belmond golf courses. George and his partners helped to build both of the courses over the years, and also many of the ball fields in the area.

George loved music and loved to take Marilyn on dance outings to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake and during their years wintering in Apache Junction, AZ. He looked forward to family camping trips, socializing with family and friends, and just having a good time. He had a soft spot in his heart for stray animals and would often adopt a stray dog. He was an excellent cook and one of his favorite pastimes was cooking breakfast for his family. Other hobbies included woodworking and making rocking horses and other special gifts for his family. He had an excellent mind and was a terrific mechanic. He was a true patriot and belonged the VFW in Belmond for more than 50 years.

George’s family and friends will remember him as a man who would drop everything he was doing to help them in whatever they needed. His family always could count on him. They will remember his quiet personality and gentle nature, yet when the occasion arose, one couldn't avoid the warmth and depth of his wonderful laugh and sense of wit and humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard.

His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his loving wife and devoted life partner of 53 years Marilyn of Belmond; sons Brian (Mary) Eekhoff of Flagstaff, AZ, Kevin (Julie) Eekhoff of LeMars and Todd (fiancee' Marci) Eekhoff of Reno, NV; brothers Jake Eekhoff of Aitkin, MN, and Hemmo Eekhoff of Belmond; sisters Marie Riggs of East Moline, IL, Em Nelson of Belmond, Hannah Mack of Kennewick, WA, and Cindy (Bill) Buenting of Antioch, CA; grandchildren Stephanie (fiancee' Luke) of Sioux City, Alex Eekhoff of Reno, and Brooke, Brianne and Brittany of Flagstaff; and foreign exchange student Soledad Cornejo-Surjan of Chile.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Leonard Ausborn

October 26, 2010

Leonard J. "Lenny" Ausborn, 76, Belmond, died October 22, 2010 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held October 25 at St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond. Burial was in Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Leonard John, the son of Albert and Anna Groh Ausborn, was born February 15, 1934 in Kanawha. He grew up in the countryside and attended country school through the 8th grade. Lenny lived with his parents, working on the farm. He loved raising bantam chickens and loved horses. Later, Lenny would live with his brother, Harvey. Lenny entered Duncan Heights in 1990. He lived there until 2003 when he entered the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Lenny was a bright, wonderful human being who lit up a room with life. He liked playing with his nieces and nephews, and teased them, and others, without mercy. Leonard was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran where he was a life-long member. Church and family meant very much to Lenny. He looked forward to family gatherings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Harvey, Ervin and Don.

Leonard is survived by his brother Robert (Mary) of Ames; sisters-in-law Corrine Ausborn of Britt and Nellie Ausborn of Belmond; and fourteen nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Cecelia Roskamp

October 26, 2010

Cecelia “Celia” Roskamp, 93, Kanawha, died October 23, 2010 at the Kanawha Community Home.

Services were held October 26 at the Kanawha Lutheran Church with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating. Burial was at Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha.

Cecelia Clarice, the daughter of Abel and Mary (Fosen) Omvig, was born January 31, 1917 on the family farm near Kanawha. She attended rural school and was confirmed at the Kanawha Lutheran Church. Celia was united in marriage to Carl Roskamp on October 9, 1940 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple farmed around Belmond from 1942 until Carl’s death on May 15, 1986. Celia moved into Kanawha in 1987 and entered the Community Home in 2007.

Celia was a member of Kanawha Lutheran. She loved to bake, especially kringla, and do her housework. Celia took great pride in raising African violets.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Joe, Oren, John and Art; and sisters Alice, Oviedia and Synneva.

Celia is survived by her sister Mabel Peterson of Britt; sister-in-law Marjorie Omvig of Kanawha; and brothers-in-law Bernard (Marg) Roskamp of Clarion and Gene (Lois) Roskamp of Rock Island, IL.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Violet Wolters

November 2, 2010

Violet J. Wolters, 89, Belmond, died Monday, October 25, 2010 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 29 at Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond with Pastors Troy Lohmeyer and Doug Farrell officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Reformed Cemetery east of Belmond. Visitation was on Thursday at Andrews Funeral Home.

Violet Jean, the daughter of Claus and Janette (Hass) Kaduce, was born May 26, 1921 at Amboy, MN. She graduated from Amboy High School with the Class of 1939. On October 4, 1939 Violet was united in marriage to Elwin Wolters at the Palsville Church Parsonage in rural Belmond by Rev. O.G. Poppen. Violet had worked for a time at Wilson's Packing Plant in Albert Lea, and for many years was employed with Aldinger's General Store in Alexander where she had done egg candling and other duties. She was a life long homemaker, loving wife, and nurturing mother. Violet was a partner in the farming operations with her husband for many years and could often be found milking cows, gathering eggs or doing other chores. She was a hardworking lady who received great joy and satisfaction in providing a home for her family. She looked forward to hosting family gatherings and was especially fond of Christmas get together's.

Violet's life was always lead by her faith. She was an active and devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church where she had held numerous roles, including teaching Sunday school and Bible school, mission work, and was a camp counselor for many years. Her church was truly important to her.

Following Elwin's death in 1980, Violet continued to reside on the farm for a short time before moving the house into Belmond in August 1981. She lived in that house until moving to the Belmond Community Retirement Apartments, and then the Rehabilitation Center in June 2009.   

Following Elwin's death, Violet did quite a bit of traveling, including Texas in the winter, Hawaii, the World's Fair in Tennessee and Arizona. Violet was always ready to go no matter how short or how far the trip might be. She was an avid Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball fan.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband; infant sister Hilda; sister Dena Madsen and husband Stanley; brothers Edwin and Victor Kaduce; brothers-in-law Willam Tyson and Clarence Wolters; daughter-in-law Peggy Wolters; and a son-in-law Roger Olson.

Her legacy will continue to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of her children Donna (Larry) Michaelson of Lake Mills, Linda (fiancée David Olson) Olson of Ventura, David Wolters of Belmond, and Gary (Rachel) Wolters of Forest City; brothers Ervin (Verna) Kaduce of Mapleton, MN and Claus, Jr. (Jean) Kaduce of Amboy; sister Rene Tyson of Fairmont, MN; grandchildren Jill Huerter (Scott) of Rochester, Dean Michaelson (Dana) of Creston, Danny Olson of Chinae, South Korea, Greg Olson (Kim) of Kansas City, DJ Wolters (Shannon) of Goodell, Lynn Wolters (Shereen), of St. Paul, Robert Wolters (Kasey) of Albert Lea, and Heidi Wolters of Plymouth, MN; great grandchildren Tyler and Brooke Huerter, Angela and Brandon Phipps, Jacob, Daniel and Nicole Olson, Zachary and Caitlin Olson, Jason Wolters, Elliana, Madeline and Abigail Wolters, and Katelyn Wolters; sisters-in-law Melinda Kaduce of Fairmont, Gladys Kaduce of Winnebego, MN and Gladys Wolters of Belmond; and her special friend of many years, Vern Janssen of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Renae Scott

October 27, 2010

Renae L. Scott, 53, died October 26, 2010 at her home in Clearfield, Iowa.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 30 at Pearson-Coen-Beaty Family Funeral Service in Corning. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Clearfield Cemetery.

Renae Lynn, daughter of William “Bill” and Shirley Dieger, was born July 31, 1957 in Belmond. She graduated from Belmond High School in 1976. Renae furthered her education and became a certified nursing aide and worked for Nurse Force in Des Moines for several years, providing in home health care. Later she moved to Corning and began working at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Lenox. On September 1, 2008 Renae was united in marriage to Larry Scott in Las Vegas. The couple moved to rural Clearfield eleven months ago.

Renae loved spending time outdoors. She had an amazing collection of unicorns and bells which she was very proud of.

She was preceded in death by her son Aaron Porter, and brother-in-law Jim Just.

Survivors include her husband of Clearfield; her parents of Belmond; daughter Kelli; son Antony; and sister Linda Just of Mesa, AZ.
©Belmond Independent 2010

Norma Hoff

November 2, 2010

Norma J. Hoff, 77, Belmond, died on Sunday, October 31, 2010 at the Westview Care Center in Britt with her family at her side.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 3 at St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond and continue one hour prior to the service at church.

Norma Jean was born July 23, 1933 at Osage, the daughter of Elmer and Nora Wright. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. She graduated from Osage High School.   Norma married Bernard G. Hoff from Mason City on February 28, 1953 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason City. She was a lifelong homemaker and a wonderful painter and artist. Norma and Bernard displayed and sold many of her paintings and other crafts throughout the region. Music was another of her gifts, and over the years she sang and directed various church choirs in Hampton and Belmond.

She enjoyed the simple things in life, such as time with her husband, decorating her home, her flowers and garden, and her Egyptian Mau cats. In later years she traveled with Bernard on his sales trips. During their years together, the couple lived in the southeastern U.S., Spencer, Hampton, and for the last 32 years in Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Gerald; an infant son; sister Marion Anderson; and brother Eugene Wright.

Her memory will live on in the lives of her husband of Belmond; son Lindsey (Elizabeth) Hoff of Dubuque; daughter Cynthia (Robert) Holder of Illinois; sister Janette (Herbert) Heimer of Coon Rapids, MN; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
©Belmond Independent 2010