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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The NCIGS Wright County Archive



Bernie Biddle
(Note-For funeral information see October 2011 of this archive.)

January 4, 2011

Bernie Biddle, a long time Rowan resident, died on Saturday, January 1, 2011 (her 97th birthday) in Phoenix, AZ.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Karl Watne

January 11, 2011

Karl J. Watne, 70, of Galt, died on Sunday, January 2, 2011, at his home, following a two-year battle with cancer.

Services were held on Friday, January 7, at the Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg. Interment was at the Lutheran Cemetery in Holmes.

Karl was born on May 11, 1940 in Clarion, the son of Olaf and Bernice (Hovland) Watne. He married Judy Schaa on August 26, 1961. They lived on a farm southwest of Galt. Karl farmed with his brothers Tom, Knute and Stan.

He was was preceded in death by his infant sister Ruth and brother Pete.

He is survived by his wife; children Kim (Rick) Lee, Steve (Lana) Watne and Doug (Kristin) Watne; sister Miriam (Dave) Britt; and brothers Sam (Lois) Watne, Tom (Jan) Watne, Knute (Etter) Watne, Stan (Pam) Watne; and foster daughter Tuyet (Le) Vu.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Marie Vierkant

January 11, 2011

Marie Vierkant, 99, Tyler, TX, formerly of Meservey, died on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, in Tyler.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 14, at the Meservey Cemetery. Pastor Jon Vierkant will officiate. Friends and relatives are invited to the First Reformed Church basement in Meservey for fellowship after the service at the cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home of Belmond is in charge of the arrangements.
©Belmond Independent 2011



The Rev. Robert Vander Schaaf

January 11, 2011

The Rev. Robert Vander Schaaf, 91, of Alton, died on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the Orange City Area Health System Long Term Care Facility.

Services were held on Monday, January 10, at the Alton Reformed Church.

Robert Samuel was born December 16, 1919 in Leota, MN, the son of the Rev. John J. and Adriana Maria (Muilenburg) Vander Schaaf. At the age of two Bob moved with his family to Denver, CO. Six years later they moved to Springfield, SD. He graduated from Springfield High School and spent two years at the Southern Normal School. He then worked a year to finance two years at Central College in Pella. After graduating in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.

Bob served in the military for 3½ years during World War II, working his way up to Aviation Radioman First Class. He logged over 2200 flight hours in PBMs that patrolled for submarines near the Panama Canal, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Galapagos Islands, and both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of America.

On May 10, 1943, he married Esther Lydia Keizer in Alton. After the war they made their home in Alton where Bob purchased the Floyd Hatchery. He was a member of the Alton Reformed Church. In the fall of 1958, feeling God’s call to the ministry, Bob entered Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI, graduating in 1961. During his years as a minister, he had only two pastorates: Immanuel Reformed near Belmond (nine years) and Trinity Reformed in Fulton, IL (fifteen years).

In 1985, Bob and Esther retired to Alton. She died in May 2001. In January 2005 he moved to the Pioneer Memorial Home in Orange City, a facility that his grandfather, Samuel Muilenburg, helped found decades earlier. In May 2008, he transferred to the long term care facility.

He genuinely loved interacting and learning about people from all walks of life: family, friends, children, “down and outers”, underdogs, and strangers. He had a great sense of humor, loved to tell stories, and showed kindness and compassion to many. However, his greatest love was for his faithful Savior, who he joyfully served with a grateful heart.

He was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Bonnie Vander Schaaf; brother Merrill Vander Schaaf; and sisters Laura Lensink and Ruth Thompson.

Survivors include his daughter Rachel (Rich) Aalbers of Mount Vernon; son Rev. Robert (Sharon) Vander Schaaf of Sioux City; grandchildren Daniel (Shelly) Aalbers of Hampton, Benjamin (Heather) Aalbers of Greensboro, NC, Abigail (Louis) Desaulty of Chicago, Aaron (Staci) Vander Schaaf of Quitman, TX, Adam (Jill) Vander Schaaf of Sioux City and Amber (Tyler) Brinks of Littleton, CO; nine great-grandchildren; sisters Ada Fisher of Marion, IN and Amy Breisch of New Glarus, WI; and brother Howard Vander Schaaf of Cedar Rapids.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Gerald McNulty

January 18, 2011

Gerald W. McNulty, 94, of Belmond, died on Monday, January 10, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 15, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with burial in the church cemetery. The Andrews Funeral home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Belmond-Klemme Scholarship Foundation or Hospice of Wright County.

Gerald "Jerry" Wilfred was born on January 7, 1917 in Belmond. He graduated with honors from Belmond High School where he excelled in football and basketball. After graduation Jerry attended the University of Iowa for one year, receiving straight A's. He then returned home to help his father on the farm. Jerry married MaDonna Hofer on May 6, 1939. They briefly lived in town while Jerry operated a local service station. Then they moved to the family farm north of Belmond where they spent the next 60 years. They later moved into a condo in Belmond. Jerry farmed his entire life and also worked as a hail adjuster for 25 years. He visited many places and always returned home having met new friends.

Jerry was a kind man who took great pride in his hometown. He served as a member and president of the Belmond School Board and was instrumental in the decision to buy the land where the schools are now located. He enjoyed being a member of the Gridiron Club and supported Belmond sports throughout his life. For many years he could be found in the bleachers cheering the Broncos. Jerry served on the Belmond Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Eagle Grove, and later in Belmond. He was an active, lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier.

Jerry was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and had season tickets for over 30 years. He looked forward to attending games with his children, grandchildren and friends. A proud Irishman, he was an avid fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Jerry will be remembered for his dedication to his family and friends, his sense of humor, and his hearty laugh.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, MaDonna (December 2005); sisters, Marian McNulty, Donna Castle and Patricia Rowe; and brothers, Donald, Father Edward, and Paul.   

Survivors include his sons, Tom (Diane) of Naples, FL, Mark (Marcia) of Clear Lake and Dennis of Belmond; daughter, Shannon McNulty of Santa Fe, NM; son, Edward of Belmond; daughter-in-law, Cyndy McNulty of Belmond; grandchildren, Maureen (Scott) Dockstader of Ames, Michael (Lisa) McNulty of Zimmerman, MN, Monica (Jeff) Gribben of Mason City, Matthew (Theresa) McNulty of Polk City, Mitchell (Melissa) McNulty of Ankeny, Meagan (Kyle) Rolfes of North Liberty, Kathleen (Chad) Pliester of Belmond and Lisa Alexander of Lincoln, NE; and 19 great grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Frances Redfield

January 18, 2011

Frances V. Redfield, 89, formerly of Algona and Leander, TX, died on Friday, January 14, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Tuesday, January 18, at the Andrews Funeral Home with Reverend James Harbaugh officiating. Burial was at Riverview Cemetery, Algona.

Frances Virginia was born on September 25, 1921 in Humboldt, to Arthur H. and M. Camilla (Laursen) Schultz. She lived in the area until 1936 when the family moved to Estherville where she graduated from high school. On September 7, 1942, she married Clark D. Redfield and they settled in Des Moines. Frances had several jobs, and in 1958 she started with the United States government. In 1966, she and Clark moved to Kansas City and continued working for the government until she retired in 1985.

Frances enjoyed playing cards, cooking, sewing, watching the birds at her feeders, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by children, Duwaine (Peggy) of Belmond, Merlin of New Port Richey, FL and Suzanne of Leander, TX; grandchildren, Jason Redfield, Camille Usher, Jennifer Adkins, Megan Kuhlers and Brie Redfield; and great-grandchildren, Ashton Redfield, Addie Marie Usher, Koty Kuhlers, Trevor Usher, Jackson Redfield, Triston Adkins, Chloe Hobscheidt, Aidan Adkins, Aiden Hobscheidt and Addison Adkins.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Neva VanBuskirk

January 25, 2011

Neva VanBuskirk, 75, of Klemme, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Saturday, January 22, at the Klemme United Methodist Church.

Neva Ann Anderson, the only daughter of David P. and Geneva (Schultz) Anderson, was born on January 31, 1935 at Mason City. She graduated from the Klemme High School and attended business college for two years in Mason City. Ann married Gerald M. "Barney" VanBuskirk on February 6, 1955 at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The couple's union was blessed with two daughters, Kathy and Paula and a son, Gerald Jr.

Ann worked in the restaurant/ hospitality profession at the Golden Goose in Clear Lake and the Country Club in Conrad. She had been employed as a teacher's aide when the family lived in New London, OH. She was also employed at Dr. Alder's chiropractic office in Forest City. Ann also rode "shotgun" on many of her husband's trucking trips, where she went by the handle of the "Blonde Bomber". She and Barney had been to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Hawaii and other places as a result of awards from his sales career. Her children also reflect fondly on family excursions to Minnesota.

Ann's family and grandchildren were foremost in her life. She strived diligently to provide her children with a warm and nurturing environment while Barney was out on the road making a living. Her home always had and open door policy for her many "adopted" children and grandchildren. She and Barney enjoyed their many adopted family members in the community.

In earlier years Ann enjoyed showing and riding horses. She loved raising flowers and was especially fond of roses. She loved her cats, a favorite was Sam. Ann had also been a Cub Scout Leader and Sunday School teacher. She was a member of the Klemme Grandmother's Club, Klemme American Legion Auxiliary and while in Ohio was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Matron.

She will be remembered for her straight forward attitude, her love of her family and young people, and her wit and unique sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her husband in October 2009.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Kathy (companion Bob) of Rogers, AR and her children and their families, Tanya (Allen) Jarchow and their children, Allison, Abigail and Aiden; Nicole (Dan) Kies and their children, Raven, Alexis and Austin; Jeanie Farr and her children, Zain and Isiah; and RickThurman and his children, Kelsey, Jake, Ashley and Luke; Ann's daughter, Paula (Gary) Kruse of Minot, ND and their children and families, Mandy Henderson and Trent; April and Raymond Lockhart and their children, Kristen and Diamond and Kelly Kruse and daughter, Fiona; Ann's son, Gerald VanBuskirk, Jr. of Klemme and his daughter, Jessica VanBuskirk and her four children; Ann’s “sister” Helen Roths of Klemme; and Ann’s “adopted” children and grandchildren, Mike (Patty) Graham, Cody, Sierra and Lacey; Clay Kilgore, Charlie Nygard, Neal Conrad, Mike Pannoff and David Gouge.
©Belmond Independent 2011



James Christie Peterson

January 25, 2011

James Christie Peterson, 85, of Goodell, died on Friday, January 21, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Services were held on Tuesday, January 25, at the Goodell United Methodist Church, with military honors by the American Legion Robbins-Christians Post #420 of Goodell. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date in the Amsterdam Cemetery east of Goodell.

James Christie, the son of Lauretz and Laura Christie Peterson, was born near Goodell on December 12, 1925. He was baptized and confirmed in the E.U.B. Church in Goodell. He grew up in the Goodell area and graduated from the Goodell High School in 1944. He joined the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in Europe until being honorably discharged in 1953. Christie married Blondie Green on December 8, 1961 in Garner. They made their home west of Goodell where Christie farmed and together they raised their family. In 1978, the Petersons moved to Charles City and then they lived for a time in Greene. They returned to Goodell in 1985. Blondie passed away in 2008. Christie lived in Goodell until his death.

Christie is remembered for his love of the outdoors. He especially loved gardening. Tomatoes were his passion, often tending to over fifty plants. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his large number of relatives. Christie was a member of the Goodell American Legion Post and the Goodell United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; granddaughter, Jennifer in 1991; seven sisters; and three brothers.

Christie is survived by his children, Jay Peterson of Goodell, Monique Seaman of Goodell, Karen Green of Goodell, Perry Green of Belmond, Pam Litzel of Clear Lake, Vickie Green of Garland, TX, Kelly Green and Deb of Virginia Beach, VA, Keith Green of Mason City, Marvin Green of Algona and Dick Green of Pensacola, FL; eighteen grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Lula (Fred) Bell of Klemme.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Lillian McLaughlin

February 1, 2011

Evelyn Lillian McLaughlin, 99, a lifelong resident of Belmond, died on Monday, January 24, 2011, at the Belmond Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 29, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Belmond. Burial was in the St. Francis Cemetery near Belmond. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Evelyn Lillian, the daughter of George Albert and Katherine Georgiana (Trumblee) McNutt, was born on December 21, 191 in Lamont. Lillian's parents met at the School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. Lillian grew up in Belmond and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1930. She worked as a secretary for the superintendent of schools for four years. She substituted as a telephone operator from 1925-1934. Lillian was united in marriage to Eugene Patrick McLaughlin on April 16, 1934. The couple lived on a farm and Lillian's life was devoted to being a wife and loving mother.

She loved playing the piano, singing, quilting, reading, writing poetry, gardening, spending time with family and keeping busy with church activities. Lillian was an original member of the St. Elizabeth Study Club since 1934. She was also a member of the St. Francis Rosary Society and was a CCD teacher for grade 6. She was often asked to play the piano for different activities and was always eager to help on church committees. Lillian loved feeding the birds, animals, growing old-fashioned flowers and watching butterflies. She was a conservationist before her time, making sure to reuse or recycle and taking care of the earth.

Lillian was a strong, independent lady who chose to live in the same neighborhood (next to the house she grew up in) until she was 99 years of age. She drove her car until she was 95. Her family was proud of her courage and strength. She was always optimistic, positive and deeply religious.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene in 1986; sister, Cora McNutt; a brother, Alfred George McNutt; daughter-in-law, Carol McLaughlin; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Survivors include four sons and two daughters and their families: Alfred George McLaughlin and Elaine Wessels of Belmond, Robert Eugene McLaughlin and Judy of Arlington, Virginia, Kathryn Lillian and Mike Sammons of Keokuk, Jean Patricia and Denny Carlson of Sioux City, Donovan David McLaughlin and Gloria of Cascade and Samuel Roger McLaughlin and Kim of Zanesville, Ohio; 22 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Herbert Becker

February 8, 2011

Herbert Becker, 81, of Alexander, died on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, while recovering from heart surgery in Cedar Rapids.

His remains were cremated and laid to rest in the Hilltop Cemetery in Sheffield. Memorial services were held on Saturday, February 5, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander.
©Belmond Independent 2011



Herschel Lemke

February 15, 2011

Herschel R. Lemke, 65, of Rough and Ready, California, died on Friday, January 28, 2011, after a two-year battle with cancer.

A memorial service was held on Friday, February 4, at the Twin Cities Church in Rough and Ready.

Herschel was born on June 13, 1945 in Klemme, the son of Reuben and Edith Swanson Lemke. He attended school in Klemme through the 8th grade. The family moved to California in 1960 and he graduated from the Poly High School in Long Beach in 1964. He served in the Army from 1968-1972 and was in Vietnam. Herschel worked as an auto mechanic for 40 years, starting in the Los Angeles area. Later he owned a mobile mechanic business in Concord, California, called the Mobile Wrench. He moved to the Grass Valley area in 2000 after his divorce. He kept his business going there until retirement a few years ago.

He married Patricia Sawyer on September 24, 2007 in Rough and Ready, where they made their home. They were very active in the Twin Cities Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon; and sister, Kathleen Dodson.

Herschel is survived by his wife, Patricia; step-sons, Tom and Alan; step-daughter, Debbie; sisters, Beverly (Dennis) Morrison of Yucaipa, California and Audrey (Merlyn) Olson of Santa Maria, California; seven nieces; and three nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2011