MaeFerne Wenzel

June 7, 2011

MaeFerne Wenzel, 80, of Belmond, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services will be held on Friday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m., at the Immanuel Reformed Church east of Belmond, with Rev. David DeKuiper officiating. Burial will be in the Alexander Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Andrews Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church.

MaeFerne Janssen, the daughter of Herman and Blanche (Kieslich) Janssen, was born on May 26, 1931 in Richland Township, five miles west of Chapin. She was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Reformed Church and became a member as a teen. She attended the Plainview No. 8 country school and the Chapin High School. She married Fred J. Wenzel on February 12, 1950, at the Reformed Church Parsonage in Alexander. The couple's union was blessed with six children, Caroline, Leland, Loren, Carlene, Craig and Merlin, who died in infancy.

The couple farmed and raised their family east of Belmond, where MaeFerne was an integral partner in the farming operation, assisting with the livestock, operating the machinery and working side by side with Fred. She was a life long home maker, devoted wife, nurturing and loving mother and grandmother. She worked outside the home for a number of years at the Mellow Maid Cafe in Belmond and for 9 1/2 years at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Following retirement from full time farming in 1980, MaeFerne and Fred moved into Belmond where they enjoyed their many years of activities and occasions involving family. MaeFerne also continued her hobbies of embroidering beautiful towels, rag rugs and blankets. MaeFerne and Fred also enjoyed travels to visit relatives in Oklahoma, Wisconsin and other places, as well as Sunday afternoon tours of the countryside. If you saw one of them out and about, you would almost always find the other nearby. MaeFerne was fond of animals, especially her cats.

MaeFerne will be remembered for her baking and culinary skills. Her children and grandchildren will miss her "Yucky Cake", which they titled with a bit of humor as it truly was delicious. They will miss her "House Specialty" and her frosted graham crackers. All who knew her will miss her soft personality, warm smile, heart warming giggle and the magnetic twinkle in her eyes.

MaeFerne was preceded in death by her parents; son, Merlin on February 4, 1954; grandchildren, Abbie, Dusty and Afton; brother, Harvey and his wife, Hope; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fred and Grace Wenzel.

MaeFerne's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her surviving family including her husband, Fred; children, Caroline (John) Menke of Garner, Leland (Jeanette) Wenzel of Dows, Loren (Laura) Wenzel of Belmond, Carlene (Joe) Spitler of Belmond and Craig (Kim) Wenzel of Kanawha; her siblings, Harry (Kathryn) Janssen of Waverly, Walter (Pearl) Janssen of Iowa Falls, Clyde (Kathy) Janssen of Mason City, Ralph (Jan) Janssen of Altus, Oklahoma, Rebecca (Ray) Ellingston of Belmond and Margaret (Kae) Meyers of Altus; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2011

DR. A. F. Benetti

June 14, 2011

Arthur Francis Benetti, MD, 83, died on Monday, June 6, 2011, surrounded by his wife and children at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 11, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with burial in the church cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made in Dr. Benetti’s name to St. Francis Xavier or the Belmond Medical Center.

Dr. Benetti was born in Ironwood, Michigan on November 30, 1927, to Anton and Antonia Benetti, the youngest of eight children. After service in the United States Marine Corps, he graduated from St. Norbert College in 1952 and received his degree in medicine from the University of Michigan in 1956. He completed an internship at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines where he met his wife Veronica. He took a surgical residency at the Veteran’s Hospital. He practiced medicine in Belmond and Clarion for 30 years, retiring in 1992.

Dr. Benetti is survived by his wife of 53 years, Veronica (Doyle). He is father to 14 children, grandfather to 35, and great-grandfather to one. His children are Mary (Nick, Danny, Arturo and Genevieve), Ann (Paul, John, Joe and Mary Emma), Cecilia, Joe and Paula (Jacob and Caleb), Jeanette and Robin L. Werling (Robin E., Erica, Gabriel and great-grandchild Memphis), Anton, Paul and Maria (Maggie, Ellen, Antonia and Sophia), Tim and Barb (Roman, Camille, Evan and Lucy), Carol and Jeff Gilbert (Zach, Josh and Amelia), Suzy and Chris Chase, Katy and Larry Long (Colin, Eva, Meredith, Natalie and Charlie), Norie and Bradley Boerner (Jack, Samuel and Benjamin), Marco and Jodi (Isabella, Vincent and Gianna), and Emily. He is survived by his brother, Aldo Benetti and sisters, Kay Karjala Johnson and Eleanor Glugla.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Grace Kuhlers

June 21, 2011

Grace Kuhlers, 101, formerly of Meservey, died at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, on Tuesday, June 14, 2011.

Services were held on Saturday, June 18, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Grace was born on February 3, 1910, the daughter of Henry and Hannah (Frye) Suntken. She had two brothers, Bert and Onno, and one sister, Alida. The family lived on a farm by Alexander and Grace attended the Wisner Township rural school. On February 21, 1933, she married Ed Kuhlers at First Reformed in Meservey, where she was a life-long member. To this union three children were born, Edward "Bud", Marlyn and Elaine. Grace and Ed began farming east of Klemme. In 1940, they moved northwest of Meservey and farmed there until retirement in June 1973, when they moved to a home in Belmond. They resided there when Ed passed away on November 21, 1994.

Grace was involved in the farming operation, from helping in the fields to taking care of the animals, especially milking the cows, farrowing pigs, and gathering eggs from a large poultry setup. She enjoyed her gardens and did a lot of canning, baking and cooking. She was a good cook, making bread, cakes, cookies and apple pies and sharing them with her family and friends. She was active at First Reformed, joined the RCWM in 1937, taught Sunday School and Catechism and loved to read her Bible. She crocheted many doilies and afghans for her family. Each child, grandchild and great-grandchild received an afghan until her eyesight grew too dim.

She moved to the Belmond Community Apartments in August 2000. Her eyesight gradually grew worse and her son Edward and wife Donna moved into her home in Belmond and looked after her so she could stay in her apartment. In May 2009, she moved to the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. She always enjoyed visitors and loved to share a cup of tea and talk about the good old days.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers; her sister; son, Marlyn; daughter, Elaine; great-granddaughter, Brianne Pals; and special niece, Phyllis Fischer.

She is survived by son, Edward (Donna) Kuhlers of Belmond: former daughter-in-law, Pat Formanek of Clear Lake; former son-in-law, Marvin Woodfill of Prescott Valley, Arizona; grandchildren, Darla (Pat) White of Meservey, Krista (Dighton) Pals of Belmond, Kent (Kim) Kuhlers of Meservey, Kari (Mike) Mennenga of Meservey, Melinda (David) Beseler of Medical Lake, Washington and Mark (Joy) Woodfill of Prescott Valley; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Ellen Loats

June 14, 2011

The cremains of Ellen Marie Loats were laid to rest on Saturday, June 11, 2011, next to her husband Andrew, in the Belmond Cemetery. Ellen died on July 28, 2010 in Denver, Colorado.

Survivors include her sons, Andrew of Texas and Mark of Denver.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Shirley Halverson

June 21, 2011

Shirley M. (Dollinger) Fleming Halverson, 80, of Belmond, died on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Monday, June 20, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church west of Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Shirley Martha, the daughter of Charles and Bertha (Lange) Dollinger, was born on August 5, 1930. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church and continued her Lutheran faith throughout her life. Shirley attended the St. Paul Community Schools and graduated from the Washington High School in St. Paul. Shirley married Richard W. Fleming, on August 6, 1949 and they had three children. Shirley and Richard were married 30+ years before divorcing. She lived for a time in Iron Mountain, Michigan, St. Paul, Denver, Colorado and several western states. Shirley was employed in banking, working as teller and clerk, and as a bookkeeper with several companies.

Shirley was known as an excellent seamstress who lovingly handcrafted many beautiful wedding dresses and other clothing for her family. Her attention to detail and mind for design created many beautiful works. The primary focus of Shirley's life was the needs and wants of her family. Her role as a loving and nurturing mother was the most important devotion in her life.

Shirley enjoyed traveling and the family recalls trips to New York, Niagara Falls, Canada and to the western U.S. Many of these adventures included camping in a fold-down tent on wheels towed behind a pink and black Rambler station wagon. Shirley was an avid reader and enjoyed music. She had a meticulously organized a library of books and musical collections. She enjoyed animals and was especially fond of her cats and dogs. She enjoyed visiting with others, shopping excursions and anything that included time with her family. During her years in St. Paul, she was an active member of St. Mathew's in St. Paul and St. Stephen’s in White Bear Lake.

She retired and moved to Belmond several years ago. She married Garfield “Gus” Halverson on August 26, 2000 at St. Olaf. Shirley and Gus enjoyed traveling, dining out and spending time in the company of one another. They made their home on a farm near Kanawha before moving to Belmond in 2007. Gus preceded Shirley in death in January 2009. Shirley continued to enjoy her Belmond home until recently spending time at the Rehabilitation Center following injuries from a fall.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Delores Brown; infant sister, Ruth; and her second husband, Garfield “Gus” Halverson.

Shirley's legacy and life will continue to be carried on in the lives of her children, LuAnn (Steve) Brunes of Belmond, Christine (John) Borquez of Thornton, Colorado and Michael Fleming of Denver; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Wilma Johnson

June 21, 2011

Wilma J. Johnson, 85, of Belmond, died on Friday, June 17, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

Services were held on Wednesday morning, June 22, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander. Burial was in the Alexander Cemetery.

Wilma Jeanette, the daughter of Dan R. and Tena G. Groen Schmidt, was born on October 15, 1925 in Alexander. She grew up in the Alexander area where she attended country school. Wilma married Roman Johnson on February 25, 1947, at the First Reformed Parsonage. They made their home in rural Alexander where Wilma worked as a homemaker and mother.

She was a member at First Reformed and active in the Ladies Aid and Cemetery Society. She is remembered as enjoying camping, fishing, cooking and crocheting. Wilma is most remembered for the love she had for her family. Nothing was more important than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Larry; sisters, Ruth and Bernice; and brothers, Leonard and Clarence.   

Wilma is survived by her husband, Roman of Belmond; daughters, Pamela (Terry) Meyer of Thornton and Nancy (Bill) Schermer of Clarion; grandchildren, Troy (Tonya) Schermer, Angie Schermer, Jason Meyer, Stacey (Jeff) Palmer and Kimberly Meyer; great-grandchildren, Clayton and Evan Palmer, Tyanna Skovlund, Jaxon McLemore and Jacob and Kalli Schermer; sisters, Phyllis Statlander of Meservey and Shirley Faaborg of Clear Lake; and sister-in-law, Elaine Schmidt of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Larry Retleff

June 21, 2011

Larry F. (Wheaties) Retleff, 74, died on Friday, June 17, 2011, at his home in Rowan.

Services were held on Tuesday, June 21, at the United Church of Rowan. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Larry Frederick, son of Lawrence and Beulah Payne Retleff, was born on November 1, 1936 in Clarion. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Rowan and grew up in the Rowan area where he attended school. Larry’s youth was spent along the Iowa River hunting and fishing. His love of the outdoors was a life-long passion. Early in his life he began working for his Dad and other area farmers. Larry married Alice Knuths on September 18, 1960, at the Dows Presbyterian Church. They made their home on a farm near Rowan where Larry continued to work for area farmers. He was also employed by Roy Johnson shelling corn, as a laborer at Cargill, a welder at Triggs Trailer in Belmond, and at Farm Service. Larry retired from Farm Service after 20 years of loyal work.

Larry always put friends and family loyalties above all else. For those who knew him best, he will always be remembered as “Wheaties” because of his great strength.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Randy (Denise) Retleff of Nevada, Rochelle Retleff of Monsey, New York, Ron Retleff of Clarion and Roddy Retleff of Cherokee; grandchildren, Bryce Pieper, Nicole Pieper, Amber Fuller, Nathan Retleff and Henry Retleff; and cousins, Loran Payne, Allen Payne and Edna Williams.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Edward Ryan

June 21, 2011

J. Edward Ryan, Jr., 94, died on Friday, June 17, 20011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Tuesday, June 21, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond. Burial was in Memorial Park at Mason City.

J. Edward “Ed” was born on April 22, 1917 at Rockwell City, to James and Minnie Ehler Ryan. He was the eldest of 10 children. He married Marjorie Frances Staton at Nevada in 1937. They would have celebrated 74 years of marriage on June 23. Together they raised three children.    During his working years, Mr. Ryan farmed in the Dows, Ventura and Britt areas, he worked at Winnebago Industries, and later owned and operated a commercial truck. He brought the values of hard work, honesty and pride in workmanship to all of his endeavors. He realized the importance of being a conscientious steward of the land, and in his farming years was deeply committed to nurturing his crops from seed to maturity. As a lifelong Democrat, Ed was politically aware and ventured out to caucus for his favored candidate well into his eighties.

He was preceded in death by son, Terry in 1958; and siblings, Alice, Harold, Walter, Ethel, Glenn, Jean, Daryl and Darlene.

Mr. Ryan is survived by his wife, Marjorie; sons, Larry (Jane) of Waterloo and Monte (Candance) of Peoria, Arizona; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Elsie (Wilbur) Schroeder of Dows.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Gertrude Pruisman

June 28, 2011

Gertrude “Gert” Pruisman, 95, of Belmond, died on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Friday, June 24, at the Belmond United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery, Kanawha. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Gertrude was born on May 18, 1916 at Buffalo Center, the second of 14 children of Henry H. and Florence (Gerdis) Meyers. When she was four years old the family moved to Titonka. She graduated from the Titonka School in 1935. On July 11, 1938, she married Frank Pruisman at the Methodist Church in Bethany, Missouri. They made their home in Kanawha, then moved to Goodell, and then to Belmond where she raised her family. She was employed at the Belmond Bakery for 28 years.

She was a beautiful seamstress, making most of her own clothes and those of her children. She loved to bake and is remembered for her lemon and banana cream pies and angel food cakes. She was the matriarch of her family, caring much about her family and siblings. She was a warm and loving person, always had a positive attitude, and never spoke badly of anyone. She always said, “If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all.” She loved visits from family members and would walk you to the door saying “be sure to come back soon”, and wave goodbye until you were out of sight. Her favorite food was ice cream. She and Frank would ride around town every night and get an ice cream cone before going home.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, rarely missing a Sunday service. She was a member of the Rebecca Circle, wiling to help at funerals, dinners and July 4 pie and ice cream socials. She taught Bible School and chaperoned at church camp in Okoboji. Her motto was, “Live one day at a time”, and that was her favorite hymn.

She moved to the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond on September 1, 2006, after dementia made it impossible for her to stay at home.

She was preceded in death by her her husband in 1998; infant twin great-granddaughters; sisters, Helen Meyers, Ruth Steenblock, Amy Just and Geraldine Steenblock; brothers, Harm, Lawrence, Allen and Henry Meyers; cousin, Larry Kramer who resided with Frank and Gert; sisters-in-law, Minnie Meyers and Kathy Meyers; brothers-in-law, Murland Steenblock, Bill Meyer, Ronald Steenblock, Orville Boyd and Gordon Quandt.

Survivors include her children, Dean (Marlys) Pruisman of Mason City, Wilma (Keith) Nuehring of Webster City and Lois (Richard) Eliason of Kanawha; grandchildren, Marlyn (Angela) Pruisman, Lyle (Debbie) Pruisman, Dan (Dawn) Pruisman, Jim Nuehring, Larry (Margaret) Nuehring, Andy (Jennie) Nuehring, Mark Nuehring, Mindy Henry (Jim Bensen), Phyllis (Randy) Jordanger, Peggy (Dennis) Dallman and Curtis (Deb) Eliason; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Ida Mae Boyd, Shirley (Robert) Kvale, Thelma Pals and Ardis Quandt; brother, Merle (Marjorie) Meyers; sister-in-law, Arlene Meyers; and brother-in-law, John Just.
©Belmond Independent 2011

John Erickson

July 5, 2011

John R. Erickson, 45, of Belmond, died on Sunday, June 19, 2011, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held on Thursday, June 23, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. Inurnment was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

John Robert, the son of Jerry and JoAnne Andrich Erickson, was born on March 23, 1966 in Fort Dodge. John grew up in Fort Dodge and attended school there. He moved to Belmond in 1984 and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1985. John began working for Eaton Corporation in 1988. John was united in marriage to Dulcie Kruszka on April 11, 1992 at Trinity Lutheran. They made their home in Belmond, where John continued working for Eaton. John and Dulcie were blessed with two children, Amber and Logan.

John is remembered as an avid sports fan and a devoted father and husband. When it came to his teams, John was never at a loss for team apparel. Whether it was Boston Celtics, Minnesota Vikings, Iowa State Cyclones, USC Trojans, Belmond-Klemme Cheer Squad, or any of Amber and Logan’s teams, he was a well dressed fan. Amber and Logan completed John and Dulcie’s world. John’s kids meant the world to him and he would never miss any of their activities no matter what. He enjoyed golfing at the Belmond Country Club. John belonged to Trinity Lutheran where he served in several capacities.

John is survived by his wife; his children; mother, JoAnne and her fiancé, Verlyn; father, Jerry and his wife, Laura; grandmother, Margaret Hasty; grandfather, Andy Andrich; mother and father-in-law, Alan and Candice Kruszka; Dulcie’s grandmothers, Avonelle Glasbrenner and Helen Kruszka; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ethan and Nicki, Erika and Rob, Courtney and Ryan, Quinten and Rochelle and Jordan; step-sisters, Brandy and Tyler and Courtney and Mark.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Paul Hahn

June 28, 2011

Paul R. Hahn, 50, of Garner, died on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Services were held on Monday, June 27, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond.

Paul Robert, the son of Robert and Delores Steenhard Hahn, was born on May 8, 1961 in Omaha. The family moved to the Rowan and Belmond area where Paul went to school. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1979 to 1984 and then returned to north central Iowa. He married Jolene Lane on December 30, 2004 in Clear Lake. They lived in Garner.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Paul is survived by his wife; children, Mitch and Amber of Duncan, Matt of Forest City and Megan and Cody of Garner; grandchildren, Gabbie and Shayne; his father, Robert of Belmond; and sister, DeAnna and Wendel Hahn-Little of Murphysboro, Tennessee.
©Belmond Independent 2011

James West

June 28, 2011

James D. West, 58, of Newton, died on Saturday, June 25, 2011, at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Burial will follow in Lancaster, Missouri, with a fellowship time following at the Lancaster Christian Church.

James Douglas was born on March 19, 1953 in Bloomfield. He married Sara Annette Tallman in August 1974. He worked in the banking industry, including a time as President of North Iowa State Bank in Belmond.

Survivors include his wife, Annettte of Newton; his daughters, Angela (Adam) Carolan of Oskaloosa and Martha (Cory Bertsch) West of St. Joseph, Michigan; grandchildren, Sara and Christian James Carolan; his parents, Benet and Betty West of Lancaster; a brother, John (Judy) West of Lancaster; and a sister, Kathy (Ronnie) Miller of Oskaloosa.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Arlyn Waddingham

July 5, 2011

Arlyn L. Waddingham, 60, a lifelong farmer and resident of the Meservey/Klemme areas, died on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City, surrounded by his family.

Services were held on Sunday, July 3, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors, was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Memorials may be directed to People Against Cancer, P.O. Box 10, Otho, 50569. Arly was also a dedicated blood donor, giving several gallons during his lifetime and he could also be honored by contributing to local blood drives.

Arlyn Lynn, the son of Virgil and Irene (Dirks) Waddingham, was born on August 10, 1950 at Mason City. Arly was raised on the family farm southeast of Klemme and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1968. After returning from serving his country in the United States Army in Vietnam, he continued farming and raising cattle. He married Nola Blank on December 20, 1975 at her mother’s home in Belmond. They had two sons, Tory and Tully, who will continue to farm the land.

Arly and Nola were faithful attendees of the Klemme United Methodist and on special occasions brought their three grandchildren. Arly also enjoyed trips to the casino, watching Twins games, having coffee with friends, and taking spur of the moment vacations with his family. He enjoyed times spent in the presence of his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, nurturing father, and loving grandfather.

Arly felt honored to be a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and was a devoted member of the Klemme American Legion. He always enjoyed preparing the Klemme Cemetery for Memorial Day, serving in the military funeral honors unit, and marching in the color guard for the Memorial Day Parade.

He enjoyed conversations with both friends and strangers, and was always up for a friendly but competitive game of cards. He had a unique and captivating personality and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a famer inside and out who enjoyed working the land, caring for his animals and reaping the bounty of the harvest and fruits of his labors.  Arly will be remembered for his love of his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father on September 20, 1205 and brother, Darrel at age 2.

Survivors include his wife; his mother; son, Tory (Meredith McWilliams); son, Tully (Wendy) and their children, Ashton, Zoey and Tessa; sister, Linda (Ron) Benson; brother, Lyle (Nancy) Waddingham; nephews, Rodney Benson, Brian Waddingham, Jamie Waddingham and Jeff Thomson; nieces, Lorene Cosimo and Sheri Lewis; great-nieces and nephews, Chelsie, Jessica, Michael, Anthony, Haley, Katie, Mackenzie, Mariah and Victoria; and three great-great-nieces.
©Belmond Independent 2011