George Buterbaugh

September 13, 2011

Former Alexander resident George Lee Buterbaugh, 87, died peacefully at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

Services were held on Friday, September 9, at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Scottsdale, followed by burial in the St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix.

George was born on the family farm near Alexander, on September 1, 1924. He graduated from the Alexander School and spent the first part of his life farming and working for Belmond Ready-Mix before moving to Scottsdale in 1972. He worked for McCulloch Properties until his retirement in 1986.

George was a loving family man, who worked hard his entire life. He loved Farmall tractors, especially the antiques, bowling, watching the Chicago Cubs and providing for his family.

George is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lucille; his children, David (Trish) Buterbaugh, Steven Buterbaugh, Judith Buterbaugh, Lori Jordan, Lisa Carter and Timothy (Jeaneanne) Buterbaugh; grandchildren, Jamie, Jessica, Jordan, Arren, Brandon, Nicholas and Gillian Buterbaugh; and sister-in-law, Lina Buterbaugh of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Elaine Schmidt

September 13, 2011

Elaine M. Schmidt, 85, of Belmond, died on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held on Saturday, September 10, at the Immanuel Reformed Church east of Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Elaine was born in Belmond, on June 24, 1926 to Dick A and Grace (Mennenga) Pals. She was a Class of 1944 graduate of the Belmond High School. In her parent’s home on October 23, 1947, she married Clarence Junior Schmidt of Meservey. They had three children, Darwin Lynn, Darla Lee and Deon Rae. The couple spent 40 years farming outside Meservey. They enjoyed golfing in couples tournaments and Saturday nights out for supper with dear friends. Elaine recorded a hole-in-one during one tournament.

After Clarence's death in 1987, Elaine moved from the farm to Belmond. She traveled with friends and loved playing cards, especially solitaire. She was a surrogate grandma to several children that she cared for. She also enjoyed quilting and crocheting, making numerous quilts and afghans for family members, the homeless and shut-ins. Elaine's faith in God grew strong throughout her life-long membership at Immanuel Reformed. She is remembered as kind, patient and never one to complain about her health.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Ruth Groen; sisters-in-law, Caroline Schmidt, Wilma Johnson and Ruth Smith; brothers-in-law, Herman Stadtlander, Jack Faaborg, Herman Groen, Leonard Schmidt and Harold Smith.

Elaine is survived by her children, Darwin (Nicole) of Alabama, Darla (Don Jr.) Goeman of Belmond and Deon Schmidt (Richard Edwards) of Des Moines; grandchildren, Aaron (Lisa) Goeman, Aimee (Goeman) McKnight (Tad), Tate Goeman, Sydney and Jared Edwards and Joseph Hammonds; great-grandchildren, Olivia Goeman-Willett, Thomas Treharne and Christopher and Caley McKnight; sister, Lyola Johnson of Belmond; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Stadtlander of Meservey and Shirley Faaborg of Clear Lake; and brother-in-law, Roman Johnson of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Wilbur Pletsch

September 15, 2011

Wilbur D. "Bud" Pletsch, 86, of Alexander, died on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center West Campus in Mason City.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 17, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Troy Pflibsen officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Wilbur Dale was born on March 6, 1925 in Belmond, to Fred and Emma Friesleben Pletsch. The family moved to the farm near Alexander in 1928. Bud attended country school a half-mile from the farm. He graduated from the Alexander High School in 1943. Bud then began farming with his parents. He married Geraldine "Gerry" Wilson on March 21, 1948. Bud met Gerry at a dance at the Surf Ballroom. They went to many dances with their friends over the years. They worked the family farm for 52 years and continued to live there until his death.

Bud was a faithful member of St John Lutheran, having attended since high school. He was an usher and later served many terms on the church council.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elaine Baker.

Bud is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gerry; children, Carla (Jim) Janssen of Waverly and Dale (Melody) of Belmond; grandchildren, Aaron (Sarah) Janssen of Houston, Texas, Adam (Claire) Janssen of New Orleans, Louisiana, Amber (Chris) Pals of Kalona and Dustin (Trina) Pletsch of Belmond; great-grandchildren, Carl and Noah Janssen, Ashton and Ayslee Pals and Clayton and Kale Pletsch; brother-in-law, Dick Baker; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Wilson.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Blake Lobdell

September 27, 2011

Blake Aaron Lobdell, 50, of Clear Lake, died suddenly on Sunday, September 18, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. Blake was a caring and giving person. He continued that in death through the gift of organ/tissue donation.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 22, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church. A graveside service was held in the Belmond Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Blake A. Lobdell memorial fund to establish a scholarship. The Ward-Van Slyke Chapel in Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.

Blake was born on July 19, 1961 in Belmond, the son of Jack and Shirley (Nelson) Lobdell. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1979. He participated in cross country and ran the mile in track where he won two conference championships. Throughout high school and college he worked at the P&G Market, where he met his future wife. Blake and Jane were married on July 27, 1985. He started his teaching career in the winter of 1985, at Klemme and in 1986 started teaching at the Clear Lake High School. Mr. Lobdell’s students all heard the expressions “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” or “such as life.”

Although these “Mr. Lobdellisms” might have been heard with a critical ear, the sincerity behind them was well-founded. Early in Blake’s life, the accidental passing of his father, Jack brought hardship to the family, prompting high school science instructor Robert Wilson to mentor young Lobdell and guide him to a college education. With this encouragement, Blake worked his way through Central College, graduating with a degree in science education. The process of education was lucid to Mr. Lobdell. He clearly knew the value of teaching for the full period, that time on task was essential and that students being responsible for their education was paramount. Whether it was his students receiving graduate degrees in science or entering the work force, the value of Mr. Lobdell’s life lessons weren’t always immediately discovered, but their truth at some point would become apparent.

Although Mr. Lobdell knew the impetus of education was in the classroom, he also saw the value of students’ maturity in an athletic arena. He compared essential learning in the classroom with the important skills in athletics. While serving as a volunteer coach in many venues, he freely gave his time for several years, instructing young baseball players in the fundamentals of the game.

Just as he demanded discipline with his student-athletes, he demonstrated the same attribute in his lifetime passion for bowling. His brother, Brett noted the long list of Blake’s bowling accomplishments. But the reason for them was always simple: Blake scored innumerable perfect 300 games during practice sessions, focusing on just one specific skill set. It was this mentality that devised the “Lobdell Family Bowling Cup,” a competition designed to enhance the next generation of Lobdell bowlers. While other family members attended and cheered, one constant was always Jane, Blake’s wife.

Mr. Lobdell could be candid and firm, but he found perfect balance with his outgoing and personable life-long mate. Their sons, Bryce and Colin (a senior and a freshman at UNI) grew up in a home where love, respect and decency were expectations. Blake took great pride in the character of his two sons, just as his father would have resonated as well. Blake was a huge WWII buff and Atlanta Braves fan. He was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Mason City Bowling Association, Greater Iowa Bowling Association and the Mason City Bowlers Hall of Fame.

He was preceded in death by his father; mother, Shirley Nicholson; step-father, Eugene Nicholson; brother, Kurt Lobdell; and father-in-law, Rich Showalter.

Blake is survived by his loving wife, Jane; sons, Bryce and Colin; sister, Kim Miller of Iowa City; brothers, Brett (Sonja) Lobdell of Belmond and Tracy (Stacy) Lobdell of Marshalltown; mother-in-law, Carol Showalter and her special friend, Roger Paulsen of Belmond; and brother-in-law, Greg (Dennett) Showalter.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Johanna Foss

September 27, 2011

Johanna Foss, 95, died with her family by her side on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 27, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme.

Johanna was born on April 2, 1916, to Lubbey and Gretchen Albers in rural Klemme. She was one of six children and attended country school in Hancock County. She married Roy C. Foss on January 11, 1938. This union was blessed with one child. Johanna was a skilled cook and she worked at the cafe in Klemme and spent many years as head cook at the Goodell School. Jo and Roy were a team as they operated the gas station in Goodell from 1947-1949. Jo also worked at Kessler-Bloemke Pharmacy in Belmond until she retired.

Johanna spent much of her life caring for others -- her family since she was young and tending to whomever needed help as the years went on. Johanna’s heart was filled with love. She was so renowned for being a care-giver that she received an award as a community volunteer. She was very active in her church and was passionate about her faith and community. Johanna loved being with friends and family. She was known for her great family gatherings and delicious baked goods featuring her white fluffy cake. Johanna was an avid dancer and the couple could often be found dancing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake to numerous bands. She also enjoyed dancing to polka music. Johanna enjoyed having fun and she always had a sense of humor. Her sociable personality was known by her family and friends.

Johanna was preceded in death by her husband on September 23, 1983; grandson, Brian on June 13, 1966; son-in-law, Harlan Anderson on November 23, 2003; brothers, John and Harold Albers; and sisters, Jennie Thieman, Marie Miller and Louise Pearson.

Johanna’s memories will live on in the hearts of her daughter, Loretta Anderson of Alexander; granddaughters, Brenda (Bill) Dunbar of Plymouth and their children, Kellie Ferden, Kory Ferden and Travis Dunbar; and Beth (Mike) Eddy of Coulter and their children, Matthew and Brielle.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Norma Jean Coulson

September 27, 2011

Norma Jean Coulson, 79, of Belmond, died on August 9, 2009, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Friends may greet family members starting at 1:00 p.m.

Norma Jean, the daughter of Robert Ormsby and Ruth Harlow Coulson, was born on May 2, 1930 in Belmond. She graduated from the Belmond High School in 1949. She was instrumental in starting girls softball in Belmond during the summer, sponsored by the Jaycee Ettes, first organizing little league and later coaching junior high. Later the program was taken over by Al Rodriguez and Howard Dorman. She loved Belmond-Klemme Girls Softball dearly. A plaque commemorates Norma Jean at the high school diamond.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Norma Jean is survived by her sisters, Shirley (Robert) Hograbe of Dows and Caren (Jerry) Courter of Independence, Missouri; brother, William Frederick (Lorraine) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2011

Robert Kalkwarf

October 4, 2011

Robert “Bob” E. Kalkwarf, 84, a lifelong resident of Belmond, died on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond with his family at his side.

Services were held on Saturday, October 1, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond, with burial in the Belmond Cemetery.

Robert Earl, the son of Peter and Bertha (Gealow) Kalkwarf, was born on April 9, 1927 at Belmond. He graduated from the Belmond High School with the Class of 1944. He then began his life-long vocation as a farmer. Bob married Ilene Tegland on November 27, 1947, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church west of Belmond. The couple’s union was blessed with a son and daughter, Earl and Rachel. Farming not only provided for the needs of Bob’s family, but was truly his passion. He was an excellent farmer, raising crops and hogs. He and Ilene raised their children on farms near Belmond. Not only was Bob a good farmer, but he had the mind of an engineer, creating tools and machinery that made farming and other tasks easier and more efficient for himself and others. Bob was also known for his superb welding skills and ability to weld nearly anything.

Bob's love of farming was only overshadowed by his love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He truly was a family man. He always put the needs of others before those of his own. Bob was an avid outdoorsman who looked forward to the excitement of fox, deer and elk hunting excursions around the area and in Wyoming for big game. The family remembers trips to Spearfish, South Dakota and fishing outings to northern Minnesota. Bob and Ilene enjoyed playing cards. Bob loved golf and was an integral part of the development of the Belmond Country Club, which was built on one of the Kalkwarf family farms. Bob was always up for a good auction and would often stop at the local body shop or a friend’s place on the way home from the sale to share his well-thought-out purchases. Bob's purchases always had a purpose.

Bob's faith life was very important to him and he was active at St. John Lutheran, serving on the church council, as an usher, on the building and education committee, and offering his skills, knowledge and support wherever it was needed.

In recent years Bob and Ilene could often be seen touring the town, at one of the local restaurants, or at community functions. Rarely would you see one without the other. Bob was always up for a good conversation with his buddies at the hardware store. Those who had the privilege of crossing Bob’s life journey will remember him as a well-spoken man of integrity, with a sense of place and purpose for everything. They will remember his unique and sometimes dry sense of humor, his friendly demeanor, warm smile and the welcoming wink he would often share.

His legacy and memory will be cherished by his wife and life partner of nearly 64 years, Ilene; son, Earl (Julie) Kalkwarf; and daughter, Rachel (Verlyn) Boelman, all of Belmond; sister, Ruth Linn of Eagle Grove; grandchildren, Lane Boelman, Reed (Anna) Boelman, Jessica (Travis) Roma, Andy Kalkwarf-Barclay, Jennifer (Steve) Tenold and Dr. Dan (Lyndi) Gabrielson; and great-grandchildren, Thomas, Mackenzie, Cael, Carson, Cade, Kenedie, Bradan, Quinn and Preston.
©Belmond Independent 2011