Eugene Hoopingarner

December 11, 2012

Eugene I. "Louie" Hoopingarner, 74, of Rowan, died on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 8, at the United Church of Rowan. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery west of Rowan.

Eugene Isaac, the son of Isaac and Esther Jensen Hoopingarner, was born on April 4, 1938 in Eldorado Springs, Missouri. At an early age Eugene and his family moved to Rolfe. He attended the Des Moines Township Schools, graduating in 1956. After high school Eugene attended the University of Iowa for radiology training and Waldorf College in Forest City. Eugene was united in marriage to Katherine Hackbarth on September 4, 1971, at the United Methodist Church in Rowan. They made their home in Rowan. Eugene worked in various capacities. He owned a grocery store, hardware store, worked at the cooperative in Rowan and finally retired from Allen Printing in Clarion.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and enjoying nature in his backyard. Eugene’s most treasured moments were spent playing and spending time with his family, his grandchildren most of all. Eugene was a member of the United Church of Rowan, where he served in several key positions. He taught Sunday School, belonged to a men’s breakfast group and served on the administrative council. Eugene and Kathy were dedicated custodians at the church for over 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Arthur.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Katherine; children, Alice (Mitch) Bliss of Forest City, Donna (A.J.) Johnson of Tracy, Minnesota, David (Lora) Novak of Florida, Brenda (Steve) Rauch of Clarion and Jodi (Marco) Benetti of Adel; grandchildren, Dustin, Cody, Jordan, Rosalee, Chandler, Casey, Ashley, Robert, Kimberly, Isabella, Vincent and Gianna; great-granddaughter, Sophia; and brother, Ray (Janiece) Hoopingarner of Rolfe.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Luvern Stadtlander

December 11, 2012

Luvern A. Stadtlander, 87, a former Belmond resident, died on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Services were held on Tuesday, December 11, at the First Reformed Church of Meservey. Interment was in the Meservey Cemetery.   

Luvern Allen, son of Dick and Rena (Boelman) Stadtlander, was born on November 16, 1925, on a farm near Belmond. He grew up near Palsville, attended rural school and graduated after the eighth grade. He then had the obligation to help his dad on the family farm near Klemme. Luvern was confirmed in 1943 at the Meservey Reformed Church. On August 12, 1948, Luvern was united in marriage to Delores Marie Caquelin. To Luvern and Delores, farming was their way of life. They raised hogs, chickens, ducks and dairy cows. Luvern’s agricultural roots grew deep and he was known for raising hay, oats, corn and soybeans. Even after he made the transition from the farm to town, he watched how the crops and livestock were doing.

Faith was a focal point in Luvern’s life. He was an active member of the Reformed Church of Meservey and belonged to the church consistory. Upon retirement in 1988, he and Delores moved into Belmond. He enjoyed their home near the walking trail and he attended many high school softball games. He was always cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events. Luvern enjoyed playing cards with his friends and appreciated a good game of 500 with the hospital auxiliary. Luvern and Delores enjoyed trips and were always ready for the next adventure.

After Delores’ passing in 2000, he greatly treasured his chit chats with neighbors on the trail and spending time with his family, friends and those who delivered Meals on Wheels. In February 2007, Luvern moved to the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton where he enjoyed TV, bingo, great meals and teasing the wonderful staff members. He made the best of his years in Hampton. Luvern’s heart was full of caring and good will. His life was blessed with some of the greatest fortunes of all, having a strong faith, great friends and a loving family.

He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Sherry; and brothers, Edward and Marlin.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his children; son, Curtis (Diane) Stadtlander of Goodell; daughter, Sandra Smith (special friend, John Swanson) of Nevada; grandchildren, Heather Kreger, Erica Kreger (fiancé, Kevin Martos), Holly (Ronnie) Vickers, Andrew (Aubrey) Stadtlander, Alyssa Smith and Matthew Smith; great-grandchildren, Keili Martos, Paisley Vickers and Ashlyn Stadtlander; sister, Mardell (Eugene) Jorgensen; and sister-in-law, Sharyl Stadtlander.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Clinton Anderson

December 18, 2012

Clinton L. Anderson, 62, of Dows, died on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Services were held on Thursday, December 13, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows. Pastor Ron Nelson officiated. A private family burial will take place later in the Fairview Cemetery.

Clinton, the son of Orlo and Lucille Moore Anderson, was born on August 21, 1950 in Iowa Falls. He grew up on the family farm east of Dows, where he attended school. He graduated from the Dows High School in 1968 and then attended Iowa State University in Ames, graduating with a bachelors degree in agricultural science in 1972. He moved back to Dows and began his farming career. Clint was united in marriage to Mary Nielsen on September 24, 1977. They made their home on the family farm. Clint and Mary spent their entire married life farming together, and were blessed with two daughters, Karla and Laura.

Clint loved farming, but he was passionate about golf. He spent innumerable Thursday afternoons on the golf course with his brother, Dave. Together they made an unbeatable team. Clint was an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan and was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Dows.

He is preceded in death by his father; and brother, Dallas.

Clint is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Karla and Laura of Windsor Heights; mother, Lucille of Hampton; sister, Janis (Dennis) Shimp of Venice, Florida; sister-in-law, Linda Anderson of Williams; and brother, David (Marsha) Anderson of Clarion.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Carol Koenen

December 18, 2012

Carol J. Koenen, 82, of Latimer, died on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident.

Services were held on Saturday, December 15, at the Zion Reformed Church north of Latimer. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Carol Joy, the daughter of Frank E. and Viola H. Johnson Wall, was born on December 25, 1929 in Geneva, Illinois. She grew up on a dairy farm near Batavia, Illinois, with two older sisters, Betty and Jean and one younger brother, George. She came to Iowa to visit family friends when she was 18 and decided to stay. Carol worked for many families in Franklin County over the years, taking care of their children. She also worked at grocery stores in Coulter and Latimer. While employed at Fisher’s Grocery in Latimer she met Jerry H. Koenen. They married on June 7, 1954 at Zion Reformed.

Carol was a member of Zion Reformed, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She loved children and was called Grandma Carol by the many daycare children she cared for in her home. When she retired from babysitting, she loved to spend her free time sewing, reading, walking, doing puzzles and embroidering. She also enjoyed time with her coffee companions and many friends in Latimer. Her favorite times were getting together with the entire family. Carol truly enjoyed this past Thanksgiving Day when all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were together.

She was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Jean Woodworth; brother-in-laws, Gene Newer, Forrest Woodworth, Henry Wiemann, Harvey Koelder, William B. Koenen and Dale Langford; and sisters-in-law, Louise Wiemann, Florence Koelder and Amelia Langford.

Carol is survived by her children, Duane (Pam) of Alden, Minnesota, Dwight (Deanna) of Latimer, Jerri (Tim) Enderson of Manly, Kathleen (Jerome) Bormann of Mason City and Dennis (Karla) of Marion; grandchildren, Kayla, Cody and Tyler Koenen, Lindsay (Brett) Harrison, Shaun Koenen and friend, Heather Markwardt, Danielle Enderson and friend, Nate Silver, Joshua Enderson and fiancée, Laura Hutzel, Jared Enderson, Rachel and Matthew Bormann and Morgan, Keegan and Meredith Koenen; great-grandchildren, Noah, Lauren and Brooklyn Harrison; sister, Betty Newer of Richmond, Illinois; brother, George (Marion) Wall of Sycamore, Illinois; sister-in-law, Carol A. Koenen of Hampton; brother-in-law, David A. (Marjorie) Koenen of Latimer; and special friends, Bertha Thielen, Mardel Weber, Harriett Donovan and Florence “Pete” Liedberg.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Richard Baack

December 18, 2012

Richard L. Baack, 76, a native and lifelong farmer of rural Klemme, died on Friday, December 14, 2012, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Services were held on Tuesday, December 18, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme.

Richard Lee, the son of Herman Ernest Frederick and Lillie Louise (Blumer) Baack, was born on April 23, 1936 on his parents’ farm in rural Klemme, the same farm he lived on and farmed his entire life. He graduated from the Klemme High School in 1954. Richard served his country from 1959 to 1960 in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Goose Bay, Canada in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Richard was united in marriage to Jean Anne Brogan on January 1, 1961, at the Thornton United Methodist Church. Their union was blessed with three children, Clarissa Louise, Michelle Ann and Vincent Lee. The couple farmed and raised their family near Klemme. In 2010, the farm was honored as a Century Farm by the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Richard was a farmer in every aspect of his life. He loved to work the land and care for his livestock. He had a passion for antique farm machinery and particularly enjoyed his participation in various area tractor rides. Rich was an avid conservationist and steward of the land. He developed and maintained a wetland and upland wildlife complex near Thornton where he planted hundreds of trees, nesting structures and hosted several trumpeter swan releases. He was also very active in the Izaak Walton League and other conservation organizations.

He cherished his children and grandchildren and they were foremost in his life. He looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with them, traveling to visit them and attending as many of their activities and sporting events as he could. He especially enjoyed taking them on fishing excursions. Richard had a lifelong affinity for music that commenced in his youth when he was a saxophone player. He and Jean greatly enjoyed dancing and loved their outings to the Surf ballroom in Clear Lake. He found great enjoyment in camping and always looked forward to his annual camping trips to the Iowa State Fair. He had a fondness for flying, military memorabilia and attending air shows. His passion for history was shared with others through his involvement with the Hancock County Historical Society and Museum. He was a great supporter, promoter and volunteer for many years of the Hancock County Youth 4-H program, the Hancock County Junior Fair and the annual fair livestock auction.

Richard's faith was important to him as he served on the Immanuel Reformed UCC Consistory as president and deacon. His love for the community of Klemme was exemplified through his countless hours of volunteer time to KADO, Klemme Ag Days and fireworks. He supported many other local events and organizations either financially or with his time. Rich greatly looked forward to his daily coffee outings and was always up for a good conversation. He had a keen interest in others, be it friend or a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ethel Kropp, Dorothy Howie and Norma Mauritz; and brothers, Roy and Paul Baack.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his wife and life partner of nearly 52 years, Jean of Klemme; daughter, Clarissa (John) Kolmer of Peoria, Illinois and children, Zhi Yu, Neil and Jefferson; daughter, Michelle Koelling of Cedar Rapids and children, Johnathon and Matthew; son, Vincent (Amy) Baack of North Mankato and children, Michael, Leah and Daniel; and brother, Robert (Ruth) Baack of Britt.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Henrietta Bradley

December 18, 2012

Henrietta Dilene Bradley, 90, died on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at the Palo Alto residential care facility in Emmetsburg.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 19, at 11:00 a.m., at the Alexander Reformed Church, with Rev. Phil Arnold officiating. Interment will be in the Alexander Cemetery.

Henrietta “Wren”, was born on September 9, 1922 northwest of Alexander to Henry, Jr. and Reka (Groen) Schulte. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from the Alexander High School in 1940. On December 9, 1944, Wren was united in marriage to Lloyd Bradley in Parsons, Kansas. They lived most of their married life around Alexander, moving to Waterloo after Lloyd became ill. Wren moved to Willow Ridge in Emmetsburg eight years ago. Wren had various jobs throughout her life, working at a Kresge Department Store and at Hensels and Aldinger Grocery in Alexander. She loved to visit and be visited by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Grace Hanna, LaVonne Peters and Marlene Slining; and two nephews.

She is survived by her children, Ginger (Chuck) Bachman and Dilene (Don) Larsen; grandchildren, Jodi (Dave) Osburn, Jamie Bachman, Brenda (H. Lynn) Mitchell and Bridget (Don) Mitchell; and great-grandchildren, Faye, Tommy and Jonathan Osburn and Miles and Isaiah Mitchell.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Marilyn McKenna

December 31, 2012

Marilyn M. McKenna, 72, of Clear Lake, recently of Belmond, died on Saturday, December 22, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, December 27, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond. A time of fellowship and food followed at the Legion Post in Livermore. The Andrews Funeral Home of Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.

Marilyn Maude, the daughter of Tom and Maude (Martin) McKenna, was born on March 23, 1940 in Livermore, the youngest of seven children. She attended the Twin River Schools, where she was active in the music programs. Following her education Marilyn moved to Fort Dodge where she worked in manufacturing. Later she moved to Colorado where she resided for many years. Then she returned to Iowa, living in Garner and Clear Lake, spending many years as a dedicated employee of Metal Craft Manufacturing in Mason City.

Marilyn enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, be it hanging out, cuddling and sharing times of solitude with her favorite four-legged companion, Edith, or spending an afternoon fishing for bullheads or other fish. Marilyn loved the outdoors and relished opportunities to go camping with her close friends. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan and devoted John Elway enthusiast. She was known as a gentle-natured person, but was well-versed and had strong opinions. She enjoyed time spent with her family and her numerous nieces and nephews. Marilyn loved young people and was especially fond of the babies in her life.

Marilyn was a life-long, devout member of the Catholic faith, which commenced in her younger years at Sacred Heart in Livermore and continued wherever she lived, including St. Patrick's in Clear Lake and most recently St. Francis Xavier in Belmond. As her health deteriorated she had been making plans to reside at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond near her niece, Jodi (Jeff) Pentico and their daughter, McKenna.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Helen, Delores, Herb, Richard, Shirley and John; and niece, Vanetta Molencamp.

She is survived by her brothers-in-law, Kenny Otto of Kanawha and Jake Uhlenhake of Lee's Summit, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Mardelle McKenna of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Carol McKenna of Livermore; and 22 nieces and nephews and their families.
©Belmond Independent 2012

William "Bud" Boelman

December 31, 2012

William "Bud" Boelman, 87, of Belmond, died on Sunday, December 23, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 28, at the Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond. The Andrews Funeral Home of Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.

William Junior "Bud", the son of Will J. and Titica (Frohling) Boelman, was born on July 9, 1925 on a farm northeast of Belmond. He first attended country school and later graduated from the Belmond High School in 1942. He then commenced farming, which he continued until retirement in 1985. Bud was united in marriage to Marie Dorenkamp on January 20, 1948, at the First Reformed Parsonage in Meservey. Their marriage was blessed with a son, Stan. The couple farmed near Belmond. Their operation included raising crops, chickens, dairy cattle and Chester White hogs, which they had shown over the years.

During their life together Bud and Marie had traveled many miles and made lots of lifelong friends. Bud loved baseball and played on many teams as a youth and later played on various softball teams. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins on television. In earlier years he served as a 4-H Leader. He enjoyed golf and watching his grandchildren play ball. He was always up for a competitive game of cribbage or the solitude of a good book. He looked forward to the daily camaraderie at what he called the "Visiting Club" at True Value. Bud was very proud of being a charter member of the Bethany Reformed Church, where he served as both a deacon and elder for many years. He was an ASCS township and county committee member over the years.

Those who had the privilege of crossing in his life journey will remember his gentle demeanor, warm and welcoming smile, the twinkle in his eye, and the friendly hello with a firm handshake.

Bud was preceded in death by his brothers, Joyce Boelman and Herman Boelman; and sisters, Thada Kuhlers and Henrietta Baker.

Bud's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his wife and life partner, Marie; son, Stan (Shari) Boelman of Ankeny; grandchildren, Michelle (Bryce) Rosel and their children, Lindsay and Ryan of Waukee and Steven (Angela) Boelman and their children, Lillianne and Tad of Mason City; and brothers and sisters, Dorothy Abbas of Belmond, Ruth Dorenkamp of Clear Lake and Daryl Boelman of Boone.
©Belmond Independent 2012