January 10, 2012

Marcele O. Pals, 95, of Thornton, died on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at the Rolling Greene Village in Nevada.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 8, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Meservey. Interment was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Marcele, the daughter of Charles and Lydia (Kolb) Waddingham, was born  on September 1, 1916, on her parents’ farm near Meservey. She attended the Meservey Consolidated School, graduating in 1934.   Marcele married Elmer Pals on August 20, 1936, at the Meservey Reformed Church Parsonage. They farmed in the Meservey and Thornton areas all their working lives. In May 1977, they retired and moved to Thornton.

Marcele had many hobbies and interests. She loved to cook and always had baked goods, especially cakes and cookies, on hand for children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends. She liked to play cards, travel, visit family, had a vegetable garden, and helped with farm work.
Marcele was a lifetime member of the Salem United Methodist Church (formerly E.U.B.), where she was active in the United Methodist Women and Mary Circle. In earlier years she taught Sunday School and Junior League. Marcele was very mission minded and with her church circle every year she gave some animals to Heifer International. For many years Marcele and Elmer raised heifers that were sent overseas. She also sponsored individuals at Opportunity Village, the Woodward Resource Center and a child in Africa.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2002; sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Lewis Dorenkamp; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ruth Waddingham; grandson, Jeffery Pals; and great-granddaughter, Lily Gelhaus.

Marcele is survived by her children, Dallas (Kaye) Pals of Thornton, Deloris (Roger) Monson of Nevada, Larry (Darlene) Pals of Cape Canaveral, Florida and Gary (Carla) Pals of Clinton; grandchildren, Jill (Jerry) Hulsing, Douglas (Julie) Pals, Amy (Brian) Johnson, Andrew (Amanda) Pals, Tammy (Mark) Oxley, Kelley (Bill) Kelley, Michele Pals, Kristine (Marcus) Smith, Taia (Matt) Gelhaus, Tifne Pals, Trent (Rachel) Pals and Trevor (Rachel) Pals; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Alyssa, Erica, Emilee, Madeleine, Elizabeth, Carsen, Drew, Brandon (Lisa), Jeremy, Chantel, Lauren, Grant, Natalie, Ronan, Elliott, Kian, Anna, Hudson, Landon and Brooke; and sister-in-law, Ruth Dorenkamp.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Eugene Frohling

January 17, 2012

Eugene F. Frohling, 77, of Clarion, died on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Monday, January 16, at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Eugene was born on November 2, 1934 in Meservey, to Herman and Gertie (Koenen) Frohling. He attended and graduated from the Rowan High School. He married Ardith Strever on January 30, 1954 at the Congregational Church in Clarion. Eugene enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1954. Upon his discharge he began farming, which was his lifelong profession. He worked at several other jobs in addition to farming, including at the elevator in Rowan, as a substitute mail carrier, as a school bus driver for the Rowan Community Schools, and for the Standard Oil Fertilizer Company for more than 20 years.

Eugene enjoyed all types of woodworking and he refinished and replicated antique furniture. He loved fishing and looked forward to the annual summer fishing trip with his family each August. He was a gifted musician, singing tenor in several music groups, including a quartet with his siblings. He was also a regular attendee of the Dows jam sessions.   Eugene was a member of the United Church of Rowan, where he held several church offices and was a member of the American Legion in Rowan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Vickie Sue Frohling; granddaughters, Tiffaney, Sondra and Marcie Stork; son-in-law, Stephen Stork; and sister-in-law, Jessi Frohling.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Ardith of Clarion; his children, Leslie Stork of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota and Gene (Kristi) Frohling of Rowan; grandchildren, Aimee Miller of Rowan, Jonathan (Miranda) Stork of Pequot Lakes, Alex Frohling of Rowan and Kathleen (Kenny Charpentier) Stork of Pine River, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Warren Miller, William Miller, Hannah Miller, Jethro Charpentier and Violet Stork; sisters, Bonnie (Robert) Leist of Rowan and Diane (Gordon) Sandman of Belmond; and brother, Randy (Pam) Frohling of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2012

John Just

January 24, 2012

John Phillip Just, 88, of Belmond, died on Monday, January 16, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, surrounded by his loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, January 20, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with Monsignor Joseph Slepicka and Deacon Jerry Teymeyer officiating. Burial, with military honors, was in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery near Belmond. Memorials may be directed to the Veteran’s Center of Belmond, St. Francis Xavier, or to the Children’s Garden of Belmond.

John, the son of Jacob and Frances Basgall Just, was born on October 29, 1923 at Belmond. He attended country school in Plum Grove near Lake Cornelia and then town schools in Alexander, Thornton and Sheffield, where he played baseball and softball. He had to leave school after the 10th grade to help on the family farm where he drove a four-horse team for field work. He helped with thrashing, milking cows, and tending to the livestock. He talked often of his horse Cricket and hitching up the wagon to take cream and eggs to town to sell. He loved to reminisce about playing cowboy on his horse, tell stories about his days of thrashing and stretching barbed wire.

John was a WW II Veteran who flew his flag proudly. He served his country from December 11, 1945 until he was honorably discharged as a Private First Class. John spent part of his military tenure in Okinawa. His military occupation was a half track driver. He drove Hqs. Btry 274th AFA, drove fire direction equipment, .50 caliber machine gun ammunition, carried men, equipment and supplies. John made daily inspections and routine repairs to the half track, made daily inspections and routine check ups, and was a cannoneer. He had received commendations including the Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon. He was proud to share about his stature of 5'5" and 160 lbs. and was recognized as the sit-up champion of his platoon.

John was united in marriage to Amy Meyers on September 18, 1949. Their marriage was blessed in the Catholic Church on October 13, 1952 by Father Ormsby. They made their home in Belmond where they raised seven children. John was employed for a time with Spahn and Rose Lumber Co. and the Tomco and Acco Seed Companies, where he was given the nick name "Yogi". He retired in 1988 and remained active doing odd jobs mowing lawns, tilling gardens and blowing snow.

He truly loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved fishing, listening to country music and playing his harmonica. He was an avid sports fan and loved to watch football. His favorite teams were the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. John truly enjoyed going to the races and cheering for his great-grandson, Zac and the Belmond Boys. John had a love for animals, especially horses. He loved a buggy ride on Sunday afternoons. He was adamant about feeding his birds and squirrels and loved to sit and watch them eat. He always had a garden full of vegetables and a huge variety of flowers planted in the yard. He loved to sit outside and soak up the sun and just enjoy the day. John was a strong and gentle man with a cunning sense of humor. He was never afraid to show his emotions. He adored and was mutually adored by his family and friends and never missed an opportunity to give them a kiss and hug and tell them he loved them. He treasured every birth as his family grew and mourned deeply for everyone he loved and lost.

He had been a member of the VFW. John was a lifetime member of the Catholic Church -- a prayerful Christian man with a powerful belief in God. He will be remembered by all who crossed his life journey as a man with boundless love for others, a warm and welcoming character, who was very much happy-go-lucky.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Amy on February 21, 2000; brothers, Jake, Adam, Alex and John: sisters, Margaret, Elizabeth, Ann and Katie; grandchildren, Karen, David and Roslyn; and great-grandchildren, Shelby Jo and Kaleb.

Those left to cherish the memory of John's life and legacy include his son, Garland Just and wife, Roxie of Webster City; daughters, Judy Smith and husband, Jim, Fran Banta and husband, Lou, Bobbi McVey and husband, Brian and Mary Schaefer, all of Belmond, Donna Beachy of Mt. Vernon and Lori Meints and husband, Darin of Goodell; grandchildren, Mike, Cathy, Katie, Jennifer (Jason), Sara, Paul (Kris), Robby (Lisa), Steve (Brenda) Tom (Dawn) Danny and Melanie, Nathan (Laura), Jake (Yuri), Kelly (Carly), Jennifer (Jarod), Amy (Eric), Josh (Kristie), Jackie (Bill), Jessica (Ryan) and Stephany (Justin); great-grandchildren, Erica, Morgan, William, Bethany, Shey, Emma, Lincoln, Dillan, Max, Zac, Makenzy, Linzey, Jordan, Connor, Kylie, Claire, Cohen, Khale, Taylor, Tristan, Vanessa, Mia, Tyson, Kaden, Ian, Grady, Kirby, Jacob, Spencer, Ethan, Makayla, Evan and Liam; step-grandchildren, Tom, Teya, Nathan, Josh, Natasha, Traci, Dan and Troy (Brooke); step great-great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Chyann, Kelsey, Baylee, Morgan, Olivia, Alek, Erik, Emma, Lizzy, Paige, Katie, Allison, Colten and Liberty. Survivors on the Just side of the family include Donna Freeze and family, Larry and Robert, Betty and Sharron; cousin, Mary Just; sister-in-law, Marilyn Just; nephews, David Just and family and Randy Just and family, Robby Just and family and Jamie Just and family.
©Belmond Independent 2012 

William Reinhart

January 24, 2012

William “Bill” Reinhart, 89, of Ankeny, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 28, at the Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman, followed by burial in the Lincoln Cemetery in Alleman. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Bill.

Bill was born on August 23, 1922 in Alleman, Iowa, to Melvin and Martha (Matzinger) Reinhart. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the Ankeny American Legion Post 42. Bill was a farmer and also worked for the Klemme Co-op for 30 years. He met Dolorys Cook, a school teacher in Alleman. They were married in 1944 and lived on her family farm southeast of Klemme. They later built a home just outside Belmond and attended the United Methodist Church. They retired to Arizona in 1988. Doris died in Denver, Colorado, in 2008 and then Bill returned to Iowa.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Merrie June Murray, Nancy Jean (Robert) Erickson and Susan Joan Anthony; grandchildren, Deborah Laine (Scott) Finger, Jay Bliss Erickson and Chad William Erickson; great-granddaughter, Emily Laine Finger; brother, Paul Reinhart; sisters, Rose (Vernon) Herring, Marianne Barr and Marilyn Dale; sister-in-law, Rose Marie Reinhart; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolorys Cook Reinhart; his parents; and his brothers, Harold and Earl; and son-in-law, Alan Anthony.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
©Belmond Independent 2012

Harold Eckhoff

January 31, 2012

Harold A. Eckhoff, 90, of Latimer, died on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held on Saturday, January 28, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander, with Rev. Phillip Arnold officiating. Burial was in the Alexander Cemetery.    

Harold was born on February 14, 1921 in Wisner Township near Alexander, to George and Grace (Schmidt) Eckhoff. He graduated from the Alexander High School in 1939. He was united in marriage to Dorothy D. Jackson on November 3, 1949, at the Immanuel Church of Christ in Latimer. Harold was a member of First Reformed in Alexander, where he served on the church board for fifteen years. He was a dedicated farmer his entire life.

Harold enjoyed woodworking, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and family gatherings. But his true enjoyment in life was farming

He was preceded in death by his son, Darrell Allen; daughter, Marsha Elaine; brother, Raymond; sisters-in-law, Evelyn, Lavon and Elsie; brothers-in-law, Robert, Vincent and Donald; and nephew, Alvin Alfson.   

Harold is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Latimer; son, Wayne (Jane) of Alexander; granddaughter, Rebecca (Steve) Tiffany of Mukwonago, Wisconsin; grandsons, Mark (Jenny) Eckhoff of Madrid and Brian (Ashley) Eckhoff of Marion; great-grandchildren, Nathan and Allyson Tiffany; step great-grandson, Michael Legan; and sister, Mildred Eckhoff of Alexander.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Victor Fleener

January 31, 2012

Victor A. Fleener, 73, of Belmond, died on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at his home.

A memorial gathering was held on Tuesday, January 31, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Memorials may be made to the family in his name.

Victor Arthur, the son of Clarence and Dolly Kelly Fleener, was born on July 29, 1938 in Belmond. Vic grew up in the Belmond area where he attended school. At an early age he started driving truck for a living. Over the next years he drove for Pre-Lite of Renwick, National Farmline (Whites) on the west coast and Umthum in Eagle Grove. Vic began working in Alden for Weavers. After that company became Martin Marietta, Vic was moved to Wisconsin.

Victor was united in marriage to Phyllis Bauer on November 22, 1989 in Baraboo, Wisconsin. They made their home there and they started a family. Vic continued working for Martin Marietta. In 1994, Vic and Phyllis moved to Belmond. Vic started working for Giese Construction, which eventually became Martin Marietta. Vic retired from Martin Marietta after 21 years of service in 2003.

Vic enjoyed fishing, but loved restoring and working on cars and tractors. He called it “wrenching”. Vic is remembered as a truly wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Victor is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughters, Tabitha (Nick) Isom of Clarksville, Tennessee, Victoria Fleener and Jake of Carlisle and Nikki Fleener of Belmond; his pride and joy grandson, Noah; sister, Bonnie (Bill) Dirks of Belmond; and brothers, Tom of Buffalo Center and Larry (Denise) of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Dena Van Osten

January 31, 2012

Dena Van Osten, 91, of Belmond, died on Friday, January 27, 2012, at her home.

Services where held on Tuesday, January 31, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery.

Dena Johanna, the daughter of Hemmo and Johanna Wiegmann Beek, was born on March 1, 1920, in Hancock County near Goodell. She grew up in the Goodell and Meservey areas. Dena was united in marriage to John Van Osten on March 9, 1938, at the Reformed Church Parsonage in Meservey. They made their home first north, and later west, of Meservey. Together they farmed and raised a family.

Dena helped John in all areas of the farming operation, but most enjoyed doing field work. John and Dena moved into Belmond in 1977. He died in 1985. After John’s passing Dena continued to live a full and busy life in Belmond. She was a devoted, life-long member of First Reformed in Meservey. Dena liked to play cards, work at the Lyric Theater and coffee with friends. Dena most enjoyed always having something for her children to eat. She will be remembered as a feisty, yet very true loving, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Minnie, Mary and Katie; and brothers, Benny, Carl, John, George, Herman and Henry.

Dena is survived by her children, Ardell (Linda) of Meservey and Judy (Mike) Miller of Worthington, Minnesota; grandchildren, Robin Van Osten, Sandra Van Osten, Brent (Sarah) Smith and Brandon Smith; great-granddaughter, Audrey; and sister, Frieda Wessels of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Frederick Greenfield

January 31, 2012

Frederick William Greenfield, 94, of Sheffield, died on Friday, January 27, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning at the First Grace Baptist Church in Sheffield, with Pastor Ken Livingston presiding. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, in the Alexander Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the First Grace Baptist Church.

Fred was born on September 4, 1917 at Alexander, the son of Fred and Lula (Bell) Greenfield. He graduated from the Alexander High School in 1935. On November 10, 1940, Fred married Luella Elizabeth Schroeder. They worked together on the family farm for over fifty years. Their home was beautifully furnished with antique furniture that they had restored.

Fred’s interests and loves were widespread, including fishing, gardening, kids, animals, music, nature and his grandchildren. A real people person, Fred enjoyed visiting with and helping others. He was a gentle, honest, kind, fun, thoughtful Christian man with a great sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Luella in 2002.

Fred is survived by his children, Steve (Barb) Greenfield and Linda (Ron) Herdliska; grandsons, Mike (Kelly) and Ryan (Marcy); granddaughters, Stephanie (Clint) and Shelli; and great-grandchildren, Danielle, Hayden, Allison, Payton and Cooper.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Elnor Nelson

January 31, 2012

Elnor Gertrude Nelson, 95, of Dixon, Illinois, formerly of St. Cloud, Minnesota, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Services and burial will be held at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Belmond, on Saturday, February 4, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will precede the service at noon. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial to honor Elnor's favorite church and mission organizations.

Elnor was born on October 26, 1916, to Elmer and Gornelia (Peterson) Olson in rural Webster County. She graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City and taught elementary school for a number of years in rural Iowa and at St. Cloud.

She was an active member in her Lutheran congregations and a faithful supporter of the church's global mission. She will be remembered for her devoted love of her family and friends, her keen sense of fun and humor, her interest in Norwegian traditions and her talents for folk painting, baking, entertaining, public speaking and writing. Elnor was the epitome of a faithful family member and friend who was treasured for her tender relationships with others, her warm hospitality and her grateful spirit. Her death is a significant loss for all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her her husband of 71 years, Rev. Clifford H. Nelson; granddaughter, Ingrid Nelson; and older sisters, Willetta O'Brion and Jodella Legvold.

Elnor is survived by her children, David (Claudia) Nelson of Grand Detour, Illinois, Naomi Nelson (Philip Dahlberg) of Houston, Texas, Eldon Nelson of Canyon Lake, Texas and Stephen (Maureen) Nelson of Park Ridge, Illinois; grandchildren, Erik (Buffy) Otterstad of Austin, Texas, Karl (Holly) Nelson of Elgin, Illinois, Kaitlin Nelson of Toronto, Ontario and Benjamin Nelson of Park Ridge; great-grandchildren, Nicklas, Thomas, August and Solveig Nelson and Tristram Otterstad; and siblings, Harriet Schonberger, Laurine Nelson, Elmer Olson Jr. and Willard Olson.
©Belmond Independent 2012