Shirley Smith

June 5, 2012

Shirley A. Smith, 81, of Belmond, formerly of Marseilles, Illinois, died on Friday, June 1, 2012, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Shirley is the mother of Kevin (Joleen) Smith of Belmond. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Illinois. The Dugger Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Fred Loats

June 12, 2012

Frederick A. “Freddie” Loats, 78, of Belmond, died on Sunday, June 3, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Sunday, June 10, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial, with military honors was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Frederick Armin was born on May 26, 1934, to Benjamin Andrew and Viola Katherine (Mennenga) Loats. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1952. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four years, one year in Korea. Fred also served four years in the reserves, and was honored as Airman of the Month. Following his service Fred married Constance “Connie” Gabrielson on November 12, 1960 at the Trinity Lutheran. This union was blessed with sons, Jeffrey, Mark and Daniel. Fred was a hard working man and was employed eight years by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Then he worked for Purina and Kent Feeds, and with Kent Feeds became district manager. Freddie spent several years as a salesman for McLaughlin Chevrolet and for Farmers Grain. He then worked for Eaton Corporation for five years.

In Freddie’s earlier years he was an avid outdoorsman and loved to go fishing in Minnesota with his family. He was an excellent hunter, known never to miss a pheasant. Fred was also known for his amazing shot at golf; he had a smooth swing admired by many. When Fred was not on the golf course he could be found in the clubhouse playing pool, being nearly unbeatable. Fred loved sports his entire life, and was a devoted Packers fan and passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed time at home with his pet cat named Cat.

Fred was a brutally honest man who would definitely give you an argument to support his opinion on any subject. He also had a very charming side that could make up for an occasional slip off the tongue.

Frederick was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Jeffrey; sister, Marian Riggins; brother-in-law, Jim Riggins; and step-mother, Nellie.

Love and memories will be cherished in the hearts of his friends and family: son, Mark (Jacqueline) Loats and children, Jeffrey, Mindy and Aimee of Belmond; son, Dan (Tonya) of Redding, California and children, Curtis and step-daughter, Erica Plummer; and brother, Ken (Martha) Loats of Granville, Ohio.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Robert Haupt

June 12, 2012

Robert Haupt, 91, of Belmond, died on Monday, June 4, 2012, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held on Thursday, June 7, at the Belmond United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery west of Rowan. The Dugger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert, the son of Frank and Katherine (Kate) Smith Haupt, was born on July 22, 1920, on a farm between Rowan and Belmond. He grew up in that area and attended country school. Robert married Leona E. Bailey on February 8, 1942 at the Methodist Parsonage in Rowan. They made their home on a farm north of Rowan. Robert farmed his entire working life. He retired in 1973 and he and Leona built a house and moved into Belmond.

Robert is remembered for the meticulous care of his home, cars, yard and garden. A very active person his entire life, Bob will most be remembered for riding his bike on the bike trail into his late 80’s. Robert was a member of the United Methodist Church in Belmond.

He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Norman; sisters, Mildred and Minnie; brothers, Ed, Alvin, Bernard and Donnie; and half-brother, Leo Smith.

Robert is survived by his son, Verle (Linda) of Jewell; granddaughter, Sara and four great-grandchildren, all of Ames; sisters, Wilma (Hartley) Friesleben of Clarion, Lorraine Johnson of Iowa Falls and Helen Ahrens of Rowan; and brothers, Raymond (Artherine) of Dows and Duane (Darilyn) of Dows.
©Belmond Independent 2012

June 12, 2012

Robert L. "Bob" Summers, 85, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, surrounded by his family.

Services were held on Monday, June 11, at the Evangelical Free Church of Belmond. Burial, with military honors was in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery near Belmond. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Leroy was born on November 15, 1926 near Fertile, to Hiram and Gladys (Roseland) Summers. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1944 and served in the United States Navy from 1945-1949. He then married the love of his life, Carolyn Jones. The marriage was blessed with children, Antoinette “Toni”, Linda, Duane, Richard and Mitchell.

Bob was an active member of the community. He loved to give back to his town. He was well known for his involvement with the Belmond Volunteer Ambulance Service and and the Belmond Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Bob had the mind of an engineer and was always trying to improve some tool or create his next new toy. When Bob was not working on his next invention, he might be found at the Sparetime Lanes, bowling with the senior league. For many years Bob’s friendly wave might be seen in the Belmond’s 4th of July parade as he drove for local car dealers and the Emergency Vehicle Sales and Service of Alexander. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his family’s activities. In earlier years Bob enjoyed the excitement of racing hydroplane boats. He truly cherished times with his family. From his subtle smile to the twinkle in his eye, he relished each opportunity to be with them, even in the last moments of his life journey.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; son, Duane; grandson, Jeremy; and son-in-law, James Williams.

The love and memories will continue on in the hearts of his family: his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; daughters, Toni (Murray) Lindstrom of Ely and Linda (James) Boyd of Belmond; sons, Richard (Lucinda) Summers and Mitchell (Cindy) Summers of Belmond; sisters, Bernadine (Robert) Cooke of Belmond and Elaine (Norman) Lester of Goldfield; brother, William of Burkburnett, Texas; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Betty Cole

June 12, 2012

Betty L. Cole, 70, of Belmond, died unexpectedly at the Belmond Medical Center on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 12, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Reverend Troy Pflibsen officiating. Inurnment was in the Belmond Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Betty Lauden, the daughter of Walter Henry and Clara (Larson) Lauden, was born on January 20, 1942 at Goodell. She was baptized and confirmed in her childhood at the Reformed Church in Klemme. Betty grew up in the Goodell area, attended schools there, and graduated from the Klemme High School with the Class of 1959. Following high school Betty worked and attended college in northwest Minneapolis, where she was trained in nursing. She later became a bookkeeper and was licensed as a tax preparer, owning her own business in South Carolina. Betty was united in marriage to Charles "Chuck" F. Cole in December 1966. Their union was blessed with children, Tammy. John and James.

Following their wedding the couple raised their children in the various places that Chuck's Air Force career took them, including a number of years in Hokkaido, Japan. After 22 years in the service Chuck and Betty settled in Sacramento, California. In 1990, the family returned to Belmond when Betty's mother entered the health care center. They owned and operated the C & G Motel after purchasing it from Edith Hill. Later they became proprietors of the CBJ Autowash on Highway 69. Betty and Chuck purchased a home on Lake Cornelia and relished many wonderful times at “the lake place", spending time cruising about and fishing on their pontoon boat. The couple enjoyed square dancing in earlier years and the adventures of their travels, as well as swapping customs with others in their home during their years in the military.

Betty truly looked forward to any occasion that meant being in the presence of her family. She was very proud of each and everyone of them and would often bring other young people under her wing as their "adopted grandma". Betty had a huge heart, often putting the needs of others, including those of complete strangers, before her own. Her door was always open no matter where she lived. Her family recalls countless times she provided shelter, food and money to people she had never met, trusting them with completely open arms. The family recalls when RAGBRAI made a trek through town, and Betty's yard and home were filled with dozens of tents, bikes and bikers.

A favorite pastime of Betty's was working over one of her Bunka designs, a type of Japanese embroidery that almost no one else in the United States knows how to do. Her family will cherish various of designs that she created with her loving hands. Some of her work had even been in magazines featuring the Bunka craft. Betty was an avid WWE fan whose favorite wrestlers included Vern Gagne and "The Crusher". She was known to get truly excited watching wrestling action. She also looked forward to roller derby events. Betty enjoyed the simple pleasures of life such as playing cards, working in her garden, flowers, watching birds and wildlife, looking after the pet birds, and going on dining excursions with Chuck and family. She was always up for a good visit with friends and relatives.

As the health of both Betty and Chuck declined, they appreciated that their children were nearby, as each of the kids helped out in their own way. After Chuck passed away on April 22, 2006, Betty relied upon the love and support of her family even more as her health slowly continued to decline. She faced each obstacle head on and battled courageously through it. Betty will be remembered by her family and friends for her dry sense of humor and her welcoming ways towards all who crossed her path. She was very kind hearted in one sense, and cantankerous in another. One of her children stated about her unique personality, "She was like a crusty old marshmallow -- hard on the outside and very soft and gooey on the inside." She will also be remembered for her straight forward attitude and her strength and ability to face adversity head on. She will be missed by her family in so many different ways.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother-in-law, George Gerdes; and nephews, Roger and Robert Lindsay.

Betty's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her children, Tamara Gladue of Clarion, John (Lisa) Cole of Belmond and James Cole of Antioch, California; grandsons, Adam Gladue of St. Helena, California and Tyler Baldwin of Vinton; her sisters, Rosie Gerdes of Klemme and Wilma (Marvin) Lindsay of Swaledale; brother-in-law, Daniel Cole of Forest Lake, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Leman Glascock

June 12, 2o12

Leman Glascock, 94, died on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

Services were held on Friday, June 8, at the Cibolo Valley Baptist Church in Texas.

Leman was born on November 16, 1917 in Lovington, New Mexico and married Ester Rogers in Lovington on December 11, 1941. He served in the air corps during WW II.

He was preceded in death by sons, Johnnie in 1968 and Jack in 1999.

He is survived by his wife and children, Leman A. (Terry), Carl (Judy), Charles, Nell (Rex) Boyd of Belmond, Tricia (Ira) Weaver, David, and Honey (Roscoe).
©Belmond Independent 2012

Merle Robbins

June 19, 2012

Merle J. Robbins, 69, of Belmond, died on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at the Iowa Veteran's Home in Marshalltown.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 15, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond. Burial, with military honors, was in the church cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Merle, the son of Carl and Agnes (Fuller) Robbins, was born on July 4, 1942 in Belmond. He grew up in the Belmond community and graduated with the Class of 1960. He later attended barber school and was a barber in Forest City for a time. Merle proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He spent time from 1964-67 in Cambodia, Thailand and in Germany guarding the Berlin Wall. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1970. Merle was united in marriage to Beverly Buseman on December 27, 1967, at the Catholic Church in Forest City. They resided in Belmond where they raised their son, Mike. Merle was employed for a time at Central Soya and in 1982 started a career with the Eaton Corporation, where he retired from the stock room in the mid 2000's.

Throughout his life Merle was an active and devout member at St. Francis Xavier. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and proud to be a 4th Degree Knight. He was a past member of the Goodell American Legion post. Merle and Bev enjoyed raising and nurturing their son. The family enjoyed fishing outings and golf. Merle was always up for a game of cards or a trip to a casino. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and had been to several football and basketball games. He shared his love for the black and gold through his personalized license plates and enormous Hawkeye emblem on his home's double garage door.

His wife and the love of his life, Bev, died on January 4, 2001. Following her death Merle continued to work at Eaton and looked after his mother. After she passed away and Merle retired, he looked forward to outings to a local restaurant for a meal and some visiting, an occasional trip to a casino, cruising about town, and the fellowship of friends and family. As his health deteriorated he became more reliant on the assistance of others, despite his staunch independence and wish to remain self-sufficient. His son and family are grateful to all those who were helpful in looking after Merle in recent years. He recently moved to the Iowa Veteran's Home where he was closer to his son and grandkids.

All who had the privilege of crossing Merle's life journey will remember his booming and resonantly deep voice, a man who was dedicated to his faith, family and friends. They will reflect upon his often blunt and straight-forward personality, unique humor, and the "Merle Gaze" in his eyes as he shared his thoughts, stories and insights.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

His life and memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his son, Mike (Kathryn) Robbins and his grandchildren, Kellie and Jayme Robbins of State Center.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Ethel Ross

June 19, 2012

Ethel M. Ross, 89, formerly of Byron, Minnesota, died on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at the Shorewood Commons in Rochester, where she resided the past five years.

Ethel Minnie was born on December 18, 1922 in Belmond, to William S. and Annette (Prenzler) Jenkins. She was raised in Belmond and graduated from high school in 1940. On January 25, 1941, she married Raymond O. Ross in Heartland, Minnesota. She lived in Belmond while her husband served in the U.S. Army. The couple lived in Dows before moving to Iowa Falls where they farmed. In 1958, they moved to rural Byron and farmed in Salem Township, Olmsted County. Ethel worked for the Rochester Public Schools before working as an executive secretary at the Kahler Hotel for many years. After retirement she worked as a secretary for the Byron United Methodist Church and as a secretary at Ross Designers & Manufacturing of Minnesota, owned by her son, Dennis.

She was a member of the Byron United Methodist Church, where she was active in women’s circles; the National Secretaries Association; the Social Neighbors Club; and the American Legion Post 119 Auxiliary. Ethel enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, needlework, gardening and travelling.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2007; and sister, Leona Wilson.

Survivors include children, Lanny Ross of Sargeant, Barb (Jim) Kurth of Zumbrota, Dennis Ross (Karen O’Shaughnessy) of Wabasha, Kay Ross (Kent McDaniel) of Rochester and Lynette (Jim) Miller of Pine Island; brother, Edgar (Ruth) Jenkins of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Steve (Kayla) Ross, Amy Ross (Mitch Harrington), Matt Ross, Collin Strain (Lora Darby), Karla (John) Gappa, Jennifer Kurth, Julia (Selwyn) Dickey, William (Jennifer) Kurth, Cheryl (Jeff) Simpson and Scott Miller; twenty four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
©Belmond Independent 2012

John Mize

June 19, 2012

John D. Mize, 73, of Belmond, died on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the Belmond Medical Center, following a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 20, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial with military honors will be in the Belmond Cemetery.

John Davis, the son of John and Louila (Morgan) Mize, was born on January 2, 1939 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in the Shreveport area, graduating from the Fair Park High School. John received his bachelor of science degree in business from Louisiana State University-Natchitoches and his master's degree in public administration from the Golden Gate University in San Francisco. John was united in marriage to Joan Lee Edwards on March 14, 1964 in Fort Dodge. They were blessed with two children, Arthur Thomas and Laura Elizabeth. John served in the United States Air Force for 22 years. His military career began during the Vietnam War on September 28, 1962 in New Orleans. He was honorably discharged with the rank of major on July 31, 1984 at the Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. John was a B-52 bomber pilot during the war and successfully flew nearly 300 missions in combat areas. John and his crew's amazing story was featured in the Air Force Magazine in an article titled "The Seventh Man". Among his decorations were the Air Force Cross (the first Strategic Air Command person so honored), the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 15 Clusters, and the Purple Heart.

Following retirement from the military, John was an agent with Principal Life Insurance in Rapid City, a B-52 flight simulator instructor at Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda, Michigan and an employee of the Eaton Corporation in Belmond for 10 years. John was a leader with the Boy Scouts of America and was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. He served on the Trinity Lutheran Church Council, sang in the choir and ran the sound system. He served on the board of the Belmond Community Apartments, was a Care Car driver, and made deliveries for the Belmond Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels.

John and Joan enjoyed raising their two children, often spending time camping and fishing. After retiring, the couple spent time traveling and John especially loved spending time with his granddaughter, Avery. John will be remembered as a dignified gentleman who cared deeply for his family and fellow man. His friendly manner, warm smile, twinkling eyes, wit and character, will be missed by all who were privileged to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 48 years, Joan of Belmond; son, Arthur Mize of Ferndale, Michigan; daughter, Laura Mize and granddaughter, Avery of Rancho Cucamonga, California; and sister, Sandra (Don) Dunivan of Shreveport.

Memorials in John's name may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Belmond Medical Center Auxiliary, or to ELCA World Hunger.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Velma Frohling

June 26, 2012

Velma L. Frohling, 97, of Belmond, died on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at the Bethany Manor in Story City.

Services were held on Monday, June 25, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Soderstrum Funeral Home of Story City, is handling the arrangements.

Velma Letha was born on April 18, 1915 in Wright County, to Stuart L. and Rose (Hilpipre) Smith. She grew up near Belmond and graduated from high school in 1935. On August 30, 1937, she married Edward Frohling in Des Moines. They resided in Belmond all their married life. She worked at the Belmond Community Hospital for more than 30 years. In her retirement she painted china, including many dolls which she lovingly outfitted. She also enjoyed traveling, crocheting, sewing and tending her flower garden. She was a long-time and active member of St. John Lutheran.

Survivors include her sons, Arlyn (Diane) of Bradenton, Florida, Verlyn (Barb) of Story City and Jerry (Alice) of Stockton, California; grandchildren, Sherri Keigan, Jean Kailiawa, Bill Frohling, Ed Frohling, Dave Frohling, Kris Frohling, Letha Simard and Roger Frohling; and 11 great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Ardis Lemke

July 3, 2012

Ardis M. Lemke, 85, of Dows, died on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Services were held on Wednesday, June 27, at the Morgan United Methodist Church east of Dows.

Ardis Maude, the daughter of Harley and Ruby Cowley Jacobsen, was born on October 28, 1926. She grew up in the Dows area where she attended country school #4 and graduated from the Dows High School in 1945. Ardis marrried Virgil Lemke on August 14, 1946.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Galen Jacobsen.

She is survived by her husband; sons, Harlan (Francine) of Burnsville, Minnesota and Dean (Peggy) of Des Moines; sisters, Vivian Kinsey of Johnston and Shirley (Marvin) Zieger of Marshalltown; and brother, Doug Jacobsen (Carolyn) of Dows.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Jennie Bonjour

July 3, 2012

Jennie D. Bonjour, 35, died on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at her home in Sheffield after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and many friends.

Services were held on Monday, July 2, at the First Grace Baptist Church in Sheffield, with interment in the Hillside Cemetery.

Jennie Diane, the daughter of Craig Pearce and Diane Kraling, was born on December 8, 1976 in Iowa City. She attended school in Plymouth and Mason City, and graduated from the Belmond-Klemme High School in 1995. She then attended the LaJames School of Cosmetology and worked at the Good Shepard Care Center as a nurse's aide. She met the love of her life and future husband, Brian Bonjour. They were married in 1997.

She was the assistant manager for two years at Casey's General Store in Sheffield. She was known for her constant smile and friendly attitude towards all of her customers. In the spring of 2003, she had her first surgery. In 2004, she was accepted in the nursing program at NIACC. While attending school she worked at the Franklin General Hospital and the Rockwell Care Center. The progression of her disease resulted in suspending her dream of becoming a flight nurse, a dream that she never gave up and passed on to her daughter, Amber.

Jennie was known to be a friend to all. Her devotion to Jesus Christ her Savior and her family were second to none. She was very active in church even as her disease progressed. She was a Cubbie's Leader in AWANA's at First Grace Baptist and took great joy in singing with groups and doing solos. She also loved to sing karaoke with family and friends. Jennie's other passions included time at the family's log cabin built by her grandparents and great aunts and uncles in northern Minnesota, camping and fishing at Beeds Lake with Brian and the kids, Christian concerts and being a help to any and all. Her powerful legacy will live on in each of the lives she touched over the years.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Louis and Patricia Bram; and paternal grandparents, Al and Marie Pearce.

She is survived by her husband; children, Justin 14, Joseph 11 and Amber 9; her mother of Mason City; her father of Kensett; siblings, Craig Pearce, Jr. of Mason City, her identical twin, Patricia Pearce of Mason City, Emily Pearce of Mason City, Molly Kraling of Joplin, Missouri and Loretta Kraling of Mason City; nieces, Cierra, Sarah, Alexis and Madeline; and nephew, Mathew, all of Mason City.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Kenneth Winwood

July 3, 2012

Kenneth A. Winwood, 89, of Alexander, died on Thursday, June 28, 2012, at the Comfort House in Pella. Ken farmed for many years in the Alexander area. He and his wife, Marcella recently moved to Pella to be close to their children and resided at Vriendschap Village.

Services were held on Monday, July 2, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Burial was in the Alexander Cemetery following a time of fellowship at the Belmond United Methodist Church.

Kenneth Albert was born on September 15, 1922, to Charles and Bessie (Yaw) Winwood. He attended the Alexander School and Luther College in Decorah. On March 7, 1946, he was united in marriage to his wife, Marcella and together they worked the family farm. After retirement they continued to enjoy country living until moving to Pella in 2009.

Ken was a member of the Alexander United Methodist Church. He loved all nature and enjoyed traveling the countryside with Marcella. An avid hunter since boyhood, he brought home pheasants, shooting with his friends and participating in state tournaments.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those Ken leaves behind to honor his memory are his wife; son, David of Williamsburg and daughter, Gloria (Julio) Chiarella of Pella; grandson, Greg (Denise) Fink; granddaughters, Jennifer (Shawn) Allen and Rachel (Keith) Becker; great-grandchildren, Dylan Fink, Rachel (Robbie) Kromminga, Jacob, Hannah and Zoe Allen and Owen and Reid Becker; great-great-grandchildren, Bridget, Alexa and Olivia Kromminga; brother-in-law, Bill (Jerri) Rozevink; and special family members, Karin Winwood and Maria Carla and Julio A. Chiarella.
©Belmond Independent 2012