Jacki Anderson

March 6, 2012

Jacki Anderson, 49, of Alexander, died on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at the St Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 8, at the First Reformed Church in Alexander. Prior to the service, burial will take place at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, in the Alexander Cemetery. Viewing and visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Memorials may be made to the family in Jacki’s name.

Jacqueline JoAnn, the daughter of Gene and Judy Boelman Draper, was born on January 22, 1963 in Belmond. Jacki grew up in Alexander and graduated from the CAL High School in 1980. She attended the Des Moines Area Community College. Jacki married Drew Kragel in 1981. The couple made their home in Coulter, where they were blessed with a daughter, Jessica. The couple later divorced and Jacki and Jessi made their home in Alexander. In 1993, Jacki married Alan Anderson. They were blessed with a son, Jacob, and together they raised their family. Jacki worked as the office manager for Emergency Vehicles in Alexander. In 1996, she earned her bachelors degree in psychology and human services from Buena Vista College.

Jacki was very community minded. She was a founding member of the Alexander Corporation and was personally responsible for opening the Alexander convenience store in the mid 80’s. Jacki was a life-long member of the First Reformed Church, which benefited by her membership in numerous ways. Jacki was a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, catechism teacher, and was responsible for many wonderful Sunday School Christmas programs. Jacki was a nine-year member of the CAL School Board. She enjoyed gardening and traveling, especially to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Jacki often most enjoyed the simple things -- sitting beside her fire pit, winning the annual Draper Dynasty Fantasy Football Championship twice, or playing with her grandchildren, Jackson and Kennedy -- these were what mattered most.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Jacki is survived by her husband, Alan; children, Jessi (Patrick) Olmstead of Webster City and Jacob at home; grandchildren, Jackson and Kennedy; her parents of Alexander; and brothers, Ken (Jodi) and Mike (Julie) all of Mason City.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Richard Baker

March 20, 2012

Richard "Dick" Allen Baker, 90, Tulsa, Oklahoma, died on Sunday, March 4, 2012.

He was born on September 12, 1921 in Belmond, to Guy and Mildred (Zook) Baker. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1939 and married Elaine Pletsch in August 1941 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond. They farmed north of Alexander and in 1963 moved to Hampton.

He was preceded in death by his wife.

Dick is survived by son, Kirk (Michele) Baker of St. George, Utah; daughter, Melinda (Jordan) Sobel of Tulsa; son, Dave Baker of Council Bluffs; and sister, Ruth Erickson of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Patricia Amos

March 13, 2012

Patricia L. "Pat" Amos, 78, of Rowan, died on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, March 8, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond.

Pat was born on May 6, 1933 in St. Paul. She graduated from the Harding High School in St. Paul in 1951. Following a long career as a professional housekeeper in the Twin Cities area, she retired to Rowan in 1990.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank, Fred and George Raasch; and sister, Janet Mulhern.

She is survived by her son, Bill (Theresa) Amos of Plymouth.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Larry Mennenga

March 13, 2012

Larry D. Mennenga, 76, of Belmond, died on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at home surrounded by his family.

Services were held on Sunday, March 11, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. Burial with military rites was in the Belmond Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Larry’s name to the Trinity Lutheran Church or the Hospice of Wright County.

Larry Dennis, the son of Harry and Esther (Frohling) Mennenga, was born on December 24, 1935, at the family farm east of Belmond. He attended country school in Pleasant Township and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1954. He worked for Ris-Van Fertilizer and at various other jobs. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1958 and honorably discharged in August 1960. Then he began farming, which was his life-long profession.

Larry was united in marriage to Margaret Gabrielson on June 28, 1958, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church. They were blessed with two sons, Duan Dennis and Daren Douglas and two grandsons, Tristan Douglas and Ty Douglas, whom he adored. Larry is remembered for his love of horses and fishing. Most of all, he loved the time he was able to spend working on projects with his grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, Duan of Tampa, Florida and Daren (Diena) of Belmond; grandsons, Tristan and Ty of Belmond; brother, Lynn (Sue) of Pontiac, Illinois; and nephews, Scott, Todd, Bradd, Ross and Chadd and their families of Pontiac and surrounding area.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Jesse Suntken

March 27, 2012

Jesse Benjamin Suntken, 101, formerly of the rural Meservey and Belmond areas, died on Monday, March 19, 2012, at the Sheffield Care Center.

Services were held on Friday, March 23, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, with burial in the Immanuel Reformed Church Cemetery east of Belmond. The Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.

Jesse Benjamin was born on November 3, 1910 on a farm east of Alexander, to John and Yettie (Gruis) Suntken. He graduated from the Meservey High School in 1930. On January 22, 1937, Jesse married Esther Marie Pals at the Reformed Church Parsonage in Meservey. To this union four children were born, Donna, Madonna, Janet and James.   Jesse devoted his life to his wife and family. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and was always ready to tell a good story and share a heart-filled laugh. His family was his life and true love. His passion was farming and raising Belgian horses. He knew how to sow the fields and harvest the crops and spent his whole life tending to the land and his livestock. Jesse enjoyed raising Belgian horses and spent numerous hours and went to countless horse shows admiring the majestic creatures.

Jesse had a very full 101 years of life and was proud of the fact he was able to live on his own for the first 100. He had countless memories and went through much and shared brief glimpses of his life with Belmond students who interviewed him. Jesse was strong in his faith and would always say, “I am blessed; I am the luckiest man alive.” His strong faith in the Lord was of utmost importance to him and he attended First Reformed in Meservey his entire life.

Jesse was preceded in death by Esther, his wife and life partner for over sixty years; brothers, Benjamin (Tena) and Frederick (Lorene); sister-in-law, Mildred Suntken; and great-grandchildren, Daniel Murl and Quinten Pals.

Those left to cherish Jesse’s memory include his children, Donna (Ronald) Symens of Sheffield, Madonna (William) Neuberger of Klemme, Janet (Derald) Pals of Belmond and James (Dianna) Suntken of Belmond; sister, Viola Christie; brother, Herman (Berniece) Suntken; grandchildren, Barbara Murl, Wayne Neuberger, Brian Symens, Linda Dippel, Mark Symens, Denise Bock, Audra Early, Jason Pals and Jonathan and Matthew Suntken; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2012

June Kepley

March 27, 2012

June A. Kepley, 92, died on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Services were held on Monday, March 26, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

June Abbie was born on the family farm near Belmond, on June 14, 1919, to Harm and Lillian (Meinders) Braner. She graduated from the Belmond High School in 1937 and from the School of Cosmetology in Fort Dodge in 1938. She moved to Mason City in 1940. During WW II she worked at an ammunition plant in Alexandria, Virginia. On February 28, 1946, June married Donald W. Kepley on her parent’s farm. She worked for the Lillian Reed Beauty Shop until her children were born. She was a homemaker and later worked part time for Gold Bond Stamps and then in the ladies’ department at Damon’s.

June enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting, crocheting and visiting with her friends and family. She was an avid Hawkeye fan, and enjoyed playing 500 and Quarters with her great-grandchildren. June also enjoyed fishing in Canada with friends, renting cabins for the entire family in northern Minnesota, tracing her roots in Germany, exploring Alaska, and cheering for the Hawkeyes at the Rose Bowl in 1986. June was a member of the First Christian Church in Mason City where she was the first female elder. She also taught Sunday School and organized the annual bazaar for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1998; son-in-law, Mike McGowan in 1978; brothers, Walter and Donald Braner; and sister-in-law, Gloria Braner.

June is survived by her children, Vickie (Richard) Hornbuckle of Mason City, Ross (Heidi) Kepley of Chaska, Minnesota and Glenna (Bruce) Hansmeier of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Kimberly (Mike) Bailey of Edina, Chad (Riann) Hornbuckle of Bloomington, Jason (Jennifer Brusletten) Hornbuckle of Maple Grove, Chris (Teresa) Hornbuckle of Woodbury, Courtney (Shane) Maskarina of Clear Lake, Brent Hansmeier of Urbandale and Shane (fiancée, Michala Hrubes) Hansmeier of Mason City; great-grandchildren, Maddison, Alex, Jonathan, Taylor, Allysa, Cassie, Shelbey, Hayden, Emily, Nick and Parker; and sister-in-law, Eileen Braner of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Sherry Severson

April 3, 2012

Sherry Lynn Severson, 55, died on March 21, 2012, at her home in rural Clarion.

A memorial service was held on Friday, March 30, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion. Bill Kem officiated at the service. The Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.

Sherry Lynn was born to George and Alicia Dean on December 20, 1956 in Clarion, one of three children. She graduated in 1975 from the Clarion High School. In 1986, She married the love of her life, Sid Severson, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple enjoyed the basics of life on the farm in rural Wright County. Sherry enjoyed taking care of her farm along with her favorite dogs, Brutus, Frank and Tiny. She enjoyed riding horses and in recent years riding together with Sid on the motorcycle. They looked forward to time together in the garden.

Sherry’s social life surrounded her. She was a happy, outgoing individual. She always enjoyed a good shopping excursion, and she loved to spend time with her family and friends. Sherry enjoyed attending family activities, supporting her kids and grandchildren in their activities. She made every moment count. Sherry enjoyed interacting with people and it showed through the numerous years she spent at Lifetouch Photography. Her passionate heart continued on with her through the time she spent at Krysilis. She enjoyed not just the social aspect, but the caring relationship of the people. Sherry had a personality that was full of life and warm hearted. She impacted many lives and touched countless hearts.

Sherry was preceded in death by her husband; father, George Dean; grandparents, Peter and Wilma Ruberg; and parents-in-law, Kenneth and Icle Severson.

Sherry’s memories will continue on through love in her children, John (Jenna) German and their children, Desiree and Ethan, all of Belmond and Nick (Stacy) German and their children, Justin and Paige, all of Indianapolis, Indiana; mother, Alicia (Dean) Long of Clarion; brothers, Gary (Diane) Dean of Waukee and Mark Dean of San Diego, California; step-son, Troy (Beth) Severson and their children, Allison, Clayton and Knuton, all of Clarion; step-daughter, Traci Gorton and her children, Alaina and Landon, all of Clarion; and step-daughter, Tonya (Kenny) Scribner and their children, Paige and Jarrett Scribner, all of Sanger, Texas.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Nick Sheehan

March 27, 2012

Jerold “Nick” Nicholas Sheehan, 70, died on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at his residence in Belmond.

Services were held on Tuesday, March 27, at the Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond, with burial at the Belmond cemetery.

Nick was born on February 21, 1942, to Paul and Ruth (Daggett) Sheehan in Clarion, the second of eight children. He graduated from the Clarion High School. On August 26, 1966, he married Linda Jurgens at Bethany Reformed. This union was blessed with three children, Chris, Matthew and Melissa. Nick and Linda worked several jobs in several places before settling in Belmond in 1974. Together they enjoyed each other’s company through daily conversations about work and family. Since making their home in Belmond, Nick worked at the co-op in Clarion, Winnebago Industries and Armour. He continued to work past retirement and loved to stay busy lending a helping hand to friends and family.

Nick was always generous with his time, whether for his church or his family. His generosity was expressed through frequent visits with his mom and spending time with his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Whether it was working at the Children’s Garden of Belmond, fishing, camping, attending events or just being around them, every moment counted. He always had their favorite treat of a Dum Dum or Juicy Fruit gum in his pocket. Faith was a focal point in Nick’s life. He loved to read and study the Bible and was an active member at Bethany Reformed. Nick enjoyed reading countless westerns, walking on the trail, and stopping by garage sales and the “House of Treasures” looking for the best deal.

Nick was preceded in death by his wife; father; brother, Dennis; father-in-law, Lloyd Jurgens; sister-in-law, Beverly Chambers; nephews, Jeff Stein and Todd Jurgens; and nieces, Amanda Sheehan, Tammy Jurgens and Lonnie Jurgens.

Nick’s love and memories will continue on in the hearts of his children, Chris Sheehan of Belmond, Matt (Jennifer) Sheehan of Belmond and their children, Samara, Grace and Ava, and Melissa (John) Sifert of Belmond and their children, Caden, Cooper, Cohen, Callum and Clementine; his mother, Ruth Sheehan of Clarion; siblings, John (Candy) Sheehan, Mike (Cindy) Sheehan, LaNora (Don) Boggess, Jean (Ron) Brooks, Pauline Michels and Kathy Stein; and his in-laws, Frieda Jurgens, Lynn (Becky) Jurgens and Dennis (Jane) Jurgens.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Ernest Nelsen

March 27, 2012

Ernest "Ernie" H. Nelsen, 93, of Belmond and Rowan, died on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held on Monday, March 26, at the United Church of Rowan, with burial in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Ernie, the son of Edwin and Eva (Madsen) Nelsen, was born on August 10, 1918, on the family farm near Rowan. He graduated from the Rowan High School in 1937 and began farming and custom baling with his father. Ernie was united in marriage to Iris M. Carr on December 11, 1939. They made their home near Rowan where he continued to farm with his father for the next eighteen years. Ernie and Iris were blessed with two children, Judy and Arlyn. Ernie began working for the Standard Oil and Fertilizer Company in Rowan. He managed that business until his retirement in 1980. Over the years, Ernie and Iris traveled the world by winning sales promotions: Jamaica, the Bahamas, Monte Carlo and Hawaii were a few of the places they traveled. Ernie and Iris wintered nineteen years in Texas and Arizona. They moved to Belmond in 2010.

Ernie was baptized at the Methodist Church in Rowan. Family was extremely important to him and he will be remembered for his endless love for his family. Ernie was an avid fisherman who enjoyed spending many summers in Canada on camping and fishing trips with Iris and their grandchildren. Ernie also enjoyed growing raspberries and walnuts. Ernie experienced the entire spectrum of farming, from picking corn by hand to combining corn with the latest technology. He considered himself very lucky to see such change. He was one of the first local farmers to purchase a combine. Ernie loved to reminisce and would often share his memories of the “the good old days” with his grandkids. Those memories will be treasured and passed on for years to come.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Everett Nelsen; sisters, Edna Muhlenbruch and Enid Andrews; and son-in-law, Jim Burt.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife; children, Judy (Pat) Quigley of Belmond and Arlyn (Lana) Nelsen of Ottumwa; grandchildren, Bennett (Deb) Gaulke of Des Moines, Natalie (Tony) McBride of Clive, Lora (Darin) Dowling of Des Moines and Mary (Sean) Stanley of Johnston; great-grandchildren, Nathan (Rachelle), Lauren and Logan Gaulke, Mark, Jeff (Nicole), Meghan and Colin McBride, Madelyn and Joselyn Dowling and Mackenzie Stanley; and great-great-grandchildren, Savannah McBride and Mackenzie Jo Gaulke.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Lyle Ammerman

April 17, 2012

Lyle D. Ammerman, 83, of Clarion, died on Sunday, March 25, 2012.

He was born on October 25, 1928 near Goldfield. Lyle attended country school near Alexander and helped on the farm. Lyle served in the Korean War and then worked as a welder at several area firms.

He was preceded in death by six sisters and brothers.

He is survived by children, Kathy (Dennis) Gamble of Story City, David Ammerman of Klemme, Sandra Bojack of Dows and Richard Ammerman of Belmond; sister, Betty (Ronald) Hilpipper of Illinois; and brother, Ronald (Dorothy) Ammerman of Nebraska.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Wanda Depping

April 3, 2012

Wanda H. Depping, 86, of Sheffield, died on Monday, March 26, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Thursday, March 29, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thornton. Burial was in the Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City. The Dugger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made in Wanda’s name to the family.

Wanda was born on May 16, 1925 north of Mason City, the daughter of Fritz G. and Bertha (Stoehr) Hintzen. She attended country school at Lime Creek No. 5 and at Central Lutheran Church. Following graduation she was employed in the office at the Merkels Department Store and as a bookkeeper and teller at United Home Bank in Mason City. She married Leland Depping of Alexander, on September 16, 1945, at Central Lutheran. They were parents of one son, Doug. They farmed in the Alexander, Sheffield and Thornton areas until 1991 when they became employed at Sukup Manufacturing.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1997; her parents; a sister in infancy; sisters, Emma, Ruth and Mona; and brother, Walter.

Wanda is survived by her son, Doug and his wife, Mary Jo; granddaughters, Lisa (Dean) Hubka of Sheffield, Lonna (Paul) Bohlsen of Maple Grove, Minnesota and Holly (Jason) Wise of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Rachael and Nate Hubka and Tatum, Wade and Reid Bohlsen; and her brother, Robert L. (Bud) Hintzen and his wife, Anne Marie of Cheshire, Connecticut.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Betty McLennan

April 3, 2012

Betty Jean McLennan, 84, died on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Tuesday, April 3, at the Reid's Funeral Chapel in Greene. Memorials may be directed to the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Betty was born in Houston County, Minnesota on November 4, 1927, the daughter of Raymond and Elsie (Darling) Williams. She received her education in New Albin, Iowa. In November 1945, she moved to Charles City where she worked at the Cedar Valley Hospital. On April 10, 1952, she married James R. McLennan of Greene. They lived in Chula Vista, California, where she worked in a hospital until her husband was discharged from the Marines. They returned to Greene and operated a cafe/tavern for a short time. James was hired by Standard Oil in 1956 and transferred to Independence, Kansas and then to Garden City, Kansas. Betty attended vocational school in Topeka and received her license as an activity director for care centers and worked at Briar Hill Manor. When her husband was transferred to Storm Lake, she was the assistant activity director at Buena Vista Manor until 1981. Upon retirement they returned to Greene. Betty spent the last seven years in Belmond near her son and daughter-in-law.

Betty was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and served in many areas through the years. In 1996, she became a hospice volunteer for Bremer-Butler County. She and her husband took many fishing trips to Canada, South Dakota, Minnesota and throughout Iowa. She enjoyed hunting, bowling and golfing. The couple took many trips to Chicago and St. Louis to see baseball games. She was a wonderful wife, sister, mother and grandmother, and will be missed by all whom she touched.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 45 years; and brothers, Dale and Richard Williams.

Betty is survived by her son, James A. (Lucy) McLennan; sisters, Joyce (Bill) Appelgate of Cummings and Darlene Bartheld of Lakewood, California; grandchildren, Jamie McLennan of Ames, Jered McLennan of Hampton and Jordan McLennan of Cedar Falls; and grandchildren, by marriage Sarah Rummens and her daughter, Lillian and Jess Rummens and his wife, Sarah and son, Calvin.
©Belmond Independent 2012