C.B. "Pat" McWhorter, JR.

May 8, 2012

Clarence McWhorter, 69, died quietly at his Belmond home surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, following a long bout with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, May 5, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with Father Nils Hernandez and Deacon Jerry Temeyer officiating. Burial, with military honors was in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery near Belmond.   

Pat was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on December 20, 1942 and lived in Beeville, Texas most of his life. He was united in marriage to Jeannie Knoll in Beeville in 1974. Pat served in the U.S. Army until 1967 and with the U.S. Border Patrol. He served on the Beeville Police Department until 1978. He worked for the Dan Hughes Oil Company until 1990. Pat earned a bachelor's degree with highest honors from Texas A&M University in 1992. He was employed as an inspector for the Texas Criminal Justice Department, where he retired in 2002. They moved to Belmond in 2006.

Pat enjoyed traveling, cooking, grilling, golfing, carpentry, hunting and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends. He spent much of his time with family and friends in Iowa.

Pat was preceded in death by his his parents, C.B. Sr. and Ernez McWhorter; and sister, Mary Gay Allen of George West, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jeannie; son, Patrick (Elizabeth) McWhorter and grandsons, Aidan and Kennan of Austin, Texas; and son, Jason (Lauren) McWhorter of San Diego, California.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Richard Holck

May 15, 2012

Richard “Dick” Holck, 61, died on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at his home in Goodell surrounded by his family.

Services were held on Monday, May 7 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond.

Richard was born on July 17, 1950, to Henry and Norma (Haaf) Holck. He graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1968. He farmed and worked at several ag-related businesses in the area.

He is survived by his sister, Diane Smith and brother, Lee (Regina) Holck of Belmond and his sister, Jill (David) Kent of Cottage Grove, Minnesota.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Sue Fuller

May 8, 2012

Sue Fuller, 57, of Watseka, Illinois, died on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Indiana University Health Arnett.

Services were held on Monday, May 7, at the Soller-Baker Chapel in West Lafayette, Indiana, with Rev. Dr. Clayton Kendall officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.soller-baker.com.

Sue was born on December 8, 1954 in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to Claire and Deloris Regal. She graduated from the Belmond High School and on September 1, 1973, she married Ron Fuller in Belmond. Sue was self employed, managing a contract research business for companies in the pet food industry. She very much enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Claire.

Survivors include her husband, Ron; sons, Josh (Lisa) Fuller of West Lafayette and Matt (Susan) Fuller of Springfield, Illinois; mother, Deloris of Cokato, Minnesota; brothers, Ronnie (Nancy) Regal of Las Vegas and Joel Regal of Cokato; sister, Carol McLaughlin of Salt Lake City; and grandchildren, Tyler, Emily and Maverick Fuller of West Lafayette and Gabe and Dylan Fuller of Springfield.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Robert E. Misner

May 8, 2012

Robert E. Misner, 94, of Yorktown, Virginia, died on Friday, May 4, 2012.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, May 9, at the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Yorktown. Interment will be in the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family requests contributions be sent to the York County Church Women United Food Closet, c/o St. Luke’s UMC, 300 Ella Taylor Rd. Yorktown, VA 23692.

Robert was born on April 26, 1918, to Clayton and Faith Misner on a homestead in Denton, Montana. He graduated from the Hurley High School, Hurley, South Dakota. He attended the Sioux Falls College until, with the conflict in Europe intensifying, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps officer training school in l940. During WW II he served as a B-24 navigator, flying missions out of Shipdome, England and North Africa. He rose to the rank of Captain. Shortly before departing for England he married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Rundell.

After the war Robert attended the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University and graduated in 1950. He was a veterinarian in Belmond until 1980, where he was affectionately called “Doc”. In 1997, Doc and Eleanor moved to Yorktown to be near their children.

Doc was very active in the Belmond United Methodist Church. He was a city councilman and served as mayor at the time of the Belmond tornado. He enjoyed golfing and fishing with his Belmond friends and traveling in the RV with Eleanor. Doc loved his family and supported them in every way. All who knew Bob will miss his warm sense of humor and his loving spirit. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John; sisters, Donna and Grace; and his beloved wife of 69 years, Eleanor.

Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Bob (Patti) of Falls Church, Virginia; daughter, Deb (Wayne) Smith of Yorktown; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Carlene Cooke

May 8, 2012

Carlene F. Cooke, 72, died on Friday, May 4, 2012, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, May 8, at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. 

Carlene Faye was born on May 27, 1939 in Clarion, to Genevieve Nina (Delano) and Robert Bertram Cooke. She was the fourth of five children and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1957. Carlene was a long time resident of Minneapolis, where she worked in the investment and financial industry. Known for her thoroughness and dedication, she served as the Chief Financial Officer/Compliance Officer with the Emergent Financial Group, Inc. In recent years she had purchased a home in Clarion where she planned to retire, so she could be closer to her family and friends.

Carlene enjoyed traveling, jazz music, working with beads and shopping. Most of all she loved spending time, especially holidays, with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Beth Kluss; and brothers, Jerry and Ron Cooke.

Carlene is survived by her brother, Bob (Bernadine) Cooke of Belmond; nieces and nephews, Deb (Wendell) Whipple of Mason City, Diane (John) Crawford of Belmond, Lynn Cooke of Runnells, Pete Kluss of Spokane, Washington, Mitch (Donna) Kluss of Clarion, Dean (Lisa) Kluss of Clarion, Ron (Diane) Cooke of Minneapolis, Dani (Holly) Cooke of Clear Lake and Tami (Marcus) Willy of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Donna J. Cooke of Clear Lake; 14 great nieces and nephews; and 16 great-great nieces and nephews.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Edna Mae Williams

May 15, 2012

Edna Mae Williams, 76, of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Services were held on Monday, May 14, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls, followed by a graveside service in the Rowan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Rowan Community Endowment Scholarship, Rowan or to the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls.

Edna Mae was born on June 18, 1935 in Wright County, the daughter of Frank and Jennie (Nolte) Retleff, Sr. She graduated from the Rowan High School and attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. On August 18, 1962, Edna was united in marriage to Charles Williams at the Bethany Lutheran in Iowa Falls. Edna worked as a health aide for Hardin County Homemakers for over 24 years, retiring in 2002. She was able to be a part of many families and develop lasting relationships with them. It was a great job for a person with a big heart. Edna was a faithful, loving, caring and positive person. Even when times were tough she took life without complaint.

Edna was a Cub Scout den mother, a member of the Hardin County Extension and as a member of the Bethany Lutheran she was a Sunday School teacher and committee member for worship and music. Some of Edna's favorite quotes were: "Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings." "It takes a long time to grow old friends." "A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has." Edna's four grandchildren were the light of her life and a great source of pride. Their names came up frequently in conversations with friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother; and grandson, Hunter Krause.

Edna is survived by her son, Scott (Sandy) of Eldora; daughter, Lori (Kent) Krause of Iowa Falls; and grandchildren, Parker Krause, Katherine Williams and Charles Williams.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Arlan Banwell

May 22, 2012

Arlan R. Banwell, 65, of Clarion and Dows, died on Monday, May 14, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Services were held on Wednesday, May 16, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Dows, with Reggie Dencklau officiating.

Arlan Ray was born on February 21, 1947 in Clarion. He was the youngest son, with twin sister, Arvilla, of Max and Anne Croft Banwell. Arlan grew up on a farm near Dows with his five siblings. He graduated from the Dows High School in 1965 and attended Iowa University of Printing and spent his working years as a pressroom supervisor. He married Linda Billingsley in August 1968. They were blessed with daughters Tiffany, Tamara and Angela.

Arlan lived his life as an adventure, moving to many states. Giving his family a secure life, his exploring enriched their lives. He will be remembered as a fun, giving, courageous and hardworking man. He was a gentle, loving father who taught his girls to be tough, yet ladylike. Arlan was a father that was very much loved. He was a loving grandfather, or “Popoo”, as he was affectionately called.

He was preceded in death by his parents.  

Arlan is survived by daughters, Tiffany Moore of North Carolina, Tamara (Scott) Sibille of Louisiana and Angela (David) Eivins of Belmond; grandchildren, Tyler, Alexis, Jade, Caitlyn, Emilee, Isabela and Lil'David; siblings, Bruce Banwell, Vicki Smith, John Banwell, Leigh Banwell and twin sister, Arvilla Dencklau and her husband; and Arlan’s closest friend, Reggie Dencklau.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Dayton Kessler

May 22, 2012

Dayton Kessler, 98, died on Friday, May 18, 2012, at the Taylor House In Des Moines.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, May 22, in the Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Dayton was born on July 31, 1913 in Belmond, the son of John and Verbena (Saatoff) Kessler. He graduated from the Belmond High School and then attended Iowa State University in Ames, where he majored in engineering and dairy industry. He was employed at the Polk County Dairy Association while attending college. Dayton worked at the Ordnance Plant in Ankeny, Wood Brothers, and the Ford Implement Company. He then moved to an engineering position at Delavan Manufacturing in West Des Moines. Delavan manufactured spraying equipment, the famous jet aircraft nozzle, and the hydraulic pump. Delavan was always interested in new products in the engineering design field. While at Delavan, Dayton worked on a hydraulic pump which received a patent. He retired from Delavan in 1978 after 25 years of employment.

Dayton married Louise Kennedy on August 13, 1941. They lived in Highland Park, then moved to Urbandale in 1945. They were blessed with daughters, Linda, Donna and Karen Becky. Dayton was known for his big garden. He grew at least 80 tomato plants, plus sweet corn, potatoes, etc. He generously gave most of his produce to his relatives and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise on October 21, 2009; and brothers, Henry, Gordon and twin brother, Dale.

Survivors include his daughters, Linda Madson of Ankeny, Donna Kessler and Karen Becky Kessler, both of Urbandale; and grandson, Jay Madson of Ankeny.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Ray Hiams

May 29, 2012

Ray Hiams, 93, of Rowan, recently a resident of Belle Haven in Belmond, died on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Services were held on Tuesday, May 29, at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery in Rowan.

Ray was born on January 10, 1919, to Bert and Alice (Yoeman) Hiams on the family farm near Rowan. He graduated from the Rowan High School and began working with his father and brothers on the farm. Ray’s grandparents were the original homesteaders of the land in the mid-1850’s, a source of great pride for Ray and his siblings. Their home served as the post office for Fryberg before the nearby town was incorporated as Rowan. Ray served in the United States Army during World War II. He was injured in battle in Belgium and awarded the Purple Heart. In May 2011, he was was honored to visit Washington, D.C. as a member of an Honor Flight.

Ray was a lifelong farmer, enjoyed visiting with family and friends, and loved cars. He also maintained a garden each year and was known for growing large watermelons. Ray was a member of the United Church of Rowan and the American Legion Post #159.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pearl Howieson, Doris Hardy and Hazel Lilleskau; and brothers, Dale and Harold.

Ray is survived by his niece, Corrine Severson and family of Phoenix, Arizona; nephews, Richard Howieson and family and Paul Hardy and family, both of Clarion.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Harry Slining

June 12, 2012

Harry “Jug” Slining, Jr., 83, of Babbitt, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at St. Michael’s in Virginia, Minnesota, with friends and family beside him.

Services were held on Thursday, June 7, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Babbitt, with Pastor John Bonk officiating.

Harry was born was born on May 23, 1929, to Harry and Eunice (Reed) Slining, Sr. in Belmond, where he was raised with eight siblings. On June 11, 1949, he married Marlene Schulte of Alexander. In 1952, the couple moved to Austin, Minnesota and then to Babbitt in 1956. In Babbitt he worked at the Reserve Mining Company where he started as a welder and worked his way up to foreman until retirement. Jug was not only a big part in the early stages of Reserve, he was also a refrigeration repair man and worked several places around Babbitt. The couple owned and operated the Country Club Restaurant for 10 years.

Jug was active in the community and on several committees including the Lions Club, the Conservation Club, Peter Mitchell Fun Days and the Reserve Mining Company Reunion. He was a jack of all trades and lent a helping hand to his community wherever possible. Jug and Marlene were grand marshals of the parade about 13 years ago. Last year he served as Mr. Peter Mitchell and was proud of the honor. He was a charter member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where he was very active up until the last year. Jug battled health problems the last few years.   

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marlene; son, James; a granddaughter; brothers, Glen, Bob and Duane; and sisters, Arlene and Mildred.

Survivors include sisters, Joann Kuester of Belmond and Janet Thornton of Huxley; son, Terry; daughter, Roberta “Bobbie”; grandchildren, Robin, Toni, Bobby and Emily Rose; and great-grandchildren, Jesse, Tara, Jacob, Brady and Madison.
©Belmond Independent 2012