Kevin O’Brien

September 4, 2012

Kevin O’Brien, 57, of Webster City, died on Saturday, September 1, 2012, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice House in Fort Dodge.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center, with Rev. David Simonson officiating. Burial was in the Cass Township Cemetery.

Kevin Paul O’Brien, son of Paul and Dorothy Clausen O’Brien was born on July 1, 1955 in Iowa City. He received his education in the Newell-Fonda area then Belmond. On January 17, 1977, he married Sharon Kay Carr in Webster City. The couple resided in Webster City, where Kevin was a long-time cook at the Starlite Village in Fort Dodge and the 2nd Street Emporium, before retiring due to failing health.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sharon; sons and daughter-in-laws, Travis (Kayla) O’Brien and Christopher (Danielle) O’Brien, all of Omaha, Nebraska, Jason (August) O’Brien and P.J. (Jennifer Rouse) O’Brien, all of Webster City; grandchildren, Kylie, Hailey, Nathan, Emma, Madison and Riley O’Brien; his mother, Dorothy O’Brien; brother, William O’Brien; and sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen (Jim) Eliason of Belmond.

He was proceeded in death by his father; brother, Jerimiah O’Brien; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Carr.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Raymond Haupt

September 4, 2012

Raymond Haupt, 84, of Dows, died on Saturday, September 1, 2012, at the Franklin General Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 4, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows. Burial with military honors, was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Raymond was born in Sac City on June 29, 1928, the third youngest of twelve children born to Frank and Kate Smith Haupt. His family lived in the Rowan and Belmond areas, where he attended country school. He married Arthurine Sime on February 22, 1948. They were blessed with a daughter in 1955, and Ray was very proud of Kim. Ray worked for various farmers until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. He was sent to Korea and attained the rank of sergeant with the combat engineers. After his discharge from the Army, Ray began farming, which for Raymond was a passion that could only be defined as perfection. His grain fields had straight rows; he spent countless hours walking them, keeping his land immaculate. Raymond’s pig operation had the neatest pigs and cleanest hog houses anywhere. Friends often teased Ray, wondering if he even brushed his pigs’ teeth every morning.

Raymond was a very good dancer. Friends referred to him as “rubber legs”. He and Arthurine continued to dance until his health prevented it. The couple farmed together until 2006 and continued to live on the farm after that. Raymond had open heart surgery in 2012 and lived at the Franklin General Care Center until his death. Raymond was a member of First Lutheran and the American Legion Watson Beach Post #523 in Dows.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mildred and Minnie; and brothers, Edd, Alvin, Bernard, Robert, Donny and Leo.

Raymond is survived by his wife; daughter, Kim (Don) Foth of Cedar Falls; his pride and joy, grandson Brian Foth of Tampa, Florida; sisters, Wilma (Hartley) Friesleben, Lorraine Johnson and Helen Ahrens; and brother, Duane (Darilyn) Haupt.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Orval Thayer

September 11, 2012

Orval V. Thayer, 92, died on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at the Rockwell Community Nursing Center.

A memorial service was held on Monday, September 10, at the Swaledale United Methodist Church, with Chaplin Janet Dorenkamp and Rev. John Scherb officiating.

Orval was born on July 14, 1920, to Ralph and Ardelia (Dipple) Thayer on a farm near Belmond. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1939. Orval met Jessie Halfpop while attending high school in Belmond. They were united in marriage on February 7, 1942 near Sioux Falls. They began their married lives farming near Belmond. In 1947, Orval and Jessie moved to a farm near Burchinal which they farmed until their retirement in 1997. Orval lived on the farm until his death.

Orval’s great enjoyment was farming and traveling. For several years he did custom wheat harvesting from Nebraska to Texas and in Montana and Wyoming. He enjoyed sharing his tales with people, telling about his times down in Sweetwater, Texas during the rattlesnake hunt! He also was able to go to Washington D.C. on the September 7, 2010 Honor Flight. For several winters he went to Mission, Texas. Orval was a member of the Swaledale United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Moose Club.

The Mayo Foundation acknowledges with grateful appreciation the generous contribution Orval Thayer has made to the advancement of medical science and the welfare of mankind. “To give onself so that others may live in health and happiness is a truly noble gesture.”

Orval was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Jessie; a sister; a brother; three brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.

Survivors include sons, Lynn (Laura) Thayer of Sheffield and Bill Thayer of Clear Lake; daughter, April (David) Sherwood of Rockwell; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and special friend, Marcelle Murphy.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Mark Bock

September 18, 2012

Mark R. Bock, 54, of rural Belmond, died on Monday, September 10, 2012, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital, Belmond surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services were held on Friday, September 14, at the First Reformed Church of Alexander. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery,

Mark Raymond, the son of Harold and Mary (Lage) Bock, was born on July 23, 1958 in Le Mars, one of ten children to bless this union. Mark moved with his family to a farm near Belmond at the age of 5. Mark attended the Belmond Community Schools, graduating with the Class of 1976. He was active in wrestling and football. Mark continued his education at Hawkeye Technical College, where he studied for two years in the diesel mechanics program. He later returned to his childhood roots and began his life long vocation as a farmer.

Mark was united in marriage to Denise Pals on July 16, 1983, at the First Reformed in Alexander. The couple's marriage and life partnership brought three beautiful children into the world, Kyle, Nash and Kelsey. Mark and Denise farmed and raised their family east of Belmond. To Mark, farming was much more than just a career, it was a calling and something he truly loved in every way.

Mark had a life long love for sports. He was quite competitive, playing on a variety of adult softball teams, including a dream opportunity in recent years to play on a team with sons, Kyle and Nash in a tournament in which in their team won the championship. Mark enjoyed more laid back occasions as well, such as the annual Bock family camping outings, or a game of cards with family and friends. He loved woodworking and had made handcrafted keepsakes and furnishings for his family. Though his primary life focuses were on family and farming, he was not afraid to lend his time, skills and knowledge. He had a great wit and unique sense of humor. His quick wit and love for everything that life brought into his path were one of a kind.

Over the last few months he spent precious occasions with his family, experiencing many first time adventures such as riding a train in the Twin Cities, catching Joe Mauer's foul ball at a Twins game, and taking an inaugural trip in a small plane over the farm and other areas around Belmond. He will be missed for all that he was and for his welcoming demeanor, friendly smile, and the twinkle in his eyes.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; nephew, Quentin Pals; and niece, Erin Schavey.

Mark's legacy and memory will continue to burn brightly in the hearts and minds of his wife and life partner, Denise; sons, Kyle and companion, Samantha Dohndt of Belmond and Nash of Belmond; daughter, Kelsey and special friend, Derek Kindwall of Ankeny/Belmond; sisters and brothers, Sandy (Wayne) Roetman of Bethany, Missouri, Tom (Dort) Bock of Mesa, Arizona, Marilyn Bock of Spencer, Kenny (Jacki) Bock of Belmond, Marcia (Bill) Naber of Spencer, Jeannie Pruitt and special friend, Rick Campbell of Arcadia, Wisconsin, Steve Bock of West Des Moines, Patty (Tim) Rouse of Ruthven and Sue (Harlan) Schavey of Blue Earth, Minnesota; and mother and father-in-law, Derald (Janet) Pals of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Jimmy Janssen

September 18, 2012

Jimmy G. Janssen, 64, of Meservey, died on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital Belmond, with his loving family at his side following a year long battle with cancer.

Services were held on Saturday, September 15, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Burial, with military honors provided by the Offutt Air Force Base Military Honor Guard and the Clear Lake VFW Post was in the Meservey Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Jimmy Gene, the son of Gene Sterling and Ora Ellen (Miller) Janssen, was born on February 22, 1948 at Mason City. As a child he moved with his family to the Belmond area where he attended school, graduating with the Belmond High School Class of 1966. Following high school Jim served several stints of military service in the United States Air Force, Marines and Air Force Reserves. He served in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm and various other locations. His main responsibilities for most of his military tenure were as Load Master for C-130 aircraft. In all, he spent 30 years serving his country. His rank at the time of his discharge from the Air Force was Staff Sergeant; from the Marine Corps a Corporal.

Jim was united in marriage to Rebecca Brown on August 10, 1974 at the Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Minnesota. They were blessed with a baby girl, Kelly, who was the apple of her father's eye. At an early age and through her years of adolescence, Kelly and her father spent countless hours together sharing in Jim’s passion for work horses. Jim had a great fondness for Clydesdales, often with Kelly at his side. He sometimes helped at the Britt Draft Horse Show.

Jim's enjoyed family fishing trips to the cabin at Ten Mile Lake in Minnesota, an occasional excursion to the casino, western movies and television shows such as Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne films. Jimmy was a Bob Marley fan as well. He loved farming, mountains, the great outdoors, sight seeing and just taking off on a journey where ever it may lead. Those who had the chance to cross one of Jim's countless life journey's will recall a man of honor and dignity, full of life, with a heart of gold, who would do almost anything for others. He was a loyal friend, faithful ally and devoted husband and doting father who was extremely proud and thankful for his supportive wife and life partner, Rebecca and all she did to raise their daughter over his many years of service and travels.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents.

His legacy will live in the hearts and minds of his wife and soul mate of 38 years, Rebecca of Meservey; daughter, Kelly Janssen of Meservey and her companion, Justin Ysker; sisters, Ellen (Mike) Countryman of Kanawha and Hazel Hill of Springfield, Missouri; and his two favorite "Honyachs" Clayton and Kaylee Jo Visser of Sigourney.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Loraine Bertilson

September 11, 2012

Loraine E. Bertilson, 87, of Phoenix, Arizona, died on Friday, August 10, 2012, in Scottsdale.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 13, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, with interment following in the Meservey Cemetery.

Loraine was born on October 15, 1924, to John R. and Tena (Ostendorf) Schmidt on the family farm near Meservey. She graduated from the Meservey High School and Hamilton Business College in Mason City. Prior to her marriage she worked as a cashier and bookkeeper in Meservey and Dows. On June 8, 1947, Loraine married Maynard L. Bertilson of Dows at First Reformed in Meservey, in a ceremony performed by her uncle, Rev. Peter Koenen. Maynard and Loraine farmed for the next sixteen years in the vicinity of Clarion, Eagle Grove and Meservey.

In 1963, they moved permanently to Phoenix, working and raising their family there. They maintained close ties to family and friends in Iowa. Loraine retired as a data expeditor for Honeywell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard in 1987; brother, Ralph Schmidt; and sister, Esther Boelman.

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Loraine is survived by her children, Gail (John) Litton, Myra, Carla and B. Brian (Joyce) Bertilson; grandchildren, Becky (Joseph), George, Zach and Daniel; her adored great-grandson, Andrew; sisters, Arlene Kaldenberg and Frances Groen; brother-in-law, Merle (Sonja) Bertilson; sister-in-law, Alta Nodland; and dear family friend, Billy Sampson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Jan Hood

September 18, 2012

Jan Laurinne Hood, 77, former resident of Belmond and most recently of Adel, died on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at the Ramsey Village Health Center in Des Moines.

Services were held on Tuesday, September 18, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond, with Pastor David Dekuiper officiating. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery. Those wishing to send a memorial may wish to consider the Humane Society or the Belmond Klemme Scholarship Fund II.

Jan Kelley, the daughter of Laurence and Corrine (Nashold), was born on May 16, 1935. She graduated from the Belmond High School in 1956. Jan was united in marriage to Kenneth J. Hood in Rockford, Illinois. To this union one son was born. Jan had a set of resilient skills in the business profession, working for Acco Seed Company as an office assistant, and being an administrative assistant for the City of Belmond. Following her employment with the city, she opened a craft shop in Belmond. She later moved to Neenah, Wisconsin and most recently to Adel.

Jan loved nature and animals, always making sure that her resident “creatures” were well fed. She enjoyed hand quilting with meticulous attention to detail and doing a variety of crafts. Jan loved her country, and her patriotic home decorations reflected that.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jan is survived by her son, Kelley (Colleen) Hood of Adel and granddaughter, Kristen (Jordan) Lindstedt of Summerlin, Nebraska (expecting Jan’s first great-grandchild in March 2013).

Although Jan’s biological family was small, she was blessed by wonderful close friends who were like her second family.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Leland Stoffer

September 18, 2012

Leland “Lee” N. Stoffer, 60, of Pinellas Park, Florida and Belmond, died on Friday, August 31, 2012, at the Woodside Hospice House in Pinellas Park.

A graveside memorial will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 22, at the Belmond Cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home will be in charge of the service. Friends and relatives are invited to Mark and Jill Stoffer Allen’s home in Belmond, for lunch following the service.

Leland "Lee" Neal, the son of Lester (Bud) and Laura Hunst Stoffer, was born on October 17, 1951 in Belmond. He grew up in the community and graduated from the Belmond High School. Lee was a free spirit, which took him on many adventures. He traveled a lot and worked numerous jobs. Lee spent the last twelve years of his life in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the Bayside Rehab and Health Center, due to a car accident resulting in head injuries.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; brother, Lonny Stoffer; and cousin, Jeff Modderman.

Leland is survived by his sister, Jill Stoffer and her husband, Mark Allen of Belmond; nephew, Chad (Mary) Schuver of Belmond and their children, Luke, Cain and Hunter; nephew, Clint Schuver and his children, Ashton and Cariin; and nephews, Robert, Logan and Louis Stoffer.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Hazel Lester

September 25, 2012

Hazel Margaret Dockwell Lester, 87, of Ft. Collins, Colorado, died peacefully at home on Friday, September 21, 2012, with her family at her side.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion, with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Born on July 10, 1925 in Freeborn County, Minnesota, she was the daughter of George and Marie Dockwell. As a toddler she moved with her family to a farm near Coulter. She graduated from the Rowan High School and married Kenneth Lester in 1943. They farmed for several years and later she became a store manager for the former Gibson and Pamida companies, working for them for many years. Hazel and her family lived in the Clarion and Belmond areas. She moved to Colorado in 2004 to be near three of her children and their families.

Her life revolved around her children and family, their activities, and the love she had for each of them. Hazel played high school basketball and developed a lifelong love of sports, whether she was watching her children or grandchildren, or watching a Rockies or Broncos game. She loved being around friends and family, playing cards, listening to country music, flower gardening, baking, eating out, and putting puzzles together. She spent a number of years researching and cataloging the genealogy of four branches of her family. She also enjoyed the people and the activities at her senior living complex in Ft. Collins.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Dixie Pavelka; son-in-law, Mark Tarvin; brother, Raymond Dockwell; sisters, Velma Thompson and Kelly Jensen; brothers-in-law, Merle Gunderson, Clell Thompson, Russell Jensen, Andy Andershok, Glenn and Andy Lester; and sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Dockwell, Bertha Dockwell and Inez Dockwell; and friend, Harry Hinkley.

Surviving Hazel are her children, Linda (David) Bruening of North Carolina, Gary Lester of Colorado, Renae (Michael) Duffey of Arizona, Debra Tarvin of Colorado and Kent (Sandy) Lester of Colorado; grandchildren, Todd (Amy) Lester Sheller, Jason (Kristy) Pavelka, Nathan Pavelka, Tracy Flannigan, Kelly (Branch) Norris, Eric Tarvin, Ashly Lester and Carly Lester; nine great-grandchildren; brothers Lyle (Joan) Dockwell of Coulter and George (Dona) Dockwell of Belmond; sisters, Myrtle Gunderson of Belmond, Gladys Andershok of Ft. Collins, Beverly (Eldred) Schutt of Clarion and Pauline Lester of Ventura.

Memorials may be made to your local hospice organization or Relay for Life.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Robert Keleher

October 2, 2012

Robert R. Keleher, of Fremont, California, died on Thursday, September 27, 2012, at the age of 81.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 4, at the Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels in Fremont.

Robert, a native of Rowan, was born on April 26, 1931 in Belmond. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and played Triple A ball before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was a company clerk. For 29 years he worked as an electrician for the Kaiser Center for Technology in Pleasanton, California.

He enjoyed riding his Harley, golfing, bowling and all sports, but most of all he loved family gatherings and watching his children and grandchildren in their sports and other activities. He was very fond of his dog Harley.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Irene of Fremont; children, Terry Keleher of Fremont, Debbie (Paul) Pennelly of Fremont and Michael (Luanne) Keleher of Hayward, California; sisters, Donna Freese of Clive, Iowa and Diane Bell of Avenger, Texas; brothers, Larry Keleher and Richard Keleher, both of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Ryan, Eric, Chelsea and Jessica; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Maddelyn, Nathan, Cameron and Jocelynn.
©Belmond Independent 2012

Archie Arthur

October 9, 2012

Archie Arthur, 75, of Clarion, died on Sunday, September 30, 2012, in Moore, Oklahoma, while traveling to Texas to enjoy winter in the south with family.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 12, from 5-7:00 p.m., with an eulogy and prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion. Military graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 13, in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Archie Allen was born to Gaylen and Bertha (Lundy) Arthur on January 20, 1937 in Clarion. He attended the Clarion High School and later earned an AA degree in business. He married Maureen Nigg on December 12, 1959 in Clarion. Together they had three children, Lorraine, Lynne and Anthony. Archie enjoyed life while loving his family and country. He was a 10-year veteran of the United States Navy, followed by several years of retail and warehouse management in Decorah and with the Army Air Force Exchange Services at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas and Norton AFB in San Bernardino, California. He retired from AAFES in 1991 and returned to Clarion, where he worked for E.D.S and permanently retired in 2004.

In his younger days Archie enjoyed roller skating, bowling and fishing with his children. He was interested in antiques, history and politics along with a deep passion for gardening.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sadie Scott and husband, Ed; brothers, Alvin, Eldon and Larry; nephew, Robert; and sister-in-law, Gloria Arthur.

Archie is survived by his wife, Maureen; children, Lorraine (Dan) Tower of Garner, North Carolina, Lynne (Bob) Meyer of San Antonio, Texas and Anthony (Rebecca) Arthur of Alexander; grandchildren, Tiffany (Isaac) Dunston, Michael (Sasha) Macmaster, Moya and Bentley Tower, Jebediah (Amanda), Jessica, Jacob (Abby), Bridget, Whitney (Matthew) Meyer-Devine and Taylore Meyer; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Elmer of Mason City, Gale and Wayne of Alexander, and Leo and Lelon of Clarion; and sisters-in-law, Donna Arthur of California, Phyllis Arthur of Mason City, Barb Arthur of Alexander, and Aileen Arthur, Judy Weir, Carole Christensen and Carol Arthur of Clarion.
©Belmond Independent 2012