North Central Iowa
Genealogical Society
Box 237
Mason City, Iowa 50402-0237

Obituary Archive

Wright County

Including Belmond, Clarion, Eagle Grove and surrounding areas

Belmond Independent

 
214 E. Main St.
Belmond, IA
50421-1122

Clarion-Wright County Monitor
107 2nd Avenue N.E.
Clarion, IA
50525-0153

Eagle Grove Eagle
314 West Broadway P.O. Box 6
Eagle Grove, IA
50533



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JERRY PAYER
Published: Monday, January 7, 2013

Jerry Payer, age 81, Belmond, died Sunday January 6 at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday January 9 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5–7 P.M. Tuesday January 8 at Dugger Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. A Parish Rosary will be held at 6:30 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.


 

MYRTLE GUNDERSON

Published: Monday, January 7, 2013   

L. Myrtle Gunderson, 90, Belmond died January 2, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Services will be held later this year. Arrangements are under the direction of Dugger Funeral Home.



Published on 7 January 2013

MARJORIE STOVE
Published: Tuesday, January 8, 2013
  Marjorie J. (Marj) Stover, 95, Dows, died January 4, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday January 12 at the Dows United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be in the Fairview cemetery. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dugger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

RALPH ANDRICH
Published:
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Ralph “Andy” Andrich, 89, died December 14, 2012 at the hospital in Belmond. Services were held December 21 in Omaha with interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery.

Ralph “Andy” was born March 29, 1923 in Boulder, CO. He was raised in Wyoming where his father worked as a civil engineer at a hydro electric plant. Andy worked on numerous ranches while growing up, loving his western clothes, boots and cowboy hats.

Ralph served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years a chief aviation machinists mate in World War II and the Korean War. He served on many battleships and aircraft carriers, his favorite being the USS Palau. Significant awards he earned were the Navy Unit Commendation (3) and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (5). Following his retirement from the Navy he drove for Continental Trailways for many years.

He was a member of Omaha VFW Post 2503, serving as captain of the honor guard from 1991-1993. He was very fond of his beloved pet Murphy.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alice, and his grandson John Erickson of Belmond.

Ralph is survived by his daughter JoAnne Erickson, and granddaughter Dulcie Erickson and her children Amber and Logan, all of Belmond; nephew Bond Mixon; and niece Carol Lane (Bud) Everette.

Shirley Greiman Pals
Published:
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Shirley Greiman Pals, 75, Duncanville, TX, died December 31, 2012. Services were held January 3, 2013 at First Christian Church in Duncanville. Memorials may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219.

Shirley was born August 9, 1937 in Waterloo, and moved to Garner in 1951. She received an associates degree from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) and began her teaching career in Iowa.

Shirley met her husband, Roland, on the dance floor at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were married in 1960 and had four daughters.   

The family moved to Texas in 1971 where Shirley continued her work in education at Central Elementary in Duncanville, completing more than 30 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Gerald and Lynn Greiman.   

Shirley is survived by her husband Roland Pals; daughters Lisa (Stuart) Young, Becky (Kelly) Withrow, Amy (Guido) Climer, and Tracey Pals; grandchildren Emma Young, Reagan Withrow, Kendall Withrow, Samuel Climer and Nathan Climer; and sister Marjorie (Richard) Koolbeck.

John F. Keleher
Published:
Tuesday, January 8, 2013

John F. Keleher, 94, Pittsford, NY, died December 22, 2012 with his wife and daughter at his side. Formerly, he was a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, CO. A private interment was held at White Haven Memorial Park

John was born in Rowan on June 9, 1918 to John C. and Eunice Keleher. He grew up and attended school in Rowan. His family moved to Hampton his senior year, and he graduated from Hampton High School.

John served in the Army Air Corps from 1942-1946. In 1943 he married Sena Kjar. While in the service he became an air traffic controller. After the war he continued his career working for the FAA at Midway Airport in Chicago. In 1962 he transferred to Colorado Springs where he worked until his retirement in 1973.

John and his wife enjoyed retirement by traveling, watching sports, fishing and most of all spending time with family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sena; his daughter Nancy Hanushek; grandchildren Eric Hanushek Jr. and Megan (Joan Schockow) Hanushek; brother-in- law and sisters-in-law Paul and Elaine Kjar and Ann Parsons; and adopted family Alonzo and Cheryl Mestas and their daughters Rheanna and Melissa.

In remembrance of John and his love of animals, memorials may be made to The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450.

JOHN THOMPSON
Published:
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
John Dean “Jack” Thompson, 84, Osage, died January 4, 2013 at the Mitchell County Regional Hospital in Osage. Graveside services were held January 9 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City with Rev. Dan Gerrietts of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Military honors were provided by Mason City VFW.

Jack was born August 18, 1928 in Belmond, the son of Richard Adolph and Matilda Mae (Sjoberg) Thompson. He attended school in Belmond and then worked in the Belmond area until enlisting in the United States Navy. He served during the Korean Conflict, and after his service he moved back to the Belmond and Mason City area.

He married Marlys Eveland on June 16, 1956 in Mason City. Jack worked for Northwestern Portland Cement for over 32 years in the machine shop, retiring in 1984.

He enjoyed playing pool, fishing, bowling, playing cards, cribbage and playing poker with his granddaughters. He was a member of the Mason City VFW.

He was preceded in death by his sister Anita Mae Whipple, and his brothers Richard, William, Donald and Roger Thompson.

Jack is survived by his wife Marlys of Osage; son Tracy Neal (Tena) Thompson of Osage; granddaughters Jakki, Jade, Jasmine, Zoey and Destiny; and brother Duan (Linda) Thompson of Belmond.

JOANN LENTZ
Published: Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Joann P. Lentz, 78, Belmond and Dows, died December 27, 2012 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Services were held January 4 at First Lutheran Church in Dows. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery in Dows.

Joann Phyllis was born January 21, 1934 in Vernon Township near Dows, the daughter of Irvin Heiden, Sr. and Hazel Welzein Heiden. She was baptized at Vernon Lutheran Church. Joann was the oldest of six children. She was followed by Ronald, Donald, Charles, Irvin Jr. and Karen. After high school Joann worked as a nurse’s aide at the Clarion and Iowa Falls hospitals.

Joann was united in marriage to Charles (Chuck) Lentz on January 5, 1964. The family moved to Missoula, MT where Joann worked as a nurse’s aide for 24 years. After retirement Joann moved back to Dows and worked part-time at the Dows Care Center until it closed.

In her free time Joann loved bird watching, reading, knitting and crocheting. The Farmer’s Almanac was a definite favorite. As a child Joann played the piano. She loved nature and being in it. Driving was a favorite past time because she could just “pick up and go.”

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Veda Heiden of Dows; and brother Ronald (Martha) of Amery, WI.

Joann is survived by her son William (Bill) Heiden of Dows; brothers Donald (Shirley) of Blaine, MN, Charles (Renatte) of Pelgram, MO and Irvin (Connie) of AZ; and sister Karen (Larry) of Dows.

Freda Wessels
Published: Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Freda Wessels, 95, Belmond, died December 27, 2012 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Services were held December 31 at Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Freda, the daughter of Hemmo and Johanna Weigman Beek, was born January 2, 1917 near Klemme. She grew up in the Klemme and Goodell area where she attended school. Freda was baptized and confirmed at the Klemme Reformed Church.

Freda was united in marriage to William Wessels on December 14, 1938 at the Klemme Reformed Church parsonage. They made their home on a farm between Klemme and Goodell. Freda helped William farm and worked as a house keeper for area families. They were blessed with two daughters, Shirley and Darlene. In 1965 the couple moved to Belmond. Freda moved to the Belmond Community Apartments in 2005 and the Rehabilitation Center in 2010.

Freda was a farm wife. She gardened and canned. Freda quilted, did embroidery and reupholstering. William and Freda loved traveling together. They visited the four corners of the United States, but liked Florida the most. She bowled and played 500 cards.

Freda was a member of the Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond and the Belmond Hospital Auxiliary.

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

Freda is survived by her daughters Shirley (LeRoy) Goeman and Darlene (Gary) Pals all of Belmond; grandchildren Bill Goeman, Bob and Deb Goeman, Pam and Ted Calkins, Philip Pals and Patty and Don Munson; great-grandchildren Lucas, Benjamin, Angela, Kyle, Cheyenne, Rebecca, Cassie, Bryce, Crystal, Westley and Anna; and great great-grandchildren Hunter, Gabby and Faith.

Beulah L. Esk
Published:
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Beulah L. Esk, 93, Belmond, died January 2, 2013 at the Kanawha Community Home. Services were held January 5 at Immanuel Reformed Church east of Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Beulah Leora, the daughter of Hilko and Amanda Meints Barkema, was born March 5, 1919 near Belmond. She was one of seven children. Her mother died during childbirth when Beulah was 13 years old. That left Beulah and her sister Grace to help their father raise the other five children, the youngest being four years old. Beulah was educated in rural schools and the Meservey Consolidated School.

Beulah was united in marriage to Alfred Esk at the Immanuel Reformed parsonage in Klemme on December 21, 1938. They started farming at Belmond and later moved to Lake Mills. Beulah worked at the Cummins/Fleetguard Company for over 26 years. She loved flowers, fishing and working outdoors. Alfred and Beulah were blessed with four daughters: Elaine, Alberta, Bernice and Evalene.

Alfred died in January 1976. Beulah moved back to her hometown of Belmond in 1989.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers Orval and Bud (Junior); and sisters Grace Esk and Leola Trowbridge.

Beulah is survived by her daughters Elaine (George) Dotson of Sweetwater, TN, Alberta (John) Boham of Omaha, Bernice (Daryl) Butler of Albia, and Evalene (Chris) Martin of Waverly; grandchildren Lisa (Chris) Union, Cheryl (Jessie) Skudler, Beth (Tim) Stenzel, Tim (Brenda) Butler, Jeffrey (Jody) Butler, Amanda (Michael) Thomas, Michael (Pamela) Butler, Rhiannon (Robert) Barrentine and Brittney Martin; great grandchildren Melinda, Daniel, Hunter, Troy, Zachery, Carly, Maxwell, Quintin, Brody, Blair and Taylor: sister Evelyn (Harlan) DeGroote; brother Dale (Arlene) Barkema; and sisters-in-law Pearl Barkema and Viola Barkema.

JEAN MARKHAM
Published: Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Jean R. (Wharton) Markham, 84, Belmond, died December 25, 2012 at the Jerseyville (IL) Nursing and Rehab Center. Services were held December 31 at Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Jean Rae, sixth of seven children of Ray and Ruth Wharton, was born November 3, 1928 near Rowan. She grew up in Rowan where she attended school. Jean played girls basketball and graduated from Rowan High School at the age of 16. She worked as a nurses aide at the Hampton hospital and then at the Mode-O-Day lingerie factory in Mason City.

Jean married her high school sweetheart Frederick W. Markham at the Little Brown Church on Valentine’s Day in 1948. The family always said this was so Freddie would not forget the date. He often gave her something red for their anniversary.

Jean helped Fred with farming at Thornton and also when they moved by Clarion and Lake Cornelia. She worked at Meredith Corporation from 1980 to 1990. They moved from the farm to Belmond and enjoyed living in town. Fred died in February 2004.

Jean and Fred loved watching the NBA and MLB on TV. Even in her eighties Jean could still talk baseball with the best of them.

Jean accepted Jesus as her personal savior as a young girl and was baptized in the cool waters of Clear Lake. She was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, on the social committee, as a deaconess, and missionary treasurer.   

Jean was known for baking. She would find out each pastor’s favorites and would surprise him. She also was a great seamstress and made her daughters matching dresses for Christmas and special occasions. Jean could drive the tractor, rustle up lunch for ten hay balers, pluck and clean five chickens before you could turn around, and never seemed to run out of energy. She read through her Bible many times and showed God’s love through her actions, her heart and her prayers.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Peggy Wolters; brothers Roscoe, Robert and Ronald; sister Joyce Hackbarth; three sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law.

Those mourning her death are her daughters Diane (Ronald) Kallal of Fieldon, IL and Suzanne Markham Kocurek (Randy Anastasi, Stacy, MN) North Branch, MN; son-in-law Gary (Rachel) Wolters of Forest City; grandchildren Lynn (Shereen) Wolters, Robert (Kasey) Wolters, Heidi Wolters, Joan (Brad) Roach, Fred Kallal, Russel (Meagan) Kallal, Woodrow Kocurek IV and Amanda Jean Kocurek; and great-grandchildren Katelyn Smith, James Holmes, Elliana, Madeline, Abigail and Violet Wolters and Chase Kallal.

JERRY PAYER
Published: Thursday, January 10, 2013
Jerry Payer, 81, Belmond, died January 6, 2013 at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Mass of Christian Burial was held January 9 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Jerome, the son of John and Agnes Stoulil Payer, was born November 5, 1931 in Pocahontas. He received his education at Roosevelt #8 country school and then Pocahontas Catholic.

Jerry married Bernice Heddinger on June 5, 1950 in Rolfe. They had three children and made their home in Pocahontas for 14 years where they farmed. Jerry and Bernice moved to Belmond in 1964 where they continued to farm “the section.” Over the years that followed, Jerry and Bernice owned Manly Ready Mix, Jerry trucked, and Jerry and Bernice were managers of Motel 6 in Topeka, KS. They moved back to Belmond to retire in 1991. Jerry worked part time driving the CAT bus between Belmond and Clarion.

Jerry loved fishing, Yahtzee, 10,000 Dice, and playing cards. He had a great sense of humor, and his words of wisdom as you left his door were “keep smiling.” Bernice died in 2008. In 2009 Jerry married Elsie Rossiter.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Bernice; infant grandson Thomas Jerome Payer; sister Bernice Noyes; and brothers Jack Payer and Raymond Payer.

Jerry is survived by his wife Elsie Rossiter of Glendale, AZ; children Connie (Jim) Eckhoff of Meservey, Steven (Lynda) Payer of Cottonwood, AZ and Richard (Laura) Payer of Mason City; grandchildren Kimberly (John) Grzywacz of Huxley, Brian Eckhoff of Belmond, Andrew (Kjersti Vick) Beavers of Lutsen, MN, Lindsay (Scott) Rollefson of Mason City and Jonathon (Katterine) Payer of Lutsen; great grandchildren Emily Grzywacz, Jeremy Grzywacz, Danielle Wilkinson, Jeremiah Wilkinson, Jonah Grzywacz and Benjamin Eckhoff; sisters Doris Pickering of Lexington KY and Geraldine Jordan of Boone; brothers Duane (Shirley) Payer of Centerville, Ronald Payer of Pocahontas and Bob (Patty) Payer of Storm Lake; sisters-in-law Esther Payer of Pocahontas, Karlene Payer of Pocahontas, Eileen Allen of Chatfield, MN, Lucy (Ron) Johnson of Cedar Falls, Catherine Mead of Aplington, Darlene Weishaar of Oelwein and Joyce Heddinger of Fort Dodge.


Published on 10 January 2013

JUNE TRAUSCH

Published: Monday, January 14, 2013

June B. Trausch, 86, Belmond, died January 11, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 16 at Dugger Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home. A small lunch will be held following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be made in June's name to the Belmond Hospital Foundation.


Published on 15 January 2013
Dale J. Fischer

Published:
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Dale J. Fischer, 86, died suddenly at his home on January 10, 2013. Services were held January 14 at First Reformed Church in Meservey. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery with military rites provided by the William Schmale American Legion Post of Meservey.

Dale was born November 7, 1926 at Meservey to Simon Peter Fischer and Reaka Janssen Fischer. He began his schooling in Meservey, and during his last two years of high school he worked for area farmers. He graduated from Meservey High School in 1944. That fall he joined the U.S. Army and served in various locations, including Benshiem, Germany for 10 months following WW II, where he was a mechanic. He was discharged in November 1946.

Dale married Phyllis M. Wendel on October 22, 1947. They began farming on the family place north of Meservey and farmed for 65 years. They raised row crops, various livestock, and were particularly recognized for their Polled Hereford cattle. The operation later became Fischer Land and Cattle Company.

Dale began his Christian journey as a member of Salem (EUB) United Methodist Church in Meservey. He served on the administrative board and represented the church at annual conference. In 2011 he transferred to the Meservey Reformed Church.

Dale was a 65-year member of the American Legion in Meservey and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. In 2009 he flew to Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight for veterans.

Dale served as director for the Farmers’ Gas and Oil Company and was township trustee. He was also employed as a grain inspector for two townships. He was a board member of the newly-formed Meservey-Thornton School and was a director for the Klemme Co-op.

Dale was a director of the Iowa Polled Hereford Association, a charter member and past president of the Cerro Gordo County Cattleman’s Association, a charter member of the Iowa Cattleman’s Association and National Cattleman’s Beef Association. In 1992 he was named the Iowa Commercial Cattleman of the Year. Dale was a strong supporter of the North Iowa Fair, the Iowa State Fair and was a longtime 4-H leader. Dale and Phyllis enjoyed watching many cattle shows and sports events throughout the midwest to see their sons and grandsons show cattle, play basketball and run track.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife in 2007, and his sister Gladys Wessels.

He is survived by sons Don (Marilyn) of Winston, MO, Randy (Vikki) of Thornton and Mark (Susan) of Ankeny; grandchildren Doug (Shelly) Fischer, Matt (Andrea) Fischer, Michael (Megan) Fischer, Abby (Mike) Anderson, Dr. Adam (Amy) Ostendorf and Justin and Jacob Fischer; and great grandchildren Cindy, Lindsey, Bret, Ella, Kate and Vivian Fischer; Delaney, Avery and Colin Anderson; and Cora Ostendorf.

Published on 16 January 2013

RAYMOND SWANSON
Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Raymond G. Swanson, 89, Dows, died January 11, 2013 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. Services were held January 15 at the Dows United Methodist Church. Burial was in Graceland Cemetery west of Rowan.

Raymond Glen Swanson, son of George and Edith (Jones) Swanson, was born on July 16, 1923 on the home farm south of Rowan. He attended country school and graduated high school in Rowan.

Raymond helped his father on the family farm until January 7, 1949 when he married Betty Hackbarth, the love of his life. They then started farming on their own until retirement in 1988. To this union six children were born.

He enjoyed the great outdoors fishing, trapping and hunting. He was also an avid card player. After retirement he still loved making things grow and had a large garden. Ray and Betty also loved traveling, from Alaska, to Prince Edward Island, to Mexico. They spent 20 winters in Weslaco, TX. Raymond spent many of those winters helping build homes for the needy in Mexico. Raymond was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and he also enjoyed being a 4-H leader.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, brother Clifford, sister Mabel, grandchildren Tony and Karie, and great grandchild Maelani.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Betty; children Karen (Ivan) Noelck of Hampton, Virgil (Jill) Swanson of Greenfield, Ruby (Larry) Rhines of Redwood Falls, MN, Duane (Jean) Swanson of Hampton, Edward (Kimberly) Swanson of Goodell, and Linda (Jon) Allen of Hornick; grandchildren Isreal, Isaac, Jennifer, Angela, Barbara, Jessica, Tracy, Kyle, Wyatt, Cherish, Terri, Amy, Rachel, Nicole, Jamie, Matthew, Sarah, April and their spouses; and 26 great grandchildren.

LUANN HADACEK
Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013

LuAnn M. Hadacek, 75, Mason City, died January 9, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa. She was a graduate of Belmond High School in 1955. LuAnn was the daughter of Nick and Meriam Waage of Goodell and a sister to Marlene Suntken of Belmond.


ROY PRALLE
Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Roy W. Pralle, 85, Latimer, died January 8, 2013 at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. Services were held January 11 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer with burial in the church cemetery

Roy William, the son of Ferdinand and Wilhelmine Dohrmann Pralle, was born August 3, 1927 at Lutheran Hospital in Hampton. He grew up on the family farm near Latimer. Roy attended Latimer Christian School and graduated from Latimer High School. Roy was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s.

Roy married Mary Ellen Borcherding on December 27, 1952 at St. Paul’s. They made their home for a short time on the east coast while Roy served in the U.S. Army. In 1954 they returned to Iowa, made their home, and raised their family on the family Century Farm east of Latimer. Roy was a life-long farmer who really never retired.

Roy enjoyed woodworking, playing cribbage and singing. He served on the Coulter Cooperative Board. Roy was a life-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran and served in numerous capacities. He most enjoyed singing in the choir. Spending time with his family was the world to him. This past summer was a grand celebration for Roy when the home place was named a Century Farm.

He was preceded in death by his son Steve in 2005; daughter Laurie; son-in-law Doug McGinis, sisters Luella, Lydia and Erna; and brother Arthur.

Roy is survived by his wife Mary Ellen; daughters Nancy (Steve) Junge of Johnston, Susan (Dave) Hansen of Masonville, Kathie McGinnis of Johnston, Rhonda (Gene) Yee of Wauconda, IL, Linda (Rob) Dietz of Dows and Karen Christensen of Urbandale; daughter-in-law, Sara Pralle-Keehn of Latimer; grandchildren Jason Junge, Bryan (Kristina) Junge, Megan Junge, Chris Hansen, Nicole (William) Thurn, Leslie (Jeromy) Keehn, Angela Pralle, Michelle Pralle, Nathan McGinnis, Korie McGinnis, Brett McGinnis, Jordan Dietz, Carter Dietz, Sophie Dietz, Noah Christensen and Celeste Christensen; and great grandchildren Amira, Alex, Blake, Jaxson, Rylee and Aaden.


MARJORIE STOVER
Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Marjorie J. Stover, 95, Dows, died January 4, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. Services were held January 12 at the Dows United Methodist Church. Inurnment was in Fairview Cemetery.

Marjorie Janice, the daughter of John and Minnie Holland Glade, was born October 3, 1917 at her family’s home east of Dows. She attended school in Dows and graduated from Dows High School in 1936. Then she worked at Meyer’s Grocery Store in Dows.

Marjorie married William Walter Stover, Jr. on October 17, 1940 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They made their home on a farm near Dows where Marge worked as a farm wife and mother. The couple was blessed with three daughters, Roberta, Barbara and Lois. After her husband and love of her life passed away at an early age, Marge moved into Dows. She worked for many years at the grocery store and at The Mercantile. In 2009 she moved to the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Marjorie loved her flower beds, crocheting, traveling, chocolate, and most of all the valuable time she shared with her loving family. Marge was a member of the Dows United Methodist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband Walter; grandson Brenton Embree; and sister Ione Erickson.

Marjorie is survived by her daughters Roberta (Ronald) Krukow of Dows, Barbara Embree of Fort Worth, TX and Lois (David) Hicks of Hampton; grandchildren Carla (Shannon) Muhlenbruch, Debra (Ciaron) Brown, Devon Embree, T.J. Embree, Kimberly (Corey) Jacobsen, Jennifer (Michael) Lohrbach and Jonathan (Jordan) Hicks: great grandchildren Scott, Mikyla, Kaitlyn, Gavon, Benjamin, Matthew, Caleb, Eden, Ella and Ava; great great grandchildren Jordyn, Nolan and Madilyn; sisters Wilma Dorr, Dorothy Fraser and Glennavon Parriott; and brother Willard (Wanda) Glade of Dows.


BETTY REBER
Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Betty Reber, 61, Wakefield, New Zealand, died peacefully on January 5, 2013 due to pancreatic cancer.   

Betty was the daughter of Maxine and the late Eldon Eliason. After graduating from Kanawha High School, Betty moved to Switzerland where she met her husband Heinz. In 1991 Betty and Heinz moved to New Zealand.

Betty leaves behind her husband of 39 years; mother Maxine Eliason of Belmond; and brothers Kenneth (Janice) Eliason of Zapata, TX and Dennis (Barb) Eliason of Ridgeway, CO.



Published on 17 January 2013


JUNE TRAUSCH

Published:
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
June B. Trausch, 86, Belmond, died January 11, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Services were held January 16 at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove. Memorials may be made in her name to the Belmond Hospital Foundation.

June Beatrice, the daughter of Sam and Pauline Thompson Gorden, was born June 22, 1926 in Linden Township, Winnebago County. She grew up  in the Forest City and Eagle Grove areas. 

June was united in marriage to Donald E. Trausch on September 20, 1948, and they farmed together around the Belmond area. June was very involved in the farming operation right up to her retirement in 1979. She moved into Belmond that year. 

June loved making crafts with her husband. Don would cut the wood, then June would do the painting. She particularly loved selling her goods at the Fall Festival every year in Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her husband; brother Sanford; sisters Geneva Rollins, Sylvia Hansen and Bernice Peterson; step brother Manly Biondahl; brothers-in-law Frances Trausch, Everett Trausch and Robert Trausch; sisters-in-law Margaret Trausch, Ethel (Trausch) Lewis, Helen (Trausch) Steffenson, and Gladys Trausch.

June is survived by her sister Betty (Archie) Peterson of Fort Dodge; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Trausch of Clarion and Viola (Trausch) Studer of Des Moines; brother-in-law Richard (Bernice) Trausch of Belmond; a very special niece Pamela Trausch and her husband Dennis of Belmond; and other family members and friends.

BLANCHE PORTER
Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Blanche Porter, 91, Belmond, died January 22, 2013. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond.

ROBERT CAMPBELL
Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Robert E. Campbell, 94, a former Belmond resident, died January 20 at his residence in Edina, MN. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 27 at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Belmond. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, January 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond, and continue one hour prior to service at the church on Sunday.


DALE BEMRICH
Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Dale J. Bemrich, 82, Independence, formerly of Belmond, died December 31, 2012 at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. Services were held January 3 at Reiff Funeral Home in Independence, with Sharon Bainbridge officiating. Burial was January 8 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Belmond.

Dale was born September 17, 1930 in Clare, the son of John J. and Esther M. (Collins) Bemrich. He was a 1948 graduate of Mallard High School. Dale was united in marriage to Ruth E. Stafford on August 1, 1951. Dale farmed near Mallard for a few years, then operated Dale’s DX Service Station, and then became a district salesman with the New Holland Company for 33 years, retiring in 1991.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. He was an avid golfer and loved to travel with Ruth. They loved to winter in Apache Junction, AZ.

Dale is survived by his wife of Manchester; children Darrell (Mary) Bemrich of East Moline, IL, Diane Bemrich of Independence, Jerry (Patti) Bemrich of Scottsdale, AZ and Deb (Dan) Toale of Independence; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and sister Mary Esther Rooney of Dyersville.


ROBERT KRUGLER
Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Robert B. Krugler, 87, a resident of Berryville, AR, died January 16, 2013 at his home. 

There will be a family gathering at the home in Berryville at 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 23 with a memorial service at 6 p.m. that evening at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Berryville, with Father Shaun Wesley officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the V.A. Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR. Online condolences may be sent to the family at
nelsonfuneral.com

Robert was born January 5, 1926 in Rockford, a son of Clarence William and Elsie Emma (Grover) Krugler. He graduated from Marble Rock High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked for over 20 years as a fertilizer plant manager in Alexander.

On August 27, 1949 Robert was united in marriage with Marjorie Theresa Hoisington. “Bob” and Marge farmed from 1950 to 1961 in Iowa. Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing and camping. After retirement the couple spent several years as full time RVers. Bob was of the Roman Catholic faith and a member of the Knights of Columbus.  

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother Grover Krugler; and daughter Karen Kay Krugler. 

He is survived by his wife Marjorie; children Larry E. (Phyllis) Krugler of Rogers, AR, James R. (Debra) Krugler of Coal City, IL, Alan L. Krugler of Berryville, Sharon A. (Bradley) Johnson of Mountain Home, AR and Michael D. Krugler of Springfield, MO; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.


SALLY RAMOS
Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Sally Ramos, formerly of Belmond, recently of Brooklyn Center, MN, died January 20 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Funeral arrangements are being completed with the Andrews Funeral Home.



Published on 23 January 2013


INEZ KETCHUM
Published:
Monday, January 28, 2013 2:12 PM CST
Inez Ketchum, 80, died Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:30-7:30 PM at the Belmond United Methodist Church. Services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at the United Church of Rowan. Andrews Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.


Published on 29 January 2013

INEZ KETCHUM
June 15, 1932
- January  27, 2013
Published:
Thursday, January 31, 2013

Inez J. Ketchum, 80, died January  27, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center in Belmond. Services were held Wednesday morning, January 30 at the United Church of Rowan. Burial was in Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. Memorials may be directed to the United Church of Rowan, Rowan Lions Club, and the Belmond-Klemme Scholarship Foundation I or II.

Inez Koenen was born June 15, 1932 at her parent's home in George, the second of nine children. The family moved to a home near Aplington in 1940 when Inez was in second grade. She graduated from Aplington High School in 1950.  Her high school years were filled with music and drama, in which she won several awards.

Inez continued her education at Central College and obtained an early childhood teaching degree.  Teaching led her to Rowan and to Bob Ketchum. They married on July 30,1954 at the Bethel Reformed Church in Aplington. 

Inez took some years off from teaching to raise their three children and provide a loving and nurturing home. She returned to her passion for teaching in 1962 at the Belmond Community School, where she taught for 30 years. Her assignments included first grade, second grade and Title 1.

Inez and Bob were committed community members in Rowan. Inez devoted much of her time to the Rowan church as a singer, Sunday school teacher and superintendent, women’s group member, and Bible study participant. She and Bob served for 13 years on the Unlimited Opportunities board in Clarion. Inez belonged to the Come Join Us Club and other groups. 

The remainder of her free time was spent in her children and grandchildren’s lives. She loved to travel with Bob and her family on vacations and enjoyed fishing excursions to Minnesota. They also hosted foreign exchange students. Playing cards was one her favorite past times. She also received joy in baking wedding cakes, sewing, and entertaining. She loved to watch birds and could identify a bird by it's song. She was an avid reader, had a keen interest in geology, and loved music. She always raised a large flower and vegetable garden while on the farm.

After retiring, Inez and Bob became snow birds. They spent many winters in Harlingen, TX where they enjoyed numerous activities and countless friendships.

Inez will be remembered as strong willed, believing in family values, promoting a strong education, boundless in her faith, and a good sport. She loved others and treated both family and strangers as if she had known them forever.

Inez was preceded in death by her husband Bob (June 2010); infant brother David; and brother Paul.

Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her daughters Julie Ketchum of Belmond and Jody (Steve) Ketchum of Aurora, CO; son Kevin (Marcia) Ketchum of Belmond; grandchildren Nikki (Matt) Olson and their daughter Lilly, and Mark Ketchum; siblings Vera Osland, Wayne (Judy) Koenen, Justin (Elaine) Koenen, Rita (Dick) Vanden Oever, Alta (Don) Fry and Dennis Koenen.

MIRIAM GOWDY
November 15, 1913 - January 25, 2013
Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013
 

Miriam S. Gowdy, 99, a long-time resident of Belmond, died January 25, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Miriam was born November 15, 1913 in Northwood to John J. and Mabel Krogh Simmons, the second of four children. When her brother John, Jr. graduated from high school, she had no transportation from the farm to school in Northwood. She moved to Belmond to live at the home of her uncle Harold Williams, superintendent of Belmond schools at the time, her aunt Nina and cousin Kay.  After graduation she studied at Iowa State Normal School (now University of Northern Iowa) and then taught country school, “boarding round” with families of her students. In September 1935 she and Richard (Dick) Gowdy eloped, keeping their wedding secret so she could continue her last year of teaching. During the Depression, teaching jobs were often not available to wives of working husbands. Dick and Miriam had two children, Margot and Michael.

Mimi, as she was known to family and friends, was active throughout her life with many interests. She was a self styled “rock hound” who collected rocks from all over the world, often brought to her by friends. She was widely read, especially enjoying English mysteries. She memorized many poems which she loved to recite to her students and family. She was a Campfire Girl leader, Methodist Sunday school teacher, Iowa State Hospital Auxiliary president, active in Progress Club, P.E.O., Friends of the Library and Belmond Area Arts Council, and a long time employee of Dougherty Jewelry, where her knowledge of gems, glassware and fine china was put to good use. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and treasured her two trips to Norway where she was able to develop relationships with cousins. She loved traveling, especially to the ocean on both coasts.  

Miriam and Dick lived at Lake Cornelia for many years where she became a part of its life of birds, trees, flowers and ever-changing water.  She filled many scrapbooks with pictures and wrote to family and friends.  Collecting antiques was a continuing activity, and she found many special things to decorate her home. She loved her family, friends and their children who remember her opening for them many of the mysteries of nature.  Reading to her children and grandchildren was a special joy.  

She was preceded in death by her brother John; husband Dick; and grandson Nicholas Gowdy.  

She is survived by her daughter Margot (Roger) Brockmeyer and their children Kristin (Doug) Stubbs and Paul (Kara) Brockmeyer; her son Michael (Marjorie) Gowdy and their children Michelle (Chris) Wilson and Jessica Gowdy; great grandchildren Talia Stubbs, Nathan and Kathryn Brockmeyer, Sloan and Henry Wilson and Schuller Rettig; sister Ruth Schroeder; and brother Norton Simmons.

Memorials may be sent to the Talbot Belmond Public Library, 440 E. Main or the Belmond Historical Museum, in care of Larry Turner, 1275 Taylor Avenue, Belmond, 50421.


ROBERT CAMPBELL
June 8, 1918 - January 20, 2013

Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Robert E. Campbell, 94, formerly of Mason City, Garner and Belmond, died peacefully January 20, 2013 at his home in Edina, MN. Memorial services were held January 28 at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Belmond. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Robert (Bob) Emmons, the son of Harold L. and Esther E. (Riefe) Campbell, was born June 8, 1918 in Mason City. He grew up in Mason City where he attended school and spent many hours sailing, fishing and hunting on and near Clear Lake and north Iowa.  Bob graduated from Mason City High School in 1936.   

After attending Mason City Junior College for a year, Bob transferred to Iowa State College in Ames, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1940. At Iowa State he became an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduation he took a job with DuPont Chemical Company, working in several facilities in the eastern and south central United States where his work was critical to the war effort.    

While working for DuPont in Houston, TX, Bob met Frances Lucile (Motley) Graham and they married in Mason City on June 10, 1949. After 12 years with DuPont, Bob and Lucy decided to move their young family back to Bob’s hometown. In 1955 he started at Northwestern States Portland Cement Company in Mason City, working there 19 years, serving as the plant manager and vice president of operations for many of those years. Bob and Lucy raised three children, Carol, Bruce and Scott. In 1969 he  expanded his professional credentials by becoming a certified professional engineer licensed to practice in Iowa.

Bob left Mason City in 1974 to take a new position with Monarch Cement Company in Humboldt, KS as assistant to the president and operations manager. His final career move took him to Des Moines in 1979, where he worked for the state as an environmental program supervisor in the Department of Environmental Quality for nearly six years. Bob retired to Garner in 1985, and  happened to attend his 45th class reunion at Iowa State where he became reacquainted with Mary Jane (Pauley) Cox who also grew up in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School as well as Iowa State. They married on December 4, 1985, maintaining a home in Belmond until 2006 when they moved to Edina Park Plaza, a retirement community
.

Bob served his community well. In Mason City he served on the school board and the boards of the United Way, chamber of commerce, Junior Achievement, and the Mason City Development Association. Professionally, he served on a variety of technical legislative or  environmental committees with the Portland Cement Association, Iowa Engineering Society, Air Pollution Control Association and Iowa Manufacturing Association. He was a former chairman of the Iowa section of the American Society of Chemical Engineers, and a member of the Engineering Department Advisory Council of Iowa State  University. Other memberships included the First Methodist Church of Mason City, and later the United Church of Christ Congregational of Belmond, and the Rotary Club in Mason City.   

Bob was a 50-year member of the Boy Scouts of America. Service to the Boy Scouts included stints as a cubmaster, scoutmaster and committeeman, followed by service as president of the Winnebago Council and a member of the Four State Regional Council. Individual Scouting honors for Bob included the Scouters Key, Order of the Arrow, and Silver Beaver from the Winnebago Council, and the Silver Antelope from the North Central Region. He inspired his three children to become Cyclones. Bob and Lucy were selected as Iowa State University’s Parents of the Year for 1971.    

He was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy; sister-in-law Bonnie; his first wife Lucy; and Mary Jane's first husband Luin Cox, their daughter Mary Lu, and granddaughter Andrea.  

Bob is survived by his wife Mary Jane (Pauley) Cox Campbell; daughter Carol Campbell (Dave) Elliott of Gallatin Gateway, MT; son Bruce E. Campbell of Livingston, TX and grandchildren Brian and Becky as well as great-grandchild Jack; son Scott H. Campbell of Garner and grandchildren Kati and Jay; and brother Donald Campbell of Edmond, OK. Also surviving are Mary Jane’s children and families: Lucinda McNeely, Robert and James Cox, Martha Ho, Mary Lu’s husband Ronald Olson, and numerous grand-and-great-grandchildren.


BLANCHE PORTER
October 14, 1921 - January 22, 2013
Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Blanche I. Porter, 91, died January 22, 2013 at her home in Belmond. A family funeral service was held January 26 at Dugger Funeral Home. Burial was in the Belmond cemetery.

  Blanche Inez, the daughter of Wilbur and Theresa Riley Tilton, was born October 14, 1921 at the Webster City hospital. She attended schools in Webster City, Eagle Grove and Humboldt. At age 15 she graduated from Humboldt High School. Blanche then attended normal training. She worked at the Humboldt Greenhouse and the Humboldt Bakery.

  Blanche married Russell Porter on August 15, 1941 at the Methodist parsonage in Algona. They made their home in Temple, TX, Banning, CA, and Trenton, NJ while Russ was in the service, eventually landing back in Iowa. Blanche worked at Hood’s Super Valu in Algona while Russ was overseas. The couple moved to Belmond in 1947, where Blanche raised her family. Russ ran the Standard Oil bulk fuel truck and Blanche was the answering service for over forty years.

  Blanche joined the United Methodist Church in Humboldt and was a member of the Belmond United Methodist Church. She taught pre-school Sunday School, and was MYF sponsor when Janis and Gloria were in junior high. She also was a Camp Fire leader. Blanche was a long-time member of Rebekah Lodge, Culture Study Club, and Craft Club. She enjoyed walking, golf, sewing, gardening and especially playing bridge.

  She was preceded in death by her husband; sons Gary and Dennis; three sisters; and two brothers.    

  Blanche is survived by her daughters Janis (Bob) Flanagan of Waterloo and Gloria (Dave) McLaughlin of Cascade; daughter-in-law Nadyne Porter of Belmond; grandchildren Anne, Chad (Melanie), Lynn (Chad), Russ (Jen), Craig (Kay), Ryan (Danielle), Tara (Scott), and Scott (Amber); 15 great grandchildren; sister Helen McCaulley; and a sister-in-law Hazel Tilton. 


BETTY ROBINSON
July 17, 1920 - January 27, 2013
Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Betty Robinson, 92, Clarion, died January 27, 2013 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 1 at the Clarion Church of Christ. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Betty Jean was born at the family home by Lake Cornelia on July 17, 1920 to Edgar and Hazel Brooks, the third of 11 children. She received her education at Plum Grove country school and Clarion High School. She taught school for a brief time after graduation.

Betty married Marion Allan Robinson on December 25, 1938. They farmed north of Holmes, started a small manufacturing company, built and managed an apartment complex, and owned a bar and restaurant for a short time. She was a true partner in business, being a co-manager and doing the bookwork for all the enterprises. Following retirement, she and her husband spent winters in Florida and traveled.

Betty was most proud of the Holmes Christmas Club. She and Marion, along with several friends from the Holmes area, started the charity in about 1947 to help local people that were down on their luck or needed a little help at Christmas. For many years Betty did the bookkeeping, chaired the fundraising auction, and helped deliver fruit baskets to the disabled and elderly. 

Betty hosted countless family dinners. She excelled at making apple pie, and baked homemade bread every week. Betty was an accomplished seamstress, sewing dresses for her daughters -- Easter outfits, prom dresses and matching hats. She also enjoyed making and giving beautiful appliquéd quilts to her children and grandchildren. Working crossword puzzles kept her mind active as well as politics. In her later years she enjoyed taking trips with her three daughters. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; son Edgar; brothers Robert, Jack, William and James; and sisters Charline and Patricia.

Betty is survived by daughters Carole Martin of Clive, Beth Menges (Wendell Mayes) and Mary Robinson (George Seamans) all of Clarion; daughter-in-law Elaine Robin- son of Bloomington, MN; grandchildren Steven Martin, Chantelle Martin Kinnetz, Carola Robinson List (Tim), Sonja Robinson Raschke (Russ), Dina Robinson (Mike Pravitz), Clint Robinson (Josie) and Christopher Benson; great grandchildren Zach and Alec Martin, Raven Kinnetz, Madelyn Raschke, Augustus, Claus and Inga Robinson, Edgar and Klara Pravitz and Taylor Rice; and siblings Maxine Benson, Joan Schroeder, Roger Brooks and Alan Brooks. 


JUNIOR KADUCE
March 27, 1946  - January 31, 2013
Published: Thursday, January 31, 2013

Junior J. Kaduce, 66, Mason City, died January 31, 2013 at Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday February 4 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City, with the Rev. Ron Stein of First Baptist Church in Mason City officiating. Visitation will be Sunday February 3 from 1-3 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service.

 Junior James was born March 27, 1946 in Belmond, the son of Ted and Henrietta (Trager) Kaduce. He graduated from Belmond High School and opened a greenhouse in Belmond where he would work until it was destroyed by a tornado in 1966.

On February 24, 1973 Junior was united in marriage to Donna Gretillat in South Dakota. They would share 31 years of marriage.

Junior worked as an aide in many nursing homes and hospitals, and also worked as a floral designer in Clear Lake and Mason City. In his free time he enjoyed dancing, shooting pool and fishing. He loved tending to his flower and vegetable gardens and was known for growing delicious strawberries. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Donna; sister Ginger Kaduce; and sister in law Donna Kaduce.

Survivors include his daughters Buffy (Ralph) Ramon of Nora Springs and Kathy (John) Brass of Mason City; grandchildren Chelsie, Andrew, Geoffrey, Nathan, Ashley and Jessica; great grandchildren Gunner, Hunter and Destiney; brothers Jerry (Jo) Kaduce of Arkansas, Maynard Kaduce of Michigan, and Ardelle “Sam” (Arlene) Kaduce of Forest City; and his best friend and “brother” Agustin (Genoveva) Tinajero of Mason City.


Published on 31 January 2013 by Jay Lehmann


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