GEORGE SHARP
May 31, 1927 - March 2, 2013
Published: Tuesday, March 5, 2013

George J. Sharp, Yukon, OK, died March 2, 2013. A memorial service was held March 6 at Church of the Open Arms - UCC in Oklahoma City. A burial service will be in Belmond at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Oklahoma County, 4334 NW Expressway, Ste. 106, Oklahoma City, 73116.

George Jacob was born in Belmond on May 31, 1927, the youngest child of Johanna (Doren- kamp) and Hughie Thomas Sharp. He was the valedictorian of his high school graduating class and then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his honorable discharge he completed course work in accounting at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. He initially worked as a deputy in the Wright County Recorder’s office. He was subsequently hired as accounting manager at Thompson Seed Corn Company (later ACCO) in Belmond. He met his life-long partner, Elaine I. Carroll, and after a long-distance courtship they were married on December 17, 1950. They made their home in Belmond until 1980 when George was transferred to become office manager of an Anderson Clayton plant in Oklahoma City. He retired in 1989.    

George was an excellent accountant and he used his skills not only as a loyal employee, but also in service to his church and the community. He served as treasurer of the Belmond United Church of Christ, and later in Oklahoma City. He was involved in many community organizations. He played softball, participated in bowling leagues and enjoyed golfing. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Music was especially important to him. He played tuba in a high school band and earned a national Division I in competition. His sonorous bass voice was heard in church choirs and the El Reno Community Chorus until he was 85 years old. He loved people and was known for his great sense of humor -- from his youth to those who cared for him in hospice at the end of his life. George was very devoted to his family. He and Elaine had four daughters. His grandchildren were the light of his life. “Boppa” gave the boys great memories. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine; daughter Pamela Huelsman; and son-in-law George Lamkins.  

George is survived by daughters Carol Lamkins of Las Vegas, Nancy Sharp of Yukon, and Diane and Greg Johnson of Yukon; and grandchildren Aaron Huelsman of Mustang, OK, Jordan Johnson and Katie Slocum of Denver, IA and Cameron Johnson of Yukon.  

VICKI HIRSCH
September 11, 1939 - February 26, 2013
Published: Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Vicki Kay Hirsch, 73, Alexander, died February 26, 2013 while under hospice care at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond following a three-year battle with breast cancer. Her family was at her side. Services were held March 2 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond with burial in the Belmond Cemetery. 

Vicki was born September 11, 1939 in Belmond, the daughter of Else and Lois Pals. She graduated from East High School in Waterloo in 1957. Then she worked as a secretary at Rath Packing Company in Waterloo where she met her future husband, Walt. They married on October 29, 1960 in Waterloo. They lived in New York, Pennsylvania, Chicago, St. Louis, Omaha, Minneapolis and Waterloo. Vicki worked for the Waterloo School District from 1977 to 1985. They settled in Alexander in 1994.

Later in life Vicki enjoyed a passion for tole painting, teaching the craft to others and selling her works in a variety of locations. She was an active member of Weight Watchers, participating in, and leading regular meetings in the area. She loved her church family and enjoyed bell ringing and Bible studies. She had given of her time and energy volunteering at the Belmond Medical Center. Vicki found joy in everyday living and was an inspiration to others. She was a perfectionist in all she accomplished. Her greatest love next to her husband was her two daughters. She treasured being with her family and eagerly awaited summer to play golf and enjoy an outdoor walk. She loved to raise flowers and looked forward to a brisk afternoon cross country skiing, relishing the wonderful gifts of God’s creation in nature.

She was preceded in death by her father Else, and brother-in-law John Santeramo.

She is survived by her husband and life partner Walter; daughters Pam (Kevin) Bishop of Glenville, MN and Nancy Hirsch of Plymouth, MN; her mother Lois Pals of Belmond; grandson Colin Bishop of Glenville; sister Elsie Santeramo of Longmont, CO and Elsie’s children Johnny (Sandy) Santeramo of Mead, CO and Christi  (Donnie) Bova of Longmont; and nephew David (Christine) Hirsch and their son John of Lincoln Park, IL.

BRUCE OTTO FRANZMEIER
October 30, 1950 - February 28, 2013
 
Bruce Franzmeier, 62, of Clarion passed away Thursday, February 28, 2013, with his daughter Laura by his side at the Clarion Wellness and Rehab Center in Clarion.

Funeral services for Bruce Franzmeier will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 4, 2013, at First Lutheran Church, 420 1st Street NW, in Clarion with Pastor Ron Nelson officiating.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, in Clarion and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Bruce Otto Franzmeier was born in Sioux City, Iowa on October 30, 1950.  Otto and Eleanor (Holmes) Franzmeier adopted him as an infant.  Several years later, infant Joyce was adopted to complete the family.

Bruce was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church and later attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School through 8th grade.  Bruce graduated from Newell High School in 1969.  He was often the ringleader for many cousin adventures.  He loved music and spent a year in California seeing some of the most famous bands of that time.

In 1970, Bruce was drafted into the Army and spent time overseas in Germany.  Upon his discharge, he attended school to learn the auto parts trade.  He moved to Spencer and worked at Siegs Auto Parts before moving to Clarion in 1987 where he managed the Siegs Auto Parts store.  He was with Siegs for a total of 13 years.

On August 10, 1991, Bruce married Kathy Bass and this union was blessed with a daughter, Laura, born in 1994.  The couple later divorced in October of 1995.

Siegs closed in August of 1994, which is when Bruce began working for Caylor Auto Supply.  He worked with them for another 13 years.  Bruce ended his career working 2 years for Arnold Motor Supply before he was forced to retire in February of 2011.

Bruce loved his job, enjoyed seeing his customers, and was always ready to share a new joke.  Bruce loved to be outdoors and participate in activities:  fishing, hiking, grilling, and swimming just to name a few.

Laura was the joy of his life.  He was always so proud of all her academic and musical accomplishments.  Bruce eagerly and proudly attended every activity she participated in.

Bruce was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2010.  Laura faithfully and lovingly cared for her father until he could no longer stay in his home.  In May of 2012 he entered the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Bruce passed away with Laura at his side.  His quick wit and love of life will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Bruce is survived by his daughter Laura of Clarion; sister Joyce (Mick) Vitzthum of Delight, Arkansas; father Otto Franzmeier of Albert City, Iowa; nephew Andrew Vitzthum of Delight, Arkansas; niece Amy Cox of Spring Hill, Arkansas; and a host of loving and caring “Franzmeier Cousins”.

He was preceded in death by his mother Eleanor Franzmeier.

MARION A. ROBSON
August 13, 1918 - February 27, 2013

Marion A. Robson, 94, formerly of Clarion passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Davenport Good Samaritan Center in Davenport.

Funeral services for Marion Robson will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion with Pastor Ron Nelson officiating.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion.

Born August 13, 1918 on a farm near Dows, Iowa to Raymond C. & Agnes [Hansen] Hansen the family soon moved to the Bingham farm outside Rowan, Iowa where Marion attended school and graduated in 1936. She went on to Waldorf College and graduated from a two-year business course in 1938. She then went to care for her maternal grandparents in Sheffield, Illinois until January 1940 when Marion began working at the Clarion, Iowa ASC office.  On March 10, 1940 she began employment at the Edgar O. Turk office at 104 Main Street. Marion recalled her first day on the job taking dictation in shorthand and typing 32 letters for Mr. Turk!

It was there she met Dean G. Robson who became her partner in life and business. They married at First Lutheran Church in Clarion during a blizzard on January 6, 1944 while Dean was home on leave from the U.S. Navy. Dean & Marion purchased the business in 1955 and operated the Robson Agency – an insurance, real estate, farm management and tax service for the next forty plus years.

Marion supported her community, church and neighbors with her time, talents, and good cheer. She remained a Clarion resident in her heart even after living in Davenport for the past four years. 

Left to cherish her memory is son Mark [Deb] Robson of Ames, daughter Karen [Dennis] O’Connor of Davenport, grandson Brandon [Samantha] of State College PA, granddaughters Nicole Robson of Ames & Emma O’Connor of Davenport as well as sister Alta [Herman] Bollhoefer, sister Roberta [Jack] Freese, sister Edith Austin, brother-in-law Richard B. Robson, many beloved nieces, nephews and a host of dear friends. 

Marion was preceded in death by husband Dean in 1996, brother Howard Hansen, sister Darlene Madison, and her parents. A true lady, she loved unconditionally, lived graciously and taught us much. 

CASSONDRA "Cass" LOU LARSON
September 25, 1935 - March 3, 2013 

Cassondra "Cass" Lou Larson was born September 25, 1935 to Paul and Thelma Mae (Morehouse) Vaughan in Indiana. Cassondra was raised by James Chris and Leo Alice Nelson in Eagle Grove. She graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1953 and married John Ole Larson on March 7, 1954.

Cassondra spent the majority of her time helping John farm and raising the family, and she was later employed at the House of William Dress Shop in Fort Dodge until 1996.

She served in her community by being involved in her church, the Paddle Wheel Players, and indulged in her passions which included reading, gardening, cooking, decorating, and spending time with her family.
Cassondra died on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Trinity Regional Hospital. She is preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her sister Jackie Vaughan, and her brother Leo E. Nelson.

Cassondra is survived by her husband of 59 years, daughter Christy (Dave) Mueller, daughter Laurie (Jim) Legvold, son Jim (Tomajean) Larson, son Ted (Tara) Larson, her grandchildren Marcus (Sara) Brock, JC Brock, Danielle (Justin) Kennedy, Brett (Katie) Legvold, Connor Larson, great-grandchildren Logan Fox, Lucas, and Leyton Brock, as well as sister Anita (Dindo) Idio, sister-in-law Jerry Nelson of Chandler, OK, brother-in-law Rodney (Trudy) Larson, sister-in-law Betty Kessner of Kansas City, MO, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, March 8, at Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will be at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove from 5:00 – 7:00 pm., Thursday, March 7. Burial will be at Cass Cemetery in Cass Township.

Posted on 6 March 2013

ROBERT A. DAVIS
March 15, 1939 - March 8, 2013

Robert Allen Davis, 73, passed away peacefully on March 8th, 2013 with his family by his side at the IOOF Nursing Home in Mason City, Iowa. Robert was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor in December and fought a courageous 13 week battle. Memorial services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 North Pennsylvania with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating.

Inurnment will be held at a later date. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, March 22, 2013 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial to the Robert A Davis Memorial Trust in care of his wife Eloise. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Robert was born March 15th, 1939 to Russell and Vivian (Cunningham) Davis. Along with brother, Jim and sister Nancy the Davis Family also lived in Cresco and Perry, Iowa. Robert graduated from Perry High School in 1957 and attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa where he participated in track and football and was a vocal and trumpet major. Robert received his Masters Degree in Vocal Music from Drake University in 1967.

Robert was united in marriage to Eloise (Soma) on June 9th, 1963 in Belmond, Iowa. This June Robert and Eloise would have celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Robert was the vocal music instructor at Belmond and Boone High School before he became the Director of Choral Activities at North Iowa Area Community College in 1974. During his tenure at NIACC, he was instrumental in changing the lives of countless students. He was a teacher, mentor, role model, father figure and friend. Robert retired from NIACC in 2001.

Robert is responsible for creating NIACC Singers, North Iowa Choral Society and Quodlibet. He managed the NIACC Auditorium for many years. He served as the President of the North Central Choral Directors. He was instrumental in starting the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) and the ICDA Summer Symposium held in Mason City every summer. Robert also held many positions in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and was a former member of the North Iowa Concert Band. He organized the Pride of Iowa Choral which traveled and performed throughout Europe in the 80s. Robert served on the NIACC Board of Directors from 2007 to 2012 and also on the Board of Directors of Stebens Children’s Theater. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church from 1974-2012 where he often volunteered as an usher, reader, musician and board member. Robert received the Robert McGowan Award for education excellence in 1988 and the Iowa Outstanding Music Educator Award in 1995. Robert judged music contest for Iowa All State for many years.

Robert enjoyed anything NIACC related. He was found at numerous NIACC events, but especially enjoyed supporting the athletic program. He was once referred to as the “unofficial assistant men’s basketball coach”. Most recently you could find him spending time on the track and visiting with the NIACC coaching staff. He enjoyed volunteering as the ticket master for the sporting events. Robert was an avid runner and was always proud of his daily 4 miles. Robert greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He appreciated good food, a good Toyota, any dog, lounging in the sun and a dandelion free yard.

Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years Eloise; son Paul Davis of Mason City; daughter Kristin (Brian) Hummel of Fort Myers, Florida; daughter Andrea (John) Crites also of Fort Myers; brother Jim (Madonna) Davis of Minneapolis; sister Nancy (Will) Rathert of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Sydney and Jordan Hummel, Alexia and Kayla Davis and Gabe Helland; step-grandchildren, several in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Vivian Davis.

TERRY STEVENS
Published: Tuesday, March 12, 2013    

Terry R. Stevens, 49, died March 8, 2013 at his home one mile west of Alexander when a vehicle he was working on shifted, pinning him against a tool chest.

Services were held March 12 at First Baptist Church in Mason City. Inurnment will be at a later date in Memorial Park at Mason City.

Stevens was employed by United Seating and Mobility in Belmond.

ROBERT ARHART
November 10, 1934 - March 5, 2013
Published: Tuesday, March 12, 2013   

Robert “Bob” Arhart, 78, died March 5, 2013 after a courageous battle against cancer. Services were held March 9 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Mason City, with burial at West Side Cemetery in Marble Rock. 

Robert Dean was born November 10, 1934 to Elston and Ella Mae (Ritter) Arhart in Union Township, Floyd County. He attended Marble Rock Consolidated School, graduating in 1952. On March 3, 1956 he married the love of his life, Delores “Toodie” Krull. 

Bob grew up on a small farm where he began helping at the age of seven by driving tractor. At the age of 12 he rented 80 acres from his uncle. Bob worked for two years with the Charles City Western Railroad as a section hand. In 1957 he  joined Northwestern Bell Telephone as a lineman in Waterloo. He worked his way up: as installer and repairman; then in management with a transfer to Council Bluffs; to Mason City in 1967; and to Minneapolis in 1986. He retired in 1994, having never missed a day’s pay in nearly 38 years. Bob and Toodie moved to Garner in 1998 where they enjoyed  retirement near family and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife; step father Vern Merrill; and brother Delaine Merrill.

Survivors include  his son Randy (Jane) Arhart of Austin and their children Ryan (Kelsey) Arhart, Lindsay (fiancée Ryan Ranschau) and Ashley; daughter Janine (Brian) Hammarstedt of Mason City and their children Michele (Dan) Werts and great-grandchild John Robert Werts,  Amanda (Nick) Steege  and great grandchildren Noah, Tayden and Derrick, and Matt Hammarstedt; daughter Kim (Kevin) Smith of Belmond and their sons Kody and Kyle; son Rick (Tammy) Arhart of Rochester and their daughters Abigail and Alexandria; sisters Judy (Jim) Miller of Cedar Falls and LaVonne Edmundson of Deerwood, MN.

EVELYN GAETZKE
July 24, 1925 - March 10, 2013

Evelyn M. Gaetzke, age 88, of Meservey passed away Sunday March 10, 2013 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services for Evelyn M. Gaetzke will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday March 14, 2013 at the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Pastor Rodney Meester will officiate. Burial will take place in the Immanuel Reformed Church Cemetery east of Belmond at 12:45 P.M.

Visitation for Evelyn M. Gaetzke will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday March 13, 2013 at the Dugger Funeral Home 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond and will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made in Evelyn M. Gaetzke’s name to the Meservey Public Library, First Reformed Church in Meservey or the donor’s choice.

Evelyn Mae (Pals) Gaetzke, the daughter of Andrew and Rena (Mennenga) Pals was born July 24, 1925 in Belmond. She grew up near Belmond where she attended country school and graduated from Belmond High School in 1942. Evelyn then attended Normal Training Teacher’s course. She passed the examination and taught at the age of 18. Evelyn taught at country school near Clarion for one year and then four years at Center School, Pleasant Township near Belmond. 

Evelyn was united in marriage to Russell Gaetzke of Meservey on June 28, 1947. They lived in Meservey their entire lives. While raising her family, Evelyn had two big gardens; potatoes, vegetables and flowers. She canned and froze everything she raised. Evelyn belonged to the Meservey Garden Club and she entered her flowers in the annual show and won many ribbons. She enjoyed playing the piano in her spare time and sewing dresses for her girls. After raising her family, she worked at the Meservey Public Library starting in December 1965. In 1971, she became the librarian. Evelyn retired from the library January 7, 2012 at the age of 87 years 5 months. She enjoyed the library very much and it kept her active and in touch with people. She enjoyed reading books and watching all the sports that her husband was into. In fact, she could name the baseball players and who they played for. If she didn’t enjoy sports before, she did after marrying Russell. Evelyn was an avid New York Yankees fan.

Evelyn is survived by her son Gregory Gaetzke of Frederika, IA, daughter Russalyn Davis and husband Ronald of Hanlontown, IA, daughter Barbara Bailey and husband Mark of Belmond of Belmond, IA and son Reese Gaetzke of Meservey, IA.; grandchildren Brent and his wife Marie and their children Chase and Gavin, Ross, Ryan and his wife Kathleen and their children Chace and Mason, Craig and his wife Sarah and their children Morgan, Ava and Trevor, Heather and her husband Flint and their children Brook, Brendon and Brier, and Josh and his son Zaden; three brothers, Roger Pals of Manchester, Roland Pals of Duncanville, TX and Arlen Pals and his wife Shirley of Lake Mills and their families.   

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell in 2006 and grandson Chad Davis in 2012.  

OMA M. MONTAG
January 20, 1928 - March 4, 2013

Oma Marie (Allen) Montag, age 85, of Faribault, MN, and formerly of Curlew and Dows, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN, following a brief illness.

The family will celebrate Oma’s life with a visitation and funeral Mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Drive) in Faribault. Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the church before the service. Interment will follow at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Mallard, Iowa, followed by a luncheon at St. Mary’s Church in Mallard.

Arrangements are with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault, MN.

Oma Marie (Allen) Montag was born on January 20, 1928 in West Bend, Iowa, the youngest daughter among the thirteen children of A.C. and Ida (Phillips) Allen. She married Philip John Montag in West Bend on August 27, 1946 and raised four sons and five daughters, all of whom loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Philip; by her son, Randy, a terrible loss for her; and by several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Tom (Mary) of Fairwater, WI, Philip Jr. (Vicky) of Dows, IA, and Henry (Susan) of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughters, Kathleen Keilen (Jim) of Faribault, MN, Nancy Gehrke (Jerry) of Mankato, MN, Marilyn Quist (Bill) of Kanawha, IA, Diane Montag of Farmington, MN, and Colleen Vandervort (Dean) of Alden, IA; 28 grandchildren; more than 30 great grandchildren; her sister, Florence (Sunny) Hatfield; and by many friends and neighbors at Curlew and Dows, Iowa.

After their marriage, Oma and Philip took up farming in Rodman, Iowa, then at Curlew for many years before buying a farm of their own at Dows. Many of those early years at Curlew are recounted in Curlew: Home, a memoir by her son, Tom. Many readers have said that Oma was the hero of that book, and she was.

Eventually retiring from farming, both Oma and Philip worked for several years as USDA meat inspectors, living in Mason City and Indianola, Iowa, and then retiring to Hampton, Iowa. In 2004, the couple moved to Faribault, MN, to be close to three daughters who could help care for them in their final years.

Her “most perfect day ever” was a day in early spring in the first years of their marriage when, while driving home after purchasing a used oat-seeder at a farm west of Emmetsburg, IA, she and Philip talked about their future together and “their whole life rolling out before them, electric, and as alive as anything can be.” That future lasted through 65 years of marriage, until Philip died October 2, 2011.

Oma often said that if she could tell her story, it would be a love story. And she meant it.

The family is grateful to the terrific nurses at St. Mary’s in Rochester for their good care during Oma’s sudden final illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation of food be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Faribault.

Posted on 13 March 2013

JOHN ROBERT BARNISKIS
January 12, 1944 - March 11, 2013 

John R. Barniskis, age 69 passed away on March 11, 2013 in Waukesha after a brief illness.

John was born on January 12, 1944 in Springfi eld, Ill., the son of Walter and Catherine Barnowski.

John is survived by his wife, Clarion native Cheryl Poulson Barniskis of Waukesha. Cheryl is a 1967 graduate of Clarion High School. In addition to his wife Cheryl, John is survived by three children, one grandson, mother-in-law, Irene Poulson of Clarion and by one brother and a sister.

Visitation was held on Saturday, March 16, at Church and Chapel Funeral Home, 380 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, Wisconsin, with Funeral Services at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society are suggested.

Church and Chapel Funeral Home in Waukesha Wisconsin assisted with the arrangements.

Joan Brunsvold, age 69, of Hampton, previously of Falls City, NE, passed away Friday March 15, 2013 at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services for Joan Brunsvold will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday March 19, 2013 at the First Reformed Church in Alexander. Pastor Phil Arnold and Kenny Draper will officiate. Burial will take place in the Graceland Cemetery in Webster City at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday.

Visitation for Joan Brunsvold will be held from 9:00 until service-time on Tuesday at the church. Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond is in charge of arrangements. 

Joan Elizabeth, the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth Hoover Draper, was born April 15, 1943. She was raised on a farm outside of Alexander, IA and was a proud member of the Alexander High School class of 1961 and recently had attended her 50th class reunion. 

Joan spent many years living and raising her family in Belmond. Once her family was raised, Joan followed her husband Don to Falls City, NE and worked with him at Boss Trailers until his death in 1990. Joan chose to stay in this community and here she met her soul mate, Charlie Malcolm. Joan and Charlie enjoyed the next 20 years together.  

Joan and Charlie like boating on the Missouri River, spending the weekends at the cabin in Rulo, and spending time with the River Rats Boat Club. Together they loved watching and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and cherished every moment spent with her two grandchildren. Joan volunteered many hours for the Richardson County Humane Society.  

Joan will be deeply missed by her daughters, Annette Hargadine (Sam) of Iowa City and Tammy Schimp (Mike) of Hampton, son Mitchell Peddicord, two grandchildren, Bryce and Molly Schimp of Hampton; two brothers, Marvin and Eugene (Judy) Draper of Alexander; and two nephews, Ken (Jodi) Draper and Michael (Julie) Draper and several geat nieces and nephews. 

 Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don Brunsvold, niece Jacki Anderson, and her special friend Charlie Malcolm.  


DUGGER FUNERAL HOME
111 LUICK’S LANE SOUTH
BELMOND, IOWA 50421
(641) 444-3248
www.duggerfunerals.com

ISABELLE KETCHUM
December 27, 1924 - March 10, 2013

Isabelle Ketchum 88, of Iowa Falls, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013, at her home. Memorial services for Isabelle Ketchum will be 11:00 am Saturday, March 16, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, 619 Main Street, Iowa Falls, Iowa. A time of visitation will be from 10:00 am Saturday until service time also at the First United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be at a later date in Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Isabelle Ruth Bailey was born December 27, 1924, at her parent’s home in Franklin County, Iowa, the daughter of Fern Agnes [Dougan] and Lloyd Raymond Bailey. She attended country school and graduated from the Alden, Iowa Community Schools with the class of 1942. On January 28, 1945 Isabelle was united in marriage to Richard Clayne Ketchum at Iowa Falls, Iowa. To this union three sons were born: Roger, Dallas, and Mark. Richard and Isabelle lived in Forest City, Clarion, Alden, and Iowa Falls, Iowa. Isabelle had worked at the Citizens State Bank and Iowa Falls State Bank in Iowa Falls, the Clarion Clinic and Clarion High School, and the Pioneer Saving and Loan in Forrest City, Iowa. She was a member of the Iowa Falls American Legion Auxiliary of Post #188, Iowa Falls.

Isabelle Ketchum is survived by her husband: Richard Ketchum of Iowa Falls; her three sons: Roger [Judy] Ketchum of Grimes, Iowa, Dallas [Peggy] Ketchum of Owatonna, Minnesota, Mark [Alana] Ketchum of Eagle Grove, Iowa; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one sister: Mary Rose [Bert] Brown of Iowa Falls, Iowa; and a sister-in-law: Dahl Bailey of Rochester, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents: Lloyd and Fern Bailey and one brother: Harold Bailey.

ROBERT R. LARSON
July 22, 1925 - March 11, 2013

Robert R. Larson, age 87, of Dows, passed away Monday March 11, 2013 at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Memorials services for Robert R. Larson will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 16, 2013 at the Presbyterian Church in Dows. Pastor Shelly will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the Fairview cemetery in Dows at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Watson Beach Post #523 of Dows.

Visitation for Robert R. Larson will be from 10:00 A.M. until servie-time at the church on Saturday. The Dugger Funeral Home, 100 North Lee Street in Dows is in charge of local arrangements. 

Robert Rae, the son of Arthur and Florence Dielman Larson was born July 22, 1925 in Dows. He was the youngest of seven children. Robert grew up in Dows, and graduated from Dows High School in 1942 at the age of sixteen. Before the age of 18, Robert joined the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class. He was stationed in Hilo, HI. He was honorably discharged in 1947 and returned to Iowa.

Robert was united in marriage to Marjorie Loats on April 29, 1949 at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. The couple lived their entire married lives in Dows, except for four years when they owned the A&W Drive Inn in Hampton. Robert and Marjorie were blessed with two daughters, Valerie and Polly. They returned to Dows in 1962, where Bob ran a construction crew. In 1967, he was appointed Post Master at the Dow’s office. He retired in 1988. Robert kept busy in his retirement and loved his home town Dows. If there was a job to be done, or projects to be constructed, in Dows, he had a hand in doing it. He was a 72 year member of the Presbyterian Church, a member of the American Legion, member and past president of the Dows Golf Course and he was a city council member, three different terms. Bob became an EMT in 1974 and served with the Dows Ambulance several years. He enjoyed cooking fish for the Legion’s Annual Fish Suppers and flipping pancakes for the Presbyterian Annual Pancake Sausage Suppers. He enjoyed teaching his two daughters and two grandsons the art of catching fish? He loved wood-working and enjoyed making items for family and friends. Robert has suffered from dementia for several years and had been living n the FGH Nursing Home in Hampton for the last six years.  

Robert is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Marjorie, daughter, Polly Eide and friend Cecil Poyner of Cedar Falls, son-in-law, John Kittell of Bremerton, WA, two grandsons, Major Robert Kittell and Heather and their daughter Brooke of Centennial, CO, John Kittell and Barbara, and their children, Drew and Allison of Seattle, WA, a sister, LaVonne Greene of Manhattan, KS and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Valerie Kittell, son-in-law, John Eide, one sister, Viola, four brothers, Max, Donan, Charles, and Arthur.  

DUGGER FUNERAL HOME
100 NORTH LEE STREET
DOWS, IOWA 50071
(515) 852-4134
www.duggerfunerals.com

LINDA WHELAN

Linda Whelan, 75, of Clarion passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion.