January 27, 1925 - January 25, 2014

Russell Braun, age 88, of Dows passed away Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services for Russsell Braun were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the United Presbyterian Church in Dows. Pastor Shawn Hill officiated. Military honors were provided by the Dows American Legion Post.

Visitation for Russell Braun was from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the United Presbyterian Church in Dows and continued one hour prior to services on Thursday. Dugger Funeral Home, 100 North Lee Street in Dows was in charge of arrangements.

Ulrich Russell Braun the son of Ulrich Helmet and Josephine Marie Sendenfelder Braun was born January 27, 1925 in Dows. He grew up in Dows where he attended school. Russell graduated from Dows High School in 1943. After high school, Russell entered the United States Navy. He served during World War II. When the war was over Russ returned to Dows.

Russell was married to Marcelene “Marcy” Jean Jacobsen on January 27, 1950. The couple was blessed with four children, Lynn, Jody, Dawn, and Chad. Russell worked nearly his entire life as a mechanic. He worked in Dows and Clarion in both with Automobile dealerships and on his own in various service stations. He very much enjoyed tinkering with engines and items of all types. He loved building birdhouses, and making fishing lures. Russell was an avid sportsman. He hunted and fished, and generally loved just being outdoors. Spending time with his best friend “Amos” was a treasure. Russell belonged to the Dows American Legion Watson Beach Post #523.

Russell is survived by his children, Lynn (Kathy), Jody (Wayne), Dawn (Steve), Chad (Shirley) all of Dows, ten grandchildren, Shane (LeAnn), Clint (Danielle), Kyle (Jodi), Zachary (Tracy), America, Edde`, Brandon (Whitney), Tara (Jorge), Nicole, Shelbi, eleven great grandchildren, Cade, Toby, Josie, Ava, Jakobe, Kainan, Keve, Kelle, Kash, Ezra, Jax, special friend, “Amos”, and numerous other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant son.

September 6, 1942 - February 1, 2014

Mary Louise Middleton, the daughter of John A. and Ovedia (Halgrim) Morgan, was born on September 6, 1942, in Goldfield, Iowa. She attended country school, Thor elementary and Eagle Grove High School, graduating with the “Class of 1960”.

On July 10, 1960, Mary was united in marriage to Harold Middleton at Thor Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was a loving housewife raising their 5 children (and 1 husband), attending as many events as possible for her kids and grandkids. Mary will be missed by all.

Mary passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 71 years, with family at her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Roger Morgan and John A. Morgan, Jr.

Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Harold Middleton of Clarion; five children: Dori (Bill) Johnston of Missoula, MT, Scott (Tammy) Middleton of Sun Valley, CA, Rod (Sonya) Middleton of Eagle Grove, Melissa “Spook” Mary Louise Middleton (Monty) Anderson of Clarion and Clint “Punk” (Mandi) Middleton of Clarion; grandchildren: Erik Johnston, Maggie Davis, Kayla Davis, Jackson Middleton, Zachary Middleton, Jacie Middleton, Brentcint Middleton, Tarissa Middleton, Ethan Anderson, Kaia Anderson and Morgan Middleton; brother, Ronnie (Shirley) Morgan of Eagle Grove; sisters-in-law, Diana Morgan of Goldfield and Gayle Morgan of Eagle Grove and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2014, at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove with Pastor Jason Cooper officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. As per Mary’s wishes, after funeral services she will be cremated and buried at a later date.

Memorials may be left to the Clarion Volunteer Ambulance, 121 1st St. S.W., Clarion, Iowa 50525 Foust Funeral Homes, Eagle Grove, is in charge of the arrangements.

IOLA BRANDOW
September 2, 1940 - January 28, 2014
Published: Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Iola Mae (Miller) Brandow, 73, a north Iowa native, died January 28, 2014 in Moberly, MO. Services were held February 1 at the Pathway Memorial Funeral Home in Moberly,   

Iola Mae, the daughter of Andy and Reba Miller, was born September 2, 1940 in Mason City. She was a dedicated employee of Orscheln's for over 20 years.

Iola loved being with her family and relished visiting with friends. She loved to crochet and made many beautiful, hand-crafted, one-of-a- kind afghans for her family and friends. Some of her grandchildren's fondest memories were that there was always music playing and Grandma always wanted to dance. She cherished going on fishing excursions with the grandkids. Iola was very devoted in her roles of wife, mother and grandmother. All who had the privilege of being a part of Iola's life journey will greatly miss her beautiful smile, welcoming personality, and her zest for life.

Survivors include her husband Richard; children Dyann Butcher (Terry), Sandy Orton (Mike), Irene Brandow (Sherry), Brian Brandow (Julie) and Rachel Raishe (Travis); grandchildren Jessi Botkins (Corey), Amanda Sturtevant, Eryk Sturtevant, Andy Brandow, Bryn Orton, Joe Brandow, Alex Orton, Jamie Howard, Madison Butcher, Mac-Kenzie Brandow and Dalton Raishe; great-grandchildren Devin Cheno-weth, Marrisa Chenoweth, Logan Botkins, Braelyn Smith and Jeremy Sturtevant; special niece Pam Richards and children Matthew Richards and Jeni Dean (Brad); numerous other nieces and nephews; sisters Ilene (Roy) Bingaman of Slater, MO and Sue (Dave) Nelson of Belmond; and brother Jim (Nancy) Miller of Nevada, IA.     

Memorials may be directed to her family in care of Sue Nelson, 1141 Page Avenue, Belmond, 50421.

MARILYNN ENGELBRECHT
June 22, 1931 - February 9, 2014
Published: Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Marilynn O. Engelbrecht, 82, formerly of Harrisonville, MO, died February 9, 2014 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 17 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Harrisonville. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Graveside services will be held at 2 at Floral Hills East in Lee’s Summit, MO following the luncheon at the church.

Mrs. Engelbrecht was born June 22, 1931 in Sioux City to Benjamin E. Cruzan and Helena M. Princelaw. Marilynn worked as a bookkeeper at the Federal Reserve and at Park National Bank prior to being a wife, mother and homemaker. She married Lawrence O. Engelbrecht of Kansas City, MO on September 30, 1950. Marilynn managed the finances for her husband’s business, Cass County Ceramics.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a son-in-law.

Marilynn is survived by her children Cheryl Edwards (Dale) of Beloit, WI, Deborah Engelbrecht of Nevada, MO, Dwayne Engelbrecht of Kansas City, MO, Janette (Erdman) Swenson (Jim) of Belmond, and Jennifer Bolduc (Richard) of St. Peters, MO; ten grandchildren including Katie Erdman Boeshart (Kevin), Kristin Erdman and Kristopher Erdman; seven great grandchildren; and brothers Marvin (Macy) of Shell Knob, MO and Allen of Eureka Springs, AR.

Memorials may be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

DELORIS ROWLEY
Published: Tuesday, February 11, 2014

DeLoris F. Rowley, 86, died January 30, 2014 at Heritage Care and Rehabilitation Center in Mason City.

Services were held February 9 at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, with Pastor Kathy Graves from Trinity Lutheran Church of Mason City presiding. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may sent to Trinity Lutheran Church.

  DeLoris Felicia, daughter of Oscar and Cora (Hill) Thompson, was born and raised in Belmond. She was united in marriage to Arald D. Rowley in 1947, and they were together for 51 years. She was a homemaker much of her life, raising three children and working as a cook in various places.

  DeLoris was a long-time member of the Moose Lodge of Mason City and Trinity Lutheran Church. One of her joys in later years was participating in the foster grandparent program at the Mason City Schools.

  She was preceded in death by her husband Arald and her daughter Fonda Sue Moorhead.

  DeLoris is survived by her sons Arald R. (Kathy) Rowley of Reno, NV and Jerry A. (Karen) Rowley of Bremerton, WA; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister Thelma Ver Brugge; and nephew Bob (Judy) Ver Brugge.

FRANK POLLITT
March 31, 1923 - February 4, 2014
Published: Wednesday, February 12, 2014

 Frank M. Pollitt, 90, Belmond, died February 4, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. A memorial visitation will be held from 3- 5 p.m. Saturday, February 15 at Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond. Friends are invited to a time of sharing with the family.

Frank, the son of C. Morris and Pauline Pim Pollitt, was born March 31, 1923 in Amelia, Ohio. Frank and his family moved to a family farm in Lucas County, Iowa in 1939. He graduated from Norwood (Iowa) High School in 1941.

Frank was united in marriage to Janette Fulton on July 21, 1948 in Chariton. To this union three children were born. In the early years of their marriage they made their home in Osceola and Chariton. In January 1957 they moved to Belmond. 

Frank and Janette owned a series of small businesses that included gas stations and the convenience store Super America (now Kum and Go). In 1973 Frank sold that business and started J and F Construction. Over the next five years he specialized in new construction and remodeling. He bought Belmond Motors (a Ford dealership) in 1978, which he sold in 1985. Frank then went back to his first profession, mechanic, and opened Pollitt Auto Service. He retired in 1997. After retiring, Frank enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Frank served on the Belmond City Council, Methodist Church Board of Trustees, and the Belmond Industrial Development Corporation.

  He was preceded in death by his daughter Katherine Gabrielson; sister-in-law Doris Pollitt; and brother-in-law J.B. Evans.

Ehmke, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Charles (Chuck) A., 79, retired B-47/B-52 pilot (U.S. Air Force) and Boeing manager, died peacefully in his home, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 surrounded by his family.

Chuck was born in 1934 in Pioneer, Iowa to Ed and Mona Ehmke and entered the Air Force in 1954. He married Margaret (nee Whitty) Ehmke in 1956 and they raised five children.

He served at various bases around the country including service to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon. During his military career he was awarded numerous commendations including the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Chuck worked for Boeing in both Wichita and Seattle.

Chuck was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Kelley Jo (2000).

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margie; children, Carla Stephens (John) and their children John (Whitney), Anne (Jason) Spilbeler, Claire (Chris) King, and Jamie; Kim Scanlan (Tim) and their children Kelly Scanlan (Jevon Anderson), Colleen (Alec) White; Charles, Jr. (Renée) Ehmke, and their children Kate, Tony, Bo, and Sam; Jeff (Karen) Ehmke and their children Jordan, Jacob, and Samantha; and 5 greatgrandchildren.

Visitation was held on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014; Rosary followed at 7:30 p.m., both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Celebration of the Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Burial was at Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorials have been established with: Disabled American Veterans, 926 N. Mosley, Wichita, KS 67214; Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Inc., 710 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032-9982. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Share  tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com.

Betty Veronica “Kitty” McCool, 93, of White Bear Lake, Minn., died Feb. 3, 2014.

Kitty was a longtime resident of Clarion, where she raised her family along with Robert McCool, her husband of 56 years and a medical doctor in Clarion for many years.

She is survived by her five sons Patrick (Kathy); Terrence (Cathy); Thomas (Lynette); Michael (Diane); and Daniel (Diane); along with seven grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and by many friends and relatives.

Born in rural Schuyler, Neb., Kitty attended Creighton University and graduated from St. Louis University. She was also the recipient of a one-year fellowship in biochemistry at Johns Hopkins University. Kitty worked for several years as a laboratory technician at Community Memorial Hospital in Clarion prior to becoming a fulltime homemaker.

She resumed using her lab skills when she worked for several years alongside Robert as a medical missionary in the Caribbean, as well as when assisting Robert in providing medical services for Native American communities in the western United States. Kitty’s interests included volunteer work, gardening, sewing and membership in St. Rita’s Circle and sewing groups at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion.

Music meant so much to Kitty, be it playing the piano and organ or giving piano lessons in her home to children. She felt honored to be asked to play for special events such as weddings and for services at St. John’s. She absolutely cherished the years when she served as an organist at both the Catholic Church and the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion.

Kitty loved her husband, her family, her church, and her community. She drew great comfort in knowing that for her all roads led back to Clarion and Wright County. In accordance with her wishes, the body was cremated.

Inurnment will be next to Robert at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. A celebration of Kitty’s life will be held at a later date. Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel in Coon Rapids, Minn., is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. John’s Catholic Church building fund in Kitty’s name.

June 6, 1931 - November 20, 2013

Valerie Ann (Reiman) Page, 82, of California died Nov. 20, 2013.

A memorial mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Roselle with Father Steve Broderson as celebrant.

Valerie Ann (Reiman) Page was born June 6, 1931 to Joseph and Eleanor (Hoffman) Reiman in Carroll. She was raised on the farm in the Roselle area. In the late 50’s she moved to Los Angeles, Calif. with her husband, Richard Paul Sheets where they had their first son Richard Sheets.

In the early 60’s they moved to La Mesa, Calif. where their second son Brian Sheets was born. She worked in the restaurant industry from the late 60’s to early 80’s.

She then went overseas and taught English in Tokyo, Japan. She retired in the late 90’s and moved to Murrieta, Calif. with her son Brian.

She continued to work doing food demonstrations at local supermarkets until her diagnosis of cancer in Dec. 2011.

Valerie is survived by her sons Rick (Jennifer) Sheets and Brian Sheets both of California; 2 grandsons; Timothy (Katie) Sheets and Matthew Sheets, siblings; Donald (Shirley) Reiman of Clarion, Harry (Sally) Reiman of Carroll, Lue (Billy) Wanninger of Manning.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Marlene Stecher in Aug. 2013.