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Wright County Genealogical Searchers Organized March 31, 1973 -- Our 47th Year
714 3rd Street NE
Clarion, Iowa 50525
Officers: President: Jo Ann Kramer
Vice President:
Diane Shores
Secretary:
Jolene Webber
Treasurer:
Ann Hines
Membership Dues:
$8.00 individual, $12.00 couple
Meetings:
1:30 p.m., Clarion Library (Basement Room). Clarion, Iowa
Meetings are held the 3rd Saturday. No meetings December - February
Resources:
Local History Area in the Clarion Library and courthouse records in the Wright
County Courthouse
Projects:
Many projects are underway or completed, such as compilations of marriages,
vital records, obituaries, cemeteries and naturalization records.
Publications:
The Wright County Genealogical Searchers publishes a newsletter.
Research: Contact Jo Ann Kramer genealogysearcher2013@gmail.com who will research in Wright County resources for $10.00 per hour plus copies.
Wright County Genealogical Searchers
Tillie Beisner (deceased)
Eva Corsair (deceased)
Shirley Crawford
Alicia Dean
Margaret Ebert (deceased)
Jean German (deceased)
Wilma Hamilton
Hazel Haupt (deceased)
Avis Hill (deceased)
Ann Hines
Jean Houser (deceased)
William Houser (deceased)
Faith Knutsen (deceased)
William J. Kopps (deceased)
Terry Kreitlow
Louise Krysan (deceased)
Julia Larson
Joyce Miller (deceased)
Velma Peterson (deceased)
Hazel Sadler (deceased)
Mildred Russell (deceased)
Lois Schuenhoff (deceased)
Verna Sharp (deceased)
Marie Sheffield
Grace Turk (deceased)
Betty Willemssen (deceased)
Ray Willemssen (deceased)
Harold Wintz (deceased) Rose Wintz (deceased)
In Memoriam:
Genealogists from Wright County, Iowa
Vera (Maddick) ABBAS
February 21, 1919 ---
October 6, 2012
Vera Marie (Maddick) Abbas, 93, of Kanawha, left to meet her Lord peacefully
Saturday, October 6, 2012, at the Kanawha Community Home. Graveside services,
per her wishes, were held on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at 1:00 PM at Amsterdam
Township Cemetery in Kanawha with Pastor Tim Rieckhoff-Faris officiating.
Vera was born February 21, 1919 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of James and
Hazel Maddick. They later moved to Kanawha. She was baptized in the Methodist
Church and attended Kanawha schools. On September 5, 1936 she married Clarence
Abbas and they began farming south of town. They had one son Larry. In her
younger years she enjoyed sewing and crocheting, and coaching girls softball.
Later in life she loved collecting antiques especially dolls, keeping
town history and traveling the United States, England and Europe gathering
information on family history.
She helped start the Labor Day Celebration in Kanawha. She is survived by her
son Larry and his wife Kathleen, three grandchildren, Kurt, Kristen, Nicholas
and their spouses and children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her
husband of 70 years, twin sisters Arline and Darline and sisters Vivian and
Iliah. The family wishes to thank the Kanawha Community Home and Hospice for
their care.
Linda Lou (Wheeler) BABCOCK
March 16, 1936 --- September 8, 2010
Linda Lou Babcock, the daughter of Alfred “Pete” F. and Evelyn
“Evie” F. (Nolte) Wheeler, was born March 16, 1936, in Goldfield, Iowa. She was
raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from Goldfield High
School in 1953. Linda also attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, majoring
in music. Linda has lived most of her life on the Wheeler – Babcock Century Farm
near Goldfield. Linda married Marvin D. Babcock, the couple later divorced.
Linda worked a short time for Globe Union in Fort Dodge and later for various
companies, including Farm Land Premix Plant and Co-op Propane Gas in Eagle Grove
and Kanawha Co-op Oil, as a bookkeeper. Linda was a member of the United
Methodist Church in Goldfield, serving as treasurer, in U.M.W. and as church
organist for over 50 years. She also enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat
Society, knitting, genealogy, flower gardening, traveling to see family and
friends and computers – emailing, Facebook and making cards.
Linda passed away at the Hamilton County Hospital in Webster City on Wednesday,
September 8, 2010, at the age of 74 years. She was preceded in death by her
parents; brother, Clinton Wheeler in 1955 and son, William D. Babcock in 1988.
Survivors include her son, Barry E. Babcock of Goldfield; daughter, Valerie L.
Harvey of Goldfield; grandson, Anthony D. Babcock and wife Stacy of Britt; 3
granddaughters: Christina D. Ackerman and husband Jeremy of Corwith, Melissa G.
Howard of Minneapolis, MN and Afton R. Harvey of Cedar Falls; 4
great-grandchildren: Gavyn and Halo Gronbach and Autumn and Emorie Babcock and
long-time family friend, Louise Lester of Goldfield.
Funeral services were held Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the
United Methodist Church in Goldfield with Pastor Truman Larson officiating.
Visitation was Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Foust Funeral Home in
Goldfield. Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield. Memorials may be left
to the discretion of the family.
Tillie (Reinen)
BEISNER
Tillie Beisner, 92, of Dows, died Sunday, July 6, 1997, as a result of a car accident in rural Dows. Funeral services were held Friday, July 11 from Vernon Lutheran Church in Dows. Rev. Glenn Kappelmann officiated. Burial was in Vernon Lutheran Cemetery. Elledge Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Monica Johnson was the organist. Casketbearers were Rex Beisner, Jay Beisner, Steven Wakefield, David Wakefield, Jeff Einspahr, Robert Benson, Wren Campbell, and Dan Wheeler. Tillie Reinen was born December 17, 1904, in Jackson, Minnesota, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Eyben Reinen. Her early education was received in Minnesota and later the family moved to Spirit Lake. She attended Spirit Lake High School where she graduated in 1923 with her teaching certificate. She then taught in rural schools for five years. On February 12, 1930, she was united in marriage to Everett William Beisner in Minnesota. After their marriage they farmed in the Dows area and in 1940 they moved to their present home in rural Dows and farmed. Her husband died November 9, 1968, and she remained on the farm until her death. Survivors include one son - Robert of Des Moines; two daughters - Delores Wakefield Reece of Brazil, Indiana; Rita Einspahr of Overland Park, Kansas; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one sister - Alma Wangenstein of Livingston, New York. Her parents; husband; two brothers; and four sisters preceded her in death. She was a member of Vemon Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in the ladies aid.
Maxine
(Brooks) BENSON
April 2, 1915 --- May
3, 2014
Maxine Benson, 99, of Clarion passed away May 3, 2014, at Iowa Specialty
Hospital of Belmond. Memorial services for Maxine Benson were held at 10:30 AM
on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at the Clarion Church of Christ, 420 North Main
Street, in Clarion with Pastor Bob Dishman officiating. Interment
followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
Maxine Benson, the daughter of Edgar Sherman Brooks and Hazel (Whipple) Brooks
was born April 2, 1915, on a farm near Lake Cornelia. She was educated in Grant
Township rural schools and was a graduate of Clarion High School and Iowa
Central Community College. She taught rural school in Wright County for several
years. On June 29, 1936, she was married to Earl William Benson and they made
their home in Clarion where her husband was employed by the Chicago Great
Western Railroad. They were the parents of one son, Richard Earl Benson. During
her married years she often substituted in rural schools and did some teaching
at C.C.C. Camp in Clarion. After the death of her husband in 1966, she was then
employed by Hagie Manufacturing Company. She worked there until her retirement.
Maxine enjoyed music, reading, playing bridge and genealogy. She especially
enjoyed her three great-granddaughters. She was a member of Clarion Church of
Christ, Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Maxine is survived by her son, Richard (Rita) Benson of Glenwood, MN; grandsons,
Todd Benson of Westminister, CO and John (Roni) Benson of West Des Moines;
great-granddaughters, Jessie Jo,
Samantha Jo and Logan Lea all of West Des Moines; brothers, Roger (Sunnie)
Brooks of Des Moines and Alan (Chris) Brooks of Auburn, CA; sister, Joan (Dean)
Schroeder of Clarion;
sisters-in-law, Ramona Brooks, Donna Brooks, Verla Brooks, and Marcia Fisher;
many nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her
parents; husband, Earl; brothers, Robert Brooks, James Brooks, William Brooks,
John “Jack” Brooks and sisters, Charline Weiber, Patricia Hutchison and Betty
Robinson.
Arden H. BERHOW
April 20, 1917 --- October 31, 2006
Arden H. Berhow, the son of Andy and Nellie (Jordanger) Berhow, was born April
20, 1917 at Crystal Lake, Iowa. He attended schools in various communities.
Arden was united in marriage to Irene J. Olson on February 18, 1940 at the Thor
parsonage. Together, they made their home on a farm near Thor. He farmed there
until 1979 when he retired and moved to Eagle Grove.
Arden loved wood working, cooking, playing cards, fishing, researching family
genealogy, but most of all, spending time with his family. Arden passed away on
Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at USA Healthcare in Clarion at the age 89 years. He
was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene in 1999; a brother, Don;
two sisters, Mildred and Evelyn; and a son-in-law, Don Bell. Arden is survived
by his eight daughters: Judy Bell of Fort Dodge, Carol Witt and husband Gary of
Davenport, Linda Spangler and husband Ron of Eagle Grove, Ardis Jessee and
husband Olan of Fonda, Mary Lerdal and husband Terry of Goldfield, Susan Prehm
and husband David of New Hampton, Diane Totzke and husband Keith of Port
Orchard, WA and Janis Bartley and husband Jim of Eagle Grove; 16 grandchildren;
16 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Gladys Filley and
husband Lawrence of Heber Springs, AR; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 4, 2006, 1:00 p.m. at the
Ullensvang Lutheran Church in Thor with Pastor Paul Stone officiating.
Visitation was on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Foust Funeral Home, Eagle
Grove. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Eagle Grove. Memorials may be left to
the discretion of the family.
Phyllis Netha (Halfpap) BOELMAN
December 3, 1918 --- November 18,
2009
Phyllis N. Boelman, 90, died November 18, 2009 at the Rehabilitation Center of
Belmond. Services were held November 24 at the United Methodist Church in
Goodell with burial in the Immanuel Reformed Church Cemetery. Phyllis Netha, the
daughter of John and Carolina (Gartz) Halfpap, was born December 3, 1918 east of
Belmond on the family farm. She graduated from Belmond High School as
valedictorian in 1936. She taught at Halfwassen No. 1 and Pleasant Township No.
8 country schools for several years. Phyllis married Andrew Boelman on Christmas
Day 1940 at her parents' home. The couple was blessed with three children
through adoption, and they were the greatest joy in her life. Phyllis was an
integral part of the family farm. She did everything: raising chickens, milking
cows, helping in the fields, raising a garden and canning the harvest. Phyllis
had many interests. Andrew and Phyllis traveled throughout the United States as
well as abroad, going to Hawaii and Germany. The couple also enjoyed fishing
trips. She sewed beautiful quilts and was interested in genealogy and
photography. Phyllis loved music and was a talented musician, playing the piano,
flute and organ. Phyllis played the organ at many area churches. She also taught
Sunday School for a time.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband (1984); son Andrew John;
grandson Nathan; great grandson Blake; and sisters Marvyl and Jessie. Phyllis is
survived by her children Kim (Beth) of Slater, Brent (Sheri) of Meservey, and
Netha (Brian) Wisa of LeMars; grandchildren Joshua (Jessica), Adam, Dena, Tarah,
Andrew (Heather), Jessie (Tanya), Tracy (Holden), Thomas (Jessica), Morgan,
Lauren, Joy, Jordan, Jacob, Brian, and Joseph, great-grandchildren Emma,
Elizabeth, Adrianna, Carter, Ezra, Makayla, Koby, Taryn and Kyler; brother
Kenneth Halfpap of Belmond; and sisters Shirley (Carl) Kuhlers and Ruth Pals,
both of Belmond.
Diann Jean (Thomas) ANDERSON BONJOUR July 31, 1954 --- September 21, 2009
Ina Lucile (Hoovler) CLOWES
April 18, 1916 --- November 3, 2012
Ina Lucile Clowes was born April 18, 1916, near Spragueville, Iowa, the daughter
of Francis Mason and Addie Minerva (McPeak) Hoovler. She graduated from
Maquoketa High School in 1933. She continued her education at the Iowa State
Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She taught in Andrew, Renwick and Vernon
Schools. On December 27, 1937, Ina was united in marriage to James "Mac" Clowes
in Renwick, Iowa. After their marriage they lived and farmed near Renwick and
Ina later worked in the Boone Valley School system.
Ina had an avid interest in genealogy, which led her to join the Daughters of
the American Revolution and she later served as the State Regent in 1991 and
1992. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Colonies and
Mayflower Society and the United Methodist Church. Ina also enjoyed painting,
sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening, reading and writing poetry.
Ina died Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the Rotary Ann Nursing Home in Eagle
Grove, Iowa. She was 96. She is survived by her children, James Clowes and wife
Delores of Hermitage, MO; Robert Clowes and wife Sherry of Rochester, MN; Anne
Conover of Fair Oaks, CA; daughters-in-law, Jerilyn Clowes of Renwick and
Colette Clowes of Tiburon, CA; grandchildren, Pamela Wiethoff, Cindy Cambridge,
Joni Clowes, Jill Eltanal, Gavin Conover, Megan Conover, Ryan Clowes, Shelley
Brewer; great-grandchildren, Sydney Wiethoff, Rosalee Eltanal, Zachary Conover,
Ethann and Juliette Brewer. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband,
James Clowes on April 22, 1956; two sons, William and David Clowes; two
sons-in-law, Edward Dostal and Clifford Conover and a brother, Clarence Hoovler.
Eva M. CORSAIR
January 28, 1957 -- April 13, 2011
Barbara Jo Crafton, age 54, of Dows, passed away Wednesday April 13, 2011
at her home in Dows. Funeral services for Barbara Crafton were held at 10:30
a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011 at the United Church of Rowan. Pastor Nancy
Hoffmeister officiated. Burial will take place in Graceland cemetery near Rowan.
Visitation for Barbara Crafton was held from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2011
at the Dugger Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Barbara Crafton's name to
the family.
Barbara Jo, the daughter of Verle and Pat Ketchum Crafton, was born January 28,
1957 in Belmond. She grew up in the Rowan area. Barbara began attending school
at the elementary school in Rowan, then attended and graduated from the Belmond
High School in 1975. Barbara married Galyn Cross in 1975; to this union two
children were born, Jennifer and Adam. Barbara later was married to Paul
Vulgamott for a time. Throughout Barbara’s life, she worked in various
capacities. First and foremost, Barbara was a housewife and mother. She worked
at the Belmond and Dows Health Care Centers, Dows Pharmacy, Dows Grocery Store,
Caseys, and various other businesses in the Dows and Williams area. She also
enjoyed volunteering with the Dows Ambulance as a First Responder. Later,
Barbara worked for Winnebago in Hampton and Haps Air Service in Ames. Most
recently, Barbara worked as the office manager for Parks of Iowa in Ellsworth
prior to her illness. Barbara is remembered most importantly for the love she
had for her family. She was devoted to attending her children's activities. She
enjoyed researching her family genealogy, crocheting, tatting, and was a
recreational golfer. Barbara had a special lady’s golfing group which she
enjoyed having fun with both on and off the golf-course. As a child she belonged
to 4-H and was a baptized and confirmed member of the United Church of Rowan.
Later Barbara served as church secretary for the United Methodist Church in Dows
and served on the Williams City Council. Barbara also belonged to the Dows
American Legion Auxiliary, helping with numerous monthly dinners. Barbara
enjoyed staying busy, and was always looking for ways to help others. She was
very instrumental in the success of the recent fundraiser benefit for the family
of and baby, Ava Braun.
Barbara is survived by her children, Jennifer Scott and Steven of Osceola: Adam
Cross of Williams; parents, Verle and Pat Crafton of Rowan; two step
grand-daughters, Amanda Jo Schrad and Anthony: Jessica Scott; step
great-granddaughter, Reagan; sister, DeAnn Merrilees and Robert of St Charles,
ON; brother, Randall Crafton and Joann of Ft Madison; sister-in-law, Jolene
Crafton of Norwalk; two nephews, Jason and Matthew, and numerous other friends
and relatives. She was preceded in death by her brother, James, in 1988 and
maternal and paternal grandparents.
Winnifred (Holmes) CUNDALL
August 30, 1919 -- December 8, 2010
Winnifred (Winnie) Cundall, 91, of Hampton, formerly of Dows, Iowa, passed away
December 8, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa. Winnie was
born August 30, 1919, in Clarion, Iowa, to Kenneth “Guy” and Mary Catherine
“Katie” (Russell) Holmes. She graduated from Clarion High School and attended
the Normal Training College in Cedar Falls after which she taught in country
school for a short time. On August 30, 1939, she married Everett Earl Cundall in
Eagle Grove, Iowa, and they farmed in the Dows area. Their wedding day happened
to be both their birthdays. Her interests were many. She loved cooking and
always had a big garden. Some of her flowers she took to the fair. She was a
member of DAR and was an avid genealogy student. She was a member of the St.
John’s Altar society in Clarion, the Iowa Catholic Daughters, a neighborhood
group, and the Dows Country Club, where she enjoyed golf. Winnie worked at the
polls as an election officer. She and Everett were in a model T club and took
part in parades in many locales. She loved reading, card games and Dominos. For
many years she and Everett wintered in Mesa, Arizona, and had many friends
there. Winnie is survived by three brothers: Don (Nell) Holmes, Huron, South
Dakota; Max (Mickey) Holmes, Hampton; Dean Holmes, Cypress, California; and two
sisters: Mary Lee (Jim) Sutherland, Laguna Hills, California; and Lynette
(Glenn) Swinton, Marble Rock; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Everett, brother Kenneth, and
sister Beth.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the St.
Patrick's Catholic Church in Hampton with burial in the St. John's Catholic
Cemetery in Clarion. Visitation was Tuesday from 4 until 6 p.m., at the
Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Father Bernard Grady
officiated at the service. In Lieu of
flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa.
January 21, 1926 --- September 13, 2015
Judge Arthur Frederick "Newt" Draheim passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2015 in his beloved hometown of Clarion, Iowa. He was born in Clarion on January 21, 1926; the fourth child of Arthur and Hazel (Howe) Draheim. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Rose Marie; son, Ned Draheim (Beth); daughter, Sara Treiser (Richard); grandchildren: Clint (Andrea); Jenna Froehlich (OJ); Paige; Laura; two step-grandsons: Michael and Sean Treiser; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at the Ewing Funeral Home; Clarion, Iowa on Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service was conducted on Friday, September 18, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ Congregational; 115 3rd Avenue Northwest, Clarion with Pastor Bill Kem officiating, followed by the interment at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served during World War II as an Intelligence Specialist. After being honorably discharged, he received a B.A. degree from Iowa State Teacher’s College now known as University of Northern Iowa, where he met Rose Marie Johnson (of Corwith, Iowa). They were married in December of 1951. He graduated from Drake Law School in 1954 and then served two consecutive terms as the Wright County Attorney. Afterward, he joined the law firm of Archerd & Birdsall (later Archerd & Draheim). He practiced law for thirteen years. In 1970, he was appointed to the Iowa District Court by Governor Robert Ray. His thirty-four year career in the judiciary included eight years as Chief Judge of the Second Judicial District. Judge Draheim had great respect for the judicial process and was honored to have had the opportunity to serve the public in that capacity. He also felt a strong sense of patriotism to his country and had the highest regard for all those who served in our nation’s military, particularly his fellow WWII veterans. Judge Draheim was pleased to participate in one of the Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. sponsored by Hy-Vee Supermarkets. For many years during his retirement, Judge Draheim was a guest columnist for the Wright County Monitor and the Eagle Grove Eagle, writing articles featuring true stories of the many contributions of local residents during WWII as well as historical anecdotes of Wright County. His articles on WWII were collected and published in 2009 in his book Ordinary Heroes. Judge Draheim enjoyed using his public speaking abilities as a lay minister; at local civic events; and also occasionally in theater productions. Judge Draheim was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Hazel Draheim; his sisters, Melvene Draheim Hardee and Dorothy Draheim; and his brother, Kirk Draheim. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Clarion Public Library, Clarion, Iowa or to the American Legion Post 289, Clarion, Iowa.
Margaret Olive (Wescott) EBERT April 14, 1920 --- August 12, 2004
Margaret Olive Ebert, age 84, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, August 12,
2004, at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services were held at
10:30AM Monday, August 16, 2004, at the United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Ave NE,
in Clarion with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Visitation was held Sunday,
August 15, 2004, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, 602 N Main,
in Clarion and continued one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Burial took place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
Margaret was born on April 14, 1920 to George W. and Lillian Belle (Cruthers)
Wescott in Bremer County, Iowa. She
grew up around the Sumner area and graduated from Sumner High School.
After graduation, Margaret attended Cornell College and Iowa State
Teachers College in Cedar Falls where she majored in music.
On November 11, 1943, Margaret was united in marriage to Wayne E. Ebert
in Sumner, Iowa.
Margaret worked at the Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo and for the Wright County
Monitor and Allen Printing in Clarion.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, served 3 years as
president of UMW and sang in the Methodist Church Choir.
Margaret had an interest in patriotic and genealogical organizations;
past regent of DAR, state level and also past state regent DAC, past state
regent Daughters of Colonial Wars, past president of Colonial Dames 17th
Century. She also belonged to
several other statewide organizations including Daughters of Founders and
Patriots, Dames of the Court of Honor, New England Women, Mayflower Descendants
and Descendants of Stukely Westcott.
Locally, Margaret was a Den Mother, Leader of Campfire Girls, a member of
Eastern Star for over 60 years, 3C’s and past president of P.E.O.
Margaret always loved the outdoors, flowers, gardening and riding her favorite
pony Buster. She was an avid
collector of angels and teddy bears, and was a big fan of football, basketball
and baseball – She was an enthusiastic Cubs fan.
Margaret loved traveling, especially to visit her children,
grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.
God, country, family and home were most important in her life.
Margaret is survived by her daughter, Barbara Johnson and her husband Jerry of
Altoona, Pennsylvania; 2 sons, Greg Ebert and his wife Jane of Buffalo, New York
and Randy Ebert of Melrose, Wisconsin; 7 grandchildren, Deborah, Christopher,
Brian, Kacie, Eric, Jennifer and Kristina; one great-granddaughter, Hannah; and
her niece and nephew, Lauren and George. She was preceded in death by her
parents; her husband, Wayne, in 2001; and her brother, Stanley. Cheryl Ann (Armstrong) ELLIS
March 23, 1944 ---
February 16, 2015
Cheryl Ellis, 70, of Clarion passed away Monday, February 16, 2015 at Iowa
Specialty Hospital in Clarion surrounded by her family. Funeral services for
Cheryl Ellis were held Friday, February 20, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the United Church
of Christ Congregational, 115 3rd Avenue Northwest in Clarion, with Pastor Bill
Kem officiating. Visitation for Cheryl Ellis was held Thursday, February 19,
2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in
Clarion, and continued one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Cheryl Ann (Armstrong) Ellis was raised and educated in Clarion. On June 20,
1963, Cheryl was united in marriage with Steven Ellis at the Little Brown Church
in Nashua. The couple raised their
family in and around Clarion.
Cheryl worked at the Wright County courthouse for 18 years, primarily in the
Assessor’s office. Before that, she
worked in the meat department at Super Valu, at the Clarion Theater, and briefly
as a nurses’ aid at the hospital in Clarion.
She also owned and operated a consignment shop in Clarion.
Cheryl was a caretaker, selflessly putting the needs of others before her own.
She loved spending time with her family and friends. Cheryl was a
competitive game player; Aggravation and Yahtzee were among her favorites.
She enjoyed casinos, knitting, crocheting and researching genealogy and
astrology on her computer.
Cheryl is survived by her husband Steven of Clarion; sons Joel (Pam) Ellis of
Goldfield and their sons Joel and Jordan, Jeffrey (Kelly) Ellis and their
daughter Kandee of Kanawha, and Jon Ellis of Clarion; sisters Anita Hilpipre of
Woolstock and Laurie (Bill) Leonard of St. Louis, Missouri; along with several
nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Cheryl was preceded in death by
her parents Marjorie and George Mennig.
Eileen Muriel (Orvick) FIELD
June 14, 1922 --- February 11, 2015
Eileen Field, age 92, a resident of Belmond, IA, most recently a resident at the
Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at the
Rehabilitation Center in Belmond. Visitation for her will be Saturday, February
14, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home-Belmond and will continue one
hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be
Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church-Belmond.
Eileen was born June 14, 1922, on a farm near Hardy, IA, to George and Mabel
(Mandsager) Orvick. Eileen attended grade school at Hanlontown, IA and graduated
from Meservey High School in 1940 with a class of 7. During high school she
attended church and youth group at Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond. She
attended Hamilton Business College for two years. Eileen worked at Northwestern
Cement as a Switchboard Operator, filing clerk, and sales.
On November 17, 1946, she was united in marriage to Marlin Field at Richland
Lutheran Church in Thornton, IA. They lived on a farm near Joice, IA, for 35
years raising four children. She loved working along side Marlin on the family
farm and having a large garden. After her children were raised, Eileen enjoyed
working as a CNA at Good Samaritan Home in Forest City, IA, for two years. In
August 1978, Eileen moved from the farmstead to a home in Belmond. She worked at
the Belmond Hospital as a CNA for six years. Her gifts of compassion and caring
for those in need were obvious to the new mothers, babies, and adults she cared
for. In 2006, she moved to the Belmond Community Apartments enjoying life there
for 8 years. She was a member of the
Fertile Lutheran Church for many years, where she was active in the women's
group and children's' ministries. Since moving to Belmond, she has been a member
of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was in a women's circle and Prayer Group.
She was also a Cancer Survivor for 42 years. With faith, courage, and
determination she endured a lot of medical problems following her treatments and
surgeries.
Bible study, scrapbooking, genealogy, flowers, and reading occupied her time.
She had a deep love for her family, always encouraging them to do their best but
above all, to put their trust in Jesus to guide them and help them with their
day to day problems. She cherished the time spent with grandchildren and great
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Marlin, her parents, and one brother
Hubert. Those left to cherish her memory are: Marshall (Phyllis) Field,
Columbia, MO; Blaine (Judy) Field, Spicer, MN; Jane (Vaughn) Pals, Clear Lake,
IA; and Brad (Connie) Field, New Richland, MN. Grandchildren include: Rebecca
(Steve) Kincheloe, Matthew (Cynthia) Field, Nathan (Megan) Field, Michael
(Emily) Field, Karen (Tyler) Johnson, Brandon (Liming) Pals, Jonathan Pals,
Cheston (Erin) Field, Clark (Audra) Field, and Carson Field. Great grandchildren
: Caleb and Jacob Kincheloe; Daniel, Ivory, and Jessica Pals; Alexandra Field;
Isaac, Cadence, and Adalee Field; and McKenna Field. Dorothy Josephyn (Glade) FRASER
September 28, 1922 ---
September 25, 2015
Dorothy J. Fraser, 92, of Clarion, passed away Friday, September 25, 2015, at
Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion. Funeral services for
Dorothy J. Fraser were held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at Holmes
Lutheran Church, 2139 Hancock Avenue, Clarion with Pastor Bill Kem officiating.
An hour visitation with refreshments was held immediately following the
service. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
Dorothy Josephyn (Glade) Fraser was born September 28, 1922, to John and Minnie
(Holland) Glade in Dows, Iowa. She
was raised in the Dows area and graduated from Dows High School with the class
of 1940. Following high school, Dorothy attended bible school in Minneapolis for
two years and lived for a short time in Los Angeles, before returning to Iowa.
Dorothy was united in marriage to Emmett Fraser on December 14, 1944, in Mason
City. The couple made their home in
San Antonio, Texas, until Emmett was discharged from the service; they then
raised their family in the Dows area before moving to their home on the Holmes
corner on Highway 3. The couple
moved into Clarion in 2005.
Dorothy worked at the Clarion Hospital as a nurse’s aide and later did clerical
work in the hospital billing department, in addition to raising four children.
She loved being hostess to the countless visitors and guests she and
Emmett would have in their home. They had an open door policy and she always had
refreshments on hand and a full meal on Sunday.
In her retirement years, Dorothy enjoyed genealogical research.
She spent hours in the car driving throughout the countryside in search
of information. She had traced the Fraser side of the family back to 1600s
Scotland, and was constantly copying records for other members of the family or
friends. In 1999, following a trip
to visit relatives in Norway and Iceland, she got her first computer and used
that to aid in her research.
Dorothy is survived by her four children, Jeff (Kathy) Fraser of Orlando,
Florida, Jeanne (David) Hilgendorf of Menahga, Minnesota, Dianne (Daniel) Janu
of Perham, Minnesota and Phil Fraser of Belmond; six grandchildren,
Todd (Darcy) Hilgendorf, Danita Janu Baker, Mark (Kristin) Fraser, Doug
Janu, Dan Fraser and Sarah Hilgendorf Olander; twelve great-grandchildren;
sister, Glennavon Parriott; sister-in-law, Phyllis Berknes; good friend, Glory
Chapman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett; parents and siblings, Marjorie
Stover, Ione Erickson, Willard Glade and Wilma Dorr.
Marion Leona (Odegard) GABRIELSON
January 26, 1914 --- March 11, 2010
Marion Leona Gabrielson, age 96, of Belmond died Thursday (March 11, 2010) at
her home in Belmond surrounded by the love and care of her family. Funeral
services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church,
west of Belmond. The Rev. James Harbaugh will be officiating. Burial will be in
the Belmond Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Andrews
Funeral Home, 516 First St. S.E., Belmond, and continue one hour prior to the
services at church on Sunday. The family suggests those wishing to express their
sympathies through a memorial in Marion's name consider St. Olaf Lutheran Church
or a charity of the donor's choice.
Marion was born Jan. 26, 1914, the daughter of Otto and Barbara (Thorson)
Odegard at rural Waterville in Allamakee County. She was baptized and confirmed
at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church. She attended rural elementary school
and graduated from Waterville High School in 1931. Marion was united in marriage
to Gerhard Gabrielson of Belmond on Jan. 15, 1938, at St. John's Lutheran
Parsonage in Waukon. They farmed more than 30 years in the Belmond and Waukon
areas. In 1972, they moved to Waukon and resided there until moving to Belmond
in 1978. In addition to farming with her husband, Marion was a lifelong
homemaker. Marion was active in the Old Paint Creek and St. Olaf Lutheran
Churches and their women's organizations. Her family was most precious to her.
She enjoyed baking, genealogy, making quilts, or "magic blankets" as the
grandchildren might call them, and growing flowers. She will be remembered in
many wonderful ways by those who had the privilege of having her in their lives
and the opportunity to cross the path of her life's journey.
Those left to cherish the memory of her life include her son, Dale, and his
wife, Kathleen, of Arlington, Tenn.; two daughters, Marjorie Liska of Clear Lake
and Margaret Mennenga, and her husband, Larry, of Belmond; seven grandchildren,
Duan Mennenga, Daren and wife, Diena, Mennenga, Carolyn Oeltjenbruns, Christine
and husband, Brent King, John and wife, Jennifer Gabrielson, Dan and wife,
Andrea Gabrielson, and Caroline Reid; 11 great-grandchildren, Jessica and Jamie
Gabrielson, Anna and Nathan Oeltjenbruns, Tristan and Ty Mennenga, Brinley,
Carly and Benjamin Gabrielson and Wyatt and Alexandra King; a brother, Alf
Odegaard, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents,
her husband, Gerhard; son, James; grandson, Benjamin Gabrielson; brother, Ray,
and his wife, Beulah; sister-in-law, Barbara Odegaard; and son-in-law, Cletus
Liska. Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond. Rosella M. (Hillmer) GRAMSTAD
July 25, 1926 --- June
10, 2014
Rosella M. (Hillmer) Gramstad, 87, of Clarion passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2014
at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services for Rosella
Gramstad were held on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the First Lutheran
Church in Clarion with Pastor Daniel Hart officiating.
Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Visitation was held on
Sunday, June 15, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central
Avenue East in Clarion and continued one
hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.
Rosella May (Hillmer) Gramstad was born July 25, 1926 in Ellington Township,
Palo Alto County, Iowa, the fourth child of August and Rose (Krieg) Hillmer.
She attended country school at Ellington Township near Mallard, Iowa for
8 years and graduated from Mallard High School in 1943. Rosella was married to
Raymond Merle Gramstad on June 29, 1947 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard.
They lived and worked in the Luverne, Minnesota area where their daughter
Beverly Ann was born. In 1949, they moved to a farm northeast of Mallard in
Grant Township. While living there,
four additional children were born to them in Emmetsburg: Gloria Jean, Kenneth
Paul, Gerald Allan, and Sharon Elaine.
Ray’s job led them to locate to Lee Center, Illinois in 1963 where they
lived until moving to Clarion, Iowa in 1967. Rosella worked as a bookkeeper at
Van Raden Manufacturing and at Hermie Nelson Ford in Clarion.
She also helped with their furniture business, Cornelia Furniture, at
Lake Cornelia. After Ray passed
away in 2011, Rosella moved to The Meadows Independent Living in Clarion on
January 5, 2013.
Rosella was a member of First Lutheran Church in Clarion where she was active in
the FLCW women’s group. She
participated in Bible studies and also tied quilts and crocheted and knitted
baby caps and sweaters for Lutheran World Relief.
As a member and treasurer of Wright County Genealogical Searchers, she
did research for many people and contributed to the Clarion Memorial Library’s
book of obituaries from the Wright County newspapers.
She enjoyed being a part of the local Knit Wits group and doing many
types of handwork.
Rosella’s mother, Rose, loved flowers and so named her three daughters after
flowers. Rosella continued that
love with many houseplants and outdoor flower gardens.
Rosella is lovingly remembered by her children Beverly (Daniel) Hart of Boyden,
Gloria (Brian) Moudry of New Hampton, Kenneth of New Ulm, Minnesota, Gerald
(Carol) of Rock Rapids, and Sharon Rink of Ames; 13 grandchildren, Eric (Stacy)
Hart of Rochester, Minnesota, Neal (Rachel) Hart of San Diego, California, Amber
(Kevin) Stull of San Diego, California, Kristen (Jack) Ward of Ankeny, Jill
(Greg) Joyner of Mason City, Scott Moudry of Sarasota, Florida, Paul Gramstad of
Mankato, Minnesota, Dustin Gramstad of Moorhead, Minnesota, Tracy (Michael)
Ranweiler of Gibbon, Minnesota, Angella (Michael) Warntjes of McKinney, Texas,
Amy (Eric) Sprock of Rock Rapids, Tiffany (Sam) Arnold of Indianola, Lance Rink
of Ft Collins, Colorado, and 16 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include
siblings Lyle Hillmer of Lawrence, Kansas, Stanley (Ann) Hillmer of Spencer, and
Ronald Hillmer of Mallard, and many nieces and nephews. Rosella was preceded in
death by her parents, her husband Raymond in 2011, and sisters Violet Koepsell
and Gladys Shepherd.
June 8, 1954 --- November 9, 2006
Denise Marie Claire Gronbach, 52, Belmond, died November 9, 2006, at Mercy
Medical Center in Mason City. Funeral services were held Monday, November 13 at
the Belmond United Methodist Church with Pastor Patrick Kennedy officiating.
Denise Marie Claire Jenkinson was born June 8, 1954 to Frank and Patricia (Witt)
Jenkinson in Rock Island, IL. She graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School in
Algona. She married Paul W. Gronbach Jr. in Emmetsburg on September 14, 1974.
They lived in various communities including Algona, Garner, and most recently,
Belmond. Denise had many hobbies: genealogy, scrap booking, sewing, family
photography, and visiting and collecting lighthouses. She treasured the time
spent with her family. Denise was a member of the Evangelical Free Church
Women's Ministry, current president of the Goodell American Legion Auxiliary,
and a member of the Belmond VFW Auxiliary. Denise was also a Creative Memories
consultant and customer service representative at True Value in Belmond.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband; sons
Paul III of Corwith and Justin of Belmond; daughter Krystal Sachen of Belmond;
grandchildren: Gavyn, Halo and Audrey; brothers Gary Jenkinson of Huntington
Beach, CA, John (Laura) Jenkinson of Protovin, Jim (Becky) Jenkinson of
Arkansas; sisters: Rachael Jenkinson of West Bend, Fran (Dean) Peters of Des
Moines, Leah (Daryl) Speich of Algona, Sharon Jenkinson of New York, Maria Berg
of Missouri, Diana (Isam) Jaberl of Rihadyh, Saudi Arabia, and Judy (Jim) Enos
of Algona.
Carole Ann (Hamilton) HALFPOP
October 20, 1935 --- August 5, 2015
Carole A. Halfpop, age 79, of Belmond, passed away Wednesday August 5, 2015 at
Westview Care Center in Britt. Funeral services for Carole A. Halfpop will be
held at 10:30 A.M. Monday August 10, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in
Belmond. Pastor Cindy Morrison will officiate. Burial will take place in the
Concord Cemetery in Garner at approximately 12:45 on Monday. Visitation for
Carole A. Halfpop will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. Sunday August 9, 2015 at
Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond and will continue for one
hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Memorial contributions may be
made in Carole A. Halfpop’s name to the family.
Carole Ann, the daughter of Milo Hamilton and Mamie Porter Hamilton Holecek was
born October 20, 1935 in Hayfield. Shortly before her birth, Carole’s biological
father died suddenly. Carole was raised by adopted father, Otto Holecek. She
attended Hayfield Schools and graduated from Hayfield High School. Just before
graduating from high school, Carole met Roger Halfpop of Goodell. The couple
married in Hayfield at her parent’s farm on April 2, 1953. Roger and Carole
lived in Iowa and Minnesota, finally settling in Belmond in 1974. The couple was
blessed with three children, Chris, Connie and Cary.
Although employed outside the home after the children were in school, Carole was
an excellent wife and mother and enjoyed cooking and hosting family gatherings.
Over the years she accumulated an extensive cookbook collection. Carole was also
an avid reader, sports fan and loved researching family genealogy. Lovingly
labeled, “the church lady”, by her family, Carole was deeply involved in the
United Methodist Church, including serving as president of United Methodist
Church Women. She was also a member of the Iowa Emmaus Community.
Carole is survived by her husband of 62 years, Roger, children, Chris (David)
Thompson of Aurora, CO, Connie Halfpop of Belmond, Cary (Julie) Halfpop of
Ankeny, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is preceded in death
by her parents, son, Eric in infancy, grandson, Levi Landphair, and two
brothers.
Jeannette
Margaret Gerhardi (Van Drie) HALL
January 14, 1923 ---
February 12, 2004
Jeannette Margaret Gerhardi Van Drie Hall, longtime Belmond resident and former
educator, died Thursday, February 12, 2004 at the Belmond Medical Center. She
was 81 years old. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Belmond
United Church of Christ Congregational, with the Rev. Lynne Spencer-Smith
officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.
Mrs. Hall was born in Ashton, Iowa, on Jan. 25, 1923, the daughter of Gerrit and
Sophia Margaretha Gerharda (Feberwee) Van Drie. She was baptized into the
Christian faith in the Reformed Church. She was educated in the rural schools in
Ashton and Ocheyedan, Iowa. While attending high school at Ocheyedan, she
received Normal Teacher Training plus summer school at State Teacher's College
in Cedar Falls, which enabled her to teach. Her first teaching position was in a
one-room country school in Holman Township in Osceola County. The summer after
teaching in Osceola County, Mrs. Hall and two of her cousins went by bus out to
California to work as "Rosie the Riveters" in an aircraft plant during World War
II. After returning to Iowa, Mrs. Hall taught a few years at Emmet Consolidated
Schools in rural Emmet County near Estherville, and later moved on to teach in
the Paullina School System. She continued working on her two-year degree in the
summer time at State Teacher's College. She moved to Belmond in 1952 to teach
science and language arts in the junior high. She continued working in the
summertime to complete her bachelor's in early childhood education, which she
completed from the University of Northern Iowa (State College of Iowa) in 1963.
Mrs. Hall continued teaching as the junior high science teacher through the
spring of 1974. After leaving Belmond Middle School (5-8th grade), Mrs. Hall
taught at the Catholic school in Spencer for one year. She retired from teaching
after that year, which completed 35 years of teaching Iowa school children. Mrs.
Hall was known as a passionate teacher and is credited with starting the junior
high science fairs in Belmond.
"She was a very, very de-voted teacher," recalls Owen Bateson, her principal for
several years. "She was very knowledgeable about trees, leaves, and plants...she
was crazy about them." "I just ran across one of the kid's assignments the other
day," recalled Marie Hickman, wife of Paul, who taught with Jeannette in the
Belmond Junior High School. "They were to find the leaves from 30 different
trees. It was quite a project." "She was a very intelligent lady and an
excellent educator. My husband and I are very grateful that our children had her
as their classroom teacher," stated Bette Claire Houser. It is estimated that
over 2,000 young people were educated by Mrs. Hall during her tenure as a
teacher in the Belmond Community School system — plus any other child who showed
an interest in learning! (This also included all of her nieces and nephews.)
Jeannette's love of trees fueled her involvement in Belmond Trees Forever. This
organization was not only responsible for the replanting of trees following the
Belmond tornado, but also for the on-going planting of trees for the
beautification of Belmond. She was instrumental in researching critical
landowner information to assist in the plans for acquisition of abandoned
railways north of Belmond for an eventual multi-use recreational project as part
of Rails to Trails. Jeannette personally enjoyed the exploration of local and
regional fauna. She is even responsible for the relocating of a species of "bull
frogs" not native to Belmond, which now thrive in the Belmond gravel pit.
Jeannette actively participated in various civic organizations and served as
secretary and historian for the Belmond Area Arts Council. She was a member of
the Eimbrink American Legion Auxiliary for over 25 years, the last five serving
as senior vice president. Jeannette was an active member of the Wright County
Republican Women's Club, and had served on the Wright County Republican Central
Committee where she served as treasurer for several years. She was a member of
the Wright County Genealogical Searchers and took an interest in the genealogy
of many of the area's residents besides that of her parents. A devoted
Christian, Jeannette never missed a meeting of the women's fellowship. "At one
meeting," recalls Sharleen Sorum, a member of the fellowship and employee of
First State Bank, "Jeannette was concerned that there was no devotional, so for
the next year, she gave the devotional herself each time." She was a member of
the United Church of Christ (Congregational) in Belmond.
Jeannette was married to the late George Hall. She was preceded in death by her
parents, both Dutch immigrants; and her brother, Rudy, a former state senator
from Ames in Story County. She is survived by her brothers, Gerhardt (Char) Van
Drie, of El Segundo, Calif., John (Joyce) Van Drie, of Lansing, Ill., and Louis
(Shirley) Van Drie, of Columbia, Mo.; and a sister, Sophie (Milo) Roberts, of
Belmond. She leaves 22 devoted nieces and nephews in AZ, CA, IA, IL, MA, MI, MO,
NE, NY, PA, and TN. Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, Iowa.
Esther Loretta (Meints) HALVERSON
April 29, 1927 --- January 4, 1998
Esther Loretta Halverson, 70, of Belmond, died on Sunday (Jan. 4, 1998) at her
farm home. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Olaf Lutheran
Church in Belmond, with the Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiating. Interment was in
St. Olaf Church Cemetery in Belmond. Visitation was held from 3 until 8 p.m.
Wednesday at the Tenold Funeral Home in Belmond, and one hour prior to services
on Thursday at the church. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may
direct them to the Esther Halverson Memorial Fund.
Esther Loretta (Meints) Halverson, the daughter of William and Tillie (Henn)
Meints, was born April 29, 1927, on a farm in rural Belmond. She graduated from
Belmond High School. She was united in marriage to Gus Halverson on Jan. 27,
1946, at her parents’ home in Belmond. To this union, three children were born:
Leslie, Curtis and Mary. Esther was a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church and
associate member of the Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Ariz. She
enjoyed her children and grandchildren, and also enjoyed genealogy and making
quilts for both her churches.
She is survived by her husband, Gus; one son, Leslie Halverson and his wife,
Katie, of Fresno, Calif., and their children, Adam, Kristin and Emily; a son,
Curtis Halverson, of Belmond; a daughter, Mary and her husband, Bruce Wilham, of
Russell Springs, Ky., and their children, Nicholas and Amanda; her mother,
Tillie Meints, of Belmond; sisters, Grace, Mrs. Harold Haugen, of Dows; Marion
and her husband, Merrel Carpenter, of Alexander; Karen and her husband, John
Ofstethun, of Clarion; sister-in-law, Naomi, Mrs. Conrad Meints, of Duluth,
Minn.; brothers, Glenn Meints and his wife, Jan, of Belmond; and Bill Meints and
his wife, Ayoka, of Kansas City, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews. She was
preceded in death by her father, William Meints; brother, Conrad; and a brother
in infancy.
Garfield M.
HALVERSON
November 29, 1924 --- January 29,
2009
Garfield "Gus" M. Halverson, age 84, of Belmond passed away Thursday
(Jan. 29, 2009) at the Belmond Health Care Center. Funeral services for Gus
Halverson were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church
west of Belmond. The Rev. James Gochenouer officiated. Burial took place in St.
Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation for Gus Halverson was held from 4 to 6
p.m. at the Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S. in Belmond, and continued
one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials in Garfield M. Halverson's
name may be made to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery Association, Wright
County Hospice and/or the St. Olaf Lutheran Church.
Gus was born Nov. 29, 1924, at his rural Kanawha home, to Garfield Theodore and
Millie Helena (Wicks) Halverson. He grew up on this family farm and it was a
major part of his life until 2007. He attended country school through the eighth
grade and was a 1942 graduate of Belmond High School. Gus married Esther Loretta
Meints on Jan. 27, 1946, at her parents' home in Belmond. They raised three
children: Leslie, Curtis and Mary. Esther died on Jan. 4, 1998. Gus married
Shirley Martha Dollinger Fleming on Aug. 26, 2000, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church
and became stepfather to LuAnn, Christine and Michael. Gus was a life-long
farmer living on or near the family homestead for more than 82 years. In the
summer of 2007, he and Shirley moved from the Kanawha farm to Belmond. Gus
devoted much of his time to St. Olaf Church where he was baptized and confirmed.
He applied his interest in genealogy to assisting in the preparation of the St.
Olaf Centennial book. He was instrumental in the upkeep and expansion of the St.
Olaf Cemetery. Gus also loved to golf with his closest friends whenever he had
the chance. He will be best remembered by his witty sense of humor and his warm
hugs.
Gus is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Esther; brothers, Melvin
and Ervin; sister, Herma; brother-in-law, Brandon Roseth; and nephew, Douglas
Roseth. Survivors include his wife Shirley; sons, Leslie (Katie) Halverson of
Battle Ground, Wash., and Curtis Halverson of Fort Dodge; daughter, Mary Kay
(Bruce) Wilham of Jamestown, Ky.; brother, Merlin (Marcella) Halverson of
Kanawha; sister-in-law, Peggy Halverson of Belmond; five grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; step-daughters, LuAnn (Steve) Brunes of Belmond and
Christine (John) Borquez of Denver, Colo.; stepson, Michael Fleming of Denver,
Colo.; nine stepgrandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren and many nieces and
nephews. Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane S., Belmond.
Nancy Kay (Casky) HAMER
September 10, 1941 --- July 6, 2014
Nancy Hamer, 72, of Woolstock, died Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Van Diest Medical
Center in Webster City. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday,
July 9, 2014 at Foster Funeral and Cremation Center with Rev. Jeff Flagg,
officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at
Foster's. Nancy Kay Casky, daughter of Lloyd Casky, was born September 10, 1941
in Webster City. She graduated from Lincoln High, Webster City in 1959. On
October 15, 1961 she married Kenneth C. Hamer in Webster City. The couple
resided in Woolstock. Over the years Nancy had worked at Webster City Products,
Casey's General Store in Webster City and Eagle Grove, and Swine Graphics. Nancy
is survived by her husband of 52 years, Kenneth; children, Robin Hamer of
Woolstock, Michael Hamer of Kansas City, MO; sister, Patty Rink of Woolstock;
brother-in-law, Max Hamer of Woolstock; several nieces and nephews; and her
faithful Grand-dog, Remington. She was preceded in death by her father. Nancy
enjoyed reading, genealogy, and watching television. Hazel Y. (Miller) Ballou HAUPT March 21, 1905 --- June 29, 1995
She was a lifelong member of the Clarion United Presbyterian Church where she
sang in the choir and served as a trustee. She also was active in Royal
Neighbors, Wright County Historical Society, American Legion Auxiliary and
Rebecca Lodge. Preceding her in death are her parents and an infant
sister. Surviving are her two sons and their families: Dr. Philip Edwin Ballou
and his wife Dr. Mim Tesdahl Ballou, Marco Island, Florida; Stephen Ballou and
Rose Ann Vasquez of Des Moines; Mr. Stuart Lynn Ballou, and wife Mollie Shillito
of Florissant, Missouri; Douglas of Dallas, Texas and Brian and his wife Cathy
of St. Louis and their children Lyndsey and Matthew.
Adelaide Evelyn (Soma) HILL
August 11, 1911 -- October 13, 2010
Adelaide E. Hill, age 99, of Belmond, passed away, Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at
the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 19, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, west of Belmond. The Rev. James
Harbaugh officiated. Burial was in the St. Olaf Lutheran Church
Cemetery. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Andrews Funeral
Home, 516 First St. S.E., Belmond, and continued one hour prior to the services
at church on Tuesday. Memorial suggestions included the Belmond Care Car, St.
Olaf Lutheran Church or to the donor’s choice.
Adelaide Evelyn (Soma) was born in Wright County, Belmond, on Friday, Aug. 11,
1911. Evelyn was the daughter of Elling J. and Anna (Michelson) Soma. She was
baptized on Sept. 24, 1911, at the Kanawha Lutheran Church and confirmed at St.
Olaf Lutheran Church in 1925. After graduating from Kanawha High School and a
normal Training Course for teaching grade school at the University of Northern
Iowa, Cedar Falls, she taught country schools in Boone Township (two years) and
Belmond Township (one year) in Wright County. Her last year of teaching was in
the same country school she had attended in kindergarten. On May 22, 1935,
Adelaide was united in marriage with Henry H. Hill. Together they farmed for
several years before moving to the home they built in Belmond after the tornado
of 1966.
Adelaide was an active member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She enjoyed
working in the Sunday School, especially the junior and adult Bible classes and
as Sunday School superintendent. She held every office of the Lutheran Church
Women at various times. She was an honorary member of the Home Study Club,
having been a member since its inception and an active member for over 50 years.
Since 1985 she read the Bible in its entirety twenty-two times. She enjoyed
genealogy, having traced and kept up- to-date both the Soma and Hill family
trees.
Adelaide is survived by her three children, Connie (the Rev. David) Guetzke of
Viroqua, Wis., Erwin (Iva Jeanne) Hill of Albert Lea, Minn., Harold (Sheryl) of
Belmond; eight grandchildren, Saundra (Paul) Tomascak of Lino lakes, Minn.,
Brenda (Brent) Brayko of Seoul, South Korea, Dennis (Chrissy) Hill of Hazel
Green, Wis., Kenneth (Michelle) Hill of Cedar Rapids, Rodney (Teri) Hill of
Littleton, Colo., Nathan (Takako) Hill of Okinawa, Japan, Sara Hill and her
husband David Baruthio of Des Moines, Dorcas Hill-Wimp and her husband Steve
Wimp of Altoona; eleven great-grandchildren, Anna and Alec Brayko, Elliott and
Cameren Hill, Sydnee and Brady Hill, Loni and Luke Hill, and Mitsuki,
Mitsuyoshi, and Mitsunari Hill; one sister, Margaret (Alvin) Dorenkamp of
Belmond. Preceding her in death were here husband, Henry Hill who died in 1985,
her parents, Elling and Anna Soma, and four brothers, Jovial, Norris, Melvin and
Elmer; five sisters, Gladys Mehl, Bernice Sebert, Shirley Gabrielson, Viola
Morris and June Kloberdanz. Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond.
Avis
E. (Boyington) HILL
September 8, 1913 ---
March 31, 2008
Avis E. Hill, age 94, of Clarion passed away Monday, March 31, 2008 at Wright
Medical Center in Clarion. Funeral services for Avis Hill were
held Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 10:30
a.m. at United Methodist Church in Clarion, Iowa with Pastor Don Morrison
officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion, Iowa.
Avis E. Boyington, daughter of Chester Daniel (“John”) and Hattie (Campbell)
Boyington, was born at Galt, Wright County, Iowa on September 8, 1913.
She was raised in Wright County, where her grandparents had been pioneer
settlers in the middle years of the previous century.
Her parents moved to Clarion in 1918 with Avis, her two brothers and her
sister. In 1931 she graduated
with honors from Clarion High School.
Avis Boyington began working in a law office in 1931.
When a member of the law firm was elected State Senator, she went to the
legislature to work as a committee clerk and secretary in the Senate for several
sessions. She later worked for the
State Board of Social Welfare in Des Moines.
While so employed she enrolled at the Des Moines College of Law, which
later merged with the Drake University Law School.
She attended law classes at night school for three years.
On September 18, 1939, she was married to Dale E. Hill in Des Moines.
To this union three sons were born: Steven, Mark and Douglas.
The couple farmed in Grant Township until 1973 when they moved into
Clarion. Avis was one of the first
residents of the Meadows, moving there on August 1, 1993.
Throughout her life Avis Boyington Hill carefully kept and catalogued the
pictures, letters and other documents about her family and her husband’s family.
These files and albums were a priceless source of information about the
contemporary members of the Hill family and their in-laws.
She enjoyed genealogy and shared with all who were interested in family
history. She was one of the
principal organizers of the reunion that brought 108 of the extended Hill family
together in Clarion in July 1994.
Avis was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Clarion, in which she
held many offices, including serving as President of the U.M.W., Superintendent
of the Sunday School, and Sunday School teacher for 11 years.
She also served on the Auxiliary of the Clarion Memorial Hospital, a
member of the P.E.O. sisterhood and The Lacy Standish Chapter of Daughters of
the American Revolution.
Avis is survived by three sons: Steve and wife Shirley, Mark and wife Connie all
of Clarion, Douglas and wife Linda of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren: Kevin
Hill and wife Lisa of Ames, Kristin Hill Ahrens and Robert of Clarion, Erin Hill
of San Francisco, California, Ryan Hill of Chicago, Illinois, Megan Hill of
Cedar Fall; two great-grandchildren: Elliott and Cael Ahrens and several nieces
and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dale in 1994; one
grandson Chad Hill; one sister Iris Lester; two brothers: Rex and Max Boyington.
Julia Lydia
(Woodin) HILL
Jeannine Annette (Nelson) HINTON
January 26, 1931 ---
December 15, 2012
A funeral service for Jeannine Hinton was held 10:30 am Tuesday at Holmes
Baptist Church. Visitation was prior to the service. Boman Funeral Home is in
charge of arrangements.
Jeannine Annette Hinton, age 81, went to be with the Lord on December 15, 2012,
at Clarion, Iowa. Jeannine was born January 26, 1931, to Burdette and Mildred
(Rhoads) Nelson, in Eagle Grove, Iowa. At six months of age, she and her parents
moved to Glenburn, North Dakota, where she was educated and grew to young
womanhood. She attended the Glenburn Baptist Church where her grandparents and
great-grandparents were charter members. Jeannine and her family moved to the
Clarion area in June 1948. They attended the Holmes Baptist Church where she met
her husband to be – Richard J. (Jerry) Hinton. Her family moved to Cedar Falls,
Iowa, in 1949. Jeannine accepted Christ as her savior and was baptized in
October 1949.
Jerry and Jeannine were married in Holmes, Iowa on June 25, 1950. To this union,
three sons were born: Mark (Connie), of Clarion, Iowa, Michael (Elaine) of
Columbia, Missouri and Merle (Janell) of Storm Lake; Her life centered around
her family and her church. She was active in her church and served in many
positions. She enjoyed family gatherings, reading, poetry, crafts, family
genealogy, needlework, and most recently had been hand-sewing teddy bears for
domestic assault centers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Nathaniel Hinton; a
great-grandson, Spencer Hansen; three brothers: Burdette, Jr., Merlin, and
Lyndon. Survivors include her husband; three sons; three sisters; eight
grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and
nephews.
Jean Carrie (Schultz) HOUSER
Jean Carrie Houser, 76, Clarion, died at the Clarion Community Memorial Hospital on Sunday, December 26, 1993 after a long illness of cancer. Funeral services were held at First Lutheran Church on Thursday afternoon, December 29, at two o'clock. Pastor William Granger officiated and burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. Willim Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Joan Voigts was the organist. Honorary bearers were: Harold Jung, Edward Campbell, Wayne Ebert and Ben Eye. Bearers were: Wayne and Eric Severtson, Paul Patterson, Don Watts, Steve Schutt and Richard Simpson. Jean was born July 22, 1917, at Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Alfred and Myrtle Skinner Schultz. She was raised in Minneapolis and graduated in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Minnesota. She worked for the University until her marriage to W. B. (Bill) Houser on January 31, 1942, in Minneapolis. After their marriage, they were the publishers of the newspapers in Ashby, Minnesota, and Marrion, South Dakota. In 1956, they came to Clarion where they published the Wright County Monitor until 1979. After selling the paper, they operated Clarion Office Supply until August of 1988. Bill died October 13, 1990. Survivors include two daughters: Nancy Jean Severtson of Laurel, Montana and Elizabeth Ann Patterson of Huntsville, Alabama; five grandchildren and one brother, Alfred Schultz of Astoria, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a sister, Mary Jensen. Her memberships included First Lutheran Church and FLCW, Clarion Arts Council, AAUW, Federated Women's Club, Wright County Genealogical Searchers, Iowa Genealogical Society, and a past board member of the Clarion library. Wilmer Bradford HOUSER June 14, 1914 --- October 13, 1990
Long time Clarion resident and former "Wright County Monitor" publisher Wilmer Bradford (Bill) Houser died Saturday evening October 13, 1990 at his home in Clarion. He was 76. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 17 at First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Pastor William Granger officiated and burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Eyler-Willim Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Honorary casket bearers were: Myron Price, Harold Jung, Ed Campbell and Wayne Ebert. Bearers were: Wayne Severtson, Paul Patterson, Dewayne Knoshaug, Richard Simpson and Don Watts. Wayne Ebert was the organist. W. B. Houser was born on a farm near Plaza, North
Dakota, June 14, 1914. His parents moved to Washkish, Beltrami County, Minnesota
in 1918 and the next year moved to Quiring. In 1926 they moved to Huntersville,
Wadena County, Minnesota. This was the home place until Houser attended the
University of Minnesota, majoring in journalism. He graduated in 1938. He did
some freelance writing then purchased and published The Ashby Review
from 1940 to 1943. He married Jean Schultz January 31, 1942. In 1943 they
purchased and published The Marion Record in Marion, South Dakota.
While in South Dakota their daughters Nancy and Elizabeth Ann were born. He took
part in community life belonging to the Commercial Club and served as
secretary-treasurer of the Marion, S.D. Volunteer Fire Department. He was a
member of the Turner County Republican party, a member of the South Dakota Press
Association, National Editorial Association and served as secretary of the Third
District Press Association in South Dakota. In 1956 he sold The Marion
Record and purchased and published The Wright County Monitor in Clarion. He sold the
Monitor in
1979 when he semi-retired but he and his wife, Jean, continued to operate
Clarion Office Supply until 1988 when they retired.
Always a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he was
also a Rotarian, a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of Toastmasters, a life member
of the Iowa Numismatic Association, member of the Clarion Development
Commission, member of the Iowa Genealogical Society. He served as president of
Rotary Club, Wright County Genealogical Society and was very active in the
Clarion Coin Club, holding all of the offices at one time or another. Houser was
very active during Clarion's Quasquicentennial in 1990 and was instrumental in
publishing the souvenir book. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church He is
listed in Who's Who in Minnesota, 1941 and Who's Who in the Midwest, 1954. He
was an active member of the Clarion community and in his quiet way, he got
things done. Survivors include his wife, Jean; two daughters; Mrs. Wayne (Nancy Jean) Severtson of Laurel, Montana; Mrs. Paul (Elizabeth Ann) Patterson of Columbia, Maryland, five grandchildren; Lynette, Rebecca and Christina Patterson, Julie and Eric Severtson, one sister, Mrs. Walter (Myrl) Brooker of Aurora, Indiana and two brothers, Roland of Hoyt, MN and Wesley of Montrose, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Paul and Millard and a sister, Florence.
Marcia Ann (Newcomb) JOCHIMS
September 25, 1951 --- September 23, 1985
Mrs. Bruce (Marcia Ann Newcomb) Jochims, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota passed away
September 23, 1985 at the Masonic Cancer Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Burial was Thursday, September 26 in Rosehill Cemetery, Eagle Grove, Iowa.
Marcia Ann Newcomb Jochims was born on September 25, 1951, at Webster City, Iowa
to Donald C. and Marian Black Newcomb of R.R., Eagle Grove, Iowa. She grew up in
the Eagle Grove area, attended Head Grove country school, graduated from the
Eagle Grove High School, Eagle Grove Community College and Buena Vista College
at Storm Lake, Iowa, where she received her B.A. degree in elementary education.
She taught second grade in the Ramsey, Minnesota schools. She formerly worked at
KVFD Radio and the Department of Transportation at Fort Dodge, Iowa. Marcia
taught piano lessons in her home and was Worthy Advisor of Rainbow Girls in high
school. On November 11, 1978, she was
united in marriage with Bruce G. Jochims at Fort Dodge. The couple lived at Fort
Dodge and Badger and then moved to Minnesota three years ago. Marcia's hobbies
were genealogy and collecting dolls. Marcia
was baptised in the Methodist Church at Eagle Grove, Iowa and was a member until
joining Faith Lutheran Church at Coon Rapids.
She is survived by her husband, Bruce G. Jochims of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; her
parents, Don and Marian Newcomb of rural Eagle Grove; three brothers: Terry of
rural Clarion; Ronald of Schaumburg, Illinois; David of Ames; her father and
mother-in-law, Glenn and Rose Jochims of Fort Dodge; three nephews, Christopher,
Austin and Matthew; a niece, Lisa Newcomb and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
July 26, 1951 ---
December 17, 2012
Willard V. Johnson, 61, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2012, at
Iowa Specialty Hospital of Belmond.
Funeral services for Willard Johnson were held on Thursday, December 20, 2012,
at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Avenue North East, in
Clarion with Pastor Don Morrison officiating.
Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
Willard was born July 26, 1951, in Morris, Illinois to Donald and Bethyl (Wiley)
Johnson. He attended Erienna and
Nettle Creek grade schools through eighth grade and graduated from Seneca High
School in Illinois. An active FFA
member, Willard earned the State Farmer award as a senior at Seneca.
Willard then attended Western Illinois University for two years and later
graduated with honors from Joliet Junior College receiving an Associates’ Degree
in Agriculture. Will’s working career included 20 years at Alumax Aluminum in
Morris, Illinois where he worked in the metallurgists’ laboratory testing metal
samples for alloy content and physical properties.
In 1996, work took him to Clarion, Iowa where he spent three 3 years in
the pork production industry before joining Stronghold Manufacturing in 1999.
There he was a machine operator processing raw metal stock into livestock
handling equipment. He loved his
work and friends at Stronghold and became an essential member of the production
team.
Will’s long time passions included model railroading and the study of U.S.
history with emphasis on the Civil War. He was active in local railroading clubs
throughout his adult life enjoying many hours of “training”.
His reading on the Civil War included all the major works on the subject
along with numerous historical site visits.
He was considered an authority on the subject by all who knew him.
Later in life his interest in history focused on the study of genealogy.
He compiled very substantial research on his family that will be
preserved and extended. Family was
important to Will.
He is survived by his parents; long-time partner, Joy Amonson of Clarion;
brothers, Dale (Peggy) of Hamilton, Ohio; Brian (JoEllyn) of Seneca, Illinois;
nephew and niece, Samuel and Ann; uncle, Marlyn Wiley; aunts, Charlotte
Berkland, Pearl Laing, and Julia Thompson; special cousin Judy and other
cousins. Of special importance in Will’s life were his Iowa family, Lila
Amonson, Cindy and Doug Riley of Clarion; Tom Riley of Cedar Falls; and Whitney
Riley of Mason City. Preceding Will in death were his grandparents, two aunts,
and Richard Amonson.
Frieda (Steinwandt) HARRIS KADUCE
January 16, 1920
--- January 1, 2008
Frieda Kaduce, 87, Belmond, died January 1, 2008 at Story County Medical Center
in Nevada. Services were held January 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond
with Carolyn Pflibsen, Associate in Ministry, officiating. Burial was in the
Belmond Cemetery. Frieda Steinwandt, a
first-generation American, was born January 16, 1920 in Eagle Grove to
German/Russian immigrants Chris and Dorthea (Dotz) Steinwandt. Frieda was
married to Sidney Harris from January 30, 1944 until his death in 1982. She
married Ted Kaduce in 1985, and he died in 1998. She worked at the post office
as a custodian for 13 years, and for five years she volunteered at the Loan
Closet in Belmond. Frieda was a member of the Grandmothers Club, the V.F.W.
Auxiliary, Trinity Lutheran Church and the Pearl Circle. Family was most
important to Frieda. She was a tactfully outspoken lady, always willing to help
someone out. She was very friendly and made friends easily. Frieda was a
determined individual and never complained. She had an excellent memory and a
strong interest in genealogy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; a brother Jake; and a sister
Rose. Frieda is survived by her children Jolene (Richard) Prelip of Salt Lake
City, Dale (Kathi) Harris of Des Moines, Glenn (Marilyn) Harris of Nevada, and
Terry (Theresa) Harris of San Diego; seven grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; brothers Carl, John and Henry; and sisters Olga and Marie.
Faith Elaine
(Wilcox) KNUTSEN June 16, 1907 --- June 25, 2003
Faith Elaine Knutsen, 96, of Clarion, died Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion. Funeral services were held Monday, June 30th at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Rev. Gary Boen officiated at the 11 a.m. service. Burial was in Union Cemetery, Humboldt. Faith Elaine Wilcox was born June 16, 1907 at Humboldt, the daughter of Levi and Mildred Maye (Oaks) Wilcox. She received her education at Humboldt and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1925. She attended college in Superior, Wisconsin and following her education became a school teacher. Faith and Hermie Knutsen were united in marriage, April 16, 1933. The couple made their home at Clarion where she taught in country schools in the area. For many years, Faith served as a social worker for the Department of Human Services in Wright County, retiring in 1969. Her husband Hermie, died in 1988 and she continued to maintain her home until becoming a resident of USA Health Care Center in Clarion. Faith was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Clarion. She is survived by her son, Kay of Victoria, British Columbia; daughter, Karmen Friedrich and husband, David of Rockford, Illinois; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Richard, Duane and Raymond Wilcox.
William J. KOPPS
May 31, 1925 ---- December 5, 1980
Helen M. (Ryerson) KRAMER July 25, 1921 --- February 11, 2003
Helen M. Kramer, 81, formerly of Rowan and Dows, died on Tuesday, February 11,
2003, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton. Funeral
services were held on Saturday, February 15, at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home
in Belmond, with Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiating. Burial with military honors
performed by the Rowan American Legion, was in the Immanuel Reformed Church
Cemetery.
Helen Ryerson, was born on July 25, 1921 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the daughter
of Arthur and Ida (Williams) Ryerson. She graduated from high school in Eau
Claire and later attended Hunter College for two years. Helen was a veteran of
World War II. She entered the U.S. Navy on September 7, 1941 and her active duty
was spent partially in New York where she served as a dental technician. She
received the American Campaign Ribbon and WW II Victory Ribbon. She was a 50
year plus member of the American Legion. Helen was Past Commander of the only
all-female American Legion Post #988 in Chicago. She had also been an active
member of the Rowan Legion Post #159. She served for a number of years as
Chairman of the Midwest Waves. Helen married Raymond Kramer, Sr. on September
20, 1946 in Chicago. To this union four children were born. Three sons, Raymond,
William and James, who died in infancy, and one daughter, Nancy. The family
lived in Chicago for many years where Helen was employed at the Wesley Memorial
Hospital for 30 years. Her husband died in 1964. She moved to Rowan in 1979 and
also lived in Dows and at the Retirement Center in Belmond.
Helen had a lifelong love of genealogy that commenced at age 11 and continued
into her 70's. Much of her work involved tracing her ancestors in the Belmond
and surrounding areas. She was a long-time member of the Wright County
Genealogical Society. Helen was a foster parent to more than 40 children.
Survivors include son, Raymond (Lauri) Kramer, Jr. of Los Alamos, New Mexico,
and children, Eric and Kelly, and step-daughters, Gwen and Kyla; son, William
Kramer of Chicago; daughter, Nancy (Carey) Rothman of Latimer, and children,
Alexander and Victoria; foster daughter, Ellen Newman of Bensenville, Illinois;
and brother, Robert (Beverly) Ryerson of Baldwin, Missouri. Louise Celia (Lentz) KRYSAN September 12, 1903 --- January 22, 1994
Louise Celia Lentz, daughter of John and Celia Malek Lentz was born on a farm near Spillville, on September 12, 1903. She was educated in the schools of Winneshiek County. She married Alphonso Krysan on April 13, 1921, at Dubuque. They farmed their entire married life in various Iowa communities. After her husband's death in 1960, Louise made her home in Clarion. While living in Clarion, she was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and the St. Rose Circle. Louise moved to the Prairie View Apartments, Gamer, in November, 1992. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, both parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
Hazel Margaret
(Dockwell) LESTER
July 10, 1925 ----
September 21, 2012
Hazel Margaret Dockwell Lester, 87, of Ft. Collins, Colorado, passed away
peacefully at home on Friday, September 21, 2012 with her family at her side.
The funeral service was be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 10:30
a.m. at Ewing Funeral Home, 602 North Main St., in Clarion, Iowa with Pastor Don
Morrison officiating. Interment
followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion as she is laid to rest next to her
late husband.
Born July 10, 1925 in Freeborn County, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the
late George and Marie Dockwell. As
a toddler she moved with her family to the Coulter, Iowa area and spent her
youth on the family farm. After
high school graduation from Rowan High School, she married Kenny Lester in 1943
and became a homemaker and devoted mother.
She and her husband farmed for several years; later she became a store
manager for the former Gibson and Pamida companies working for them for many
years. Hazel and her family lived
in the Clarion and Belmond, Iowa area.
She moved to Colorado in 2004 to be near three of her children and their
families. Her life revolved around
her children and family, their activities, and the love she had for each of
them. Hazel played high school
basketball and developed a lifelong love of sports whether she was watching her
children or grandchildren or watching a Rockies or Broncos game.
She loved being around friends and family, playing cards, listening to
country music, flower gardening, baking, eating out, and putting puzzles
together. She spent a number of
years researching and cataloging the genealogy of four branches of her family.
The histories she gathered and the books she compiled are a welcome
source of family information.
She also enjoyed the people and the activities at her senior living complex in
Ft. Collins. A lady of grace and
quiet resolve, Mom will be greatly missed by her family.
Surviving Hazel are her children: Linda (David) Bruening of North Carolina, Gary
Lester of Colorado, Renae (Michael) Duffey of Arizona,
Debra Tarvin of Colorado, and Kent (Sandy) Lester of Colorado;
grandchildren: Todd (Amy) Lester Sheller of California, Jason (Kristy) Pavelka
of Iowa, Nathan Pavelka of California, Tracy Flannigan of Arizona, Kelly
(Branch) Norris of Colorado, Eric
Tarvin, Ashly Lester, Carly Lester of Colorado; and nine great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brothers:
Lyle (Joan) Dockwell of
Coulter, IA, George (Dona) Dockwell of Belmond, IA; sisters:
Myrtle Gunderson of Belmond, IA, Gladys Andershok of Ft. Collins, CO;
sisters and brother-in-law: Beverly (Eldred) Schutt of Clarion, IA, Pauline
Lester of Ventura, IA; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Kenneth F. Lester; her daughter, Dixie Pavelka;
son-in-law, Mark Tarvin; brother, Raymond Dockwell;
sisters: Velma Thompson and Kelly Jensen; brothers-in-law: Merle
Gunderson, Clell Thompson, Russell Jensen, Andy Andershok, Glenn and Andy
Lester; sisters-in-law: Mary Lou
Dockwell, Bertha Dockwell, Inez Dockwell; and friend Harry Hinkley.
Bohlender Funeral Chapel of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Ewing Funeral Home
of Clarion, Iowa assisted the family.
Elizabeth H. (Burt) MCKEAN
October 7, 1919 --- July 29, 2012
Elizabeth H. McKean was born to Glenn and Gladys Burt on their family farm in
1919. She died 92 years later,
surrounded by her family, of renal failure and pneumonia. Elizabeth grew up on
several different homesteads near Armstrong, Iowa. After graduating from Seneca
High School in 1937, she worked as a hired girl, tending newborn babies for farm
families. On her first job, an anxious father-to-be left Elizabeth alone with
his pregnant wife so he could go and fetch the doctor. The child could not wait.
Elizabeth called the experience a “real initiation.” Elizabeth was a consummate
mother and caregiver throughout her entire life, as many well-fed strangers can
attest. In 1941, Elizabeth’s longtime beau, Merton, was drafted into the Army.
World War II separated Elizabeth from the man she would later marry, but it also
afforded her the opportunity to study to be a nurse’s aide at the University of
Iowa. She went on to work at a clinic in Estherville. She later moved to
Minnesota, where she both manufactured airplane parts “Rosie the Riveter”-style
and cared for mentally-challenged girls as a house mother. In the winter of
1945, Elizabeth and a good friend left Minnesota for Los Angeles, where
Elizabeth worked as a telephone operator. She never met a Hollywood star, even
though she worked less than two blocks away from the big studios. That summer,
she read in the newspaper that Merton’s unit was returning from Germany, so she
transferred to the phone office in Spirit Lake. They married in February of
1946, at the Presbyterian minister’s house in Estherville. The GI Bill allowed
Merton to attend college, so in 1948 Elizabeth and Merton moved to Ames. Merton
graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in civil engineering. In
1950, they moved to a farmstead near Armstrong where Elizabeth raised four
children without running water, feeding her family from her enormous garden. In
1963, they settled in Goldfield. They worked together at Goldfield High School
for over 20 years, Merton as a math teacher and Elizabeth as head cook. In their
retirement years, Merton and Elizabeth were both active in the Congregate Meals
program. Elizabeth was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the
Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth enjoyed painting, bird-watching and gardening. In
the summers, she gently badgered family members into attending family campouts
and Goldfield’s Fountain City Days festival, opening her home and her pantry to
all. Elizabeth had a passion for genealogy, and spent much of her free time
doggedly researching and cataloging her family’s history. She has now become a
wonderful and colorful part of that history, and her story is now ours to tell.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by an infant brother; her husband; her brother,
Jim; her sister, Helen; and her great-great-granddaughter, Ryver. She is
survived by her children Margaret (Leo) Johnson, Eileen Freeman, Charles
(Patricia) McKean, and Helen (Richard) Goater; sister, Dorothy Thomas; brother,
Joe Burt; and her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will
be held at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield on Sunday, August 5, at 1
p.m.
Mona (Schooley) McNAMARA January 14, 1924 --- September 26, 2015
Mona McNamara, age 91, of Belmond, passed
away Saturday September 26, 2015 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond. A Mass
of Christian Burial for Mona McNamara was held at 9:30 A.M. Friday October 2,
2015 at the St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond. Rev. Jerry Blake
officiated. Burial took place in the St. Francis Cemetery near Belmond. Military
graveside honors were provided by the Belmond Honor Guard. Visitation for Mona
McNamara was held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday October 1, 2015 at the Dugger
Funeral Home in Belmond. A Parish Rosary was recited at 6:45 P.M. and a
Scriptural Wake Service at 7:00 P.M Thursday at the funeral home. There was be
no visitation at the church prior to mass on Friday.
Marilyn Coralie (Lueck) MARSHALL
October 7, 1928 --- May
5, 2009
Marilyn C. Marshall, 80, of Clarion passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Careage
of Clarion. Funeral services for Marilyn Marshall were held on Saturday, May 9,
2009 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Clarion with Pastor Gary Boen
officiating. Burial was in
Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Visitation was held
on Friday, May 8, 2009 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Home 602 North
Main Street in Clarion and continued one hour prior to services at the church.
Marilyn Coralie Lueck, daughter of Arthur and Myrtie (Teig) Lueck was born
October 7, 1928, near Jewell, IA.
Marilyn graduated from Clarion High School in 1946.
She attended Waldorf College for one year, and then taught school at
Lincoln #2, Wright Co., for two years.
On March 13, 1949 she was united in marriage to Robert Gerald Marshall at
First Lutheran Church, to this union three children were born, Carol, Kay, and
Jim. Robert and Marilyn were
married for 57 years prior to Robert’s death in 2006.
Marilyn was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she was involved
with various Circles, served as current President of FLCW, Chairperson of
Auxiliary and Ministry Department, Head of the Lutheran Salad Luncheon, Church
Council member, current Historian of the church, active in Sewing ladies and
sewed the layettes, and was also a Sunday school teacher at one time.
Marilyn had also been a 4-H leader, been a member of Country Cousins and
Lincoln Ladies Union. She was a substitute teacher in the Clarion Public Schools
before going to work as a secretary for the Wright County Extension Service for
16 years and retired in 1990. She
was a volunteer at the hospital, and involved with genealogy at the library.
Marilyn was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always putting
her family and others before herself.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed researching her families’ history, and
collecting angels.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter Carol and husband Roger Kellison of
Plattsmouth, NE, and her son Jim Marshall and wife Marsha of Fort Lupton, CO.
Also three grandchildren, Bradley Hanson, Kristi Waszak, and Layne Britton, five
step grandchildren, Sonja Gerstenberger, Bryce Anderson, Dane Anderson, Jeff
Kellison, and Jonn Kellison, three great-granddaughters, Rylee Hanson, Kailey
and Maia Waszak, and one great-grandson Brady Hanson, four step great grandsons,
Aaron and Derrik Kellison, Lucas and Nicolas Gerstenberger, and a step great
granddaughter Samantha Kellison.
Marilyn is also survived by sisters, Florence Botine, Yvonne and her husband
Shirley Stevens, a brother Lowell and his wife Lois, and many sisters and
brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her
husband Robert, her daughter Kay Anderson, sister Ardeth Grove, and her parents.
Marjorie Joyce
(Sanders) MILLER
August 21, 1924 ---
January 2, 2011
Joyce Miller, 86, of Clarion passed away Sunday, January 2, 2011 at Careage of
Clarion in Clarion. Funeral services for Joyce Miller were
held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 3,
2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Avenue North East in Clarion,
with Pastor Don Morrison officiating.
Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
Marjorie Joyce Miller was born August 21, 1924 in Clarion, Iowa to Ralph and
Elsie (Lyon) Sanders. She graduated
from Clarion High School in 1942. Joyce was united in marriage to Morris Milbern
Miller on June 19, 1949 in Clarion, Iowa.
To this union, a son, Roger Kevin was born in 1951.
In addition to her roles as homemaker and as farm bookkeeper, Joyce
worked as a news reporter and photographer for the Wright County Monitor, and
was employed by the Wright County Treasurer’s Office, where she served as clerk
and later, as deputy. Joyce served
10 years on the board of the Clarion Public Library and as chairman of the
board. She was a member of the
First United Methodist Church in Clarion and was Past Worthy Matron of the Ada
Chapter of Eastern Star. She was a
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Campbell Clan Society
of North America. Joyce enjoyed needlepoint and in 1974, became interested in
Genealogy, which grew into a full time hobby.
She was a member of the Iowa State Genealogical Society.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Dr. Roger Miller and his wife of
31 years Jo Anne of Duluth, Minnesota, and grandchildren, Nicholas Kevin Miller,
Ryan Michael Miller, and Alexandra Marie Miller.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Morris, in 2006, and her
parents.
March 18, 1932 --- May 28, 2015
William Mock, 83, of Montrose, Colorado and formerly of Clarion, passed away
Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge. A Mass
of Christian Burial for Bill Mock was held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 1, 2015,
at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 2nd Avenue North East in Clarion, with Father
Jerry Blake officiating. Burial was
at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Clarion. Visitation was from 6:00 PM to 8:00
PM on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in
Clarion, with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:00 PM and Scriptural Wake Service
beginning at 7:30 PM.
William “Bill” Irving Mock was born March 18, 1932 in Madison, South Dakota to
Hugo and Bernice (Seid) Mock. He
was raised and educated in that area, graduating from Brookings High School in
Brookings, South Dakota with the class of 1951. During his high school career,
Bill worked for a local florist, and continued on with them for a time before
working for National 5, 10 and Dollar in Madison.
He moved with the company to Minneapolis before being transferred to
Clarion in 1954. He later worked
for Weitmon’s flower shop and on his own before becoming a custodian at Belmond
Middle School in 1964. In 1966,
during the Belmond tornado, Bill helped the students to the basement for shelter
and led them in The Lord’s Prayer.
Upon his retirement in 1994, Bill continued to help local florists.
Bill was united in marriage to Margaret Louise Pick at St. John’s Catholic
Church on July 25, 1955. The couple
made their home in Clarion and raised their daughter, Ramona.
In 2010, Bill and Louise moved to Fremont, Nebraska to be closer to
Ramona, and later to Montrose, Colorado with Ramona and her family.
Bill and Louise were voted Valentine King and Queen at the Fremont
Friendship Center in 2014.
Bill was a longtime member of St. John’s Catholic Church.
He was active in choir and as a song leader.
When the church guitar choir was organized, a contest was held to name
the group. Bill’s suggestion of Te
Deum Singers was chosen. He also
prepared church floral decorations for holidays for many years.
He researched and compiled a history of the parish for its centennial
celebration.
Bill enjoyed reading, antiques, baking, cooking and decorating for holidays.
He was a history buff, having volunteered at the Heartland Museum in
Clarion and Jenison Mechem Museum in Belmond.
He was a member of the Clarion Historical Society and the Wright County
Historical Society. Bill assisted
with the E.S.L. program in Clarion.
Any time there was an opportunity to teach students about Wright County history,
Bill was always willing to present or demonstrate or otherwise involve the
students.
Bill was a loving father and husband, and was Louise’s caretaker following her
illness up until the time of his injury on Easter Sunday this year.
He was stoic, tough, and quietly defeated pancreatic cancer 8 years ago.
Most of all, Bill will be remembered as a wonderful, helpful and caring
person, always willing to lend a hand.
Bill is survived by his wife, Louise Mock of Montrose, Colorado; daughter Ramona
(Vincent) Laboy of Montrose, Colorado, their children Stephan of Lincoln,
Nebraska and Maria of Kearney, Nebraska; step-son Douglas (Barbara) Benson of
Fort Dodge, their children Brian (Kelly) Benson and children Jacob and Karli and
Mark Benson and daughter Emily; brother Robert (Marlene) Mock of Brookings,
South Dakota and their family; sister-in-law Mary Jean (Bob) Hocraffer and their
family of Clarion; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and
friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Ricky Mock. Velma Iola (Schroeder) PETERSON September 3, 1912 --- March 18, 2001
Velma Iola Peterson, 88, of Clarion, died Sunday, March 18, 2001, at USA Healthcare Center, Clarion. She was a lifelong resident of Clarion and Wright County. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 21st at United Methodist Church, Clarion. Rev. Charles Kellogg officiated the 10:30 a.m service. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. Clarion. Willim Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Velma I. Schroeder was born September 3, 1912, the daughter of Norman and Ruby Schroeder on the family farm in Wall Lake Township. She grew up there with her brothers and sisters. She attended Wall Lake #2 School and later attended Clarion High School, where she worked during the week as a baby sitter for room and board. When she was a junior in high school she met Howard Peterson and they were married in 1932. They lived in Dayton Township on the Peterson farm. One daughter, Patricia, and one son, Frank, were born there. In 1942, the couple purchased a small three room house and moved it to the farm site. Daughters. Carolyn and Phyllis, were born there and one son, Howard Eugene was lost at childbirth. Howard died in 1969 and Velma continued to live on the farm site until October 1993. She then purchased a condominium in Clarion and lived there until the time of her death. In her lifetime Velma was very active in many community groups and social organizations, including the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women. White Shrine. Eastern Star, Federated Club. Neighborhood Club, Democratic Party, 4-H. Bridge Club, and Methodist Sewing Group. She was also a gifted genealogist and spent many hours researching and publishing the Chapman family history. She loved to travel, including a trip to Europe, and multiple US trips. She enjoyed gardening and plants, and loved to cook and entertain for family and friends. Her hobbies included quilting, playing bridge, cross stitch and crafts. She was a very active participant in the lives of her family. She attended hundreds of sporting events, concerts, and plays of her four children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Howard, daughter, Patricia, son, Howard Eugene, brother, Jack Schroeder; sisters, Doris, Virginia and Mildred, and two infant siblings. She is survived by one sister. Shi Reiland, two brothers. Dean and Don Schroeder: one son, Frank and wife. Carole, two daughters. Carolyn Bowman and husband. Dennis, and Phyllis Newcomb. and 13 grandchildren 23 great-grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren. Eleanor Jean (Spillman) GERMAN POULSON August 13, 1925 --- February 23, 2003
Myrtle
Berniece (Smith) REED
September 26, 1913 --- March 26,
2014
Myrtle Berniece (Smith) Reed, the daughter of Peter F. and Hanna A. (Looney)
Smith, was born September 26, 1913, in Mackinaw, Illinois. She attended country
school in Madison County, Iowa and helped on the farm and to raise half brothers
and sisters. On September 22, 1930, Myrtle was united in marriage with Robert L.
Reed in Indianola, Iowa and to this union two daughters were born. Bob worked
for the W. P. A. and they lived in Boone, Albia, Earlham, Clear Lake, Mason
City, Forest City, Kentucky for four years while Bob help build the first Atomic
Energy plant and in Des Moines for 40 years. Myrtle worked for the Peru
Telephone Company in Peru, Iowa. Bob preceded her in death on May 3, 1992 and
Myrtle moved to Eagle Grove in 1993. Myrtle was a member of the Church of Christ
in Des Moines and United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. Her hobbies included
sewing, cooking, playing the organ, reading, genealogy and traveling – she never
made it to North Dakota or Alaska and wintered in Texas.
Myrtle passed on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Rotary Senior Living in Eagle
Grove, at the age of 100 years and six months. She was preceded in death by her
parents; husband, son-in-law, Joseph Asche; five brothers, one sister and
great-grandson-in-law, Joel Newton. Survivors include her daughters, M. Eileen
Reed and Leola M. Asche of Eagle Grove; grandchildren: Todd Asche (Kathie) of
Grimes, Steven Asche (Melia) of Eagle Grove, Debra Farwell (Greg) of Eagle Grove
and Jane Williamson (Ray) of Eagle Grove; eight great-grandchildren: Jessica
Hanshaw (Paul) of Grimes, Jennifer Olson (Rusty) of Garner, Johanna Lawson (PJ)
of Eagle Grove, Jill Newton of Humboldt, Lucas Asche (Amy) of Minburn, Bradley
Asche (Breann) of Glenwood, Bart Asche (Alissa Jessen) of Eagle Grove and Kurtis
Williamson (Emily) of Altoona; eight great great-grandchildren: Ethan and Abigal
Asche, Easton Hanshaw, Dylan and Kaden Williamson, Mahlynn Olson, Brody Asche
and Avery Lawson and sister, Gladys Kohler of Winterset.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the
United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove with Pastor Mike Agnew officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will
be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. Memorials may be directed the United
Methodist Women. Francis Bernard ROHRER
June 11, 1926 ---
September 5, 2014
Francis “Fran” Rohrer, 88, of Eagle Grove passed away Friday, September 5, 2014
at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion. A Memorial Mass for Francis Rohrer was
held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church, 204 South Jackson Avenue in Eagle Grove, with Father Jerry Blake and
Reverend Monsignor Patrick Gaalaas concelebrating.
Visitation for Francis Rohrer was held
on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with a Scriptural Wake
service beginning at 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in
Clarion. Visitation continued one hour prior to the services at the church on
Wednesday.
Francis Bernard Rohrer was born on June 11, 1926 in Woolstock, Iowa to Harold
and Della (Hilpipre) Rohrer. Fran graduated from Woolstock High School at the
age of 16. He continued to help his
father farm until the age of 18, when he began his career at M & M Livestock
Company, where he retired at the age of 65.
Following retirement, Fran sold monuments with Sunburst Memorials for 20
years.
Fran enjoyed spending time in nature, traveling, was an avid “treasure” hunter,
and researching family genealogy.
His favorite pastime of all was spending time with family and friends.
He was always up for a good game of Pitch. He was a longtime member of
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove, where he was a 4th Degree Member of
the Knights of Columbus.
Fran is survived by his children, Francine (Larry) McClelland of Clear Lake,
Greg (Suzanne) Rohrer of Eagle Grove, Steven (Gail) Rohrer of Oxford, Arkansas,
Lance Rohrer of Kua’i, Hawaii, and Mitch Rohrer of Mason City; 13 grandchildren;
17 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 4 brothers; along with numerous nieces and
nephews, other relatives and friends. Fran was preceded in death by his parents,
a sister, an infant brother, and an infant granddaughter.
Mildred Ellen (Whaley) RUSSELL May 20, 1910 --- May 8, 2002
Mildred Ellen Russell, 91, of Clarion, died Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at South
Field Wellness Community in Webster City. Services were held Saturday, May 11th
at St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Fr. David Beckman officiated at the 10
a.m. service. Interment was in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Willim Funeral Home
of Clarion was in charge of the arrangements.
Mildred Ellen Whaley was born May 20, 1910, the daughter of Frederick and Nina
(Bailey) Whaley in Miller, South Dakota. In 1911, the family moved to Webster
City where they made their home. Mildred graduated from Webster City High School
in 1927. She then attended Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Mildred then taught
grade school in Webster City for nine years. She married Henry Russell on
October 5, 1939, in Webster City. Mildred and Henry moved to one of the Russell
farms five miles south of Clarion in 1941. She and Henry farmed together until
his death on January 3, 1969. Mildred later moved into Mayfair Manor in Clarion
and lived there until May 5th, 2000. Mildred was active in the Congregate Meals,
serving as its first secretary, and later as Chairman. She delivered meals on
Wheels, was on the Senior Center Board, Hospital Auxiliary, Historical Society,
Genealogical Society, past Regent of DAR, and one of her favorite groups was
R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). In 1989, Mildred won the
Outstanding Senior Citizen in Wright County award. Mildred is survived by one
son, Terry Russell and wife, Jan of Holmen, Wisconsin; three grandchildren; one
great-granddaughter; three sisters; Maxine Packard of Webster City; Helen Graham
and husband, Leslie of Webster City; Doris Nelson and husband, Dean of Mason
City; one brother, Delavan Whaley and wife, Mabel of Webster City; several
nieces and nephews. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband,
Henry; and one sister, Louise Alexander.
Hazel Irene (Corsair) SADLER
December 4, 1900 --- March 30, 2002
Hazel Irene Sadler, 101, of Clarion, died Tuesday, March 30, 2002 at the USA
Healthcare Center, Clarion. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 2nd at
First United Methodist Church, Clarion. Rev. LaVonne Kaasa officiated at the
1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Willim Funeral
Home was in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Irene Corsair was born December 4, 1900 on a farm in Wall Lake Township
the daughter of William and LuLu (Bailey) Corsair. The family moved to Clarion
in 1901 where she attended the Clarion Schools, graduating in January 1920. In
March that year the family moved to Eagle Grove where she worked as a clerk
until she and Theodore (Ted) E. Sadler were married November 16, 1922. To this
union two children were born, Marjorie Eileen and Donald Eugene. Hazel and Ted
were farming Ed Kirstein's farm when Ted died in August of 1962. After Ted's
death, Hazel moved to Clarion where she worked as a cook at the Clarion Care
Center until 1971. Hazel was a girls’ 4-H leader in Woolstock Township for many
years, was very active in her church, and enjoyed gardening and growing flowers.
She was a charter member of the Clarion Historical Society, was the first
occupant of the Clarion Housing occupying apartment #1, member of Senior
Citizens Center, and former member of the Genealogical Society. She is survived
by one son, Donald Sadler and wife, Virginia of Clarion; three granddaughters;
five great-grandchildren; three great-great-granddaughters; and one sister, Eva
Corsair of Clarion. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ted;
daughter, Marjorie; and one son-in-law, Thomas Alter.
Lois (Stocks)
SCHUENHOFF February 19, 1903 --- March 8, 1979 Funeral services for Mrs. Walter (Lois) Schuenhoff were held at 1.30 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 1979 at the United Church of Christ, Congregational with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. The Eyler-Willim Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Myron Brockmeyer was the organist. Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Stevens provided the vocal selections. Honorary pallbearers were Mrs. Verna Sharp, Mrs. Electa Shupe, Mrs. Bessie Wilson, Lyle Clemsen, Ron Samson and Lewis Stevens. Pallbearers were Don Biggins, Tom Engler, John DeGarmo, Floyd Hill, James Reed and E. R. Stone.
Icle Glendina (Leonard) SEVERSON
July 26, 1918 --- April 7, 1997
Icle Glendina (Leonard) Severson, 78, of Clarion, died Monday (April 7, 1997) at
St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Belmond, with the Rev. Lowell Halvorson
officiating. Burial will be in St. Olaf Cemetery, Belmond. Visitation will be
held from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the Tenold Funeral Home, Belmond, and one hour
prior to services at the church.
Icle Glendina (Leonard) Severson was born July 26, 1918, to Arthur Leonard and
Erma (Meachem) Leonard on their farm in Grant Township, Wright County. She
graduated from Belmond High School and attended Hamilton Business College in
Mason City for two years. She taught in several country schools including Plum
Grove where she attended grade school. In the Little Brown Church in Nashua, on
June 6, 1940, she married Kenneth Severson. They have one son, Sidney, born June
29, 1941. They have farmed for 53 years in Grant and Belmond townships. Kenneth
and Icle enjoyed many winters in Arizona during retirement. Icle was an active
member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and held office in several women's
organizations. She also taught Sunday school for many years. Icle enjoyed
genealogy and was a member of the Miles Standish Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution for over 25 years.
Surviving are her husband, Kenneth; son, Sid and his wife, Sherry, of Clarion;
grandchildren, Troy Severson and his wife, Beth; Traci and her husband, Michael
Gorton; Tanya and her husband, Kenny Scribner, Ryan Maasdam, Nick German and
John German; great-grandchildren, Allison, Clayton and Knuton Severson, Alaina
Gorton and Paige Icle Scribner; sisters, Lova McAlpine and Arlene Allen, both of
California, and Cleona Tegland of Belmond. Preceding her in death were her
parents, Arthur and Erma Leonard and one brother, Art Jr.
Verna Maurine (Tatum) SHARP
Verna M. Sharp, 85, Clarion, died at Clarion Community Memorial Hospital on Saturday morning, April 29, 1989 of cancer. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at two o'clock from the United Church of Christ Congregational with Rev. Steven J. Lashbrook officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery at Clarion. The Eyler-Willim Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were: Harlan Poolman, Bob Stevens, Shirley Stevens, Robert Loux, Robert Tysdal and Jim Erickson. JoAnn Olson was the organist and Laurie Lashbrook was the vocalist.
Marjorie Ingrid (Lien) SIMERSON
August 16, 1909 --- August 31, 1995
Marjorie Ingrid Simerson, 86, passed away Thursday (Aug. 31, 1995) at North Iowa
Mercy Health Center East, Mason City. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m.
Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. James Carpenter officiating.
Burial was in Belmond Cemetery. Visitation was held from 2 to 9 p.m. at Ewing
Funeral Home.
Marjorie, the daughter of Henry Lien and Tena Toresdahl Lien, was born on Aug.
16, 1909 on the Lien farm outside of Kanawha. She was baptized and confirmed at
the St. Olaf Church. She attended Olaf Country School and graduated from Kanawha
High School in 1925. Marj attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., the
Iowa State Teacher's College, and MacPhail School of Music and Drama in
Minneapolis. She taught at a French settlement of Huguenots near Woolstock. On
Oct. 10, 1931 she was united in marriage with Harold C. Simerson in Peoria, Ill.
The couple moved into the Simerson homestead where Marjorie lived until 1980
when she moved into Belmond. She had many interests and activities centered
around her home, her church, and her community. After being a farmer's wife, her
life remained full with her love of art, hardanger, rosemaling, genealogy,
traveling and music, including playing piano and being church organist since the
age of nine. Marj participated in the Friendship Tour `People to People' to
Russia and China. She was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church,
loving the yearly Kaffe Lags. She was also a member of Century Club, rural Study
Club, Belmond Area Arts Council, Phi Beta National Music Sorority, Valdres
Samband, and the Sons of Norway.
Marjorie is survived by her daughters, Sandra Nelson of Des Moines, and Sara
Murray and her husband, Bill of San Francisco, Calif.; two grandchildren and one
great-grandchild, Sabina Trygstad and Christopher Trygstad and his wife, Becky
and their son Dakota; her sister, Helen Hoover of Lakeside, Calif.; numerous
nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her
parents; her husband, Harold in 1970; two brothers and two sisters.
Grace (Martin) TRASK
June 18, 1912 --- November 22, 2004
Grace Martin Trask was born on June 18, 1912, at Renwick, Iowa, to Walter and
Susie French Martin. She graduated from Renwick High School in 1930, and
attended Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa for over two years and returned home
because of the Depression. Grace taught in country school in all eight grades.
In later years, Grace continued her education at Iowa State University in the
early 70’s, receiving her teaching certificate, and taught in the LuVerne School
system. On June 20, 1935, Grace married Charlie Trask in the home of her birth.
They continued to live there as a couple until Charlie’s death in 1993. She
continued living in her home until 1997, when she became a resident of Rotary
Ann Home in Eagle Grove, Iowa. Grace was a member of the Renwick Baptist Church,
where she was a Deaconess, Church Clerk, Sunday School teacher, and an active
member of the Mission Circle. She was a 50 year member of the Order of the
Eastern Star and served in several offices, including Worthy Matron. Grace
helped organize the Senior Citizens group in Renwick. She served as President
and received state recognition. She was an active member of the Renwick
Federated Women’s Club. Grace was instrumental in helping with the French family
genealogy and the Trask family genealogy. Grace enjoyed family gatherings and
was especially fond of her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. Grace
always felt other people came before herself and she enjoyed helping neighbors
and being active in the community. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and sewing.
Grace passed away on Monday, November 22, 2004, at Rotary Ann Home in Eagle
Grove, Iowa. She was 92.
She is survived by her daughter, Martha Scheuermann and husband, Darrell,
Cooper, Iowa, and two sons, Harold and wife, Pat Trask, Renwick, Iowa and David
Trask of Mission Viejo, California. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Troy
Scheuermann, Traci Scheuermann Houts, Pamela Trask, Matthew Trask, Michelle
Trask, Vanessa Trask and Kyra Trask, and one great grandchild, Taryn Scheuermann
and many nieces, nephews and friends. Grace was preceded in death by her
parents, her husband, two grandchildren, Michael and Roger Trask and three
brothers. A memorial fund has been established by the family for the
beautification of Elmwood Cemetery in memory of Grace Trask.
Grace I.
(Hudelson) TURK
Funeral services were held for Grace I. Turk on Saturday, July 17, 10:30 a.m. in the Eyler Chapel, Willim Funeral Home. The Reverend William Mulford, Pastor of the United Church of Christ, Belmond, officiated. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. The Willim Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Organist was Betty Loomis. Pallbearers were her grandchildren and their spouses. They included: Gary Gene Weckerlin, Jr. and wife Christine; David Duane Weckerlin and wife Leslie; Diana Weckerlin Clausson and husband Derek.
May 21, 1914 --- July
2, 2013
Verna R. Watson, 99, of Fort Dodge, passed away Tuesday July 2, 2013 at the
Paula J. Baber Hospice Home. Funeral services were held 1:00 PM Saturday, July
6, 2013 in the chapel of the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home and 1:30 PM at
Corpus Christi Church with Rev. Joseph Dillinger officiating at the Mass of
Christian Burial. Burial followed at Corpus Christi Cemetery with Military Rites
presented by the VFW Post 1856.
Verna is survived by her daughters, Connie (Richard) Brokaw of Twin Lakes;
Catherine Reel of Phoenix, AZ; Cynthia (Steve) Maschka of Austin, MN; sons,
Gerald Watson of Glendale AZ; Tim (Peg) of Grinnell; many grandchildren and
great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth Wanken of Clarion; and a sister, Mildred
Studtmann of St. Paul, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband,
Charles; granddaughter, Maven; grandson, Jon Reel; sister, Margaret Hargett and
brothers, Gerald and Leo Wanken.
Verna Wanken, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Keppers) Wanken was born near
Woolstock on May 21, 1914. She later moved with her family to Clarion where she
attended rural school and Sacred Heart School in Eagle Grove. She then attended
Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, MN. Verna then served in the Civil
Service working in Washington, D.C and Philadelphia with the U.S Signal Corps.
In 1943, she joined the WAC in Philadelphia. After training she was assigned to
the 6715th WAC Comm. Co. and was sent to Allied Force Headquarters under General
Ike in Algiers North Africa and then Caserta, Italy. After her honorable
discharge in 1945, she was employed in Fort Dodge where she met Charles Watson
and later married him in March of 1947. The couple established their home in
Fort Dodge. In 1991 the couple moved to Friendship Haven. Charles passed away in
1993 and Verna continued to live at Friendship Haven, where she was active in
various activities.
Mrs. Watson is a past member of the Prairie Gold Scout Council, where she served
for several years and was awarded the God and Country Award and the Den Mother
Award. She is a past regent Local CDA Court #216, member of their Past Regents
club of Iowa, past member of Trinity Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Wright County
Searchers of Clarion, Webster County Genealogical Society, WAC Veterans
Organization, Charter Member of Women in Military Service of Washington D.C
Memorial Association, and life member of the VFW Post 1856. Verna was a member
of Holy Trinity Parish, parish guild, and the St. Francis Assi Circle. Betty Anne (McMillan) WILLEMSSEN
Raymond McKinlay
WILLEMSSEN
Funeral services were held Monday, November 8, for Raymond McKinlay Willemssen, 73, from the First United Methodist Church in Clarion with the Reverend Charles B. Kellogg officiating. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Rock Rapids. The Reverend Ray Willemssen, Rock Rapids, cousin of the deceased, officiated at the burial site. Willim Funeral Home of Clarion was in charge of the arrangements. Music was provided by Betty Jean Loomis, organist, and Judy Willemssen, soloist.
Floyd A. WILLEY
October 20, 1924 ---- June 17, 2016
Floyd A. Willey, 91, of Fort Dodge went home to join his heavenly Father on
Friday, June 17, 2016, at Trinity Regional Medical Center. The memorial service
will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at Otho-Kalo Community Church.
The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Arrangements have been
entrusted with Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Floyd was born in Eagle Grove on Oct. 20, 1924, to Clarence and Hazel (Peterson)
Willey. He graduated from Vernon Consolidated School in Renwick and went on to
attend Iowa State University. He then joined the U.S. Navy and served from
1943-46. Floyd married Jaunel Cramer on June 21, 1947, and they farmed in the
Clarion area for 33 years, where he was a longtime member of the Clarion VFW.
They moved to California, where Floyd attended the school of ministry, and then
moved to the Dows for a brief time until Jaunel passed away in 1984. Floyd moved
to Fort Dodge and married Joan Shepherd on Feb. 9, 1985, in Fort Dodge. He was a
member of the Otho-Kalo Community Church, where he served as the assistant
pastor for several years. He loved spending time with his family and also
enjoyed genealogy.
Floyd is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Sandy (Steve) Kadolph and Steve
(Jean) Willey, and step-son, Kenneth (Ellen) Shepherd; six grandchildren; 10
step-grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Rosemary
Newman and Dwight (Ruth) Willey. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Hazel; wife, Jaunel; his
siblings, Ralph Willey and Beulah Willey; and step-sons, Michael White and James
Shepherd.
Rose Mae (Weymiller) WINTZ January 28, 1927 ---- December 3, 2002
Rose M. Wintz, age 75, of Clarion, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2002, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 7, 2002, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion with Rev. Curt Miner officiating. Burial was in the Hitesville Cemetery, rural Aplington, Iowa. Rose Mae Weymiller was born January 28, 1927, in New Albin, the daughter of Edward A. and Rosine (Fruechte) Weymiller. She attended and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Iowa State Teacher's College, now the University of Northern Iowa. Rose taught at Waucoma High School. On July 16, 1950, Rose was united in marriage with Harold L. Wintz at Eitzen. The couple ran the Clarion Auto Body in Clarion for 35 years. She was survived by her husband, Harold of Clarion; two daughters, Marie Kelch of Waterloo and Janis (William) Hellard of Wellington, Kan.; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a brother, John (Elnora) Weymiller of Eitzen; and several nieces and nephews. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Helen K. Weymiller. The family requested that memorials be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.
April 21, 1921 --- May 5, 2014
Ruby Woodbury, 93, of Fort Dodge, passed away Monday May 5, 2014 at the Simpson
Health Center in Fort Dodge. Memorial services were held at 10:30 AM Wednesday,
May 21, 2014 at the Tompkins Celebration Center at Friendship Haven. Visitation
was from 9:30 AM until the time of services on Wednesday, May 21st at the
Tompkins Celebration Center at Friendship Haven. A private burial was held in
Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield, Iowa. The Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation
Service are in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her two children, Roberta "Bobbi" David Countryman of Ames,
Iowa and Roger (Vicki) Woodbury of Fort Madison, Iowa; four grandchildren and
six great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents,
her sister and three brothers.
Ruby Lorene Severson was born April 21, 1921 on the family farm near Hardy,
Iowa, the fifth and youngest child of Ben and Minnie (Rasmussen) Severson. Ruby
attended rural grade school at Lake Township #5, and high school in Goldfield,
being very active in music and plays. She was the first and only Miss Goldfield
in 1938. After graduating from Fort Dodge Beauty Academy in 1940 she worked at
Osman's Beauty Shop in Eagle Grove. On March 19th, 1941 Ruby married Ronald W.
Woodbury at Riverside Methodist parsonage in Fort Dodge, "honeymooning" on the
farm. Daughter Roberta (Bobbi) arrived on May 10th, 1943, son Roger on June 21st
1944, the award-winning farm expanding continuously over the years.
Ruby was active in the First Congregational Church, 4-H (club leader, county
committee, home and garden lady, extension work, ISU hen demo flock), a longtime
member of Webster County Historical Society, Iowa Genealogical Society, and
charter member of both Webster and Humboldt County Genealogical Societies.
Ruby's work is in "Webster Prairies- the Township History of the County", and
much more on microfilm at the vast Mormon Library records in Salt Lake City. She
co-authored "Douglas Township Historical Story with Bernice Hicks for the 1976
bicentennial. Ruby was active in Rasmussen family reunion matters. She made
various radio, TV, and fair appearances.
Ruby also belonged to the Iowa Barn Foundation and Blanden Charitable
Foundation. Having taken several kinds of night classes over the years, Ruby
later took painting and sketching classes at Blanden Art Museum and joined
Amateur Iowa Artists. Her oil painting "After the Snow" hung in the Iowa
Governor's office one summer, was displayed at the state fair, and was sent on a
statewide tour.
Following retirement from active farming, Ron and Ruby ("my little Gem")
traveled the continent in their beloved Born Free camper, with frequent
genealogical-oriented side trips, eventually relocating to Friendship Haven
retirement center in Fort Dodge. Memorials may be left to the Good Samaritan
Fund at Friendship Haven.
Gone But Not Forgotten Biographies researched and compiled by Sarah Thorson Little. Names to include came from a variety of sources, including membership minutes and newspaper articles. Photographs were obtained from newspaper items, school annuals and obituaries. Please advise of Additional Names and Corrections -- especially missing photographs. Email me: wrightgenie@yahoo.com
Last Update: 12 Apr 2017
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