2012 Obituaries

2012 OBITUARIES
(Click to view 2011 obituaries)

ON THIS PAGE
Carna Gejewsky; Pearl E. Linden; Myrna A. Tebben-Cooper; Bruce C. Patten; Shirley (Buehler) Lifschitz; Judie A. Ries; Thomas J. Monroe; Mari Gustafson Sico; Duane Y. Simonson; Michael Gosch; Ruth O. Kelly, Ruth Johnson, Betty Ann Pope; Celestine "Sally" Dinges;  Irene (Gehrke) Carroll; Donald Bengford; William H. Gronemeyer; Shelly  Waldemar;  Rev. Dr. Henry Clarence Johnson, Jr;   Kenneth Fertig, D.V.M.;  John Hubiak, M.D.;  Robert Voelschow, Sr.;  Harold (Andy) Anderson;  Lloyd M. Moe;  Dorothea Crane Nielsen;  Sherry Lynn Peters;  John J. Henkelman;  Fred (Bud) Frevert;  Lake Olson;  Michael B. Thies;  Dennis Lingren;  Lewis Hummel;  John Hoefling;  Lois Benson;  Betty Eads;  Fred Schultz;  Henry Renze;  Herb Sorensen;  Janet Currie Boyd;  Wayne Lindskoog;  Helen Hamilton;  Ferne Carstensen;  Gwen (Buehler) Bender;  Dorothy Einspahr;  Phyllis Kies;  Charles L. Bird;  Lucille Cleveland;  Marilyn Stork;  Verlyn Meyer;  Keith Pope;  David Lindgren;  Marian Sonichsen
 


GAJEWSKI, CARNA RAE (MILLER)       January 15, 1962 -  Dec 28, 2012
    Carna Rae Gajewski, 50, entered into rest on December 28, 2012, at her home in Jackson, MN with her girls and grandson by her side, after a courageous battle with COPD.

   Carna was born January 15, 1962, to Gerald and Mildred Miller in Ida Grove, IA.  She graduated from Odebolt/Arthur Community Schools.  Carna received her LPN degree from DMACC.  She was a wonderful nurse, working in long term care facilities or in hospitals.

   Carna was blessed with two daughters, Jill and Allison. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, birds and her dogs.

   Her greatest pride and joy was her grandson, Camp. They had a very special bond and especially enjoyed story hour at the library.

   Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jill, of Jackson, MN; and Allison of Estherville, IA; grandson, Camp; her father, Gerald and significant other, Sheri; three sisters: Candra (Randy) Irons of Lincoln, NE; Christine (Henry) Deman of Storm Lake; and Cheryl Vanarsdol of Denison, IA; two great aunts: Ina Knop and Millie Lill both of Denison; nieces and nephews; and her Corgi, Lilly.

   She was preceded in death by her mother Mildred and grandparents.
   Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 12th, at 2:00 pm, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt with visitation two hours prior, beginning at 12:00 at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at the Odebolt Cemetery.
 


TEBBEN-COOPER, MYRNA A.       January 12, 1940 - December 4, 2012

Myrna A. Tebben-Cooper, 72, of Eldridge, died Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 10, 2012 at Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge, Iowa.  Burial was in Rock Island National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scott County Humane Society or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
 

Myrna was born January 12, 1940 in Odebolt, Iowa, the daughter of Henry & Tillie (Lorenzen) Tebben.  She was united in marriage to Gerald T. Cooper in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989.
 

Myrna was a graduate of Wall Lake High School and had attended the College of DuPage, Scott Community College and St. Ambrose University.  She had been employed over the years for Caterpillar and the Army Corps of Engineers.  She retired from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Rock Island.
 

Myrna was an avid collector of antiques and loved the company of her cats.
    
 

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Gerald (Gerry); her daughter and son-in-law, Tracey & Jorge Flores of Andover, Kansas; her son, Steve Kluver of Manning, Iowa; her grandchildren, Ashlie, Levi, Allisa & Lucas Kluver, Jacob Larman, and Amelia, Michael and Virginia Flores; four great-grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Judy & Bill Ogren of Odebolt; and her brother and sister-in-law, Harlen and Peggy Tebben.
 

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marlis Tebben-Olsen.
 

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Myrna's obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com


LINDEN, PEARL E.                     April 14, 1917 - December 9, 2012
 
Pearl E. Linden, 95, of Moville, Iowa, formerly of Kingsley, Iowa, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at Westwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Sioux City, Iowa.  Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Johnson - Earnest Funeral Home in Kingsley, Iowa. The Rev. Len Garrison officiated. Burial followed at Good Hope Cemetery, rural Correctionville, Iowa.  Expressions of sympathy may be directed through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com.

Pearl Ella Linden was born April 14, 1917 in Rutland Township, Woodbury County, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence G. and Elizabeth A. (Lancaster) Taylor. She attended country school near her farm home and later graduated from Pierson High School in 1934.
 

Following graduation, Pearl worked as a reporter for the Pierson Progress newspaper. She also assisted her family on the farm and neighbors with housekeeping and raising their children.
 

On April 2, 1946, Pearl and William Edward Linden were united in marriage at the Congregational Church in Kingsley, Iowa. They made their home at various towns in the Midwest prior to moving to Pierson, Iowa in the early 1950s. They later lived in Odebolt, Iowa until moving to their final home in Moville, Iowa in 1966. Along with homemaking, Pearl worked as a home health care assistant. She became a resident at Westwood Nursing and Rehab on Sept. 14, 2012.

While living on the farm, Pearl enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. This hobby continued throughout the years and she received numerous awards for her canning and floral arrangements at the Woodbury and Clay County fairs.  Pearl also enjoyed bird watching and caring for her houseplants, especially her African violets.


She and Bill enjoyed traveling during their retirement with their most memorable a trip to Alaska.


She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, Bill of Moville; a son, Norman Linden and his wife Theresa, of Wallingford; a daughter, Grace Linden and her special friend Wayne Lindgren of Sioux City; five grandchildren, Lisa McDaniel, Angela (Robert) Mitchell, Shane (Deyra) Rix, Corabeth (special Friend Rob Tannenbaum) Linden, and Ryan McDaniel; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clifford (Gilberta) Taylor, Orren (Leota) Taylor, George (Thelma) Taylor, Edward (Alice) Taylor, Victor Taylor, Charles (Ann) Taylor, Lloyd Taylor, Harold Taylor; sisters, Maud (Henry) Pierce, Nellie (Ed) Campbell, Elizabeth Alice Taylor.
 


PATTEN, BRUCE CALVIN          December 26,1922 - November 25, 2012

Bruce Calvin Patten was born December 26, 1922 in rural Carroll County, Iowa to Clarence Floyd (Floyd) and Anna (Billotte) Patten. His family included Martha, Gilbert (Gil), Marvin (Marv), Clarence Floyd II (Bick), Allen (Al), Myrne (Ted), and Ray (Bub). In 1923, the Patten family moved to a farm near Lamar, Chase County, Nebraska where they lived until the fall of 1927. While there Hazel and Wayne were born.

The Patten family returned to a farm in Carroll County after the death of Anna in 1927. Bruce attended the Elk Run Country School. In 1934, Gil, Marv, Bick, and Al joined the Navy. In 1936, Ted, Bruce, Wayne and their father moved to the Cook Ranch, Cook Township, Sac County, Iowa near Odebolt. There, they operated a sawmill and Ted and Bub enlisted in the Navy. In 1940, Bruce, Wayne and their father relocated to Ridgefield, Washington.

On December 18, 1940, Bruce enlisted in the Navy and joined his six brothers on the battleship Nevada (BB-36). The Patten brothers received national recognition as the Navy’s largest family. On September 9, 1941, their father, Floyd, joined the Navy in a nationwide swearing in ceremony broadcast by NBC.

On December 7th, 1941, Bruce and five of his brothers were at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attack occurred. Bruce and four of his brothers were on the Nevada docked next to the battleship Arizona when it exploded and sank. The Nevada was severely damaged but all six of the Patten brothers survived this “day in infamy” and were reassigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington (CV-2). During the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 4-8, 1942, the Lexington incurred substantial damages from Japanese aircraft, was abandoned, and later sank. The six Patten brothers were rescued by an American destroyer and cruiser.

The Patten brothers met their father in Portland, Oregon where their youngest brother, Wayne, was sworn into the Navy in June 1942. The Patten family went on a national tour to promote the sale of war bonds including Des Moines, Iowa. Afterward, Bruce and his brothers, Marv and Bick, were assigned to the troop transport Monticello (AP-61). In November 1942, the Monticello carried troops to Casablanca to support the American invasion of North Africa referred to as Operation Torch. Bruce continued serving on the Monticello delivering troops and supplies until January, 1944, when he was reassigned to the destroyer Wren (DD-568).

The Wren participated in four shore bombardment missions against the Japanese main islands. Later, she supported the Okinawa Campaign. The Wren spent the remaining weeks of the war supporting aircraft carriers attacks on the Japanese homeland. On August 26th, the Wren entered Tokyo Bay for the formal Japanese surrender ceremony on September 2nd, 1945. Bruce had the distinction of being present at the beginning of the war against Japan at Pearl Harbor and the end of the war in Tokyo Bay.

Bruce was discharged from the Navy and worked in the timber business near Battle Ground, Washington. He married Margaret Reis. Their children were Harold (Bud), Beverly, Robert, Stephen, Gerald (Jerry) and Allen Lex.

Bruce died November 25th while living in the Philippines and was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Hazel and Martha (Sporleder); brothers Gil, Marv, Bick, Al, Ted, and Bub; and children Bud, Beverly, Robert, Stephen, and Allen Lex. He is survived by his son Jerry of Ocean Park, Washington and brother Wayne of Vancouver, Washington.

 


LIFSCHITZ, SHIRLEY A. (BUEHLER)        November 18, 1941 - December 5, 2012


On December 5, 2012 Shirley Ann Lifschitz, daughter of Emmett William and Dorothy C. (Raasch) Buehler, passed away in Voorhees, NJ at age 71. She was born on November 18th, 1941 in Sac City, Iowa, and spent her childhood on a farm north of Odebolt. Having no brothers, and being the oldest child in the family, she assisted her father in the fields at an early age. Shirley graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1959 and married Daniel Lifschitz, an army career officer, from Brooklyn, NY in 1961.

A graduate of Cotty College for girls in Nevada, Missouri, and the University of Maryland in College Park, Shirley received her Master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. She was employed by the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) where she held various positions as a clinician, trainer, and district office manager in both Middlesex and Monmouth counties. She also worked as a clinician at Catholic Charities in Toms River, NJ, and Shore Mental Health Clinic in Lakewood, NJ. In her later years, she was a tireless volunteer in many social and educational programs.

Preceding her in death besides her parents was her husband, Daniel, in 1985. Those remaining to mourn are her two children: Loretta (Lifschitz) Alsouqi and her husband Saada of Salt, Jordan, and Lazzar Lifschitz of Voorhees, NJ; two step-children, Arlene McCarrey and her husband Michael of Spokane, WA, and Wayne Lifschitz and his wife Nielda of Tacoma, WA; four grandchildren: Hannah and Nadia Alsouqi and Emmett and Eric Lifschitz; one sister: Diane Swartz and her husband Larry of Early, Iowa.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Monday December 10th from 10-11 AM at the Bradley Funeral Home, Rt.73 and Evesham Rd., Marlton, NJ. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Monday at the funeral home. Interment Princeton Memorial Park, Robbinsville, NJ. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Cotty College, 1000 Austin Blvd., Nevada, MO 64772.



REIS, JUDIE A.                     April 26, 1948 - November 19, 2012        

Judie Reis, age 64, of Papillion, Nebraska died November 19th at Nebraska Med Center, Omaha, Nebraska.  Funeral services were held November 21 at Kahler Dolce Mortuary in Papillion, Nebraska with Deacon Denny Delthefs officiating.  She was buried at Calvary cemetery, Omaha.

Judie was born April 26, 1948 in Carroll, Iowa, daughter of Myron and Betty (Pietig) Reis.  She car-hopped at the Frosty Treat in Odebolt and graduated from Odebolt-Arthur in 1966.  She moved to the Omaha area in 1966 and had lived in the Omaha area since.  She worked at the print shop at UNO and ConAgra. 
  
Judie was preceded in death by her father Myron Reis and step-father, Sylvester Lunkenheimer.

She is survived by her mother, Betty Lunkenheimer of Odebolt; her sisters, LuAnn Knoble of Omaha, Neb., and Kim Lockhart of Bern, Kan.; three nieces; four nephews; and an aunt, Bev Kanne of Carroll.


MONROE, THOMAS J.                January 3, 1942 - November 13, 2012

 Thomas J. Monroe, age 70, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012, at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Saturday one hour prior to services. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenhuffman.com.

Born January 3, 1942, in Odebolt, Iowa, Thomas John Monroe was the son of Forrest Wayne Monroe and Gladys Hausman. He grew up and received his education in Odebolt.

On April 17, 1964, Tom was united in marriage to Marilyn Kay Ling. The couple made their home in Valparaiso, Indiana, and was blessed with six children, Toni, Troy, Lisa, John, Julie, and Wayne. Tom worked as a plumber while in Indiana, and returned to Iowa in 1983. He worked in maintenance at Morningside Rehab & Care Center in Ida Grove, and later at Midwest Industries, until his retirement.

Tom enjoyed fishing, camping, playing darts and cards, and watching old western movies. He especially enjoyed nature and being outdoors.

Survivors include six children, Toni Monroe of Ida Grove, Troy Monroe of Indiana, Lisa (Allen) Doely of Spring Grove, MN, and John Monroe, Julie (Gerrod) Sholty, and Wayne Monroe and fiance Renae Fassler, all of Ida Grove; 23 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include three brothers, Jerry Monroe of Las Vegas, NV, Marvin Monroe of Sioux City, and Brian Monroe, of Las Vegas, NV; four sisters, Mavis (Phillip) Hast of Ida Grove, Shirley (Pete) Pedersen of Deming, NM, Sandy (Dale) Ullrich of Arthur, and Patty (Terry) Kvasager of Plummer, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1998; his parents; a grandson, Dustin Drum; and two brothers, Don and Jim Monroe.



SICO, MARI (GUSTAFSON)                  September 5, 1941 - November 8, 2012

Mari Gustafson Sico, age 71, of Scottsdale, Arizona, formerly of Kiron, Iowa, and Elgin, Illinois, died Thursday, November 8, 2012, at Casa de Paradise in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012, at the Evangelical Free Church in Arthur, Iowa.  Interment will be at the Kiron Cemetery, Kiron, Iowa.

The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Mari Gustafson Sico was born in Odebolt, Iowa, September 5, 1941, the daughter of Russell and Ellen Nelson Gustafson. She was raised on the farm in Wheeler Township, four miles north of Kiron, Iowa, with her younger brother, James. She received her education in the Odebolt-Arthur Schools from which she graduated with the class of 1959. She then furthered her education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette where she received her B.A. degree. 

Following college Mari moved to Elgin, Illinois, where she was an elementary and special education teacher in the Dundee and Burlington School Districts until her retirement in 2003. She loved her teaching career evidenced by being awarded the “Teacher of the Year” award and was always available to help with any school project that needed assistance. 


Mari was baptized as a teenager and became a member of the First Baptist Church in Geneva, IL while living in IL. She joined various ladies' Bible studies during her retirement. Mari aka "Co", "Mama Sico" and "Mrs. Sico" was loved by everyone that met her.


In her retirement years Mari enjoyed volunteering at the school and at the Community College of the Performing Arts Center in Elgin. Retirement also allowed her more time to enjoy her membership in the Red Hat Society and her hobbies of reading, attending Broadway Shows and shopping. Her love of chocolate and Elvis will always be remembered. She was happiest when spending time with her family and many friends. And as she would say so often...Uffda!


In January of 2011, Mari moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to be nearer her daughter Amy. Mari resided at the Scottsdale Casa de Paradise Assisted Living Center. It was there where she passed away on November 8, 2012 with Amy by her side. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 71 years, 2 months and 3 days.


Mari was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Ellen Gustafson, and one brother, James Gustafson.


Those remaining to cherish her memory include one daughter, Amy Sico of Scottsdale, Arizona, one granddaughter, Alexcis Sico of Scottsdale, Arizona, sister-in-law, Mary Gustafson of Arthur, Iowa, two nieces, Rachel and husband, Darren Masters of Kiron, Iowa, and Ruth and husband, Dr. Ralph Bethea III of Republic, Missouri, one nephew, Dan Gustafson, other relatives and friends.


As a memorial, a scholarship in Mari’s name has been established and checks may be made out to the Mrs. Sico Teacher Scholarship Fund and mailed in care of Mrs. Marge Smith, 601 Clover Circle, Hampshire, IL 60140.



SIMONSON, DUANE Y.                  July 9, 1927 - November 2, 2012

Duane Y. Simonson, age 85, of Odebolt, Iowa, and formerly of Arthur, Iowa, died Friday, November 2, 2012, at Creighton University Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  Pastor DeeAnn Klapp will officiate, with burial to follow in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Military honors will be conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt.  There will be a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. 

Duane Young Olaf Simonson was born July 9, 1927, at home in Stratford, Iowa, the son of Alva and Dora (Young) Simonson.  He grew up and attended school in Stratford, the middle child of seven, including Juanita, Kenneth, Doris, Duane, Marlowe, Helen Marie, and Carolyn Ann.  He loved spending time at his grandmother's farm, helping his uncles with the chores.

In 1946, rather than be drafted into the service, he quit school, joined the United States Navy, and became a seamstress in the Seabees.  After serving in Okinawa, Duane returned home to finish high school and graduated from Stratford High School in 1947.

That fall, he began working at Farmer's Savings Bank in Stratford.  In 1950, he joined Arthur Trust & Savings Bank, which merged with Ida County State Bank and later became United Bank of Iowa.

In 1975, Duane started farming and sold Tox-O-Wik cattle oilers, later Easy Way.  He truly believed in his products and loved selling them.

Duane married Donna Haefner on July 11, 1954, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt.  They are the parents of Diane, Danel, Debra, David, Doyle, and Dayle.

Duane was devoted to his family.  He was a member of the Odebolt United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees and boards and was head usher for many years.  He also was a member of Ben Hur Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star at Arthur and served as Rainbow Dad for the Odebolt Rainbow Girls.  He was a member of the Odebolt American Legion and served on the Arthur City Council for a number of years.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Donna; six children, Diane (Tom) Schroeder of Wall Lake, Danel Simonson of Arthur, Debra (Steve) Bengford of Arthur, David (Pam) Simonson of Algona, Doyle (Marlene) Simonson of Denison, and Dayle (Derrick) Clausen of Grimes; a foreign exchange daughter, Inge (Fritz) Habegger of Switzerland; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Drs. Justin and Allison Schroeder, Luke, Sydney, and Kate of Dyersburg, TN, Cora and Scott Lahr, Alec, Tate, Chandler, and Emmett of Lake View, Tiffany and Josh Freimuth and Tucker of Lytton, Dr. Taylor and Becky Schroeder, Makenna, Keaton, and Gage of Atlantic, Tommy Schroeder of Wall Lake, Whitney Simonson of Arthur, Nick Frank and Joel Frank of Ida Grove, Kiley Simonson-Frank of Arthur, Chelsea Bengford, Laurel Bengford, and Elliott Bengford, all of Arthur, Reece Bengford of Odebolt, Deric Simonson of Ames, Hanna and Kevin Hanson of Fargo, ND, Kyle Simonson of Algona, Megan Simonson of Ames, Kelsey and Matt Younggren of Cedar Rapids, Dakota, Dori, Dayna, and Drew Clausen of Grimes, and Andrea and Matthias Habegger of Switzerland.

Other survivors include two sisters, Doris (Jim) Ward of Idaho, and Carolyn Ann Cottington of Boone; a brother, Kenneth Simonson of Granger; brother and sisters-in-law, Gordon and Jeanette Haefner of Arthur, and Bonnie Linman of Menomonee Falls, WI; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Tara Beth Schroeder; three sisters and their husbands, Juanita and Floyd Schleusener, Clarence Webbink, Marlowe and Bill Ades, and Helen Marie and Bob Lind; his parents-in-law, Lewis and Mabyl Haefner; and a brother-in-law, Roger Linman. 




G
OSCH, MICHAEL                November 23, 1971 - October 17, 2012

Michael Gosch, age 40, of Ankeny, Iowa, and formerly of Odebolt, Iowa, died at his home on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 22, 2012, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ida Grove, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  Pastor Shari O'Bannon will officiate, with burial in the Ida Grove Cemetery.  The family will greet friends at Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Home in Urbandale, Iowa, on Saturday from 5-8 p.m. 

Born November 23, 1971, in Ida Grove, Iowa, Michael Edward Gosch was the son of Wayne and Arlene (Peterson) Gosch.  He was baptized as an infant at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ida Grove, and confirmed his faith on March 23, 1986.

Michael grew up and received his education in the Odebolt area, graduating from Odebolt High School in 1990.  He attended Westmar College in LeMars, then earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1995.

On May 26, 2001, Michael was united in marriage to Nia Evans at Basilica of St. John's Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa.  The couple made their home in Ankeny.  Michael was employed by Homemaker's Furniture in Des Moines.  He enjoyed sports and golfing.

Survivors include his wife, Nia; his father, Wayne Gosch of Ida Grove; and a brother, Jason Gosch of Ames.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 2007.  



KELLY, RUTH O. (BYE)             February 10, 1924 - October 20, 2012

Ruth O. Kelly died peacefully in her sleep Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Lee Cox in Omaha, NE where she had resided for the past 10 years with their pets Pokey and Zelda.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 6-8:00 p.m. at Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt.  Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012 also at Farber & Otteman Funeral Home, with interment following at St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery, Odebolt, IA.

Ruth was born on February 10, 1924, in Odebolt, IA, to Shelby and Mabel (Lincoln) Bye. She graduated from Odebolt High School and then attended Finley Hospital School of Nursing in Dubuque, IA. It was during her training that she met Robert Kelly at Clinton, IA, where he was recuperating from three years as a Japanese prisoner of war. The couple returned to his hometown of Le Mars, IA. They were married at St. James Church in Le Mars on April 22, 1946, and made their home there for the next 12 years. They also resided in Vail, IA for 3 years, Fairbury, NE for 7 years, and returned to Odebolt in 1973 when Bob’s health began to fail. Ruth resided in Odebolt until 1998 when she sold her home and moved to Carroll. As her vision began to fail, she eventually moved to Omaha.

While living in Odebolt, Ruth was the curator of the Odebolt Museum for 8 years, a member of the Women’s Relief Corps, active with the Nursing Home bazaar, and was an avid organizer and supporter of the Odebolt Creek Days. Ruth loved to play cards, read, travel, tent camp, bird watch, and visit with family and friends.

Those left to mourn her passing are her children: Nancy (Thomas) Malloy of Carroll; Janice (Lee) Cox of Omaha; Mike Kelly of Mukilteo, WA; Tim (Mary) Kelly of Raymond, NE; Dennis Kelly of Pella; Diane (Dale) Pudenz of Columbus, NE; and Patty Klicker of Ogden; 26 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Also surviving are her siblings: Joann (Jim) Scott of Odebolt; Bill (Janet) Bye of Prescott, AZ; and Judy (Randy) Clark of Monroe. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on October 1, 1979; siblings and in-laws: Becky and Glen Mandernach; Paul Bye and spouses Helen and Florence; Mary and Don Prichard; Carol and Norman Wehner; and Helen in infancy.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorials in Ruth's name to the Odebolt Museum, Odebolt Community Center or Radio Talking Book Services at 7101 Newport Ave. #205, Omaha, NE 68152.


JOHNSON, RUTH (SEGEBART)               December 8, 1928 - October 15, 2012

Ruth Johnson, age 83, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Monday, October 15, 2012, at the Denison Care Center in Denison, Iowa.

Graveside memorial services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Odebolt Cemetery in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Vic Johnson will officiate. 

Born December 8, 1928, at home in rural Crawford County, Iowa, Ruth Ann Johnson was the daughter of John and Margaret (Krayenhagen) Segebart.  She had two brothers and two sisters, Elvin, Helen, Lucille, and Robert.  The family lived in rural Crawford and Ida counties.

Ruth graduated from Galva High School in 1947.  She then served in the United States Air Force, stationed in New Jersey.  Ruth married LeRoy Johnson on January 5, 1958, at the Lutheran Church in Ida Grove.  They farmed south of Odebolt until 1970, when they moved into Odebolt, where Ruth lived until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband LeRoy in 1997; a brother, Robert Segebart; a sister-in-law and her husband, Lily (Johnson) and Raymond Reis; and two brothers-in-law, Lyle Eriksen and Ralph Dierenfield.

Survivors include two sons, Walter "Toby" Johnson of Kiron, and Wayne Johnson of Odebolt; a brother, Alvin (Darlene) Segebart of Battle Creek; two sisters, Helen Eriksen of Holstein, and Lucille Dierenfield of Schleswig; a sister-in-law, Darlene Segebart of Ida Grove; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.


POPE, BETTY ANN           November 13, 1934 - September 26, 2012

Betty Ann Pope was born November 13, 1934, the daughter of Vernie and Lula Kropf Baker. She passed away at her home Wednesday, September 26, 2012, in Kiron, Iowa, at the age of 77.

Betty was born in Kiron and was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stockholm Township, Kiron. She received her education in the Kiron Public School graduating with the class of 1953. After graduation Betty attended business school in Omaha, Nebraska. She worked at many area restaurants, was the dietician and dietary manager at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab for many years, and operated her business until her retirement.

Betty enjoyed reading, working on puzzles and word searches, and socializing.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Vernie; and two sons, Kevin and Keith.

She is survived by daughter, Kathy and friend, Don; and daughter Kristy and son-in-law, Jim; daughter-in-law, Shelly and friend, Daryl; seven grandchildren: Derrick; Jordan and family; Jason and family; Justin and family; Jeremy and family; Dustin; and Taylor; four great- grandchildren: Jillian; Conner; Zac; and Jocelyn; her mother, Lula; one brother, Wayne and his wife, Sharon; and one sister, Marge and her husband, Alvin; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held 10 A.M., Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa. The Rev. Trish Underberg officiated the service and graveside rites held at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Kiron.

   

DINGES, CELESTINE       July 9, 1924 - October 4, 2012

Celestine "Sally" Dinges, age 88, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Richard Ball will officiate, with burial to follow in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery, Odebolt.  Friends may call at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt on Monday from 6-8 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. 

Born July 9, 1924, in Danbury, Iowa, Celestine Mary Dinges was the daughter of Joseph Henry and Gertrude (Smith) Diimig.  She grew up and received her education in Danbury, then took business courses at Odebolt High School where she earned her diploma.  Following graduation, Celestine worked several years at the Martin Bomber Plant and did domestic work for the Striker family in Omaha, Nebraska.

On November 19, 1946, she was united in marriage to Paul Dinges at Sunnyvale, California.  The couple made their home in Odebolt.  Four children, Jeanette, Rosemary, Mark, and Sheila, were born to the couple.  Celestine owned and operated the Dinges Hotel, a hotel, coffee shop, private dining room, and catering service, in Odebolt for many years.

She was a faithful member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt, was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed traveling and gardening.

Survivors four children, Jeanette Shortley of Portland, OR, Rosemary (Larry Armstrong) Dinges of Spokane, WA, Mark (Kelly) Dinges of Des Moines, and Sheila Smith of Oak Park, IL; four grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Diimig and Robert Diimig; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 2011; her parents; four sisters; and four brothers.


CARROLL, IRENE (GEHRKE)    January 10, 1925 - October 4, 2012

Agnes Irene (Gehrke) Carroll, age 87, of Sac City, Iowa, and formerly of Odebolt, Iowa, died Thursday, October 4, 2012, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City.


Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Anthon, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Ben Wilson will officiate, with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Anthon.  Visitation with the family present will be held at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. 

Born January 10, 1925, in Anthon, Iowa, Agnes Irene (Gehrke) Carroll was the daughter of John and Mildred (Everetts) Miller.  She grew up and received her education in Anthon, graduating from Anthon High School.  Irene then earned her teaching certificate at Wayne State Teacher's College.  She returned to Anthon and taught country school for several years.


In 1947, Irene was united in marriage to Charles Lee Gehrke.  The couple lived in Anthon and several other area towns including Correctionville, Ida Grove, and Arthur, eventually settling in Odebolt in 1964.  Irene cooked for many years at local restaurants and in later years was employed by Bil-Mar Foods in Storm Lake.

Irene was a member of the Methodist Church.  She enjoyed cooking and baking, her cats, and watching old black and white movies.

Survivors include four children, Charles Gehrke, Gary Gehrke, and Sandra (Troy) Davis, all of Odebolt, and Bradley (Susan) Gehrke of Williamsburg, VA; four grandchildren, Angela (Tyson) Quirk of Odebolt, Jarrod (Maggie) Sweeden of Weston, MO, Brittany Gehrke of New York City, NY, and Lauren Gehrke of Williamsburg, VA; six great-grandchildren, Karson and Roscoe Quirk, and Sydney, Josie, Larah, and Jace Sweeden; a brother, Harley (Pauline) Miller of California; a sister, Ella (Ralph) Derochie of Sioux City; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; a daughter, Linda Gehrke; two brothers, Ralph and Everett Miller; and four sisters, Katherine Frost, Ruby Lill, Dorothy Johnson, and Winifred Sands.



BENGFORD, DONALD      June 14, 1926 - September 29, 2012


Donald Bengford, age 86, of Odebolt, Iowa, died at his home on Saturday, September 29, 2012, surrounded by his most cherished possession, his family.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Richard Ball will officiate, with burial to follow in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery, Odebolt.  Military honors will be conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion.  Visitation with the family present will be held at the church on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., with a Prayer Service and Rosary at 7 p.m. 
 

Born June 14, 1926, in Odebolt, Iowa, Donald Paul Bengford was the son of Joseph W. and Helen (Dinges) Bengford.  He grew up in Odebolt where he attended St. Martin's Catholic School and Odebolt High School.

Don served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, earning the rank of Sergeant.  On April 14, 1953, he was united in marriage to Darlene Marie Heires at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Breda, Iowa.  The couple made their home in Odebolt where Don was a mechanic and ran the Skelly Station for 39 years.  They were blessed with eight children.

Don enjoyed woodworking, making rosaries, fishing trips to Minnesota, porch parties with his family, and his beloved dog, Bo.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene; eight children, Renee (John) Hanson of Cushing, Jeanette (Leslie) Fertig of Odebolt, Ann (Pat) Hoefling of Odebolt, Leah (Robert) Fineran of Ida Grove, Mitch (Lois) Bengford of Odebolt, Rose (David) Schultz of Odebolt, Tony (Andrea) Bengford of Sioux City, and Todd (Angie) Bengford of Odebolt; 27 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by four brothers, Leonard (JoAnn) Bengford and Paul (Darlene) Bengford, both of Ft. Collins, CO, Denny (Malinda) Bengford of Odebolt, and Frank (Sandy) Bengford of Greeley, CO; two sisters, Mary Van Scoy of Council Bluffs, and Dorothy (Jim) Barkley of Chicago, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and his wife, Gerald and Ruth Bengford; and a sister and her husband, Juanita and Don Ahrenholtz; and a brother-in-law, Jim Van Scoy.
   

                       
 

GRONEMEYER, WILLIAM H.    February 13, 1947 - September 17, 2012

William H. Gronemeyer, age 65, of Wilmington, died peacefully at Winchester Hospital on September 17, 2012. He was born in Carroll, Iowa, on February 13, 1947, to the late Lyle J. and Ruth C. (Stickrod) Gronemeyer. He grew up in Iowa and was a graduate of Odebolt-Arthur High School. He joined the Army in 1966 and reported to Ft. Devens, MA for AIT before being sent to Vietnam and then Germany. After being discharged in 1970, he returned to Massachusetts. He later earned his Engineering Degree from Lowell University (now UMASS, Lowell).

In 1972 Bill and Ruth (Birkle) were married and settled in Wilmington where they raised three sons. Later two beautiful daughters-in-law and five precious grandchildren were added to the family.

In March Bill retired as Senior Engineer from Aspen Compressors of Marlborough. He was proud to have been involved in the development of several patents involving the production of Aerogel.
Bill had hoped to pursue his many interests and complete his many projects after retirement. He enjoyed motorcycles, hang gliders, gyrocopters, radio-controlled airplanes, sheet metal work, computers and electronics, ham radio, vintage aircraft, and the state of Maine. He belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Woburn Sportsman’s Club, the Quannapowit Radio Association, and Wilmington’s Emergency Management. Most of all he enjoyed being  Gumpy  to Jeanette, Joseph, Evan and Nora. His fifth grandchild, Emily Jane, was born only hours before her grandfather passed away. He waited for her safe arrival before he could leave us.

Bill was the beloved husband of Ruth (Birkle) Gronemeyer, devoted father of Eric Gronemeyer and his wife Faith and Michael Gronemeyer all of Wilmington, MA, Jacob Gronemeyer and his wife Mary Kay of Hopkinton, loving “Gumpy” of Jeanette, Joseph, Evan, Nora, and Emily Jane, son of the late Lyle and Ruth (Stickrod) Gronemeyer, brother of Terry Gronemeyer and his wife Colleen, Sharon Rohlf and her husband Gary, and Scott Gronemeyer all of Iowa, Mark Gronemeyer and his wife Trudi of Missouri, brother-in-law of Louise and Peter Anderson of Wilmington, Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Friday, September 21st at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 12:00 noon.  Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 20th from 5-8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers donations in William’s memory may be made to the Woburn Senior Center, 144 School St., Woburn, MA 01801.  Bill was a U. S. Army Veteran during the Vietnam War.



WALDEMAR, SHELLY RENEE          July 6, 1964 - August 22, 2012
Memorial services for Shelly Renee Waldemar will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Kiron, Iowa, with Pastor Bruce Kaihoi and Pastor Curtis Batschelet officiating.

Music for the service will be by soloist Gwen Ecklund singing “Farther Along” and “In the Garden” with Mrs. John W. Larson serving as pianist.

Honorary casket bearers will be Bradley Waldemar, Gary Guy, Kevin Reis, Doug Prussing, Brian Batschelet, Caleb Batschelet, Mark Garrett, John M. Feddersen, Tyler Waldemar, Curtis Waldemar, Ashley Waldemar, Ethan Batschelet, Bryan Guy and Kyle Ullrich.

Burial will be at Kiron Cemetery, Kiron.

Following the service everyone is invited to return to the church and join the family for fellowship and a luncheon prepared by the First Baptist Social Committee.  Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com, Denison, is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at the funeral home.

Shelly died Wednesday, Aug. 22, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident that morning.

Shelly was born July 6, 1964, in Denison, Iowa, a daughter of James and Elfrieda Feddersen Waldemar.

She was raised on the family farm north of Deloit and received her education in Odebolt-Arthur Schools from which she graduated with the Class of 1982. Shelly enjoyed school and studying as evidenced by being an honor-roll student and member of the National Honor Society. She was also a member of the varsity volleyball team and the high school band. During her high school years she was employed at the Kiron Food Palace.

Following high school she attended Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City receiving her associative of arts degree. After receiving her degree she was employed at Odebolt State Bank in Odebolt.

Shelly married Dale Sykes at First Baptist Church in Kiron, and they made their home on the farm at Odebolt. Following their divorce she made her home in Wall Lake until moving to Carter Lake, Iowa.

She was employed in banking in the Omaha, Neb., area, Union Pacific Railroad, telemarketing and Tyson Foods. She then moved to Carroll, where she was employed at American Home Shield.

In 2010 Shelly moved to Denison, where she worked at Wesco and No Frills and at the time of her death was employed at Market Link in Carroll. All through her working years she continued to pursue her degree in accounting taking courses when time allowed.

In her spare time Shelly enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially her niece and nephews and David’s children and grandchildren, reading, and caring for her dogs.

In her early years she was a member of First Baptist Church in Kiron.

Shelly is survived by her mother, Elfrieda Waldemar of Carroll; her special friend, Kevin Reis of Denison; one sister, Tami and husband, Brian Batschelet of Spencer, Iowa; one brother, Colby Waldemar and wife Carolina of Denison; one niece, Ashley; four nephews, Curtis, Tyler, Ethan and Caleb; one grandnephew, Caden; Shelly’s special friend, David McManis, his children and grandchildren; many uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Shelly was preceded in death by her father and grandparents, Clarence and Myrtle Waldemar and Meinhard and Henny Feddersen

 


JOHNSON, Rev. Dr. Henry Clarence, Jr.       March 21, 1929 - June 25, 2012

Services for the Rev. Dr. Henry Clarence Johnson Jr. of State College, Penn., formerly of Odebolt, were June 30, 2012, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in State College, Penn. Dr. Johnson was buried in Hayes Township Cemetery, Ida County.

He died June 25 in State College, Penn.

He was born March 21, 1929, in Butte, Mont., the son of Henry Clarence and Goldie Marie Putnam Johnson. Dr. Johnson was both an Anglican priest and professor of history and philosophy of education.

He spent the last 41 years teaching at Penn State University in State College, Penn.

Dr. Johnson is survived by his daughter, Anne-Marie Johnson; a son, David T.M. Johnson; and a granddaughter, Amanda Marie Warneck.  Dr. Johnson was also the nephew of Elmer and Evelyn Johnson of Forest Hill Farm.
 

 Read his obituary from Koch Funeral Home



FERTIG, KENNETH OLSON, D.V.M.   April 21, 1933 - August 8, 2012


Dr. Kenneth "Doc" Olson Fertig, 79, of Sheldon passed away Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, at Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Sheldon United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Marvin Lindley officiating. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday in East Lawn Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.  Online memorial condolences may be sent to  www.vanderploegfunerals.com.


Dr. Kenneth Olson Fertig, the son of Eugene and Hilma (Olson) Fertig, was born on April 21, 1933, in Odebolt, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt. He received his education in Odebolt, graduating from Odebolt High School in 1951. Ken then went on to Iowa State University in Ames and received his doctor of veterinary medicine in 1957. Ken served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis and Korean War. He set up his veterinary practice in Sheldon, where he practiced until 1993.
On June 1, 1958, Ken was united in marriage to Janet Ogden in Odebolt. To this union three children were born, Scott, Steven and Susan. Ken passed away at Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012 reaching the age of 79 years, 3 months and 17 days.

He was an active member at Sheldon United Methodist Church. He served on the Sheldon Public School Board and held many offices (including president) with the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and was awarded the President’s Award in 1990. He served on the Village Northwest Board as president, and was on the committee that helped found the Village. He also was president of the Sheldon Industrial Development Corporation. He loved his family, the Sheldon Orabs, and the ISU Cyclones. He also loved to travel, golf, fish and read. After retirement, the Fertigs enjoyed their Spirit Lake, Iowa, cottage, visiting their children and grandchildren and wintering in Mesa, Ariz.
He is survived by his wife, Janet; three children, Scott (Pam) of Midlothian, Texas, Steven of McAllen, Texas, and Susan (Darrin) Duffy of Gilbert, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Jillian and Jaime Fertig, Lauren and Mackenzie Fertig, Katelyn, Kyle, Austin and Allyson Duffy; and other relatives and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Phyllis Hall; a brother-in-law, Bob Hall; and sister-in-law, Judy Mandernach.



HUBIAK, JOHN, M.D.                      October 2, 1920 - July 27, 2012

John Hubiak, M.D., age 91, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Friday, July 27, 2012, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2012, at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverends Trish Underberg and Glenn Rankin will officiate, with burial to follow in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Military honors will be conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion.  Visitation with the family present will be held Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt. 

John Hubiak was born October 2, 1920, in Garfield, New Jersey, the son of Miron and Mary (Koropchak) Hubiak. His family moved to Simpson, Pennsylvania, when John was four years old.  He attended elementary school in Richmondale, PA, and graduated from Fell Township High School in Simpson in 1939.  John paid for his college education by working at a resort in the Catskill Mountains.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1943, from Bloomsburg State Teachers College.

From 1942-46, John served in the United States Army Air Force.  He attended several specialist schools and was an engine specialist gunner on B17 and B25 bombers.  He served in the Mediterranean Theater of War, where his unit supported ground troops in the Po Valley of Italy.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, John completed two years post graduate study at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA.  In 1948, he was admitted to medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL.  He transferred to the University of Iowa medical school in Iowa City, completing his medical training in 1953.

On September 15, 1948, John was united in marriage to Alma Jacobs of Carnarvon.  The couple had two daughters, Alma Ann and Mary Ellen.

John made his home in Odebolt in 1953, where he practiced family medicine until 1988.  Following the death of his wife Alma in 1993, he married Margaret (Scheelhaase) Sorensen in 1994.

John was an active and involved member of the Odebolt community.  He helped organize the United Fund, established a Parent/Teacher Association, was an active member of Rotary Club where as president he set up the house numbering and street sign placement for Odebolt with the help of the City Council and Harry Swanson, and presented the idea of a nursing home to the Rotary Club which set up a corporation to build the unit in Odebolt and served 13 years as its treasurer before it was sold to Beverly Enterprises.  John also was active as a Rotary representative in the reorganization and consolidation of the Odebolt-Arthur Community School District, built the Odebolt Medical Clinic in 1964, organized the Honor Society at Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1969, and, in 1991, was appointed to the Odebolt Public Library board of directors and became the fund raising chairman and construction manager for the building and completion of the Rosmer Bruce Annex in 1998.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Alma Ann (Roger) Stout of Meridian, ID, and Mary Ellen Hardin of Des Moines; two step-children, Debbie (Steve) Loger of Odebolt, and Pete (Mary) Sorensen of Odebolt; four grandchildren, Jeremiah Hardin, Joshua (Amber) Loger, Dathan (Amanda) Loger, and Mitch Sorensen; and seven great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Devon, and Adi Loger, Caleigh, Jagger, Hogan, and Gennar Loger.  Also surviving are two brothers, Metro Hubiak of Azuza, CA, and Basil (Ruth) Hubiak of Ventura, CA; two sisters, Helen Davis of Springfield, PA, and Olga Hubiak of Reno, NV; as well as several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

In addition to his first wife, John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Peter and Alex Hubiak; and two granddaughters, Mandy Loger and Melissa Sorensen.




VOELSCHOW, ROBERT, SR.     August 11, 1924 - July 18, 2012

Robert (Bob) Voelschow, Sr. age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Mark Volkers will officiate, with burial in the Laurens Cemetery, Laurens, Iowa.  Visitation with the family present will be at the church on Saturday one hour prior to services.  Military honors will be conducted by Roose Post no. 313 of the American Legion.

Born August 11, 1924, in Albert City, Iowa, Robert N. (Bob) Voelschow, Sr. was the son of Herman Rudolph and Ila Minerva (Fitsimons) Voelschow.  He was raised on a farm until the family moved into town and opened a restaurant in Albert City.  Bob met his future wife, Marcia Murray, on a blind date.  The couple married before Bob left to serve in the United States Navy during World War II.

Upon his return to Iowa, Bob became a baker.  He loved what he did and continued baking until retiring in 1989.  Bob made his home in Odebolt a few years following Marcia's death in 1994.

Bob loved the small town life and formed special bonds with his neighbors.  When his health began to fail, Bob would not leave his friends.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt where he served as elder.  Bob enjoyed dancing, gardening, and playing cards.  He always had a smile for everyone.  His twinkling blue eyes and great sense of humor will be missed.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Diane (Dennis) Hoban of Fort Dodge, Ila (Brian) Young of Rapid City, SD, and Joy (Michael) Elder of Greeley, CO; a son, Neil (Phyllis) Voelschow of Houston, TX; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ila Marie Ellis of Charles City; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.  He will also be missed by his sweetheart, Joyce.

In addition to his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Betty Jo Voelschow and Jerilyn Voelschow; a son, Gordon Murray Voelschow; and a brother, Earl Voelschow.

ANDERSON, HAROLD J, "ANDY"      August 30, 1930 - June 27, 2012

Harold Joseph “Andy” Anderson, 81, of Springdale, died Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at his home.  He was born August 30, 1930 in Odebolt, Iowa to Joseph Anderson and Elenora Johnson Anderson.  Mr. Anderson retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.  He and his family then operated the Bonaparte Lake Resort for hunting and fishing in Tonasket, Washington.  He also pastored a church near Seattle for several years, and then with his wife established the Budapest Christian Library in Budapest, Hungary when they were both in their 70's.  In 2009 they opened a warehouse and distribution office to provide Christian material to reading centers in Hungary and the Balkan countries.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Graham Anderson, on September 6, 2010.  He is survived by three sons, Marc Anderson and wife Bobbi of Spokane, Washington, Kurt Anderson and wife Penny of Springdale, Arkansas, Eric Anderson and wife Joanne of Carlsbad, California; six grandchildren, Jason, Scott, Chad, Emily, Erika and Jenna; and two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Matthew.

Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Fellowship Bible Church in Springdale.  Interment with military honors was at Fayetteville National Cemetery.  Online guest book at Heritage Funeral Home, www.heritageofnwa.com

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Open Door Libraries, Budapest Library Project, P.O. Box 7494, San Jose, CA 95150.


MOE, LLOYD M.        June 30, 1921 - June 13, 2012

Lloyd Melvin Moe, the third son of Silas and Cora Moe, was born in Forest City, Iowa on June 30, 1921. He attended and graduated from the public school system in Forest City. On May 8th, 1942 Lloyd entered the service of our country in World War II. He took Basic Training at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas. After Basic, he was sent overseas with the 82nd Chemical Warfare Battalion and was in combat in Bougainville, the Solomon Islands, New Britain and the Philippine Islands and was wounded in action. Upon discharge from service in October, 1945, Lloyd returned home and entered Waldorf Junior College in Forest City.

On October 6th, 1946, Lloyd entered into matrimony with Betty Jean Miller at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua, Iowa. They had two daughters, Susan Severina and Sandra Nelsine. Lloyd received a Bachelor of Arts degree and did graduate work at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa (now University of Northern Iowa), and taught for 26 years in the Iowa Public School system. Lloyd and Betty moved to Broomfield, Colorado in 1984.

Preceded by Betty in January, 1995, Lloyd passed peacefully away on June 13, 2012 at Hospice of St. John in Lakewood, Colorado, at the age of 90 years, 11 & a half months, after a short battle with cancer. He leaves to mourn daughters Susan S. Ray (George) and Sandra N. McAvin (Andrew), and many, many friends and neighbors.

If anyone has fond memories of Lloyd &/or Betty Jean that they would like to share and be placed in his Final Scrapbook, please send them to us. These personal memories would mean a lot to Sue & Sandy. Thank you!
Susan S. Ray
7948 Harlan St.
Arvada, CO 80003-2409 



NIELSEN, DOROTHEA CRANE    March 18, 1914 - June 14, 2012

Dorothea Crane Nielsen, age 98, of Wall Lake, Iowa, and formerly of Odebolt, Iowa, died Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Twilight Acres in Wall Lake.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 18, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Dee Ann Klapp will officiate, with burial to follow in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Visitation with the family present will be held on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt. 

Born March 18, 1914, in Blenco, Iowa, Dorothea L. Crane was the daughter of Theodore and Edith (Gross) Crane.  She was raised in Little Sioux, Iowa, and graduated from Onawa High School.  After graduation, she taught in country schools for several years.

                On March 20, 1937, Dorothea was united in marriage to Emil Nielsen in Lewis, Iowa.  The couple was blessed with a daughter, Kathleen.  Emil and Dorothea farmed near Arthur, Odebolt, Peterson, and Guthrie Center, retiring to the Odebolt area in 1975.

Dorothea was a member of the Odebolt United Methodist Church.  She was a talented artist, organist, and poet who used her gifts to glorify God and inspire others.  Some of Dorothea's paintings adorn the walls of the United Bank of Iowa in Arthur.  Because of the demand for her paintings, many were sold at gift shops throughout the area or given to friends and family.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women, serving in various leadership roles.

Dorothea was preceded in death by her parents; husband Emil in 1976; and a sister, Mercedes Edmonds.  Her life and memories will always be honored and cherished by her daughter, Kathleen (Kathie) Willhoite and husband Ray of Wall Lake; her grandchildren Dan Willhoite and wife Diane of Medina, OH, and DeAnn Cowman of Urbandale; her great-granddaughters, Sara and Kendra Willhoite of Medina, OH; as well as other extended family and friends. 



PETERS, SHERRY LYNN (Sweeden)   May 15, 1957 - April 28, 2012Sherry Lynn (Sweeden) Peters, 54, passed away April 28, 2012 from injuries sustained while jogging after she was struck by a motorist in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Sherry was born May 15, 1957, in Sioux City, Iowa to Ingna Sweeden and the late Ernie Sweeden.  Sherry attended Odebolt-Arthur and graduated in 1975.  She went on to graduate from the University of Iowa in 1979 with a business degree and from DePaul University with a masters in business administration.  She moved to Chicago, IL and there met her husband Walter "Wally."  They were married on Oct. 10, 1982 in Odebolt, IA.

She is survived by her husband Wally; children Elliot, Brett, and Laura; mother Ingna; siblings Stuart, Marcy, Judy, Patty, and Terry; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Highline Community Church, Littleton, CO.  A graveside service followed at Green Mountain Memorial Park in Boulder, CO.

You are welcome to share your memories of Sherry and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook at www.horancares.com.


HENKELMAN, JOHN J.      July 23, 1938 - May 25, 2012

John J. Henkelman, age 73, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Friday, May 25, 2012, at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend David Hemann will officiate, with burial to follow in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery, Odebolt.  Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 1-5 p.m., with a Scripture Service at 2:00 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 4:00 p.m.  Military honors will be conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion. 

Born July 23, 1938, in Defiance, Iowa, John Joseph Henkelman was the son of George and Cunnegunda (Schechinger) Henkelman.  Shortly after he was born, the family moved to Vail, Iowa.  John worked for his father on the farm before entering the United States Air Force in November of 1956, serving as an Aircraft Mechanic.  He was honorably discharged in 1959.

On September 15, 1962, John was united in marriage to Helen Daniel at St. John's Catholic Church in Arcadia, Iowa.  The couple was blessed with three children.  They resided at the family farm near Vail.  In 1970, they moved to Boyer, Iowa, where they operated the Boyer Grocery Store.  John went to work at Farmland Foods in Denison, Iowa, where he was employed for 30 years. The store then closed in 1978.  In 1993, they moved to Odebolt, Iowa.  John continued to work at Farmland until his retirement in 2000.

John loved his children and grandchildren very much.  He enjoyed watching old westerns, telling stories, fishing, gardening, singing, and playing cards.  He always looked forward to upcoming trips with family and friends, especially trips with his siblings.  He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt where he enjoyed singing in the choir.  John also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served with the American Legion Honor Guard for fallen veterans.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leo and George Henkelman; and five sisters, Catherine Fineran, Marie Walters, Thelma Rowedder, Helen Kock, and Jean Arp.  He is survived by his wife, Helen; three children, Joe Henkelman and his fiancée, Michele of Kiron, Jim Henkelman and friend Carol of Odebolt, and Janette Vesterfelt and husband Joe of Carroll; six grandchildren, Tisha, Tanna and Tage Henkelman, and Jaylynn, Jirieya, and Jukoie Vesterfelt, all of Carroll; two sisters, Alice Scheel and husband Vern of Wilmington, IL, and Rita Cruse of Fremont, NE; as well as other relatives and friends. 



FREVERT, R. FREDRIC (Bud)     June 2, 1922 - March1, 2012

R. Fredric (Bud) Frevert passed away on March 1, 2012. Fred was born June 2, 1922 and raised in Odebolt, Iowa, the grandson of Henry Anton Frevert, son of Anna Keller and Fred A. Frevert.  

He served as a Navy lieutenant in WWII. His career in marketing research began in1947 in New Jersey, then Chicago and New York ultimately to Minnesota working with General Mills; he ran two private research firms before he retired in 1988.  Fred (Bud) found and archived untold layers of family history both genealogical and anecdotal. Bud was married to Patricia Kehoe Frevert for 57 years and he is survived by three children and four grandchildren. 

Bud was an extraordinary human being who was an observant and engaging world traveler. At an age when people often look inward he continued looking around the next corner. Those who knew him describe him as an exceptional gentleman, gracious, caring and smart. 

Friends and family will celebrate Bud’s life in Seattle on what would have been his 90th birthday, June 2, 2012.


OLSON, LAKE B.        November 10, 1916 - April 29, 2012

Lake Olson, age 95, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend DeeAnn Klapp will officiate, with burial to follow in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Friends may call at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., with the family present from 6-8 p.m. 

Born November 10, 1916, in Des Moines, Iowa, Lake Woodrow Olson was the son of Reuben and Selma (Blumgren) Olson.  The family lived in Wisconsin until Lake was three years old, then moved to Boyer, Iowa, when he was eight.  Lake attended Stockholm #10 in Boyer, and graduated from Odebolt High School in 1934.

Following graduation, Lake attended electrical school in Chicago.  He worked as a sailor with Inland Steel Company in Chicago on iron ore boats and when World War II began was commissioned as an officer in the United States Coast Guard with the Merchant Marines.

On January 17, 1942, Lake was united in marriage to Irene Anderson in Omaha, Nebraska.  Lake was stationed out of Chicago and returned to the Odebolt area following the war.  The couple was blessed with two daughters, Linda and Betty.

Lake farmed in Crawford and Sac counties for many years, and put his electrical training to use wiring many farmsteads for electricity.  He also provided welding services to local farmers.  He retired and moved into Odebolt in 1985.  Lake possessed an innate mechanical sense and was able to invent, repair, and create most anything he had a mind to, and was often called upon by friends and neighbors for assistance.   

An active member and head usher of the United Methodist Church in Odebolt for many years, Lake also served his community in various ways.  He was clerk of Stockholm Township for ten years, served as school director of Stockholm #10, was a director and president of the Kiron Telephone Company, and served on the ASCS Township Committee for 25 years.  He was a member of the Crawford County Extension Council and the FHA board and was a director of the Odebolt Co-op Elevator for nine years.

Survivors include his wife of seventy years, Irene; two daughters, Linda (Charles) Swanson of Boxholm, and Betty (James) Sullivan of Fort Dodge; four grandchildren, Erik (Tara) Swanson of Omaha, NE, Paul (Emily) Swanson of Winchester, IL, Kellie Sullivan of Waukee, and Daniel Sullivan of Fort Dodge; three great-grandchildren, Aaron, Presley, and Chandler Swanson; a brother, Ray Olson of Bonners Ferry, ID; as well as other extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother in infancy, Charles Olson. 



THIES, MICHAEL B.      May 19, 1958 - April 17, 2012

Michael B. Thies, 53, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at a local hospital.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wall Lake, Iowa. Burial will be in Wall Lake Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent online to www.christysmith.com.

Michael was born on May 19, 1958, in Ida Grove, Iowa, to Bernard and Mary (Murphy) Thies. He graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School in 1976. He received an associates of applied science degree in hotel/motel and restaurant management in 1986.

Michael always had diverse interests. His accomplishments included being a farmer, truck driver, hotel manager, salesman, machine shop worker, and casino dealer. But the most cherished position he held was caregiver for his mother.

Survivors include his brothers, Gerry and Barbara Thies of New York, N.Y., Don and Peg Thies of St. Louis, Mo., Bob and Paula Thies of Algona, Iowa, Dick and Cam Neumann of Carroll, Iowa, and Wayne and Evelyn Neumann of Charter Oak, Iowa; and a brother-in-law, Marty Johnson of Dayton, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Lois Johnson.


LINGREN, DENNIS      March 13, 1947 - April 23, 2012

Dennis Wayne Lingren was born March 13, 1947, the son of Emory and Elda Clark Lingren. He passed away Monday, April 23, 2012, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 65.  Services were held Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 500 North 24th Street, Denison, Iowa.

Dennis was born in Denison, Iowa. He was baptized in Christ on April 14, 1957, at the Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa, on May 7, 1978. Dennis attended Odebolt Community Schools. He was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Meseck in Omaha, Nebraska, on December 14, 1968. Dennis worked for AMPI hauling milk in the 70s, Crawford Elevator, Gomaco, and Jorgensen Trucking from 1976-1993, AGP from 1993-2004, and most recently at Adams Motor from 2004-2009.

Dennis was a very caring husband, father, and grandfather. He took excellent care of his cars, keeping them running well and clean. In his spare time, Dennis liked to watch John Wayne movies on television and refinish furniture. He was a NASCAR fan and also enjoyed collecting NASCAR memorabilia. The family dog, Mattie, also held a special place in his heart.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Merlyn; and two sisters, Leora and Evelyn. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; three sons: Brent and his wife, Jill; Rodney and special friend, April; and Darren and his wife, Lori; three grandsons: Bryce; Skyler; and Blake; two brothers, Donald and his wife, Elaine; and Richard; three sisters: Waverlene; Jean and her husband, Mark; and Geri; one brother-in-law, Delbert; one sister-in-law, Pat; other relatives and friends.


HUMMEL, LEWIS                        August 22, 1926 - April 17, 2012
Lewis Hummel, age 85, of Sac City, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Sac City, with The Reverend Sharla Hulsey officiating.  Visitation with the family present was held at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 p.m.  Burial was in Oakland Cemetery, Sac City.  Military honors were conducted by VFW Post No. 590 and American Legion Post No. 195.

Born August 22, 1926, in Odebolt, Iowa, Lewis Clarence Hummel was the son of Loren and Jeanetta (Keller) Hummel.  He was baptized April 10, 1938, at the United Methodist Church in Early.  He graduated from Sac City High School in 1944.  Lewis joined the United States Navy on December 2, 1944, and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, working as an airplane mechanic.  He was honorably discharged on July 27, 1946.

On September 25, 1954, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Elaine Johnson in Storm Lake.  The couple was blessed with six children.

Lewis enjoyed reading, playing cribbage and euchre, fishing, and watching westerns and old movies.  He was a talented mechanic and enjoyed hanging with friends to work on cars, trucks, mowers, or anything with a motor.  He loved life, family and friends and fought cancer four times and in the end fought hard to stay here.

Survivors include six children, Jeff Hummel of Cherokee, Jill (Yancy) Bolden of Rock Island, IL, Jan (Mark) Clay of Aurora, CO, Jody (Darwin) Taylor of Storm Lake, Julie Hummel of Sac City, and Jason Hummel of Sac City; nine grandchildren, Nick, Chris, Megan, Michael, Laura, Adam, Chad, Brian, and Sam; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marie Siebrecht of Alta.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; a granddaughter, Nicole Rae Hummel; his parents; five brothers, Hubert, Al, Harold, Donald, and Paul Hummel; and two sisters, Martha Sigler, and Mary Acton.


HOEFLING, JOHN    February 21, 1942 - April 21, 2012
John Hoefling, age 70, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2012, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend David Hemann will officiate, with burial to follow in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery, Odebolt.  Visitation with the family present will be held at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., with a Scripture Service at 5 p.m. 

Born February 21, 1942, in Odebolt, Iowa, John Earl Hoefling was the son of Earl John and Mary (Hazelhoff) Hoefling.  He grew up and received his education in Odebolt.

On July 7, 1962, John was united in marriage to Jolene Ernst at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt.  The couple was blessed with two children, Mark and Rod.

John farmed in Sac County and raised cattle and hogs for twenty years.  For the next twenty years he and Jolene drove semi to the west coast every week.  He later drove grain truck for Jar D. Schultz.

John enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching and feeding the birds, and especially enjoyed activities with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Jolene; two sons, Mark (Julie) Hoefling and Rod (Krista) Hoefling, all of Odebolt; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.  He is also survived by a brother, Douglas (Linda) Hoefling of Galesburg, IL; three sisters-in-law, Norma Lyman of Grand Junction, CO, Bernadine Kragel of Schleswig, and Marlene Harper of New London; two brothers-in-law, Charles (Traudl) Ernst of Roxboro, NC, and Hugo (Cynthia) Ernst, Jr. of Grand Junction, CO; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Lester Keiser; his parents-in-law, Hugo and Gertrude Ernst; and two brothers-in-law, Gerald Lyman and Paul Kragel.



LOIS BENSON (Boerner)            February 11, 1937 - March 25, 2012
Lois was born to Eva Elizabeth Landgraf Boerner and Dallas Tripp Boerner on February 11, 1937 in Herring, Iowa. She passed away on March 25, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her family at her bedside.

Lois grew up on Iowa farms and worked alongside her father in the fields. She graduated from Odebolt, IA High School in 1955. After graduation, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska and worked for a Union Pacific advertising agency as a secretary for 7 years.

While in Omaha, Lois met her husband Burdette and they were married on May 14, 1960. They moved to Colorado Springs, CO in 1968. After raising her family, Lois returned to work for the School District 11 as the head secretary at Lincoln Elementary School for 20 years and retired in 1997.

After retirement, Lois and Burdette loved to travel in their fifth wheel trailer and were also members of the Ute Bobcats Chapter of Colorado Family Campers and RVers for the past 39 years.

Lois was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, CO and enjoyed donating her services to various church activities.

In her spare time, Lois enjoyed gardening and loved to play golf and throw horseshoes. She enjoyed attending Colorado Rockies games and also her granddaughters' many sporting events.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dallas and Eva Boerner. She is survived by her husband, Burdette Benson of Colorado Springs; daughter, Connie Teubner (husband, Gordon) of Centennial, CO; grandchildren, Kristin, Kellie and Kaitlyn Teubner; sister-in-law, Mavis Benson of Kiron, IA; nephew, Curtis Benson (wife, Cindy) and their family of Omaha, NE.

A Memorial Service was held at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 30, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Deacon's Fund, 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.


EADS, BETTY (Lindquist)           January 6, 1929 - March 23, 2012 
Betty Mae Eads, daughter of Gustoph Adolph Lindquist and Neva Paulson Lindquist was born January 6, 1929 in Odebolt, Iowa and passed from this life Friday, March 23, 2012 at Winterset Care Center South in Winterset, Iowa at 83 years of age.

Betty received her education in Odebolt High School. She was united in marriage to Albert Elliott Eads on March 9, 1950 at Leon, Iowa and one son Alan blessed this union.  Betty and her husband lived on a farm near Truro, Iowa for many years. She enjoyed being outdoors where she loved watching birds. She also loved spending time with her family and enjoyed her great grandchildren.

Those relatives who preceded Betty in death were her parents, Gustoph Adolph Lindquist and Neva Lindquist; husband, Albert Elliott Eads; sister, Helen Lange; and her son, Alan Eads.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory; grandsons, Shawn M. (Isobel) Eads of Macksburg, IA and William A. (Katie) Eads of Cumming, IA; great-grandchildren, Sean P. Eads of Macksburg, IA; Shannon M. Eads of Macksburg, IA; Matthew Eads of St. Charles, IA; Alyssa Eads of St. Charles, IA; Brayden Eads of Cumming, IA; niece, Sharon Wayland of Arthur, IA; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Graveside services were held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 29, 2012 at Fremont Cemetery with Pastor Sandy Smith officiating.

Interment of Betty's cremains followed in the Fremont Cemetery in Clarke County, Iowa.


SCHULTZ, FRED "Fritz"      February 24, 1931 - March 31, 2012
Funeral services for Fred "Fritz" Schultz, age 81, of Odebolt, will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, April 5, 2012, at the Methodist Church in Odebolt, with Pastor Dee Ann Klapp officiating. Burial will be in the Odebolt Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., with the family present, at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt.

Fred "Fritz" H.W. Schultz was born on February 24, 1931, the son of Walter and Emma (Johannsen) Schultz. Fritz was born on a farm near Kiron, IA, where he received his education in rural school. He was baptized in Christ and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Stockholm County, near Kiron.

On September 14, 1950 he was united in marriage to Florence A. Sauter at the same church. Later they transferred to the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, IA. He served on different church boards for a few years. They were blessed with three children; Diane, Dennis, and David, and raised one foster son, Roger. He had a great faith in God and loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren very much.

They lived on a farm northeast of Odebolt for all their married life working together for over 61 years. His love of life was farming, planting and harvesting, trucking, and his greatest joy was raising and feeding cattle. Fritz received an honorary FFA Chapter Member Award for his contributions to the local FFA chapter. He also served on the Arthur Elevator board for 16 years.

Fritz and Florence loved to travel abroad through their travel bureau. They chaperoned many trips to Hawaii, it was one of their favorite places to go. They also loved to dance to polka music all their married life, Fritz was a great dancer. Fritz had a great sense of humor. He loved to joke with people and tell stories. He was also a great friend to family and neighbors, always willing to lend a hand.

He passed away at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove on March 31, 2012.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Dorothy as a young child, Erma Bielenberg and husband Clarence, and brother Irvin and wife Lavaughn, two sisters-in-law: Esther Sauter and Fern Schramm and husband Albert, and two brothers-in-law: Fred Schramm and Gayle Siebrecht.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Florence, three children; Diane and her husband Tom Paulson of Odebolt, Dennis and his wife Mary Schultz of Plover, WI, and David and his wife Rose Schultz, and foster son Roger and his wife Gloria Huisenga, all of Odebolt. He is also survived by his sisters; Alice Schramm, Velma Siebrecht, Ruby and her husband Clarence Friedrichsen, and Verna and her husband Mervin Petersen, and his nine grandchildren; Joann and husband Ryan Baumert, Jeanette and husband Jeff Wulf, Jeffrey Paulson, Jennifer Paulson, Ryan Schultz, Megan Schultz, Daniel Schultz, John and wife Michelle Schultz, and Ashley and husband Andy Poen, and six great grandchildren.


RENZE, HENRY FRED           December 13, 1913 - March 31, 2012

Funeral services for Henry Fred Renze, 98, of Odebolt, formerly of Arthur, will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at the St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt with Father David Hemann officiating. Burial will be in the St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery. The family will be present for visitation on Tuesday from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and a parish wake service at 7:15, at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt.

Henry Fred Renze was born on December 13, 1913, at Roselle, Carroll County, Iowa. He was the son of Fred and Mary (Tunning) Renze. He attended Holy Angels Catholic School in Roselle through the sixth grade where he resided frequently with the nuns.

On January 7, 1941 Henry was united in marriage to Emily Louise Bauer at St. Martin's Catholic Church. The couple made their home on a farm northeast of Arthur where they raised their family of seven children; Floyd, Shirley, Ellen, Fred, Patricia, Mary, and Francis. They retired and moved to Arthur in 1986. After Emily's death in November of 2011, he continued to reside in his own home until the past month when he resided at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center.

Henry was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt since 1940. It was in this church that he first saw the love of his life, Emily Bauer.

Henry liked going to the farm even when he no longer lived there. He liked going to the sale barn to visit with a lot of old friends. When he no longer could go to the sale barn, he watched the cattle auctions on the RFD channel. Henry liked riding horses, fishing, playing cards, and dancing.

Henry died Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa.

Preceding Henry in death were his parents, his wife of more than 70 years, Emily, his sister Margaret, and brothers Frank and Norbert.

Survivors include his seven children; Floyd and his wife Arlis Renze of Ida Grove, Shirley and her husband Pat Scanlan of Kiron, Ellen and her husband Eldon Pfleeger of Ida Grove, Fred and his wife JoAnn Renze of Galva, Patricia and her husband Ray Coenen of Omaha, NE, Mary and her husband Charlie Holthus of Lisco, NE, and Francis "Pete" and his wife Vickie Renze of Arthur. Also surviving are 26 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, his brother Leo Renze of Carroll, sisters Minnie Bauer of Mapleton, Loretta Schultes of Carroll, Regina Schultes of Carroll, and Lucille Wittrock of Audubon, and other relatives and friends.
 



SORENSEN, HERB           February 23, 1925 - February 27, 2012

Word has been received here that Herb Sorensen passed away February 27, 2012 in Providence, R.I.

He was born to Herman D. and Pearl E. Sorensen on February 23, 1925.  Herb married Lillian Isabella in Rhode Island in 1946.  They had one son, Dennis (Bernice) and one granddaughter.

He is survived by three bothers:  Ken (Jackie) of Odebolt; Don (Deanne), Providence, R.I.; and Herman Jr. of Odebolt.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers:  LeRoy, Merle and Pat.


BOYD, JANET (Currie)   July 20, 1928 - February 17, 2012

Janet Boyd, age 83, passed away February 17, 2012 at Risen Son Christian Village in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she lived for the past 8 years.

Mary Janet Currie was born July 20, 1928 in Sac County near Odebolt, Iowa to Donald and Mary (McGeachy) Currie and spent her childhood on the farm, attending country school and graduating from Odebolt High School with the class of 1946.  After moving away, she thoroughly enjoyed returning to her class reunions in Odebolt.  Janet attended Buena Vista Collage in Storm Lake, Iowa two years and then earned a degree in sociology from Drake University in Des Moines.  She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt, and always visited when she was home.

She worked as a social worker for Cook County Welfare in Chicago and later moved to New York where she was employed with the welfare department of the City of New York for thirty years.  She was married to Lummie Boyd in 1969 in New York.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Lummie, an infant daughter, Cheryl Jan, her parents and a sister, Dorothy Jean Wales.

She is survived by her brother, James Currie and wife Roberta of Ridgeland, MS; sisters: Kathryn Corliss and husband Don of Shreveport, LA, Barbara Quandahl and husband Paul of Ralston, NE, Nancy Collins and husband Paul of Iowa City, IA; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb 22, at the West Center Chapel of Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak & Cutler mortuary in Omaha, Nebraska with Chaplain Jon Hansen from Risen Son Christian Village officiating.  Burial took place Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.


LINDSKOOG, WAYNE       March 5, 1918 - March 9, 2012

Wayne Lindskoog, age 94, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Friday, March 9, 2012, at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Kiron, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Bruce Kaihoi will officiate, with burial to follow in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Visitation with the family present will be held Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt. 

Born March 5, 1918, on his grandparents' farm in Sac County, Iowa, Wayne Bayard Lindskoog was the son of Rueben and Elna (Larson) Lindskoog.  He attended Wheeler Township #5, and graduated from Odebolt High School in 1936.

On July 5, 1942, Wayne was united in marriage to Ruby Mauritz at her parents' home in rural Kiron, Iowa.  The couple was blessed with two children, Dennis and Marlys.  Wayne lived and farmed in Sac County his entire life.

He was a baptized and confirmed member of the Odebolt Covenant Church until it closed, then attended Kiron Baptist Church.  Wayne had a great appreciation for music and sang at countless weddings, funerals, and community events throughout his life.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby; two children and their spouses, Dennis and Cynthia Lindskoog of Odebolt, and Marlys and Mark Conner of Glidden; four grandchildren, Lori (Steve) Mattes of Newton, Brett (Andra) Lindskoog of Odebolt, Jill (Paul) Fox of Chaska, MN, and Abby (Whitney) White of Ames; eight great-grandchildren, Adam, Caleb, Micah, and Brennan Mattes, Brynn, Blaire, and Alec Lindskoog, and Conner White; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Virginia Schmidt.


HAMILTON, HELEN (Hannemann)   June 2, 1928 - March 3, 2012

Helen Louise (Hannemann) Hamilton, age 83, of White Bear Lake, MN, formerly of Odebolt, died Staurday, March 3, 2012 in White Bear Lake, MN. 

Graveside Service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Odebolt Cemetery, Odebolt, IA

Helen Louise Hannemann was born June 2, 1928 in Denison, Iowa, to Alexander and Elizabeth Hannemann of Odebolt, Iowa. She is in our hearts and will be forever missed.

She is survived by her children: David (Lynne) Hamilton, Steven (Patricia) Hamilton, Gregory Hamilton and Daniel Hamilton; beloved sister: Regina McNew; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years: Robert E. Hamilton.

Memorials may be directed to Breast Cancer Research.




CARSTENSEN, FERNE (Kessler)   December 17, 1932 - February 21, 2012

Ferne Carstensen, age 79, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend DeeAnn Klapp will officiate.  The family will greet friends on Saturday one hour prior to services at the church. 

Born December 17, 1932, in Ida Grove, Iowa, Ferne Mary Carstensen was the daughter of Elmer and Emma (Hansen) Kessler.  She attended country school and graduated from Odebolt High School in 1949.  Ferne worked at the Odebolt State Bank for several years prior to her marriage to Leonard "Stub" Carstensen on March 9, 1957, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt.  The couple was blessed with two children, Mary and Kurt.

Ferne was a lifelong member of her church and an active member of her community.    She served as treasurer of the United Methodist Women for many years, participated in Tri-M's, and was treasurer of the Odebolt-Arthur school board for over 25 years.  She enjoyed sewing and quilting, cooking, baking and canning, flowers, and refinishing furniture, but her greatest joy was found in her grandchildren.

Known affectionately by many as "Grandma," "Mom," or "Aunt," Ferne will be remembered for her giving and selfless nature.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Stub; two children, Mary Carstensen of Falls Church, VA, and Kurt (Tammy) Carstensen of Odebolt; five grandchildren, Bailey and Sydney Robinson, and Colton, Casey, and Cailin Carstensen; a sister, Lois Oxendale of Arthur; and many other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents.




BENDER, GWENDOLYN (Buehler)    July 23, 1949 - February 20, 2012
 
Gwendolyn E. Bender, age 62, of Carroll, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, at the Carroll First Assembly of God Church in Carroll with Pastor David Schaal officiating. Friends may call at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. on Thursday. The casket will be moved to the church at 9:00 A.M. on Friday until the time of service. Music for the service will be the Carroll First Worship Team. Burial will be in the Carroll City Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Roger Buehler, Gary Babcock, Aaaron Siebrecht, Chad Neumann, Travis Neumann, Curt Scott, Reggy Tuel, and Bob Larson. Honorary casket bearers will be her grandchildren.

Born on July 23, 1949 at Sac City, Iowa, she was the daughter of Earl and Ivon (Sorrell) Buehler. She grew up in Odebolt and graduated Odebolt – Arthur High School in 1968. She was married to Marlin Bender in 1968 in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and the couple later divorced. She attended DMACC in Carroll and earned a degree in Business Administration. Gwen worked at Sitel, the Breda Telemarketing, and the Carroll Manor Nursing Home. She was a member of the Methodist Church while living in Odebolt. Gwen enjoyed playing pinochle on her computer and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are her father Earl Buehler of Odebolt, Iowa; a daughter Sheila Bender of Carroll; two sons: James Bender and his wife Jeanette of Carroll, and Christopher Bender and special friend Shelley Mancilla of Odebolt; nine grandchildren; two brothers: Benjamin Buehler and his wife Marilyn of Lake View, Iowa, and Paul Buehler of Fremont, Nebraska; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gwen was preceded in death by her mother and her grandparents.



EINSPAHR, DOROTHY JANE

Dorothy Jane Einspahr, 93, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Bright Kavanagh House, Des Moines, Iowa.  Dorothy is formerly of Arthur, IA.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sandi (Pat) Lickteig; grandson, Shon (Stefanie) Clausen; great grandchildren, Sammantha, Chase, Brady, Nick and Jynx Clausen; sister-in-law, Elsa Swinbank, of Houston, TX; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Einspahr; parents, William and Maude Swinbank; and son, Ken Einspahr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.



KIES, PHYLLIS I. (Benning)         March 13, 1921 - February 18, 2012

Phyllis I. Kies, age 90, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Glenn Hansen will officiate, with burial to follow in the Odebolt Cemetery.  Friends may call at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt on Monday from 4-8 p.m., with the family present from 6-8 p.m.

Born March 13, 1921, in Westside, Iowa, Phyllis Irene Kies was the daughter of Gus and Irene (Dohse) Benning.  She attended school at Westside and later graduated from Holstein High School.  She earned her two-year teaching diploma at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls in 1947, and her BA degree from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake in 1967.

On December 30, 1950, she was united in marriage to Arnold W. Kies at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Odebolt, Iowa.

Phyllis was a teacher for 45 years, beginning at country schools in the Ida Grove and Holstein areas.  She taught seventh and eighth grades as well as vocal and instrumental music at Arthur and Lone Rock, then came to Odebolt and taught sixth grade until her marriage.  Phyllis later taught kindergarten at Early and Nemaha for several years and continued at Odebolt teaching second grade and kindergarten until retiring in 1987.

She and Arnold farmed north of Odebolt until moving into town in 1979.

Phyllis was involved with the restoration of the Petersen Pioneer Home as a member of Questers, and was a member of the Tuesday Club and helped with the Odebolt Museum.  An important part of her life was her church, where she held offices, taught Sunday school, directed the choir, and served as church organist.

Music, antiques, reading, traveling, and the lives of her many students were among her special interests.

Survivors include her son, Doug Kies of Paullina; a brother, Russell Benning of Holstein; a sister, Gladys Groszkruger of Dallas, TX; a sister-in-law, Joan (Leon) Petersen of Ida Grove; two nieces, Carla Brooks of Rockwell, TX, and Tamra (Fred) Wulff of Omaha, NE; and two nephews, David (Karen) Petersen of Ida Grove, and Chris (Kim) Petersen of Ames.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, on January 15, 1997; her parents; Arnold's parents, William and Katherine Kies; and a brother-in-law, Carl Groszkruger.



BIRD, CHARLES LEE         October 27, 1967 - January, 2012 

Charles “Charlie” Lee Bird, age 44, of Odebolt, IA, died near Arthur, Iowa. (Date of death pending; his body was found February 9, 2012.)   He was born on October 27, 1967, to William P. and Delores J. (Wood) Bird at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha, NE. He was baptized in the catholic faith in1969 at Plattsmouth, NE, and attended St. John’s Catholic School in Plattsmouth.  The family later moved to Odebolt where he was confirmed at St. Martin’s Catholic Church on October 28, 1981, and  graduated from Odebolt High School in 1986.

Charlie worked for the city maintenance department for 15 years and at Walmart as an overnight stocker for 10 years.  His hobbies included fishing, making crafts, walking, computer games and gardening.  He was always ready, willing and able to help family and friends in times of need and loving spending time with them.  Special memories would include walnut fights with siblings and mother, and tossing snowballs and tomatoes.  He was a member of the cub scouts as a child as well as boy scouts and helped care for his ailing mother.  


Survivors include his brothers, William M. (Denise) Bird of Newell, Robert A. (Michelle) Bird, Sr. of Odebolt, and Anthony J. Bird of Sioux City; sister Cecilia (Jerry) Mathies of Deloit; many nephews and nieces: Jason, Matthew and Brandy DeShane, Kyle and Jordon Mathies, Amy DeVires, William J. Bird, Aleshia Bird, Joseph Bird, Robert Bird, Jr., Martin Bird, Jonathon Bird, Aaron Bird, Alana Hausman, Alyssa Hausman, and Kristoffer Hausman; extended family members and friends.


Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; brother Martin D. Bird, sister Lorraine A. Bird; sister-in-law Kimberly R. Bird, nephew Sgt. Adrian E. Hike; paternal and maternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.


     Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt with inurnment at a later date.




CLEVELAND, LUCILLE (Wollesen)   November 29, 1921- Jan. 27, 2012

Lucille LaVon Cleveland passed away January 27, 2012, at the Stewart Memorial Hospital in Lake City after an 11 month stay at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, IA.

Lucille was born November 29, 1921, in Wall Lake Township. She was the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Mauer) Wollesen. She married William Taggert Cleveland, June 19, 1942. Lucille graduated from Odebolt and went on to be a teacher. She taught in Carnarvon country school for several years. She worked at Parkinson Furniture Store before becoming an Avon Representative which was a rewarding experience. She was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.

Lucille was known for her love of family, playing cards, attending church and cooking Sunday dinners. Brownies, pies and cinnamon rolls were her specialties.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Survivors include two sons and one daughter: Robert and wife Twila of Lake View, Betty and husband Glen Momsen of Springfield, MO, Lynn “Gus” and wife Linda of Lake View; daughter-in-law Linda Cleveland of Ft. Collins, CO; nine grandchildren: Chad, Julie, Michael, Rachael, Brian, Bridgette, Nettie, Cassidy and Christopher; ten great-grandchildren; and extended family members.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband William T. Cleveland; son Dean Alan Cleveland; parents Edward and Elizabeth Wollesen; four brothers: Edward, Everett, Alfred and LaVern; and sister Mildred McCurnin. 



STORK, MARILYN (Hoefling)       July 14, 1935 - January 18, 2012


Marilyn Stork, age 76, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at St. Anthony's Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa.
 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend David Hemann will officiate, with burial to follow in St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery in Odebolt.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of services. 

Born July 14, 1935, in Sac County, Iowa, Marilyn J. Stork was the daughter of Harold and Mary (Buehler) Hoefling.  She grew up and received her education in Odebolt, graduating from Odebolt High School in 1954.
 

On November 20, 1954, Marilyn was united in marriage to Fred Stork at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt.  The couple made their home in Odebolt where they raised their family.  Over the years, Marilyn worked various part-time jobs in the area.  She was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church and enjoyed gardening, reading, and bird-watching.  She was active in the Sac County Democrats and served on the election board.

Survivors include four children, David (Lori) Stork of Lake View, Daniel (Lesa) Stork of Coon Rapids, Deborah Stehr of Lake View, and Denise (Dan) Holmes of Mt. Carmel; eight grandchildren, Keith, Angela, Justin Stork, Hannah Stork, Michael and Jonathan Stehr, and Sarah and Scottie Schonts; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald (Roberta) Hoefling of Oto; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Dianna Schonts; an infant son, Dennis; her parents; a grandson, Casey Stork; and a grandson in infancy.


MEYER, VERLYN        March 12, 1941 - January 17, 2012



Verlyn Meyer, age 70, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend DeeAnn Klapp will officiate, with burial to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Battle Creek, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held at the Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Odebolt, Iowa, on Friday from 4-8 p.m.

Verlyn Ray Meyer was born on March 12, 1941, the son of Herman and Minnie (Auen) Meyer in Lake View, IA. He was baptized as an infant at the Presbyterian Church in Carnarvon, Iowa. At the age of four he moved with his parents to a farm south of Early. He attended Early Consolidated School, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1958. He attended Buena Vista College, graduating in 1964. While attending college, he worked in Early for Harold Vining and later for Cecil Boeckman making loading chutes and doing welding repairs. Some of those chutes are still in the area.

On June 25, 1963, Verlyn married the love of his life, Betty Louise Watson, at her parents' home in Ida Grove. They were blessed with three children: Jerry, Jim, and Scott.

After graduating from college, he taught in Fonda and then in Eagle Grove, Iowa. While teaching in Eagle Grove he attended school in the summers and obtained his masters degree.

In the 1970's, he decided to make a career change and went to work as district representative for a crop insurance company. He worked for Dornberger-Berry, the Hartford, and at the present time for Agri-Business in Schaller, Iowa. He really enjoyed calling on his agents and made many new friends over the years.

 Verlyn was an avid sports fan, watching on both television and sitting in the stadium watching the Hawkeyes play. Watching the grandchildren play football, softball, soccer, and basketball was a real joy for him. The family enjoyed several trips together in the last few years - going to Colorado, Oregon and Pennsylvania. These will always be treasured memories. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Odebolt.

Verlyn died Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA.

Preceding Verlyn in death were his parents; his parents-in-law, Clarence and Alberta Watson; and a sister-in-law, Sandy Watson.

Verlyn is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty, of Odebolt; three sons, Jerry and his wife Mary Meyer and children Jacob, Joshua, and Meghan of Dow City, Jim Meyer and special friend Deb Vance of Eagle Grove, and Scott and his wife Kari Meyer and children Owen, Ella, Anna, and Olivia of Dow City.

Also surviving are his sister, JoAnne and Jim Yender of Early; brothers-in-law, Clarence Watson, Jr. of Onawa, Larry and Mary Jo Watson of Battle Creek, and Roger and Karen Watson of Ida Grove; nieces and nephews; an aunt, Margaret Meyer of Sac City; as well as several cousins, his wonderful co-workers at Agri-Business, the Ploeger family, and many friends.



POPE, KEITH                                     January 11, 1962 - January 1, 2012

Keith (Shorty) Alan Pope was born January 11, 1962, in Denison, Iowa, the son of Jack and Betty Baker Pope. He died at his home on January 1, 2012, at the age of forty-nine.


Funeral services were held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 5, 2012, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa.  Rev. Trish Underberg officiated the service and graveside rites were held at Bethel Cemetery in Kiron.

Keith was baptized on December 27, 1964, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa, and confirmed there on December 7, 1975. He began his schooling at the Kiron Public School and continued in Denison. After his schooling, he worked for area farmers and then he started his trucking career of 20 years. For the past five years, he worked for Waldemar Farms.

Keith was united in marriage to Marcia Kluver on February 1, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and later divorced. They were blessed with the birth of one son, Dustin. He worked hard and was a friend to whomever he met in his trucking. Keith will be missed by all.

Keith was preceded in death by his brother Kevin; his grandparents, Vernie, James and Helen. He is survived by his son, Dustin; his mother, Betty; his father, Jack and wife, Sharon; his grandmother, Lula; two sisters, Kathy and friend, Don; and Kristy and her husband, Jim; one sister-in-law, Shelly and friend, Daryl; his uncle, Wayne and wife, Sharon; his aunt Marge and husband, Alvin; five nephews: Derrick; Jordan and family; Jason and family; Justin and family; Jeremy and friend Alicia; and one niece, Taylor; other relatives and many friends.
 



LINDGREN, DAVID                                March 23, 1948 - December 28, 2011

David Lindgren, age 63, of Schaller, Iowa died December 28, 2011 at his home in Schaller.

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller.  Burial was in the Schaller Cemetery with full military rites by the Schaller VFW.  The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller was in charge of the arrangements.

David Charles was born March 23, 1948 in Odebolt, Iowa the son of Iver and Marjorie (Skarin) Lindgren. He was baptized at the Emmanuel Reform Church of Christ where he was later confirmed.

Growing up, he attended Hayes Township and graduated from Schaller Community School in 1966. Following high school graduation, David attended Iowa Central Community College where he graduated with a degree in Automotive in 1968.


On January 6, 1969, David enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country during the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged on January 2, 1971.
 

On July 4, 1974, David was united in marriage to Cathy Carlberg in Newell, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with two children: Taesa and Brandon. On August 30, 1980, David was united in marriage to Barbara (Adams) Lindgren in Schaller. Together, they were blessed with three children: Kimberly, Stephanie, and Daniel.
 

David loved attending and watching volleyball games. In 2009, he was recognized at the High School Girls Volleyball Tournament as a model of sportsmanship and decorum for Schaller-Crestland High School and it’s community.
 

David enjoyed fishing, gardening, and scroll saw woodworking. After retiring, he enjoyed working at Precision Soya. David loved spending time with his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
 

Those left to cherish his memory include Barbara Lindgren of Schaller, Iowa; children: Taesa (Scott) Bailey of Schaller, Iowa; Brandon Lindgren of Tucson, Arizona; Kimberly Sorensen of Sac City, Iowa; Stephanie (Mike) Wandrey of Schaller, Iowa; Daniel (friend, Tasey Graeber) Lindgren of Schaller, Iowa; grandchildren: Brooke Lindgren and Samantha Bailey of Schaller, Iowa; Ethan and Tatum Sorensen of Sac City, Iowa; Jordan Grothe, Abigail and Claire Wandrey of Schaller, Iowa; Tasen and Analise Lindgren of Tucson, Arizona; sister, Marlys (Dennis) Davis of Tijeras, New Mexico; sister-in-law, Diane (Jim) Voss of Ames, Iowa; nephews: Steve Altmanshofer of McCall, Idaho; Chris Voss of Chicago, Illinois; niece, Jaime Hill of Papillion, Nebraska; extended family and many friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Iver and Marjorie Lindgren; sisters: Janice Altmanshofer and Audrey Lindgren.

 


SONICHSEN, MARIAN  (Turin)      October 30, 1915 - December 31, 2011

Marian Sonichsen, age 96, of Arthur, Iowa, died Saturday, December 31, 2011, at the Odebolt Nursing & Rehab Center in Odebolt, Iowa.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Kiron, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverends Bruce Kaihoi and John Aiken will officiate, with burial to follow in Kiron Cemetery, Kiron, Iowa.  Visitation with the family present will be held at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa, on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. 

Marian Elizabeth Sonichsen was born on a farm in Ida County, Iowa, on October 30, 1915, to Edwin and Ruth (Larson) Turin.  She was the oldest of four girls.
 

She received her early education in Hayes Township rural schools.  Marian attended Kiron High School her freshman year and graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1932.  After one year at Buena Vista College, she worked for her uncle, the Ida County rural school superintendent.
 

On July 5, 1936 (the hottest, driest summer ever), she was united in marriage to Carl Sonichsen at the Kiron Baptist Church parsonage.  They farmed south of Arthur until Carl died in 1973.  In 1977, she and her mother and sister, DeLoris, built a duplex and moved to Arthur.  On July 1, 2011, she moved to the nursing home in Odebolt (ONRC).
 

Marian was very involved in church and community activities.  She wrote many programs for school boosters, showers, and family fellowship, as well as the Arthur Centennial pageant.  She taught Sunday school at the Arthur Baptist Church until it closed and then taught the adult class at the Kiron Baptist Church until her 90th year.  She was a member of PEO Chapter CB, Horn Memorial Auxiliary, Colonial Manor Auxiliary, Women's Club, and several other organizations.  She was well-known for her Monday letter that went to over 70 people weekly and her acts of kindness to all who knew her.
 

In addition to her husband, Carl, Marian was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Renea Ogren, DeLoris Turin, and LaVerne Austin.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are two daughters and their husbands, Peg and Cort Van Buskirk of Iowa Falls and Pat and Wayne Langhein of Springfield, IL; two grandchildren, Mark (Donna) Langhein of Arizona City, AZ, and Karleen Langhein of Springfield, IL; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.


Memorials may be mailed to 1602 Taylor Avenue, Iowa Falls, IA  50126.