Dr. Robert F. McCool

Dr. Robert F. McCool, 79, of Clarion, died on Thursday, August 2, 2001, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Clarion.

A Memorial Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 6, 2001, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Reverend David Beckman officiated.

Robert F. McCool was born at St. Paul, Minnesota on November 26, 1921, to John L. and Rose (Cummings) McCool. He was a graduate of the St. Thomas University in St. Paul. He graduated from the St. Louis University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri.

Robert and Betty (Kitty) Higgins were married on August 4, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri.

After graduation from medical school, Dr. McCool interned in St. Paul, Minnesota. He then spent one and one half years in Japan in the Army. From 1949 to 1951 he practiced in Chillicothe, Missouri, then spent one year as a surgical resident in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. McCool, his wife and three sons moved to Clarion in August, 1952. From 1958 to 1985 he practiced family medicine at the Clarion Clinic.

After his retirement from the clinic in 1985, McCool continued his service to mankind by volunteering his services in Third World Countries. He was a physician in the Indian Health Service on a reservation. He and Kitty spent two winters on the Haitian-Dominican Mountain border practicing suitcase medicine. They then spent nine winters at the St. Jude Volunteer Hospital in St. Lucia in the Caribbean. During the past four winters, they worked in Sarasota, Florida at a Seniors and Homeless Shelter. Most recently Dr. McCool established one of the first free Medical Clinics in Iowa, The Clarion Free Clinic.

He was a Veteran of World War II where he achieved the rank of Captain. He was a member of the American Legion Post #246 of Clarion, an Honorary member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Lions Club.

Dr. Robert F. McCool, in passing, leaves many friends, co-workers, family, and any one who knew him with fond stories and memories of how he touched their lives. He was a man who taught others and led not by words, but by example.

Dr. McCool came to Clarion in August 1952, and established his single practice office. In 1958, the Clarion Clinic was opened. This medical practice was formed by a partnership between Dr. McCool, Dr. Robert Eaton, Dr. Richard Young and Dr. Charles Hawkins.

Robert McCool is survived by his wife Kitty; five sons, Patrick and wife, Kathryn of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Terrence and wife, Cathy of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Thomas and wife, Lynette of Wausau, Wisconsin, Michael and wife, Diane of Bettendorf and Daniel and wife, Diane of West Des Moines; seven grandchildren; and one brother, John C. McCool of Akron, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Willim Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Memorials may be sent to the Dr. Robert McCool Memorial Fund at the First Citizen's National Bank in Clarion.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

Donald M. Caquelin

Donald M. Caquelin, 77, of Woolstock, died on Saturday, August 4, 2001, at his home.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 18, at the Faith United Methodist Church in Webster City. Rev. Brian Carter and Pastor Gerald Caquelin will officiate at the 11:00 a.m. service. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. 

Donald M. Caquelin was born on March 8, 1924, in Woolstock, the son of Henry G. and Cecile M. (Sadler) Caquelin. He was a graduate of the Woolstock High School in 1942. Following his education, he served in the United States Army during World War II in Europe and received numerous decorations and commendations. 

On July 26, 1946, he was united in marriage to Ruth A. Boucher of Webster City. During the first few years of their marriage they made their home in Webster City and then moved to Woolstock in 1955, where they raised their four children. Donald (Tom) was a long time employee of the Farmers Co-op Elevator in Woolstock until he retired in 1989.

Donald was committed to his community. He served as a fireman and Fire Chief of the Woolstock Volunteer Fire Department, Adjutant of the local American Legion Post, and was a board member of the Wright County Emergency Board which established the 911 Emergency System for Wright County. He enjoyed making woodcrafts as a hobby. 

Donald is survived by his wife, Ruth of Woolstock; three sons, Donald D. and wife, JuDee of Westminster, Maryland, Bruce of Bode and Jim and wife, Marlys of Durham, North Carolina; daughter, Peggy of Columbia, Missouri; three sisters, Phyllis Hoffman and husband, Ivan of Rudy, Arizona, Joann Biggs and husband, Melvin of Webster City and Shirley Campbell and husband, Joe of Clarion; two sisters-in-law, Ellen Caquelin of Woolstock and Romona (Caquelin) Carlson of Rutland; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Lewis, Maynard, Lowell (Bud), Eugene (Gene) and John; and one sister-in-law, Betty.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

Sherry Rae Kubley

Sherry Rae Kubly, 56, of Livermore, died suddenly at home on Monday, August 6, 2001.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 9, at the Zion Lutheran Church, LuVerne. Pastor Clyde Kieschnick will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment will be in the LuVerne Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 15, from 5-8:00 p.m., at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in LuVerne.

Sherry Rae Lenning was born on February 16, 1945, at Fort Dodge, the daughter of Lloyd and Gladys Hansen Lenning. She received her early education in a country school near Humboldt. Sherry graduated from the Humboldt High School in 1963. After her schooling, Sherry worked at the Humboldt Trust and Savings Bank.

On August 21, 1966, Sherry was married to John Kubly at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Humboldt. The couple lived for a time in Minnesota, where Sherry worked at a bank. They then lived in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, where John was in the Service. The couple then moved back to Oak Center, Minnesota, and lived for one year before moving to LuVerne in 1968.

Sherry worked at various jobs around LuVerne, including being a housewife, babysitting, working at the bank, working for Peavey Elevator, waitressing and working at the nearby hospital. She began working for the Post Office in 1994, and had most recently been working in Clarion.

Sherry was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, LuVerne. She belonged to the LuVerne Community Chest, the Progressive Club and the Fireman’s Auxiliary. Sherry was an avid NASCAR racing fan, loved working with crafts and her computer, but her greatest joys in life, were her children and grandchildren.

Sherry is survived by her husband, John of Livermore; children, Tony Kubly and wife, Paula of Kanawha, Tami Wingert and husband, Dana of Waukee, Tina Schlemme and husband, Lyle of Humboldt and Tom Kubly of Lakewood, Colorado; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Roger Lenning and wife, Nancy of Humboldt and Doug Lenning and wife, Jan of Dakota City.

Sherry was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

Patricia E. Langfitt

Patricia E. Langfitt, 60, of Clarion, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2001, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 9, at the Ewing Dugger Willim Funeral Chapel in Clarion. Rev. Tim Platt officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Patricia E. Groen, was born January 18, 1941, in Burt, the daughter of Harm and Kate (Welp) Groen. She graduated from the Burt High School in 1959 and received her nurse's training while she worked.

On December 17, 1966, she and Melvin Langfitt were united in marriage. She worked as a homemaker and helped care for people in their homes. Patricia last worked for Unlimited Opportunities in Clarion. She was a member of the Park Church of Christ in Goldfield. She enjoyed reading and school activities.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Melvin of Clarion; five children, Mitchell Langfitt and wife, Leann of Primghar, Michelle DeHart and husband, Michael of Kanawha, Dana Langfitt and wife, Kelly of Clarion, Dawn Kennedy and husband, Richard of Vermillion, South Dakota and Melvin Langfitt, Jr. and wife, Stacy of Kanawha; 11 grandchildren; four sisters, Kathleen Pringle and husband, Gary, Gladys Doege and husband, Wilbur, Velma Dixon and husband, Lee and Betty Gettman and husband, Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and one sister.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

Helen E. Cramer

Helen E. Cramer, 77, of Blairsburg, died on Sunday, August 5, 2001, at her home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Eagle Grove. Father David Beckman will officiate at the service. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove. The Willim-Foust Funeral Home of Eagle Grove is in charge of the arrangements.

Helen E. Howard was born on May 27, 1924, in Green County, the daughter of Virgil and Celene Williams Howard. She received her early education from the Grand Junction and Paton Schools, before graduating from the Paton High School in 1942. Helen then attended nurses training for three years at the St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Carroll, graduating in 1945.

On April 8, 1947, Helen and James A. Cramer were united in marriage at Grand Junction. The couple moved to a farm near Blairsburg that same year. Helen was a nurse for 30 years, most of which were at the Hamilton County Hospital in Webster City. After her retirement, Helen and James lived in Mesa, Arizona during the winter months.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Country Club Bridger’s of Eagle Grove, OTO Club of Wall Lake Township, Wall Lake Country Club 500 Group, and a former 4-H Leader. Helen enjoyed working in her garden, growing flowers, reading and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Helen is survived by her husband, James of Blairsburg; six children, Michael Cramer and wife, Linda of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Robert Cramer and wife, Kristine of Cedar Rapids, Paul Cramer of Oxnard, California, Paulette Tyrakoski and husband, Tom of Omaha, Nebraska, Dan Cramer and wife, Margaret of Blairsburg and Joan Milder and husband, Frank of Nisswa, Minnesota; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two brothers, Dale Howard and wife, Fabian of Hiawassee, Georgia and Carter Howard and wife, Lillian of Paton.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

Jennifer Jean McOllough Jenkins

Jennifer Jean McOllough Jenkins, 35, of River Falls, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, August 11, 2001, at the Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota, as the result of an auto accident.

Funeral services were held one Wednesday, August 15, at the St. Bridget Catholic Church with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating.

Jennifer Jean McOllough was born on June 19, 1966, in Clarion, the daughter of Melvin and Donna McOllough. She attended school in Clarion and graduated from high school in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

On January 8, 1988, she and Thomas Joseph Jenkins were married. The couple had two children, Brittni Jean and Luke Thomas.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; children, Brittni and Luke; mother, Donna McOllough of River Falls; grandmother, Barbara Drury of Clarion; brothers, Jeff of Clarion, Eric, Calvin and Andrew; sisters, Lynne and Wendy; many nieces and nephews; and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin McOllough.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

Anne Margaret Banwell

Anne Margaret Banwell, 86, of Clarion, died on Sunday, August 12, 2001, at the USA Healthcare Center, Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 18, at the Elledge Funeral Home, Dows. Lannie Anderson of Garner, will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Dows. Visitation will be on Friday, August 17, from 5-8:30 p.m.

Anne Margaret Croft was born on November 23, 1914, on a farm near Alexander, the daughter of Melvin and Lucilla Croft. She attended and graduated from the Alexander High School. After high school she helped on the family farm until they moved near Dows.

Anne was united in marriage to Max R. Banwell on February 25, 1937, in Iowa City. The couple made their home northwest of Dows where they took up farming. They lived on the family farm for 62 years before moving into Clarion. She attended college and taught country school in Wall Lake Township for a number of years.

Anne was a member of the Clarion Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was active in her faith, which brought her much joy.

Anne is survived by her husband, Max of Clarion; six children, Bruce Banwell and wife, Sharon of Eagle Grove, Victoria Smith of Clarion, John and wife, Cassie of Newton, Leigh and wife, Sherry of Eagle Grove, Arlan and wife, Linda of Clarion and Arvilla Dencklau and husband, Regie of Clarion; 18 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

 
William Ellsworth Young

William Ellsworth Young, Sr., 82, of Clarion, died on Saturday, August 18, 2001, at the Community Memorial Hospital, Clarion.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, August 22, at the First United Methodist Church, Clarion. Pastor Lavonne Kaasa will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion. The Ewing Dugger Willim Funeral Home in Clarion is in charge of the arrangements. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

William Ellsworth Young was born on July 11, 1919, in Delaware County near Manchester, the son of Emma Claire Noble Young and Daniel Burdette Young. He served five years in the Army and was in England, Africa, Sicily and Italy during World War II with the 113th Cavalry Regiment, Red Horse Unit, part of the Fifth Army. He kept in touch with his Army buddies at yearly reunions for all of his life. The Army experience was an important part of his life. He attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport and Coe College in Cedar Rapids.

Bill and Lorraine Bushnell of Manchester, were united in marriage on September 5, 1946. To this union were born three children, Deana, William and Burdette.

After moving to Clarion in 1956, Bill established Youngco Inc., a grain care company, and later expanded his business to include transferring grain and other products at the site of railroad derailments. In 1977, Bill was elected Mayor of Clarion, a position he held until 1983. He cared deeply for his community and his friends. He was particularly interested in youth projects, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Clarion.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lorraine; children, Deana Stock and husband, Mitch of Modesto, California, William Richard and wife, Nancy Jensen Young of Ankeny and Bud and wife, Bonnie Darbyshire Young of Clarion; seven grandsons; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Dean Young and wife, Claire of Vancouver, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Noble Bud and Robert Young; three sisters, Ethelynne Harris, Helen Sue Taylor and Betty Gearhardt.

Memorials may be sent to the Community Memorial Health Foundation, 1316 South Main, Clarion, Iowa 50525.
© Wright County Monitor 2001 

Edith Mae Bonjour

Edith Mae Bonjour, 75, of Dows, died of natural causes on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at her home. 

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 24, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Rev. David Anderson officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Ingham Township Cemetery, Hansell. The Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Edith Mae Vietor, was born on February 7, 1926, at Washington County, Minnesota, the daughter of Harm and Johanna Brown Vietor. She graduated from the Hampton High School.

On September 19, 1946, Edith and LaVerne Bonjour were united in marriage. She was a homemaker.

Edith was a member of the Lutheran Church and enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She broadcasted the Dows News for the Webster City Radio station.

Edith is survived by seven sons, Lawrence of Dows, William of Paragold, Arkansas, Jon of Clarinda, Thomas of Forest City, Charles of Webster City, Wade of Dows and Dale of Fremont; two daughters, Margaret Gillock of Independence, Missouri and LaMae Hall of Mt. Pleasant; two sisters, Phyllis Anderson of Ackley and Eileen Keinol of Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one brother; and one sister.
© Wright County Monitor 2001

Lyle Douglas Askvig

Lyle Douglas Askvig, 52, of Eagle Grove, died on Wednesday, August 22, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 27, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, Eagle Grove. Rev. Karen Dearchs and Rev. William E. Ballard officiated at the service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield. Military rites were held by the Goldfield American Legion. The Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove, was in charge of the arrangements.

Lyle Douglas Askvig, was born on October 30, 1948, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Dodge, the son of Harry L. and Elinor M. Nelson. Lyle was baptized in the United Methodist Church, Eagle Grove. He was raised and educated in Eagle Grove, graduating from the Eagle Grove High School in 1968. He also attended Eagle Grove Junior College. He was drafted into the Army, serving for two years of which he spent 13 months in Korea. He was a member of the United Transportation Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

In 1974, Lyle went to work for the Chicago North Western Railroad at the Eagle Grove section, now the Union Pacific Railroad. He also had his own business, SRF of Iowa, located on Highway 3 West in Goldfield.

Lyle is survived by three children, Jerrit Askvig and wife, Karen of Lake Ridge, Virginia, Courtney and Justin, both of Goldfield; parents; one brother, Randy of Clarion; one sister, Merri Ragazzo and husband, Mario of Las Vegas, Nevada; seven nieces and nephews; several other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
© Wright County Monitor 2001