Wyladene M. Bisgrove

June 11, 2009

Wyladene M. Bisgrove, 83, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2009, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 6, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion, with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Wyladene Marie Bisgrove, the daughter of Maxfield and Marie (Hilpipre) Potter, was born on November 19, 1925, on the family farm near Galt. She was raised on the farm and attended school in Galt, graduating from the Galt High School in 1943. Following her graduation she worked for the FBI in Washington D.C., returned home to attend AIB in Des Moines and worked at the First National Bank in Clarion. Wyladene was united in marriage with Cleo "Biz" Bisgrove on November 19, 1944. On December 31, 1958 their son, Robert Dean was born. Robert was tragically killed in a plane crash during a snowstorm on December 7, 1982.

Wyladene was very passionate about and generous towards her family. She was outgoing, friendly, very giving, meticulous and orderly. Wyladene enjoyed her community and being a community leader. Wyladene was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion. She loved cooking, baking and was a very hard worker both on the farm and in everyday living.

Wyladene is survived by her sister, Norma Jean Newman and her husband, Dick of Mesa, Arizona; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cleo "Biz"; and son, Robert.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Lory Oakely Watts

June 18, 2009

Lory Oakely Watts, 91, of Placentia, California, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, after a long illness.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, June 6, at the Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton, California.

He was born on April 13, 1918, in Clarion and was the youngest son of Wilbur J. and Anna Celene Swearingen Watts. On December 16, 1938, Lory and Wilma Vaughn were married in Eagle Grove. During their 70 years of marriage they raised three children, Anna, James and Bonnie. Lory entered the Army Air Corp and trained as a Pilot. Upon leaving the service he worked first as an aircraft mechanic at Edwards Air Force Base in California and progressed through the industry to retire as a logistics engineer from Autonetics (a division of Rockwell) in Anaheim, California.

Lory and Wilma collected antique cars, watches and clocks. In 1972, they purchased the 100 year old Crescent Bathhouse, including an operating antique store, in Lake Elsinore, California. They continued with the operation of the Chimes Antique Shop while antique cars dotted the property landscape and rooms were filled with old clocks and collectibles. This all gave them many years of pleasure.

Lory is survived by his devoted wife, Wilma Lucille Vaughn Watts; his three children, Anna Leona Watts Pond of Anaheim Hills, Neil James "Jim" Watts of Yorba Linda and Bonnie Watts Baker of Irvine; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Leon W. Morris

July 16, 2009

Leon W. Morris, 94, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2009.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 9, at the St. Roberts Bellamine Catholic Church in Omaha.

Leon was the eldest son of John and Angie Morris, born on May 25, 1915 in Clarion. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1934 and was very active in sports, football, basketball and track. He received a football scholarship to George Washington University in Washington D.C., where he played end for the University. In April of 1941, he married Jean Williams of' Washington, D.C. His FBI agent assignments took them to several areas of the east and southeast and finally back to the midwest with his assignment as special agent in Omaha in 1955. There he was the coordinator for all law enforcement men in Iowa and Nebraska until May 1975 when he retired.

Leon taught law enforcement at the Western Community College in Council Bluffs. He was also a member of the Elk and Kiwanis Clubs and an avid golfer.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years and his parents.

He is survived by his three children, Gail Wasser and Lynn (Glenn) Koch, both of Omaha and John (Judy) Morris of Alphoretta, Georgia; his sister, Florene Huff of McPherson, Kansas; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Margaret Morris of Clarion; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many family members and friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Elva Marie Funte

June 18, 2009

Elva Marie Funte, 95, of Clarion, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 12, at 10:30 a.m., at the Clarion Church of Christ in Clarion, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Elva Marie (Minnis) Funte, the daughter of Raymond and Mabel (Foote) Minnis, was born on March 25, 1914 in Riceville. She was raised and attended school in Riceville, graduating from the Riceville High School in May of 1933. Elva was united in marriage with Glen Funte on February 14, 1934. Following their marriage the couple farmed until 1959 when they moved to Hampton. Elva worked at the Care Center in Hampton as a cook helping put Glen through nursing school. Elva and Glen moved to Clarion in 1964 where she was an aide at the Care Center.

Elva was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ. She spent many hours as a volunteer for different things. Elva enjoyed her family, her church, baking, embroidering dish towels, playing cards and doing word puzzles. Elva once said, "If they don't play 500 in heaven, I'm not going."

Elva is survived by her children, Mariel (Leon) Betts of Clarion, Glenda (Kenneth) Harms of Osage, Eldon "Butch" (Linda) Funte of Clarion and Kristine (Steve) Larson of Cave Creek, Arizona; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Preceding Elva in death were her parents; her husband; one granddaughter; one brother; and two sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Joan Mary Powers

June 18, 2009

Joan Mary Powers, age 75, of Clarion, formerly of Manson, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 12, at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Manson.

Joan Mary Hood, was born on December 12, 1933 at Clare, Iowa. She was the daughter of O.H. and Marie (Byrne) Hood. She graduated from the Lohrville High School and went on to attend Briar Cliff College in Sioux City. On October 26, 1957, Joan married Dwayne Powers at Lohrville. The couple settled on the family farm near Rockwell City. In 1968, they moved to Manson. Joan worked as a case worker for the ASCS at the Fort Dodge office, retiring in 1993. Dwayne passed away in May of 2000. In 2006, Joan moved to Clarion to be near her family.

Joan was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, the St. Thomas Women's Club and the Wa-Tan-Ye Club. She loved and was especially proud of her family.

Survivors include her children, Julie (Steve) Fanning of Phoenix, Judy (Roger) Olmanson of Phoenix, Joyce (Fred) Kelly of Phoenix, Jim (Debbie) Powers of Evansville, Indiana, Dan (fiancée, Kristin Hammonds) Powers of Dallas, Jayne (Ronan) Duffy of Phoenix and Robert (Shelley) Powers of Clarion; 11 grandchildren; and a brother, Larry (Carol) Hood of Lohrville.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwayne; infant grandson; twin brother, Jim Hood in infancy and brother, Pat Hood.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Christopher R. Testino

June 18, 2009

Christopher R. Testino, 32, died on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center of New Brunswick, New Jersey, after suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia.

Visitation was held on Friday, June 12, at the Johnson-McGinley Funeral Home in Wall, New Jersey. A memorial service was held in Christopher's honor on Saturday, June 13, at the Presbyterian Church, Belmar, New Jersey. The family requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Christopher's memory to the National Foundation for Transplants, Memphis, Tennessee.

Christopher was born in Neptune, New Jersey and lived in Wall, New Jersey before moving to Belmar, New Jersey. A 1995 graduate of the Wall High School, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Christopher was a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer for ECHL Professional Hockey having been employed by the Roanoke Valley Vipers (UHL), the Greensboro Generals (ECHL) and the Las Vegas Wranglers (ECHL). In addition, Christopher was a Certified Strength Training Specialist. He was inducted into the Cambridge's Who's Who Executive, Professional and Entrepreneurial Registry in October, 2008.

Christopher is survived by his father, Robert Testino EnTin; step-mother, Tamara V EnTin; and mother, Lorelei S. Testino; his loving siblings, Andrew and Nicholas Testino of Belmar, New Jersey, Elizabeth EnTin and David EnTin of Johnston, Alex EnTin of Ames and Richard and Michael Entin of Clarion; his beloved grandmother, Rhoda Testino of Parlin, New Jersey; three aunts, an uncle and numerous cousins in both New Jersey and Iowa; not to mention his numerous friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Dolores Ann Champlin

June 18, 2009

Dolores Ann Champlin, 82, long time resident of Clarion/Lake Cornelia, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2009, at the home of her daughter in Knoxville.

A private family service will be held at a later date per her wishes.

Dolores was born on July 3, 1926. She attended the St. John's Catholic School and Clarion Public School. She also graduated from the Mason City School of Practical Nursing, attended Drake University and the St. Louis Catholic University. Dolores was involved in geriatric nursing for a few years before entering the Nursing Home Administration profession. She worked as an administrator for a number of years and was very proud of the work from the ground floor up with the Dows Nursing Home and being the first Administrator of Dows. She managed nursing homes in the Jefferson, Bancroft and Rolfe areas before moving to Knoxville, to work with the veterans on the geriatric ward of the Knoxville VA.

Her retirement years were spent fishing, camping and enjoying the relaxing life-style at Lake Cornelia. Special times were watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren especially when she was teaching them to fish or catch night crawlers. Dolores was quietly active with the St. John's Catholic Church in her own way and made the little water bottles with the gold cross that were set out.

She is survived by her children, Stephen, Jeffrey, Katherine Walter, Elizabeth Mitchell and Michael Champlin; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Patricia H. Holmes of Clarion; and her brother, Thomas R. Carr of Burlington, Vermont.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, H.R. and Helen Carr; and Don L. Champlin.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Richard and Rozella Douglas

June 18, 2009

A private burial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009, in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion, for Rozella Douglas and Richard Douglas.

Rozella Douglas was born on February 25, 1922, to Sam and Lillian Paskin Douglas. She passed away on September 11, 2003. She was cremated.

Richard Douglas was born on November 15, 1939, to Sam and Lillian Paskin Douglas. He passed away on October 30, 2008. He was cremated.

They are survived by many nieces and nephews.

They were preceded in death by their brothers and sisters, William W. Douglas, Steve Douglas, Betty Jane Douglas Ridenhour, Helen Marie Douglas, Samuel Douglas, Jr. and Robert Douglas.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Gary Lee Wicks

July 2, 2009

Gary Lee Wicks, 73, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2009, at his rural Clarion home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16, at the Kanawha Lutheran Church, with Pastor Karen Rossing Grandall officiating. Burial, with full military services, was in the Norway Township Cemetery near Kanawha.

Gary Lee Wicks, the son of LeRoy and Margaret Hasty Wicks, was born on January 19, 1936, on the family farm near Kanawha. He attended country school and then graduated from the Kanawha High School. Following high school, Gary served his country in the Air Force from 1953 until 1957. While serving in Iceland in 1956-1957, he worked on fighter/interceptor planes as a Radar Mechanic. After his discharge from the Air Force, Gary moved back to Kanawha where he was engaged in farming. Gary was united in marriage with Jessie Aukerman on December 27, 1954. To this union three children were born.

Gary enjoyed fishing and animals, his antique tractors and just being in the country. He also was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed shooting. Gary was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Kanawha and enjoyed being part of their softball team.

Gary is survived by his three children, Kelly (Barb) Wicks of Clarion, Carolyn (Ed) Dorsey of Clarion and Scott (Heidi) Wicks of Spirit Lake; six grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Marlys) Wicks of Kanawha; one sister, Pam (Verle) Tate of Renwick; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Margy Gabel.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Keith S. Nielsen

June 25, 2009

Keith S. Nielsen, age 57, of Dows, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2009, at his home near Dows.

Visitation and viewing was held on Monday, June 22, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Dows. The body will be cremated following the visitation. A memorial service and burial will take place at a later date.

Keith Steven, the son of Andrew and Marie Kienol Nielsen, was born on June 3, 1952 in Hampton. He grew up in the Dows area where he attended school. Keith graduated from the Dows High School in 1970. He attended Iowa Central Community College before being drafted by the U.S. Army. Keith served two years in Germany. After returning home Keith worked as a welder for several metal manufacturers. Keith was a collector and had varied interests.

Keith is survived by two sisters; five brothers; two uncles; an aunt; and cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Wava K. Haupt

July 2, 2009

Wava K. Haupt, age 84, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Memorial services were held on Monday, June 29, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond. Pastor Gary Boen officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Wava, the daughter of Harold and Dora Peterson Holmgaard, was born on January 8, 1925 in Coulter. Wava grew up in the Hampton area where she attended school. She graduated from the Hampton High School in 1943. Wava was united in marriage to Donald Haupt of Belmond, on January 18, 1948 at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Coulter. The couple spent their lives farming. They first made their home in Goodell and then moved to Clarion in 1956. Don and Wava retired from farming in 1990. Don passed away in 2004, having been married for 56 years.

Wava was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. She enjoyed gardening and playing cards. Time spent with family was very important to both Wava and Don. There are many fond memories of family gatherings.

Wava is survived by a son, Roger and his wife Carol of Clarion; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; and two brothers, Horace and Junior.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Mildred M. Smith

July 9, 2009

Mildred M. Smith, age 85, most recently a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center, a long time resident of Rowan, formerly of Renwick and Clarion and a native of Missouri, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at the Belmond Health Care Center, where she had lived since March of 2008.

Public visitation was held on Thursday, July 2, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond. A private service was held on Friday, at the funeral home. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Mildred Madalene Jackson, was born on July 3, 1923 at Nisfinabotna, Missouri, the daughter of Carl S. and Marnie (Rhodes) Jackson. She attended Missouri Schools. Mildred was united in marriage to Gordon Smith on March 31, 1946 at Leavenworth, Kansas. The couple's union was blessed with a son, Earl and a daughter, Linda. Mildred was a life long homemaker who always strived hard to provide for the needs of her family. She had also assisted her husband with the raising of his many wolves over the years. Though her life was not about material things, she truly had a gift of being able to take the simplest piece of material, cloth, or a piece of clothing and create a wonderful creation of a toy, doll, or make a wearable item.

In addition to living at the Belmond Care Center, she had lived with her son, Earl Smith in Rowan from 1991 until March 2008. Prior to that, Mildred had lived in the Renwick/Clarion areas after moving to Iowa from Missouri.

Mildred is survived by her son, Earl Smith of Rowan; daughter, Linda (Roy) Fischer of Rapid City, South Dakota; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Pauline "Melva" Watts of Kansas City, Missouri; and a brother, Larry (Marilyn) Jackson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Albert, Bill, Jim and Bob.
© Wright County Monitor 2009