Robert C. Barr

March 12, 2009

Robert C. Barr, 59, died on Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Skiff Medical Center in Newton.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12, at 4:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church in Newton.

Robert was born on August 3, 1949, the first child of Chester Grant and Minnie Irene (Morrison) Barr. He was a graduate of the Newton Senior High, class of 1967. He attended Iowa State University and graduated in 1971. He earned an M.B.A. from Drake University in 1982.

In May, 1970, Bob was united in marriage to Janet Dettmann. They had two children, Scott Robert and Lisa Anne. Robert was employed by the Vernon Company in Newton for almost 37 years as an accountant, recently taking a medical disability leave. In June, 1990, Bob was united in marriage with Carolyn Cook. Their son is "Ray" Allen Cook Barr.

Bob was a member of the St. Luke United Methodist Church, where he taught an adult Sunday School Class for many years. He devoted his life to his family and enjoyed the outdoors, reading, ISU athletics and gardening. He also enjoyed getting up early Wednesday mornings to attend his men's church fellowship group.

Those left to honor Bob's memory include his wife, Carolyn of Newton; his sons, Scott Barr of Waukee and Ray Allen Cook Barr of Newton; his daughter, Lisa (Sean) Aldrich of Newton; two grandsons; a brother, David (Rhonda) Barr of Kellogg; two sisters, Maracene (Gordon) Johnson of Newton and Elaine (Robert) Bartel of Park View; his parents-in-law, Arnold and Mary Cook of Clarion; and many nieces, nephews and numerous good neighbors and friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Briar Lynn Ammerman-Butz

March 19, 2009

Briar Lynn Ammerman-Butz, the daughter of Ashley Ammerman and Bryan Butz, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 17, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion, with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Briar was born on August 21, 2007 at Clarion. Though her time on earth was short, Briar will live on in the hearts of family and friends. Briar donated her heart, liver, kidneys and intestines so that others may live. She donated her lungs to the University of Iowa for Cystic Fibrosis research.

Briar is survived by her parents, Ashley Ammerman and Bryan Butz; brothers, Taylan Elwood and Landen Elwood; sister, Kinley Butz; grandfather, Keith Ammerman; grandmother, Marlene Ammerman; great-grandmother, Caroline Ammerman; grandparents, Linda and Jerry Askvig and grandfather, Bruce Butz.

Memorials may be made to the Ammerman Family Fund at Security Savings Banks, Clarion and Eagle Grove, or First Citizens National Bank in Clarion.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Kenneth J. Holmes

March 19, 2009

Kenneth J. Holmes, 86, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2009, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 12, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, with Rev. Nils Hernandez officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Clarion.

Kenneth Holmes, was born on December 5, 1922 in rural Clarion, Iowa, to Guy and Katie (Russell) Holmes. He attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from the Eagle Grove High School. He married Patricia Carr on March 21, 1945. Kenneth was a member of the Navy SeeBees during World War II and served in the South Pacific. Following his discharge he returned to the Clarion area and farmed in the Goldfield area for sixty years.

Kenneth was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Board of Directors on the former Goldfield Cooperative Elevator for twenty years, was a member of the American Legion Post 370 and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1579 in Eagle Grove. He measured farms for several years for the Wright County ASCS Office. Kenneth was a 4-H Leader for the Liberty Pathfinders 4-H Club for 10 years.

Kenny enjoyed fishing, playing cards and square dancing. He and Pat were proud that all four sons attended and graduated from college.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Patricia; four sons, Ron and Roberta, John and Pat, Russell and Patty, Jerry and Doris; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Winnie Cundall, Mary Lee Sutherland and Lynette Swinton; and three brothers, Max, Donald and Dean.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Elizabeth; and one grandson, Marc.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Wright County 4-H.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Thelma Eekhoff

March 19, 2009

Thelma J. Eekhoff, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Fritt.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 17, at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Steve Schultz and Rev. Marvin Van Donselaar officiating. Burial took place in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha.

Thelma Joanne Verhoef, the oldest child of Cornelius and Cornelia (Post) Verhoef, was born on July 5, 1933 in Ocheyedan, Iowa. She was raised on farms, first near Ocheyedan and then near Sanborn. Thelma attended the Sanborn Christian Grade School, Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa and Westmar College in LeMars. She became a professing member of the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church in 1951. Thelma was an elementary teacher at the Ocheyedan Christian School, Oskaloosa Christian School and the Kanawha Christian School. In 1958, she met John Eekhoff and they were married on June 9, 1961.

John and Thelma made their home on a farm near Kanawha where she enjoyed raising her family, gardening, keeping the books and helping with the busy planting and harvest seasons. Later she enjoyed selling produce at farmer's markets. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She was a faithful member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church and took an active role in its activities. The Kanawha Christian School had a special place in her heart. She taught, substituted, sent her children and volunteered there. She became known as the "Cookie Lady" to the students because she rewarded them with homemade monster cookies.

Thelma will be lovingly remembered by her husband of more then 47 years, John; four children, Cathy Dattoli and her husband, Mark of Elmhurst, Illinois, Alan and his wife, Lori of Kanawha, Byron and his wife, Cindy of Pella and David and his wife, Melinda of Hull; eleven grandchildren; three brothers, Clarence Verhoef and his wife, Thelma of Sanborn, Vernon and his wife, Nan of Newark, New Jersey and Jerry and his wife, Deb of Hull; two sisters, Leanna Van De Stouwe and her husband, LeRoy of Rapid City, South Dakota and Esther Miller and her husband, Danny of Omaha; a sister-in-law, Rosalee Verhoef of Artesia, California; a brother-in-law, Harris Hubers of Minneapolis: and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Herman Verhoef; and her sister, Jean Hubers.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Gary Walter Hilpipre

March 19, 2009

Gary Walter Hilpipre, 56, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at the Mercy Hospital in Mason City, after a valiant 13 year battle with non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 18, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion, with Pastor Geoffrey White officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. The services were under the direction of the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion.

Gary was born on August 25, 1952, to Marvin and Doris (Baxter) Hilpipre in Clarion. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1970. On November 15, 1975, Gary was united in marriage to Anita Mennig. To this union three children were born. Gary was baptized and confirmed in the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion and remained an active member. He enjoyed serving on various committees, especially the Diaconate Board. Gary dedicated his life to the Lord and to his family. He farmed for over 25 years until the effect of cancer and related treatments prevented him from continuing. Gary worked for Nelson Plumbing and Heating when his health permitted.

He loved his family, church, friends and his time spent at their cabin in Minnesota. Gary liked being outdoors; especially fishing, boating, gardening, rock collecting and bird watching. He was a member of the Clarion Coin Club and the Inguadona Lakes Association.

A wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude contributed to the quality of his and others' lives. He believed that God determined everything for the best and Gary put his faith in Him.

He is survived by his wife, Anita; three children, BriAnne of Des Moines, Garret and Greg of Denver; his mother, Doris Hilpipre of Clarion; his brother, Terry (Kathy) Hilpipre of Fulton, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Laurie (Bill) Leonard of St. Peters, Missouri and Cheryl (Steven) Ellis of Clarion; and several aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Arlene L. Watt Schroder Thayer

March 26, 2009

Arlene Watt Shroder Thayer, age 102 1/2, a long time Wright County, Iowa resident, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, Iowa Falls, as a result of pneumonia and age related factors.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 19, at the Calvary Baptist Church, Belmond. Pastor Steven Hill officiated at the service. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Arlene Watt, was born on the family farm in Vernon Township, Wright County on July 5, 1906, the daughter of Tom and Maude (Lavell) Watt. She was the middle child of a family of five. She attended the rural Vernon #5 School in Vernon Township. On September 22, 1926, she was united in marriage to Harry W. Schroder at her home near Galt. To this union were born a son, Erwin Leroy (aka Jack) and two daughters, Va Donna Jean and Rita Rae. After the death of her husband, Harry on October 23, 1964, she married Ralph Thayer of Belmond in January 1966. Ralph passed away in August 1975.

Arlene's entire life was spent in the Galt, Dows, Rowan and Belmond areas. She spent several winters in Florida. Arlene was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond and was active in church activities. She was a long time member, until the time of her death, of the Blaine Friendship Club. Arlene loved her garden and flowers and enjoyed doing hand work. She was a life-long homemaker and had worked as a cook at the Belmond Health Care Center. She had the unique privilege of having her driver's license renewed when she reached the age of 100.

After suffering a stroke in May of 2007, she resided at the Scenic Manor Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Survivors include her daughters, Va Donna Whipple and husband, John and Rita Daniels and husband, all of Iowa Falls; daughter-in-law, Mabel Schroder of Charles City; two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Watt of Swaledale and Jeanette Schroder of Belmond; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; and other family members.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Maude Watt; one sister, Mae; three brothers, David, Tom and Don; two husbands, Harry Schroder and Ralph Thayer; one son, Erwin (Jack); one daughter-in-law, Doris Schroder; two grandsons; one granddaughter; and two great-grandsons.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Anne Case

March 26, 2009

Anne Case, age 86, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 20, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Pastor Geoffrey White officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Anne Prehm, was born on October 25, 1922 in Eagle Grove, the daughter of John and Beatrice (Conklin) Prehm. She grew up in the Eagle Grove area, graduating from the Eagle Grove High School in 1941. On December 11, 1941, she was united in marriage to Bernard L. Case in Eagle Grove. Following her graduation from AIB, Anne helped Bernie build their grocery business.

She was very active in various civic and religious organizations such as Women's Federated, ECHO, Women's Fellowship, Christian Women's Club, Unlimited Opportunities and the Loan closet, which she operated for 40 years. She would do anything she could to better her community, from singing at the Belmond Care Center, Rotary Ann and the Clarion Care Center to the cherub choir in her church. Anne received the Hardees Hometown Hero award in 1990. She was very active in the Republican Party and served as the Wright County Chairperson for George W. Bush. Anne was an avid sports fan who loved Iowa football and basketball as well as the Chicago Cubs.

Anne is survived by one son, Scott and wife, Nancy of Eldridge; two daughters, Nancy Jacobson and husband, John of Eagle Grove and Tamy McBeth of Huxley; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one foster daughter; five Rotary exchange students; one brother, Johnnie Prehm and wife, Jeannie of Eagle Grove; three sisters, Darlene Moore of Des Moines, Peggy Christenson and husband, Max and Marlynn Smith, both of West Des Moines; along with other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bernie; one son, Tommy; one brother, Dick Prehm; and two sisters, Irsael Prehm and Nathalie Newman.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Vila J. Milan

April 2, 2009

Vila J. Milan, age 78, of Litchfield, died on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at the Emmanuel Home in Litchfield.

A memorial service was held on Friday, March 27, at 11:00 a.m., at the Litchfield Christian Church. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Vila Jean Hilary, the daughter of Everett and Pearl (Houghton) Hilary, was born on January 19, 1931 in Kimball, Minnesota. She grew up and received her education in Kimball, graduating in 1948. Vila spent the next two years continuing her education at the Minnesota Bible College. On June 26, 1950, she was united in marriage to Calvin Milan in Kimball. They moved to Chippewa Falls in 1950 and a year later moved to Clarion. In 1970, they moved to O'Neill, Nebraska and spent the next four years there. In 1974, they made their home in Litchfield.

Vila starting teaching piano when she was in high school and continued teaching many students throughout her life. She was a dedicated pastor's wife serving as organist and pianist in the Litchfield Christian Church and the United Methodist Church. Vila also accompanied the Litchfield Area Male Chorus and South Fork Singers. Vila will be remembered for sharing her music and faith throughout the community. She played during the Watercade Services and at senior dining, besides many other public activities.

Vila was a member of the Litchfield Christian Church and the Christian's Women's Club. She truly had a passion for music. She also enjoyed spending time reading, watching birds and being around friends and family. She loved to eat pie and always had a dog to keep her company.

Vila is survived by her children, Jan (Dave) Pease and Jim Milan, all of Litchfield; one granddaughter; one brother, Harland (Ruth) Hilary of St. Michael; and nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Calvin; and infant grandson, Nathaniel Pease.
© Wright County Monitor 2009