Marilyn Amsbaugh

May 7, 2009

Marilyn Ruth Amsbaugh, 74, of Clarion, passed away at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Memorial services were held on Monday, May 4, at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Inurnment took place in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Marilyn Ruth State, was born on October 27, 1934. She was the fourth of five children blessed to the union of George Guy and Bessie State. Marilyn was born on the family farm near Galt. She attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1952. She immediately began her life pattern of service to others by working at the Clarion Hospital as a nurse's aid. In 1958, she was given the opportunity to work at the Clarion Clinic, a place where people saw her welcoming face for over 40 years. Marilyn married Leroy "Pete" Amsbaugh at the Little Brown Church on December 28, 1960. They had four children, David Leroy, Duane Robert, Susan Ann and Thomas Lynn. Marilyn was a devoted mother and worked two jobs as a single parent to provide for her kids.

Marilyn had many passions in her life, the common thread always being to serve and enrich the lives of those around her. She was very selfless and volunteered many countless hours at the nursing home, the hospital, the church, Meals on Wheels and Relay for Life. Marilyn also gave her life to the Community of Clarion, having won the Outstanding Working Woman of the Year in 1997. Marilyn's hobbies included collecting angels and Boyds Bears.

Family meant everything to Marilyn and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and sisters. She could often be found baking goodies for those she loved. Marilyn also loved the Lord and was a longtime member of the Clarion First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Myron State; and one sister, Virginia and her son, David.

Marilyn is survived by two sons, Duane and wife, Roxy of Des Moines and Tom of Dows; one daughter, Susan Baer and husband, Tom of Malvern, Iowa; two sisters, Darlene Borel and Jean Wilson of Clarion; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Marilyn C. Marshall

May 14, 2009

Marilyn Coralie Marshall, 80, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 9, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion, with Pastor Gary Boen officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Marilyn Coralie Lueck, daughter of Arthur and Myrtie (Teig) Lueck was born on October 7, 1928 near Jewell. Marilyn graduated from the Clarion High School in 1946. She attended Waldorf College for one year and then taught school at Lincoln #2, Wright County, for two years. On March 13, 1949, she was united in marriage to Robert Gerald Marshall at the First Lutheran Church and to this union three children were born, Carol, Kay and Jim. Robert and Marilyn were married for 57 years prior to Robert's death in 2006.

Marilyn was an active member of the First Lutheran Church where she was involved with various Circles, served as current President of FLCW, Chairperson of Auxiliary and Ministry Department, head of the Lutheran Salad Luncheon, Church Council member, current Historian of the church, active in sewing ladies and sewed the layettes. She was also a Sunday School teacher at one time. Marilyn had also been a 4-H Leader, a member of Country Cousins and the Lincoln Ladies Union. She was a substitute teacher in the Clarion Public Schools before going to work as a secretary for the Wright County Extension Service for 16 years, retiring in 1990. She was a volunteer at the hospital and involved with genealogy at the library.

Marilyn was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always putting her family and others before herself. She was an avid reader, enjoyed researching her family's history and collected angels.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Carol and husband, Roger Kellison of Plattsmouth, Nebrask; one son, Jim Marshall and wife, Marsha of Fort Lupton, Colorado; three grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandsons; a step-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Florence Botine and Yvonne Stevens and husband, Shirley of Clarion; one brother, Lowell and his wife, Lois; and many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; daughter, Kay Anderson; and one sister, Ardeth Grove.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Margaret Deimerly

May 14, 2009

Margaret Irene Deimerly, 87, of Clarion, died on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, May 11, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, with interment in the St. John's Cemetery, Clarion.

Margaret Irene Stackland, was born on January 9, 1922 in Eagle Grove, the daughter of Mandius and Thea (Finshus) Stackland. Margaret received her education in the Eagle Grove Public Schools, attending Lela Howland Elementary School and graduating from the Eagle Grove High School in 1940. On June 17, 1940, Margaret Stackland and Raymond Deimerly were united in marriage at St. John's Parish in Clarion. In 1944, they moved to their farm in Wall Lake Township where Margaret continued to live until her death. During their 67 years of marriage Margaret and Raymond raised five children and expanded their farming operation.

Margaret was a full partner in the farm operation and supported it on and off the farm. Beginning in the mid-1950's and into the 1960's she worked at Morton's Frozen Foods in Webster City and at Wilson's in Eagle Grove. She was also a member of St. Theresa's Circle and the Wall Lake Monday Club.

Margaret was proud of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed her correspondence with first cousins who continue to live on the original Finshus farm in Skjold, Norway. She will be remembered for her robust laughter, love of gardening, love for her family and enjoyment of her neighbors and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Serina Courois of Palm Bay, Florida; daughters, Suzanne Deimerly of Clarion, Trish (Kent) Perry of Ankeny and Joan (Dennis) Dougherty of Belmond; son, Robert (Kathy) Deimerly of Clarion; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; daughter, Rosemary; and brothers, Alvin, Merle "Bud" and Severt Stackland.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Ruth A. Bunn

May 14, 2009

Ruth A. Bunn, 96, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at the Careage of Clarion.

A memorial service was held on Monday, May 11, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion, with Pastor Bill Kem officiating.

Ruth was the daughter of Dr. T.T. and Dotsie (Soults) Roosevelt. Ruth was born in Clarion on May 12, 1912. She graduated from the Clarion High School in 1930. Ruth was the secretary to the school superintendent following her high school graduation. She then attended the Ft. Dodge Tobin Business College. Upon graduation in 1933, she was employed by the First National Bank in Clarion for 13 years. On June 4, 1938, she married Bernard Bunn at the home of her parents. She was the bookkeeper for B.C. Bunn Mechanical Contractor and B.C. & T. Bunn, Inc. for 43 years.

Ruth was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Chapter FS P.E.O., a charter member of the Clarion Community Hospital Auxiliary (now the Wright Medical Center Auxiliary) and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her daughter, Penny and husband, Fritz of Aurora, Colorado; son, Ted and wife, Peg of Clarion; sister, Irene Dougherty and husband, Dale; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, B.C. Bunn.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Duan Wayne Loux

May 21, 2009

Duan Wayne Loux, 60, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2009, at the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 12. Burial was in the Ankeny Memorial Garden.

Duan, the son of Eldon and Wanda (Babcock) Loux was born on June 22, 1948 in Hampton. He grew up on a farm in the rural Galt and Rowan areas and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1966. Duan attended Hamilton College and served in the Army and did a tour of Vietnam.

Duan retired on March 10, 2009, after 30 years as a machinist. Duan and Donna celebrated 37 years of marriage. He loved to go camping, hunting, fishing, a good game of cards and spending time with his family.

Duan is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Rhonda and her children of Des Moines; Gary and his wife, Anita and their children of Dardenne, Illinois; Sandy and her husband, Darwin and their children of Des Moines; mother, Wanda Loux of Rowan; a sister, DeAnna (Paul) Mallinger; two brothers, Leland (Cathy) Loux and Merlin (Jackie) Loux; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Loux; and his father, Eldon Loux.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Mary Anne Paul

May 21, 2009

Mary Anne Paul, 82, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Careage of Clarion.

A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Mary was born on November 20, 1926 in Blairsburg, the daughter of Louie E. Kirchner and Elva Mae Pringle Kirchner. Mary attended Webster City Schools and Briarcliff College in Sioux City. Mary was married to John R. Paul on January 14, 1954 in Webster City. Mary was employed at the Webster City Products, Webster City Theater and was a cook for many years at the Webster City Schools. After her retirement, she moved to Clarion, retiring a second time from EDS, then later worked part-time as a cook for the Clarion Schools.

She loved to bake and cook. She had a great joy in her baking and was known for her great Kringla and cookies. She loved to read, do crafts and puzzles.

Mary is survived by her half sister, Violet Gregory of Webster City; a son, Donald (Debra) Paul of Clarion; three daughters, Pat LaRue of Clarion, Margaret (John) Hayes of Carthage, Missouri and Kathy Mullen of Herdon, Kansas; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Anthony Joseph Paul; husband, John R. Paul; and one sister, Janice Dilly.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Eugene R. Allen

June 4, 2009

Eugene R. Allen, 100, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at the Meadows Assisted Living in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 1, at the United Methodist Church, Clarion. Rev. Don Morrison and Rev. Kelly Allen officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion, following the service.

Eugene (Gene) Allen, was born on April 12, 1909, in the family farmhouse outside Eagle Grove, the son of Edgar and Mary (Lewis) Allen. This farmstead is now a Century Farm, being owned by the family since 1888. He attended Clarion Schools, Eagle Grove Junior College and the University of Iowa. In 1931, he started his printing business with his friend, Harold Allen. Their first publication was a newspaper shopper that would become the Clarion Reminder. Gene worked at the Allen Printing Company until the end of his life. Gene and Wilma (Wakefield) were married in 1937 and raised three children in Clarion.

He volunteered for service in the United States Navy during World War II, helped organize the first Clarion Chamber of Commerce, served many years on the Clarion City Council and was a charter member of the Clarion Lions Club. He was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Cyrene Lodge, a member of the American Legion for more than 60 years and a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. Gene enjoyed playing golf and cards with friends and spending time with his family on annual trips to Lake Okoboji and on many other vacations.

He is survived by his children, Thomas Allen and wife, Joann of Chesterfield, Missouri, Michael Allen and wife, Mary Ann of Bloomington, Minnesota and Martha Elston and husband, Scott of Ames; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; and two sisters, Elva Badley and Vernice Mechem.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Dorothy Jane Larsen

June 4, 2009

Dorothy Jane Larsen, 81, of Clarion, formerly of Eagle Grove, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2009, at the Careage in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 5, at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. Pastor Mike Agnew will officiate at the 1:30 p.m. service. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Dorothy Jane Matheson, was born on November 25, 1927 in Clarion, the daughter of Ross and Gertrude Louise (Turk) Matheson. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1945. Dorothy was united in marriage to Robert E. Larsen on May 5, 1948 in Clarion.

She was a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the United Methodist Church and Rebecca Circle, served on many funeral dinners and baked several pies and rolls for church bake sales. She was also a member of a very active "Koffee Klatch" in and around Eagle Grove.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Robert of Eagle Grove; Anita Hammer and husband, Steve of Peachtree City, Georgia; a son, Russell Larsen and wife, Teresa of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; and other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Lois Lunde.
© Wright County Monitor 2009

Jake Lewerke

June 11, 2009

Jake Lewerke, 93, of Britt, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 5, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt, with Tim Vaughan and Mike Henry officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Jake, son of Harm and Jennie (Miller) Lewerke, was born on April 7, 1916 in Aplington, Iowa. Jake was united in marriage to Ethel Peck from Crystal Lake on June 21, 1940. Following their loving marriage, they made their home in Britt and then to Hayfield where he farmed. Jake was a hard worker but never complained. Relatives and friends loved to be with Jake and Ethel while on the farm.

After a huge fire took his farm, Jake ended up in Clarion and started driving Winnebago Motor Homes and was semi-retired, but not from farm sales and going in his truck. He and Ethel were always busy visiting relatives and friends, or being with their children and grandchildren. Jake was always so excited when he knew Brad, his grandson, was coming over to go with him in his truck. The grandchildren had much respect for him. Ethel and Jake had 68 years together, and they went to a Care Center together three years ago. The staff of the Westview Care Center lovingly cared for both him and Ethel.

Jake loved to go to Sunday morning Fellowships and had a love for God. He enjoyed the Bible Study talks up to last week.

Jake is survived by his two sons, Doug (Jane) Lewerke of Prescott, Arizona and Dean (Patsy) Lewerke of Iowa Falls; daughter, Leaann (Greg) Anderson of Clarion; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a special niece and nephew; four sisters, Susan McLain of Minnesota, Jennie Forshee, Rosie Brunson and Eileen Smith, all of Britt; sister-in-law, Betty Ann Lewerke of Britt and Eula Lewerke of Minnesota; and numerous other special nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ethel; daughter, Patricia; brothers, Harm, Pete and Elzo; and sisters, Ella Bergman and Gertrude Smidt.
© Wright County Monitor 2009