Myron R. Esler

August 19, 2010

Myron Ross Esler, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2010, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, at the age of 90 years.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 13, at the Holmes Lutheran Church, with Pastor Richard Taylor and Rev. H. W. Schiller officiating. Burial was in the Holmes Lutheran Cemetery.

Myron  the son of Ross and Elsie (Paul) Esler, was born on May 12, 1920, near Grinnell. He graduated from the Grinnell High School in 1938. Myron served in the United States Army 32nd Infantry Division for four years. Most of this time was spent in the South Pacific. Following his return from the service, he was engaged in farming near Grinnell. On June 8, 1947, Myron was united in marriage to Evelyn Thompson of Goldfield. In 1959, the couple moved to Goldfield where they lived until 1996, when they moved to Eagle Grove.

Myron was a member of the Holmes Lutheran Church, the Holmes Co-op Elevator, where he served on the Board of Directors and was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 642. Myron also enjoyed spending time fishing.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, LuAnn; parents; and a sister, Arlene McCullough.

Myron is survived by his wife, Evelyn Esler of Eagle Grove; son, John Esler and wife, Kim of Alta; three step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn Garwood of Grinnell and Helen Boyer of New Boston, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight, P.O. Box N, Fort Dodge or the Holmes Lutheran Cemetery Association or the Holmes Lutheran Missionary Fund.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Janet M. Boyington

August 26, 2010

Janet Mary Boyington, was called from this life on Sunday, August 15, 2010, at the Golden Living Center in Benson, Minnesota. She attained the age of 69 years, 6 months and 21 days.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, August 18, in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Janet was born on January 24, 1941 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Janet (Anderson) Fossum. Janet was married on June 15, 1989 in Clear Lake, to Oliver Boyington. They lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Anoka, Minnesota and Clarion the last five years. Janet worked as a bond underwriter for Etna Insurance.

As a couple, they spent many years being involved in Masonic Lodge activities. She was a member of the Eastern Star and was a Grand Royal Matron of the Amaranth. Janet traveled extensively to functions of the Order of the Amaranth and was active in Courts in both Minnesota and Iowa. She was an avid reader and enjoyed shopping.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Janae (Brian) Lundebrek of Clontarf, Minnesota; her son, Eric Johnson of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; her father, Dr. John Fossum of Champlin, Minnesota; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister, Bette Winterrowd of Odessa, Texas.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Oliver in May of 2010; her mother, Janet; her sisters, Barbara and Patricia; and brothers, Johnny and Jay.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Harry Orr Pardun

August 26, 2010

Orr Pardun, of Loveland, Colorado, died on Monday, August 16, 2010, in Loveland of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD. He had maintained a positive attitude about living with this for the past eleven years. Our family is very grateful to everyone at the Pathways Hospice for the care and support they've given to Orr in recent months.

A celebration of Orr's life was held on Friday, August 20, at the Resthaven Funeral Home in Loveland. Inurnment was in the Resthaven Memory Gardens. Memorials may be directed to Alcoholics Anonymous or to the Pathways Hospice in care of the Resthaven Funeral Home, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Orr was born in Clarion, Wright County, Iowa on June 13, 1932, to Walter and Pearl Woodley Pardun. He grew up on his parents' farm there, attending country school, the Blairsburg School and the Clarion High School, where he graduated in 1950. He joined the US Navy after graduation and served four years as an electronic technician. During his training and time on Guam, he corresponded with Nancy Weber of Des Moines, Iowa. They married on August 16, 1953 and finished up his Navy tour in Cheltenham, Maryland.

After farming with his parents for a year, he used his Navy skills to go to work at the Collins Radio Company in Cedar Rapids. Later he worked for Emerson Electric in Mount Pleasant, Turner Radio Company of Cedar Rapids, Kiowa Corporation of Marshalltown and ended his forty year work career at Hewlett-Packard in Loveland, retiring in 1991.

During this time, he and Nancy had four much-loved children who grew and went on to have families of their own, making him the grandfather of twelve. Recently, he's become the delighted great-grandfather to four more.

For thirty years he was a grateful member of AA.

Orr is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Rhonda (Mark) Pille, Lindsey (Linda) Pardun, John (Gina) Pardun and Teresa (Jamie) Thompson; twelve grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Albert J. Lehman

August 26, 2010

Albert J. Lehman, 76, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2010, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Private family funeral services were held on Monday, August 23, at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion, with Rev. Dr. Ronald Yarnell officiating.

Albert John Lehman, son of Arthur and Kathryn (DeWall) Lehman, was born on January 8, 1934 in Willow Creek, Minnesota. He attended parochial school in Willow Creek and later graduated from the St. James High School in St. James, Minnesota. On September 5, 1953, Albert was united in marriage to Darlene Martin in Lake Crystal, Minnesota. To this union, seven children were born. Albert worked for the Wright Tree Service in various cities in Minnesota and the family later moved to the Dows area. In 1962, the family moved to Clarion, where Albert worked for the R.E.C. until his retirement at age 70.

Albert also served with the National Guard for many years and was activated during Operation Desert Storm. He retired from the National Guard at age 60.

Albert was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Albert enjoyed fishing, metal detecting, flying his ultra-light plane, reading, hunting and watching western and military movies. He was also known to be a jokester and enjoyed kidding people. But most of all, he loved his family and enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren.

Albert is survived by his wife, Darlene Lehman of Clarion; children, Jeremy Lehman of El Paso, Texas, Cindy (Steve) Schaffer of Algona, Kathryn (Jim) Radke of Clarion, Albert Jr. (Anna) Lehman of Macomb, Michigan, Arthur (Katie) Lehman of Yukon, Oklahoma and Evelyn (Randy) Harmon of Ashland, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Karl (Phyllis) Lehman of Madelia, Minnesota and Arden (Mary) Lehman of Ham Lake, Minnesota; and one sister, Ardis (John) Moy of Eagan, Minnesota.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jess; and two grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Ken Henry

September 9, 2010

Ken Henry, also known as Hank, was born on August 3, 1956 in Clarion, passed away at home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Monday, August 16, 2010, due to complications of Multiple Sclerosis.

There was a "Celebration of his Life" on Saturday, August 21, 2010, at the Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel (Idaho) with over 80 attendees.

Ken "Hank" was a graduate of the Clarion High School in 1974 and moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1986. Six months later he met his future wife and they were married on June 10, 1989. Ken was a truly gentle soul, who loved to make his family and friends laugh.

His greatest legacy is his vast number of loyal friends who he grew up with and remained close to throughout his life, Whip (Jan) Anderson, Jim Mueller, Randy & Curt Smith, Scott Radechel and Lee Johnson, as well as too many others to mention, but you know who you are.

Ken is survived by his wife of 21 years, Georgia; his sister, Martha (Marti) of Colorado; sister-in-law and father-in-law, Nina Goddard and George Hudson, both of Coeur d' Alene; as well as 2 nephews and their families.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Marilyn Louise (Vanderlip) Duda

August 26, 2010

Marilyn Louise (Vanderlip) Duda, age 79 of Dows, died on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at her sister's home in Tucson, Arizona.

Marilyn Louis (Vanderlip) Duda, was born on March 4, 1931 in Dows, Iowa, the daughter of Hiram and Buenetta Vanderlip. Marilyn attended country school, then went to the Dows High School and graduated in 1948. Marilyn attended the McConnell School where she was certified as a flight attendant. She worked for Trans World Airlines and was based in New York City.

Marilyn married Dr. Edward John Duda on October 8, 1955 in Iowa Falls. They lived most of their lives in Fairfield, Connecticut, where they had two children, a son Mark and a daughter Sarah. Dr. Duda worked for the University of Connecticut as a Professor of Entomology and ran the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, Connecticut until his death in 1979. Marilyn was employed by the Connecticut Audubon Society where she served as Director of Finance for 23 years. Marilyn retired at the age of 70 and moved back to the family farm in Dows.

Marilyn lived her life with passion, class and style which was evident in everything she did. Marilyn's friends will remember her warm smile and her personable nature.

Marilyn is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her son, Mark Duda; daughter, Sarah Tassinari and husband, Steve; her sister, Madalyn Richmann and husband, Jim; her grandchildren, Rachel, Hilary and Parker; and nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.

All donations maybe sent to The Marilyn Duda Memorial Fund in care of the United Bank and Trust, Dows, Iowa. All donations will be used to benefit the patients at the facility where Marilyn received her care and made many friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Delores M. Kudej

August 26, 2010

Delores M. Kudej, 89, of Clarion and formerly of Kanawha, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2010, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 25, with Pastor Janelle Siffring officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery near Kanawha.

Delores, the daughter of John P. and Effie (Housberg) Holmquist, was born on April 9, 1921 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She attended school in Fort Dodge and graduated from the Fort Dodge High School in 1932. She then attended Waldorf College in Forest City and the Mason City Community College. Delores was employed at Tobin Packaging in Fort Dodge. During World War II Delores worked for the US Army in Denver, Colorado. Following the war, she returned to Fort Dodge and was employed at the City Hall in Fort Dodge. On December 15, 1959, Delores was united in marriage with Merle Kudej in Fort Dodge. The couple made their home on the farm near Kanawha until 1982, when they retired and moved into Kanawha. Delores has resided at the Meadows in Clarion for the last five years.

Delores was a member of the Kanawha Lutheran Church. At one time she was very active in the Federated Women's Club. Delores was interested in education and helping young people further their education. She enjoyed shopping, traveling and gambling.

Delores is survived by several nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Merle in 1983.

Memorials may be made payable to the Kanawha Lutheran Church, Kanawha Public Library or to the Kanawha Fire Department and sent to Matthew F. Berry, Clear Lake, Iowa.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Harold J. Skauge

September 2, 2010

Harold Julian Skauge, age 91, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at the Careage of Clarion in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 27, at the Church of Christ in Clarion, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wright Medical Center Foundation in Clarion.

Harold Julian Skauge, was born on February 28, 1919, to Severin and Ida (Larson) Skauge on the family farm south of Kanawha. He was a lifelong resident of Wright County. Harold attended school in Norway Township and was drafted into the United States Army on April 11, 1941. He served in the 34th Infantry Division in North Africa, Italy and France during World War II. He was awarded three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged from the service in May of 1945. On July 20, 1946, Harold was united in marriage to Loma Richardson in Clarion. The couple made their home in Dayton Township where they farmed and raised livestock until Harold's retirement in 1982.

In May of 2004, Harold and Loma moved to The Meadows in Clarion and in October of 2009, Harold moved to the Careage of Clarion.

Harold enjoyed golfing and fishing and made many trips to Canada fishing. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and he and Loma made at least two trips to Norway to visit relatives there.

Harold was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ, where he was baptized on March 28, 1972. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, a former member of the Sons of Norway and served on the Clarion Elevator Board.

Harold is survived by his sister, Alva Hasty of Kanawha; 10 nieces and nephews, including Gary Robb, Carrie Ann Olson, John Marshall and Judy Ofstethun, all of Clarion; brothers-in-law, Maynard (Barbara) Beyer of Naples, Florida and Daryl Marshall of Clarion; along with numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loma; and two sisters, Ilene Beyer and Gladys Robb.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Sue Chatterton

September 2, 2010

Carole Sue (Isenberger) Chatterton, age 65, of Ankeny, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, September 2, at 10:30 a.m., at the Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Ankeny. Inurnment will be at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, at the Clarion Catholic Cemetery.

Sue was born on January 16, 1945 in Hampton, the daughter of Chester Jackson Isenberger and LaVonne Theresia (Kenyon) Isenberger. She was raised in Clarion and graduated from Iowa State University in 1967. While at ISU, Sue was active in Stars over VEISHEA and was a baton twirler for the ISU marching band. She married Gale Harmon Chatterton, her college sweetheart, on June 1, 1968. Their honeymoon was spent driving from Iowa to the Panama Canal zone, where Gale was stationed in the US Army. They resided there for one year. They have also lived in Johnston and Ankeny. Sue worked as a social worker for the State of Iowa, as a contract writer at Banker's Life Insurance and as an academic advisor at the Des Moines Area Community College.

Sue and Gale have been members of the ISU Alumni Band for the past 29 years. Sue served as a director and co-president for the group. They were also members of the Ankeny Community Emergency Response Team.

Sue enjoyed music, theater, travel, ISUCF 'V'MB, spending time with friends and neighbors, attending classes at the ISU College for Seniors and creating amazing desserts that required three ingredients or less. Sue's family and friends will always remember her humorous Christmas letters and the fact that she tried to add fun and humor to all events.

Sue is survived by her husband, Gale; daughter, Corrie (Hale) Strasser of Ames; mother, LaVonne Isenberger of Clarion; brothers, Ken Isenberger of Castle Rock, Colorado, Lynn Isenberger of Johnston and Brent Isenberger (Julie West) of Altoona; and two grandchildren.

Sue was preceded in death by her father, Chet Isenberger.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Linda K. Duhn

September 2, 2010

Linda Kay Duhn, 60, of Clarion, formerly of the Emmetsburg/Spencer area, died on Sunday, August 29, 2010, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 2, at the Ruthven United Methodist Church in Ruthven, with the Reverend Maize officiating. 

Linda Kay Hansen, was born on November 30, 1949 in Spencer, the daughter of Wayne and Shirley (Mills) Hansen. She graduated from the Ruthven High School. Linda has worked in the health profession for many years in the Spencer and Clarion areas.

Her family includes her children, Brant (Karen) Duhn of Dassel, Minnesota, Craig (Samantha) Duhn of Armstrong and Heather (Heath) Miller of Spencer; nine grandchildren; father, Wayne Hansen of Peterson, Iowa; sisters, Karen Grate of Spencer and Sharon (Glen) Orwig of Marathon, Iowa; brothers, Stan Hansen of Belmond and Kevin (Denise) Hansen of Jackson, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley; and one brother, Robert Hansen.
© Wright County Monitor 2010