Hinderene Grace Van Raden

January 14, 2010

Hinderene Grace Van Raden, 80 year of age, of Allison, died on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 9, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Allison, Iowa, with Pastor Gary Mulder officiating. Burial took place in the Allison Cemetery.

Hinderene was born on August 26, 1929, to Jerry and Ella (Ooster) Mennenga near Shell Rock. In 1930, she was baptized at the Ebeneezer Lutheran Church near Allison, started Sunday School when she was three years old and was confirmed in 1943, at the Peace Lutheran Church of Shell Rock. She attended the Shell Rock Public School all twelve years. Since there was no kindergarten, Hinderene began at first grade and in 1946 she graduated the Valedictorian of her class. In her valedictorian speech Hinderene said that graduation was not the sunset of her life but the dawn.

The fall of 1946 Hinderene began teaching at a rural school in Jackson Township. Later she attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, taught in Clarion and taught nineteen years in the elementary grades for the Allison-Bristow Public Schools. She was named to Who's Who of American Teachers in 1990. October 24, 1948, Hinderene married Leslie Thomas Van Raden at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Waverly. They raised four children, Joyce, Debra, Daryl and Rodney. At various times they had two foster children.

Hinderene was a member of the Allison Women's Club, a trustee of the Allison Public Library and a member of the Reformed Church Women's Ministries. She was also the creator of the Iowa slogan "Fields of Opportunity." She had great joy in teaching and working with her students. She enjoyed writing poetry and short stories, reading, planting flowers, gardening and baking bread. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Hindrene is survived by two daughters, Joyce Keeling of Rowan and Debra (David) Anderson of Indianola; one son, Rodney (Teresa) Van Raden of Indianola; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Mennenga and Henry "Bud" Mennenga; and three sisters, Jean Folkerts, Marie Heeren and Pauline Meyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Elizabeth Bales; husband, Leslie in 1994; son, Daryl in 1976; and son-in-law, Verlyn Keeling in 2009.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Richard "Dick" L. Holley

January 14, 2010

Richard "Dick" L. Holley, 83, of Clarion passed away Friday, January 8, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, with his family by his side.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 13, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion, with Reverend Bill Kem officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Dick was born on October 20, 1926 in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Sanford Eugene and Anna Olga (Pederson) Holley. He was a 1944 graduate of the Grinnell High School. He enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II as an Electrician 3rd Class. On September 11, 1949, he married Mary Louise Kunkel in Marshalltown, who was the love of his life. This past September they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with friends and family. They have three children, Joseph, Kathryn and James. Dick and Mary Lou lived in Marshalltown where he was employed by Iowa Electric Light & Power at the Sutherland Power Plant until his retirement. After retirement, Dick and Mary Lou moved to Lake Cornelia near Clarion in 1984.

Dick belonged to and served as Commander of the American Legion Post 46 of Marshalltown and Post 370 of Goldfield, as well as Vice Commander of the Marshall County 3rd District and a member of the 40 & 8 unit. Dick was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, both in Marshalltown and in Clarion.

Dick Holley is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; three children, Joseph (Rhonda) Holley of Ottawa, Kansas, Kathryn Moore of Clarion and James (Norma) Holley of Blue Springs, Missouri; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; special cousins; several nieces and nephews; cousins; many friends; his beloved dog, Zoey that he walked every day and the new puppy, Bo.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother and father; one nephew; and one niece.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Merle D. Humphrey

January 21, 2010

Merle D. Humphrey, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2010, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

His family hosted a "Celebration of Life Memorial" as Merle requested on Sunday, January 17, at the shelter house at Lake Cornelia.

Merle was born on August 2, 1928 in Algona, to Carl and Iva (Howe) Humphrey. He was educated in Algona and enlisted in the U.S. Army thereafter. Merle was a man of many professions. He was a commercial/private pilot, aviation mechanic and aviation instructor pilot. He owned/managed the airports in Storm Lake, Webster City and Shenandoah. Merle also owned a body shop in Clarion for some time. He loved to work with his hands and was a natural born problem solver. Merle was a Texan at heart; he spent many years there. In 1982, he was united into marriage to Georgia M. (Scribner) Humphrey and they made their home in Harker Heights, Texas, until returning to Goldfield in 1995.

He is survived by his daughter, Sue (Jim) Odell of Everett, Washington; step-children, Randy (Sandy) Humphrey of Mason City, Douglas (Donna) Humphrey of Sierra Vista, Arizona, the late Mitchell (Lori) Humphrey of Clarion, Donnell Humphrey of Alexander and Monna (Dennis) Gardalen of Clarion; and his brothers, Allen Humphrey of Sierra Vista, Arizona and Nathan (Linda) Humphrey of Rochester, Washington; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter; step-daughter; step-son; three brothers; and three sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Dennis Wayne Andersen

January 21, 2010

Dennis Wayne Andersen, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 15, at the Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines. Burial was in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Donations may be made to the family to establish a garden in Dennis' memory.

Dennis was born on January 29, 1943, to Arland and Irene Andersen in Sioux City. He served in the Air Force and was stationed in Germany and England during the Vietnam War. He returned to his career in speech pathology where he enjoyed working with children. In 1967, Dennis married Elaine Weishaar and they shared 42 special years together in Clarion and Grimes. They raised two children and together they taught them a variety of unique skills and appreciation for the natural world, including raising sheep, goats and a variety of other farm animals.

In later years, Dennis enjoyed organic gardening, great conversation and electronics and always had a passion for photography.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughter, Lara (Matt); son, Wayne (Becky); four grandchildren; two sisters; and many other extended family members.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Ronald "RC" D. Cooke Sr.

January 21, 2010

Ronald "RC" D. Cooke Sr., died on Friday, January 15, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A memorial service was held on Monday, January 18, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake, with Pastor Dennis Hudson officiating. Cremation services will take place after. Inurnment was held in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Ronald Dean Cooke Sr., was born on November 5, 1946 in Clarion, the son of Robert and Genevieve (DeLano) Cooke. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1964. He served in the National Guard from 1964-1968. As a young teenager Ron began working in a cafe later leading him to his career of managing and operating several businesses including the Bungalow Cafe, Forest City, Helen's Supper Club, Eagle Grove, Ron's Restaurant, Clarion, Happy Chef, Story City and Lakecrest Cafe, Clear Lake. Ron owned and operated the Pancake Inn, Mason City, Dart Drive Inn and Shady Beach, Clear Lake. He later managed Tropic Sun Fruit & Nut, Austin, Minnesota and Capt K's Ice Cream, Mason City and owned the Iowa Walk-In Connection.

Ron was united in marriage to Donna Fjelstad in 1967; to this union four children were born. Ron was united in marriage to Donna Jurgensen on June 28, 1991.

In his free time Ron enjoyed dancing and listening to his wife sing. His greatest love was spending time with family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Donna Jurgensen-Cooke of Clear Lake; children, Ron Jr. (Diane) Cooke of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dan (Holly) Cooke of Clear Lake and Tami (Marcus) Willy of Winston Salem, North Carolina; step-children, Matthew (Michelle) Jurgensen of Clear Lake, Mark (Tammy) Jurgensen of Forest City, Jessica (Robbie) Pfeiffer of Dallas, Texas and Aaron (Christine) Jurgensen of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Robert (Bernadine) Cooke of Belmond; a sister, Carlene Cooke of Minneapolis, Minnesota; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Maxine Ellis; brother-in-law, Steve (Becky) Ellis, all of Stuart; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Ronda Cooke; a brother, Jerry Cooke; and one sister, Beth Kluss.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Fern F. Claude

January 28, 2010

Fern F. Claude, 94, previously of Woolstock, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2010, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 22, at the United Methodist Church in Woolstock, with Pastor L.J. Hartley officiating. Internment was in the French Church Cemetery, rural Woolstock.

Fern F. Loux, was born on August 3, 1915 in Wright County, the daughter of John and Mary Loux. She attended school in Wright County. She was baptized at the Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. Fern married Jule Archie Claude on May 15, 1937. They lived in Wall Lake Township for a few years before moving to Woolstock. Fern and Archie later farmed for many years in Wall Lake Township before buying and moving to a farm northwest of Belmond. They retired from farming, sold the farm and moved to Woolstock.

Fern was a member of and continued to attend church at the Methodist Church in Woolstock until her health began to fail a few years ago.

While Archie was alive, they enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada and traveling to visit relatives and friends in Arizona, Wisconsin and locally in Iowa. They enjoyed playing cards and other games with family and friends. They also enjoyed gardening and Fern continued to garden and care for her yard until recent years. She spent a great deal of time and pleasure knitting, tatting and crocheting and gave many of her creations to friends and relatives. She enjoyed seeing and visiting with her children and their families.

Fern is survived by two sons, Gary Lee Claude and wife, Edwina of Clear Lake and Jule Francis Claude and wife, Beverly of Clarion; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; along with numerous nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jule Archie Claude in 1995; a grandchild, Wendy Kaye Claude; two sisters, Gladys Kastler and Leona Reiland; and three brothers, Clarence, Lawrence and Lloyd Loux.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Lynn V. Howieson

February 25, 2010

Lynn V. Howieson, age 69, of Forest City, died on Sunday, January 24, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 28, at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Jerald Swanberg officiating. Inurnment will be in the spring in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Lynn V. Howieson, was born on October 12, 1940 in Clarion, the son of James and Irene (Nelson) Howieson. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1958. During high school he began working for the Iowa State Highway Commission. He was hired on full-time at the Clarion garage in 1959.

Lynn and Barbara (Moats) Feller were united in marriage on May 1, 1964. In 1972, they moved to Forest City where Lynn worked for the D.O.T. as the garage foreman. He held various positions with the D.O.T. and retired from the Mason City office as a District Engineering Tech after 42 years of service to the state.

Firefighting became a big part of the Lynn's life after moving to Forest City. Lynn joined the Forest City Fire Department in 1974 where he served for 26 years, serving as the Fire Chief for five of those years. He also started his own business selling and servicing fire equipment to area fire departments and businesses.

Lynn was a wrestler in high school and loved watching wrestling all of his life, rarely missing an Iowa-Iowa State meet. He enjoyed golfing and never missed a chance to take his kids and grandkids out for a day on the course. He spent many hours bird watching from his back deck or from his living room chair. He also watching his grandchildren play in everything from track, cross country, wrestling, football, baseball, basketball and swimming to watching his granddaughters dance.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Cindy Torkelson (Dale Gjerstad) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lynne Feller (Bart Spencer) of Charles City, Shelby (Terry) Tweeten of Forest City and Kent (Darla) Howieson of Dubuque; three brothers, Robert (Eleanore) Howieson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, James (Mary) Howieson of Clarion and Darrell (Ruth) Howieson of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota; one sister, Verla Brooks of Queen Creek, Arizona; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; lifelong friend, Larry Taylor and wife, Jan of Clarion; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Merle Howieson; and one nephew.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Faye Vincent Denger

February 4, 2010

Faye Vincent Denger, age 85, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 2, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, with Pastor Nils Hernandez officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Clarion. A scriptural wake was held on Monday at the funeral home.

Faye Vincent Denger, was born on November 16, 1924 in Iowa Falls, the son of Ralph and Rhoda (Bangs) Denger, but grew up in the Dows area. He was proud to have spent eight years in the Vernon Township #5 Country School. Faye graduated from the Dows High School in 1942. He worked on the Dows ranch for a few years and then went to Wisconsin where he helped his uncle farm.

Faye married Wyona Lucille Hall of Meservey, on January 24, 1949 at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City. They met on a blind date and were married two years later. They lived in Dows for four years. The couple farmed and raised livestock in the Dows area four years and then the Armstrong area 16 years. Faye belonged to the Holy Name Society and St. Mary's Church in Armstrong. Faye also belonged to National Farmers and Beef Producers Organization.

They returned to the Clarion area in March 1969, where he farmed until retiring to Clarion in 1992. After retiring, he delivered Meals on Wheels and did volunteer driving. He was proud to be a farmer and a friend of the land.

Faye loved his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Faye liked to play cards at the Senior Center and visit with farmers at the Co-op. He enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and traveling to Australia, Norway, Alaska and Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Wyona; children, Jennifer (Bruce) Kreitlow, Candace (John) Sheehan, Carmel (Earl Jr.) Hammen, all of Clarion, Jaclyn (Merlin) Loux of Dows, Judy (Kelly) Thomas of Lakewood, Colorado and Lawrence Denger of Berkley, California; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Pat (Willis) Muhlenbruch of Dows; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Forrest Denger; granddaughter, Amanda Sheehan; three brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.
© Wright County Monitor 2010