Duane Ray Schipull

November 11, 2010

Duane Ray Schipull, age 75, of Goldfield, passed away November 1, 2010 at the Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Memorial services were held Saturday, November 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Goldfield with Pastor Christina Perkins officiating. Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Duane Ray Schipull, the son of Carl F. and Laura Belle (Yanney) Schipull, was born September 12, 1935 in Goldfield. He was raised and educated in the area of his birth, graduating from Goldfield High School in 1953. He attended the University of Iowa for three years before serving in the Army from 1956 to 1958. He pitched for the Fort Gordon Ramblers while in the service. After the service, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles to train with their farm team. He threw out his shoulder and returned to the Goldfield area where he eventually began farming the family farm. On March 1, 1964, Duane was united in marriage to Sandra Jeanne Hanson at the United Methodist Church in Goldfield. The couple made their home in Goldfield.

He had a great love for his family and was very involved in their activities growing up, especially coaching little league. Duane was a member of the United Methodist Church in Goldfield, Goldfield American Legion, Oakridge and loved playing cards on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He was an avid sports fan, baseball was a special passion with golf a close second.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Schipull; daughter, Dana Halvorson and husband, Lee of Northwood; sons, Greg Schipull of Goldfield and Jeff Schipull and wife, Jen of Belle Plaine, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Brett, Robyn and Lauren Halvorson; as well as a host of additional family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Laura Schipull and one brother, Harlan Schipull.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

John T. Rowen

November 11, 2010

John Theodore Rowen, age 81, of Eagle Grove, passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

Funeral services were held Saturday, November 6 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove with Pastor Mike Agnew officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

John Theodore Rowen was born February 1, 1929 in Clarion, the son of James and Margery (Griffin) Rowen. He was raised and educated in Clarion and won the 123 lb. State Wrestling Championship in 1947, graduating from Clarion High School "Class of 1948". John then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. On July 25, 1954, John was united in marriage with Mary Newcomb in Des Moines. The couple made their home on the family farm south of Eagle Grove, where they still resided. The couple raised two families, having three children and adopting two of their grandchildren in 1984.

John worked for the Republican Central Committee during the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. He then began his long history working for the State of Iowa, as a State Grain Elevator Inspector, with the State Liquor Commission and the Department of Transportation. John also worked a number of years for the Eagle Grove Police Department, serving as police chief for a time and in his "semi-retirement" as a greeter at WalMart in Fort Dodge.

John enjoyed buying and selling antiques, fishing, visiting with people and traveling. He and Mary had recently traveled to Alaska to visit his sister. John was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Clarion.

Survivors include his wife Mary Rowen of Eagle Grove; sons-David Rowen and wife, Linda Ackelson of Norwalk, Jon Rowen and wife, Jan of Eagle Grove and Frank Rowen of Indianapolis, Indiana; two daughters, Becky Ramaeker and husband, Tom of Knoxville and Anne Downs and husband, Rob of West Des Moines; six grandchildren: James, Jack, Michael, Jessica, Katie and Chris; five great-grandchildren and one sister, Catherine Troeger of Soldatna, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters-Mary Rowen (age 6) and Elizabeth Fisher.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Dennis J. Ring

November 11, 2010

Dennis J. Ring MSGT USAF (Ret) passed away on November 4, 2010 at the age of 54. He was born September 1, 1956.

Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, November 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Neola, Iowa. Visitation is Tuesday, November 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Bellevue Memorial Chapel in Bellevue, Nebraska and one hour prior to the service at the church in Neola. Interment will be in the Neola Cemetery.

Ring is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter Amanda (Zachary) Golden; grandson, Elijah; step-son Timothy Sanders; mother, Mary Ellen Ring; brothers-Thomas Ring, Brian (Nancy) Ring, Michael (Robin) Ring; sisters, Roberta (Dwight) Tew; Joellen (Tim) Woodin; nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Ring; sister-Catherine Ring and twin sisters, Margaret and Marian Ring.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

M. Alice Riley

November 11, 2010

M. Alice Riley, age 100, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at her home.

She was born on June 6, 1910 in Creston, Iowa, the daughter of Myrtle (Nicholls) and Finis Peters. Mrs. Riley began her education in a one room school house, graduated from Orient High School in Iowa and earned a Bachelor's degree in education from Simpson College in 1930 at the age of twenty. She taught music in Iowa for ten years. On July 26, 1940, she married Dr. Rev. Bruce T. Riley. They moved to Gustavus, Ohio in 1954. She taught at Youngstown College, then from 1952 until she retired in 1972 she taught within the surrounding school districts.

Mrs. Riley was a member of the Gustavus Federated Church. She served on the Family Service Board for six years and served as Trustee for the Kinsman Free Public Library for twenty-one years. Mrs. Riley was a member of the D.A.R., O.E.S., Gustavus Historical Society, Gustavus Grange, Gustavus Community Aid, Gustavus U and I Club, Ohio Cultural Alliance, American Carriage Association and the Philosophy circle at Youngstown State University.

Mrs. Riley was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband of forty-six years, Dr. Rev. Bruce T. Riley; an infant brother, Arthur Peters; three brothers, Bruce, Raymond and Richard Peters.

Survivors include two daughters, Alice E. (Ken) Kraus of Marysville, Ohio and Margaret A. (Paul) Neves of Fort Collins, Colorado; a stepdaughter, Patricia Irwin of Boulder, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Dirk and Matthew Kraus, Daniel and Luiz Neves, and Laurie, Christy and Dave Irwin; and nine great grandchildren, Ryan and Nichole Sellden, Ashley Gallovich, Noah Irwin, Jayden, Riley and Alia Kraus, and David and Nicholas Neves.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 in the Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kinsman Free Public Library, Kinsman, Ohio or to the Gustavus Federated Church, Farmdale, Ohio.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Bradley David Broshar

December 2, 2010

Bradley David Broshar, 32 years old, of Kanawha passed away at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt on Sunday, November 7, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Stephanie Broshar and the devoted and proud father of Kaysen (4 years old) and Haylen (2 years old) Broshar.

Funeral services were held November 10, 2010, Brad and Steph's 10 year wedding anniversary.

Following graduation from West Hancock High School in 1996, Brad married his high school sweetheart, Steph, and began farming with his father on land located near Kanawha. Brad truly enjoyed his profession and regularly blurred the lines between work and play. He helped implement many innovative farming technologies and was highly respected amongst his fellow farmers for his hard work ethic and attention to detail.

Always young at heart, Brad exuded a childlike exuberance for life. Besides being the ultimate family man, he enjoyed hunting, tinkering with tractors and semis, fishing, hanging out at the lakehouse, and surrounding himself with family and friends at all times. Never short on words, Brad was always up for a lengthy conversation. He will be especially remembered for being an incredibly caring person who would drop everything to help anyone in need.

Brad became a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt on April 3, 2010.

Brad is also survived by his parents William and Christi Broshar of Kanawha, grandparents Emily Harris of Clarion and Floyd Broshar of Clarion, sister Brandi Hoffman (Mitch) of St. Paul, Minnesota, brother Ryan Broshar (Molly) of Boulder, Colorado, his mother-and father-in-law Donna and Steve Witte of Britt; brothers-and sisters-in-law Cody (Rayshel) Witte of Britt, Hannah (Mark) Muth of Britt, Tyler (Katie) Witte of Grundy Center, Logan Witte and Paige Harris of Des Moines and nieces and nephews Ella Hoffman, Coen and Embree Witte and Briggs Muth.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandma Carol Broshar, his maternal grandpa Robert Harris, aunt Marcia Harris and cousin Michelle Lemieux.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Kevin C. Askvig

November 18, 2010

Kevin C. Askvig, 31, of Clarion, passed away Monday, November 8, 2010, surrounded by family and friends at Iowa Methodist Health Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held Friday, November 12, at the Clarion Church of Christ with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Kevin Askvig was born September 8, 1979 in Clarion, the son of David and Cheryl (Tagg) Askvig. He attended school in Clarion and graduated from Clarion High School in 1998. After graduation, he attended Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon. Kevin moved back to Clarion and worked a variety of jobs, including construction, welding, and for Clarion Elevator Service. He was most recently employed by Sukup Manufacturing in Sheffield.

Kevin was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, grilling and camping. He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. He also loved being with his family. Kevin and his fiancée Candace were expecting a child.

Kevin is survived by his fiancée, Candace Humphrey; children Madison and Brooklyn; parents David and Cheryl Askvig of Clarion; brother, Todd Askvig and son, Tyler of Clarion; sister, Andrea Loux and son, Clayton of Belmond; great-grandfather, Frank Campbell of Clarion and grandfather Harold Askvig of Clarion.

Kevin was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Margaret Campbell; grandparents, Jack and Lela Tagg; and grandmother Pauline Askvig.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Maxine (Hawke) Jensen

November 18, 2010

Maxine (Hawke) Jensen, 90, formerly of Clarion, passed away at Mill Pond Retirement Community on Wednesday, November 10, 2010.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 15, at Ankeny Funeral Home. Burial was held at Sheffield Cemetery, Sheffield.

Maxine Phyllis (Hawke) Jensen, was born October 13, 1920, in Sheffield to James and Rose (Krusemark) Hawke. Maxine graduated from Sheffield High School in 1938. Having taken normal training in high school, she taught in rural school in Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties from 1938 to 1944. She attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, and received her teaching certificate, then taught in Fayette from 1944-1950. She taught in La Porte City, Iowa from 1950 to 1958.

June 5, 1958, Maxine married Chaplain Carl Oliver Jensen. They made their home at a marine base, Camp Pendleton, California. Their last military move was to the Naval Air Station in Grosse Ile, Michigan. When Carl Jensen retired from the Navy, he returned to the ministry at United Methodist Church in Lake City and finally Clarion's First United Methodist Church until 1973. At both Lake City and Clarion, Maxine returned to teaching. Maxine attended UNI, Iowa State, and DMACC to further her education. She taught for 24 years.

The couple returned to Quincy, Illinois where Carl's brother lived. Then returning to Clarion a few years later, Maxine and Carl built a home. Maxine was always active in the churches she attended and was active in P.E.O. She taught Sunday school, worked in the Women's Society of Christian Service and various church circles. In 1965, she was awarded a special membership in the Woman's Society of Christian Service by the North Iowa Conference. Maxine was a great homemaker, cook, and seamstress. She loved to cook for her family, especially Sundays after church. She always made birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas extra special.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Jensen) Young and son-in-law, Bill Young of Ankeny. Maxine has two married grandsons, Grant Young (wife Michelle) of Saylorville, and Michael Young (wife Stacy) of Beaverdale in Des Moines. Great grandchildren are Ross and Carter Young and Sophia Young. Maxine is survived by her stepdaughter, Jeanie (Ball) and her husband Alan Ball of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Jeanie's sons, Steven (wife, Jackie) Bohn, son Jackson Bohn of Plano, Texas and Alan Bohn (wife Pamela) of Sagle, Idaho. Maxine is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.

Preceding Maxine in death were her parents, James and Rose Hawke, her husband Carl and her brothers and sisters: Doris Foell, Melvin Hawke, Dallas Hawke and Arlene Schrupp. Maxine is at home with the Lord, being there, the greatest of all experiences.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Clarion United Methodist Church.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Timothy J. Reiland

November 25, 2010

Timothy J. Reiland, 52, of Clarion passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at Wright Medical Center in Clarion after a valiant, year long battle with pancreatic cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Tim Reiland was held Saturday, November 20, 2010 at St. John Catholic Church in Clarion with Rev. Nils Hernandez officiating. Burial was held at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Clarion. A scriptural wake took place at the funeral home Friday night.

Tim was born January 24, 1958 in Clarion to Oswald "Ozzie" and Anna M. "Shi" Reiland, the youngest of five boys. He attended St. John's Catholic School through fourth grade when the school closed and then Clarion Public Schools, graduating in 1977. Throughout high school he participated in plays and speech contests winning numerous awards. In 1977 his mime presentation at the All Iowa Speech Festival held at Simpson College earned him the highest honor in the state. He was later awarded a scholarship to Simpson.

The first summer out of college he was asked to teach mime at a girl's school in New York. He moved to New York City and was involved in many theatre and mime organizations where he met the love of his life, Linda "Lyn" Clerget from East Hartford, Connecticut. They were married on September 8, 1990 and continued to live in New York City. Tragically, Lyn contracted ovarian cancer and died on September 19, 1997.

For the last sixteen years Tim was a tour director at Radio City Music Hall, a job he truly loved. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of last year and moved back to Clarion to be near family and friends; he made weekly trips to Mason City to receive radiation and chemotherapy, but a cure was not forthcoming.

Tim is survived by his mother Anna M. "Shi" Reiland of Clarion; three brothers Rich and wife Sonja Reiland of Clarion; Ron and wife Mary Reiland of Savanna, Illinois; and Dwight and wife Dee Reiland of Clarion; several uncles and aunts; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tim is preceded in death by his wife Lyn in 1997; his father "Ozzie" in 1991; and brother Duane in 2003.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Gail F. Jensen

December 2, 2010

Gail F. Jensen, 47, of Clarion, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services for Gail Jensen were held on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Clarion with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

Gail Francis (Hennigar) Jensen was born October 15, 1963 to Everett Sr. and Barbara (Elliott) Hennigar. Gail attended school in Clarion, and graduated from Clarion High School in 1982. After graduation, Gail attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Gail was united in marriage to Brian Jensen on August 24, 1996 at Lake Cornelia. Gail worked as a dispatcher for Wright County for eleven years and as a tracker for Juvenile Court Services for several years. Gail later worked as a counselor for the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Outreach Center in Wright County, where she made it her life's work to serve others and to advocate for victims in need. Gail was recognized for her service in 2004 by Governor Vilsack, an award she always cherished.

Gail enjoyed working on crafts, especially scrap booking and making flower arrangements. Christmas was a special time of year for her, she spent months planning and preparing. Most of all, she loved taking care of her family and spending time with them. Gail spent her life in service of others, and her generosity will continue through the donation of her organs and tissue.

Gail is survived by her husband, Brian Jensen of Clarion; her son Anthony Schoo and his fiancée' Kelly Meyer of Somerset, Wisconsin; her parents Everett Sr. and Barbara Hennigar of Clarion; siblings Al (Karen) Hennigar, Steve (Diana) Hennigar, Colleen (Richard) Meier, and Scott (Tangela) Hennigar, all of Clarion, along with numerous other nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Michael Anthony Hanken

December 9, 2010

Michael Anthony Hanken, 46, of Clarion, died Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at the Dumont Care Center in Dumont.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 6 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein. Memorials may be made in Michaels honor to his family.

Michael was born in Oelwein on September 16, 1964 to parents Donald and Diana (Davis) Hanken. He was a long time resident at Krysilis in Clarion, where he had many friends. He enjoyed going for rides in the car and car magazines.

Left to cherish Michael's memory is his mother Diana Hanken of Marshalltown; his brothers: Doug (Kim) Hanken of Marshalltown, Matt (Nancy) Hanken of Plymouth, MN, Steve (Barb) Reinke of Stillwell, KS; his sister Cindy (John) Bru of Marshalltown; 12 nieces and nephews; as well as his many friends at Krysilis.

In death, Michael has rejoined his grandparents and his father Donald Hanken.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Jeffery Dean McOllough

December 2, 2010

Jeffery Dean McOllough, 50, of Clarion passed away Thursday, November 25, 2010 at River Falls Area Hospital in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Visitation was held Monday, November 29, 2010 at First United Methodist Church in Clarion. Funeral services followed at 11:00 a.m.

Jeff was born in Clarion on February 25th, 1960 to Melvin Jr. (Butch) and Donna McOllough. He attended Clarion High School where he graduated in 1978. He joined the Navy in 1981 and served until 1987. While in the Navy he earned his bachelor degree from the University of Maryland, Asia Division. On December 27, 1981, he married Julie Hagie (Dunker). While they were married, they were stationed in San Diego and Guam. He also had a year tour in the Indian Ocean. While serving in Guam, he became a certified scuba diver and enjoyed diving whenever he could. Together they had three children, Jonathan, Nicholas and Blake.

Jeff met Michelle Vodraska in 1999 and to this relationship, their daughter Alexis was born. They made their home in Clarion where they enjoyed remodeling their house together.

Jeff enjoyed watching his children play sports. While helping the Stecher brothers with their fieldwork, he realized his true passion was farming. He worked in the ag industry his entire life, and he also enjoyed landscaping and carpentry. At the time of his death, he was employed by Titan Pro in Clear Lake.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Jonathan, Nicholas and Blake and daughter Alexis, all of Clarion. He is also survived by his life partner Michelle and her son Morgan of Clarion; mother Donna McOllough of River Falls, Wisconsin; brother, Eric McOllough (and Bev), his children Lindsey, Logan and Brian and her son Brad of Tucson; and brother-in-law, Tom Jenkins and his children Brittni and Luke of River Falls, Wisconsin. Also, grandmother Barbara Drury of Clarion and Michelle's parents, Mike and Carol Vodraska. Several aunts and uncles, Mary (McOllough) Malek, Jean (McOllough) Schwartz, Mary (Drury) Ashpole, Dwight Drury, Bill Drury, Dean McOllough and many cousins and friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Melvin (Butch) McOllough; sister, Jennifer (McOllough) Jenkins; grandparents, Buster and Ruth (Reeder) McOllough; grandfather, Lloyd Drury; and uncle, Les Drury.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Darlene Ellen Fletcher

December 2, 2010

Darlene Ellen Fletcher, 87, of Clarion passed away Friday, November 26, 2010 at Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 30 at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion with Pastor Mark Gustufson officiating. Burial was held at Graceland Cemetery, Rowan.

Darlene Ellen (Groom) Fletcher was born September 22, 1923 in rural Wright County to James and Celia (Azeltine) Groom. Darlene attended high school in Rowan, where she participated in basketball and graduated in 1941. After graduation, she attended A.I.B. in Des Moines. After returning to the area, Darlene worked for Wright County Extension for a few years before marrying Merle "Flash" Fletcher on September 19, 1948 at the Methodist Church in Rowan. Darlene and Merle operated Fletcher Oil in Clarion and Eagle Grove until their retirement in 1987. In September of 1977, they made their cabin at Lake Cornelia their year round home. The couple also spent 20 winters at Country Sunshine in Weslaco, Texas.

Darlene participated in the neighborhood bridge club for many years and she and Merle belonged to the Ghost Town Ramblers, a motorcycle club, for several years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies Group at Lake Cornelia.

Darlene was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ Congregational for over 50 years, and during that time held many offices. She was very active in the church, teaching Sunday school and serving as Sunday school superintendent for several years.

Darlene was very passionate about flower gardening and was an avid bird watcher. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She served as Cub Scout Den Mother for several years while her boys participated.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Merle "Flash" Fletcher of Clarion; her children Sara (Dale) Smith, Tim (Shelley) Fletcher, Jim (Cindy) Fletcher, and John (Kathy) Fletcher, all of Clarion; her grandchildren: David (Jenny) Smith, Andrea Anderson, Benjamin Foster, Hannah Foster, Shannon (Todd) Lerdal, TJ (Jessica) Fletcher, Courtney (Greg) Lehrman, Eugene Waage, Elizabeth (Terry Hatfield) Waage, Dustin (Jessica) Waage, Nicole (Josh) Askvig, Rachel Fletcher, Ben Rasmussen, Kama (Dr. Galaxy) Rasmussen-Li, and Noel Rasmussen; 15 great-grandchildren; sister Margrete Jones of Dows, brothers Thomas (Edna) Groom of Clarion and Dwight (Marjorie) Groom of Rowan; and sister-in-law Mildred (Eddie) Rollins of Anaheim, California, along with numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Grace Fletcher, and a brother-in-law, Ordean Jones.
© Wright County Monitor 2010