Evelyn Janson Leffingwell

October 14, 2010

Evelyn Margaret Janson Leffingwell, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 4, 2010, in hospice care at St. Joseph Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 22, 2010 at Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Virginia. Inurnment took place at the Columbarium, Arlington National Cemetery.

Evelyn Margaret Janson was born September 7, 1921 to Hjalmar and Anna (Enge) Janson on the family farm in Clarion, Wright County. After graduating from Clarion High School, Evelyn taught elementary students in a rural one-room schoolhouse in Wright County and went on to work at the National Cash store in Clarion. In June of 1940 she married William C. Leffingwell, formerly of Mason City, and moved to San Diego where Bill worked as a carpenter.

During the war, Bill joined the Army Air Corps serving in Europe as a navigator on a B17 while Evelyn remained in California working in an airplane plant. After the war Bill reenlisted and Evelyn, shy by nature, stepped up to the duties of military wife. With reassignment a regular part of military life, Bill was often absent on assignment. During these times Evelyn worked hard to be both mom and dad to their two boys, William Jr. and Richard. By herself she managed the family relocations to Denver, San Antonio, the Aleutian Islands, Anchorage, Belton, Clark Air Base on the Philippines, and finally to Washington, D.C. Evelyn remembered one of the more exciting trips was when she and the boys sailed from San Francisco to the Aleutian Islands on a navy destroyer. When on deck Evelyn kept the boys tied to her with a rope.

In 1959, Evelyn, Bill and the boys settled down to civilian life in Alexandria, Virginia. For over 25 years Evelyn enjoyed her job as a dental assistant to Dr. Marvin Klavans, D.D.S., retiring in the early 1980's to spend winters with Bill golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. In 2003, Evelyn and Bill joined son Richard and his family in Chicago, Illinois.

Survivors include children: William Clare (Ana) Leffingwell, Jr., Cayey, Puerto Rico, and Richard Dwight (Maryann) Leffingwell, Chicago, Illinois; two grandsons and one great-granddaughter; sister, Anna Elaine (Ritchie) Kane, Westgate; sisters-in-law Harriet (Harley) Janson, Clear Lake, Helen (Eldon) Janson, Gravity; and her devoted caregiver Tamara Chism, Chicago, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William in 2005; sister, Marjorie Holtzbauer; seven brothers: Kenneth, Paul, Tolford, Eldon, Harley, Joel and Edgar Janson.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Ethel Sasse Nelson

September 9, 2010

Ethel Sasse Nelson, 94, died on Sunday, September 5, 2010, at the Calvin Community in Des Moines.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, September 8, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens. Burial followed in the Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvin Community Good Samaritan Fund, Des Moines in loving memory of Ethel.

Ethel was born in Mason City, February 28, 1916 to August Gehler and Kate Conley. After Kate's passing, she was raised by her father and stepmother, Florentine Gehler. Ethel married Carl Sasse on April 4, 1939 and lived in Clarion. Carl died on July 24, 1973.

In 1974, Ethel moved back to Mason City and married Marshall Nelson on December 11, 1981 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua. Marshall passed away on August 11, 2009.

Ethel was preceded in death by her baby son, Robert; loving husband of 34 years, Carl Sasse; loving spouse of 27 years, Marshall Nelson; her two sisters, Betty and Kathleen; one brother, August John; stepson, John; and stepdaughter, Louise.

Ethel is survived by her children, August "Gus" (Margaret) Sasse of Mason City, Star (Mark) Kirchner of Ankeny and Jack (Lois) Nelson of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Duane K. "Bill" Olson

September 16, 2010

Duane K. "Bill' Olson, 86, passed away at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion, on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 11, at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield, with Pastor Joyce Garton-Natte officiating. Visitation was on Thursday, from 5-7:30 p.m., at the Foust Funeral Home in Goldfield, with a Masonic Service at 7:15 p.m. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Bill the son of Clifford and Maree (Risvold) Olson, was born on February 21, 1924 in Goldfield, Iowa. He was raised and educated in the area of his birth, graduating from the Goldfield High School in 1942. Bill also attended Tobin Business College in Fort Dodge. On June 1, 1947, Bill was united in marriage with Doris Kurfman at the Baptist Church in Renwick. Bill farmed from 1945-1960 and then worked as a parts man for different local businesses. He also worked for the Umthun Trucking Company and continued helping area farmers during the harvest season after retiring.

Bill loved to mow his yard and work outside, visit with family and friends, read and travel. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield and Bower Lodge 464 in Eagle Grove, where he was a 50 year member.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Verne Lenz.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Olson of Goldfield; his five children, Carol Helmke of Eagle Grove, Sheila Merrell and husband, Bert of St. Louis, Missouri, David Olson and wife, Larayne of Sioux City, Steven Olson and wife, Juanita of Kapaau, HW and Annette Rust and husband, Jeff of Littleton, Colorado; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia Lenz of Jewel; and several nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Linda Lou Babcock

September 16, 2010

Linda Lou Babcock, 74, passed away at the Hamilton County Hospital in Webster City, on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 11, at the United Methodist Church in Goldfield, with Pastor Truman Larson officiating. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield. The Foust Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Linda the daughter of Alfred "Pete" F. and Evelyn "Evie" F. (Nolte) Wheeler, was born on March 16, 1936 in Goldfield. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from the Goldfield High School in 1953. Linda also attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, majoring in music. Linda has lived most of her life on the Wheeler-Babcock Century Farm near Goldfield. Linda married Marvin D. Babcock and the couple later divorced. Linda worked a short time for Globe Union in Fort Dodge and later for various companies, including Farm Land Premix Plant and Co-op Propane in Eagle Grove and Kanawha Co-op Oil, as a bookkeeper.

Linda was a member of the United Methodist Church in Goldfield, serving as treasurer, in UMW and as church organist for over 50 years. She also enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society, knitting, genealogy, flower gardening, traveling to see family and friends and computer-emailing, Facebook and making cards.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Clinton Wheeler in 1955; and son, William D. Babcock in 1988.

Survivors include her son, Barry E. Babcock of Goldfield; daughter, Valerie L. Harvey of Goldfield; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and longtime family friend, Louise Lester of Goldfield.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Phyllis M. Strain

September 16, 2010

Phyllis Maxine Strain, 88, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2010, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 13, at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove, with Pastor Mike Agnew officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove. The Foust Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Phyllis the daughter of Eugene and Clara (Roseland) McCormick, was born on February 28, 1922 in rural Wright County, Iowa. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth. On May 23, 1939, Phyllis was united in marriage with Allen D. Strain in Fort Dodge. The couple made their home in Eagle Grove. Allen preceded her in death on October 5, 2008.

Phyllis was a member of the United Methodist Church in rural Wright County and the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Larry Strain; brother, Roger McCormick and sister-in-law, Donna McCormick; brother-in-law, Merle "Bud" Gearhart; and son-in-law, Chuck Lackore.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Scott E. Strain of Eagle Grove; daughters, Peggy S. Lackore of Clarion, Sandi K. Baldus and husband, John of Alleman and Kayleen A. Chamberlin and husband, Joe of Eagle Grove; daughter-in-law, Charlene Strain of Mason City; sister, Lois Gearhart of Eagle Grove; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Richard (Rich) Sebert

October 7, 2010

Richard (Rich) Sebert, age 81, found everlasting peace on Friday, September 10, 2010. Rich passed away at his home in Waynetown, Indiana, with his wife Jane, daughter Susan and son-in-law Tim at his side.

Rich was born on July 17, 1929 in Clarion. He and Jane were married on September 5, 1948 in Clarion and began their 62 year adventure together. Rich farmed in Clarion for 21 years and later worked for Purina in Clarion and Hampton for ten years.

Rich was a devoted husband to Jane; loving father to Christine, Susan (O'Neill) and Barbara (Hand); a friend and father-in-law to Tim and Lon and the best "Poppy" ever to Morgan, Brenna, Courtney and Bradley. His intense love for family, strong work ethic and funny personality will live on in the hearts he has left behind.

A memorial service to celebrate a life well lived, will be held at the Sebert family farm (north of the golf course) in Clarion, at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 23.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Gertie Frohling

September 23, 2010

Gertie Frohling, age 96, of Rowan, passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 16, at the United Church of Rowan. Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiated. Burial took place in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Gertie Frohling, the daughter of Bernhard and Helen Pals Koenen, was born on August 12, 1914. She was educated in rural Meservey. Gertie was united in marriage to Herman Frohling on April 26, 1934. To this union four children were born, Eugene, Bonnie, Diane and Randy. They started farming north of Belmond, moving south of Meservey in 1940. Later, Gertie and Herman moved to a farm east of Rowan. They worked, lived and raised their family in the rural Rowan area until retiring from farming. Following retirement, the couple moved into Rowan. Herman passed away in 1984. Gertie continued to live in Rowan until entering the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond on November 10, 2009.

Gertie was a true farm wife, working in the fields side by side with Herman. She milked cows and then came back to the house to make delicious meals. She was known for her bread baking skills and won first prize at the country fair with her peach pie. An active member of the Rowan Methodist Church and Women's Society, the highlight of her week was Monday Quilting at the church.

Those left to cherish the memory of her life include her children, Eugene (Ardith) Frohling of Clarion, Bonnie (Robert) Leist of Rowan, Diane (Gordon) Sandman of Belmond and Randall (Pamela) Frohling of Belmond; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Grace Larson of Britt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gertie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herman; daughter-in-law, Jessie Frohling; granddaughter, Vicki Frohling; grandson-in-law, Stephen Stork; great-granddaughters, Tiffaney, Sondra and Marcie Stork; sister, Kate Meinders; three brothers, Peter, Bernhard Jr. and Johnny Koenen; two brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

S. Everett Smith

September 23, 2010

S. Everett Smith, 94, of Webster City, a former Blairsburg farmer passed away on Friday, September 17, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 22, at the Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg. Burial was in the Blairsburg Cemetery.

S. Everett Smith, son of Seward and Ida Smith Smith, was born on December 20, 1915 at Praireburg. He received his education in the Blairsburg Public School. On November 24, 1938, he married Delores A. Segar at her parents' farm north of Blairsburg. The couple were married for 71 years and farmed in the Blairsburg area for many years. They retired to Webster City in 2005.

Everett was a member of the Missionary Alliance Church and was an Elder in his church. He was a committee member of the Blairsburg Opera House and he enjoyed creating stained glass designs and has some of his works on display at the Opera House. He served on the steering committee of the Heartland Museum at Clarion. Everett and Delores were hosts for the Farm Progress Show, held on their farm in 1962. He enjoyed fishing, restoring farm and historical equipment, flying his single engine Cessna airplane and traveling to Denmark, Israel and across the United States, including Alaska. He volunteered in construction work for the Rio Grande Bible College at Edenburg, Texas.

Everett is survived by his wife, Delores; daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Lewis of Marshfield, Missouri, Sherry and LeRoy Peck of Webster City, Kathleen Paull of Kansas City, Missouri, Ruth and William Cramer of Clarion and Elaine Robertson of Blairsburg; son and daughter-in-law, LeeClair and Martha Smith of Rocheport, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters and brother-in-law, Lucille Brian of Titusville, Florida and Lorraine and Dan Read of Corvallis, Oregon; sister-in-law, Barbara Smith of Corvallis, Oregon; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dwight, Edward, Delbert and Kendall Smith; and son-in-law, Harlan Lewis.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Marie Louise Erickson

September 23, 2010

Marie Louise Erickson, age 83, of Clarion, died on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the Careage of Clarion.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, September 21, at the St. John Catholic Church in Clarion, with Rev. Nils Hernandez officiating. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery. A Scriptural Wake Service took place on Monday evening, September 20 at the funeral home.

Marie was born on June 26, 1927, at the farm home of her parents' around Blairsburg and attended school in Blairsburg, where she graduated from high school. She married Milford "Mike" Erickson in 1946 and they lived in Webster City for several years, where she was employed in the meat department of a grocery store. The couple left Webster City to farm in the Woolstock area and then near Galt until her husband's death in 1990. During the many years the couple farmed, Marie raised chickens and acquired quite a collection of chicken memorabilia.

She loved being outdoors, gardening and bird watching. She was also known for making the best rolls and angel food cakes in Wright County.

Survivors include her seven loving children, Tom and wife, Nancy of Clarion, Connie of Chicago, Illinois, James of Dows, Pat Fender of Clarion, John of Clarion, Mary Fox of Williamsburg and Susan of Chicago, Illinois; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Yvonne Hofsommer of DeWitt and Marilyn Pals and husband, Wayne of Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, John and Margaret Hilpipre; and brother-in-law, Roy Hofsommer.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Leon John Szabo

September 30, 2010

Leon John Szabo, age 71, of Clarion, formerly of Postville, Iowa, died on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 28, at the Community Presbyterian Church in Postville. Pastor George Boothe officiated. Burial was in the God's Acres Cemetery, Clermont, with military rites.

Leon was born on September 11, 1939 at Castalia, Iowa, to Steve and Laura (Reisner) Szabo. He graduated from the Postville High School in 1957. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. On October 15, 1966, Leon married Fayne Triem in Postville, where they raised three children, Brett, Mark and Elizabeth. Leon was employed as a lineman for the Allamakee-Clayton Rural Electric Cooperative for 33 years and retired in 1999. In 2006, he and Fayne moved to Clarion.

"Bah," as he was known to his grandchildren, loved playing golf, dining with friends, hunting agates, and doing sudoku and crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, chopping wood and recycling scrap metal and attending basketball games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Laura Szabo; brothers, Theodore, William, Dayle and Eugene; sisters, Darlene Schultz, Marilyn Wander and Agnes Smith; and father-in-law, Harold Triem.

Leon is survived by his wife, Fayne; children, Bret (Stacy) Szabo of Sioux Falls, Mark (Erin) Szabo of Avon, Minnesota and Elizabeth (Michael) Ennis of Clarion; five grandchildren; brothers, Robert Szabo of Castalia, Edward Szabo of Clermont, Victor Szabo of Castalia; sister, Diane (Bill) Buddenberg of Castalia; sister-in-law, Jean Szabo of Castalia; brother-in-law, Duane Wander of Riverside, California; other family members include Lucylle Triem of Clarion, Sharon Triem of Postville and many nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Lois Una Holm

September 30, 2010

Lois Una Holm, 83, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2010, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 27, at the Church of Christ in Clarion, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Lois Una, the daughter of Earl and Aurella (Jensen) Tice, was born on April 30, 1927 in Clarion. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from the Clarion High School in 1945. On October 6, 1946, Lois was united in marriage to Gifford Holm at the home of her parents, which is their current home. Lois lived her entire life on the family's Century Farm near Lake Cornelia.

As a housewife, she enjoyed cooking and entertaining guests, flowers and gardening. Lois was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ, serving as a Sunday school Teacher, cradle roll superintendent, deaconess and in the ladies' aids. For five years, she was leader of the Grant-Go-Getters 4-H Club.

Lois is survived by her husband, Gifford; daughter, Sally Meyer and husband, Douglas; and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Alice (Reyna) Stumpf

September 30, 2010

Alice (Reyna) Stumpf, 75, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2010, at the Careage of Clarion.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, September 25, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, with Rev. Nils Hernandez officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Clarion. A scriptural wake service took place at the funeral home on Friday night.

Alice Patricia Stumpf, was born on May 18, 1935, to Mike Sr. and Mary (Castro) Reyna in Clarion. She was raised in Clarion. Alice graduated from the Clarion High School and attended nursing school in Sioux City. Alice was united in marriage to Francis Stumpf on July 5, 1957, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. To this union two children, Teresa and Dick, were born. The family made their home in Clarion, where Alice worked for Dr. Gorrell as a nurse for many years. Alice later worked as a baby-sitter, at the bowling alley, at Pizza Ranch, and at four sons.

Alice enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren's events, cheering on her beloved Hawkeyes, baking, bowling, crocheting, knitting and cross-stitching. She enjoyed picnics with family and friends and shopping. Alice was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Alice is survived by her husband, Francis; one daughter, Teresa (Scott Nelsen) Eyanson; and one son, Dick (Mary) Stumpf, all of Clarion; four grandchildren; sister, Angel Fisher of Ames; brothers, John Reyna of Eagle Grove, Mike Jr. (Darlene) Reyna of Slater, Missouri, Rich (the late Vicki) Reyna of Higgonsville, Missouri, Frank (Georgia Ann) Reyna of Walnut, Iowa, Gabe Reyna of Holmes, Joe (Dee) Reyna of Clarion and Dan (Nancy) Reyna of Clarion; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Phyllis Waddell.
© Wright County Monitor 2010

Deloris Darlene Freund

September 30, 2010

Deloris Darlene Freund ("Tootie/Dee"), age 81, died on Friday, September 24, 2010, at the Madrid Home in Madrid, Iowa.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 28, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion, with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Deloris Darlene Muench, was born on November 25, 1928, to Cleo and Mabel (Hansen) Muench in Boone County. She graduated from the Paton High School in 1946. She married Melvin W. Freund on October 9, 1949, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. They farmed in Gowrie and Milford before moving to Clarion in 1962. She worked at the A&P Grocery and Savage Inn in Fort Dodge, New Home Cafe in Clarion, the Iowa Highway Commission and the Clarion-Goldfield Schools as a secretary for 26 years, before retiring in 1994.

She enjoyed her Shih Tzu, Buddy, playing cards, knitting, spending time with family and friends, both in Clarion and at the Cedars Assisted Living in Madrid.

Survivors include her husband, Mel of Madrid; son, Bob (Sue) Freund of Clarion; her daughters, LuAnn Freund of Des Moines and Lori (Bruce) Frink of Clarion; 7 grandchildren; one great-grandson; her brothers, Verle (Myrna) Muench of State Center and Larry of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her sister, Gloria (Bob) Pfantz of State Center; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Mabel Muench; and her sister, Lavon Phelps.
© Wright County Monitor 2010