February 7, 2007

Robert D. Clark

Robert D. Clark, 69, of Mason City, Iowa, died Jan. 31, 2007 at home. According to his wishes his body will be cremated and there will be no visitation or services.  Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Robert Duane Clark was born on July 12, 1937 in rural Clear Lake, the son of Frank A. and Erma E. (Wetmore) Clark.  He was a 1956 graduate of Ventura High School.  Following graduation Bob joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany as a member of the 6911th Radio Group Mobile.  Following his honorable discharge Bob returned home and attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, graduating with an accounting degree.
On Nov. 23, 1963 Robert was united in marriage to Mary R. Gross at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City.  The couple lived in Clear Lake for over 30 years before moving back to Mason City.
Robert is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Michael A. Clark and his wife, Patricia, of St. Ansgar, Iowa; a daughter, Jennifer M. Weinschenk and her husband, Jason, of Mason City; granddaughters, Ashlee M. Weinschenk of Mason City, Harmony M. Clark of St. Ansgar; step-grandson, Michael R. Schaub of St. Ansgar; three sisters, Maxine Bacon of Clear Lake, Barbara (Bob) Roenfanz of Mountain Home, Ark., and Erma Lou (Jerry) Smith of Mason City; sister-in-law, Frances Clark of Plymouth, Iowa and brother-in-law, Cletus Shimek of Charles City, Iowa.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marjorie Toppin and Phyllis Shimek; two brothers, Morris and Harold Clark; brothers-in law, Paul Toppin and Louis Bacon; and sister-in-law, Barbara Clark.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.

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Joyce "Pat" Cooper 

Joyce "Pat" Cooper, 76, 2114 Pine Tree Ct., Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007 at her home with her family.  A Celebration of Life Memorial  service was held Saturday, Feb. 3, at the First Congregational Church, Clear Lake, with Waldorf College Chaplin Pastor Charlene Cox officiating.  Inurnment will be at the Mt. Vernon Township Cemetery in rural Burchinal, Iowa at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the Joyce P. Cooper Memorial Fund.
Joyce Joan Pierce was born in Primghar, Iowa on Oct 10, 1930 to Bert N. and Theresa (deVries) Pierce.  She entered kindergarten in Sheldon, Iowa, attended East High in Sioux City, Iowa through her junior year, then graduated from Primghar High School as salutatorian in 1948.  She attended Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa and majored in physical education with a minor in science. 
She was married to Raymond H. Cooper, also of Primghar. To this union four children were born: Cathy Sharon, Dennis Ray, Deborah Lynn, and Patricia Jo.
The family moved to rural Clear Lake in 1962 where they began farming.  Pat began her career as a director of health and physical education at the YWCA.  During her time at the YWCA she started a swim program for developmentally disabled children from the old Wilson School.  She and her committee also began a swim team program that combined with the YMCA and became the Mason City Swim Club.
In 1984 she became a partner in a business venture with Sue Pleggenkuhle.  They opened a fabric shop, "Snip and Stitch" on Main Street in Clear Lake.  In later years she worked at Sperry, Unisys, and also at Stoyles Printing Company.  She retired permanently in 2001.
"Grandma Pat" as she was known by many, enjoyed following all of her grandchildren's activities. She loved reading, crafting, quilting, gardening, and decorating her home for various holidays.  Other interests included committee work for the Clear Lake Swimming Pool, North Central Gardens, and RSVP of North Iowa.  Pat was a dedicated "Reading Buddy" for RSVP at Clear Creek Elementary School.  This program was near and dear to her heart!  She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi-Omnicron Master Chapter.  She was a "Red Hat Lady with attitude!" and enjoyed Wednesday morning coffee with the ladies. 
Her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the most important thing in her whole life and she loved them more than anything else.  Family was her whole life.
Pat is surrvived by her children, Cathy (Curt) Krieger, Mason City, Dennis (Anne) Cooper, Clear Lake, Deborah (Paul Hudson) Cooper, Ames, Iowa and Patricia (Steve) Lovik, Forest City, Iowa;  grandchildren, Cory Krieger and Calynn Krieger, Paul (Kellie) Cooper and Allison (Jon) Klaassen, Nicole (Jason Blaser) Lovik-Blaser and Mallory Lovik, and Evan Hudson and Tess Hudson; great-grandchildren, Ashlin and Olivia Cooper, Sam Klaassen, and Treyton Blaser.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Cecelia "Cece" Marie Shaw 

Cecelia "Cece" Marie Shaw, 62, 903 9th Ave S., Clear Lake, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2007 at the Heritage Care Center, Mason City, Iowa from complications of batteling diabetis.  A memorial Mass will be held Friday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. John R. Tilp officiating.  According to her wishes her body has been donated to the University of Iowa deeded Body Program.  Memorials maybe given to St. Patrick's Church, Clear Lake.
     Cece was born Oct. 18, 1944 in Muscatine, Iowa, the daughter of Everett and Mary (Mapes) Lange.  She graduated from Hayes Catholic High School and attended Muscatine Community College.  She was a dental assistant for Dr. Broghammer and later worked at Unisys.  She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake, where she taught religious education, was a Eucharistic minister, and sang in the choir.  She was a Brownie leader and member of the JayCee'etts.
     Cece is survived by her daughters, Victoria Ballantyne, Phoenix, Az., Julia Becker and her husband, Dan, Clear Lake, and Christina Schesso and her husband, Jerry, Bloomington, Minn.; her mother, Mary C. Lange, Muscatine, Iowa;  seven grandchildren, Eric, Megan and Leah Becker, Brittany, Erin and Ryan Ballantyne and Jack Schesso;  her brother, James Lange and his wife, Robbie, Phoenix; two sisters, Elizabeth Fletcher and her husband, Roger, Muscatine, and Patricia Church and her husband, Al, Muscatine; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
     She was preceded in death by her father.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Muriel "Ardyce" Bailey

Muriel "Ardyce" Bailey, 86, of Rowan, Iowa, died Jan. 31, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services for Ardyce Bailey were held on Monday, Feb. 5, at the United Church of Rowan with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial was at the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.
Ardyce was born on Feb. 1, 1920, on a farm near Rowan. She was the daughter of E. R. "Rollie" and Jessie (Allen) Harris. She graduated from Rowan High School. On Sept. 1, 1940, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Elmer Bailey. They built a life together on the family farm near Rowan where they raised five children.
Ardyce was a life member of the United Church of Rowan. She was very active in her church and especially enjoyed the quilting group. She was an inspiration to many and always put other's needs before her own. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Playing cards was a favorite pastime of hers. She was often heard to say, "Sure would be nice if some of you folks could win." Her hobbies were quilting, crocheting, gardening, cooking, playing the piano, and traveling. Each of her hand-stitched quilts was completed with love and joy. Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild received at least one of her labors of love. She also made quilts for nieces, nephews and cousins. The number of quilts is hard to determine, but it is well over 100. Ardyce enjoyed traveling with her husband all over the United States and other countries. They also wintered in Florida, California, and Arizona.
Ardyce was currently living at the Apple Valley Assisted Living Center in Clear Lake, Iowa. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there and the helpful friends she made.
Ardyce is survived by four sons, Larry and wife, Carol of Belmond, Iowa, Dennis and wife, Donna of Rowan, Ronnie and wife, Connie of St. Joseph, Mo., and Marv and wife, Dee Dee of Klemme, Iowa; one daughter, Cindy and husband, Dean Lehs, of Clear Lake; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois Johnson, and one brother, Merle Harris.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; her parents; and her brother, Bob Harris.
Dugger Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.

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Judith Ellen Olson De Jong 

Judith Ellen Olson De Jong, 72, of Ames, Iowa, died on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.
Two Celebrations of Life will be held; Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4-6 p.m. at the Ames Golf and Country Club, and Saturday, Feb. 10 from 4-6 p.m. at the Mason City Holiday Inn. The family asks that flowers and memorials be given to the Israel Family Hospice House, 400 South Dakota Avenue, Ames, Iowa, 50014.
Judy was born on July 17, 1934 in Mason City, Iowa, to Ellen Edythe Birum and Frederick Joseph Olson.  Judy graduated from Mason City High School in 1952 and attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas; Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.; and University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minn.   After college she spent five years teaching at the Anoka-Hennepin School District in Anoka, Minn., and the West Covina School District in West Covina, Calif.  On June 11, 1960, she married Paul Stephen De Jong at the bride's family home in Mason City, Iowa.  After raising her two children she was employed at Iowa State University in the Office of the Registrar in the Fee and Registration division.  Following retirement in 1999, Judy enjoyed researching her family genealogy, "motoring" the United States with her husband, and spending time at her Clear Lake cabin with her family.
She used her editorial and typing skills and an IBM Selectric Typewriter to prepare camera-ready copy manuscripts of the National Publication "Engineering Design Graphics Journal,"  and the manuscript for three editions of the 400-page college textbook "Engineering Graphics." In 1976 she was asked to assemble and lead a team of secretaries to act as a "local White House" staff during President Gerald Ford's visit to Ames.
She was an avid collector of antiques, assembled one of the foremost collections in the United States of Ceramic Art Studio Pottery, and was contributing researcher and editor for both editions of the Ceramic Arts Studio collectors guide.  
She enjoyed an active life and giving back to her community.  She was a member of the Iowa State University Faculty Women's Club and Chair of the Newcomer and Fine Arts Divisions; charter member and past president of Oaks Ames Quester group; associate member and past president of the local Beta Tau Delta organization; member of Chapter HO of P.E.O.; chair of the 1973 Mary Greeley Hospital Auxiliary Charity Ball; appointed to the 1976 Bicentennial Commission of Ames; Girl Scout leader and den mother; appointed by the Ames School Board to serve on two Ad Hoc School Facilities committees; studied art under the tutelage of ISU artist-in-residence Dwight Kirsch; board member of Ames League of Women Voters; member of the Ames Daughters of American Revolution (DAR); member of Des Moines Daughters of American Colonists (DAC); co-chaired the Annual Roosevelt Neighborhood Sale for 10 years; member and past president of the Roosevelt neighborhood Emanon chapter; and a member of the Collegiate Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Paul De Jong of Ames; daughter, Deidre Kroll and husband, Mark, of Ballwin, Mo.; son, Tollif De Jong and wife, Anjali, of West Des Moines, Iowa; sister, Sabra Laumbach and husband, Ronald, of Chaska, Minn.; cousins, Barbara Soukup and husband, Anthony, of Georgetown, Texas, Susan Telkamp of Ivanhoe, Minn., Keith Olson and wife, Joan, of Manasquan, N.J., Fern Atkins and husband, Slim, of Alexandria, Va., Betty Lu Grune and husband, George, of Ponte Verde Beach, Fla.; nephews, Derek Laumbach of Chaska, Minn. and Langdon Laumbach and wife, Tanya, of Apple Valley, Minn.
Also surviving are her three granddaughters, Sophia Kroll, Emma De Jong, Malini De Jong, and her grandnephews, Henry Laumbach, Owen Laumbach, and Thomas Laumbach.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Joseph and Ellen Edythe Olson.

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Lyda Arlene (Koenen) Wiemann 

Lyda Arlene (Koenen) Wiemann, age 82, of Meservey, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center in Belmond, Iowa following a year long battle with cancer.
Funeral services for Lyda were held Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the First Reformed Church of Meservey with the Rev. Rodney Meester officiating. Interment will be at the Meservey Cemetery in Meservey.
Lyda Wiemann, daughter of Jake and Minnie (Meints) Koenen was born on March 16, 1924, near Meservey. She was educated in country school, going through the eighth grade. Lyda married Leonard Wiemann on June 3, 1943; together they had two children.
Lyda worked hard on the farm, driving tractors, getting the ground ready for planting, and helping at harvest time. She enjoyed keeping a spotless lawn and beautiful flowers. Lyda loved all kinds of music, from polkas to old time hymns. She had a special talent for playing the guitar, accordion, piano, and organ by ear. She told stories of how much she enjoyed playing when she was younger. Lyda enjoyed game shows and watching basketball games on television. The past year Lyda had many trials, but by her sheer will to live and her determination, she became independent again. She proved just how tough she was and took great pride in her accomplishment; she never quit. (Lyda told it like it was.) The bright spots in her life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lyda was also a member of the First Reformed Church in Meservey.
Lyda is survived by on son, Gordon (Judy) Wiemann of Clear Lake; one daughter, Carmen (Danny) Johnson of Belmond; six grandchildren, Marcy (Randee) Hyde, Becky (Rich) Formanek, Gary (Brooke) Wiemann, Charles (Christa) Rogalla, Chanda (Jim) Englin, and Donald (Amy) Johnson; ten great-grandchildren, Jamie and Jessie Halfpop, Jacob Hyde, Brittany and Nicholas Formanek, Cody, Haley, Conner, and Cooper Wiemann, and Dylan Englin; one sister, Grace Pals of Belmond; one brother, Jake (Mavis) Koenen, Meservey; sisters-in-law, Thelma Langlitz of Meservey, Dena Pals, Jennie Steenhard, and Frieda Jurgens, all of Belmond; other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard; granddaughter, Heidi Wiemann; son-in-law, Charles Rogalla; two brothers, Arthur and Leland Koenen; and one sister, Tena Pals.
Dugger Ewing Funeral Home Belmond, was in charge of arrangements.

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February 14, 2007

Arnold L. Rasmussen

Arnold L. Rasmussen, 79, 1310 Village Road Unit A2, Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.  According to his wishes, his body has been cremated. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of North Iowa.
     Arnold was born Jan. 5, 1928 in Mason City, the son of Harvey and Dorothy (Dahlstrom) Rasmussen.  He graduated from Mason City High School.  Following school he entered into the U.S. Marine Corp and served during WWII in Japan and China.  After the service he worked for Interstate Power in Mason City and Clinton, Iowa until he retired. 
     In 1953, he married Marabelle Painter.  In 1993 he married his childhood sweetheart, Audrey Thrams.  Arnold was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Mason City and V.F.W. Post 733, Mason City where he was a past commander.
     Arnold is survived by his wife, Audrey, Clear Lake; son, Greg Rasmussen and his wife, Barbara, Adair, Iowa; step-daughters, Cheryl McCleskey, LuAnn Godinez and her husband, Art, and Marlene Wagoner, all of Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; a sister, Roselyn Pettey and her husband, Gene, San Marcas, Texas; sister-in-law, Pat Rasmussen, Long Beach, Calif. and Marjorie Rasmussen, Mason City; daughters-in-law, Mary Stanwood, Minneapolis, Minn., and Jenny Goodling, Houston, Texas; aunts, Vivian Bennett, Mason City, and Avis Reinsmoen, Mason City.
     Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Lyn and Randy Rasmussen; wife, Marabelle; four brothers, Donald, Richard, Thomas and Jerry Rasmussen; and a sister, Janette Rasmussen.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of local arrangements.

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Terry J. Ott 

Terry J. Ott, 57, of Fairbanks, Alaska, formerly of Clear Lake, died Jan. 16, 2007 at his home of natural causes. Private graveside services  will be held at a later date in Clear Lake.
Terry was born June 11, 1949 in Mason City, Iowa the son of Donald and Verna (Pringnitz) Ott. 
He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1967, where he enjoyed wrestling and football. Following high school he attended college at Oshkosh, Wis., where he was enrolled in forestry.
Terry served in the United States Army. After his discharge from the Army in 1976 he moved to Alaska and built himself a cabin near Fox, Alaska.  He later was diagnosed with diabetes and moved to Fairbanks.
He worked for the University of Alaska in Fairbanks at their power plant.
Nature, wildlife, kayaking, salmon fishing, bicycle riding and the adventures that Alaska had to offer were Terry's love.
He is survived by his mother, Verna Ott, Clear Lake; a sister and two brothers: Vickey Ott, Bland, Mo.; Rick Ott and his wife, Linda, and their two children, Angie and Brady Ott, Clear Lake; and Rock Ott and his wife, Barb, Clear Lake.  
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald. 
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.

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Zelma M. Petersen

 
Zelma M. Petersen, 76, of Meservy, Iowa, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2007 at Weslaco, Texas. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

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February 21, 2007

Marjorie A. "Marge" Becker

Marjorie A. "Marge" Becker, 73, of 111 Orchard Lane, Clear Lake, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2007 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
Memorial services were Monday, Feb. 19, at Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jeff Ungs officiating.  Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Family suggests memorials to Galilean Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Iowa. 
Marge was born April 20, 1933 in Bode, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence L. and Margaret M. (Madsen) Wiuff.  She graduated from Bode High School in 1951.  She then attended Dana College, Blair, Neb. 
Marge moved to Mason City and worked at Bankers Life, Mason City.  She married Richard E. Becker on Nov. 26, 1955 at the Lutheran Church in Rutland, Iowa.  They farmed northwest of Forest City, Iowa for 25 years.  In 1979 they moved to Clear Lake and she worked for Northern Trails  A.E.A. in the business office until she retired in 1995.
She was a very active member of prayer sessions, women's bible study and church council at Galilean.  She enjoyed golfing, boating, traveling, getting together with friends and playing cards.  The greatest joy of her life was spending time with husband, children and grandchildren.  She was a member of Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake and the Progress Club.
Marge will be sadly missed by her husband, Richard E. Becker, Clear Lake; two children, Debra Ann Wieland, Solon, Iowa, and Thomas Lee Becker and his wife, Kimberly, their two children, Clair and Grace Becker, Excelsior, Minn.; her brother, Wilfred Wiuff and his wife, Nancy, Bode, and nieces and nephews. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Virginia Billings. 
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Arlie J. Gabrielson

Arlie J. Gabrielson, 88, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007 at the Seminole Nursing Pavilion, Seminole, Fla.  Services are pending at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

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Donald Simmer, Jr. 

Donald Simmer, Jr., 68 of Prescott, Iowa died Feb. 19, 2007 at his home. Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 23, at Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family Funeral Service, 809 West Montgomery, Creston, Iowa. Mary O'Riley will officiate the service. Open visitation will be from 6:30 until 8 p.m. on Thursday at Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family Funeral Service. Memorials may be directed to the family of Donald Simmer. Online condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
Donald Simmer, Jr., son of Margaret (Roseander) and Donald L. Simmer, Sr. was born Nov. 26, 1938 in Adel, Iowa.
On July 21, 1979, he was united in marriage to Paula Dinsmore at Lenox, Iowa. Donald was a cook for 20 years, cooking for the Commission for the Blind in Des Moines, Iowa and Tanks Wagon Wheel in Prescott. He then worked for Crest Union Glass and Quality Glass of Creston.
Donald is survived by his wife, Paula Simmer of Prescott; mother, Margaret Simmer of Clear Lake; step-daughter, Wendy McCallister and husband, Owen, of Edwards Air Force Base, California; daughters, Becky Simmer and special friend, Jeremy Klenk, of Prescott; Donna Vanderpluym and husband, Lucas, of Greenfield, Iowa; Margaret Siegwarth and husband, Rob, of Creston; brothers, Larry Simmer, Mason City, Iowa, Richard Simmer, California, Robert Simmer and wife, Colleen, of Clear Lake, Paul Simmer, Clear Lake, Dennis Simmer, Clear Lake, Francis Simmer, Ventura, Iowa, Dale Simmer, Mason City, Tom Simmer, Clear Lake, and Tim Simmer, Clear Lake; sisters, Karen Olinger, Clear Lake, Dixie Haugen and husband, Larry, of Clear Lake, and Sandra Katz and husband, Dale, of Mason City; grandchildren, Dawn Simmer of Prescott, Jenna and Aleigha Vanderpluym of Greenfield, and Kaydence Siegwarth of Creston; step-grandchildren, Lauri McCallister and Scott McCallister of California.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Freddy Simmer; father, Donald Simmer, Sr. and a niece, Grace Simmer.

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February 28, 2007

Ed Thornberg

Ed Thornberg, a former Clear Lake businessman, died Feb. 9, 2007 at the age of 94 in Cambridge, Minn.
Mr. Thornberg was a member of the Clear Lake Noon Lions in the 1960's and 70's. He owned and operated "Fun Stuf", a dairy bar, game room and gift shop located on Highway 18.
Mr. Thornberg also developed the area known as Maplewood on the north side of Highway 18. He built several of the houses in that development himself, one of which has a life-sized checkerboard. He and his wife, Bernice, owned a bookstore on that property called The Bookery.
He was active in both the Clear Lake Christian Church and The Evangelical Free Church. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School.
He started the National Hall of Humor and wrote several joke books, such as the "Minnesota-Iowa Joke Feud," and the "U of I vs. Iowa State Joke Feud."
Mr. Thornberg is survived by his brother, Herbert, of Cambridge, Minn.; son, James, of Belize; son, Steven, of Hinckley, Minn., and daughter, Susan, of Carlsbad, N.M.; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; daughter, Marlys; sister, Ethel; brother, Robert; grandson, Johnny; and his parents.
A funeral was held Feb. 15 at the Braham Evangelical Free Church, Braham, Minn.

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Arlie Gabrielson 

Arlie Gabrielson, 88, Clear Lake and St. Petersburg, Fla., died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007 at Seminole, Fla.  A funeral service was held Friday, Feb. 23, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating.  Interment was held at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Arlie Gabrielson Memorial Fund.
     Arlie was born Jan. 13, 1919  in Radcliffe, (Hamilton County) Iowa, to Julius and Josephine (Amundson) Heng.  She graduated from Radcliffe High School in 1936.  She was married to Donald Gabrielson on Jan. 16, 1938 at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, by the Rev. Mostrom.  They farmed in Radcliffe and Mason City and moved to Clear Lake in 1970. 
     She is survived by one daughter, Jo (E.R.) Lake, Treasure Island, Fla.; one son, David Gabrielson, St. Petersburg;  one sister, Doris Merrill, Webster City, Iowa; five grandchildren, Kim (Lonny) Smith Bellefontaine, Ohio, Tim (Lori) Yocum, Story City, Iowa, Paul Gabrielson, Colorado Springs, Colo., Janeice (Bruce) Queen, Parker, Colo., Jodie  (Brian) Chute, Parker, Colo.; 14 great-grandchildren, Ashley Smith, Aaron (Lindsay) Smith, Rebekah  (Tony) Denning, Kristiana, Rachael, Lauren, Jacob, Jarah and "Bill" Samatha Smith, Shay, Jacob and Rachel Queen and Colby and Brendan Chute.
     She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald Gabrielson, on Dec. 7, 1984.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Maida Morrison Scott 

Maida Morrison Scott, 90, of Grundy Center, Iowa, formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital-Long Term Care Unit in Grundy Center, Iowa, while under the care of Amenity Hospice. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center with Pastor Dave Soldner officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center.
Memorials may be directed to Amenity Hospice, 211 First Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401.
Maida Morrison Scott was born Aug. 26, 1916, the daughter of Ray and Mabel (Nickerson) Morrison. She attended rural school through 8th grade and graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1934 with a normal training school certificate. Maida began teaching in a rural school, attending UNI for 17 summers to receive a certificate to teach junior high English. She taught for 45 years in Iowa before retiring. She then went to Texas and was a substitute teacher.
Maida married Paul Davis on July 28, 1939. She had two children, Bette Lee (Oliver) Haworth of Humble, Texas and Robert Paul (Karen) Davis of Marshalltown, Iowa. She later married Richard R. Scott in Clear Lake.
Maida was an avid bowler for many years and played softball for the Watkins Coal Company in her younger years. She loved to read, take care of her plants, play with her cats, and watch the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Maida is survived by her daughter, Bette Lee Haworth and her husband, Oliver; her son, Robert Paul Davis and his wife, Karen; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Raena Kenyon and her husband, Maynard, of Reinbeck, Iowa, and Ann Rae Billerbeck and her husband, Don, of Reinbeck, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Mabel Morrison; one brother, Vaughn Odell Morrison; one granddaughter, Sue Davis; and two nephews, Larry Saak and Jim Anderson.
Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home of Grundy Center was in charge of arrangements.

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John Matteson 

John Matteson, 62, of 904 S. 15th St., Clear Lake, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2007 at his home after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 2, 10 a.m., at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N., with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.  Interment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Military honors will be by the Clear Lake V.F.W. 
Visitation will be Thursday, 5 - 7:30 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Hospice of North Iowa, the American Cancer Society or the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.
John Hendley Matteson was born on Sept. 16, 1944, in Morris, Ill., son of Hendley and Elsie (Johnson) Matteson. He graduated from Morris High School in 1962 and The University of Illinois in 1966. After college he was drafted and served in the Army from 1966-1968, spending a year in Vietnam in the Veterinary Corp. 
John was employed by Hormel Foods as a consultant in the Feed Division. Prior to that he owned and operated Northwood Feed and Farm Supply in Northwood, Iowa.  In his free time, John enjoyed golfing, building and flying model airplanes and vegetable gardening. He also spent countless hours watching sports and placed many a friendly wager on the Cubs, Bears and Fighting Illini. John enjoyed cooking, grilling, and was well known for his rhubarb pie.
John was an active member of River City Radio Control for over 20 years.  He was a member of the Clear Lake V.F.W. and the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.
John is survived by his wife of 23 years, Merri (Edgar) Matteson; daughter, Julia Hill, and her husband, Jon, of Fort Worth, Texas; his son, Joel Matteson, and Erin Thompson of Baltimore, Md.; two brothers, Jim Matteson and his wife, Ginny, of Mazon, Ill., and Dave Matteson and his wife, Candy also of Mazon.
John was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

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Phyllis Lucile Duey Fight Cottingham 

Phyllis Lucile Duey Fight Cottingham, 94, passed away of natural causes on Sunday, Feb. 25, at Clear Lake. No public services will be held. A family memorial will take place at a later date. Inurnment will be at the Derby Cemetery, Derby, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church of the Clear Lake Public Library.
Phyllis was born Sept. 21, 1912, in REpublic County, Kansas. She was the oldest of 12 children of Clarence Martin Duey and Edna Myrtle Howard.
Phyllis spent much of her youth on the family dairy farm near Chester, Neb. After graduating from high school with honors, she took the Normal Training courses and taught in rural schools beginning in Nebraska at age 17. Later, while teaching in Iowa, she met Rollie Verl Fight, also a teacher. They were married in Bloomfield, Iowa on May 28, 1938. She assumed the role of mother to her new stepson and was a successful homemaker and mother to their four children. Phyllis and rollie farmed mostly near Derby, Humeston, and LeRoy, Iowa. Rollie passed away on Oct. 31, 1980, at the age of 79.
Phyllis served as a 4-H Club leader for many years, was active in Yorel Study Club, Leroy Presbyterian Church, Leon Presbyterian Church, Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Az, and the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake. She had a great love for reading and enjoyed music.
Following several government jobs in Decatur County, Iowa, Phyllis was honored by the Leon Business and Professional Women's Organization as Woman of the Year in 1984. Later that year Phyllis moved to Mesa and married Lloyd Cottingham on Dec. 12, 1984. He passed away in 1994. Phyllis returned to Iowa in 2002 and lived at Courtyard Assisted Living in Clear Lake until her death.
Phyllis is survived by her stepson, Gerald Eugene Fight of Fallbrook, Calif.; sons, Larry Verl (Erma) Fight of Davenport, Iowa, Roger Dean (Kristi) Fight of Sequim, Wash.; daughters, Kathleen Edna (John) Eft, Clive, Iowa, and Norma Lee (Roger) Walston, Clear Lake. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brother; two sisters; and by her special friend, Newell Hamilton of Mesa.
She was preceded in death by husbands Rollie Verl Fight and Lloyd Cottingham; grandson, Timothy Jay Fight; four sisters and three brothers.
Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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