Phyllis M. Dean, age 81, of Eagan, Minn. and formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa and Faribault, Minn. passed away on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010 at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, Minn.
    Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Jan 9, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault.  Interment was at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.
    Phyllis Mary Barry, the daughter of Leo and Lillian (Cyr) Barry, was born on Aug. 21, 1928 in Faribault.  Phyllis graduated from high school in Faribault.  She lived in Albert Lea, Minn. and Japan prior to moving to Clear Lake in 1980.  She worked at Opportunity Village for 25 years.  In 2005 she moved to Eagan to be near her family.  Phyllis was a member of the Albert Lea Moose Lodge and was involved at her church in Clear Lake.  She enjoyed being involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
    She is survived by three children, Barry (Junko) Dean of Minneapolis, Minn., Ann-Marie (Bruce) Hoffman of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Michael (Nancy) Dean of Eagan; five grandchildren, Nicole Clark, Danielle Cartinhour, Kristen Morgan, and Preston and Andrea Dean; two great-grandchildren, Kendric and Cadence Clark; seven sisters, Pat (Raymond) Schwichtenberg, Geraldine (Jim) Stevens, Mary (Jerry) Brown, Dorothy (Doug) Paulson, Carol Eveslage, Diane (Wayne) Beumer, and Sharon (Karl) Teater; and other relatives and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents.
    For on-line condolences and information please visit www.ParkerKohlFuneralHome.com.

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Betty Jean Suby, 80, of Fertile, Iowa, passed away at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 11, at the Fertile Lutheran Church with Lay Minister Dave Halverson officiating. Interment was in Brush Point Cemetery, rural Fertile. Family suggests memorials to Betty Jean Suby Memorial Fund.
    Betty was born Aug. 6, 1929 the daughter of Harold and Edna (Grein) Johnson at Bancroft, Iowa.  Betty moved with her family to Mason City and graduated from Holy Family Catholic School in 1947.  She worked as an operator for Bell Telephone Company in Mason City. Betty married Robert Dale Suby on Sept. 29, 1951 in Mason City.  They later moved to Fertile where she continued to live.  Betty worked for Clear Lake McDonald’s for over eight years.
    Betty enjoyed gardening, camping and dancing.  She was involved with community events in Fertile and attended the Fertile Lutheran Church.  She especially enjoyed being with her family.
    Betty is survived by her four children, Steve (Joyce) Suby, Marion, Iowa, Sheila (Mark) Enderson, Lake Mills, Iowa, Brenda (Bob) Jones, Fertile, Lisa (Mike) Lacey, Clear Lake; daughter-in-law, Nancy Suby, Fertile; 11 grandchildren, Eric Suby, Mike Suby, Bob Enderson, Travis Enderson, Stacy Walker, Emily Suby, Jessica Jones, Vanessa Jones, Tanner Lacey, Bryar Lacey and Jake Lacey; six great-grandchildren, Haley Suby, Zack Suby, Hannah Enderson, Lilly Enderson, Alyson Walker, and Jenna Walker; brothers, Harold (Betty) Johnson, Owatonna, Minn. and Dennis (Liz) Johnson, Aberdeen, S.D.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edna Johnson; husband, Robert Suby; son, Brad Suby; four sisters, infant sister Lorraine, Elaine Hendricks, Rose Lee Johnson, Miriam Muhlstein; and a brother, Leon Johnson.
    Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Shirley M. Nicholson, age 77, of Belmond, Iowa, died, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at the Rehabiltation Center of Belmond.
    Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, located six miles west of Belmond.  The Rev. James Harbaugh will be officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery.  Those wishing to  express their sympathies through a memorial in Shirley’s name may choose a charity of their own choice.
       Shirley Mae Nelson, the daughter of Oscar N. and Carrie (Shaw) Nelson, was born Nov. 7, 1932, in Belmond.  She attended Belmond Community Schools and graduated from Belmond High School with the class of 1950.  Following high school Shirley attended cosmetology/beauty School in Des Moines, Iowa.  She later owned and operated her own beauty shop in Belmond for a number of years.  Her professional life included  a tenure of over 29 years of employemnt as the activity director at the Belmond Health Care Center.  In addition, Shirley worked in and directed the operation of the beauty shop at the care center where she continued her focus on making the residents lives brighter and more fulfilling, as she had done for so long in the activity director position.  Many of the local high school students who had an interest in the healthcare field were privileged to job shadow with Shirley over the years.  She truly enjoyed both educating them and being in their company.
      She was united in marriage to Jack Lobdell in 1954.  The couple’s union was blessed with five children, Kim, Brett, Blake, Kurt, and Tracy.  Shirley and Jack raised their family in Belmond following their marriage.  The family reflects back fondly on memories of Sunday afternoon fishing excursions and picnics when Jack and Shirley would take them on an adventure to Morse Lake and the day would often conclude with a trek to the Lake Cafe at Lake Cornelia for a treat.  Jack passed away on Aug. 18, 1968.  Following his death Shirley became even more dedicated and focused on the needs of their children.
       Shirley married Eugene “Nick” Nicholson in 1973.  During the years of their life together the couple enjoyed bowling on mixed couple’s leagues, following the many activities of their family, and the daily happenings of whatever life might bring them.  Shirley’s children also have great memories of fishing trips to the pit on the Iowa River and various other family happenings.  For 23 years, Shirley and Nick enjoyed each other’s company and the journey of married life before Nick died in 1996.
       Shirley was a long time member of St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond and more recently had became a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She was a long time member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #4244.  Shirley was an avid bingo player and looked forward to each and every opportunity to enjoy this favorite pastime, whether it was a local trip to play the game or one of the many excursions to Mason City and other places with Nick and other family and friends for some bingo fun.  Shirley’s passion for bingo was most likely only equaled by her love of playing cards.  Be it times spent with the Tuesday “31” Card Club, “Royal Rummy Club”, a friendly game of cribbage with friends at the retirement apartments, or other more intense competitions with a teammate playing “500”.  She had recently won the Belmond Hospital “500” Bridge Marathon with one of her favorite partners, Ryan Lobdell, her grandson.  Shirley’s children and grandchildren will miss her wonderful, homemade caramels, anise candy, her delicious homemade caramel corn, and the other candies and treats she made at Christmas and throughout the year.
       Shirley truly enjoyed the simple things of life, such as times spent in the presence of her family, an afternoon spent visting with friends, or an outing to church or another destination with her most cherished friends.    She was never one for needing to be the center of attention or had a great need for materialism.
       Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her surviving children, daughter, Kim Lobdell, Iowa City, Iowa, and sons, Brett (Sonja) Lobdell, Belmond, Blake (Jane) Lobdell, Clear Lake, and Tracy (Stacey) Lobdell, Marshalltown, Iowa; her sisters, Genevieve (Ralph) Turner, Belmond, and Marilynn (George) Eekhogg, Belmond, and brother, Eugene (Magaret) Nelson, Belmond, and sister-in-law, Em (wife of the late Robert “Ozzie” Nelson) Belmond; her grandchildren, Kellie and Kyle Miller, Ryan and Reece Lobdell and Kristina “Tina” Cook, Bryce and Colin Lobdell, and two great-grandchildren, Lordan and Keyra Cook; also many nieces, nephews, and friends.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Jack Lobdell, and Eugene “Nick” Nicholson; her son, Kurt Lobdell; and her brother, Robert Nelson. 
    Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, was in charge of arrangements.

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    James W. Callison, 82, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at the Carlisle Naples in Naples, Fla. neral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Iowa with interment following at Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines.
    Jim was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Feb. 13, 1927.  He was a proud alum of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, later serving on the Board of Trustees.  Jim attended Drake University and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He was an owner and Chairman of the Board of Midwest Wheel Companies headquartered in Des Moines with offices in Clear Lake.  Jim was a past Des Moines Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Des Moines City Councilman, an Iowa Development Commissioner and a past member of the National Municipal League.  He was a past president of the National Wheel and Rim Association and, in 2008, Jim was inducted into the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame.
    Jim is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 63 years; his son, Michael (JoAnn); his daughter, Karen (Michael) Norman; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
    Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (225 North Michigan Avenue, 17th floor, Chicago, IL 60601) or the Shattuck – St. Mary’s School (Advancement Office, P.O. Box 218, Faribault, MN 55021).

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    Ronald “RC” D. Cooke Sr. 63, of 3 South 18th Street, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.
    A memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 18, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Pastor Dennis Hudson officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
    Memorials may be directed to the Ronald D. Cooke Memorial in care of Donna J. Cooke, 3 South 18th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.
    Ronald Dean Cooke Sr. was born Nov. 5, 1946, in Clarion, Iowa the son of Robert and Genevieve (DeLano) Cooke.    He graduated from Clarion High School in 1964.  He served in the National Guard from 1964-1968.
    As a young teenager Ron began working in a café, which later lead him to his career of managing and operating several businesses including the Bungalow Café in Forest City, Helen’s Supper Club in Eagle Grove, Ron’s Restaurant in Clarion, Happy Chef, Story City and Lakecrest Café, 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, Minn., and Capt K’s Ice Cream, Mason City. He also owned 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, Clear Lake; children Ron Jr. (Diane) Cooke, Minneapolis, Minn., Dan (Holly) Cooke, Clear Lake, Tami (Marcus) Willy, Winston Salem, N.C.; step-children, Matthew (Michelle) Jurgensen, Clear Lake, Mark (Tammy) Jurgensen, Forest City, Iowa, Jessica (Robbie) Pfeiffer, Dallas, Texas, Aaron (Christine) Jurgensen, Dallas; grandchildren, Addyson and Cooper Cooke and Ethan Willy; step-grandchildren, Joshua, Lucas and Madelynn Jurgensen, Michael, Brad, Jake, Zach and Haley Jurgensen, Olivia Pfeiffer, Lauren and Evan Jurgensen; great-grandson, Cayden Jurgensen; brother, Robert (Bernadine) Cooke, Belmond, Iowa; sister, Carlene Cooke, Minneapolis; 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 is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Rhonda Cooke; brother, Jerry Cooke; and sister, Beth Kluss.

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Stewart (Stu) Earl Wilder, 77, 1745 210th St., Garner, Iowa, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.  A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m., at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke.  Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Military Honors will be provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa or a food bank of  your choice.
    Stewart (Stu) was born on Sept. 7, 1932 in Clear Lake  to Frank Hart and Lillian Mae (Wilcox) Wilder.  Stewart attended Clear Lake Schools and was a member of the class of 1950.  He worked for Watertower Paint and Repair before entering the Army in 1953, serving in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged on July 20, 1954  he continued working for Water Tower Paint and Repair for a total of 11 years.   He then began work at Cenex-Land O Lakes Feed Plant in Mason City and retired in 1992 after 31 years.  He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 828 in Mason City and was on the Board of Trustees for several years and was also Union Steward at Land O Lakes for 17 years.
    He married Lenna Mariner on Oct. 27, 1955 and six children were born to this union.
    From August 1975 until April 1978 he owned and operated the Coffee Shop on Main Street in Clear Lake with his wife and children.  He kept his full-time job during this time and was chief bottle washer at the Coffee Shop.
    He was around horses all his life and he raised many breeds of horses. His favorite were the Halflinger breed of small draft horses.  He enjoyed driving them and made many new friends attending the horse expos and sales.  He was a member of the American Halflinger Association.
    Stu had to overcome many health issues but he never let life’s trials get him down. He was very strong until the end.
    Stu is survived by his wife, Lenna Wilder, Garner; five children, Bonnie (Ron) Gehringer, Longmont, Colo., Beth (Barry) Moen, Sheridan, Wy., Barbara Wallner, Virginia, Minn., Becky (Randy) Spilman, Clear Lake, Brenda (Steve) Hughes, Peoria, Az.; 14 grandchildren, Katie Spilman, Amber Schultz, Kelli Jo Hughes, Dustin Spilman, Danielle (Dan) Maloit, Vanessa (Jared) Golinvaux, Leah Hughes, Luke Moen, Nathan  Wilder, Joel Moen, Kane Wallner, Tyler Wallner, Brandon (Kelli) Hill and Adam Hill; seven great-grandchildren, Ryan Schultz, Alexis Golinvaux, Dylan Schultz, Cameron Golinvaux, Jonathan Golinvaux, Aaron Maloit and Michael Moore Jr.-Hughes; sister, Marlys Rosberg (Wayne) Sharon, Carlisle, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his son, Brian; his parents; and three brothers, Daniel, Ethan and Dale.

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