Leona  S. Currier

Leona  S. Currier, 92, Clear Lake, died Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Muse-Norris  Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. 

A funeral service was held Monday, Aug. 1, at the Ventura United Methodist Church, Ventura, Iowa, with the Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating. Interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.  Memorials may be given to the Ventura Senior Citizens Center.

Leona was born Aug. 28, 1918 in Ventura, the daughter of Everett Leon and Florence (Avise) Callanan.  She was raised on the family farm and attended Ventura Schools.  Leona married Robert Graham and to this union one daughter, Linda, was born. Robert died in 1968.

Leona married Harold Currier in 1974 and moved to Ventura.  She lived her entire life in the Ventura and Clear Lake area.  Leona enjoyed doing crafts, gardening, and spending her winters in Texas.  She was a 4-H Leader for her daughter.  She loved attending the Ventura Senior Citizens and delivering Meals on Wheels.  She was a member of the Ventura United Methodist Church and the Thought and Thimble Club for many years.

Leona is survived by her daughter, Linda Sue Graham, Forest City, Iowa; one grandson, Patrick Robert Graham, Ames, Iowa; special cousin, Abe  McCleary, Ankeny, Iowa, and special niece, Pat Knutson and her husband, Eric, New Port, Ore.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Robert Graham (1968) and Harold Currier (1996); two brothers, Ray (Emma) Callanan and Robert (Evelyn) Callanan; and special cousin, Dick Avis.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Matthew Lynn Dorr

Mr. Matthew Lynn Dorr, Sr., 52, of Saint Cloud, Fla., passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Saint Cloud Regional Medical Center.

He was the husband of Sally J. (Smith) Dorr. Matthew was born in Clear Lake on Sept. 11, 1958, the son of the late Deane L. and Shirley E. (Wiebrand) Dorr. He served in the U.S. Army as a SP4. He was a telephone repair/installation technician. 

Matthew is survived by a daughter, Ashley N. Dorr, of Holopaw, Fla.; a son, Matthew L. Dorr, Jr., of St. Cloud. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Ty Aiden Yarnold, and Christian Blancas; a sister, Laurinda Bourgault, of New Port Richie, Fla.; a brother, Gary Dorr, of New Port Richie.

Arrangements were under the direction of Fisk Funeral Home and Crematory, St. Cloud, Fla.

Robert Bentley “Bob” Brown

Robert Bentley “Bob” Brown, 88, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2011, at Scottish Rite Park Health Center in Des Moines, Iowa. In agreement with Bob’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded. A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life was held on Monday, Aug. 1, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines. Private entombment took place at the Masonic Cemetery Mausoleum in Des Moines.

In August 1949, Bob married Dorothy Ann Crane from Clear Lake and they were together for 62 years. They had three children: a daughter, Sandra (Al) Skat of Elmhurst, Ill.; son, Charles (Cheri Collins) of St. Charles, Mo.; and son, Robert Jr. (Mary Wood) of St. Louis, Mo. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Molly (Aaron Hunt) Skat, Betsy (Lucas) Kruse, Brenden Brown and Maggie Brown; brother, Bruce Brown of Oelwein, Iowa; cousin, Lucretia Green of Mason City, Iowa; brother-in-law, Charles W. Crane of Des Moines; niece, Liz (Darrell) Horn; nephew, Charlie Crane; and great-nieces, Alissa and Abby Vriezelaar.

Bob worked for Bankers Life Co. (now Principal Financial) for 38 years, retiring in 1985 as a group claims officer. In retirement, he enjoyed spending the summer months with Dorothy at their Clear Lake cottage.

Bob was a member of Waveland Park Masonic Lodge, Des Moines High 12 Club and Des Moines Golden K Kiwanis. He has also been a long time member of the Des Moines Consistory and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Greeters. Bob was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 60+ years, serving there as an elder and deacon. Also, he was the adult leader of Boy Scout Pack 58 for 10 years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America Mid-Iowa District, Westminster Presbyterian Church, or a charity of donor’s choice.

The Iles Funeral Homes – Dunn’s Chapel in Des Moines, assisted the family with arrangements.

Rodney Duane Benner

Rodney Duane Benner, 93, Clear Lake, died Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 30, at the Open Bible Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Will Hunsaker officiating.  Military honors were provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 1, at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to the Rodney Duane Benner Memorial Fund.

Rodney enjoyed traveling and listening to country music. 

Rodney is survived by his daughters, Nancy Lee Benner, Lady Lake, Fla., and Carol Marie Hayes, Orlando, Fla.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Hargarten, Summerfield, Fla.; and a special friend, Delores Klang, Clear Lake.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma, 1997; daughter, Norma Jean Benner; son, James Benner; one grandchild, Eddie Hahn; and a sister, Geraldine Kopecky.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Richard J. “Dick” Maine

Richard J. “Dick” Maine, 83, died peacefully with family members at his side on Wednesday, July 27, at New Aldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Cause of death was complications from a July 4 stroke.

Born March 9, 1928, Dick grew up in Des Moines, Iowa but spent many summer days at the Clear Lake cottage his grandfather built in Methodist Camp (now Bell Harbor) in 1935. Horsing around in the water with his big brother, Tom—including swimming across the 1.3-mile-wide lake while his mother, Bernice, rowed along side—fostered Dick’s love for the lake and his success as a high school and college swimming and diving champion.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School Des Moines in 1946. He won state swimming championships in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1943 and the 100-yard backstroke in 1944 and 1945. He was the state diving champion in 1944 and 1945. At the University of Iowa, at the age of 18, he earned All-American honors in 1946 as the 150-yard backstroke Big Ten champion. (About that time, servicemen who had been training in the Pacific came home from the war, and the competition intensified.) He graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1951.

Dick married Mary June Maher in 1951. A veteran of the Korean War, Dick and his family settled in West Des Moines in 1955 and he went to work for Brooks Borg Architecture and Engineering. In 1963 the family moved to Waterloo, Iowa where Dick worked as plant manager for the C.W. Shirey Company. In 1970 he took a position as Midwest regional sales rep for a Florida-based prestressed concrete supply company, a position he held until his first retirement in 1990.

In 1991 Dick married Carol Jean Frost of Cedar Falls. He worked for Friendship Village in Waterloo for two years before his second retirement in 1993.

Retirement agreed with Dick. He kept busy hanging with his tennis pals at the Blackhawk Tennis Club and his golf pals at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course, both in Waterloo, and following his beloved Hawkeyes on the football field and basketball court. He enjoyed playing blackjack around Iowa and on occasional trips to Las Vegas. He took trips to New York and Colorado to visit his children and grandchildren, and he celebrated his 75th birthday with a blackjack and golf trip to Las Vegas and Pebble Beach. Other adventures included playing the famous No. 2 course at Pinehurst, N.C., and a bonefishing trip to the Florida Keys.

Dick made numerous trips back to Clear Lake, where he spent many weekends and holidays with his children golfing and fishing in the summer, watching bowl games in winter, and NCAA basketball tournament games in the spring. He especially liked fishing off the dock because he could enjoy two of his favorite pursuits—catching a big catfish (some of the time) and taking a nap (most of the time).

He is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Steven of Clear Lake and Michael (Ann) of Des Moines; daughters, Missy (Robert Ford) of Des Moines and Molly (Bob Gnaegy) of Centennial, Colo.; his former wife, June Opheim of West Des Moines; granddaughters, Jenny DeLorbe of Lexington, Ky., and Katie DeLorbe of Centennial, Colo.; older brother, Thomas (Shirley) of Carbondale, Ill.; twin sister, Dorothy “Dot” (John Cachiaras) of Rochester, Minn.; step-daughters, Sandra (Hanselmann) of Bristol, Va., Sharon (Rubino) of Oelwein, Iowa, Rhonda (Roberts) of Jesup, Iowa and Julie Frost of Oelwein; and eight nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Bernice Maine.

The family held a private memorial service on July 30 on the site of the original Maine cottage in Clear Lake.

Duane Bergan

Duane Bergan, age 76, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah.

Duane M. Bergan was born on July 12, 1935, at his parents’ home in Springfield Township, Winneshiek County, Decorah, the son of Orval and Adeline (Haugen) Bergan.  Duane was baptized on Aug. 4, 1935, by the Rev. Paul Koren and was confirmed on May 14, 1950, both at the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church.

Duane was a member of the Springfield Chore Boys 4-H Club and the Decorah FFA Chapter. He attended Nordness Country School and graduated from Decorah High School in 1954. Duane served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57.  After the service, he returned to Decorah where he farmed with his father and then with his brother, Daryl, near Hesper. Duane was united in marriage to Cheryl Ellingson on March 9, 1963, at the Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church. Duane worked for UPS from 1965-95, where he was an accident free driver for 30 years, which earned him a spot as one of 30 drivers in the UPS Hall of Fame.  Duane served on the Winneshiek County Fair Board and Auxiliary Board for 18 years, and worked as grounds keeper. He spent countless hours mowing, fixing and painting at the fairgrounds. He stepped down in 2007, due to health reasons.  On July 12, 2011, Duane received the Distinguished Service award from the Winneshiek County Fair Board; the 4-H Alumni Award in 1998; and the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree.  Duane was well known for supporting and attending most Decorah and Luther sporting events.  He also was an avid supporter of the Twins, Hawkeyes, Panthers, and Packers. Duane enjoyed bowling, playing cards with their card clubs and at the VFW.  Duane was a life-long member of the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church.

Duane is survived by his wife, Cheryl Bergan, Decorah; his two children, Debbie (Bruce) Cook, Ventura, and Marc (Kim) Bergan, Baldwin City, Kan.; four grandchildren, David and Bryant Cook; and Sydney and Avery Bergan; one brother, Daryl (Donna) Bergan, Decorah,; three sisters, Elaine (Jerry) Gipp, Decorah, Linda (Stuart) Collins, Burnsville, Minn., and Donna Gavle, Decorah; three brothers-in-law, Norvin Anderson, Decorah, Tilman (Lorena) Ellingson, Decorah, and Eddie Shelby, Davis Station, S.C.; three sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Calvin) Snitker, Waukon, Iowa, Sandra Pierce, Sacramento, Calif., and Mary Ellingson, Decorah, along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Adeline (Haugen) Bergan; his granddaughter, Alexandra Bergan, on Dec. 5, 2008; one sister, Diane Anderson, on April 20, 2009; his father and mother-in-law, Harris and Henrietta (Hendrickson) Ellingson; three brothers-in-law, Mervin Ellingson, Darrell Pierce and Orval Ellingson; two sisters-in-law, Adelaide Shelby and Esther (Willard) Grotegut.

Schluter – Balik Funeral Home of Decorah was in charge of arrangements.

Richard “Dick” Eugene Eibey

Richard “Dick” Eugene Eibey, 85, 1909 Main Ave., Clear Lake, died Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.  A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug, 11, at the United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.  Visitation will be held from  4 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St.  Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery with the military honors provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Memorials may be given to the Richard Eibey Memorial Fund. 

Richard was born May 23, 1926 in rural Ventura to Roy and Nita (Ayers) Eibey.  He received his education in the Clear Lake, Manly and Rockwell, Iowa schools.  He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.  On Jan. 31, 1947 he married Shirley Hunt at the Methodist parsonage in Mason City. 

Richard worked as an auto body repairman and dairy delivery man until they began farming in 1948 in the Thornton and Meservey, Iowa area.  They moved to rural Clear Lake in 1956, moving to town in 2003.  In addition to farming, he was a substitute mail carrier, starting in 1967, and later, a full-time rural mail carrier until his retirement in 1990.  He served on the ASC Committee for 17 years and was past director of the Farmers Co-op Gas company, a lifetime member of  the Clear Lake VFW and a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

Richard enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada, woodworking, restoring old tractors and other farm antiques, having coffee with friends and neighbors and most of all, entertaining his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; one daughter, Brenda and her husband, Tim Wichman, of Clear Lake; two grandchildren, Brianna and Bryce Wichman of Clear Lake; one sister, Lois Fields of Salida, Colo., a sister-in-law, Bonnie Olinger of Clear Lake; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Irene Casebolt; and three brothers-in-law, Orlan Casebolt, Glenn Fields, and Harold Olinger.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Marcella Humpal

Marcella Humpal, age 87, passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011 at home in Spillville, Iowa.

Marcella “Marcie” Helen (Moudry) Humpal was born Oct. 26, 1923 in Winneshiek County, near Spillville, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Taylor) Moudry.  She attended rural schools. She was united in marriage to Albert Humpal on June 12, 1944 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Spillville.  They farmed near Ridgeway, Iowa until 2006 when they moved to Spillville with their daughter, Shirley and her husband, John Francis. Being with her family was what Marcella most enjoyed. She spent hours working on her embroidery which she gave to her family or donated to fundraisers. She worked her puzzle books, played cards at the Spillville library or at the Ossian Senior Hospice where Albert resides.  She often dreamt of her chickens. Early mornings she said were the best when she was out feeding her capons which she raised for many years. Marcella’s wish was to donate her body to the Mayo Clinic to advance the study of medical science. 

She is survived by her husband, Albert and six children, Helen (Larry) Svoboda of Clear Lake, Charles (Patricia) of Ridgeway, Shirley (John) Francis of Spillville, Elaine Michael (John Osland) of Swisher, Iowa, Darlene (Merle) Hageman of Ft. Atkinson, Iowa and John (Reta) of Waterloo, Iowa.  Also surviving are her grandchildren/step-grandchildren, Brian (Lorelei) Svoboda of Windsor, Colo., Bradley (Jill) Svoboda of Allen, Texas, Deborah Humpal of Des Moines, Jeremy (Kristi) Humpal of Sioux Falls, S.D., Dana (Belinda) Francis of Bradenton, Fla., Derrick (Leslie) Francis of Mint Hill, N.C., Molly Michael (Donny) Burkhardt of Palmetto, Fla., Matthew (Becky) Michael of Baraboo, Wis., Kristie Hageman (Ryan) Wiltgen of Spillville, Michael (Rachel) Hageman of Manchester, Iowa, Andrew (Nichole) Hageman of Calmar, Iowa, Jesse (Sheri) Taylor of Fredericksburg, Va. and James Humpal of Waterloo. She also has 19 great-grandchildren/step-grandchildren: Anika, Alena, Benjamin Svoboda of Windsor, Colo., Sydney Svoboda of Allen, Texas, Jacob and Kaitlyn Humpal of Sioux Falls, S.D., Dalton Francis of Bradenton, Fla. and Jayden Francis of Mint Hill, N.C., Thomas, Kayla and Joshua Burkhardt of Palmetto, Fla., Bridget Kowalski, Mason and Gavin Michael of Baraboo, Wis., Collin and Alya Wiltgen of Spillville and Wade and Marissa Sigl of Fredericksburg, Va.  She also is survived by two nieces, Elva (Strnad) Shimek of Protivin, Iowa and Grace (Moudry) Barloon of Rochester, Minn.; two nephews, Melvin Rausch of Ft. Atkinson and Robert Moudry of Protivin; and two sisters-in-law, Beulah Moudry Shindelar of Spillville and Mildred Moudry of Cresco, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers and three sisters-in-law, Louis, Adolph (Florence), Frank (Helen), Edward, Ben (Lucille), Leonard, Cyril Moudry; one brother in infancy and two sisters and their husbands, Regina (Otto) Rausch and Lucy (Sylvester) Strnad.

Dorothey Jean Oxley

Dorothey Jean Oxley 78, of 2418 South Shore Drive, Clear Lake, died Wednesday, Aug.10, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Aug. 13, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating.  Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Emmetsburg, Iowa.  Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church in Dorothey’s memory.

Dorothey Jean was born Oct. 2, 1932, in Tyler, Minn. the daughter of Richard and Helen (Teufel) Schnell.   She received her education and graduated high school in Tyler.  Shortly after graduation she worked in an office in Minneapolis, Minn.  Dorothey was united in marriage to Albert Oxley on March 26, 1951.  They lived a short while in Iowa before moving to Chicago, Ill. where Albert worked at the United States Postal Service and Dorothey attended Northwestern University and continued work in an office.  Albert and Dorothey lived in Chicago for eight years. While living there they were blessed with three children, Richard, Debra, and Albert Jr. Dorothey became a homemaker after the eldest child was born.  Albert and Dorothey moved to Corwith, Iowa; where they were blessed with three more children Lee Ann, Merri Jean, and Jim. 

In 1969, they moved to Clear Lake where they settled on a small acreage.  Dorothey was an active and dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.  Dorothey will miss her quilting friends as she especially enjoyed all her time with them.  She participated in women’s circle, serving church luncheons and dinners, school supply, and health drives.  Dorothey loved to read, tending to her flower gardens and traveling with Albert across the United States and abroad.

Dorothey and her family always got together the week of the 4th of July each year. This year they celebrated Albert’s 93rd birthday, and their 60th wedding anniversary.  Dorothey will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her family takes comfort knowing that she is in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Dorothey is survived by her husband, Albert Oxley Sr., Clear Lake; children, Richard Oxley and special friend, Joann, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Debra (Steve) Bower and their children, Michael and Bryan, Greenville, Wis., Albert Oxley Jr., Cedar Rapids, Lee Ann (Mark) Braga and their children, David and Hollie, Marshalltown, Iowa, Merri Jean (Bob) Jones, and their children, Kerri, Christopher and Rebecca, Kingsport, Tenn., and Jim Oxley, Clear Lake.

Dorothey is preceded in death by her parents.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Curtis Eugene Ouverson

Curtis Eugene Ouverson, 82, died Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

A celebration of life service was held Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Fertile Church of Christ, Fertile, Iowa, with Pastor Dennis Ganz and Pastor Rob Perry officiating.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in Grant Center Cemetery, rural Fertile.

Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Curtis E. Ouverson Memorial, in care of Lowell Ouverson, 3691 320th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428; that will later be donated  to the Fertile Church of Christ, for a church project in Curtis’ memory.

Curtis Eugene Ouverson was born July 18, 1929, in rural Fertile, the son of Edwin G. and Helen I. (Humphrey) Ouverson.  He received his education and graduated from Fertile High School in the class of 1947.  Curtis was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Lien on July 15, 1950, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua; to this union two children were born.

Curtis was a life-long member of the Fertile Church of Christ where he was baptized Dec. 13, 1943.  He served as church treasurer for a time, as elder for one year and a deacon for 50 years.  The first priority in his life was serving and loving his Lord and Savior.  He also loved his wife and family very much.  He enjoyed farming and fishing and his friends.  He had fun fishing with his granddaughters at his cabin on Lake Vermillion, Minn.  

Curtis and Gwen lived and farmed near Fertile for over 57 years before moving to Apple Valley Assisted Living in September of 2007. They moved to Oakwood Care Center in August of 2009. After Gwen’s death he moved to Manly Care Center in January of 2010.  There he developed many good friendships with residents and care givers.  He appreciated the help he received from the care centers and friends and especially his wife.

Curtis had many health issues in his later years but never complained.  He left his troubles to the Lord who sustained him.  He sorely missed his wife, Gwen and daughter, Linda but now will be reunited for eternity.

Curtis is survived by his son, Lowell (Susan) Ouverson, Clear Lake; son-in-law, Harold “Sonny” Brunsvold, Kensett, Iowa; grandchildren, Alissa (Eric) Kruger, Briana (Mike) Frank, Callie (Jeff) Schmidt, Shaina Brunsvold, Amanda Ouverson; great-grandchildren, Payten and Tate Kruger, Addison Lee Frank; siblings, Dale (Kay) Ouverson, Nelda (Larry) Frahm, Dean Ouverson; sisters-in-law, Lovenea Groe, Arlene (Ray) Schlader, Enid (Arlen) Wogen; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gwen; daughter, Linda Ouverson Brunsvold; infant brother, Lowell; sister, Phyllis (Truman) Knudtson and brothers-in-law, Lester Groe and Truman Knudtson.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Ella Mae Wilson

Ella Mae Wilson, 92, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

It was Ella Mae's wishes to be cremated; and that no memorial services be held.

Ella Mae was born Oct. 18, 1918 in rural Hartington, Neb., the daughter of Louis and Edna Dale.

Ella Mae married Lyle Wilson and had three daughters, Carol, Lonnie, and Eloise.  She has 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. 

Ella Mae had many hobbies; she loved to read, sew, quilt, make rugs, garden (especially exotic plants), keep up with current events, and visit with friends and her peers in the nursing home.

Ella Mae’s greatest joy was sharing her faith with others.  She was baptized on Aug. 27, 1960 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses; and was active until her death.  Her last thoughts were on the Kingdom promise; as she was heard humming a Kingdom song.  She firmly believed 2 Corinthians 4:18 says: ”while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.”

Ella Mae will be greatly missed by her family and friends - until we meet again!

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

William Douglas (Doug) Pinkham

William Douglas (Doug) Pinkham, 83, Clear Lake, died after a short illness on Aug. 20, 2011 at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Doug was a resident at Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating.  Visitation will be held from  4 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24 and one hour preceding the service at Ward-Van Slyke. Military honors will be provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Inurnment will be at a later date.  Memorials may be given to the William Douglas Pinkham Memorial Fund.

Doug was born Aug. 5, 1928 to Charles and Beula (Short) Pinkham. Doug grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa and was an accomplished athlete at the Iowa State Teachers College High School. Doug was named to the IDPA second team and Des Moines Register third team All State football teams as an end in 1945. Doug placed third in the 440-yard dash at the Iowa state track meet in 1945 and 1946 when the entire state competed in one class. Doug graduated from Iowa State Teacher’s college and was working his first teaching job in Rowan, Iowa when he was drafted to serve in the Army in Germany during the Korean War. Doug coached high school football at Nashua, Iowa from 1953 to 1960; where he was 46-14-3, including a 26-game winning streak, won four Corn Bowl Conference Championships and a “mythical” small school state championship. Doug then worked for his father, Charlie, at Iowa Sports Supply until 1964 when he returned to coaching at West Marshall in State Center, Iowa where he was 94-26-2 including a 25-game winning streak and six conference titles. In 1970 Doug was named the IFCA and Des Moines Register's prep coach of the year. Doug retired from coaching in 1978 to enter private business and sales. In 1983 Doug was inducted into the Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Doug is survived by his brothers, Tom (Xu Yinyu) Pinkham of Shanghai, China, and Neil (Evangaline) Pinkham of Boulder Colo., his sister, Rachael (Jon) Sailer of Roanoke Va.; children, David (Sheryl) Pinkham of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, Sue Schinke of Delano, Minn., and Kay Gowdy of Allen Texas; grandchildren, Jamie (Steven) Foust, James Schinke, Tara Schinke, and Katelyn Pinkham; great-grandchild, Preston Foust; and first wife, Barbara Pinkham, of Clear Lake. 

Doug was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Sarah; sister, Dolores Carlo; and second wife, Jeanyce Hanson Forsyth Pinkham.

Robert Eugene Oliphant

Robert Eugene Oliphant, 77, of 115 S. 23rd St. Clear Lake, died Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 at his home.

A celebration of Robert's life was held Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake with Pastor Scott Wilson of the Christian Church officiating. Military honors were provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  The family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Iowa.

Bob was born July 3, 1934 in Creston, Iowa the son of John Howard and Lela Ruth (Hickox) Oliphant. He graduated from Pacific Junction High School in 1952. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. While serving in Germany he met his bride to be, Gisela Ina Jansen, and they were married in Germany.

Following the service he attended the University of Maryland and graduated from tech school in Riverton, N.J. He was a fiber optics consultant for national phone companies and worked throughout the United States and Mexico.

He enjoyed watching college football, the Dallas Cowboys, reading, playing slot machines, cards and his dogs, Tia and Billie.

Bob is survived by his best friend/significant other, Sandie Treadway, Clear Lake; three daughters, Jaqueline Marie Petersen, Clear Lake, Michelle NMI (Kelly) McLaughlin, Clear Lake and Karin Sue (Tim) Hartnett, Clear Lake; stepdaughter, Shauna Oliphant, Dallas, Texas; Sandie’s children, Pam (Adam) Reynolds, Houston, Texas, Lauri (Joseph) Chizek, Austin, Texas and Mark Treadway, Clear Lake; son-in-law, Bill (Lu) Thoendal, Hoskins, Neb.; eight grandchildren, Nikki (Lee) Baumert, Kristina Jochum, Molly (Travis) Rowenhorst, Sean Hartnett and his fiancé, Ashley Fischer, Melissa McLaughlin, Matthew Hartnett, Colin Hartnett and Stephen Hartnett; six great-grandchildren Calvin Jochum, Samantha Baumert, Jenna Jochum, Justin Baumert, Ada Rowenhorst and Lora Rowenhorst; brother-in-law, Loran Boyer, Council Bluffs, Iowa; sister-in-law, Ethel Oliphant, Wooster, Ohio; four brothers, Everett (Ann) Oliphant, Dixon, Ky., Paul R. (Joyce) Oliphant, Lenox, Iowa, John J. (Thea) Oliphant, Santa Clara, Calif. and Dale L. (Marguerite) Oliphant, Pacific Junction, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gisela, in 1982; daughter, Marianne Thoendal; two brothers, Wayne and Bill Oliphant; and sister, Eleanor Boyer.

Phyllis Esther Madson

Phyllis Esther Madson, 81, of 2416 N. Shore Dr., Clear Lake, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 at the Boone County Hospital, Boone, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating.  Family will greet friends Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake and then one hour before the service on Friday at the church.  Family suggests memorials to the Phyllis Madson Memorial Fund.

Phyllis was born Jan. 15, 1930 in Fountain City, Wis., the daughter of Harry and Hulda (Sass) Putz.  She attended and graduated from Cochrane High School in 1948.  She then attended beauty school in Winona, Minn. After school she worked in Rochester, Minn.

Phyllis married Arden “Bud” Madson on Aug. 24, 1952 in Fountain City.  They spent many of their married years in Clear Lake, where they raised their four children.  She enjoyed working in her yard and flower gardens, playing Mahjong, golfing, and spending time with her friends.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.  She and her husband, Bud, enjoyed spending their winters at Dauphin Island, Ala. with their friends.  She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Joy Circle, TTT and she was very involved in the Cancer Support Group which meets at Zion Lutheran Church.

Phyllis is survived by her four children; Michael Madson, Garner, Iowa, James (Paula) Madson, Ames, Iowa, Pati (Mike) Workman, Milford, Iowa and Jon (Shari) Madson, Oakdale, Minn.; five grandchildren, Kayla (Ryan) Reitzler, Lee Summit, Mo., Kimberly Madson, Muscatine, Iowa, Kyle Madson, Plano, Texas, Cameron Madson and Noah Madson, Ames, Iowa; great-grandchild, Rexton Reitzler; two brothers, Donald (Dorothy) Putz, Osseo, Wis. and Harry (Judy) Putz, Fountain City, Wis.; sister, Janice (Jon) Wogen, Olivia, Minn., sister-in-law, Joanne Erickson, Cincinnati, Ohio; brother-in-law, Warren (Annabel) Madson, Bandera, Texas; brother-in-law, Tom Madson and Jackie, Mabel, Minn. and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud, in 2006; brother, Darwin Putz and sister, Dorothy (Elton) Suhr. 

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Lucille M. Gaffney

Lucille M. Gaffney, 77, of 200 3rd Street South, Swaledale, Iowa, died Friday morning, Aug. 26, 2011, at her home.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rockwell with Father Rodney Allers officiating.  Internment was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Swaledale. Condolences and stories may be shared with the family at visitation or at www.Fullertonfh.com or Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome.

Lucille Mae was born to Albert and Leona (Buseman) Priebe on May 29, 1934. She attended school in Klemme, Iowa and later graduated from Hamilton Business College with a degree in Business Administration. She was the manager of First State Bank in Swaledale and assistant cashier for 38 years, retiring in 1998. On Jan. 29, 1951, Lucille was united in marriage to John “Dick” Gaffney. They made their home in Swaledale where they raised their two sons.  Over the years, she enjoyed bird watching, spending time outdoors, and taking care of her pets including her cat, Sophie.  She also loved playing cards with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a remarkable woman who truly will be missed by her family and those who knew her.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, John; two sons, John Randall Gaffney, Boulder, Colo.and Edward Gaffney and his wife, Lorena, Swaledale; five grandchildren, Catherine Riegle, Terra Gaffney-Simmer, Sarah Novacek, Angela Sturges, and Benjamin Gaffney; four great-grandchildren, Bridget Gaffney and Brooke Gaffney-Simmer, Tyler and Ethan Riegle; and two sisters, Luella (Jim) Bonner, Clear Lake; and Miriam (Gene) Jaberg, New Brighton, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents.

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