Phyllis J. Paulsen Johannsen Meyering

Phyllis J. Paulsen Johannsen Meyering, 75, of Clear Lake died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 2, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Phyllis Meyering Memorial Fund, 616 8th Avenue N. Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.

Phyllis was born Sept. 26, 1936 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas C. and Violet Mae (Johnson) Paulsen.  She was the oldest of nine children.  She attended school in Mason City.  She was united in marriage to Bob Johannsen, later ending in annulment.  Phyllis married John Meyering in 1971 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Phyllis worked for the Blue Horizon Hotel for six years; then worked for Cole Sewell/Pella/Larson Doors for 20 years and before retiring.  She enjoyed walking, canning vegetables, fishing, traveling, puzzles, crosswords and spending time with family and grandkids. She also enjoyed photography, hummingbirds, flowers, sewing and old westerns.

Phyllis is survived by her children, John (Angela) Meyering Jr., Mason City, Phil (Lori) Meyering, Clear Lake, John (Marsha) Johannsen, Sebeka, Minn., Sherry (Todd) Fairley, Grand Forks, N.D., Candy (Dean) Hacker, Brainerd, Minn., and Keith (DeVy) Johannsen, Breckenridge, Minn.; step-children Judy (Ronald) Albert, Brasher, Mo., Tony Meyering, Dallas, Texas, Jeannie Olson, Wells, Minn., Marlene Meyering, Nellisville, Wis. and Lois (Jason) Subbert, Fairmont, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Nicole Helen Birch, Violet Mae Gouge, Jennifer Goll; and two brothers, Tommy Paulsen Jr. and Frances. She will be greatly missed by all family, friends and Clear Lake.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Sr.; two brothers, Michael and Bradley; and one sister, Charlene.

Jerry Lee Deckard 

Jerry Lee Deckard, 75, of 622 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Church of Christ, Clear Lake with Pastor Jim Allard and Pastor Curtis McGinnis officiating. Military Honors were provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Memorials may be made to the Jerry Deckard Memorial Fund.

Jerry was born in Mason City, Dec. 5, 1935, the son of Herman and D’Lda (Ralls) Deckard. Jerry attended Mason City High School, graduating in 1953.

Jerry enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne in Fayetteville, N.C. He was a paratrooper  and achieved the level of Jumpmaster. He was honorably discharged and married Marjorie Temple on Aug. 14, 1957 in Lillington, N.C.  To this union two children were born, Kim and Chris. They moved to Mason City where he worked at K&A Engraving. He was later transferred to Sioux Falls, S.D.  He also worked in service and sales for Pitney Bowes in Mason City for 26 years, retiring in 1995.

Jerry loved NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt Sr. He was a people person (enjoyed everyone), enjoyed cards, poker and cribbage, gambling at Diamond Jo Casino, camping (cooking and grilling), snakes and ladders yard game and collecting beer cans.

After Marjorie passed away in 1990 Jerry married Iris Myers on Nov. 17, 2001 at the Clear Lake Church of Christ and lived in Clear Lake up to the time of his passing.

Jerry was a member of the Church of Christ, the Oval Club at Pitney-Bowes for 20 years, and was a member of a poker club.

He is survived by his wife, Iris Deckard, Clear Lake; daughter, Kim (Bill) Haase, Mason City; son, Chris (Tracey) Deckard, Indianola, Iowa; four grandchildren, Ryan Gerow, Mason City; Jennifer Deckard, Indianola; Robert Deckard, Cedar Falls and Jameson (Melissa) Deckard, Northwood, Iowa; one great-grandson, Hunter Deckard, Northwood; step-son, Troy Kaduce, Des Moines, Iowa; step-daughter, Melissa Kaduce, Clear Lake; step-granddaughter, Crystal (Adrian) Kramer, Mogadore, Ohio, and step great-grandson, Aaron Kramer and a sister, Janice Easley of Mason City; brother-in-law, Curtis (Betty) Temple of Bunnlevel, N.C.; sister-in-law, Beverly (Glenn) Gregory of Bunnlevel, N.C., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie, and his parents.

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

Evelyn (Krutsinger) Rensink 

Evelyn (Krutsinger) Rensink, 96, of Mason City, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 at the First Covenant Church, Mason City, with Pastor Philip Stenberg officiating.  Interment was held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Evelyn (Krutsinger) Rensink Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.  

Evelyn Larsen was born April 6, 1915 in Alexander, Iowa the daughter of Albert and Amanda “Star” (Seeger) Larsen.  She graduated from Alexander High School in 1932. She married Charles Howard Krutsinger in 1935. They later divorced in 1957. She worked several places through the years and retired from Damon’s Department Store.  She married Roy Rensink in 1969.  While married to Roy she enjoyed spending the winters in Texas for 20 years.  Evelyn loved spending Sundays with her family and enjoyed playing card games with them.  She enjoyed quilting and painting artwork, many times giving them to her family to enjoy.  She was a member of the First Covenant Church in Mason City.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Alberta Loveless, of Mason City; sons, Richard Krutsinger and wife, Harriet, of Clear Lake, Gail Krutsinger, of Mason City, and Don Krutsinger, of St. Paul, Minn.; step-daughter, Julie Goodling and husband, Al, of Mason City; daughter-in-law, Shirley Krutsinger, of Mason City; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Viola Passehl of Latimer, Iowa and sister-in-law, Gertrude Larsen of Clear Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Howard Krutsinger (1967) and Roy Rensink (2002); son, Ronald Krutsinger; one brother; two sisters; grandson, Michael Krutsinger; granddaughter, Diane Wyant and step-daughter, Mary Rensink.

Arrangements were made with Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, Mason City.

Leroy Ziesmer 

Leroy Ziesmer, 82, of Clear Lake, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 in Apache Junction, Az.. 

Services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake.  Visitation will be Friday from 4 -7 p.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, and then one hour before the service on Saturday at the Church.  Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.

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

Donald A. Sellers 

Donald A. Sellers, 92, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown, Iowa with Pastor Linda Johnson-Prestholt officiating.  A private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Brush Point Cemetery.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church Thursday. Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Donald A. Sellers Memorial.

Donald A. Sellers was born Oct. 4, 1919, the son of Everette and Cora Mae (Sims) Sellers.  Donald attended country school in Russell, Iowa.  Donald was united in marriage to Marian Utt on June 30, 1943, Goodell, Iowa. To this union they were blessed with three children.  They lived in the Goodell and Meservey, Iowa area until they moved to Hanlontown in December of 1956.

During Donald’s life he held a variety of jobs from chef in Kansas City while growing up, to auto mechanic which included owning a full service gas station in Goodell.  He farmed the homestead in Hanlontown while working at the soybean plant in Mason City, where he worked until his retirement.

After retirement he spent time on his farm and enjoyed tinkering with old machinery and vehicles. He enjoyed going to morning coffee at the Fertile Café, socializing with his friends and getting caught up on the local news. He was a kind man who would give you the shirt off his back. He helped people whenever needed, taking them to appointments or to get groceries.  He was a thinker who did a lot of tinkering from which he designed and built trap setters, a log splitter, and a hoist to meet his needs.  He also used the log splitter to run a business of cutting and delivering wood to customers.  His imagination could have easily made him a writer for the “Red Green Show!”

Donald is survived by his children, Patricia Lou (Ken) Weber, Manly, William (Shelly) Sellers, Clear Lake; daughter-in-law, Kathryn Sellers, Klemme; grandchildren, Debra (Travis) Bell, Deanna (Mike) Branstad, Heath Weber, Angel (Jeremy) Hardgrove, Susanne (Sean) Morgan, Sam Weber, Dennis Sellers, Stacy (Travis) Burke, Sadie Sellers, Meghan  and Ryan Block and Nathan Wallaker; numerous great-grandchildren; one brother, Carl (Joan) Sellers, Jamestown, N.Y.; one sister, Mary Nolte, Russell, Iowa; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marian; son, Donald; step-mother, Gladys; brothers, Herbert, Virgil, Burdette, and Robert; and special friend, Clara Bier.

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

Ronald “Ron” Spilman 

Ronald “Ron” Spilman, 60, passed away at his home in Tucson, Az. on Dec. 1, 2011. 

There will be a memorial service Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m., at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, with Pastor Mark Dobel officiating.   Visitation with family will begin at 1 p.m.  The family requests that memorials be made out to the Ronald Spilman Memorial Fund or to the Humane Society of North Iowa. 

Ron was born Aug. 10, 1951 in Thornton, Iowa to Daniel and Phyllis (Brower) Spilman.  He graduated as valedictorian from Meservey – Thornton High School in 1969.  After high school he went to NIACC and was in the top 20 percent of his class.  He worked with Alice Blackmore at the Humane Society for about 20 years.  He also worked at Blackmore Nursery for many years.  Enjoying travel, he ended up going to Idaho and Colorado for a while, before ending up in Arizona and owning his own business.

A prankster with many hobbies, he had a talent for picking up languages, learning German in school, teaching himself Spanish and even picking up a little Navajo over the years.  He enjoyed motorcycles, riding his Harley up here in the summers to visit.  He got his pilot’s license and even got the opportunity to fly a jet.  He loved popcorn and would eat it for several meals a week.

Ron is survived by his father, Daniel Spilman; his brother, Randy Spilman; his sister, Kathy Spilman, all from Clear Lake.  He is also survived by a nephew, Dustin Spilman; nieces, Katie Bertram (Jason), Ashley Spilman, and Shelby Andersen (Jim); his best friend, Helen Leslie; his many friends; and his beloved pets.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

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

Rita Squires

Rita Squires, 65, of 1620 Highland Dr., Clear Lake, died at home.  Services are pending at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, Iowa.

Genevieve "Gen" Mae Anderson 

Genevieve "Gen" Mae Anderson, age 85, formerly  of Hampton, Iowa, most recently a resident of the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, died, Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m., at the Andrews Funeral Home, 516 1st Street Southeast, Belmond, Iowa.  The Rev. Rod Hopp will be officiating.  Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery.  Memorials or expressions may be directed to the family of Genevieve Anderson, ℅ Dale Anderson, 2532 South Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA, 50428.  The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation for the love and care shown to Gen and her family by the Hospice of North Iowa and the Oakwood Care Center.

Genevieve Mae Ahrens, the daughter of Albert and Rose (Murphy) Ahrens, was  born Jan. 2, 1926, in Ingham Township, Franklin County, Iowa.  She attended Franklin County area schools.

Gen was united in marriage to Berle Anderson, on May 28, 1944, at the church parsonage in Bristow, Iowa.  Following their marriage the couple made their home for the next four years in Dumont, Iowa.

The couple then moved to a small farm east of Dows, Iowa, where they began their family.  The couple's union was blessed with seven children including their sons, Russell, Dick, and Dale; daughters, Phyliss, Dee, Donna, and Joyce.  Gen, as she often wanted to be called, also had another daughter, Virginia, who passed away at birth.  Gen was also the proud grandma of 14 grandchildren, and great-grandma of 14 great-grandchildren.

Gen and Berle eventually moved to a farm outside of Coulter, Iowa.  Berle then went to work at Farmer's Hybrid in Hampton, while Gen continued to focus on raising her remaining family at home.  She always raised a large yearly garden to supply food for her family.  She truly loved animals and over the years she had raised Poodles, Pomeranians, St. Bernards, her favorite cat, "Coochie",  as well as a group of pigs.

After losing her husband, Berle, in 1975 at only 50 years old, Gen stayed on her Coulter farm for two more years. Her youngest son, Dale, graduated in 1977.

In Gen's words, "since I finally got all of the chickens (her kids) out of the nest", she decided to move to a small house in Hampton.

After several years of raising her family and being left alone, Gen became active in a bowling league and went to the Hampton Senior Center, where she met many new friends and became known as a prankster, playing many little tricks and pranks in good clean fun on her friends. Her good humored pranks even spilled over into her love of holding and going to garage sales.  Her own sales would often include a "free items" box with a lid on it it rigged like a "Jack in the Box" that would jump out when it was opened by the shopper's curiosity.  In addition to her hobbies of bowling and garage sales, she looked forward to outings to play bingo and adventures on bus trips to the casino at Tama, Iowa.  Her family and friends will remember her intensity at the slot machines, where she would often ask them to "stay out of her zone."  She was always up for a good game of cards.  Gen truly blossomed like a flower during much of years living in Hampton.

Gen also had a soft spot in her heart for dolls and had collected many of them over her lifetime.   She looked forward to a trip out for Kentucky Fried Chicken. 

She will be remembered by her family for the wonderful Sunday afternoon dinners when she would provide them with a full chicken dinner made with her loving hands.  They will reflect on her often as they hear tunes by her favorite entertainers, including, Lawrence Welk, Johnny Cash, and Louis Armstrong.  

Those her knew Gen well, including her family, will remember her as a lady who always put the needs and wishes of every member of her family first, before her own needs.  Gen lived a simple life and her presence will be missed by her family and friends.  Gen truly believed and often said, "everyone should tend to their own business and keep your nose out of others business."

After moving from Hampton, she lived for a time at the Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake, prior to becoming a resident of the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Gen's memory will live on in her surviving family including her children, Phyllis Nelson, Hampton, Dee (Jerry) Lyons, Alden, Iowa, Russell (Vicki) Anderson, Thornton, Iowa, Donna (Raymond) Olemann, Marshalltown, Richard (Debbie) Anderson, Lake Havasu, Az., Joyce (Gary) Meyers, Alden, and Dale (Debbie) Anderson, Clear Lake; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Berle, in 1975; an infant daughter, Virginia Anderson; brothers, Ilo and Delbert Ahrens; and sisters, Marge Oehlert, Alice Tjarks, and Bev Pruitt.

Nellie “Nell” Irene Wilcox 

Nellie “Nell” Irene Wilcox, 97, of Clear Lake, died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. 

Memorial services are pending at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake.

LeRoy A. Ziesmer 

LeRoy A. Ziesmer, 82, 2602 North Shore Dr., Clear Lake, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at Apache Junction, Az. 

A funeral  Mass was held Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake with Rev. John R. Tilp officiating. Interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 122 W., Mason City, Iowa.  Memorials may be given to the Leroy A. Ziesmer Memorial Fund.

LeRoy Aaron was born July 22, 1929 on their family farm in Ventura, the son of Henry Carl and Mathilda (Bahr) Ziesmer. Leroy was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Garner.  He graduated from Ventura High School in 1945.  His “first” job was selling pickles for Presley Griggs.  He worked for Bierman Grocery Store and Field Grocery Store, both in Ventura.  He also worked on the family farm.  LeRoy married Kathleen Fay “Pat” Parker April 16, 1950 in Mason City.  They lived on a farm west of Ventura where he farmed and then he managed the Farmers Co-op, retiring in 1995. 

LeRoy loved family get togethers and vacations with the grandchildren; including fishing trips, camping trips, cruises, and Sunday drives. He enjoyed trading show pigeons.  Retirement allowed them to spend many winters in Arizona.  He was a member of the Ventura School Board, Community State Bank Board, Clear Lake Sanitary District Board, Ventura Cemetery Board, and was a former Ventura Fire Dept. volunteer.   He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Pat Ziesmer, Clear Lake; five children, Jody (Michael) O’Donnell, Pocatello, Idaho, Jane (Douglas) Beach, Kansas City, Mo., David (Becky) Ziesmer, rural Garner, Iowa, Jana Niemeyer and her fiancé, Jim Kern, Blue Springs, Mo., and Andrew (Jean) Ziesmer; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer (Scott) Smith, Aaron Hollingshead, Austin (Jamie) Hollingshead, Alison Ziesmer, Derek Ziesmer, Ian Niemeyer, Parker Niemeyer, Pierce Niemeyer, Zachary Ziesmer, Amanda Ziesmer, and Olivia Ziesmer; three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Iva and Matilda Smith; brother-in-law, David (Bonnie) Parker; sister-in-law, Marcia Boyd, and numerous nieces and nephews.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rueben Ziesmer.

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

Rita Romaine Squires 

Rita Romaine Squires, 65, 1620 Highland Dr., Clear Lake, died Dec. 3, 2011 at her residence. 

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated.  A remembrance gathering will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at the Lakeview Room in the Clear Lake Park Bandshell, with Pastor Jason Boyd leading the sharing.  Memorials may be given to the Rita Squires Memorial Fund. 

Rita was born July 19, 1946 in Charles City, Iowa the daughter of Wilfred Carl and Lyla (Smith) Truex.

She graduated from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School in 1964.  She continued her education at N.I.A.C.C. and obtained her nursing degree. She worked as a nurse at North Iowa Hospital and later North Iowa Mercy Medical Center North Iowa where she was a nurse and later a nurse’s supervisor.

Rita was a very gentle and caring person. She enjoyed quilting, painting and beading.

Rita is survived by her son, Tim Squires, Manly, Iowa; two brothers, Doug Truex and his wife, Jean, Waterloo, Iowa and Rick Truex, Mason City, Iowa; and two sisters, Joan Norvold and her husband, Mark, Cedar Falls, Iowa and Charlotte Seick, Willmar, Minn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and two nephews, Tony Seick and Chris VanArkle.

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

Nell Irene Wilcox 

Nell Irene Wilcox, 97, Clear Lake, died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. 

A private inurnment was held at the Clear Lake Cemetery with Pastors Jill and Bob Brandstad of the Community of Christ Church officiating.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be given to the Community of Christ Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Nell was born Jan. 28, 1914 in Logan, Iowa, Harrison County, the daughter of Earl and Wilma (Gunnette) Leonard.  She attended country school and graduated from Logan High School.  She married Arthur Wayne Wilcox Aug. 24, 1936 in Logan.  She worked side by side with Wayne in a grocery business in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  In 1952, they moved to Clear Lake where they purchased Wilcox Furniture from Wayne’s brother, Wendell.  Nell was involved in all facets of the business from accounting, to sales, to purchasing, and of course, decorating.  She worked with him in the furniture store for over 30 years and when her mother came to live with them, she retired.

Nell was a member of the Community of Christ Church, where she taught Sunday school, was a Women’s Group leader, sang in the choir, and was choir director.  She was a member of Wa Tan Ye, Clear Lake Women’s Club, and T.T.T.  Nell enjoyed painting with oil, bowling, golfing, and traveling.  She and Wayne spent 19 winters in Mission, Texas.

Nell is survived by her daughter, Janelle Sargent and her husband, Dale, Clear Lake; two grandchildren, Jennifer Moore and her husband, Bruce, Scottsdale, Az., and Jeff Sargent and his wife, Heather, Highland, Utah; great-grandchildren, Sarah and Stephen Moore, and Sophia and Isabella Sargent; sister, Maxine Lloyd, Kennewick, Wash.; sisters-in-law, Zola Beth Leonard, Woodbine, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; and her “Wilcox Furniture family.”

Nell was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne Wilcox; two brothers, Reuben Leonard and Ivan Leonard.

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

Albert Humpal 

Albert Humpal, age 91, of Spillville, Iowa died Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Dec. 20, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Iowa with Father Donald Hawes presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

He is survived by six children, Helen (Larry) Svoboda of Clear Lake, Charles (Patricia) Humpal of Ridgeway, Iowa, Shirley (John) Francis of Spillville, Elaine Michael (John Osland) of Swisher, Iowa, Darlene (Merle) Hageman of Ft. Atkinson, Iowa and John (Reta) Humpal  of Waterloo, Iowa; grandchildren/step-grandchildren, Brian (Lorelei) Svoboda of Windsor, Colo., Bradley (Jill) Svoboda of Allen, Texas, Deborah Humpal of Des Moines, Iowa 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.

He 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 Ayla Wiltgen of Spillville and Wade and Marissa Sigl of Fredericksburg, Va. 

James L. Bird 

James L. Bird, age 71, of Mason City, Iowa passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.  

Jim requested there be no funeral and was cremated.  There will be a family and friends gathering Friday, Dec. 23, from 4-7 p.m. at the home of Mick Baker, 1433 Birch Drive, Mason City. 

James LeRoy “Jim” Bird was born March 13, 1940 in Sheffield, Iowa to Alfred and Helen (Miller) Bird.  Jim graduated in 1958 from Nora Springs High School.

Jim was a bricklayer in the Mason City area and was considered by some to be one of the finest.  Many buildings and homes in Mason City and surrounding areas have the special touch of his expertise in fireplaces and brick fronts.

Jim was an avid Vikings, Twins and Hawkeye fan and for years made sure he attended at least one game each year. He also enjoyed fishing in Canada with life-long friends and golfing with his foursome every Sunday. Jim also enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karen; two sons, Rick (Tammy) Bird, Mike (Judy) Bird, and a daughter, Sue Kral and special friend, Greg Bradbury; six grandchildren, Chelsie (Cole), Mandie (Dave), Jacob (Britany), Nathan (Courtney), William and Shelby; three great-grandchildren, Carter, Amelia and Colton; a sister, Linda Anderson; brother, Bob (Connie) Bird; brother-in-law, Mick Baker; sister-in-law, Cathie Baker; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joey Lee and R. David Bird; sister-in-law, Sally Baker; brothers-in-law, Bob Anderson and Don Baker.

Memorials may be directed to the family of James L. Bird, 926 15th St. N.E., Mason City, IA

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Cleo Elizabeth Cookman

Cleo Elizabeth Cookman, 92, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

A Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, Dec. 21, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Monsignor Joseph Slepicka officiating.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Cleo E. Cookman Memorial.

Cleo Elizabeth Hurd was born April 8, 1919, in Superior, Wis., the daughter of Chester and Lula (Miller) Hurd.  She attended Central High School in Superior and graduated in 1936.  She was a member of the Superior Figure Skating Club and performed solos as an amateur in ice shows in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

Cleo attended college at LaCrosse State Teachers College, now University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree.  She taught girl’s physical education at Monroe Jr. High in Mason City from Nov. 12, 1940, until Jan. 1948.  She also taught in Clear Lake 1957-1958.

Cleo was united in marriage to Walter Cookman on June 14, 1947, in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior, Wis.  She assisted her husband in their dry cleaning business, Lustre Cleaners, and in their Mobile Pillow Cleaning Service.

Cleo’s hobbies included swimming, playing tennis, gardening, sewing, and playing cards.  She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a former member of Beta Sigma Phi.  She volunteered at the Village Store in Clear Lake, and loved her work.

Cleo was a loving mother and is survived by her four daughters, Janaan (Ed) McGinness, Iowa City, Iowa, Cherie (Ken) Ferguson, Spirit Lake, Iowa, Luann Mehan, Milford, Iowa and Maureen (Ken) Butcher, Ankeny, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; along with many nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cleo is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one brother.

The family would like to thank the staff of Oakwood Care Center and Hospice of North Iowa for taking such wonderful care of Cleo.

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

Dolores Margaret Till 

Dolores Margaret Till, 79, of 1033 19th St SW., Mason City, Iowa died Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City. 

A graveside service was held Friday, Dec. 16, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City with the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of North Iowa, 2700 South Birch Drive, Mason City, IA 50401.

Dolores Margaret Till was born in New Hampton, Iowa on June 19, 1932 to Alfred and Mae (Lensing) Gaffney.  She attended school and went to college, receiving a certificate in administration and clerical work.  She was united in marriage to Russell Till and to this union three children were born, Sandy, Brad, and Greg. She worked at Caseys and Quickstar in Nashua, Iowa for many years before retiring.

Dolores enjoyed gardening and cooking.  She also loved being around cats, dogs, and animals in general.

She will be missed by her children, Sandy (Tim) Tyler, Charles City, Iowa, Brad (Cindy) Till, Clear Lake, Greg (Stacie) Till, Mason City; grandchildren, Jennifer Islas, Ogden, Utah, Ted (Jessy) Tyler, Charles City, Dezarae and Carson Till, Clear Lake, Emily and Kayla Till, Mason City; great-grandchildren, Cianni, Marcel, and Telsio, Ogden, Utah, Ophelia and Theo Tyler, Charles City; sister, Ruth (Jack) Lauver, Texas; brother, Jim (Marlene) Gaffney, Hiawatha, Iowa, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell (1994), parents; and three sisters, Dorothy Schmidt, Eileen Johnson, and Nancy Mitchell.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.

Donald F. “Don” Gansen 

Donald F. “Don” Gansen, 82, 704 S. 12th St., Clear Lake, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather entered his heavenly home on Dec. 17, 2011 at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave S., Clear Lake with the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling  officiating.  Visitation will be held at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, and one hour prior to the service at the church.  A celebration of his life with a scriptural wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to the Don Gansen Memorial Fund.

Don was born July 13, 1929 in Elma, Iowa to William and Loretta (Richardson) Gansen.  He helped on the family farm and with the family’s sand and gravel business.  On Feb. 20, 1950 Don married the love of his life, Doris Kurtz, in Chester, Iowa and together they raised six children.

Don worked in the mines at Gilmore City, Iowa before moving to Clear Lake in 1961.  He then worked with Carlson Construction working on many local highways and interstates.  Don worked for  Clear Lake (Butter-top) Bakery as a mechanic until he retired.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family.  He liked staying busy with gardening, woodworking, watching sports, and having coffee with friends. A long-time Clear Lake resident, Don was a member of the Noon Lions Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Don and Doris also enjoyed spending their winters at their home in Arkansas, taking in shows, enjoying the flowers, and watching the wildlife around the yard.

Don was a good man and we will forever hold him in our hearts.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother; his brother-in-law, Robert Bronner; his daughter-in-law, Connie Gansen; and his granddaughter, Nichol Gansen. 

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 61 years, Doris, Clear Lake; his children, Fran Gansen of Mason City, David (Kathy) Gansen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Richard Gansen of Clear Lake, Brenda Tuttle of Mason City, Ken (Elaine) Gansen of Jewell, Iowa and Kathy (Steve) Brown of Clear Lake. 

He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; one god child, Danial O’Brien, Elma; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Vivian M. Anderson 

Vivian M. Anderson, 92, of Clear Lake died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, Iowa, with Rose Visser, lay pastor officiating.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

Visitation was held on Tuesday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Vivian M. Anderson, the daughter of Theodore and Ruth (Luscomb) Back, was born Dec. 21, 1919,  on a farm near Clear Lake. She attended Grant Center rural school and Fertile High School.  On March 10, 1937 she was married to Earl K. Anderson at her parent's home near Clear Lake.  Vivian was baptized and confirmed at Ellington Prairie Church in 1938.    Earl and Vivian farmed northwest of Ventura for 38 years until retiring and moving into Ventura in 1975.  Earl passed away in 1993.  In 2001, Vivian moved to Clear Lake.   She enjoyed attending Bible study.

She was a 4-H leader for Ellington Township Girls Club, a Sunday school teacher and an active member of Ellington Prairie Church and later Faith Lutheran Church in Miller.

Vivian is survived by her four children, Fran (Gary) Huling of Hampton, Sharon (Bob) Fischer of Hondo, Texas, Marge (Jim) Brasel of Eden Prairie, Minn. and Jerry (Joanie) Anderson of Clear Lake;  13 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl, Feb. 11, 1993; and granddaughter, Connie Huling.

Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  

Jean L. Howell

Jean L. Howell, 71, of 625 14th Ave. N., Clear Lake, went to be with her heavenly father, on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 at Heritage Care Center, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. SE, Mason City.  A gathering for family and friends will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Officiating will be Dima Krull. Inurnment will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Jean Howell memorial fund. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Jean Louise was born the second child of five, to Edward and Stella Louise (Van Laningham) Tosel in Mason City. She graduated high school in Sedro-Woolley, Washington in 1958. She then attended beauty school at La James College in Mason City. On Oct. 5, 1963 she was united in marriage to John Howell in South Dakota and later divorced. To this union were born two children, Eric and Penny.

Jean worked at various jobs in North Iowa, and for 24 years she worked for Libby Owens, and then retired after 10 years with Minnesota Rubber, both of Mason City. She grew up, was baptized and dedicated at the Open Bible Church, in Mason City. During her younger years she loved to swim with her grandchildren at State Park, crocheted, snowmobiled, golfed and spent many nights dancing at the Country Crossroads in Manly. She loved watching and feeding the birds at home.

Surviving Jean includes her two children, Eric (Linda) Howell, Garner, Iowa, Penny Kern, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; three grandchildren, Jamie Howell and her friend, Tiffany Creekmur, Mason City; Coty Howell, Garner; Nicholas (Melissa) Axiotis, Chaparral, NM; and three great grandchildren, Chloee Howell, Sidney and Joseph Axiotis; four siblings, Gary (Julie) Tosel, Omaha, Neb.; Dima (Butch) Krull, Ankeny, Iowa, Judy (Dennis) Schmidt, Mason City, Kevin Tosel, Chandler, Az.; and nieces, nephew, and great nieces and nephews.

Her father, Edward, in 2011, ex-husband and friend, John Howell in 2008, and grandson, Christopher Axiotis in 1999 preceded her in death.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements. 

Stanley E. Nash 

Stanley E. Nash, 69, of Clear Lake, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A Celebration of Life service for Stanley will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at the Opportunity Village Gymnasium, 1200 N. 9th St. W., Clear Lake, with Pastor Rich Murray officiating.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Opportunity Village.

Stanley Everett Nash was born on Sept. 10, 1942 in Harrisburg, Penn., the son of Kenneth and Jeannie (Kerstetter) Nash.

In his earlier years Stanley lived at Woodward and then the County Care Facility before moving to the Cloud Nine Cottage at Opportunity Village on June 17, 1996.  While living at Opportunity Village Stanley was blessed with the friendship of many.

He liked to go fishing and bowling, and loved playing Bingo, he was always anxious to show off his latest prize!  Stanley also enjoyed watching movies, especially comedies and westerns, attending Wednesday night Spiritual Life services at Opportunity Village, and Stanley always looked forward to his monthly lunch date with his brother, Ken.  But anyone who knew Stanley would know that his favorite hobby was his trains!   Whether he was visiting the locomotive engine in East Park, enjoying the train scenery in his room, from the wallpaper border to his train lamp, or even just watching a T.V. show about trains, Stanley loved everything about trains.

Until 2002 Stanley worked for NIVC where he enjoyed attending their holiday parties and working with his friends.  Most recently he worked at the recycling center at Opportunity Village, where he made many friends.

Stanley is survived by his sister, Marie Hamilton, Williamsport, Penn.; and his brother, Ken Nash, Bedrock Cottage at Opportunity Village, Clear Lake; and his many close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and his close friend, Kim MaHaffey.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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