Randall (Randy) Wreghitt, 55, died Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at the Hoboken University Medical Center, Hoboken, N.J.

Randy was born Sept, 20, 1955 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Lloyd F. and Leona M. (Ewing) Wreghitt.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1974 and Iowa State University in 1978 with a B.A. in journalism and mass communication.  He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity.  After graduating he worked in Spencer, Iowa for the Northwest Iowa Shopper selling advertising. In 1980 he moved to the Minneapolis area and worked as the marketing director at Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Chanhassen, Minn. and the now closed Chimera Theatre in St. Paul, Minn. until 1986.  Randy then took a job with Walt Disney World as a senior marketing representative in Orlando, Fla. In 1990 Randall moved to New York City to work as the director of marketing and promotions for The Big Apple Circus. While working for the Big Apple Circus, Randy created his first company, ProMarketing, a marketing and promotions company specializing  in entertainment.  This led him to establish his first production company.  The Iowa native was so proud of his home state that he named it Iowa Boy Productions, LLC.  This later became Randall L. Wreghitt Productions, LLC., producing an array of musicals and plays on Broadway, Off-Broadway, tours, regionally and on London’s West End. His 2001 production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" starring Gary Sinise received the Tony Award for Best Revival. Randall had many successful Broadway shows including "Miracle Worker", "Grey Gardens", "Lieutenant of Inishmore", "Electra", "Hedda Gabler", "Golda’s Balcony", and "Beauty Queen of Leenane."  A full list of his work can be found at www.RandallWreghitt.com.

In addition, he received the 1996 Robert Whitehead Award for “outstanding achievement in commercial theatrical producing”.  He served on the board of directors of Early Stages for over 10 years.

Aside from the spotlight of Broadway, Randy never forgot his Iowa roots. He was always in Iowa with family for the 4th of July celebration in Clear Lake and over the Christmas holidays.  Randall has gathered friends throughout his lifetime and invited one and all to his annual Christmas party.  One of his favorite times of the year served as the backdrop for hosting over 100 friends in his home in New Jersey.  Randall so enjoyed the bustle of New York City and was thrilled when friends and relatives from the Midwest planned trips to N.Y.C. so he could spend time with them and help them get around the city and enjoy the best that Broadway had to offer.

Randall loved to travel, enjoying time in the United Kingdom,  Paris and southern France, Greece and Italy.  He also made annual trips to Florida and the West Coast, always connecting with friends to enjoy an adventure, dinner and lots of laughter.

Randall was a member of St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church, The Actors’ Chapel in New York, N.Y. 

Randy is survived by his mother, Leona Wreghitt, Clear Lake; and sister, Sherri Wreghitt, Eden Prairie, Minn. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd; his paternal grandparents, Bill and Margaret (Borton) Wreghitt; and his maternal grandparents, Sam and Agnes (Kopitar) Ewing.

Randall signed off all of his communications on Facebook and Twitter with the phrase “On we go.”  So, On we go… but on we go without our son, brother, and friend.

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

Werner Henry Hobbiebrunken

Werner Henry Hobbiebrunken, 88, Clear Lake, formerly of the Thornton area, died Saturday, May 28, 2011, at his home in Clear Lake.

A funeral service for Werner will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the St. Paul American Lutheran Church, 413 Elm Street, Thornton, with Reverend Milton Johnson officiating.  Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Thornton.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North 4th Street, Clear Lake.  Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service time on Wednesday at the church.

Those wishing to give a memorial in his memory may wish to consider memorial contributions to the St. Paul American Lutheran Church.

Werner Henry Hobbiebrunken was born on September 22, 1922, in Mason City, the son of Henry and Ida (Hagen) Hobbiebrunken.  Werner attended and graduated from Swaledale High School.  Werner was united in marriage to Mavis Thada on August 15, 1945, in Thornton, and to this union three children were born, Lexe, Lana, and Kim.  After their marriage, he farmed in the Thornton area all of his life, until he retired and moved to Clear Lake.  Werner was also a successful DeKalb and Kruger Seed Corn salesman. 

Werner loved farming, his family, and was an avid Hawkeye fan.

Werner was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Township trustee, and was on the board of directors at the Farmers Co-Op elevator all in Thornton. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mavis Hobbiebrunken of Clear Lake; three daughters, Lexe (Howard) Chambers of Bemidji, MN, Lana Lee of West Des Moines, and Kim (Bill) Mainprize of Charles City; three grandchildren, Jennifer Lee (Brad) Prugh of Chicago, Ill, Matthew (Heather) Mainprize of North Liberty, and Megan Mainprize of Ames; as well as many  other extended family members and friends.

Werner was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Alvin and Henry Hobbiebrunken, Jr.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel

Kenneth Arnold Borrill

Kenneth Arnold Borrill, 78, Clear Lake, died Sunday, May 29, 2011, at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City, Iowa.

A funeral service for Kenneth will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, at the United Methodist Church in Swaledale, Iowa with Pastor John P. Scherb officiating.  Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by members of the Clear Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

The family of Kenneth Borrill has requested that those wishing to give a memorial in his memory may wish to consider memorial contributions be made to the Kenneth Borrill Memorial Fund.

Kenneth Arnold Borrill was born on July 29, 1932, in Little York, Ind., the son of George Earl and Verna Mae (Arnold) Borrill. Kenneth graduated from Ventura High School with the class of 1950. He was inducted into the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 2, 1951, in Mason City, and served his country honorably and faithfully until his honorable discharge on Feb. 2, 1955.  From 1955 until 1982 Kenneth worked for the Clear Lake Bakery. He then worked at the bakeries for Hy-Vee East and Hy-Vee West in Mason City from 1985 until his retirement.

He was united in marriage to Mary Carmody on Aug. 10, 1958, at the Evangelical United Brethren, (United Methodist) in Ventura, and to this union they were blessed with four children; Pam, Kevin, Jeffrey, and Tim.

Kenneth loved fishing, hunting, and golfing. He shot a hole-in-one at the Clear Lake Golf Course.  Kenneth also liked talking about his service in the Air Force and listening to inspirational music. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Minnesota Viking fan, but his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren. 

Kenneth’s faith and his church family were very important to him.  He was a very active member of the United Methodist Church in Swaledale. He taught Sunday school in Ventura and was Sunday school superintendent in charge of the Christmas program.  Kenneth was also president of the fishing club in Clear Lake from 1986 until 1990. He and Bob Jensen were instrumental in starting the Walleye Classic fishing tournament. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Borrill of Clear Lake; his children, Pam Skaanning of Madison, Wis., Kevin (Robin) Borrill of Clear Lake, Jeffrey (Sandy) Borrill of Ames, Iowa and Tim (Mindy) Borrill of Ames; six grandchildren, Elysia Skaanning, Amanda, Brittany, Sidney, Selena, and Caleb Borrill; his mother-in-law, Bernice Carmody of Mason City; three brothers-in-law, Denny (Mary) Carmody of Clear Lake, Pastor Mike (Janis) Carmody of Ft. Dodge, Iowa and Elton Miller of East Alton, Mo.; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Carmody of Mason City, and Clarice Borrill of Clear Lake; as well as  nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ray and Harold Borrill; two grandchildren, Jason Skaanning, and Taylor Borrill; a sister, Barb Miller; and his father-in-law, Lloyd Carmody.

Brenda Lorenz Smith

Brenda Lorenz Smith, 50, of Madison, Wis., passed away at her home Friday, May 27, 2011. A gathering of friends and family will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m., at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames, Iowa. Celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 2, at First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Kellogg in Ames.

Brenda was born in Ames, and graduated from Ames High School. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grandview College in Des Moines and earned her MBA at Edgewood College in Madison, Wis. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau and was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

She worked as an ICU nurse at the University of Iowa and was manager of the Emergency Department at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, Wis. Her greatest passion was realized when she worked as a Heart and Lung Transplant Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin where she was a fierce advocate for her patients.

Though her health prevented her from continuing an active nursing career, she was still the first person family or friends called upon when they needed guidance or help with a health problem. Her compassion and drive had a positive and profound effect on a great many lives.

Accompanied by her husband, Brenda loved vacationing in Hawaii, attending shows at the Overture Center, and going to Badger Hockey games. She enjoyed crafting with her friends, gardening, and the family cats.

Brenda’s time here was much too brief and her passing will be felt deeply by those who knew and loved her.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Randy Smith, of Madison; her mother, Phyllis Crouse, of Ames; extended family, Rod and Lois Crouse, of Ames, Curtis and Kris Crouse, of St. Paul, Minn., and Terry and Ken Graner, of Apple Valley, Minn.; father and mother in-law, Belmont and Mary Smith, of Fort Smith, Ark.; uncle, Gary and Mary Ellen Lorenz; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Duane Lorenz; Verl Crouse; and grandparents, Jennie and Paul Lorenz and Ruth and Virgil Fordyce.

Memorials may be directed to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 20875 Crossroads Circle No. 350 Waukesha, Wis. 53186-4026

Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.

Nancy L.  Allen

Nancy L.  Allen, 63, died May 29, 2011. A memorial service was held Thursday, June 2, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.  A private burial will take place at a later date.

Nancy graduated from Stuart High School, Simpson College, Duke University, and earned a Doctoral degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio focusing on young adult spirituality.

She served as pastor of churches in Liberty, N.C., and in Iowa at Wayland, Ventura, Urbandale, and Sioux City. She was campus minister at Simpson College, Camping and Youth Director for the Iowa United Methodist Conference, and was one of the first two women to be selected by a bishop of Iowa as a District Superintendent.

Her appointment to Aldersgate in 1993 was the first time a woman served as senior pastor of a church with staff in the Des Moines metro.

In 2002 Nancy and her husband became directors of Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center near Indianola, Iowa where nearly 10,000 people a year were impacted by her service to youth and young adults.

In retirement Nan completed the biography of her three great-great-great-aunts who were missionaries to China. The book will be published posthumously.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, George Shepherd, of Stuart, Iowa.

She is survived by her husband, Art, of Stuart; son, Benjamin Carter-Allen and family of Stuart; son, Nathan Allen and family of Tucson, Az.; her mother, Betty Shepherd of Stuart; brother, Everett Shepherd of Stuart; and sister, Judy of Indianola, Iowa .

Memorials can be made to the Nancy Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund of Garret-Evangelical Theological Seminary. The scholarship supports a seminary student serving a summer internship in Iowa United Methodist camping.

Louise Goetsch

Louise Goetsch, 82, of Hemet, Calif., died May 25, 2011 at her home at the Yorkshire House.

Louise was born Aug. 7, 1928 in Titonka, Iowa to Dick and Maire Baade.  She was the third of nine children.

Louise graduated from Titonka High School in 1945.  She later went to business college in San Francisco, Calif.  In 1950 she married Harold Buns. He died in 1953.  She later married Harold Goetsch in March 1954.  Together they owned and operated Gene’s Mobil and Clear Lake Cab Company for 14 years.  She later retired to Hemet, Calif.

Louise was an amazing mother, sister, and wife.  She gave the word “multi-tasking” its definition.  She enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, and was an excellent cook.  She will be remembered for her love for her family, her hard work and her kindness.  She had a spunky spirit with a great attitude and love for life.  She was a friend to all and will be missed by all who knew her.

Louise is survived by her sons,  Rick (Connie Stolzfus), Arnolds Park, Iowa, Mike Buns (Debbie Matney), Ames, Iowa, Craig (Judy) Goetsch, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Kurt (Andrea) Goetsch, Ft. Collins, Colo.; Jim Goetsch, Lakewood, Colo., Steve (Carmine) Goetsch, Mason City, Iowa; daughters, Pat (John) Hardie, Phoenix, Az., Lori (Kyle) Scalis, Anchorage, Alaska; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Irene (Don) Baker, Mary Ann (Stanely) Tyron, Viny (Max) Bierstead, Jo Ann Asa; brothers, Raymond Baade and Alfred (Phyllis) Baade; sister-in-law, Mary Lee Baade; brother-in-law, Dale Goetsch; six nephews; 12 nieces and her best friend and brother-in-law, Jim Barboni, who was her pal and very supportive in her final years.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harold Buns and Harold Goetsch; son, Jeff Goetsch; sister, Delores Baade; brother, Walter Baade and bothers-in-law, Gary Goetsch and Irvine Engholm; sisters-in-law, Charlene Engholm, Cleo Barboni, and Theresa Baade

Memorial services are pending with a date to be announced later.

Gary Robert Johnson

Gary Robert Johnson, 39, died May 15, 2011 in Ottumwa, Iowa. 

Gary was born on June 14, 1971 in Long Beach, Calif. to Robert Johnson and Darlene (Johnson) Bergquist.  He graduated from Northglenn High School in Northglenn, Colo. in 1991. Gary's professional career was as a diesel mechanic.  He was also an experienced carpenter. Gary had a very unique sense of humor.  He loved nothing more than playing practical jokes on his friends and family. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time fishing, camping, hiking and biking in the Colorado Rockies near where he lived for many years.  He also had a strong passion for music.   He loved many different genres of music.  His greatest passion was building and customizing O Gauge model trains for his own enjoyment as well as for others. 

Gary will be forever missed by his mother, Darlene Bergquist (Joe Bach) of Grinnell, Iowa; his father, Robert Johnson, of Mountain Home, Idaho; his sisters, Jenny (Brian) Abbott of Hudson, Colo., Beth Bergquist (Jeff Guindon) of Seattle, Wash., Jaime (Brian) Colsrud of Clear Lake; his brother, Brian Bergquist (Jessica Lee) of North Liberty, Iowa; and a special friend, Tamara Vieau, of Fort Collins, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and two aunts.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. 

For those desiring memorials, contributions may be sent to Darlene Bergquist at 507 Washington Ave. #1, Grinnell, IA 50112

Johnson Funeral Service of Monroe, Iowa has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Robert D. Hoyt

Robert D. Hoyt, 73, of 1995 Apple Ave, Garner, Iowa, passed away June 1, 2011, at Concord Care Center, Garner, Iowa from complications of Alzheimers Disease.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 6, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Memorials are suggested  to the Alzheimers Association.

Robert D. Hoyt was born Sept. 11, 1937 in rural Klemme, Iowa, the son of Emmett D. and Ruby (Halfpop) Hoyt.

Bob started school at Ell Township country school and was transferred to Ventura Community Schools in the fourth grade. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1955. He was active in music, football and track where he held the record for the 100 yard dash for many years and was selected for the Drake Relays.

Bob lived in Hancock County all of his life, living on the same farm since age nine.

Bob served his country in the US Army from 1962 to 1964.  He was stationed in Korea for 13 months as a medic in an evacuation hospital. 

He married Patricia McGowan on July 3, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. They farmed the family farm until 2007 when his Alzheimer’s prevented him from work.  The farm will be a Century Farm in 2013.  Bob loved fishing and especially loved camping at the Mississippi River.  He loved the outdoors.

He was baptized and confirmed his faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church rural Garner. Bob was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake where he worked in the Sunday School for many years.  Most recently he became a member of Redeemer Lutheran.

Robert and Patricia had one daughter, Suzanne.  He loved his family, playing cards with his granddaughter, and playing outdoor games with family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Emmett Hoyt and in-laws, Keith and Ruth McGowan.

Robert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia, Garner; daughter, Suzanne (Tim) Copas, Ventura; granddaughter, Krystal  (Steven) Thoe; and great-grandson, Edan Thoe, all of Ventura; sister, Dixie Boehnke, Clear Lake; and brothers-in-law, Bill (Judi) McGowan, Des Moines, Ted (Pamela) McGowan, Huntsville, Ala., and many relatives and friends.

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

Paul James Enabnit

Paul James Enabnit, 83, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 19, 2011 in Mesa, Az. following a brief illness. 

A celebration of his life was held March 3 at the Broadway Christian Church in Mesa. A memorial service will be held at the Clear Lake Christian Church on Wednesday, June 15, at 1:30 p.m. Inurnment will be held at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in rural Clear Lake.

Paul was  born to Art and Helen Enabnit on Jan. 7, 1928 on a farm south of Clear Lake. Paul attended country schools and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1945. He studied at Mason City Junior College and then attended and graduated from Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis. He received a Master's Degree from Lincoln Christian Seminary. He was ordained into the Christian ministry at his home church in 1951.

Paul married Veronica Latham on Sept. 1, 1948. Together they served ministries in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma and Arizona. Upon retirement in 1994, he continued pastoring in senior adult communities in the Mesa area. In his 50 plus years of active ministry, he held evangelistic and revival services in various states. He was also on the Board of Directors at Midwest Christian College and had been active in evangelistic works and in Bible camps.

He loved God, his family, and the church. Paul is survived by Veronica, his wife of 62 years; his six children, Jim (Debbie) Enabnit of Tucson, John (Sonya) Enabnit of Gilbert, Az., Jane (Ken) Lake of Ardmore, Okla., Jeff (Nancy) Enabnit of Enid, Okla., Joanie (Gene) Swang of Tomball, Texas, and Jill (Nathan) Dalrymple of Tucson. He is survived by 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, sisters, Edith Alsbury, Betty Enabnit, Ila (Gerhart) Braun, and LeeAnn (Bill) Kurtz.

A sister, June, and brother, Jack, preceded him in death.

Memorials may be directed to the building fund of the Mountain View Christian Church, ℅ Jill Dairymple, 7784 S. Cobble Hill Ct, Tucson, AZ, 85756-8486.

Herbert W. Schram

Herbert W. Schram, 88, of Geneseo, Ill. passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011 at Marigold Rehab & Health Care Center, Galesburg, Ill. Funeral services celebrating his life were held  Monday, May 16, at Loraine United Methodist Church, Prophetstown, Ill. with the Rev Jim Crozier. Burial was in the Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo, where Military Honors were accorded by Don Cherry Geneseo of VFW Legion Post #5083. Vandemore Funeral Home, Geneseo is assisting the family.

Herb was born on May 23, 1922 in Titonka, Iowa the son of William August and Lenore Rose (Mitchell) Schram. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1942 – 1946 during WWII and helped liberate Dachau Concentration Camp. Herb was united in marriage to Doris Irene Hagen on Dec. 7, 1947 in Titonka. He was a heavy machine operator specializing in crane operation for many companies throughout the mid-west in addition to traveling to Texas, Colorado, Utah, and California. Herb was a hard worker. He was a member of Loraine United Methodist Church, American Legion, River City Boys Quartets, and was an early member of the Mason City Barber Shoppers. Herb helped start a barber shop chorus in Waterloo, Iowa through the Barber Shoppers of America. Music was important to Herb. He sang for many events and church services. His friends at Marigold enjoyed hearing him in his last days. Herb enjoyed woodworking after his retirement in 1987. The church was the center of their lives. He was proud of all his children and their accomplishments. Herb loved his children and grandchildren very much.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; three sons, Dan Schram and his wife, Mary, Loves Park, Ill., Brian Schram and his wife, Peggy, Ft Collins, Colo., Galin Schram and his wife, Roberta, Freeport, Ill.; two daughters, Shelley Anderson and her husband, Wayne, Geneseo; Charlotte Gustafson and her husband, Hal, Geneseo; 20 grandchildren Jennifer Miskol, Ben Schram, Matt Schram, Jason Schram, Stephanie Hull, Elizabeth Cross, Andrew Schram, Zachary Schram, Erin Schram, Nicklaus Schram, Chuck Schram, Eric Anderson, Justin Anderson, Auguste Anderson, Grant Gustafson, Alex Gustafson, Emily Gustafson, Isaac Gustafson, Melissa Ballard, Matt Ballard; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois Holcomb, Mora, Minn.; and a brother-in-law, Herman Schutter, Mankato, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother.

Eugenia “Genie” Ouren (Ulvestad) Bovard

Eugenia “Genie” Ouren (Ulvestad) Bovard, 84, died June 11, 2011 at home in Clear Lake. 

Family will greet friends from 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake.  A time for sharing memories and of celebrating her life will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Gifts or memorial donations may be sent to the Mason City Humane Society, Clear Lake Library, or the Clear Lake Art Center.

Genie was born Oct. 21, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minn. She was the daughter and only child of Selma Ouren and Edwin Eugene Ulvestad.  Her mother was one of the first graduates of the University of Minnesota school of nursing in 1912, and her father was a dentist.  The family lived in Chicago during the depression years where Eugenia attended school for all but her final year of high school when they moved back to Minneapolis.  She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1948 with a degree in dental hygiene and a minor in art.  She was a talented painter and sculptress, studied French, and was also an accomplished pianist.  After college she traveled with a government dental program caring for poor children in the southern states for a year.  In 1951 she married Gilbert Klemme Bovard whom she had met on a blind date on the 4th of July, 1946 while attending the U. of M.  Their first date was by trolley to the Excelsior Park in Minnetonka, Minn. They lived in Iowa City, Iowa while he finished law school, and then moved to Mason City, Iowa where they raised four children and enjoyed many wonderful friends and colleagues.  Gil and Genie moved full time to their “cottage” on Clear Lake in the late 1990’s.  They would have been married 60 years this Aug. 11, 2011.

Genie was a loving mother, a devoted wife, a dear friend, and one of the most tender-hearted people who walked the earth.  She participated in charity work, helped local immigrant children in a learn to read program, worked at the MacNider Art Museum and the Clear Lake Art Center, and played glockenspiel in the New Horizon (Meredith Wilson) Community Band.  Genie was of 100 percent Norwegian heritage and of the Unitarian faith.  She enjoyed traveling and had memorable sojourns to Paris, Florence, Montreal, and Quebec City over the years.  She could have been any number of things, but best of all she was a good, old-fashioned mom who met her children at the door when they returned from school and supported her husband in his work. She will be missed dearly, but her exemplary goodness, generosity of spirit, and caring heart will live on in her family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and dear friends, Chuck and Joyce Swift, during this past year.  She is survived by her loving husband, Gilbert; her daughter, Sally (Bovard) and husband Joe Tye of Solon, Iowa and their children, Annie and Douglas; her three sons: Ralph Bovard and his wife, Marnie Wells of Minneapolis, Minn.; Douglas Bovard and his wife, Victoria (Morgan) of Madison, Ala.; and Scott Bovard and his wife, Laura (Tollefson) of Missoula, Mont. and their children, Gillian and Andrew (currently at West Point).

Jeffrey Scott Gavin

Jeffrey Scott Gavin, age 45, of Tucson, Az., died Friday morning, June 10, 2011, after heroically battling leukemia. He was, and forever will be, a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.  

Jeff was born in Little Rock, Ark., to John Max Gavin and Eileen Krablin. After graduating from Catholic High, he obtained a computer engineering degree from Henderson State and then a masters degree from UA Fayetteville, Ark. He eloped with his college sweetheart, Kim, during his mission work with the Southern Baptist Student Missionaries. Jeff was very proud of the fact SBC created a new rule prohibiting such actions in the future! His job then took him to Dallas, Texas, Ridgecrest, Calif., Arkadelphia, Ark. and finally to Tucson. In his last job at Raytheon, he was voted by his peers as Employee of the Month in April, 2011. Everywhere he lived he made lifetime friends such as his buddies, Carl and Bob. He was notorious for pulling out all the stops on the church organ for his finales in each town. He liked to go out with a bang!  

Jeff will be forever remembered by his best friend and wife of 23 short years, Kim, and their incredible children, Andrew, 16, Catherine, 13, Georgia, 10, Charlotte, 7 and Silvia, 4. Jeff will also be forever remembered by his mother, Eileen Krablin; his brother, Phillip Gavin; his sisters, Marion Gavin, Kathy Bailey and Tammy Freeman and extended family and dear friends. So many people, everyone who met Jeff, was touched by his sense of humor and empathy. Above all though, he was an exceptional father and husband. With his love, strength and devotion, he gave his family everything he had, including valiantly fighting his diagnosis. Everyone should be so blessed by God to have such a husband and father. 

A celebration of his life was held at Desert Skies United Methodist Church in Tucson on Saturday, June 18, with the Rev. Dan officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, his wife asks that memorials be made to a tax deductible educational fund for his children established at Desert Skies UMC: 3255 N. Houghton Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749, 520-749-0521.  

Arrangements by Bring's Broadway Chapel, Tucson.

Robert Eugene Jensen

Robert Eugene Jensen died Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Riverview Terrace Assisted Living, St. Luke Lutheran Homes, Spencer, Iowa.  A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 26, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Penn Ave, Mason City, Iowa with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Friends are asked to come and share memories with the family and each other.  There will be no visitation as Bob’s body was donated to the University of Iowa Medical School at his request. 

Bob was born Dec. 21, 1922 in Clear Lake, one of five children of Jens P. Jensen and Marie Katrine Sorensen Jensen.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in l941. Upon graduation, he went with construction crews from Clear Lake to Alaska to help with the building of the Alaskan Highway.  He had many memories of this experience that he enjoyed sharing. 

Bob married Jeanne L. Davis on June 20, l946 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.

He furthered his education at University of Iowa becoming an x-ray technician and worked at Park Clinic/Memorial Hospital (later North Iowa Medical Center) for 38 years.  During his career in radiology, he served twice as president of the Iowa Society of Radiologic Technologists, in l952 and again in l970.  He was also active in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and in l974 was invited to present the Matthew J. Keilly Memorial Lecture. 

Bob was an active and enthusiastic member of the Mason City Evening LIons Club beginning in l975, initiating and coordinating many service and community projects, serving as president in l980, and he was elected District Governor in l984.    He received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in l990.  Bob also volunteered his time and efforts on behalf of Mason City’s Mayor’s Task Force on Drug Abuse, on the American  Cancer Society Board of Directors, as a board or officer of the North Iowa Chapter of the Iowa Council for the Blind, and as a docent at the Meredith Willson Music Square. 

A “second home” for Bob was Trinity Lutheran Church of Mason City where he taught Sunday School, served terms on the Parish Education board, and as a delegate to Waldorf College.  He regularly attended and took leadership roles for the weekly Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study group.  He served on the board of the NE Iowa Synod Board of Men in Mission of the ELCA and was a member of the Bishop’s Task Force.  He also served on the Trustees committee of the OK House, a former campus ministry for NIACC students.   For many years he coordinated the Meals on Wheels service project for Trinity. 

Besides volunteering for church and community, Bob most enjoyed his woodworking shop spending many hours remodeling the house at 1024 1st St. SW and building beautiful furniture grade pieces.

Railroading was another strong interest, as one of his close friends was George Cahalan, who worked for the Milwaukee Railroad.  He passed this interest on to his son, Joel who is a successful published author and photographer of the rail.  In his retirement years, Bob and Jeanne enjoyed wintering in sunny, warm Ventura, Calif. making a new church family and many friends.   For many years they pulled their pop-up camper and made friends with other “snowbirds” at a state campground.   He enjoyed the trip out to the coast, traveling down two-lane roads.  In later years their son Joel drove them out to a condo at Carpinteria, Calif. where, once again, they involved themselves with a Lutheran church family/congregation. 

For many years Bob enjoyed the game of golf, always walking the course.  He had stories to tell of his caddy days at the Clear Lake Golf Course.   Bob had played football at Clear Lake High School and enjoyed watching sports on TV and keeping up with the Clear Lake Lions.  After his wife’s death in October 2009 and a bout with pneumonia in December 2009, Bob moved to Riverview Terrace in Spencer.    Here, once again, he made many new friends and also continued his love of the two-lane road by exploring the county blacktops and small rural communities in NW Iowa. 

The past two years he was an active part of his granddaughter’s life attending many dance recitals, piano recitals, volleyball games, and family gatherings.  

He renewed his skill at making Danish Christmas goodies and visited Danebod at Tyler, Minn. and Tivoli Fest at Elkhorn, Iowa.    Porch-sitting at his daughter’s family acreage and bird-watching rounded out his days.

Bob is survived by one daughter, JeanAnn Pixie Jensen and husband, Craig Cadman, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; one son, Joel Jensen of Ely, Nev.; and one grand daughter, Katrine S.Cadman.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne L. (Davis) Jensen and a brother, Warren Jensen and sister, Doris McCann. 

Memorials will be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City for the purpose of building an altar on wheels.

Dale Katz

Dale Katz, 73, of 19 12th Street S.W., Mason City, was called home to his Heavenly Father, on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at his home after a short battle with gallbladder cancer.

The family greeted friends on Friday, June 24 with a scriptural wake by the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City.  A private family graveside inurnment will be held at a later date.  Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to the Dale Katz Memorial.

Dale was born to Harold and Louise (Nugent) Katz on April 28, 1938. He attended and graduated from St. Joseph School in 1956. While in school he participated in baseball and basketball. After graduation he was drafted into the United States Army and served overseas until he was honorably discharged.

Dale was united in marriage to Sandra Lee Johnson of New Hampton, Iowa in July of 1961; to this union two sons were born, John and Paul, (referred to by Dale as #1 and #2).   Dale worked for Oliver Tractor/White Farm Equipment in Charles City, Iowa for over 22 years until the plant closed. He began performing odd jobs at Hy-Cross Hatchery in Mason City and quickly worked his way up to manager. Dale’s free time was spent with family and friends, camping, playing cards, bowling and working in his yard.

On Nov. 9, 1990, his wife Sandra passed away.  Dale was so blessed to have met and become united in marriage to Sandy Sue Rapp on March 10, 2000. Every day was a new adventure for them, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

Dale LOVED the Green Bay Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes, Cincinatti Reds and Chicago Cubs. He was an avid Nascar fan and looked forward to their yearly trips to the Knoxville Nationals. In nice weather Dale and Sandy could always be found sitting on their deck enjoying a beverage and a fire. They spent Saturdays watching the "big game" with their friends at Sallee's. Over the years, many discussions were had and decisions were made "at the big table" under the shade tree in his yard. He loved spoiling his grandkids at Christmas, always having the best, most unique and usually the loudest gifts for them. He did the daily crossword puzzle and watched the western channel every afternoon. He was an at-home Jeopardy champion, celebrating the right answer by saying, "it's common knowledge!" In his later years he could be seen around town driving his truck with his faithful companion Flash sitting on his lap, hanging out the window. He was the most generous son, husband, father, grandpa and friend to us all. He will live on forever in our hearts; we miss you.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sandy; son, John and wife, Angie Katz, of Boise, Idaho and their children, Taylor Trealor, Colton and Danny Katz; son, Paul and wife, Marcy Katz, of Mason City, and their children, Alyshia, Samuel and Kaylin Katz; daughter, Bobbie Medlin of Nevada, Iowa, along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was greeted in heaven by his parents, Harold and Louise and his first wife, Sandra.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

James Wyatt Bawden

James Wyatt Bawden passed away on June 23, 2011 at the age of 81 years. Jim was born on April 23, 1930, in St. Louis, Mo.  He was the son of Lee and Rose Bawden. The family moved to Clear Lake when Jim was very young to operate the Lakeshore Hotel.  Jim grew up in Clear Lake and treasured the memories of his childhood on the lake, even the ones working at the family’s hotel.  In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by an older brother, Billy, who died very early in life.  Although tabbed earlier in a school in St. Louis as a “steady worker” instead of the more talented “busy bee,” Jim excelled academically and graduated as valedictorian of his high school class.

Jim furthered his education at the University of Iowa.  After receiving his DDS degree in the School of Dentistry, Jim served his country as a Dental Officer in the U.S. Navy.  He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. This was the beginning of his lifelong love for Japan, which he revisited subsequently on many occasions. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Jim opened a dental practice in Glenwood Springs, Colo. and maintained that practice for two years. He often talked about the cowboys and the Franciscan monks who were some of his favorite patients.

Although Jim enjoyed private practice (and the skiing in Colorado), he felt that his true professional calling was at a different level.  He returned to school at the University of Iowa and earned his Masters degree in Pediatric Dentistry and a PhD in Physiology.  This was the beginning of his academic career, most of which was spent at the University of North Carolina.  He served on the faculty at UNC School of Dentistry for 39 years, serving in several administrative positions, including the deanship of that school for almost eight years and as assistant dean for research at three different times.  Jim fulfilled his administrative roles admirably and was a dynamic leader in a period of significant growth at the School of Dentistry as it moved to become a nationally ranked institution in dental research.  Jim was uniquely successful in obtaining research funding and carried out a significant research program in the areas of enamel formation and in mechanisms of fluoride uptake into tooth enamel.  His research interests were shared by many researchers but especially by scientists in Sweden and Japan.  Jim enjoyed many research collaborations and lifelong friendships with individuals in both of those countries.  He lived in Sweden while on sabbatical research leaves at two different times in his career.

Jim provided patient care for many years in the Dental Faculty Practice at UNC and has talked fondly of many of the patients that he treated during that time.  Most of all, though, Jim enjoyed the students that he worked with over the years.  He was an excellent clinician and researcher and liked teaching at all levels.  He especially looked forward to each new class of graduate students entering the Pediatric Dentistry Master of Science Program and served as a mentor for many of these students as they completed their research requirements in the program. He liked students, enjoyed interacting with them at all levels and he always had great respect for their abilities and accomplishments.

It is impossible to recite all of Jim’s accomplishments in a limited space, but he had a long and illustrious career, received numerous awards and published numerous research articles, books, and book chapters.  Most importantly, he did what he loved and enjoyed all of it.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce W. Jenzano; his children, Steve and Margaret, Brookline, Mass., Mike and Meliene, Raleigh, N.C., Tim and Nancy, Chapel Hill, N.C., David and Robin, Chapel Hill, and Becky and David, Matthews, N.C.; and his step-children, Tony and Stephanie, Durham, N.C. and Jarrod and Janine, Hurdle Milles, N.C.  In addition, Jim has 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jim cared passionately for his family and always took great joy in being with them and in sharing in their lives.

Family visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Walkers Funeral Home in Chapel Hill.  A memorial service and reception on the UNC campus will occur at a place and time to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Durham Rescue Mission, the American Heart Association or to a favorite charity.

Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the Bawden family.

Sylvia Bernice Kuns

Sylvia Bernice Kuns, Clear Lake, died Friday, June 24, 2011 at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Sylvia was born July 8, 1915 in Williams, Iowa, the daughter of Ben and Julia (Peterson) Hall.  She had five brothers and a sister.  At the age of 16 she graduated from Forest City High School where she was both class president and valedictorian.  She received a one year scholarship to Waldorf College.  Sylvia met Paul Kuns at a Baptist youth gathering and they married on June 21, 1934.  After farming in Winnebago County for many years they moved to a dairy farm near Albert Lea, Minn. with their five children and several foster children.  After retirement they eventually settled in Clear Lake.  Here, they joined the Evangelical Free Church where they sang in the choir and taught Sunday school classes.  Sylvia started a “charm school” for young girls from the Sunday school, teaching social skills, including good manners and poise.  Later, she served as the church secretary for several years. 

Sylvia is survived by three children, Lois West Duffy (Joseph), Afton, Minn., Stuart Kuns (Judy Jefson) of Ventura, and Elaine Kuns of Waterloo; 16 grandchildren, Terry Legge (Susan) Des Moines, Michael Legge (Monica) Garner, Iowa, Robert Legge (Ruth) Garner, Lisa Legge (Craig Lassig), Minneapolis, Minn., Tracy West (Sharla) Lennox, S.D., Brady West (Mary Jo Kingston) Edina, Minn., Ryan West (Nicole Gieske), Brooklyn Park, Minn., Paul D. Kuns, Carrol, Ohio, Michelle Kuns (Bill Brown) Fredonia, N.Y., John Kuns, Owatonna, Minn., Amy Kuns, Clear Lake, Tammy Kuns, (Brandon Ellingson) Ottumwa, three grandsons serving in the United States Air Force: Jay Kuns (Kelly), Zachary Kuns (Kelsey), William Kuns (Amanda) and Benjamin Kuns of Minneapolis; 28 great-grandchildren: David, Katie, Chris, Charlie, Mark, Tom and Jim, Jennifer, Andrew and Sarah Legge; Sean Lassig; Gordon (Angela), Jessie and Traesha and Nicholas West; Michael and Kira Kuns, Emily and Matthew Brown; Haley Kuns; Cooper, Kirsten, Madison, Benjamin, Evan, Parker, Levi, and Mackenzie Kuns; a sister, Doris Thompson (LeRoy), Forest City, Iowa; and sisters-in-law, Marj Hall, Forest City and Neda Hall, Denver, Colo.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul, in 1991; daughter, Sue Legge (1995), son, David Kuns (1999); and brothers Melvin, Buford, Elmer, Gordon and Benjamin.

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

Raymond “Ray” Eskildsen

Raymond “Ray” Eskildsen, 85, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Heritage Care Center, Mason City, Iowa. 

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 1, at the Christian Church, 302 Highway 18 W., Clear Lake with Pastor Scott Wilson officiating.  The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the church.  Military honors will be provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Following the service a luncheon will be provided at the Clear Lake, V.F.W.  A private inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, the following day.  Memorials may be sent to the Raymond Eskildsen Memorial Fund, 236 7th St. N.W. Mason City, IA.

Ray was born Feb. 15, 1926 in Kensett, Iowa the son of Aage George and Elizabeth Christine (Schott) Eskildsen.  He attended rural school in Northwood, Iowa and then enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific.

Ray moved back to Northwood after the service, married Odella Hulshizer and farmed for several years.   On Oct. 24, 1958 he married Aurelia “Wegie” Fent in Albert Lea, Minn.  From 1958 until 1966 he worked for Pittsburg Glass.  In 1966 he opened River City Glass which he owned in partnership and operated until he retired in 1988. Ray and his wife Wegie moved to Clear Lake in 1975.  After retiring from River City Glass he worked part-time for Clear Lake Park and Recreation Dept. for 15 yrs.

Ray enjoyed playing cribbage, wood working, golfing, fishing, spending time with his family and hanging out with his buddies at the Clear Lake V.F.W.  He was a member of the Christian Church, Clear Lake Evening Lions, Clear Lake V.F.W. Canteen Committee, Life member of the Clear Lake V.F.W.  and Clear Lake V.F.W. Honor Guard.

Left to cherish his memory are children: Larry (Su) Eskildsen, El Centro, Calif., Roger (Jennifer) Eskildsen, Mason City, David (Patti) Eskildsen, Bullhead City, Az., Jeff Eskildsen, South Bend, Ind., Reta (Darrell) Ulve, Kensett, Iowa, Paula Gerdes (Jim Pinkham), Lake Geneva, Wis. and Jay (Connie) Bjorgo, Ripley, Okla.; 17 grandchildren, Ryan, Brad, Brian, Jeremy, Chad, Dawn, Shannon, Shane, Jason, Matt, Todd, Teri, Brandy, Heather, Eric, Dawna, Brandi;  25 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Arlene Gore, Albert Lea, Minn., Betty Hendrickson, Northwood, and Shirley (Lehman) Floy, Phoenix, Az.; many extended family members, friends and V.F.W. comrades of “The Round Table.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Aurelia; son, Steven Eskildsen and his wife, Karen; four brothers, Glen, Richard, Robert and Leo Eskildsen; two grandchildren, Linda Ulve and Brent Eskildsen.

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