June E. Olson

June E. Olson, 95, of Western Home Communites, Martin Care Center, Cedar Falls, Iowa and formerly of Clear Lake, died Monday, April 25, 2011 in Cedar Falls. A funeral service was held Friday, April 29, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Keith Scott officiating.  Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Western Home Communities, 400 E. 11th St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

June was born Nov. 18, 1915 at home in St. Paul, Minn., the daughter of Leon Bernard and Esther Lillian (Fagerstrom) Roe.  She was baptized March 19, 1916 in St. Paul. She graduated from Central High School in 1935.  June married Bernard G. Olson Sept. 28, 1936 in St. Paul at the Hamline Methodist Episcopal Church.  She was a great supporter for her husband, over 70 years, as he was a United Methodist pastor in Iowa and Minnesota.  They traveled throughout Europe and to the Holy Land; and also participated in an exchange pulpit in England for six weeks.  In 1975 they built their retirement home in the Methodist Camp in Clear Lake and moved to Clear Lake in 1980.  During the last 30 years, she researched family genealogy for both sides of their family, putting them in book form and distributed to their families.

June was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church and extremely proud to be a life member of the UMW.

She was a great mother and grandmother, passing on family traditions, making great chocolate chip and Christmas cookies, and sharing the recipes.

June is survived by two daughters, Jeannine C. Hutson, Casa Grande, Az. and Geraldine Gilbert, Cedar Falls; four grandchildren, Craig Downs, Karen Downs, Thomas Gilbert and Robert Gilbert; two great-grandsons, Brandon and Jordan Downs; brother-in-law, Delmar Olson and his wife, Ora, Paynesville, Minn.; sister-in-law, Marjorie Clark, Albert Lea, Minn., and many nieces, nephews and extended family she met while doing her geneology.

June was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernard (Feb. 4, 2005); sister, Helen Jackson and her husband, Wilbur; grandson, Brian Downs; and nephew, Ken Jackson.

Marian Beverly Holstad Dregne

Marian Beverly Holstad Dregne,  20 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, passed away April 3, 2011, in Overland Park, Kan.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 7, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Derik Yarian officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service.  Inurnment will be at the Bristol Cemetery, Joice, Iowa. 

Beverly was the fifth child of Bernt and Matilda (Rensmon) Holstad.  She was born on the farm in Worth County, Iowa, on July 23, 1923.  She grew  to young adulthood there, and received her education in the Lake Mills school system.  During the war she moved to Los Angeles for work and was there for VJ day.  She then moved to Minneapolis where she met the love of her life, Frederick Serenus Dregne.  They were married May 14, 1949.

The couple resided in Viroqua, Wis. until December 1958, when they made the long trek to Granada Hills, Calif.  This way Beverly could be with her two sisters, Violet and Carmen, who had previously moved to California.  She loved the California life with the pool in the backyard and BBQ's all the time.  Beverly was a great hostess, and many a great meal was served at that house on Ruffner Ave.  Beverly worked at Patrick Henry Jr. High School until her retirement in 1985.

Beverly and Fred were able to see much of the U.S. with his extensive traveling while singing with the Pacificaires Barbershop Quartet.  They made it to Europe and then over to Hawaii while on singing tours.  A summer trip to Wisconsin and Iowa was always in the plans, as Fred loved to drive.   Beverly did her share of the driving, and was known for her lead foot on the open highway.

Her life changed dramatically in 1985 when Fred was diagnosed with colon cancer.  He fought on until his passing on Feb. 4, 1988.  Beverly was still able to enjoy her children and grandchildren who adored her. She moved to Clear Lake in 1992, where she had her own house.  She still had the traveling bug and went to California to visit Jon and Jan frequently.  She also took trips with Bob and Sonia to Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Canada, and went on a Caribbean cruise. She also traveled to Montana to see Bob, Sonia and the boys.  Mary was a frequent  visitor to Clear Lake, and Beverly traveled to Overland Park often.

She is survived by her three children, Jon Dregne of Westlake Village, Calif, his wife, Jan, and their sons, Christopher and Daniel; Robert Dregne of Kalispell, Montana, his wife, Sonia and their sons, Lukas, Mike and Taylor; and Mary Sargent of Overland Park, Kan., and her children, Julie and Craig.  She is also survived by her loving sister, Violet Nelson and husband, Verne of Ceres, Calif., sister-in-law, Shirley Holstad, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frederick; brother, Arnold; sisters, Marlene Johnson and Carmon Hanson.

Howard F. Taylor

Howard F. Taylor, 89, of 1615 N. 8th St., Clear Lake, died Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, May 3, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.  Inurment will take place at a later time in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to Howard Taylor Memorial Fund.

Howard was born July 15, 1921 and raised on a farm near Dallas Center, Iowa.  He was the first born of seven children to parents, Harry Edwin and Hazel Evelyn (Gift) Taylor. He graduated from Dallas Center High School in 1939 and moved to Swaledale, Iowa with his family in 1945.

Howard and Elaine Joyce Peter were married June 28, 1947 in the bride’s father’s home near Swaledale.  They raised five children, Kathleen, Barbara, Norman, Rex, and Joyce, while farming first, near Swaledale and last, near Hanlontown, Iowa after their move March 1, 1960. 

After retiring from farming in 1980, Howard and Elaine moved to Forest City, Iowa for three years and then to Clear Lake.

Howard enjoyed many hobbies, including calligraphy, woodworking, geneology, gardening, and using his computer.

Howard had been a 4-H leader, a member of the Swaledale School Board, a member and a past president of the Hanlontown Community Club, member of their Christian Home-Builders Sunday School Class from Manly, Iowa. He was a very active NFO member, a member of Men’s Garden Club of Northern Iowa, the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, Worth County Pork Producers, and a volunteer at Opportunity Village Store for the past several years.

He was a devoted husband, parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; four children, Kathleen (Peter) Tollenaere, Fairfield, Iowa, Norman Taylor, Hanlontown, Rex (Connie) Taylor, Hanlontown, and Joyce (Bill Welp) Taylor, Marshalltown, Iowa; son-in-law, Ron Dellit, Grundy Center, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Marilyn (Brent) Askelson, Marion, Iowa, Bradley (Andrea) Dellit, Waterloo, Iowa, Stacy (Corey) Brown, Sioux Rapids, Iowa, Sarah (Ryan) Hagen, Hanlontown, Scott Taylor, Des Moines, Iowa, Cheryl (Kyle) Dyer, Omaha, Neb., Keith (Kim) Tollenaere, Mt. Pleasant, Mich., Madalyn (Dan Franks) Taylor, Hanlontown, and Meggie Taylor, Hanlontown; 11 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Brady Askelson, Landon, Connor and Kennedy Brown, Cole Hagen, Linus and Ada Dyer, and Maya, Isabel, and Hayden Tollenaere;  brothers, Gordon Taylor and Donald (Betty) Taylor, both of Mason City; a sister, Marilyn (Warren) Custer, Hugo, Ok.; sisters-in-law, Shirley Taylor, Tucson, Az.; and Marge Taylor, Madeira Beach, Fla., and also by sister-in-law, Melicent Ames, Swaledale; and brother-in-law, Stanley (Miriam) Peter, Garner.

Preceeding him in death were his parents, Harry and Hazel Taylor; brothers, Alan, Ralph, and Wendell; sister-in-law, Eva Taylor; brother-in-law, Marvin Peter; and daughter, Barbara Dellit.

He was loved by all of his family and will be greatly missed.

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

Marvene M. Boyer

Marvene M. Boyer, 1211 5th Pl. N., Clear Lake, 76, died Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.  A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 4, 10:30 a.m., at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd St., with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville, Iowa at 2:30 p.m.  Memorials may be given to the Marvene M. Boyer Memorial Fund.

Marvene was born Aug. 23, 1934 in McIntire, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur C. and Marie E. (Bemus) Kesten.  She graduated from McIntire High School in 1951.  She then attended Mason City Junior College where she got a teaching degree in education.  Marvene married Donald R. Boyer June 27, 1954 in McIntire, at the Methodist Church.

She taught in a variety of schools while pursuing her Master’s Degree at Drake University.  In all, she taught one year in Renwick School, Woden-Crystal Lake and then 23 years at Thompson, Iowa, retiring in 1988.  After retiring, she managed the Drake Apartments in Des Moines for three years.

She enjoyed reading, sewing, embroidery, quilting and making wooden plaques.  She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America and the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

Marvene is survived by her husband, Donald R. Boyer, Clear Lake; five children, Norman Craig and his wife, Sheila, Preston, Minn., Beth Boelman and her husband, Kim, Slater, Iowa, Roger Boyer, Clear Lake, Richard Boyer and his wife, Monika, Muscatine, Iowa and Karla Hills and her husband, Doug, Cedar Park, Texas; ten grandchildren, Adam (Dena) Boelman, Joshua (Jessica) Boelman, Andrew (Tara) Craig, Lee (Teresa) Craig, Kolton (Molly) Boyer, Kaleb Boyer, Kally Boyer, Katherine Hills, Geoffrey Hills and Nicole Boyer; four great-grandchildren, Emma Boelman, Alexis Boelman, Luke Boyer and Evan Boelman; and one brother, Bob Kesten and his wife, Nanc, Riceville.

Marvene was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Karen L. Dillon-Hughes

Karen L. Dillon-Hughes, 66, of 5524 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake, died Monday, April 18, 2011 at her home.

Due to her wishes she has been cremated and private services will be held at a later time.

Karen was born Jan. 20, 1945 in Mason City, Iowa the daughter of Otto and Charlotte (Dunlap) Cook.

She graduated from Britt High School in 1963 and then attended Capri School of Cosmetology, Mason City.  She was a hairstylist for 45 years in Iowa and Minnesota. She loved her work and clients. She retired Dec. 24, 2009.

She is survived by her two sons, Jason Dillon, Folsom, Calif. and Eric (Kim) Dillon, Carmichael, Calif.; six grandchildren, Patrick, Paige, Peter, Hollie, Mateo and Ethan; two sisters, Shirley (Lawrence) Smidt, Britt, Iowa and Judy (Kermit) Studer, Clear Lake, and their families; and her forever friend, Rena Lady. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant children, Kristine Lea and James Paul Dillon; step-father, Marvin Nelson; and her husband, Allen Hughes. 

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

Darwin Dean Nelson

Darwin Dean Nelson died on May 3, 2011.  According to Darwin’s wishes he has been cremated.  A private family inurnment will take place in Clear Lake Cemetery later this month.  His family will host a celebration of his life on May 30 at noon at 1403 North 8th Street, Clear Lake for family and friends.

The son of Theodore and Greone (Pals) Nelson was born on Oct. 5, 1929 in Meservey, Iowa.

He attended several different schools in the area, graduating from Swaledale High School in 1946.  On Oct. 5, 1950 he married Margie Lou Pals of Rush City, Minn. (Oct. 5 also being Margie’s birthday).  They lived in Clear Lake on an acreage north of town for 50 years.

Darwin served in the Army during the Korean War.  He was a member of the Clear Lake V.F.W.

Darwin loved his family, farming and taking care of his many types of animals.  He always enjoyed showing off his new tractor, tool, or exotic animal he had purchased.  For many years he sold Christmas trees, raised pheasants and other exotic birds and shared a hay baling business with his brothers-in-law, Jim and Bob Pals, and friends Carl Reicherts and Miles Davis.  He would dress up like Santa Claus for his nieces and nephews.  He was also a member of the Clear Lake Police Department reserves during the July 4th celebrations for many years.  He was always ready with a story or a joke to tell until a stroke a few years ago left him unable to do so.  He enjoyed having a good laugh with family and friends.

He worked at Deckers Meat Packing Plant, Armour and retired from Con Agra.

Those wishing to give a memorial contribution in his memory may wish to consider giving to Hospice of North Iowa.

Darwin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margie, of Mason City; four daughters, Deborah Nelson of Clear Lake, Julie Bothwell and husband, Steve, of Mason City, Linda Brooks and husband, Mike, of Omaha, Neb., Pam Hunt and husband, Jim of Clear Lake; 12 grandchildren, Naomi Niles, Heather Niles, John Bothwell, Jordan Brooks, Jacob Brooks, Charlotte Haney, Shannon Brooks, Brandy Brooks, Ben Hunt, Alex Hunt, Lauren Hunt and Mallory Hunt; seven great-grandchildren; four siblings, Jeanyce Gobeli of Milton, Fla., Shirley Nelson of Lake Mills, Iowa, Loren Nelson of Denison, Iowa, Merna Torkleson of Clear Lake; and other extended family members including many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel; his parents; two brothers, Roger and Richard; and three sisters, Wanda Jenkins, Melva Pals and Leola Lyons.

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

Eloise R. Prescott

Eloise R. Prescott, age 86, of Clear Lake passed away Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services for Eloise Prescott were held Friday, May 6, at the Dugger Funeral Home, in Belmond, Iowa. Carolyn Pflibsen, Associate in Ministry at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, officiated. Burial took place in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City on Friday.

Eloise Ruth, the daughter of Joel L. and Nellie V. Walden Dimmet, was born Feb. 6, 1925 in Kansas City, Mo. To say Eloise lived a lifetime as a young girl would be an understatement. Her experiences as a little girl were very unique. She suffered from polio and had treatments and surgery at Shriner’s Hospital in Chicago multiple times. Eloise attended grade school in Clinton, Iowa, and attended high school at a bible college in Clinton. She moved to Gary, Ind., where she graduated from Emerson High School in 1943. Influenced by a women who helped to raise her, Eloise was a very devout member of the Nazarene Church. Sometimes attending three to six times a week. Eloise was united in marriage to Roger L. Prescott on Dec. 30, 1942 in Gary. The couple moved to Mason City and then later to an acreage north of Clear Lake. Eloise lived on the acreage from 1949 until after Roger passed away in May of 1990. She then moved to an apartment in Clear Lake, where she lived until entering the Oakwood Care Center in 2003. Eloise and Roger were blessed with three boys, James, Gerald and Dennis.

Eloise belonged to several organizations in Clear Lake over the years. They included DAV Auxiliary, where she served as the DAV Auxiliary Commander, Senior Citizens, the Oakland Club, and the North Iowa Travel Club. She loved doing crafts, crocheting, gardening and camping. Eloise’s life was her family, and she greatly enjoyed the family get-togethers which happened often throughout the years.

Eloise is survived by children, James of Waukesha, Wis., Dennis and wife, Lavonne, of Belmond; daughter-in-law, Sandra of Sheffield, Iowa; grandchildren, Monica Eckard of Sheffield, Brian and wife, Mollie, of Galesburg, Ill., Cathy Bingman and husband, Chad, of Williamsburg, Va., Joel of Belmond, Kristin, of West Des Moines, Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Nicholas Prescott and Matthew Eckard; two brothers-in-law, Ronald and wife, Helen, of Raceland, Ky., and Dale of Mission, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Marlys Christenson and husband, Ray, of Clear Lake and Maxine Westover of Clear Lake.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger; son, Gerald on June 26, 2010; grandson, Billy on April 30, 1982 and two great-grandsons, Nathan and Joshua Eckard.

Stephen R. “Papa Sox” Oulman

Stephen R. “Papa Sox” Oulman, 61, of Mason City, passed away Friday morning, May 6, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa surrounded by his family.

A memorial Mass was held Tuesday, May 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City, with the Rev. Craig E. Steimel officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Stephen R. Oulman Memorial Fund.

Stephen R. Oulman was born on Nov. 16, 1949 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Shovein) Oulman.  He was active in sports and scouting during his school years. Following graduation he attended and graduated from Florida State University.

For many years Steve was a partner with his father in the Melody Lanes Bowling Alley in Clear Lake.  He later worked for McKinness Excavating, Eaton Corporation, in Belmond, and Kraft Foods, in Mason City, retiring in 2008. 

On June 24, 1994 Steve was united in marriage to Kathy J. (Jesse) Kollman in Clear Lake.

Steve had a heart of gold, for the last 11 years he and Kathy would welcome numerous children into their home where they would serve as their foster and adoptive parents. 

In his free time Steve loved cheering on the Chicago White Sox. He also enjoyed motorcycling, remodeling, and was a dog lover.  But he was his happiest when he was able to be with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Steve was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City as well as Alcoholics Anonymous.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Oulman, Mason City; children, Jill Oulman, Iowa City, Casey Oulman, Iowa City, Kelly (Jon) Geerlings, Iowa City, Keri Oulman, Mason City, Beayonka (Tim) Poulson, Fairmont, Minn., Annie (Rob) Moore, Des Moines, Jonathon Kollman, Onawa, BriAnne Kollman, Mason City, Teayona Oulman, Mason City, Nate Oulman, Mason City, Kristin Oulman, Mason City, Dakota Oulman, Mason City, Alonna Oulman, Mason City, and Chris Oulman, Mason City; 12 grandchildren; two sisters, Julia Oulman, Clear Lake and Patricia Berge, Clear Lake; his father-in-law, Eugene (Donna) Jesse, Park Falls, Wis.; and a nephew, Carlos Oulman, Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

James K. Morrison

James K. Morrison, 80, of 712 N. 6th St., Clear Lake, died Sunday, May 8, 2011, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.  He was reunited with his loving wife, Babe, and the mother of their children on Mother's Day.   Due to his wishes he was cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a later time at Clear Lake Cemetery.  Family suggests memorials be given in memory of Jim to Comprehensive Systems, Charles City, Iowa.

Jim was born Jan. 14, 1931 in St. Paul, Minn. the son of Dow A. and Ella M. (Klindworth) Morrison.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958.  He married Ophelia A. “Babe” Fibiger June 4, 1955 in New Brighton, Minn.  They lived in Minneapolis, and later in Columbus, Neb., Lawrence, Kansas. In 1984 they moved to Clear Lake.  He worked for Cole-Sewell for over 25 years retiring in 1996 as Vice President. After retiring he did consulting. 

He was a member of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and was very active on many committees.  He enjoyed flowers, gardening and doing yard work.

Jim is survived by six children, Steven M. Morrison, Spring Lake Park, Minn., James J. (Deb) Morrison, Andover, Minn., William A. (Jill) Morrison, Clear Lake, Patti A. (Chuck) Carbaugh, Jefferson, Md., Kris A. (Steve) Lyman, Clear Lake, and David D. Morrison, Charles City, Iowa; one brother, Joe (Michelle) Morrison, Sioux Falls, S.D.; 17 grandchildren, Lynne Salmeri, Jennifer Morris, Shannon Morrison, Danielle Gochenour, Cassie Morrison, Tara Morrison, Erica Morrison, Andrea Morrison, Jamie Morrison, Niki Bennett, Amanda Timmer, Daniel Timmer, LeAnne Carbaugh, Emily Logan, Luke Logan, James Lyman and Ellasue Lyman and 10 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Babe; brother, D. Frank Morrison; and one sister, Lorena Johnson.

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

Roger Charles Wass

Roger Charles Wass, 62, of Goldsboro, N.C., passed away on Friday, May 6, 2011 at Wayne Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

Roger was born in Mason City, Iowa on Jan. 30, 1949 to the late Donald and LaVonne  Weiland Wass.

A private graveside service was held on Wednesday, May 11, at the State Veteran’s Cemetery in Jacksonville, N.C. with full military honors.

Roger is survived by his wife, Sumrit Wass; his daughters, Julienne (Aaron) Yager  and Allyson Wass and fiancé, Kevin Stallings; his five grandchildren; his brother, Gerald (Deb) Wass; his sister, Julie (Paul) Roberts, both of Iowa.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.

Justin D. Blair

Services celebrating the life of Justin D. Blair, age 33, of St. Cloud, Minn. were held Friday, May 13 at the Technical High School gymnasium in St. Cloud.  Burial will be at a later date.  Justin died unexpectedly at his home on Monday, May 9. 

Justin was born Oct. 23, 1977 in Bismarck, N.D. to David and Sandi Blair.  He grew up in Bismarck and attended college in Bismarck and Moorhead State University, graduating with a degree in education.  Justin moved to St. Cloud in 2001 and began teaching English at Technical High School.  He was also the yearbook advisor. Justin married the love of his life, Jodee Miller, on Aug. 3, 2007 in St. Cloud.  They were blessed with a beautiful baby boy in 2009, Vaughn Blair.  Justin was an avid golfer and was the coordinator for Dakota Junior Golf when he lived in Bismarck.  He also taught golf lessons at Boulder Ridge Golf Course in St. Cloud.  He was a member of the Minnesota Education Association and the St. Cloud Education Association.

Justin is survived by his wife, Jodee, and son, Vaughn Blair, of St. Cloud; his mother and father, Sandi and David Blair, Bismarck; his grandparents, Beverly and Everett Miller, Bismarck; his sister and brother, Kaija (Christian) Kuleck, and Tanner Blair, both of Bismarck.  He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Jim and Judee Miller, Clear Lake.

Justin is preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerald Halmrast and Jim and Blanche Blair. 

Memorials are preferred to the Vaughn Blair Trust at Wells Fargo Bank.

Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud was in charge of arrangements.

Raymond G. DenHartog

Raymond G. DenHartog, 86, 305 N. 11th St., Clear Lake, died Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Oakwood Care, Clear Lake.  A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 19, 11 a.m., at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N., with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.  Visitation will be at Ward-Van Slyke, Wednesday from 5 – 7 p.m.  Inurnment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Memorials may be given to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Hospice of North Iowa or Opportunity Village in memory of Raymond G. DenHartog.

Raymond was born Aug. 3, 1924 in Leighton, Iowa, the son of John C. and Josie (DeJong) DenHartog.  Raymond graduated from Pella High School in 1940.  He worked for his dad in the hardware store in Leighton.  He entered the United States Army during WWII and received the Purple Heart. Following the service he attended Central College in Pella.  He then went to the University of Iowa where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree.

Raymond married Jean Louise McLean Aug. 14, 1948 in College Springs, Iowa.  They lived in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa moving to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1949 where he worked at Omar Baking Co.  They moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he worked for Solar Air Craft until 1958 when they moved to Clear Lake.  He worked for General Adjustment Bureau as an insurance adjuster and later Federated Ins., in Owattona, Minn. and American Family.  He taught business classes and economics at Hamilton Business College until he retired in 1988.

Raymond enjoyed gardening, hunting and traveling, which included camping. He especially loved being with his grandchildren and following their sports. He enjoyed his English bull dogs, and attending the Drake Relays.  He was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Men’s Garden Club of North Iowa and the Clear Lake V.F.W.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Jean DenHartog, Clear Lake; three children, Glenda Evenrud, Minneapolis, Minn., Michael John (Elizabeth) DenHartog, Clear Lake, and Jerry (Tammy) DenHartog, Clear Lake; eight grandchildren, Elise (Lt. Col. Donald) Chipman, Daman DenHartog, Neal DenHartog, Kelsea DenHartog, Rachael Ewing, Ryan (Courtney) Willis, Dustin DenHartog, and Katy (Nate) Clapham; seven great grandchildren, Hunter, Tyler, Ashley, Asher, Ashton, Ivy and Cosette; and one brother-in-law, Ken Glewen, Waupun, Wis.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Betty Glewen.

Evelyn J. DeBell

Evelyn J. DeBell, 87, 112 N. 12th St., Clear Lake, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center  North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.  Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, May 19, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Randy DeBell and Rev. Duane Bull officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6  - 8 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel and then one hour prior to service on Thursday.  A private interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to the Evelyn J. DeBell Memorial Fund.

Evelyn was born Aug. 30, 1923 in Clear Lake, the daughter of Leroy and Ethel (Foster) Ebaugh.  She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1941.  She married Edwin M. DeBell on March 8, 1943, in her parent’s home.  After Ed returned home from WWII, they were blessed with four children.  Evelyn was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.  She will be greatly missed.

Evelyn is survived by daughters Jan (Ron) Jennings, Carolyn (Rod) Kickbush, Kristi (Rev. Duane) Bull, and a son. the Rev. Randy (Helen) DeBell; four grandsons, Andy Bull, Ben DeBell, Brad (Amy) DeBell, Dan (Leslie) DeBell; and a brother, Don (Betty) Ebaugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ed, in 2006.

Randall (Randy) Wreghitt

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

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 3, at Central Gardens, Clear Lake.  Visitation with family will begin at 1 p.m. Other funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake.

Darlene “Dawn” Myers

Darlene “Dawn” Myers, 86, 1201 1st Ave. S., Clear Lake, died Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.  According to her wishes, her body has been cremated.

Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 25, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating.  Memorials may be directed to Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake or Hospice of North Iowa in Dawn’s memory.

Dawn was born Dec. 28, 1924, in Riceville, Iowa, the daughter of Floyd and Doris (Kimble) Auringer.  From an early age she was nicknamed “Tootie” by her family.  She grew up in Riceville where she attended school.  She was united in marriage to Robert L. Myers in 1948. To this union three children were born, Diane, John and Robert “Bob” or as his father called him, “Charlie”.

Robert farmed, which took them to the Dakota City-Humboldt, Iowa area. They later moved to Clear Lake.  Dawn worked at Jensen’s Grocery Store and Easter’s Grocery Store as a cashier.  She was also a school crossing guard at Central School in Clear Lake.  She was a wonderful wife, mother and mother to her pets, dog Pepe and cats, Gracey and Kitty.

Dawn’s hobbies included sewing, yard work, puttering in her garden, and watching the news.  Dawn loved to play cards, including 500, with her husband, Robert and family.  She attended the United Methodist Church.

Dawn is survived by her three children, Diane (David) Stark, Ames, Iowa, John (Monica) Myers, Evansdale, Iowa and Robert “Bob” (Renae) Myers, Clear Lake; grandchildren, Ben (Ashley) Stark, Manhattan, Kan., Matt Stark, Des Moines, Iowa and Nicole Myers, Evansdale, Eric Shahan, Clear Lake and Spencer Shahan, Mankato, Minn.; two great-grandchildren, Zachary Hippie and Alex Myers, Evansdale; and one sister, Jean Andersen, Omaha, Iowa.

Dawn is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert, (1975); and brother, Jack Auringer.

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

Helen Fern Spilman Duregger

Helen Fern Spilman Duregger, 96, of Kitty Hawk, N.C., passed away on May 14, 2011 at Sentara Care Center, Barco, N.C. A celebration of life for the immediate family and friends was held at Norfolk General Hospital Chapel by Pastor Al Isler of Grace Lutheran Church By-The-Sea. Memorial donations may be sent to Grace Lutheran Church By-The-Sea, P.O. Box 1356, Nags Head, NC 27959-1356.

Helen was born Jan. 4, 1915 to Dan and Alphena Spilman on a farm south of Clear Lake. She and her husband, Fred, lived in Iowa most of their lives until moving to Newport News, Va. in 1985 to be close to family. She was the second child in a family of eight brothers and sisters and spent much of her early life on the farm caring for the younger children. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, for over 40 years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Newport News, and currently a member of Grace Lutheran Church By-The-Sea, Nags Head.

She is survived by her sons, Richard Duregger (Carolyn) of Kitty Hawk, N.C. and Terry Duregger (Sandy) of Mesa, Az.; four grandchildren, Susan (Michael) Briittan of Virginia Beach, Joel (Julie) Duregger of Newport News, Dan (Carolyn) Duregger of Mesa, and Darcy (Jeremy) Boggs, of Tempe, Az.; eight great-grandchildren, Taylor and Connor Brittan, Virginia Beach, Megan, Ryan and Grace Duregger, Newport News, Dylan Duregger of Mesa, and Gavin and Logan Boggs of Tempe; sisters, Thelma Duregger and Betty Thomas, brother, Danny Spilman, Clear Lake.

Predeceasing her in death was her husband of 73 years, Fred Duregger in 2008, as well as her parents and four brothers, Dale, Orville (Fritz), Wayne (Shorty), and Sam Spilman.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. of Nags Head, N.C. was in charge of arrangements.

Lois A. Wangberg

Lois A. Wangberg, 85, of Clear Lake, died Friday, May 20, 2011 in Rogers, Minn.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Pastor Randy Nielsen officiating.  Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that gifts in Lois' memory may be given to Galilean Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Clear Lake, or the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org. Lois Ann (Linde) Wangberg was born on June 20, 1925 to Herman Oliver and Albertine (Olson) Linde in Forest City, Iowa. She attended Forest City Public Schools through high school and then earned her associate degree in education at Waldorf College in Forest City. Lois moved to Cresco, Iowa and taught there for two years, at which time she went back to school and earned a bachelor of education degree at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.

While at Augustana she met Ludvig Wangberg, an aspiring musician, and they were married on June 1, 1947. They lived in St. Ansgar, Iowa for three years during which time their two children, Philip and Mary, were born. In 1951 they moved to Clear Lake, and lived there until 2008. She was an invaluable lover, wife, partner and friend to Lud for 64 years. She also served as musical consultant and music librarian for the Clear Lake Municipal Band and its conductor.

Lois is survived by her husband, Ludvig; son, Philip and his wife, Pat; daughter, Mary and her husband, Ben; grandchildren: Karin and her husband, Matt; Benjamin and his wife, Jessica; Julia and her husband, Jim; and Anna; great-grandchildren, Gretchen and Winona.

May God bless and keep the memory of Lois' life hallowed among us.

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

Mildred Christensen Wind

Mildred Christensen Wind, better known as “Betty” to friends and family, passed away on Jan. 25, 2011 in Greenwood Village, Colo. at the age of 82. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 28 at Clear Lake Cemetery with Pastor Randy Nielsen of Galilean Lutheran Church officiating.  Inurnment will take place at the memorial service and respecting Betty’s wishes, her urn will be joined with that of her husband, Allan’s, who died in 2005.  Dedication of the headstone will take place while family and friends are in attendance. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

A lunch following the memorial service will be held at the Best  Western Hotel in Clear Lake.  Friends are asked to attend and share special memories of Betty and Allan.  Memorial contributions may be made to Galilean Lutheran Church, the Clear Lake Art Center’s Youth Art Program or the charity of one’s choice in her memory.

Mildred Elizabeth Christensen was born on Sept. 6, 1928 in Atlanta, Ga. to parents Paul and Ruby Christensen.  Betty spent her school years in Clear Lake and Vero Beach, Fla. and graduated high school in Florida.

Betty married Allan Wind in Clear Lake on Sept. 4, 1948. They started their married life in Ames, Iowa while Allan completed his degree in engineering at Iowa State.  While living in Ames, Betty worked for Meredith Corporation and Allan was called to serve again in the Army during the Korean conflict.  After his tour of duty, Allan and Betty returned to Clear Lake, where Allan worked as city engineer until 1960.  In the fall of 1960, the family relocated to Prairie Village, Kan. where Betty was active at First Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher, dedicated time to disabled children, enjoyed garden club and PTA participation, as well as the Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations.  After retirement, Betty and Allan returned to their beloved Clear Lake and to the congregation and fellowship of  Zion and Galilean Lutheran Churches.

Betty was passionate about family, friends and her faith.  Known for her sharp wit and sense of humor, she enjoyed sharing a joke or story over a cup of coffee.  She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking, gardening, fishing, painting, sewing and the companionship of many wonderful dogs over the years.  Always willing to lend a hand whether at church, to a neighbor or a friend in need, Betty is missed for her smile, her contributions and her laughter.

Cherishing her memory are her children:  Peter Wind and his wife, Stephanie, of LaGrange, Ill., Melissa Wilson and her husband, Ron, of Englewood, Colo. and Kristi Greven and her husband, Jerry, of Anthem, Az.; three grandsons, Christian, Evan and Seth Wind; nephew, Jon Harvey; niece, Dee Harvey and daughter, Christina in Colorado; cousin, Maxine Christensen Kostopulos of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Her parents; her husband; an infant son, Thomas Allan Wind; sisters, Lily and Nancy, preceded her in death.