Jane Pauline Bredlow

Jane Pauline Bredlow of Clear Lake passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at the age of 76. At her request, no memorial service is planned. Memorials can be sent to Hospice of North Iowa.

She was born on June 19, 1935, in Alhambra, Calif. to Robert Hauert Blair and Julia Twanet (Cherry) Blair. She had one older sister, Mary Joe (Blair) Still Goodhue. She graduated from Alhambra City High School on June 18, 1953.

She married Duane Allen Bredlow on June 20, 1953 in Monterey Park, Calif. After their honeymoon in Sequoia National Park, she and Duane moved to the Rockwell/Swaledale, Iowa area, where she lived for 16 years.

In 1971 she moved her family to Clear Lake, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She attended Hamilton Business College and then worked at the Mental Health Center of North Iowa for 16 years. She was a member of the Evangelical Free Church and enjoyed Bible studies and prayer groups. Her faith sustained her during many challenges in her life. In 2010, after her health deteriorated, she moved to Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Jane was very artistic and enjoyed all types of crafts. Her family and friends were the grateful recipients of her craft projects. She received great joy from helping others. Pastor Dan from the Evangelical Free Church shared a story that epitomized her joy of giving: Oakwood Care Center organized a trip to Diamond Jo casino where she won approximately $17 in quarters. When Pastor Dan next visited Jane, she handed him the bag of quarters, explaining that she knew she didn’t have much to give, but she wanted the church to have her winnings.

She is survived by her children, Denice Bredlow, David (Sue) Bredlow, William (Julie) Bredlow, and Julie (Bredlow) Zimmermann; 10 grandchildren, Armen Varjabedian, Jennifer Varjabedian, Kim (Norris) Pascoe, Amy (Norris) Prue, Coleman Bredlow, Caramie Bredlow, Zachery Bredlow, Rebeca Bredlow, Hailey Zimmermann and Jack Zimmermann, five great-grandchildren, Noaha Pascoe, Makenaha Pascoe, Sophia Prue, Collin Prue, and Lucy Faini; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by an infant brother who died at birth; her sister; father; mother; and grandparents.

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

Arlene J. "Jake" Laughlin 

Arlene J. "Jake" Laughlin, 86, of West Des Moines, Iowa died in a tragic car accident on Sept. 20, 2011. She was born in Clear Lake on June 25, 1925, to Henry Jacobson and Vernetta Hanson Jacobson.

A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, Sept. 24, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial at Glendale Cemetery. Contributions may be made to St. Theresa's Foundation, Iowa Public Television, or the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.IlesCares.com.

Jake loved growing up in Clear Lake and was proud of her Norwegian heritage. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1943, where she met the love of her life, Thomas J. "Jerry" Laughlin. Jerry's motto was, "Jake at the Lake at Eight." Jake's passion for music and singing led her to Mason City Junior College and Iowa State University. It was wartime and the era of Big Band music. The Surf Ballroom was the place that ignited Jake's and Jerry's dance through life. Jerry and Jake dated for three years. Jerry served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Jerry said, "Jake, it's time to get married!" Jake and Jerry were married for 42 wonderful years and had four children, the youngest of whom died shortly after birth.

Jerry's long career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company resulted in moving multiple times all around the state of Iowa. With each new location they made lifelong friendships which they have cherished through the years.

Jake partnered with Jerry in his final two years with the telephone company as a regional vice-president of the Telephone Pioneers of America. They enjoyed traveling the United States in this role. Jerry died unexpectedly in 1990.

Several years later, Jake married Frank Gleeson, a fellow parishioner of St. Theresa's Church. They were married for six years. They enjoyed traveling and golf. Frank died in 2004.

Jake was known for her style, grace, warmth and generosity. She was a fabulous cook and her recipes will live on forever. She was renowned for her entertaining, her passion for needlework, and her love of antiques. Above all, her greatest loves were her family and friends. She was a member of the Questors and St. Theresa's Parish and Rosary Society. She was a volunteer with the Terrace Hill Society for many years.

Jake moved to The Lodge of Ashworth in West Des Moines in the spring of 2010 and quickly found herself right at home, surrounded by new and dear friends. She was a vibrant and active part of the community. Jake's zest and love for life will be greatly missed by all.

Jake is survived by her brother, James of Cedar Falls, Iowa; her children, Jerry R. (Anne) Laughlin of Champaign, Ill., Kassie A. (Patrick) Spellman of Des Moines, and Mark P. (Lynn) Laughlin of Ada, Mich.; her 11 grandchildren who called her "Grammie Jake," Brian (Kathy) Laughlin, Scott Laughlin, Tom Laughlin, Sean (Courtney) Spellman, Meaghan (Tyler) Tigges, Robert Spellman, Molly Spellman, Patrick Spellman, Jr., Tory (Jake) Wielhouwer, Amy (Spencer) Williams, Brienn (J.J.) Darr, and her great-grandchildren, Riley, Walker, Maggie, Stephanie, and Tessa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Jerry Laughlin; husband, Frank Gleeson; her parents; brothers, Donald D. Jacobson and Robert "Bob" A. Jacobson; and her daughter, Jamie A. Laughlin.

Arrangements were by Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel, Des Moines.

Loren “Swede” J. Sadler

Loren “Swede” J. Sadler, 77, 1500 South Shore Dr., Lot 52, Clear Lake, died Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.  A memorial service was held Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.  Inurnment was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.  Military honors were provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Memorials may be given to Loren J. Sadler Memorial Fund.

Loren “Swede” was born Oct. 8, 1933 in Rockford, Iowa, the son of John E. and Florence M. (Frost) Sadler.  He graduated from Rockford High School in 1952 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Following the service he moved back to Rockford and married Marilyn Kay Factor on Aug. 17, 1957 at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church,  in Mason City, Iowa.

He worked in the auto parts business for over 45 years.  He then worked for Jensen-Klick and G.A. Larson.  He retired for one day, then went back to work for Secory Plumbing and Heating Co. until his passing. 

Swede enjoyed golfing, boating, the outdoors, fishing and the “After Five Men’s Group.”  In 2010 he went on the Honor Guard Flight.  He was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake V.F.W., and Clear Lake V.F.W. Honor Guard.

Swede is survived by his wife, Marilyn Sadler, Clear Lake; son, Scott Sadler, Clear Lake; special niece, Terri Franzen and her husband, Bob, Charles City, Iowa; nephews, Steven Sadler and Douglas Sadler, Charles City; mother-in-law, Mildred Factor; brother-in-law, Ron Factor and his wife, Sue, Marksville, La.; other nieces and nephews, Max Factor and his wife, Michelle, Tallahassee, Fla., Mike Factor and his wife, Kathy, Polly Machovec, Rick Factor and his wife, Christene and Fara Wisdom and her husband, Clint, all of Chandler, Az. 

Swede was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Earl, Dale and Eldon Sadler; and father-in-law, Merlin “Max” Factor.

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

Dr. Donald O. Lomen 

Dr. Donald O. Lomen, 84, Clear Lake, died peacefully Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit after a brief battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma surrounded by his family.   A funeral service was held Monday, Oct. 3, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City with the Rev. Jim Magelssen officiating.

Following the service his body will be cremated and Inurnment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Iowa Music Educators Association. Cards may be sent to the Lomen Family at 2212 14th Avenue North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.

Donald, the son of Selma (Herrigstad) and C.O. Lomen, is a native of Clear Lake. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1945.  Donald was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946 where he played in the military band.  After receiving his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1950 from St. Olaf College (Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa), he earned his master’s degree at the University of Iowa in 1951.

Donald married Patricia Hope Stevens on Aug. 11, 1956 in Westby, Wis.  They met when he was the choir director and she was the parish education director at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In 1970 he was awarded the Ed. D. degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo.

His 38 years of teaching instrumental music have all been in the public schools of Iowa:  Eldora, two years, Mason City, six years; and Des Moines, 30 years.  He held various offices in the Iowa Music Educators Association (I.M.E.A.), including president, and he has been president of the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association.  Lomen was also a vice-president of the Des Moines Education Association.

While the Instrumental Music Consultant in the Des Moines Public Schools, he began the free lesson program, the annual solo and small ensemble festival; and the select All-West Band.

Dr. Donald Lomen received the “Distinguished Service to Music Education” Award at the annual banquet of the I.M.E.A. at the Hotel Savery in Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 9, 1990.

Donald was a member of the Arcadia Wind Quintet in Des Moines and the North Stars Woodwind Quintet in Mason City.  He was in the Mason City and Des Moines Municipal Band, North Iowa Band and Orchestra, Des Moines Horn Club, the Iowa Veteran’s Band, as well as the Des Moines Symphony for 35 years.

After living in Des Moines for 46 years, they moved back to Clear Lake in 2005.  He was a devoted community and school supporter, being involved with the Clear Lake Noon Lions, water aerobics, men’s morning coffee group, and the senior citizens center in Clear Lake.  He had the opportunity to go on the V.F.W.  Honor Flight. He was a lifelong member of the Windsor Heights Lutheran Church in Des Moines, where he directed and participated in choral and brass groups.  Most recently he was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City where he sang in the choir and played in brass groups.  He enjoyed people and was a great encourager and optimist all throughout his life.  He said he has had a wonderful life, blessed with great family, friends and God.

Donald is survived by his wife, Patricia Lomen, Clear Lake; daughter, Kari Carlson and her husband, Rod; sons, Steven (Karen Webb) Lomen, Minneapolis, Minn. and David Lomen, Des Moines; grandchildren, Joshua (Laura) Carlson, Jerame Carlson, Samuel Lomen, Hannah Webb, Nikos Lomen, Twyla Lomen and Ryan Lomen; and sister, Helen Olson, of Clear Lake.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gladys Rovang.

His goal was to “Go to Heaven and be with God……Now!

Douglas Alan Mostrom 

Douglas Alan Mostrom, 49, 2115 1st Ave S., Clear Lake, died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at his home.  A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Derik Yarian officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at Elk Creek Cemetery, Kensett, Iowa.  Memorials may be given to the Douglas A. Mostrom Memorial Fund.

Doug love watching the University of Louisville Cardinals, and pretty much all sports.  He enjoyed playing cribbage with his brother, reading Louis L’Amour westerns and playing sports. He loved Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Pizza. Doug especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Doug was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.

Doug is survived by his mother Donna Mostrom, Clear Lake; his brother, Daryl and his sister, Linda, both of Clear Lake; two nephews, Ryan Smith, W. Fargo, N.D. and Nicholas Mostrom, Mason City; one grand-nephew, Kale Mostrom, Mason City; and his aunts.

Doug was preceded in death by his dad, Dean Mostrom; sister, Pamela Smith; grandparents and uncles.

Helen “Jean” (Lattimer) Casey 

Helen “Jean” (Lattimer) Casey died on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at Heritage Care Center, Mason City, Iowa.

A Funeral Mass was held Friday, Oct. 7, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  The Funeral Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Michael Schueller and concelebrated by the Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Slepicka.

Jean was united in marriage to Robert E. Casey, Sr. on Oct. 11, 1944, in Boca Raton, Fla.  They had five children: Michael; Marc (Cherie), Dyersville, Iowa; Robert, Jr. (Cathy), Dunwoody, Ga.; Jean (Matt Berry), Clear Lake; and Theresa (Jeff) Rypel, Greendale, Wis.  Jean and Robert enjoyed 54 years of married life until he passed away in 1998.

Jean delighted in her eight grandchildren: Cori (Bryan) Turner, Kevin Casey, Amy, Sergei, and Oksana Casey, Katie and Robert Berry, and Kaitlin Rypel, and great-granddaughter, Kendall Turner.

Jean was born Jan. 19, 1919, in Charles City, Iowa, to William and Kathleen (O’Brien) Lattimer.  Jean graduated in 1936 from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Mason City.  She was trained as a registered nurse at Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa, and was a nursing instructor at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Pontiac, Mich.  She was a pediatric nurse at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Mason City for many years.

Jean was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and involved in many activities in support of Newman Catholic Schools.  She was a member of St. Cecelia Circle.  Jean and Robert enjoyed distributing communion to shut-ins.  Jean was a volunteer advocate for persons with disabilities and helped to improve the lives of many young people.  She enjoyed her rose garden, genealogy research, fishing, and traveling with Robert.

Jean is survived by four children; grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; sister, Joan Lattimer of Aurora, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Bev Lattimer, of Caldwell, Idaho and Mary Lou Casey, of McHenry, Ill., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert;  son, Michael; parents, William and Kathleen Lattimer; and siblings, Kaye Maring, Miriam Livdalen, Gerald Lattimer, Donald Lattimer, and Robert Lattimer.

Jean’s family is extremely grateful for the excellent care she received at Heritage Care Center over the past seven years.

Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Newman Catholic Schools, or Hospice of North Iowa.

Luella (Susie) Hanson 

Luella (Susie) Hanson, 94, 302 2nd St. NE, Mason City, died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011 at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 14, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake with the Rev. Kent Mechler officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 – 6 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke.  Interment will be at the Concord Cemetery, Garner, Iowa. Memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Health Center in memory of Luella Hanson.

Luella was the oldest daughter of Mervin and Lillian (Davis) Frogg of Crystal Lake, Iowa.  She was born July 31, 191. Luella was reared and educated in Crystal Lake Schools, graduating in 1936.  She married Wilbur Hanson March 17, 1936 in Algona, Iowa.  They farmed for several years and then moved to Clear Lake where she was employed at the Clear Lake Bakery for ten years. In 1964 they moved to Greeley, Colo. where she was employed at the Weld County Hospital for 15 years until she retired in 1979. She moved to Clear Lake in 1984 and was a resident there until Jan. 11, 2011 when she moved to the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City until her death. 

Luella enjoyed reading, watching western movies and visiting with people.  She loved sewing, handwork and crocheting. 

She is survived by three children, a son Gary (Joy) Hanson of England; two daughters, Sharon (Jack) Kloster, Mason City, and Marsha (Greg) Vrtiska, Grand Junction, Colo.; three sisters, Gladys Barzs, Waterloo, Iowa, Grace Kluver, Crystal Lake, and Garnet Noltersmeier, Waterloo; ten grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur; her parents; brothers-in-law, Oville Kluver, Don Noltersmeier and Everett Barz.

Laurence Frederick Fredriksen 

Laurence Frederick Fredriksen, 86, of 15438 Bayside Ave., Clear Lake, died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 10, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Clear Lake with the Rev. John R. Tilp officiating.  Burial was in Clear Lake Cemetery with military honors provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. 

Laurence was born Nov. 24, 1924 in Clear Lake, the son of Jens and Barbara (Katterhenry) Fredriksen. He attended Clear Lake schools and graduated in May 1942.  Growing up, his spare time was spent in his father’s blacksmith shop sweeping the floor, holding the twitch on the horses while they were shod, and starting the forge. 

Laurence was one of the first groups of 18 years olds drafted from Cerro Gordo County during World War II.  He served his country in the Army from November 1942 until March 1946.  A little known expertise of his was creating a portable still for making spirits which could be dismantled and hidden when their unit was on the move in Europe.

Laurence married Florine Elmina Luther on Nov. 15, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake.  In July of 1950 he was recalled into the armed forces and served in Korea, being discharged in September 1951 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Upon returning to Clear Lake after World War II Laurence reopened his father’s blacksmith shop which had been closed for several years. Business grew slowly, as there were four other blacksmith shops in town at that time. Over the years the other shops closed and Laurence’s business grew.  He had a custom of buying a new piece of equipment each year, always updating the shop so that it changed from being a blacksmith shop to a modern welding and machine shop.  He made a point of going to Ames, Iowa each year to take advanced welding classes to learn the most advanced techniques in the field and to work with the most modern equipment. 

Laurence was a frequent volunteer in the blacksmith shop at the museum and on special days he demonstrated the art of the forge, which he thoroughly enjoyed.  Other hobbies included wine making, telling jokes and reading. His projects include restoring the blacksmith shop at the Kinney Pioneer Museum, restoring old farm equipment for the museum, building fireworks barges, flower pot hangers, signs for Clear Lake and various community and church projects.

A sculpture he designed and built that is hanging at St. Patricks Catholic Church is an award winning metalcraft by American Craftsman, awarded by the National Ornamental Metal and Manufacturer Association in 1975.

Laurence is a lifetime member and past commander of V.F.W. Post 4868 and was a member of  the Honor Guard; a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus; past State and National President of the Blacksmith and Welder Association; member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; a board member of Kinney Pioneer Museum and was a member of the local North Iowa Wine Club.

Laurence is survived by his four children, Jon (Kathleen) Fredriksen, Washington, D.C., Mary (Allan) Lauck, Algona, Iowa, Paul (Ranae) Fredriksen, Clear Lake, and Ann (Tim) Kaduce, St. Paul, Minn.; and four grandchildren, Christopher Lauck, Algona, Allana Lauck, Ames, Iowa, Nick Fredriksen, Mason City and Seth Kaduce, Ames. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Julius; infants sons, Joseph and Mark; and his granddaughter, Rebecca.

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

Roy David Bird 

Roy David Bird, 64, of 1321 3rd Avenue North, Clear Lake, died Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

A celebration of Roy’s life was held Monday, Oct. 10, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, Iowa.

Roy was born to Alfred and Helen (Miller) Bird in Hampton Iowa on May 4, 1947.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1965.  Two years later on May 12, 1967 he married Sherry Schlawin and to this union three children were born: David, Steve, and Matt.

Roy was employed at Curries Manufacturing in Mason City for over 20 years. He later retired.

Roy enjoyed golfing, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and driving his truck around town.  Roy had a great sense of humor and brightened everyone’s day.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Dave (Marie) Bird, Mason City, Steve (Raechel) Bird, Clear Lake, Matt Bird, Clear Lake and their mother, Sherry Bird of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Ashley Ulveling, Andrew Ulveling, and Alex Bird all of Mason City, Alexis Veal, Kory Bird, Kolin Bird, and Zachary Kettwig all of Clear Lake; brothers, Jim (Karen) Bird, Clear Lake and Bob (Connie) Bird, Clear Lake; and sister, Linda Anderson of Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe Bird; and brother-in-law, Bob Anderson.

Gail Marie Johnson 

Gail Marie Johnson, 83, of 5 Woodlane Dr. Clear Lake, formerly of Moline, Ill., died Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14, at the Elim Covenant Church, Moline, with Pastor Darren Olson officiating. Inurnment will be in Moline Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Gail was born Dec. 25, 1927, the daughter of Harold and Vivian (Nicholson) Nelsen. She graduated from Moline Senior High School in 1946. Gail married Richard J. Johnson Nov. 14, 1947 in Moline, Illinois. 

Gail worked in the office of the Mississippi Valley Girl Scouts Council. She retired in 1987.  She enjoyed shopping, traveling, listening to jazz, and was a huge Chicago Bears fan.  She was always a great supporter of her family.  She moved to Clear Lake in 2008 to be closer to her family.

Gail was a member of the Elim Covenant Church and Catfish Jazz Society.

Gail is survived by her son, Jeffrey and his wife, Linda, Thousand Oaks, Calif. and her daughter, Jackie and her husband, Gary Bright, Clear Lake; three grandchildren, Cori Bright, Christopher Bright both of Ft. Myers, Fla. and Sean Bright, West Des Moines, Iowa and one great-grandson, Jackson Bright, Ft. Myers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one brother, Harold Nelsen.

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

Roger D. Amosson 

Roger D. Amosson, 76, 306 Birch Ave., Clear Lake, died Monday, Oct. 10, 2011 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. Memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N., with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday, 6 - 8 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake and one hour before the service at the church.  Inurnment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or Hospice of North Iowa.

Roger was born Oct. 22, 1934 on the family farm, south of Clear Lake, the son of Glen and Agnes (Ulstad) Amosson.  He attended and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1953.  He worked at Allied Mills for two years.  Roger married Barbara Rice on Jan. 9, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. He farmed the family farms until retiring in 2002. 

Roger’s favorite past times were fishing, hunting with his son-in-law Jeff, and having coffee with the hearing impaired group.  He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and watching sports - the Vikings, Twins and Iowa State University.  Roger took pride in his Norwegian heritage and attending church  Lutefisk dinners in the fall.  Roger and Barbara enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona where he did woodworking and jewelry.  Roger was a former Clear Lake School Board member and Zion Lutheran Church member where he taught fifth grade Sunday school and was on church council and various committees. 

Roger is survived by his wife, Barbara Amosson, Clear Lake; three daughters, Vicky Ernster and her husband, Les, Rochester, Minn., Susan Finnegan and her husband, Michael, Clear Lake, and Amy Pierce and her husband, Jeff, Rochester; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Anderson, Mankato, Minn., Sara (Bryce) Pronk, Rochester, Christopher (Stephanie) Finnegan, Patrick Finnegan, Des Moines, Iowa, Nicholas Pierce, Meg Pierce and Claire Pierce, Rochester; four great-grandchildren, Bennett and Alexis Pronk and Vaughn and Evelyn Anderson; brother, Robert Amosson and his wife, Patricia, Rockwell, Iowa and sister-in-law, Susan Amosson, Des Moines. 

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ronald Amosson.

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

Richard Dean Fistler 

Richard Dean Fistler, 68, Ventura, passed away at home Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.  Dick’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be a memorial service Friday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m., at the Ventura United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating.  Following the service a cake reception will be held at the community hall in Ventura.  Burial will be in the Ventura cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Richard Fistler Memorial Fund.

Dick was born Sept. 5, 1943 in Clear Lake, the son of Fred and Ruth (Harlan) Fistler.  He grew up in the Clear Lake area.  He was employed by various places.  In January 1964 he went to work for Curries Manufacturing and worked there for 45 years retiring in January 2009.  He enjoyed fishing, watching football and Nascar racing on TV, working in his shop and spending time with his family and friends, especially with his four grandsons. 

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Cindy; step-son, Todd and his wife, Pam; grandsons, Chase, Jagger, Brayden and Mason; two daughters, Shiela and Tracy from a previous marriage; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild in Texas; one brother, Ron; and two sisters, Judy Rinnels and Donna Ginther.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gary; and two brothers-in-law, John Rinnels and Kay Ginther.

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

Irene E. Waddingham 

Irene E. Waddingham, age 89, died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 at Concord Care Center in Garner, Iowa. Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 14, at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, Iowa with the Rev. Donna Buckman. Burial was at Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa, or the donor’s choice.

Irene was born Jan. 25, 1922 to Henry and Minnie (Koenen) Dirks in Mason City. She was one of five children and attended country school in rural Cerro Gordo County. Irene married Virgil Waddingham on Jan. 29, 1940. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Darrel, Linda, Lyle, and Arlyn. Irene spent most of her life living and working on the farm. Irene enjoyed the companionship of friends and family - whether it was having coffee with friends or spending time with the kids and grandkids.

Irene’s love and memory will continue in the hearts and lives of her daughter, Linda (Ron) Benson of Carlisle, Iowa; son, Lyle (Nancy) Waddingham of Klemme; and daughter-in-law, Nola Waddingham of Meservey, Iowa; sister, Bertha Trager of Meservey; grandchildren, Rodney (Robin) Benson, Lorene (Al) Cosimo, Brian (Jen) Waddingham, Jamie Waddingham, Tory (Meredith McWilliams) Waddingham, Tully (Wendy) Waddingham; great-grandchildren, Chelsie (Donnie) Hyde, Jessica Benson, Micheal Cosimo, Katie Waddingham, Anthony Cosimo, Haley Benson; great-great-grandchildren, Ashton, Zoey, Byron, Brianna, Tessa, Jaidyn, and Hunter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Virgil, in September of 2005; brothers, Harm, Ted, Tenus; sons, Darrel and Arlyn in June of 2011.

Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Gary M. Anderson 

Gary M. Anderson, 74, of 20 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.

Memorial services were held Monday, Oct. 24, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Derik Yarian officiating.  Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Family suggests memorials to the Gary M. Anderson Memorial Fund.

Gary was born June 10, 1937 in Swaledale, Iowa, the son of Marvin H. and Margaret K. (Nelson) Anderson.  He lived in the Swaledale and Thornton areas and moved with his folks to Clear Lake in 1948.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1957. He married Darlene Nichols Hakes in March 1968.

He worked for the Clear Lake Bakery for over 20 years and then Country Inn.  He enjoyed watching and collecting old western and WWII movies.  He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.

Gary is survived by three children; Scott (Tammy) Hakes, Hanlontown, Iowa, Jaime Hakes and Penny Miranda, Clear Lake, and Jennifer  Anderson Allen, Mason City; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and three siblings, Dennis (Marcia) Anderson, Clear Lake, David (Judy) Anderson, Clear Lake and Carolyn Levenhagen, Johnston, Iowa; his special nephew, Travis and many other nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; great-grandson, Colby Hakes; and former wife, Darlene Kline.

Robert F. Haugen 

Robert F. Haugen, 86, of 1310 Village Road, Clear Lake, died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 31, at the Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown, Iowa with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating.  Burial will be in Brush Point Cemetery, Hanlontown.  Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 30, from 3-6 p.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake and then one hour before the service on Monday at the church.  Family suggests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Bob was born on Sept. 29, 1925 the son of Frank and Sylvia (Staaleson) Haugen on a farm near Miller, Iowa.  He attended country school and farmed with his dad.

Bob married Mabel Knudtson on March 15, 1946 in Forest City, Iowa and to this union three sons were born: David, Dennis and Darrell.  Bob farmed near Garner, Iowa for a few years and moved to Hanlontown in 1951, where he continued farming along with operating a TV repair business, raising laying hens and broilers, and milking cows.  In 1960 he formed Bob’s Sodding, which covered many areas of landscaping including laying sod on Interstates 35 and 80 from Omaha, Neb. to Des Moines, Iowa and Des Moines to the Minnesota border.

In 1970 Bob and Mabel started the Petal Shoppe in Hanlontown, with an expansion to Clear Lake in 1980.  They spent 18 years serving the area with beautiful flowers for every occasion.  Christmas time was their favorite. Bob enjoyed the Christmas tree part of the business, especially flocking and delivering.

On Nov. 10, 1990 Bob was united in marriage to Ardis Buckley. Bob enjoyed helping Ardie with her catering business and coordinating the mystery motor home trips.  He and Ardie enjoyed spending the last 20 years wintering in Arizona and traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Bob enjoyed many hobbies including square dancing, camping, hunting, fishing, playing bridge, softball and bowling with his family and friends in the early years, and later on golfing, traveling, playing 500 with winning the bid as the only option, and a little casino donating from time to time. He loved to watch his Cubbies! 

Bob is survived by his wife, Ardis Haugen, Clear Lake; three sons, David (Marilyn) of Hanlontown, Dennis (Janet) of Forest City, Iowa and Darrell (Lorinda) of Mesa, Az. and three stepchildren, Terry Buckley, Waverly, Neb., Jeff Buckley, Glenwood Springs, Colo. and Rhonda (Brian) Dirksen, Mason City; 13 grandchildren, Corey (Carla) Haugen, Prior Lake, Minn., Mandi (Cory) Lockwood, North Liberty, Iowa, Megan (John) Atkinson, Minneapolis, Minn., Nathan (Carly) Haugen, Tacoma, Wash., Justin (Kim) Haugen, Omaha, Neb., Michelle Swenson and Dave, Des Moines, Iowa, Michael (Amanda) Haugen, Forest City, Ashlee (Mark) Lewis, Tacoma, Bridget (Josh) McCloskey, Mesa; five step-grandchildren, Amber Buckley, Las Vegas, Nev., Alicia Bates, Las Vegas, Dillon Buckley, Phoenix, Az., Paige and Tess Hanson, Mason City; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ronald (Linda) Haugen, Forest City, and several nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mabel, who died Sept. 15, 1989; granddaughter, Melissa Haugen, who died on March 27, 1975; and son-in-law, Mark Hanson, Jan. 30, 2003.

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

Donald "Donnie" Smith 

Donald "Donnie" Smith, 80, of Meservey, Iowa passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the First Reformed Church in Meservey with the Rev. Rodney Meester presiding. Interment will be at Meservey Cemetery with full veteran’s honors by William J. Schmale Post #171 American Legion, Meservey. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or the Meservey American Legion in Donnie’s memory.

Donald Smith was born Dec. 26, 1930 in Ventura, Iowa, a son of Clyde and Grace (Groen) Smith. He attended school in Ventura as his family farmed in the Clear Lake and Ventura area.

Donnie was united in marriage with Rakel Sand in Nannestad, Norway on April 12, 1958. They were blessed with three daughters.

Donnie entered the United States Air Force and worked as a mechanic in the motor pools and was stationed in Norway, England and in the United States. He retired in 1971 as a Master Sergeant.

After retiring from the Air Force, Donnie and his family moved to Meservey where he worked for the city, retiring in the mid-1980’s.

He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Meservey, the American Legion, and served on the Meservey Fire Department for 18 years. Donnie was very friendly and would talk with anyone he met. He loved to fish and had many memorable family fishing trips to Canada. Most of all, Donnie loved and admired his daughters and three grandsons. He loved spending time with them and was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandson expected in December.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Elsie (Tim) Patrick, Post Falls, Idaho; Shirley Kaduce, Meservey; Mary (Dave) Smit, Sheffield; grandsons, Christopher Kaduce, Derek and Ryan Smit; sister, Vivian (Kim) McCraken; brothers, Kenneth (Grace) Smith; Virgil Smith; Russell (Bobbie) Smith; Michael ‘Mickey’ (Betty) Smith; aunt, Frances Groen, Clear Lake; best friend and former wife, Rakel Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances Rabe; brother-in-law, Barry Rabe; and sister-in-law, Myrnot Smith.

Retz Funeral Home, Sheffield, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.

Terrill "Terry" Aydelotte 

Terrill "Terry" Aydelotte, 68, of Garner, Iowa died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 at his home in Garner.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.  Visitation was held Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, Garner.

Terrill "Terry" Aydelotte, the son of Chester and Alice (Jackson) Aydelotte, was born Dec.19, 1942 at Gary, Ind.  He attended school at Gary and graduated from high school in Phoenix, Az.  On May 8, 1963 he married JoAnne Bonneson at Henschen, Ill.  They lived in the Ventura area where Terry worked as a mechanic with Jerry Hejna and farmed for Keith Ransom.  Terry also was employed as a truck driver for Niemans in Ventura until his retirement.  In 1990, Terry and JoAnne moved to Garner.  He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and hunting out west.

Terry is survived by his wife, JoAnne, of Garner; two sons, Scott (Michele) Aydelotte of Garner and Jim (Darlene) Aydelotte of Des Moines, Iowa; a granddaughter, Salida Aydelotte of Mason City; his father and step-mother, Chester and Anne Aydelotte of Portage, Ind.; seven siblings, Candice (John) Klimut of Istanbul, Turkey, Denise (Ed) Wodesky of Las Vegas, Nev., Don (Nicky) Granniss of Golden, Az., Ron (Sue Ann) Granniss of Las Vegas, Tim (Lori) Larson of Portage, Ind., Mike (Chaya) Aydelotte of Demotte, Ind. and Kathy (Mike) Bloomquist of Gleason, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice.

Clarine  K. “Claire” Olson 

Clarine  K. “Claire” Olson, 66, of 213 Asbury Drive, Clear Lake died Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 in Leland, Iowa. 

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, Lake Mills, Iowa with the Rev. William Peters officiating.  Interment will be in Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center, Iowa.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake and then one hour before the service on Thursday at the church.  Family suggests memorials to the Clarine Olson Memorial Fund.

Clarine was born Dec. 16, 1944 in rural Thompson, Iowa the daughter of Casper and Tillie (Hofdmann) Olson.  She graduated from Forest City High School in 1962.  She worked in Minneapolis for Honeywell. She later worked at Winnebago Industries Stitch Craft, and Chicago Northwestern Railroad and then for Curries Manufacturing prior to retiring in 2008.  She also worked summers at the Muskie Lounge, Ventura. 

Claire enjoyed her three cats and was compassionate about all animals.   She enjoyed quiet time spent in the beauty of nature and all God’s creatures.  She was an avid gardener and quilter. She loved making blankets for her grandchildren, spending time with her family and many close friends. Claire loved life and experienced her dream trip of a lifetime this year on an African Safari.

Claire was a beloved mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by her daughters and grandchildren.

She is survived by her two daughters, Dawn (Andrew) Serdiuk, Tampa, Fla. and Kelly (Mike) Kuhlemeier, Rockwell, Iowa; four grandchildren, David and Peter Serdiuk and Jacob and Payton Kuhlemeier; two brothers, Dennis (Donna) Olson, Joice, Iowa and Robert (Martha) Olson, Jewell, Iowa; former husband, Gary Thompson, Lake Mills; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth “Red” Olson; and infant brother, Duane Olson.

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

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