Obituary Archive Cresco Times-Plain Dealer  214 North Elm Street Cresco Iowa 52136-1522 563 547-3601	First Citizens National Bank, Mason City, is honored to participate as a corporate underwriter of this important north central Iowa community project. Keystroke Ctrl F is a page search tool The Times Plain Dealer archive

Billy Bean, Jr.

Funeral services for Billy Bean, Jr. of Cresco will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, June 2 at the United Methodist Church in Nashua with Pastor Marion Sindt officiating.

Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Nashua. Pallbearers are: Virgil Snyder, Craig Speltz, Scott Anderson, Mick Shekleton, Kip Powers, Tim Speltz, and Shawn Junker. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Billy, 30, died Thursday, May 27, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Billy Joe Bean, Jr. was born May 29, 1973 in Waverly, the son of Bill Joe, Sr. and Diane Marie (Soliver) Bean. He attended school in New Hampton.

Billy was married in 1993, and to that union a son and daughter were born. He later divorced. Billy had worked for two years at Featherlite in Cresco and then attended NICC and became a commercial/residential electrician. He began working for the Blazek Corporation in Lawler in 2003 and was currently employed there. He was engaged to marry Lyn Lehman.

Billy loved to hunt, fish, and, spending time in the shop woodworking and helping with remodeling projects.

He is survived by one son: Zachary Bean of Decorah; one daughter: Desiree Bean of Decorah; one step-daughter: Carlene Lehman of Cresco; three sisters: Debra Bean of Lawler, Trish Bean of Alpha, and Kelly Martinez of New Hampton; and his step father: Randy Kuper of Custer, SD.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother: Diane Kuper on March 19, 2002; his father: Bill Joe Bean, Sr. on January 28, 1997; and one brother: Jeffrey in infancy.

Ella Nath

Funeral services for Ella Nath, formerly of Lime Springs were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1 at the West Liberty United Methodist Church.

Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, June 2 at Saratoga Cemetery in Saratoga. Barker Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ella, 95, died Friday, May 28, 2004 at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty following an extended illness.

Ella was born October 28, 1908 near Lime Springs, the daughter of Hugo and Helen (DeFries) Hortstman.

The couple farmed in the Lime Springs area for many years. In 1974 they moved to West Liberty.

She was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church and was active at the West Liberty Meal Site for many years.

She is survived by two sons: John Nath, Sr. of Marion and Albert Nath of Solon; two sisters: Emma McInroy of Mason City and Lillie Louvar of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Ella was preceded in death by her husband Harry in 1977; her parents; two sisters; and two brothers.

Marcella Creger

Graveside services for Marcella Creger were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 28 at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.

Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Marcella, 70, died Monday, May 24, 2004 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco following a long illness.

Marcella Mae Creger was born May 26, 1933 in Cresco, the daughter of Ted and Evelyn (Ratcliff) Gunhus. She graduated from Cresco High School in 1952.

On November 7, 1953 she married Kenneth Creger. They made their home in Cresco. She was a homemaker.

Marcella was a member of the First Lutheran Church.

In the 1970s she worked at the Cresco Motel.

She enjoyed being outside, walking, and watching Hawkeye basketball.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth; three sons: Greg, Kevin, and Gary, all of Cresco, one daughter: Lisa DeWalle of LaPorte, TX; nine grandchildren; one sister: Darlene Bronner of Jesup; and one brother: James of Omaha, NE.

Marcella was preceded in death by one daughter: Pamela Creger; her parents; and one brother: Orville.

Edith Loberg

Funeral services for Edith Loberg were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 at the Notre Dame Parish - St. Joseph's Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

The pall was placed by the pallbearers. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers were: Randy Vsetecka, Leon Vsetecka, Joseph Vsetecka, Quentin Vsetecka, Ben Jacobs, and David Farnsworth. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Edith, 85, died Monday, May 24, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN after a short illness.

Edith Loberg was born June 14 1918, near Protivin, Howard County, the daughter of Frank A. and Mary (Riha) Stika. After her mother died, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Bill and Theresa Stika. She attended rural school through the eighth grade and then helped various people in Cresco doing housekeeping chores.

On May 10, 1938 she married James F. Vsetecka at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin. They farmed in Howard County. He died September 25, 1961. Edith married Caroll Loberg on January 29, 1967. They lived in Owatonna, MN. When Caroll died, she moved back to Cresco.

Edith was a member of Notre Dame Parish and its Rosary Society. She was a former member of the New Oregon Neighbor Ladies Club, and the VFW Auxiliary in Owatonna and Cresco.

She enjoyed playing cards gardening, dancing, and listening to old time music. The xenia was her favorite flower.

She is survived by one son: James of Alta Vista; step children: Steve Loberg of Florida, Linda Gronlund of Minnesota, and Larry Loberg of Minnesota; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister: Helen Pecinovsky of Cresco; two half sisters: Lillian Rolfes of Calmar and Cecelia Rolfes of Marion.

Edith was preceded in death by her husbands: James on Septebmer 25, 1961 and Caroll Loberg on September 23, 1979; her parents; one granddaughter; two sisters: Elizabeth Pecinovsky Marhoul; Emma Pecinovsky; and one brother: Edward L. Stika.

Lucile Fravel

Funeral services for Lucile Fravel will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, June 2 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco with Rev. Tim Sir officiating.

Interment will be in New Oregon Cemetery in Cresco.

Lucile, 83, died Monday, May 31, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco where she has made her home since October of 2003.

Lucile Louise Fravel was born in Howard County, east of Elma, the daughter of John and Louise (Kubik) Bilek. She attended the rural school through the eighth grade and hired out to work for various farmers.

On July 14, 1939 she married Keith Fravel in Des Moines. They returned to Cresco and made their home on the Fravel Farm

She enjoyed reading.

She is survived by her husband Keith; two sons: John of Sedalia, MO and Leonard of Cresco; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Ruth Rosetta of Bolivar, MO and Dorothy Craig of Santa Fe, NM.

Lucile was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters: Bessie DeWalle and Helen Musel.

Posted on 06/03/2004 by Gene Manning

Patricia Balk

Funeral services for Patricia "Pat" Balk of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Calmar were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Robert Hirsch officiating.

Interment was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Waucoma. Pallbearers were her grandchildren. Schluter - Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel handled the arrangements.

Patricia, 81, died Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at the Ahwatukee Adult Center in Phoenix, AZ of complications of a lung spore condition known as Valley Fever.

Patricia Balk was born August 10, 1922 on a farm near Jackson Junction, the daughter of Francis and Loretta (Nienhaus) Deeny. She graduated from Waucoma High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.

On June 15, 1943 she married William C. Balk at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma. They farmed east of Waucoma until their retirement to Calmar and Phoenix.

She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

She is survived by two sons: Gerald of Portland, OR and Jon of Eden Prairie, MN; four daughters: Betty Shomper of Sioux Falls, SD, Eileen Baily of Phoenix, Karen Mains of Phoenix, and Laura Shelton of Otho; 12 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; three sisters: Germaine Gibney of Newhall, Marcella Stallman of Fairfax, and Marion Broghammer of West Union; and two brothers: Bernard of Waucoma and Cornell of Eagle Grove.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband William in 1991; her parents; and two brothers: Donald and Charles.

Lillian Hale

Funeral services for Lillian Hale of LeRoy were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 4 at the LeRoy First Presbyterian Church in LeRoy, MN with Rev. Neal Solomonson officiating.

Interment will be in the LeRoy City Cemetery in LeRoy, MN. Hindt-Hutchins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Lillian, 88, died Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at her home in LeRoy, MN.

Lillian C. Hale was born March 28, 1916 in rural McIntire, the daughter of Fred and Nellie (Robbins) Kesten. Lillian graduated from Riceville High School in 1933 and post graduate teacher training in 1934.

On February 14, 1937 she married F. Stuart Hale in LeRoy. They made their home on a farm in Oak Dale Township in Iowa.

She was active in 4-H and the Howard County Farm Bureau in Iowa.

She enjoyed cooking and cleaning. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of LeRoy.

She is survived by two sons: Jerry of Rochester, MN and John of Winona, MN; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband F. Stuart; one son: James; her parents; four brothers; and three sisters.

Gertrude Meirick

Funeral services for Gertrude Meirick of Dubuque, formerly of rural New Haven and Charles City will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 10 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven with Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating.

Interment will be in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in New Haven.

Visitation is from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. today, Wednesday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage where there will be a Rosary and Scripture Service conducted by the Lay Carmelites at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Gertrude, 94, died Sunday, June 6, 2004 at Stone Hill Care Center in Dubuque.

Gertrude R. Meirick was born March 5, 1910 in Howard County, near Riceville, the daughter of William and Anna (Cashman) Marr. She graduated from St. Mary's Academy in New Haven.

On September 30, 1933 she married Paul J. Meirick at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven. They farmed in the New Haven area. Paul died in 1973. She then moved to Charles City, and while living there she was recognized by the Charles City Chamber of Commerce as its Outstanding Senior Citizen.

She was an accomplished musician and seamstress. She was involved with the Senior Citizens Fun Band in Charles City. She was active in the A.C.C.W. and Altar and Rosary Societies and was a member of the Lay Carmelites. She moved to Dubuque in September of 1997.

She is survived by one daughter: Ann O'Brien of Dubuque; three sons: Bill of Protivin, Dick of New Haven, and Dan of Las Vegas, NV; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Mary Miller of River Falls, WI and Grace Fox of St. Ansgar and Mesa, AZ.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Paul; her parents; three brothers: Urban, Vincent, and Francis; and one sister: Luella Dunlay.

Francis Skretta

Funeral services for Francis "Frank" Skretta formerly of Fort Atkinson will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, June 9 at St. John's Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Rev. John Moser officiating.

Interment will be in St. John's Catholic Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Tom Reiner, Mike Sands, Gene Wright, Mike Walston, Jefferson Stigler, and John Perez. Schluter - Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Francis, 59, died Thursday, June 3, 2004 at the Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, NE.

Francis Skretta was born August 19, 1944 near Protivin, the son of Edward and Agnes (Barloon) Skretta. Frank moved as a child to Fort Atkinson where he attended St. John's Catholic School and Fort Atkinson High School. He graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1962. He served in the US Navy for two years.

He married Linda Cook in Reno, NV. He worked for a magazine company for 37 years in sales.

He loved to travel and horse racing.

He is survived by one daughter: Lori Skretta of Escondido, CA; two grandchildren; his mother: Agnes Skretta of Fort Atkinson; one sister: Jeanne Schnitzler of Lima, MT; and three brothers: Larry of Decorah, Joe of Fort Atkinson, and Mark of Fort Atkinson

Francis was preceded in death by his father Edward in 1986; two brothers: Jim and Ray; and one sister: Charlene Balik.

Posted on 06/11/2004 by Gene Manning

Harlan Amundson

Funeral services for Harlan Amundson were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11 at Orleans Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway with Pastor Phillip Olson and Pastor Ginny Olson officiating.

Inurnment will be held privately at a later date. Honorary pallbearers were all of Harlan's friends.

Harlan, 69, died unexpectedly on June 8, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Harlan Rayne Amundson was born on November 30, 1934 in Decorah, the son of Harry and Ruth (Peterson) Amundson. He grew up on the family farm in Winneshiek County. He was baptized into the Christian faith on December 23, 1934 at Madison Lutheran Church. He was confirmed in his faith on May 22, 1949 at Lincoln Lutheran Church. Harlan was educated in the rural schools of Winneshiek County and graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1953.

Harlan farmed much of his life in Winneshiek County having begun farming with his parents. Harlan, then served in the United States Army from 1955-1957, where he was an instructor in the assembly of Nike missiles. Following the army, he returned to farming.

On February 2, 1958 he married Lorraine Haubenreiser in Westmont, IL. Harlan and Lorraine were later divorced.

Harlan became a member of Orleans Lutheran Church on December 20, 1953.

He was married to Lois Stevens on October 9, 1981 in Paris, TX.

Harlan continued to farm until ill health caused him to do something different. He was affiliated with Erickson Prochaska Real Estate in Cresco for several years in the early 1980s and then worked for the United States Postal Service in Wolfe City, TX for 10 years before retiring in 1997. Since then they have spent the summer months on the farm in Iowa and the winter months at their home near Pecan Gap, TX.

They enjoyed trips to places like England and Scotland, other European countries, Bangkok, Thailand as well as several cruises and destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.

His greatest delight was finding an old, rusty tractor or engine that didn't run and making it look good and be operable again. After being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 1974, he supported the foundation that is searching for a cure for this inherited disease.

He is survived by his wife Lois; two sons: Keith of Doniphan, MO and Neal of Mason City; one daughter: Lynn Walters of Manly; one step-son: Paul Stevens of Ridgeway; one step-daughter: Suzanne Anderson of Decorah; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Harlan was preceded in death by one step-son: Wayne Stevens; his parents; and his first wife: Lorraine.

Gerald Carroll

Funeral services for Gerald "Jerry" Carroll of Monona were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 11 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona with Rev. John W. Moran officiating.

Interment was in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Monona. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren.

Jerry, 87, died Sunday, June 6, 2004 at Thornton Manor, Lansing, following a long illness.

Gerald John Carroll was born March 6, 1917 in Cresco, the son of James Emmett and Mary Bertha (Ahern) Carroll. He graduated from Assumption High School in Cresco in 1935. Jerry worked in several grocery stores including managing Nation Tee Company in Dubuque. He started a Jerry's Jack Sprat Store in 1942.

On October 10, 1939 he married Kathryn McCullow at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona.

He served six years as Postmaster in Monona. Jerry started The Billboard in October, 1958, and Carroll Studio about the same time. He retired in 1983 when he sold the paper to his daughter Marcia.

He is survived by his wife Kathryn; sons: David of Poway, CA, Steven of San Diego, CA; daughters: Kathleen Strub of Lansing, Marilyn Emerson of Cedar Rapids, Marcia Carroll of Monona, and Elizabeth Carroll of San Diego, CA; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister: Mary Mulick of Cresco.

Jerry was preceded in death by one daughter: Margaret Beauregard; one son: Paul; three granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; his parents; and two brothers: Ray and Gene.

Vince Neubauer

Funeral services for Vince Neubauer of Cresco will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, June 16 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

The family will place the pall. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers are: son-in-laws and good friends. Conway Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Vince, 77, died Sunday, June 13, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center after an extended illness.

Vencle Virgil Neubauer was born April 25, 1927 in Cresco, the son of Vince Neubauer, Sr. and Marcella (Balk) Neubauer. He attended Assumption Grade and High School, graduating in 1945.

On April 6, 1948 he married Elizabeth Mary Trachta at Assumption Church in Cresco.

At age 15, Vince began playing electric guitar and violin in a dance band with his father Vince, brother Parnell, relatives and friends. Shortly, he started his own band, "Little Vince and His Orchestra," which later became "Vince's Accordion Band," who played for wedding, barn, and ballroom dances. His band played at such ballrooms as Waterloo's Electric Park, the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Oelwein's Club Savoy, Matters Ballroom in Decorah and the Inwood in Spillville. The band was featured on a TV program in Austin, MN. Vince's band played from 1942 until 1959.

He worked at the Coast-to-Coast Store in Cresco from 1942-1953. Vince and his family farmed near Cresco from 1949-1993. During many of these years, he operated a custom crop spraying service as well as a Crow's Seed dealership.

He was a lifelong member of Cresco Council 1571-Knights of Columbus and past-president of the Notre Dame Home-School Association.

His favorite pastimes were fishing, reading, watching sports, and listening to music. He enjoyed is cat "Sparky".

He is survived by his wife Betty; seven children: Richard of Lime Springs, Michael of Bangor, WI, Cindy Flakoll of McPherson County, SD, Dave of Lime Springs, Judi Houdek of Cresco, Pat Klimesh of Becker, MN and 1SG Dee Hosek of Cresco; 26 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Vince was preceded in death by one granddaughter; his parents; and one brother: Parnell.

Dr. Alvin Peterson

Funeral services for Dr. Alvin Peterson of Elma were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 10 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma with Rev. Marshall Monthei officiating.

Interment was in Howard Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Jim Haeflinger, Jason Post, Scott Post, David McKeag, Dan McKeag, Phil McCarville, Ben Haar, and Jeff Rahlf.

Alvin, 58, died Monday, June 7, 2004 in Elma of an apparent heart attack.

Alvin Ray Peterson was born September 4, 1945 at Marshalltown, the son of Kenneth and Alice (Schultz) Peterson. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1963 and went to Iowa State University in Ames where he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1969. After his schooling he moved to Elma and began practicing as a Veterinarian with Dr. C.E. Oelberg. He continued practicing until a disability forced him to retire.

On June 11, 1983 he married Charlotte Rahlf at the United Methodist Church in New Hampton. They resided in Elma.

Following his retirement he spent time driving for many Mennonite families in the Elma area.

Alvin enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, reading, and cooking.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Elma, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Scottish Rites, and served on the Elma City Council.

He is survived by his wife Charlotte; one daughter: Amanda of Elma; three grandchildren; his mother: Alice Peterson of Elma; one brother: Kenny of Des Moines; and two sisters: Lois McKeag of St. Paul, MN and Betty Post of Apple Valley, MN.

Alvin was preceded in death by his father; and one step daughter: Christine Peterson.

K. Elaine Klenske

Funeral services for K. Elaine Klenske of New Hampton were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 11 at Holy Family Parish - St. Mary's Center in New Hampton with Monsignor Carl Schmitt officiating.

The family placed the pall on the casket. Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Hampton. Pallbearers were: Tom Gansen, Reynold Schwickrath, Wally Murphy, Tom Murphy, Leonard Rosonke, and Jim Davis. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

K. Elaine, 77, died Sunday, June 6, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Katherine Elaine Klenske was born April 22, 1927 in Greene, the daughter of Raymond and Agnes (O'Halloran) Lynch. The Lynch family moved to New Hampton where Elaine completed eighth grade at St. Joseph School. In 1945, she graduated from New Hampton High School. Following graduation, she moved to California where she worked for the Navy until the end of WWII. Upon returning to New Hampton, she worked in Charles City, Waterloo, and New Hampton.

On June 28, 1948 she married Lee Francis Klenske at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton. She was a homemaker. Following the sale of the family business in 1969 they moved to Santa Monica, CA. Following Lee's death on January 5, 1977, Elaine moved back to New Hampton.

She was employed for many years at Larkin-Martin-Hugeback Funeral Home.

She enjoyed reading, shopping, cooking, and traveling.

Elaine was a member of Holy Family Parish and Rosary Society.

She is survived by two daughters: Patricia Tongate of Aliso Viejo, CA and Betty Fuhrer of Santa Barbara, CA; three grandchildren; three sisters: Mary Roths of Central Point, OR, Jerry Weiss of San Jose, CA, and Sr. Agnes Marie Lynch P.B.V.M. of Dubuque; two step sisters: Wilma Groom of Warren, IL, Marita Moore of Lena, IL; two step brothers: Cecil Creighton of Lena, IL and Norman Creighton of Stockton, IL.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers: Harold Lynch and Raymond Lynch; her step father: Walter Creighton; and one step brother: Regis Creighton.

Gertrude McGrane

Funeral services for Gertrude McGrane of Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 11 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Monsignor John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in St. Patrick's Cemetery at St. Cecelia, in rual Elma. Pallbearers were: Joseph, Dan, Tom, and Merle McGrane, William Chihak, and Steve Weiland. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Gertrude, 87, died Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Gertrude McGrane was born May 27, 1917 in Howard County, the daughter of Peter and Rose (Murray) McGrane

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Peter, Melbourne, Everett, and Joseph; and two sisters: Rose and Sister Mary Annalise.

Posted on 06/18/2004 by Gene Manning

Martha Steensland

Funeral services for Marth Steensland of New Hampton was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jun 19 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Rev. Harve Abrahamson officiating. Interment was in the Saude Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Lawler. Pallbearers were: Jim, Mike, and Brian Webster, Todd and Tin Knutson, Gene Anderson, Rol Underwood, and Randy Ellingson Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Martha, 95, died Thursday, Jury 17, 2004 at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Hampton.

Martha Dorthia Steensland was born April 12, 1909 on the Sjobakken farm north of Lawler, the daughter of Muns and Andrina" (Sjobakken) Munson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Saude Lutheran Church. She attended rural schools and graduated from Cresco High School in 1927. She attended Bethany Lutheran College, graduating in 1933.

On February 24, 1938 she married Fred N. Steensland in the Munson home. They farmed the family farm. After Fred's death in 1966, she worked at Bethesda Lutheran Home in Watertown, WI and the Davenport Lutheran Home in Davenport. While in Davenport she lived with her daughter Sara and her husband Larry and their family. In 1979 she retired and moved back to New Hampton.

She was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, she taught Sunday school, and was active in many organizations.

She is survived by two daughters: Anna Webster of Lawler and Sara Knutson of Cedar Rapids; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two step great-grandsons; and one sister: Sophia Dow of Alexandria VA.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband Fred; one grandson; and her parents"

Brady Stotz

Funeral services for Brady Stortz were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 21 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in rural Decorah with Pastor David H. Andreae officiating. Interment was in Big Canoe Cemetery in rural Decorah. Pallbearers were: Matthew Stortz, Nels Gavle, Andrew Hansen, and Joel Thorson. Honorary pallbear- erers were Brady's classmates. Schluter - Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Brady, 8, died Friday, June 18,2004 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI from an ATV farm accident.

Brady Mitchell Stortz was born March 16, 1996, the son of Mitchell Erlin and Amanda Grace (Hansen) Stortz. He was baptized on June 2, 1996 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church. Brady grew up loving everything and always wanting"to learn more. Brady had just completed second grade at North Winneshiek School. The one thing that Brady was so proud of was the poem that he wrote for his Mom on Mother's Day.

He enjoyed singing songs, hunting and fishing. He loved going up North. He loved eating microwave sandwiches at his grandparents store. The joy of Brady's life was farming with his Dad. He also enjoyed doing the chores and getting the cows in the barn with his brothers

He is survived by his parents: Mitchell and Amanda Stortz; two brothers: Devin and Mason; grand- parents: Keith and Pam Hansen of Cresco and Gary and Beverly Stortz of Decorah; great-grandmothers: Marlys Schulte of Decorah, and Irene Klein of Waterloo; and great- gandfather: Erlin Stortz of Mabel.

Kathaline "Kay" Casey

Funeral services for Kathaline "Kay" Casey of Mason City, formerly of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Bluff ton with Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiating. Interment was in St. Bridget's Catholic Cemetery in Bluffton. Schluter - Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Kay, 67, died Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at her home surrounded by her family from a lengthy illness with diabetes.

Kathaline Elizabeth Casey was born August 14, 1936 in Frankville, the daughter of Ambrose and Elizabeth (Middlekauff) McKernan. As a young child, Kay moved with her family to Decorah where she attended Decorah Public Schools and graduated from Decorah High School in 1954.

On November 15, 1954 she married Donald Casey at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah. They farmed near Bluffton. She worked various jobs in the Decorah area. She moved to Mesa, AZ in August of 2001. Due to health reasons she returned to Iowa in October 2002, settling in Mason City to be close to a dialysis unit.'

She enjoyed the winters she was able to spend in Arizona with her sisters and friends. She was a member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Bluffton.

 She is survived by four daughters: Vickie Kilgore of Newton, Cathy Halweg of Benton, WI, Rhonda Casey of Galena, IL, and Corrine McConnell of Stewartville, MN; one son: James of Manly; 10 grandchildren; five sisters: Colleen Danielson of Decorah, Lorraine Moeller of Waterloo, Bonnie Headington of Waterloo, Dorothy Fiqureoa of Dewey, AZ, and Sandy Headington of Decorah; and two brothers: Richard of Decorah and Tom of Minneapolis, MN.

Kathaline was preceded in death by her husband Donald on May 17, 1996; her parents; and one brother: Robert.

 John Alan Shileny

Funeral services for John Shileny of Protivin were held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 17 at Hugeback's Protivin Funeral Home in Protivin with Rev. John Moser of Holy Trinity Catholic Church officiating. Family interment will take place at later date in Holy Trinity Cemtery in Protivin. Pallbearers will be: Tom Shileny, Christopher Ducker, Kyle Ducker, David Mecks, Denise Mecks, Matthew Boehmler, and Lee Ann Shileny. Honorary pallbearers will be Lauren Prentice and Tanner Bruns.

John, 49, died Monday, June 14, 2004 at the Froedert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee, after a long illness with lymphoma and leukemia.

John Alan Shileny was born June 24, 1954 in Cresco, the son of Julius and Loretta (Kacer) Shileny. He attended school at Holy Trinity in Protivin and was a 1972 graduate of Turkey Valley High School. After graduation he attended the "'Professional Institute of Business in Minneapolis.

On June 4, 1977 he married Theresa Zink in Sterling, IL. They  were later divorced. John worked as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Illinois and Iowa and later farmed near Saude. He had most recently worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator for the Peterson Construction Company of Reinbeck. John was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia in May of 1999.

. He is survived by two sons: Adam and Daniel, both of West Bend, WI; two daughters: Kristi Shileny of Milwaukee, WI and Julie Shileny of West Bend, WI; his parents: Julius and Loretta Shileny of Protivin; two brothers: Dennis of LaPorte City and Gerry of Protivin; and three sisters: Janice Bronson of Cedar Rapids, Marilyn Ducker of Protivin, and Linda Prentice of Spring Hill, FL.

. John was preceded in death by an infant brother: Thomas Joseph; his paternal grandparents; and maternal grandparents.

 Mary Jane Templeton

Funeral services for Mary Templeton, formerly of Burlington, were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 17 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Lime Springs. Interment was held on Friday, June 18 at the Memorial Park Cemetery -jp Burlington at 12:00 p.m. ..-

Mary; 83, died Monday, June 14, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Mary Jane Templeton was born July 24, 1920 in Salem. She was a homemaker. She has resided at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco for the last eight years.

She is survived by four' children: Allend of Colorado Springs, CO, Terry Templeton of Sioux City, Lina Roof of St. Paul, MN, and Pam Kranzler of Lime Springs; and eight grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters; and one brother.

William "Bill" Joseph Schmitz

Funeral services for William "Bill" Schmitz of Lime Springs were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 21 at the Notre Dame Parish - St. Joseph's Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating. The family placed the pall. Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs. Pallbearers were: Tony Roberts, Jim Schmitz, Mike Gerschutz, Dana Shea, Bill Murphy, and Mike Bielefeld. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Bill, 68, died Thursday, June 17, 2004 at the Regional Health Services of Howard County Hospital in Cresco after suffering a heart attack at home.

William Joseph Schmitz was born February 26, 1936 at Glandorf, OH, the son of William Schmitz Sr. and Dorothy (Recker) Schmitz. He attended Glandorf Elementary and Glandorf High School through the 11 th grade: He returned home to help the family on the farm.

On November 22, 1958 he married Clarine Hoffman at St. Anthony's Church in Columbus Grove, OH. They operated a sawmill for a time and then owned a small farm in Ohio, but rented other land to make him a larger than average farmer. In February of 1974 they moved to a farm near Lime Springs. Bill thought a lot about conservation practices and was one of the first in Howard County to practice minimum or no-till crop production.

He was a member of St. Stephens Church in Chester, later joining Notre Dame Parish - St. Joseph's Church in Cresco. He was a former member of the Farm Bureau. He restored a Model A Ford.

He is survived by his wife Clarine; one daughter: Carol Schmitz of Lime Springs; three sons: Alan of Ankeny, Roger of Hutchinson, MN, and John of Cresco; two brothers: Jerry and Kenneth, both of Ottawa, OH; and two sisters: Anita Doepker and Edna Gerschutz, both of Ottawa, OH.

William was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Raymond, Alvin, and Dan; and two sisters: Shirley Kuhlman and Judith Schmitz.

 Leo E. Praska

Funeral services for Leo Praska of Iowa Falls were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 17 at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with Father James Dubert and Father Phil Schmitt officiating. Interment was in St. Mark's Cemetery in Iowa Falls. Surls Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Leo, 67, died Saturday, June 12, 2004 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Leo E. Praska was born August 26, 1936 in rural Elma, the son of Louis and Florence (Clynch) Praska. He graduated from Cresco High School and Upper Iowa University in Fayette. He was a territory sales- man for Agco.

On August 5, 1957 he married Darlyne Henry at St. Bridget~ Catholic Church in Bluffton.

He was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church, Knights 0f Columbus, Iowa Falls Elks Club B.P.O.E. #1674.

He is survived by his wife Darlyne; one daughter: Connie Reece of Des Moines; two sons: Ron of Champlin, MN and Ryan of Des Moines; four grandchildren; two brothers: Donald of Cresco and Gerald of New Hampton; and one sister: Gloria Drilling of New Hampton.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents: and one brother: Francis.

Betty Ann Goodrich

Funeral services for Betty Goodrich of Fredericksburg were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 17 at the United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg with Pastor Rose Calderon- Khan officiating. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Pallbearers were: Travis Jacobs, Aaron Goodrich, Justin Goodrich, Austin Goodrich, Michael Christensen, Adam Christensen, Nicholas Christensen, and Chris Kueppers. Honorary pallbearers were: Stephanie Kueppers, Stacy Jacobs, Jill Goodrich, Heather Goodrich, Angie Daubert, Jodie Hull, Kristi Damgaard, Donald Pett, Amos Brandepburg, Floren Bravener, Alan Beier, and Max Crabtree. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Betty, 74, died Monday, June 14, 2004 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.

Betty Ann Goodrich was born August 31, 1929 in New Hampton, the daughter of Adolph and Ella (Edgar) Fisher. She attended rural Chickasaw County School and grad- uated from the New Hampton High School. .

On May 2, 1948 she married Leonard J. Goodrich at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They moved to and farmed the Goodrich Century farm, west of Fredericksburg.

Betty began work at the Sara Lee Bakery in New Hampton on May 3, 1972 and in 1976, they moved into Fredericksburg. She retired September 1, 1995 and enjoyed being a housewife during her retirement.

She followed all her grandchildren's activities. She liked watching TV, especially the Bererly Hillbillies, game shows, reading the newspapers, and Iowa basketball.

She is survived by her husband Leonard; three sons: Roger of Frederika, Allan of Fredericksburg, and Dale of Fredericksburg; one daughter: Jean Hicks of Sumner; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and one brother: Donald of Kirksville, MO.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister in infancy.

Wesley Francis Shatek

FuneraJ services for Wesley Shatek of New Hampton were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19 at Holy. Family Parish - St. Joseph Center with Monsignor Carl Schmitt officiating. Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Lourdes. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Wesley, 83, died Tuesday, June 15, 2004  at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN of natural causes.

Wesley Francis Shatek was bon July 11, 1920 in Howard County near Lourdes, the son of Vince ant Anna (Shatek) Shatek. He attended two years of Catholic school in Lourdes and six years of country school.

 On May 29, 1945 he married Irene (Hackman) at our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina.

They farmed the family farm. Following their retirement they lived for a brief time on an acreagc near Protivin before moving to New Hampton.

Wesley was a member of Holy Family Parish in New Hampton,  Farm Bureau, and he enjoyed helping his sons with farm work.

He loved to read the newspaper play cards, go fishing and boating and take bus tours. His hobby was trapping gophers. He loved playing pool, dice and cards with the grand. children.

He is survived by his wife Irene;  seven sons: Robert, Lester, and Jim all of New Hampton, Roger of Ft Atkinson', Daniel and Donald, both of Elma, and Randy of Lawler; three daughters: Ruth Cooney of Maple Grove, MN, Jane Kottschade of Plainview, MN, and Norma Renneberg of Eagan, MN 36 grand- children; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Angeline Northness of Owatonna, MN and Helen HuegeJ of Cresco.

Wesley was preceded in death by his parents.

 Earl R. Bronner

Funeral services for Earl Bronnel of Jesup were held at 10:00 a.m. or Saturday, June 12 at the American Lutheran Church in Jesup with Rev Earl Estil officiating. Interment was at 1 :30 p.m. on Saturday at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco with Rev Gary Lee officiating. Honorary pall- bearers were: George Uchytil, Dick Ortner, Jim Phillips, Bar Christiansen, and Gerald Amfahr.  Pallbearers were: Don Pint, Ron Pint, Richard Bronner, Gary Creger Kevin Creger, and Greg Creger. White Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Earl, 78, died Tuesday, June 8,  2004 at West Village Care Center in Independence following a short illness.

Earl R. Bronner was born Augusl 24, 1925 in Lime Springs, the son of Michael and Ida (Mau) Bronner. He served with the US Army during WWII in both Europe and Japan.

On July 1, 1950 he married Darlene Pearl Gunhus in Cresco.  Over the years they made their home in Denver and Waterloo, before moving to Jesup 33 years ago. Ear] was a plumber, working for Fereday Heating and Air Conditioning in Waterloo for 25 years before operating his own plumbing and heating business in Jesup.

He was a member of the American Lutheran Church and Pump-Scheer American Legion Post 342, both in Jesup.

 He is survived by his wife Darlene; two sons: Doug of Newton and David of LaPorte City; five grandchildren including Amy Schares of Oelwein whom they raised; two brothers: Henry of Lime Springs and Arnold of Phoenix, AZ;  five sisters: Edith Mae Benson of Cresco, .Marcella Haskovec, and Marilyn Nicholas,. both of Lime Springs, Betty Jean Bates of Waterloo and Elsie Pint of Phoenix, AZ.

Earl was preceded in death by one daughter: Debbie Wood; his parents; one brother: William; and four sisters: Lydia Howard, Lorraine Geiken, Geraldine Price, and Dorothy Rucker.

Posted on 07/18/2004 by Gene Manning