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

Beatha Eddy

Funeral services for Beatha Eddy formerly of Harmony, MN will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 6 at the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, MN.

Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in Greenfield Cemetery in Harmony.

Beatha, 88, died Sunday, May 2, 2004 at the St. Anthony's Health Center in St. Anthony, MN.

Beatha Jeanette Eddy was born July 25, 1915 in Winneshiek County, the daughter of Benny and Jane Gilbertson. She was baptized and confirmed in Burr Oak Lutheran Church and graduated from Burr Oak High School.

In 1938, she married Norman M. Eddy. They resided for several years in Oakland CA, before returning to Minnesota where they made their home on a farm.

Beatha was a member of Greenfield Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and participated in WELCA and circles.

She is survived by one daughter: Karma Ryals of Spring Lake Park, MN; one son: Paul of St. Anthony Village, MN; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Beatha was preceded in death by her husband Norman; one sister: Irene Gemperle; and one brother: Neil, killed in WWII.

Grace Hughes

Funeral services for Grace Hughes were held. on Monday, May 3 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco with Rev. Tim Sir officiating.

Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lime Springs.

Grace, 93, died Thursday, April 29, 2004 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco where she made her home since April 20.

Grace E. Hughes was born April 14, 1911 near Lime Springs, the daughter of Traver and Jennie (Williams) Hughes. She attended the rural school and graduated from Lime Springs High School. Grace worked as a telephone operator and for a clothing store, both in Cresco. After her mother died in 1930, she attended beauty college in Waterloo and eventually opened a beauty shop in her home in Lime Springs. She lived in her home and cared for her father until his death in 1950. After their husbands died, her two sisters moved in with her.

She loved to read, listen to music and watch the Lawrence Welk Show on TV. Grace attended the Presbyterian Church in Lime Springs until it closed.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; one brother: Robert; and two sisters: Mary Scheurer and Phoebe Jones.

Scott Kach

Funeral services for Scott Kach of Albert Lea were held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4 at the Church of St. Theodore's with Father Robert Schneider officiating.

Interment was in St. Theodore's Cemetery. Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Scott, 21, died Friday, April 30, 2004 resulting from a motorcycle accident in Albert Lea. Scott's family gave the gift of life by donating to the American Red Cross.

Scott Christopher Kach was born November 5, 1982 in Forest Lake, MN, the son of Randy and Sue (Bronner) Kach. Scott was a long-time carrier of the Albert Lea Tribune and an employee of HyVee during his high school years. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 2001. Scott was a student at Riverland Community College and was scheduled to graduate with an Associates of Science degree on May 14, 2004.

While attending Riverland College, Scott lived with his mother, Sue and brother Jason.

Scott was an avid snowmobiler, four-wheeler, angler, runner, roller-bladder and loved his automobiles.

Scott loved yard work and thoroughly enjoyed maintaining his goldfish pond. He was a wonderful cook and loved to barbeque.

He is survived by his mother: Sue Kach; his father: Randy; one brother: Jason; and grandparents: Chuck and Edna Bronner of Cresco and Donald Kach of Cresco.

Scott was preceded in death by his grandmother, Phyllis Kach.

Mary Ahern

Funeral services for Mary Ahern of Dubuque were held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 3 at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque.

Siegert-Caser Colonial Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements in Cresco.

Mary, 81, died Friday, April 30, 2004 at home.

Mary Francis Ahern was born March 14, 1923 in Dubuque, the daughter of Nicholas and Henrietta (Koempel) Thoma. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy and worked at the Archdiocese of Dubuque newspaper and The Witness.

On August 21, 1943 she married Vergil Francis Ahern at St. Raphael's Cathedral. They moved to Cresco where they raised their family. Mary also served the Archdiocese in various functions and assisted Knights of Columbus Council 1571 with bookkeeping. In 1978 they moved back to Dubuque. Vergil died August 10, 1980.

She was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. She was a first-rate gardener, seamstress, and baker.

She is survived by five children: Mary Therese Ahern of Dubuque, Barbara Ann LeGrand of Platteville, WI, Susan Catherine Kratz of Iowa City, Mark Joseph of Cresco, and Paul Francis of Marengo; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Vergil; her parents; three sisters: Sylvia DeLire, Florence Vincent, and Sister Harrietta Thoma, BVM; and two brothers: Paul and George.

Mildred Graetz

A memorial service for Mildred Graetz of Chicago, IL, formerly of Elma, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 8 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Monsignor John Hemann officiating.

Friends may call an hour prior to services at the church.

Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Mildred, 85, died Wednesday, November 12, 2003 in Chicago, IL.

Mildred E. Graetz was born May 3, 1918 on a farm near Elma, the daughter of William and Margaret (Wentz) Kurtenback.

She is survived by one son: Michael of Chicago; one granddaughter; and one sister: Elaine Vessey of Rochester, MN.

Mildred was preceded in death by four sisters: Bea De Luhery, Grace La Graneur, Ruth Shepard, and Margaret Hyberger; and two brothers: Neil and Clarence.

Dale Warburton

Dale "Warby" Warburton of Riceville died Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at his residence.

Dale requested no funeral services be held. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dale Richard Warburton was born October 20, 1928 in Jamestown Township north of Riceville, the son of John and Zeffie (Ford) Warburton. He attended local schools graduating from Riceville High School. Dale served his country in the U.S. Army from January 12, 1951 to April 8, 1957. Dale worked as a trucker during his life.

On October 14, 1972 he married Kathryn Ring at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lime Springs.

He is survived by his wife Kathryn of Riceville; his children: Douglas of Northwood, Darrell of Osage, Phillip Taylor of Riceville, Shirley Reis, Nita Thompson of Mesa, AZ. seven grandchildren; and three sisters: Evelyn Anderson of Riceville, Lois Eidness of Osage, and Maryette Mentel of Waterloo.

Dale was preceded in death by one daughter: Donna Hattimer; his parents; two brothers: Harry and Bill; and three sisters: Lenora Gansen, Grace Warburton, and Dolores Lambers.

George Johnson

Funeral services for George "Pud" Johnson of Harmony, MN were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30 at the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony with Rev. James Radatz officiating.

Interment was in Greenfield Cemetery. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

George, 83, died Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at the Harmony Health Care Center where he had been a resident for three weeks.

George Lester Johnson was born November 30, 1920 in Fillmore County, MN, the son of Arthur and Edith Johnson. He attended Harmony area schools where he graduated in 1938. As a young man, he worked with his family on the family farm.

On January 15, 1954 he married Ada Gillund and they made their home in Harmony. He was a custodian for Harmony Area Schools until his retirement in 1986. He was baptized, confirmed and was a lifetime member of Greenfield Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife Ada; one son: Chris of Harmony, MN; one step daughter: Joan of Irvine, CA; one granddaughter; one step grandson; two step great-grandchildren; two sisters: Freda Hanson of Harmony and June Johnson of Lime Springs; and one brother: Norman of Harmony.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother: Allard.

Posted on 05/06/2004 by Gene Manning

Edith Finnegan

Mass of Christian Burial for Edith Finnegan will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 13 with Vigil Service to be held at 6:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 12, both at St. Angela's Catholic Church, Pacific Grove, CA.

The Paul Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Edith died Friday, April 16, 2004.

Edith M. Finnegan was born July 13, 1910 in Cresco, the daughter of Owen and Josephine McGee.

In 1936, she married Col. Dr. John Finnegan, DDS (Retired). She was a devoted wife of a military husband, during and after WWII; stationed in many parts of the world. She was a longtime resident of Minneapolis, MN and has lived in Pacific Grove, CA since 1972.

She is survived by one sister: Bette Schriener of Lakeville, MN.

Owana Minor

Funeral services for Owana Minor of Riceville were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Gale Richards and Rev. Gary Gilbert officiating.

Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Owana, 95, died Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Owana Margaret Minor was born December 26, 1908 in Riceville, the daughter of James W. and Olive (Coyer) Benson. Ten days after her birth and the passing of her mother, Owana was raised by Charles and Ada Root until she was 16 years old. She graduated from Riceville High School in 1926.

On November 5, 1927 she married Harry D. Minor in Riceville.

She was an active member of the Riceville and David communities.

Owana was a homemaker and helped her husband in farming.

She is survived by two daughters: Barbara Lenth of Riceville and Margaret Scott of Des Moines; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one half sister: Bernice Wright of Santa Ana, CA.

Owana was preceded in death by her husband Harry; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter.

Joseph Arnold

Funeral services for Joseph Arnold of rural Elma were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 7 at Immanuel Lutheran Church (Crane Creek), rural Lawler with Rev. Alan Schulz officiating.

Interment was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in rural Lawler. Pallbearers were: Jay Roberson, Alvin Paulson, John Costello, Leonard Shatek, Francis Smith, Waldon Johnson, and Dennis Miller. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Joseph, 71, died Thursday, April 15, 2004 at his home of cancer.

Joseph Tillman Arnold was born January 3, 1913 at his parents' home near Saude, in Chickasaw County, the son of Glenn and Helmina (Rinde) Arold. He attended rural school near his family's home in Chickasaw County. After his schooling he went to work for area farmers and later served in the Civilian Conservation Corps.

On March 7, 1937 he married Rosamond Hereid at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Saude. They farmed on the Basteson family farm Southeast of Lourdes for many years except for a seven year period that the couple lived in Mechanicsburg, PA. In 1993 they moved back to the family farm and he resided there until March of 2004 when he entered the Colonial Manor in Elma because of failing health.

He was a lifelong member of the Immanuel Lutheran church.

He enjoyed playing cards, trips to the lake, fishing, and going out for dinner.

He is survived by one daughter: Gloria Hassman of Camp Hill, PA; one son: Wayne of Elma; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Rosamond on September 26, 1995; his parents; and one brother: Karl.

Lee Miller

Funeral services for Lee Miller of New Hampton were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastor Harvey Abrahamson officiating.

Interment was in New Hampton City Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Laverne Nelson, Tom Sauser, Dennis Strum, Art Borlaug, Norb Steffen, and Reynold Schwickerath. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Lee, 87, died Saturday, May 8, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Lee M. Miller was born June 1, 1916 in New Hampton, the son of Alva L. and Jennie V. (Meyers) Miller. He attended New Hampton Grade School and was a 1934 New Hampton High School graduate. He graduated from the Morton Air Academy, Gary Field, CA in May 1934.

On December 29, 1943 he married Ethel Mae Vaala in Salt Lake City, UT. Lee served with the Army Air Corps as a First Lieutenant stationed in Pembrook, England.

He owned the New Hampton John Deere Implement Co. for 25 years, the New Hampton Motel for 10 years, and worked at Ed's Office Machines until retiring.

He was on the New Hampton Planning and Zoning Commission for 15 years, a 50 year member of the New Hampton Fae Stine American Legion Post #38 and Redeemer Lutheran Church.

He was an avid card player, loved reading and golfing and went on many fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada.

He is survived by his wife Ethel Mae; two sons: Kendall of LeClaire and Alan of Brooklyn Park, MN; four grandchildren; and one brother: Roy of Mechanicsburg, PA.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents.

Freida Huhe

Funeral services for Freida Huhe were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 7 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco with Rev. Allen Hermeier officiating.

Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Freida, 87, died Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at her son's home.

Freida Huhe was born September 10, 1916 in rural Cresco the daughter of Fred and Rosa Gerber. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Cresco.

On October 14, 1936 she married August Huhe in Cresco. They farmed in the Ridgeway area until their retirement in 1994.

She is survived by one son: Eugene of Ridgeway; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister: Hedwig Kach of Cresco.

Freida was preceded in death by her husband August; her parents; one sister: Anna; and two brothers: Sam and Fred.

Posted on 05/13/2004 by Gene Manning

Elroy Hentges

Funeral services for Elroy Hentges of Alta Vista were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15 at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Msgr. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista. Pallbearers were: Joe Pospichal, Leo Pospichal, Jack Hentges, Jim Hentges, Peter Hentges, and Ron Newsum. Honorary pallbearers were the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Davis Assembly. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Elroy, 87, died Wednesday, May 12 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Elroy Francis Hentges was born October 14, 1916 at Alta Vista, the son of Peter and Susan (Lentz) Hentges. He attended St. Williams School in Alta Vista and then worked for Brady Transfer & Storage in Fort Dodge.

He was married in 1944 to Kathleen McKay in Waucoma. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy the day after Pearl Harbor and served on the USS Washington as a gunners mate. After his discharge he returned to Brady Transfer & Storage.

Elroy operated a Standard Oil Station in Mechanicsville and worked at D & D Body Shop in Lisbon. He then opened his own front end alignment shop in Lisbon known as Wimp's Alignment. He retired and moved to Alta Vista in 1981.

He enjoyed fishing, bowling, baseball, gardening, playing cards, canning, and cooking.

He was a member of St. Bernards Church, the Paul Johann VFW Post in Alta Vista, a lifetime member of American Legion Post 106 in Lisbon and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by one daughter: Kathleen Hentges of Mason City; three brothers: Clem of Fort Dodge, Robert of Mason City, and Paul of Alta Vista; and two sisters: Maxine Neuhauser of Rancho Santo Margarita, CA and Mary Lou Posphical of Riceville.

Elroy was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen; his parents; and two brothers: Reynold and Clifford.

Evelyn Pecinovsky

Funeral services for Evelyn Pecinovsky were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 7 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. John Moser officiating.

Her children placed the pall. Interment was in Holy Trinity Catholic Church Cemetery.

Evelyn, 88, died at the Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah where she has made her home since June 9, 2003.

Evelyn Agnes Pecinovsky was born April 27, 1916 in Howard County, near Protivin, the daughter of Joseph P. and Anna M. (Polashek) Pecinovsky. She was baptized and confirmed at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She attended Rudolphinum School in Protivin and graduated in 1935. Following her education, she stayed on the farm and helped at home.

On January 18, 1938 she married William Leonard Pecinovsky at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. They farmed a mile west of Protivin, then moved to Bill's home place and lived on the Louis Swestka farm until 1947 when they moved on their farm on Valley Ave. between Cresco and Protivin.

Evelyn was a lifetime member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, held several offices in the Rosary Society, and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

She liked to garden, bake, cook, and was an avid card player. She was very knowledgeable about genealogy.

She is survived by her children: Roger of Ennis, TX, Margaret Hruska of Protivin, Madonna Lasack of Martelle, and Marilyn Quandahl of Decorah; five grandchildren; two step grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one step great-grandson; six special great-grandchildren; two brothers: Joseph of Cresco and Ralph of Calmar; and one sister: Sophia Busta of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband William L. on April 11, 1996; one son: William J; one grandson; one granddaughter; her parents; one brother: Raymond; and one sister: Adela Martinek.

Larry Swestka

Funeral services for Lawrence "Larry" Swestka were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 7 at Notre Dame Parish, Assumption Worship Center with Rev. Henry Charipar officiating.

The family placed the pall. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Larry, 65, died suddenly, Tuesday, May 4, 2004 after going to work at Featherlite. He suffered an apparent heart attack and was taken to Regional Health Services Hospital where he died.

Lawrence Louis Swestka was born October 26, 1938 in Cresco, the son of Louis J. and Louise M. (Sobolik) Swestka. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. He attended and graduated from Rudolphinum High School in Protivin. Following his education, he entered the U.S. Army in 1958 and served as a clerk typist until his discharge in 1961.

On May 26, 1959 he married Diann Bruening at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar. Following his discharge from the Army, he attended NICC in Calmar, taking an agriculture course. Larry was a lifetime farmer, even though he loved working with wood and spent many years making furniture and working as a carpenter for Featherlite making door panels.

Larry was a member of the Notre Dame Parish, Assumption Worship Center, the American Legion Post in Protivin, the Catholic Workmen and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife Diann; three daughters: Debbie Swestka of Decorah, Sharon Smith of Cresco, and Lori Lukes of Protivin; three grandchildren; and one brother: Gerald of Cresco.

Herman Rasmussen

A service for Herman Rasmussen of Elk River, MN was held at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 13 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN with Rev. Alan Nauman officiating.

Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Herman, 88, died Friday, May 7, 2004 at Harmony Health Care, where he resided for a short time. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2003.

Herman Rasmussen was born February 24, 1916 near Comfrey, MN, the son of Irene and Kristian Rasmussen. He attended rural school and the Comfrey High School. He joined the Seventh Infantry Division in World War II, a fighting division. He fought at Attu, Okinawa, Kwajalein, and Leyte. Returning to the United States, he made his home in Minneapolis, and was a carpenter.

On October 15, 1980 he married Alma Balstad.

His hobbies include traveling, boating, and fishing.

He is survived by two sisters: Doretta Perreten of Alexandria, MN and Esther Rasmussen of Mabel, MN.

Herman was preceded in death by his wife Alma; his parents; one sister: Clara Ditonno; and one brother: Russell.

Elvin Monthy

Elvin Monty, 81, of Livingston, TX, formally of Cresco passed away May 12, 2004.

He was the son of the late Emil and Olive Monthy.

He lived in Texas since WWII. He married Dorothy Yancy of Texas. They had two sons; two daughters; and six grandchildren

Jerald Petersen

Jerald Petersen, 64, died Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at his home in Rapid City, SD.

Jerald W. Petersen was born March 17, 1940 in Lake Nordan, SD, the son of Walter and Rose (Cornelius) Petersen. He grew up and attended school in Hayti, SD. After graduation he attended South Dakota State University and GBSTC.

On June 2, 1962 he married Verna Mae Thue.

After graduating Jerry taught school and coached in Minnesota and Iowa for 20 years. He moved to Hawarden and owned and operated Hawarden Lanes and Lounge. He moved to Avon, CO in 1986. He then moved to Rapid City, SD in 1994.

He is survived by one daughter: Dawn Anderson of Breckenridge, CO; one son: Jeff of Hawarden; and four grandchildren.

Posted on 05/21/2004 by Gene Manning

Elsie Franzen

Funeral services for Elsie Franzen of New Hampton were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 24 at The Congregational United Church of Christ in New Hampton with Pastor Mary Hatch officiating.

Interment was in New Hampton City Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Jim Franzen, Bob Franzen, Brett Franzen, Steve Moore, Keith Moore, and Clyde Smith. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Elsie, 92, died Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at her home.

Elsie Ruth Franzen was born June 21, 1911 in rural Bremer County, the daughter of Hugh and Sophia (Mundfrom) Parson. She attended country school in Richland Township.

On October 17, 1932 she married Albert Franzen in Waterloo. They farmed south of New Hampton and in 1945 moved to a farm near Jerico. In 1968, they retired and moved to the house Elsie was presently living in New Hampton.

Elsie loved flowers and gardening. She and Albert helped raise her brother Roy.

She is survived by one son: Harold of Fredricksburg; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Albert on October 8, 1998; one daughter: Donna Nissen; her parents; two sisters: Eva Thein and Alma Thein; and three brothers: Roy, Harry, and Clarence.

Alfred Kobliska

Funeral services for Alfred Kobliska of Alta Vista will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, May 26 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma with Monsignor John Hemann officiating.

Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery at St. Cecelia. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Alfred, 75, died Sunday, May 23, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City of natural causes.

Alfred Francis Kobliska was born March 27, 1929 on the family farm near Elma, the son of Francis and Agnes (Sazma) Kobliska. He received his education at a country school near his family's home and graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma. After his schooling Alfred farmed with his family and later entered the U.S. Army on September 11, 1953 and served until June 10, 1955.

Upon his return from the service, Alfred resumed farming with his family and continued farming on the family farm near Elma.

He enjoyed fishing, watching sporting events, especially college football and basketball, and playing cards.

He is survived by one sister: Alva Vosicky of Chicago, IL.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: St. Mary Thomasina and Elizabeth Kobliska.

Clarence Ludeking

Funeral services for Clarence Ludeking of Decorah were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25 at Salem United Church of Christ in rural Waukon with Rev. Judy Scheer officiating.

Interment was in Salem Cemetery in rural Waukon. Pallbearers were: Gary Ludeking, Scott Ludeking, Kelly Ludeking, Jacob Ludeking, Jeff Reinhart, Kevin Monroe, Brian Hageman, and Duane Wiemers. Schluter-Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Clarence, 97, died Saturday, May 22, 2004 at his home following a long illness.

Clarence Kelly Ludeking was born January 10, 1907 on the family farm, the son of Jacob and Sophia (Herman) Ludeking. He was confirmed on April 9, 1922 at the Reformed Salem Church, Ludlow Township, rural Allamakee Township. He attended the Pagin Country School near the county line.

On November 8, 1928 he married Martha Henrietta Adam. They farmed southeast of Decorah for several years, moved to Decorah in 1960, but continued to help his sons with their farms. He sold M&M feeds and Mason shoes.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing the violin. He had a patent on a self-unloading chopper wagon, he also bought the first self-propelled combine in Winneshiek County. He was a member of the Salem United Church of Christ.

He is survived by three sons: Arnie of Ridgeway, Dervin of Decorah and Ronald of Decorah; one daughter: Joan Reinhart of Pocahontas; 11 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife Martha on March 5, 1982; his parents; three sisters: Nora Brandt, Florence Smorstad, and Ellen Maloney; and one brother: George.

Richard Rickard

Funeral services for Richard Rickard were held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 20 at the First United Methodist Church in Decorah with Rev. Carol Kress officiating. Schutte

Funeral and Cremation Service handled the arrangements.

Richard, 63, died Saturday, May 15, 2004 at his home in Clayton County, near Postville.

Richard Hardy Rickard was born December 7, 1940 at Burt, the son of William Todd and Mary (Border) Rickard. He graduated from Lime Springs High School in 1959. He attended classes in the Electrical Services program at Northest Iowa Community College in Calmar from 1979 to 1980. He served in the U.S. military for 22 years.

On May 6, 1972 he married Diana Sue Smith at Cresco.

He lived in various communities, including Cresco, Oelwein, and Decorah, where he worked in the electrical and plumbing and heating business.

He liked to travel to Asian countries, with Hong Kong being his favorite. He liked traveling in the United States also. He liked to work on old cars, replacing and restoring them. He enjoyed his puppy, "Lucky Lady".

He is survived by his wife Diana; three sons: Bryant of Parkland, FL, Barry of Iowa City, and Brett of Waukon; one granddaughter; three brothers: Donald and Gary, both of Wichita, KS, and Larry of Cresco; and three sisters: Rosemary Briney of Colorado Springs, CO, Margaret Bulmer of Waterloo, and Georgia Burgess of Cresco.

Mae Walter

Funeral services for Mae Walter of Cresco, formerly of Burr Oak were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 24 at Burr Oak Lutheran Church with Rev. Hans Floan officiating.

Interment was in Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak. Pallbearers were: Erlin Walter, Wayne Walter, Ron Dehning, Daryl Dehning, Alan Dehning, and Lowell Dehning. Schluter-Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Mae, 78, died Thursday, May 20, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center following a short illness.

Mae Audrey Walter was born January 9, 1926 near Decorah, the daughter of Marvin and Lora (Dehning) Sande. She attended school in Decorah.

On May 20, 1944 she married Arthur Walter. They farmed near the Burr Oak and Bluffton areas until 1976, when they sold the farm and moved to Decorah. Mae worked at Wapsie Produce and moved to Cresco in 1993 to be near her family.

Mae was an avid reader and enjoyed doing embroidery and watching movies and TV. She was a member of the Burr Oak Lutheran Church.

She is survived by one daughter: Rita Olsen of Cresco; one son: Fred of Cresco; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one step great-grandchild.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband Arthur in 1986; one son: Ricky; one daughter: Joclyn King; her parents; and one half brother: Bernell Dehning.

Edith Loberg

Funeral services for Edith Vsetecka Loberg of Cresco will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 at the Notre Dame Parish - St. Joseph's Worship Center in Cresco.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.

Friends may call at the church an hour prior to services on Friday. Conway Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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

Reynold Tenge

Funeral services for Reynold Tenge of New Hampton were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 20 at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington with Msgr. John Hemann officiating.

Interment was in Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery in North Washington. Pallbearers were: Ron Baumgartner, Ken Tenge, Wayne Hageman, Rodney Lenehan, and Lonnie and Roger Ries. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Reynold, 71, died Monday, May 17, 2004 at his home in New Hampton.

Renold Joeph Tenge was born September 22, 1932 at North Washington, the son of Albert and Mary (Bach) Tenge. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in North Washington and served two years in the U.S. Army form 1955 to 1957. On December 27, 1961 he married Irma Hageman. They lived near North Washington on the family farm until moving to New Hampton in January of 2003.

Reynold was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and was a charter member of the Men's Choir. He served on the Volunteer Fire Department and was a trustee for Washington Township for many year. He retired from farming and worked in the spring and fall season for the Farmers Co-op in North Washington.

He played softball in North Washington and was a member of the New Hampton Merchant baseball team. He enjoyed playing cribbage, cards, watching ball games, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

He is survived by his wife Irma; five children: Kimberly Rosene of Milwaukee, WI, Randy of Chisago City, MN, Alan of Memphis, TN, Sandra Opdahl of Milwaukee, WI, and Daniel of Prior Lake, MN; eight grandchildren; one sister: Rita Baumgartner of Gilbertville; and one brother: Francis of North Washington.

Reynold was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers: John, Joe, Norbert, and Edmond Tenge, and Alvin Gerardin.

Posted on 05/27/2004 by Gene Manning