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David Wilhelm

A memorial mass was held for David Wilhelm at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 26 at the Nativity Catholic Church in Harmony, MN with Rev. Donald P. Schmitz officiating.

Interment was in St. Bridget's Cemetery in rural Bluffton. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

David, 52, died at his home in Mason City.

David Arthur Wilhelm was born October 2, 1951 in Cresco.

He graduated from Harmony High School in 1969, and attended Winona Vocational College graduating from the Electronics program. He worked for Davis TV in Garner, before opening his own business, Dave's TV and Stereo in Clear Lake.

On September 8, 1979 he married Jill Ackerman of Ventura. They later divorced.

He was active in the Fire Department, Jaycees, and St. Patrick's Church, all of Clear Lake.

He loved the outdoors, in hunting, camping, canoeing, and golfing.

He is survived by his children: April and David Joseph of Clear Lake; his parents: Art and Sadie Wilhelm of Harmony; three sisters: Diane Anderson of Ostrander, MN, Denise Schultz of Lanesboro, MN, and Angela Colbenson of Rushford, MN; and two brothers: Richard of Garner and Michael of Preston.

Irene Vobr

Funeral services for Irene Vobr were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco with Rev. Michael Massa officiating.

Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Irene, 81, died Saturday, August 21, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Irene Edna Vobr was born April 15, 1923 in Howard County, the daughter of Glen and Clara Hook. She graduated from high school in Cresco.

Irene grew up on a farm outside of Cresco and one of her main duties was helping her dad on his milk delivery route in town.

On October 22, 1950 she married Edward Vobr. They farmed for many years. While farming, she enjoyed her cats, hogs, and chickens.

She enjoyed playing cards, shopping, fishing, flowers, ceramics, and listening to polka music.

She was involved in the Garden Club and Church Circle.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband Edward; and her parents.

Don Pecinovsky

Funeral services for Don Pecinovsky of Cresco will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 1 at the Notre Dame Parish-St. Joseph's Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Gary F. Krapfl officiating.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers are: Ben Beller, BJ Pesky, Todd Utzig, Bob Holman, Chris Lentz, and Jim Downey. Conway Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Don, 86, died Sunday, August 29, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center where he has lived since June 26.

Donald James Pecinovsky was born September 11, 1917 in Howard County, near Cresco, the son of Frank and Louisa (Svestka) Pecinovsky. He attended Assumption School through the 11th grade. Don enlisted in the Navy on October 7, 1942 at Des Moines and served at various naval stations and ships as a radioman second class until his discharge on August 4, 1945 at Shoemaker, CA.

On September 29, 1943 he married Irene Bakula at St. Joseph's Church in Cresco. Following his return from the Navy, they farmed for a short period of time. Later he moved to Cresco and started working for Standard Oil. He then started carrying mail for the Post Office. Don preferred being a rural carrier so when the opportunity presented itself, he transferred to the rural carriers and delivered mail until about 1987.

Don was a member of St. Joseph's Worship Center, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the V.F.W.

He loved music and had his own bands, the Ace High Buddies and later the Don Peck Combo.

Don enjoyed working with wood, making plaques or dressers. He liked to bowl, fish, watch John Wayne movies, and travel.

Following the death of Irene in 1969, he married Gladys Vick Engen on October 16, 1976. Gladys died on August 23, 2000.

He is survived by his children: Sue Downey, Lyn L. Rose, all of Ft. Myers, FL, and Mike Pesky of Sioux City; four step children: Gerald Engen of Blaine, MN, Vince Engen of Aurora, IL, Linda Hjelmeland and Sharon Roher, both of Decorah; eight grandchildren; 11 step grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 17 step great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Geraldine Pecinovsky and Elizabeth Durfey.

Don was preceded in death by two wives; his parents; three brothers: Edward, Adolph, and Arthur; and one sister: Emma Simmons.

Arthur Midthus

Funeral services for Arthur "Art" Midthus were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 24 at Orleans Lutheran Church with Rev. Phillip Olson and Rev. Ginny Olson officiating.

Interment was in Orleans Lutheran Church Cemetery. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Arthur, 87, died Thursday, August 19, 2004 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Arthur Clarence Midthus was born January 25, 1917 in Orleans Township, Winneshiek County the son of Andrew Midthus and Ragnhild Elizabeth (Haga) Midthus, immigrants from Norway. Arthur was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Cresco on March 25, 1917 and confirmed into the Christian faith at First Lutheran Church in Cresco on June 28, 1931 by Rev. Norman.

Arthur attended country school in Orleans Township for eight years. He then graduated from public school on May 29, 1930. After graduation Arthur began farming with his father. He loved working with the team of horses and the threshing crew. Later he became a farm laborer for Ove and Emma Nelson, Curtis and Helen Miller, Lawrence and Emma Ferkingstad and boarded with Art and Angeline Benson.

On May 27, 1942 he married Alice Stinson at the home of her parents, Alfred and Josephine Stinson in Orleans Township.

Arthur served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1943. After his return home, he continued farming, and in 1969 bought the family farm where he grew up. Art was also a skilled woodman, cutting, sawing, and splitting wood by hand to use for heating the farmhouse.

He enjoyed the outdoors, playing cards, watching sports on TV, listening to music, dancing, and sitting on the deck watching the sun go down in the evening with his dog "Blondie" on his lap.

Arthur was an active member of the Locust and Orleans Lutheran Churches and helped rake the church yard or fix and repair when needed.

He was a member of the Church Council and Lutheran Brotherhood.

In 2001 Art entered the Patty Elwood Center near Cresco.

He is survived by two sons: Arlin and Larry, both of Cresco; one daughter: LaVonne Donlan of Calmar; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Arthur was preceded in death by his wife Alice; his parents; one brother: Otto; and two sisters: Ella Bergan and Rose Meyers.

Virgil Reinhart

Funeral services for Virgil Reinhart were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 27 at the Cresco United Methodist Church with Rev. Lewis Flanigan officiating.

Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Virgil, 98, died Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Virgil Levon Reinhart was born December 12, 1905 in Howard County, the son of William and Nettie (Beucher) Reinhart. He was a 1924 graduate of Cresco High School.

On November 9, 1929 he married Elizabeth Jan at the Methodist Parsonage in Cresco. They farmed southwest of Cresco and he did custom threshing, silo filling, and shredding in the neighboring area for many years.

He was a lifelong member of the Cresco United Methodist Church, serving many years as a Church Trustee. He was also active in the church's "Goodwill Club". He was also a member of the Howard County Farm Bureau.

In 1992 Virgil was the Grand Marshal at the Cresco annual Ag-Fest parade.

He is survived by two daughters: Marlene Costello of Linden, MI and Durelle Cole of Bryan, OH; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth; his parents; and four brothers: Marion, Merle, Loel, and Orvin.

Dorothy McGrane

Funeral services for Dorothy McGrane of Shell Rock, formerly of Plainfield were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 28 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly.

Interment will be held at a later date at St. Patrick's of Cecilia Catholic Cemetery in Elma. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dorothy, 91, died Monday, August 23, 2004 at the Shell Rock Health Care Center of natural causes.

Dorothy E. McGrane was born August 25, 1912 on a farm near Elma, the daughter of Richard and Mary Ellen (Cashman) McGrane. She was baptized at St. Patrick's of Cecilia Catholic Church in Elma. After attending country school near her home, Dorothy then attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma. She then moved to Chicago, IL where she attended Northwestern University and later received a degree in Radiography from Cook County Hospital. Dorothy then went to work at the Illinois State Hospital in Elgin. She retired in 1978 and moved to Plainfield in 1980 to be near her sister, Lavauhn.

Dorothy was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly. She enjoyed arts and crafts, including painting, latch hooking rugs, and ceramics. She also enjoyed gardening and crossword puzzles.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Berenice McGrane, Bernedette McGrane, and Lavauhn Waltemate; and one brother: Gerald.

Alden Sbiral

Funeral services for Alden Sbiral of rural Spillville were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville with Rev. Raymond Ludwig officiating.

Balik Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Alden, 84, died Sunday, August 15, 2004 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco after a long illness.

Alden Paul Sbiral was born January 24, 1920 on the family farm west of Spillville, the son of Edd and Lucy (Novak) Sbiral. Alden graduated from Decorah High School in 1937 and attended an Agricultural program at Iowa State in Ames.

On January 4, 1943 he married Eileen Hauber at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. They farmed the family farm for many years.

He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, mushroom hunting, reading and going to dances at the Inwood.

He is survived by his wife Eileen of Fort Atkinson; one son: Lance of Calmar; three daughters: Diane Haegele of Denver, CO, Arla Kafka of Cresco, and Lynn Staley of Calmar; one sister: Arlene Kuennen of Northwood; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Alden was preceded in death by his parents.

Toby Hoover

Funeral services for Toby Hoover of Rochester, MN were held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25 at the Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers were: Kyle Casey, Bill Casey, Tom Ostby, Terry Ostby, Blake Hoover, and Brian Barker. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Toby, 63, died Saturday, August 21, 2004 at the Whitewater Healthcare Center in St. Charles, MN.

Toby Dale Hoover was born July 24, 1941 in Chester, IL, the son of George Edward and Lottie (Welch) Hoover. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and Chester High School. Later he attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. On June 2, 1959 he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in St. Louis, MO. On May 27, 1963 he was discharged at Ft. Pierce, FL.

On June 6, 1964 he married Margaret Mahan at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Chester. They made their home in Cedar Rapids and later moved to Rochester, MN where they have lived for the last 16 years. He was employed at FMC Corp, was manager of the Silver Lake Apts. and retired from maintenance at the Park Towers in Rochester in April of 2003.

He loved flying ultra-lites, had many model airplanes and when time permitted enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by Margaret Hoover; two sons: Jason of Cedar Rapids and Joseph of Belmond; six grandchildren; and three sisters: Sally Harris, Dorothy Huber, and Betty Hoover, all of Chester, IL.

Toby was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother: George.

Katherine Drtina

Funeral services for Katherine Drtina will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Jeff Tonn, David, Dean, Daniel, and Douglas Armstrong, and Scott and Kelly Quam.

Friends may call at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and at the church an hour prior to services on Friday. There will be a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and Scripture at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Katherine, 90, died Saturday, August 28, 2004 at the University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City from respiratory failure.

Katharine May Drtina was born March 26, 1914 in Forest City Township, Howard County, the daughter of Louis and Anna (Horejsi) Zobeck. She attended the rural schools, and as most young women of that period, she had to leave school and stay home to work.

On November 24, 1931 she married George Francis Drtina in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at Lourdes. They started farming in Howard County and remained there until they retired and moved into Cresco in 1970.

Katherine loved the farm and enjoyed working. She continued working after she moved to town by clerking at the cleaners and a meat market.

She loved her flowers and her cats.

She was a member of Notre Dame Parish, the Assumption Worship Center and belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society.

She is survived by her children: Delores Tonn of Cedar Rapids, Patricia Armstrong of Minneapolis, MN, Linda Quam of Cresco, and Diane Allen of Iowa City; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother: John of New Hampton; and two sisters: Lucille Wolfe of Chester and Dorothy Bartels of Rochester, MN.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband George on July 15, 1986; four infant daughters; one great-granddaughter; and two brothers: Charles and Dale.

Otto De Walle

Funeral services for Otto De Walle were held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 28 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Carl Ries officiating.

Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Charles City. Hauser Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Otto, 80, died Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City

Otto Augustus De Walle, Jr. was born February 29, 1924 at Cresco, the son of Otto A., Sr., and Mabel Marie (Werhan) De Walle. He graduated from Assumption High School in Cresco. Otto served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946. During that time he served in the Philippines and New Guinea. He was awarded three bronze stars and the Good Conduct Medal. During the Korean conflict he also served in Germany. Otto was always very proud of the time he spent serving his country.

On August 8, 1949 he married Glendola Cross at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Roseville. Otto worked at Pederson Cleaners for 12 years and then for Salsbury Laboratories until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a life time member of the Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included reading, playing golf and cards, bowling, working word puzzles and watching John Wayne movies. He was also an avid Hawkeye basketball fan.

He is survived by his wife Glendola of Charles City; one daughter: Sandy Lauen of Ventura; two grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Francis; and one sister: Anna Mae Lampman.

Doris Pearce

Funeral services for Doris Pearce will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 1 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Gale Richards officiating.

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Riceville. Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Doris, 94, died Saturday, August 28, 2004 at the Riceville Community Rest Home in Riceville.

Doris L. Pearce was born January 8, 1910 in Randalia, the daughter of Emma Duby and Edward Mabb. She attended local schools and after graduating from high school, she was a switchboard operator in Hawkeye.

On October 21, 1931 she married Clifford Pearce in Galena, IL. They were long time residents of Riceville and the owners and managers of the Farmer's Telephone Company and Cornbelt Telephone.

She was active in community and church organizations.

She is survived by one son: Richard of Grinnell, one daughter: Diane Fischer of Deerwood, MN; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister: Edna Mabb of Waterloo.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Clifford in 1985; her parents; one son: Donald; three brothers and five sisters.

Posted on 09/04/2004 by Gene Manning

Ermin Frana

Funeral services for Ermin Frana of Calmar were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 1 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Robert Hirsch officiating.

Interment was in St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Eric Frana, Justin Frana, Travis Frana, Josh Frana, Jeremy Frana, and Adam Remke. Schluter & Balik Funeral Home-French Chapel handled the arrangements.

Ermin, 75, died Saturday, August 28, 2004 at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah following a long illness.

Ermin Charles Frana was born April 24, 1929 on the family farm, rural Calmar, the son of Adolph and Otillia (Pecka) Frana. He attended country school and St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. He served during the Korean Conflict from 1950-52 and returned to farm near Spillville and Decorah.

On September 25, 1957 he married Wilma Koudelka at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Schley. They lived near Calmar and then moved to Burr Oak, where he worked in Decorah for Reardon's Locker and Decorah Memorial Co. They then moved to Calmar, where he worked at NorEgg Produce. Erin ran a trucking business picking up eggs at farms; proprietor of Schissel's Tavern in Calmar in the early 80's and then worked at Winco.

Ermin loved doing woodworking and operated "Ermin's Woodcraft".

He also enjoyed gardening and playing cards.

He had been a resident of the Aase Haugen Home since February 2004.

Ermin was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, the Halverson - Giesen American Legion Post 266 in Calmar and the Catholic Workmen.

He is survived by his wife Wilma of Calmar; two daughters: Marge Taylor of Onalaska, WI and Julie Frana of Plymouth, MN; five sons: Gene of Calmar, Tony of Ridgeway, Allen of Lawler, Jeff of Shakopee, MN, and Bruce of St. Louis, MO; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters: Viola and Georgina Frana, both of Edina, MN; and four brothers: Arthur of Decorah, Jerome of Ossian, Marcelline of Charles City, and Julius of Calmar.

Ermin was preceded in death by two sons: Ron and Brian; his parents; four brothers: George, Leonard, Adolph, and Stanley; and one sister: Martha Frana.

Jeanette Zobeck

Funeral services for Jeanette Zobeck of New Hampton were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 2 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton.

Interment was in the New Hampton Cemetery.

Jeanette, 82, died Saturday, August 28, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Jeanette S. Zobeck was born November 7, 1921 near Nashua, the daughter of Glen and Madge (Smith) Scoles. She received her education in the Nashua area and was a graduate of the Nashua High School.

She married Harry Frederick Bradshaw; he was later killed in action May 1942, while serving in the military during WWII. Jeanette worked at the Oliver Corporation in Charles City during the war. She met John Zobeck and the couple married in 1948. They farmed in Howard County until 1955, when they moved to the farm south of New Hampton, where they were currently residing.

She was a very active member of the Democratic Party and in her younger years had attended the Democratic State Conventions.

She enjoyed dancing, reading, flowers, and gardening.

She was a member of the New Hampton VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband John of New Hampton; one son: Dennis Bradshaw of Houston, TX; one grandson; one great-granddaughter; and two brothers: Richard and Ronald, both of Nashua.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband Harry Bradshaw; her parents; two sisters: Annette Jennings and Audrey Schaefer; and two brothers: Wendell and Burdette.

Carleen West

Graveside memorial services for Carleen West of Prior Lake, MN will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 9 at the New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco.

Carleen, 80, died Thursday, September 2, 2004 in Minneapolis, MN.

Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Dean Serfling

Funeral services for Dean Serfling of Florenceville were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Granger, MN with Rev. Keith Parker officiating.

Interment was in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Cemetery. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dean, 79, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at his home in Florenceville after a brief illness.

Dean Eldon Serfling was born April 2, 1925 on a farm in Bristol Township near Harmony, MN, the son of Otto and Anna (Groteboer) Serfling. He grew up on that same farm and continued to farm it with his father after graduation from Harmony High School.

On July 28, 1944 he married Estella Miller and they lived on a farm in rural Cresco near Florenceville. They lived there until their son Mark took over the farming operation in 1975.

Dean served on the Granger Creamery Board for 25 years. He was also a charter member of the Granger State Bank board. He was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church for 60 years and served on its church council.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter and belonged to the Cresco Wildlife Club. For 20 plus years, Dean belonged to the Howard County Historical Society and helped to care for the Florenceville Methodist Church, which he attended while growing up. Dean was a staunch Democrat and assisted at polling stations in Albion Township in Howard County for a number of years.

He also loved playing cards and pool.

He is survived by his wife Estella; two sons: G. Aubrey of Palm Desert, CA and Mark of rural Cresco; six grandchildren; and one sister: Eva Jane Broadwater of Harmony, MN.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother: Aubrey.

Ruby Ott

Funeral services for Ruby Ott of Cresco were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 4 at the First Lutheran Church in Cresco with Pastor Gary K. Lee officiating.

Inurnment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ruby, 82, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center where she lived for just a short time.

Ruby Grace Ott was born December 7, 1921 in Milford, IL, the daughter of August and Hazel (Marvin) Krueger. She attended school in Illinois until she moved as a young girl to Howard County and finished her schooling in Cresco.

On May 18, 1957 she married Herbert C. Ott. Ruby did upholstery for many years.

She is survived by three children: Carol Scoates of Mendon, MI, Patricia Christner of Mesa, AZ, and Ronald Haukes of Sauderville, MN; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and one brother: Edward of Hartville, MO.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband Herbert on August 30, 1996; one son: Larry Haukes; two infant daughters; one granddaughter; her parents; one brother: Harry; and one sister: Alice Ott.

Darwin Fink

Funeral services for Darwin Fink of Fairbank will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 8 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Fairbank with Rev. Edwin Parker officiating.

Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Fairbank. Woods Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Darwin, 73, died Saturday, September 4, 2004 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein.

Darwin James Fink was born February 20, 1931 at Lake Benton, MN the son of Leo A. and Gertrude (Fehrman) Fink.

He was married on September 17, 1955.

Darwin had served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had worked for Bentley Chevrolet in Fairbank for 25 years, was owner of D&D Texaco in Fairbank and owner of Shady Rest Motel in Cedar Falls. He had also worked in Oelwein for the Oelwein Parks Dept. before retiring in 2000.

He had been past Commander of the American Legion-Fairbank, retired member of the Fairbank Fire Dept., and was a Korean War Veteran.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou of Fairbank; one son: Dennis of Fairbank; one daughter: Kathy Sproston of Monticello; and four grandchildren.

Darwin was preceded in death by one son: Douglas in infancy; his parents; and two brothers: Kenneth and Darrell.

Posted on 09/09/2004 by Gene Manning

Darryl Sumner

Funeral services for Darryl Sumner of New Hampton were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center with Msgr. Carl Schmitt officiating.

The pall was placed by Eileen Sumner, Dan and Diane Sumner. Interment was in New Hampton City Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Phil Glaser, Dale Rosonke, Larry Throndson, Ray Krueger, Chip Schwickerath, and Glen Rosonke. Honorary pallbearers were the residents and staff of Comprehensive Systems. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Darryl, 56, died Friday, September 10, 2004 at the New Hampton Care Center of natural causes.

Darryl Raymond Sumner was born January 28, 1948 in New Hampton, the son of Merrill and Eileen (DeBettignies) Sumner. Darryl attended River Hills Services in Waterloo and then transferred to Goodwill Industries where he worked for over 20 years. He then began working with Comprehensive Systems in New Hampton where he remained until entering the New Hampton Care Center on October 1, 2003. For many years Darryl participated in the Goodwill Games winning ribbons and medals in track events and the softball throw. In his early years he began his life-long love for attending sporting events, beginning with his brother Dan, followed by his four nieces. He enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeye's. He helped on the farm and mowed lawn in the summer.

He is survived by his mother: Eileen Sumner of New Hampton; and one brother: Dan of New Hampton;

Darryl was preceded in death by his father Merrill on July 28, 2004; and all his grandparents.

Ryan Moetsch

Funeral services for Ryan Moetsch of New Hampton were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 13 at Holy Family Parish-St. Mary's Center in New Hampton with Monsignor Carl Schmitt and Rev. John Harpel officiating.

Ryan's parents and two brothers placed the pall. Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Hampton. Pallbearers were: Cris Van Oort, Ben Rosonke, Mitch Kellogg, Brad Willik, Paul Reicks, and Brian Reding. Honorary pallbearers were: Kyle Anderson, Jeremy Schaufenbuel, Eric Heiselman, Liz Denner, Brianne Tilleraas, Jeremy Oxendine, Andrea Mack, Emily Boos, Zach Grove, Matt Lechtenberg, and Zach Tolias. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ryan, 18, died Thursday, September 9, 2004 at his home.

Ryan C. Moetsch was born November 1, 1985 in New Hampton, the son of Mark and Judy (Denner) Moetsch. He was baptized into the Catholic faith and Confirmed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Hampton. Ryan was in the New Hampton High School graduation class of 2004, where he was active in the football and wrestling programs.

Ryan loved snowmobiling, especially his trips to Michigan. He enjoyed working on his snowmobiles and also the trips to the Hayday's SnowFest. He loved his dog "Feisty".

He enjoyed hunting, his guns, listening to music, chatting on the computer with friends, and collecting farm sets and farm toys.

He is survived by his parents: Mark and Judy Moetsch of New Hampton; two brothers: Jason Richards and Kyle Moetsch of New Hampton; grandmothers: Betty Denner of New Hampton, Eva Moetsch of Fredericksburg, and Mary Richards of Charles City; and his great-grandmother: Florence Roffman of Waukon;

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfathers: Paul Richards, Donald Moetsch, and James Denner.

Edwin Kostohryz

Funeral services for Edwin Kostohryz of Protivin were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 9 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with Rev. Robert Ament officiating.

Interment was in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Protivin. Pallbearers were: Leonard Chyle, Gary Swestka, Jon Bylander, Adolph Humpal, Bill Martinek, and Christopher Vrba. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Edwin, 75, died Sunday, September 5, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease and complications from pneumonia.

Edwin A. Kosthohryz was born March 26, 1929 in Howard County, the son of Louis and Albina (Jestrab) Kostohryz. He attended rural school and Catholic school in the Protivin area. He began farming at a young age in the Protivin area and continued to farm until his retirement at the end of 2003.

Edwin was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was very proud of his Czech heritage and loved polka music. His hobbies included: bowling, fishing, riding motorcycles, collecting John Deere memorabilia and an occasional trip to the boat. He spent many hours with his favorite dog, "Buster".

He is survived by one sister: Alice Puffer of Ridgeway.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother: Ray.

S. Thomas Fenske

Memorial services for S. Thomas "Tom" Fenske of Cresco were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco.

Thomas, 60, died Friday, September 10, 2004 at his home of cancer.

Tom was born January 27, 1944 in Cresco, the son of Lloyd and Pearl Fenske. He attended Cresco Public Schools. While in school, he was highly recognized for many wrestling accomplishments.

Following school, Tom married Margaret McDaniels.

He is survived by one son: Stanley Thomas Jr. of Gilmand; and one daughter: Tina of Ft. Myers, FL; nine grandchildren; three sisters: June Murphy-Blade of Austin, MN, Judy Davidson of Chatsworth, CA, and Jane Brandt of Decorah; four brothers: Billy of Cresco, Bob of Pineville, LA, Jim of Goldfield, and Larry of Dallas, TX.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother.

Clara Gansen

Funeral services for Clara Gansen of Elma will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 15 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Monsignor John Hemann officiating.

Inurnment will be at a later date in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Clara, 93, died Saturday, September 11, 2004 at the Colonial Manor in Elma of natural causes.

Clara Edith McCarville was born June 24, 1911 at Elma, the daughter of Alphonsus and Edith (Cole) O'Donnell. She was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma.

On October 14, 1931 she married Athanasius A. McCarville at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma by Rev. P.E. Donnelly. They resided on a farm east of Lourdes, where she lived for 46 years. Athanasius died January 25, 1958 and Clara remained on the farm until moving to Elma on March 4, 1976. In March of 1976, she married Elmer Gansen. He died in November of 1976. Clara worked for the Comprehensive System in Elma for 10 years. She became a resident of the Colonial Manor in 1994.

She enjoyed bowling, gardening, flowers, dancing and traveling.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Rosary Society as well as the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.

She is survived by four children: Thomas of Waterloo, Charles of Columbus, OH, Ellen Frantzen of Maquoketa, and Robert of LeRoy, MN; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and two brothers: James of Marion and John of Baltimore, MD.

Clara was preceded in death by her two husbands; two daughters: Mary Margaret McCarville, Elizabeth J. Leonard; four brothers: Charles, Al, Gus, and Tom; and six sisters: Mary Schott, Annie Knowlton, Helen Hapenstahl, Edna Irvin, Alice McDonald, and Josephine O'Donnell.

Posted on 09/16/2004 by Gene Manning

Roger Kuhn

Funeral services for Roger Kuhn of Calmar will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 22 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Interment will be in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Cemetery in Calmar. Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Roger, 51, died Saturday, September 18, 2004 at his home following a sudden illness.

He is survived by his wife Jeanie Kuhn of Calmar; one daughter: Janelle Kuhn of Cedar Rapids; three sons: Scott of Calmar, Kevin of West Union, and Robert of Calmar; his parents: Anthony and Colette Kuhn of Cresco; six sisters: Ruth Schluter of Waverly, Rosemary Courtney of Burlington, Germaine Kuhn of Calmar, Martha Stussy of Soldiers Grove, WI, Kathy Young of Manly, and Lois Olsen of Cottage Grove, MN; and three brothers: Leo of Soldiers Grove, WI, Mark of Fort Atkinson, and Albert of Ridgeway.

Helen Grysko

Funeral services for Helen Grysko of Eau Claire, WI were held on Wednesday, August 25 at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire with Pastor David Irgens officiating.

Interment was in Rest Haven Cemetery in Eau Claire. Smith Funeral Chapel and Crematory handled the arrangements.

Helen, 89, died Sunday, August 22, 2004 at the Clairemont Nursing Home in Eau Claire.

Helen Grysko was born April 15, 1915 in Howard County in Cresco, the daughter of Frank and Abbie (Kosthryz) Capouch.

She married Claude Nibaur in Cresco and he was killed in a motor vehicle accident. She then married Michael Grysko in 1944. She lived in the Twin Cities and later resided in Eau Claire. She worked over the years at Luther Hospital, Presto Industries, and retired after 25 years from Pope & Talbot.

She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Loyal Order of the Moose, American Legion Auxiliary, a travel club, and enjoyed gardening, playing bingo, dancing and participating in activities at Senior Central.

She is survived by one son: Clayton Nibaur; one daughter: Jane Peterson; one grandson; and one brother: Donald of Cresco.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Claude, her husband Michael; and her parents.

Gladys Argall

Funeral services for Gladys Argall of Lawler were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 17 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Marvin Salz officiating.

The pall was placed by her daughter and son-in-law. Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Spillville. Pallbearers were: Joe Bouska, Joe Scally, Robert Haug, Christopher Mays, Rob Mays, and John Wallace. Honorary pallbearers were the Retired Teachers and Administrators of Turkey Valley High School. Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Gladys, 89, died Monday, September 13, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Gladys L. Argall was born August 17, 1915 in Spillville, the daughter of Carl R. and Louise (Fisher) Haug. She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated from Calmar High School in 1932. She furthered her education at the University of Iowa graduating in 1937 with a degree in business. Gladys taught school for 10 years in Marble Rock and Cedar Falls.

On December 27, 1947 she married Arnott Argall in Cedar Falls. They lived in Lawler. She began teaching in the Waucoma High School in 1954 and following the consolidation of schools, she taught at Turkey Valley High School from 1961 until retiring in 1980. During her teaching career she taught business, short-hand, typing, and bookkeeping.

She enjoyed gardening, fishing, genealogy, and traveling to Texas where they spent their winters near their daughter Annette.

Gladys was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and Rosary Society and formerly a member of SHAG, Spillville Historical Action Group, the Winneshiek County Genealogical Society and the Chickasaw County Historical Society.

She is survived by one daughter: Annette Argall of Austin, TX; and one brother: Clarence of Decorah.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Arnott on June 30, 2002; her parents; and one brother: Carl Jr.

Kaia Benson

Funeral services for Kaia Benson of Cresco were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 19 with Rev. Gary Lee and Intern Paul Miller officiating.

Interment was in Orleans Lutheran Cemetery. Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Kaia, 96, died Thursday, September 16, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Kaia Benson was born July 13, 1908 in Winneshiek County, the daughter of Knute and Josephine (Blekeburg) Knutson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Madison Lutheran Church.

On March 28, 1928 she married Victor Benson in Cresco by Rev. Norman. They lived near Ridgeway for many years and belonged to the Orleans Lutheran Church. They later moved to Cresco in 1946.

Kaia loved her home. She enjoyed cooking and her flowers. She was very active in the ELCW.

She is survived by one daughter: Mary Skoda of Cresco; one grandson; and three great-grandchildren.

Kaia was preceded in death by her husband Victor; her parents; three brothers: Phillip, Orville, and Rueben; and two sisters: Alida Hovden and Bertha Bergan.

Don Eckerman

Funeral services for Don "Doc" Eckerman of Lime Springs were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 18 at Assumption Worship Center in Cresco with Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers were: Chris Eckerman, Eric Eckerman, Riley Eckerman, Aaron Gunzel, Doug Herring, Brian Kramer, Scott Kramer, and Nathan Otis. Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Don, 89, died Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at his home of natural causes.

Don Eckerman was born February 5, 1915 in Early, the son of Frank and Louise (Dorneden) Eckerman. His family moved to a farm in the Davis Corners area when he was young. He attended Saratoga #6 rural school and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School.

On June 24, 1939 he married Marybelle Ahern. They farmed their entire lives near Davis Corners. Marybelle died January 26, 1987. Since that time, he has spent winters with his daughter and son-in-law Joan and Michael Kramer in Cincinnati and summers on the farm.

He was an active member of Assumption Church in Cresco, was a member of the Knights Of Columbus and sold SAR Seed Corn.

He enjoyed baseball, gardening, fishing, and working in his shop, making birdhouses.

He is survived by his children: Jeannine Herring of Marion, Ronald of Evansdale, Mike of Lanesboro, MN, Terry of Cresco, Leo of Chetek, WI, Ann Gunzel of Lee's Summit, MO, Joan Kramer of Cincinnati, OH, Joseph of O'Fallen, IL, Mary Otis of Clear Lake, and Cynthia Lamfers of Des Moines; 28 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; and one brother: Jean of Mason City.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Marybelle; one son: Richard; one grandson; his parents; three brothers: LeRoy, Clarence, and Arthur; and three sisters: LaVerne Nosbisch, Wilma Sullivan, and Marie Sullivan.

Gary Bruening

Funeral services for Gary Bruening of Cresco were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 17 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco with Pastor Lewis Flanigan officiating.

Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in Cresco. Pallbearers were: Gary Wilkinson, Rich Ator, Bob Fitzgerald, Dale Vrba, Jerry Palmersheim, and Bill Walker.

Gary, 57, died Monday, September 13, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Gary Vincent Bruening was born October 4, 1946 at Cresco, the son of Vincent and Evelyn (Schultz) Bruening. He received his education in Cresco and graduated from Notre Dame High School.

On April 27, 1968 he married Sandra Lucas at St. Joseph's Church in Cresco. They made their home in Cresco. Gary worked at the Farmers Co-op Creamery from 1967 until 1977 when he was employed in maintenance at Crestwood High School until his health forced him to retire in 2003.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, and bowling.

He is survived by his wife Sandra; and two brothers: Doug and Richard, both of Cresco.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

Posted on 09/23/2004 by Gene Manning

Lawrence Buchheit

Funeral services for Lawrence Buchheit of Festina were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 23 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina with Msgr. Cletus Hawes and Msgr. Donald Heineman officiating.

Interment was in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Festina. Honorary pallbearers were Joseph and Jordan Buchheit. Pallbearers were: David Bergan, Leon Einck, Larry Kuennen, Philip French, Michael Bergan, and Randy Huinker. Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel handled the arrangements.

Lawrence, 87, died Monday, September 20, 2004 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian.

Lawrence Anthony Buchheit was born May 5, 1917 near Festina, the son of Joseph and Mary (Schrandt) Buchheit.

On June 12, 1939 he married Bernice Huinker at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. They lived and farmed west of Festina until they moved into Festina in 1968. Lawrence retired from farming in 1991.

He was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of the Foresters. He served on the South Winn School Board, which helped to originate the South Winneshiek School District. He also was a member of the C.F.S. Catholic School Board for six years.

He was an avid Cub fan. Although Lawrence lived in town, he always had chores to do and feeding his birds was one of them.

He is survived by his wife Bernie of Fort Atkinson; two daughters: Dianne French of Calmar and Anna Mae Davis of Ridgeway; two sons: Ronald and Kevin, both of Fort Atkinson; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one sister: Winifred Einck of Decorah.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Edward, Hubert, and Barney; and two sisters: Emma Kuennen and Irene Huinker.

Roger Kuhn

Funeral services for Roger Kuhn of Calmar were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 22 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating.

Interment was in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Cemetery in Calmar. Honorary pallbearers were the Winneshiek County Cattlemen's Association. Pallbearers were: Duane Cole, Devin Cole, Steve Elsbernd, Adam Young, David Schluter, Steve Lundvedt, Steve Darrington, and Mitchell Holthaus. Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel handled the arrangements.

Roger, 51, died Saturday, September 18, 2004 at his home following a sudden illness.

Roger Anthony Kuhn was born April 11, 1953 in Decorah, the son of Anthony W. and Colette A. (Elsbernd) Kuhn. He graduted from South Winn High school in 1971. He attended Area One in Calmar and graduated with a Farm Management Degree in 1973.

On November 22, 1975 he married Jeanie Barsaloux at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. Roger farmed north of Calmar for many years and was currently a student at NICC in the Nursing Program and was expected to graduate this December as a Registered Nurse. Roger also did custom spraying for area farmers.

He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church where he was a former CCD instructor, the Winneshiek County Cattlemen's Association, where he was past President, the Winneshiek County Extension Council, and was a former 4-H leader.

Roger enjoyed playing cards, socializing, and volunteering.

He is survived by his wife Jeanie Kuhn of Calmar; one daughter: Janelle Kuhn of Cedar Rapids; three sons: Scott of Calmar, Kevin of West Union, and Robert of Calmar; six grandchildren; his parents: Anthony and Colette Kuhn of Cresco; six sisters: Ruth Schluter of Waverly, Rosemary Courtney of Burlington, Germaine Kuhn of Calmar, Martha Stussy of Soldiers Grove, WI, Kathy Young of Manly, and Lois Olsen of Cottage Grove, MN; and three brothers: Leo of Soldiers Grove, WI, Mark of Fort Atkinson, and Albert of Ridgeway.

Ronald Stockman

Funeral services for Ronald Stockman of Lime Springs were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Lime Springs.

Interment was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lime Springs.

Ronald, 58, died Friday, September 17, 2004 at his home.

Ronald Eugene Stockman was born December 15, 1945 in Winneshiek County, the son of Rolland and Rose (Kimber) Stockman. Ronald attended school in Cresco. He served his country during the Vietnam War.

On December 2, 1974 he married Carole L. King in Medford, OR. He was a self-employed painter.

He is survived by his wife Carole of Lime Springs; three brothers: Larry of California, Roger of California, and Marc of Lime Springs; and three sisters: Henrietta Engelhardt of Decorah, Evelyn Quam of Decorah, and Carol Banks of Cresco.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister: Bette.

Posted on 09/30/2004 by Gene Manning