Douglas Hubka, 41
A Mass of Christian Burial for
Douglas "Doug" J. Hubka of Ankeny, formerly
of Sheffield was held at 10:30 a.m. on
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 at Sacred Heart
Church in Rockwell. Interment was in Sacred
Heart Cemetery.
Visitation was held 4-8 p.m. on Friday
at Retz Funeral Home in Sheffield. A
Scripture Wake Service was held at 7:30 p.m.
Visitation continued at the Sacred Heart
Parish Hall one hour prior to the
service.
Retz Funeral Home in Sheffield handled
the arrangements.
Doug, 41, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009
at his home from natural causes.
Douglas 'Dugan' Joseph Hubka was born
February 17, 1968 in Cresco, Iowa the son of
Donald and Delores (Wichman) Hubka. The
family moved several times before settling
in Sheffield in 1978. Doug graduated from
Sheffield Chapin High School with the class
of 1987.
Doug worked for Sukup Manufacturing,
Seabees and Featherlite for several years
and most recently Dohrn Transfer where he
received awards for safe driving.
Doug was a member of Sacred Heart
Church in Rockwell. He was an avid Hawkeye
fan who cherished his nieces and nephews. He
was known as a jokester and prankster but
would drop what he was doing to help his
family when needed. Fishing and spending
time with his family and friends were his
special times.
Doug is survived by four sisters:
Deborah (Gerald) Oltman of Chapin; Denise
Hubka of Sheffield; Deanne (Scott) Dahlstrom
of Ankeny; Doreen (Doug) Dohlman of
Sheffield; four brothers: Daniel (Lori)
Hubka of Sheffield; David (Sarah) Hubka of
Belmond; Dale (Bonnie) Hubka of Sheffield
and Dean (Lisa) Hubka of Sheffield; nieces
and nephews: Callie Oltman, Levi, Stephanie
and Jordan Hubka; Mandy (Matt) Martinez,
Holly (Brandon) Peters, Malachi Hubka; Joe (Alissa)
Hubka and Erica Pals; Brenton and Braeden
Dahlstrom; Erin, Elisa and Lauren Dohlman;
Madaline and Brylie Hubka; Rachael and Nate
Hubka; great nieces and nephews: Aidan Hubka;
Branson, Elle and Rylee Peters; grandmother:
Grace Hubka of Cresco; and many aunts,
uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father,
Don in 1991; mother, Delores in 1995; and
his maternal grandparents and paternal
grandfather.
Clifford Albertson, 83
Funeral services for Clifford "Cliff"
M. Albertson of Elgin was held at 11:00 a.m.
on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 at St. Paul's United
Methodist Church in Elgin with Rev. Rick
Johnson officiating. Interment was in Elgin
Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 7
p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Leonard-Grau
Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin
and one hour before services at the church
on Friday.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home handled the
arrangements.
Clifford, 83, died Monday, Sept. 28,
2009 after a lengthy illness.
Clifford Matthew Albertson was born
January 5, 1926, in Cresco, IA the son of
Emma (Balk) and Alfred Albertson.
Cliff served his country as a member of
the United States Marines in the Pacific
Area from 1944-1946 and was honorably
discharged. Cliff bought hogs and sold feed
in the Lime Springs area for many years.
In 1976 Cliff and Dora Lee Medberry
Landswerk were united in marriage. He did
custom farm work and drove truck in the Lime
Springs, Cresco and Elgin areas and was
always ready to help where needed.
Fishing and deer hunting with family and
friends were favorites of Cliff's. In later
years Cliff especially enjoyed mushroom
hunting and going to the local co-op to
socialize with his friends. Cliff was a
member of the American Legion Post 352 and
St. Paul's Methodist Church in Elgin.
He is survived by his wife, Dora Lee of
Elgin; mother-in-law: Dorothy Medberry of
West Union; son: Robert (Becky) of Ohio;
step children: Karen Webster (Mike) of Elma,
Gary Landswerk (Anne) of Spring Valley, Jane
(Joe) Truka of Lime Springs, and Joan
Landswerk (Lyle) of Cresco; two brothers:
Ervin (Norma) of Tama, Bud (Alice) of Iowa
City; two sisters: Luella (Paul) of
Guillaume, Loyal, Wis. and Emma Jean (Herb)
Pfiffner of Dunkerton; many grandchildren,
step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Cliff was preceded by a daughter: Jean;
grandson: Brian Albertson; his parents; and
a sister: Angeline Heirmermann.
Irma Dvorak, 83
Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville handled the arrangements.
Jeanne, 83, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.
Irma Jean Dvorak was born July 22, 1926 at Hampton, Iowa the daughter of William and Una (Meyers) Spurbeck. She attended local schools in Ionia graduating from Charles City High School.
On August 25, 1943, she married Woodrow Dvorak at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia. To this union six children were born. Woodrow and Jeanne farmed in the Riceville area and owned the Dvorak Grocery and the Blue and White restaurant in Riceville.
Survivors include four sons: Lee and his wife Rita of Riceville, Dean of Stanley, N.D. and his ex-wife Becky of Rochester, Minn., Dennis and his wife Anita of Byron, Minn., Robert and his wife Roxanne of Spring Valley, Minn.; a daughter: JoAnn and her husband James Piper of Great Falls, Va.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister: June Rausch of Charles City and Jeanne's ex-husband Woodrow of Cresco.
Jeanne was preceded in death by a son: Jon; her parents; and two sisters: Avis Diesburg and Opal Rademacher.
Marvis Weaklen, 75
Funeral services for
Marvis G. Weaklen of Cresco were held at
11:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2009 at Notre
Dame Parish in Cresco. Interment was in
Calvary Cemetery in Austin, Minn.
Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 8
p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Conway Funeral
Home in Cresco and one hour prior to
services on Monday at the church. There was
a 7:30 p.m. Scripture Service on Sunday.
Conway Funeral Home handled the
arrangements.
Marvis, 75, died Monday, Sept. 28, 2009
at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.
Marvis Genevieve Weaklen was born July
10, 1934 in Mankato, Minn., the daughter of
Clarence William and Evelyn Laura (Sipple)
Plantz. She received her education in the
Austin Schools and graduated in 1952.
Following graduation, she worked at J. C.
Penney Co.
On December 26, 1960 she married David
E. Titus in Brownsdale, Minn. They moved to
Cresco the following year so David could
manage the Cresco Bowling Lanes. David died
on May 31, 1969. She later married Robert
Weaklen on June 4, 1983. He died on May 20,
1999.
Marvis worked as a secretary for Notre
Dame School. Marvis enjoyed being
outside gardening and growing flowers. She
was an avid quilter and did a lot of
volunteer work at Notre Dame Elementary
after her retirement and also volunteered at
Regional Health Services Hospital both in
Cresco. She loved music and was a member of
the Good News Singers of Notre Dame Church.
She was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.
She is survived by two sons: Kirk
(Julie) Titus of Baxter, Minn. and Cory
Titus of Eagan, Minn.; two step sons: Bob
(Veronica) Weaklen of Bloomfield and Tom
(Geri) Weaklen of Anamosa; four
grandchildren: David Titus, Erik Titus, Erin
Titus, and Amy Titus; two step
granddaughters: Shannon (Jake) Casper and
Breanna Weaklen; a step great-grandson: Drew
Casper; two sisters: Mary Kopp of
Chatsworth, Calif.; and Bonnie Ames of Mason
City; and three brothers: Gene (Veronila)
Plantz of Rochester, Minn., John (Diane)
Plantz of Cadott, Wis. and Leon (Kathy)
Plantz of Rochester, Minn.
Marvis was preceded in death by her
husbands: David Titus and Robert R. Weaklen;
a granddaughter: Sarah Titus; and her
parents: Clarence and Evelyn.
George Rue, 71
Funeral services for George J. Rue of
Bloomington, Minn. were held at 11:00 a.m.
on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009 at the Church of
St. Edward in Bloomington. A private
interment was held.
Visitation was held one hour prior to
services at the church.
Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel handled
the arrangements.
George, 71, died peacefully on Friday,
Oct. 2, 2009.
George Joseph Rue was born in Cresco.
He was retired from American Family
Insurance.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years,
Darlene (Frankhauser); children: Darcel
(Sam) Bryant, Brian (Cindy) and Scott; eight
grandchildren; one sister: Janelle (Kenneth)
Schissel; and nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his
father: Garvin Rue; his mother: Vera Rue;
and a sister: Janenne Rue Wicks.
Posted on 6 October 2009 by Marie Thompson
Harold Bengfort, 83
A Mass of
Christian Burial
for Harold
"Bing" Bengfort
of Cresco was
held at 11:00
a.m. on Friday,
Oct. 9, 2009 at
Notre Dame
Parish in
Cresco.
Interment was in
Calvary Cemetery
in Cresco.
Lindstrom
Funeral Home in
Cresco handled
the
arrangements.
Harold, 83,
died Tuesday,
Oct. 6, 2009 at
the Regional
Health Services
of Howard County
Hospital in
Cresco.
Harold
Bengfort was
born July 11,
1926 on a farm
near Festina,
the son of John
and Catherine (Holthaus)
Bengfort. Harold
was the youngest
of six. The
family moved
several times,
working farms in
the Festina and
Ossian area.
After he
graduated from
Ossian de Sales
High School,
Harold served in
the United
States Army, and
was stationed in
Germany at the
end of WWII.
On July 20,
1948, he married
Bernice Klisart
in Ossian at St.
Francis de Sales
Catholic Church.
They moved to
Cresco in 1949.
Harold was a
carpenter with
Hanneman-Bengfort
in those years.
Later his small
company,
Bengfort
Builders,
constructed many
homes and small
commercial
structures in
the Cresco area.
He built
complete
buildings from
the foundation
up, and was
known as an
excellent finish
carpenter and
woodworker.
Harold
played
competitive
baseball on city
teams and while
in the service.
He enjoyed
golfing and
bowling. His
favorite
recreation was
fishing in
Canada and
Minnesota.
Harold is
survived by his
son: Scott
(Linda) Bengfort
of Davenport;
his daughter:
Lee Bengfort of
Denver, Colo.;
and two
grandchildren:
Allison and Adam
Bengfort.
He was
preceded in
death by his
wife Bernice
"Bee" in 2008;
all of his
brothers,
sisters, and
their spouses:
Marc (Angie)
Bengfort,
Winifred (Ray)
Zweibohmer,
Lucille (Arnold)
Moellers, Ervin
(Edna) Bengfort,
and Virgil
(Linda) Bengfort.
Rosalyn LaFrenz, 93
Conway Funeral Home in Cresco is handling the arrangements.
Rosalyn, 93, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 in Minneapolis.
A complete obituary will follow in next weeks Times Plain Dealer.
Michael Jensen, 54
Friends of Michael "Mike" S. Jensen of Cresco may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco. There will be a 7 p.m. scripture service. No other services will be held.
Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco is handling the arrangements.
Michael, 54, died Friday, Oct. 9 at his home.
Michael Scott Jensen was born June 24, 1955 in Springfield, Minn., the son of Gene and Lenice (Harkin) Jensen.
While in grade school he moved to Iowa. After attending Crestwood High School he served in the U.S. Marine Corp for four years, traveling the world as an aircraft electronics technician. He then worked as an electrician for the Fredericksburg Creamery, Madison Dairy in Madison, Wis., and Featherlite Trailers of Cresco.
Mike enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR on television. He also liked bowling, darts, fishing, and shooting trap. He loved the Mississippi River and being with his friends and family. He was a member of the American Legion.
Mike is survived by his children: Caleb (Amanda) Jensen of St. Cloud, Minn., and Shawna Jensen of Mountain Iron, Minn.; his parents: Eugene and Lenice Jensen of Cresco, IA; his brothers: Randy (Carla) Jensen of Guttenberg, Gary (Deb) Jensen of Cresco, Jon (Debbie) Jensen of Cresco, and Steve (Melissa) Jensen of Cresco; along with 11 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Arnold and Elsie Jensen; and Harold and Delma Harkin.
Diane Bruening, 58
Funeral services for Diane K. Bruening of Cresco were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco and one hour prior to services on Monday at the church. There was a 6:30 p.m. scripture service on Sunday.
Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Diane, 58, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 at the Regional Health Services Hospital of Howard County in Cresco.
Diane Katherine Bruening was born May 2, 1951 in Cresco, the daughter of Gene and Anna (Ryan) Myers.
She graduated from Notre Dame High School and attended Hamilton College in Mason City for two years, studying business.
On May 1, 1976 she married Richard Bruening at the Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco.
She started working at the "Red Hut" and "All Have Fun", then owned "Round Table Gifts" in Cresco, and worked at "Walmart" in Decorah for 17 years. Back in high school Diane wrote the local news for Ridgeway. Diane loved to read, play games on the computer, she was an avid collector of bells, teddy bears, Elvis CDs, was a real fan of Elvis and enjoyed going to Elvis Impersonator concerts. She liked to travel, took a cruise to Mexico, but was especially happy when she could be with her grandchildren. Diane was a member of the Notre Dame Circles of Faith.
Surviving Diane are her husband, Richard of Cresco; a son: Jon Myers of Cresco; a daughter: Melanie Bruening of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren: Katelyn, Gabriel, and Kenneth Zweibohmer, and Wade Heying; her mother: Anna Myers of Ridgeway; a sister: Debra and her husband, William Winsell of Ridgeway; and a brother: David Myers also of Ridgeway.
Diane was preceded in death by her father: Gene Myers; and a daughter: Jennifer Zweibohmer.
Bernadette Nosbisch, 83
Funeral services for Bernadete Nosbisch of Cresco were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco and one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the church. There was a 7:30 p.m. scripture service on Monday.
Conway Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Bernadette, 83, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 at her home in Cresco.
Bernadette Alice Nosbisch was born April 28, 1926 in Lawler, the daughter of Francis Thomas and Alice (Whalen) Carolan. She graduated from New Hampton High School and attended Upper Iowa Teachers College for two years.
On July 20, 1949, she married Francis Nosbisch at Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler. Frank and Bernadette farmed near New Hampton after their marriage. In 1964, they moved to Cresco and she worked at Notre Dame School, then the Rose Shop in Cresco. She began working at Mode O'Day Shop and purchased the business and the name was changed to Bernadette's, where she worked until she retired.
Bernadette was an active member of Notre Dame Circles of Faith and she volunteered at church by helping to deliver Meals on Wheels and as an usher. She was a member of the Cresco Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed playing golf and belonged to the Cresco Country Club. She was a member of the Friends In Council Study Club and held several offices through the years and was also a member of the Howard County Hospital Auxiliary.
She enjoyed working in the garden and with her flowers. Bernadette enjoyed reading and going out to eat with family and friends.
She is survived by her children: Mary of Decorah, Peggy (Brian) Roberg of Cresco, and Mike (Audrey) Nosbisch of Ridgeway; six grandchildren: Nicholas (Sara) Roberg, Rebecca Roberg, Brett (Danielle) Roberg, Matthew (Erin) Nosbisch, Justin (Jaime) Nosbisch, and Zachary (Erica) Nosbisch; four great-grandchildren: Grant Lee and Jordyn Lee Roberg; Callie Sue and Rainey Claire Nosbisch; two brothers: Paul Carolan of Bull Head City, Ariz. and Francis (Madonna) Carolan of Charles City; and one sister: Ann Ellingson of Omaha, Neb.
Bernadette was preceded in death by her husband: Frank on June 13, 1986; two sons in infancy; a great-grandson: Chase Francis Nosbisch; her parents; and four brothers: Jim, Gene, Robert and Charles Carolan.
Ellis Fravel 80
Funeral services for Ellis K. Fravel of Cresco were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 at the Cresco Community Chapel in Cresco. Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco.
Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.
Ellis, 80, died Monday, Oct. 5, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family.
Ellis Keith Fravel was born July 18, 1929 at the Fravel family farm the son of Glenn and Dora (Pilgrim) Fravel. He went to country school until eighth grade then finished at Cresco High School. He was drafted into the service in 1953 until 1955. During that time he married Betty Lou Miller on March 25, 1954. In their 55 years of marriage they fostered Roger Miller six years and were blessed with three children. After his service in the military they took up farming.
After chauffeuring his grandchildren, you would typically find Ellis in the coffee shop gossiping about weather, corn, and who knows what else. He loved to farm, "I could rent out the farm, but that would take all the fun out of it." He was never worried about money or what would happen tomorrow. He had a firm foundation in Christ and was one of the founding fathers of the Cresco Community Chapel.
Ellis is survived by his wife Betty; granddaughter: Kayla; son: Gary; son: Tim and his wife Kay, and their children Corey, Carrie, Sarah, and Timothy Jr; daughter: Diane Jepsen and her husband Dean and their children Steven, Kristen, and Kaitlynn; two brothers: Charles and Paul Fravel.
Ellis is preceded in death by his father Glenn and mother Dora, his sister Lucile (Fravel) Curtis, and brother Robert Fravel.
Vivian Coyle, 73
Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony handled the arrangements.
Vivian, 73, died Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 at her home following a courageous 10-week battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Melvin Funke, 68
Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony handled the arrangements.
Melvin, 68, died at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Steve Pearson, 54
Steve Pearson died unexpectedly but peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2009 in Sedona, Ariz. He was born October 24, 1954, the son of Mabel (Olsen) and David Pearson, the third of six children in Madison, Wis. He grew up in Middleton, Port Washington and McFarland Wis., and finished high school in McFarland. He attended UW Eau Claire for one year and then relocated to Oklahoma City, Okla. to finish his undergraduate degree.
Steve loved the outdoors: sailing, hiking, canoeing and motorcycling. He had a wide range of occupations. He worked as a gas company meter reader, railroad switchman, commodities trader, sold ornamental dried plants, school teacher, MCSE certified network technician, EMT, horse wrangler, home remodeler and a pilot. It was as a self-employed pilot that he found the greatest job satisfaction.
At the time of his death he was pursuing a nursing degree. Steve and Karen (Dostal) of Protivin were married June 13, 1992 and had three daughters.
Steve is survived by his wife, Karen; three daughters: Claire, Kaycee and Kilee; two sisters: Pegge (Billy) Butenhoff of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Judith (Kyriakos) Vavarapis of Athens, Greece; and three brothers: Dave (Cindy) of Madison, Bill (Kris) of Denver, Colo. and Tim (Lori) of Morgantown, W.Va.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and David Pearson.
Posted on 13 October 2009 by Marie Thompson
Rosalyn LaFrenz, 93
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rosalyn "Boodie" LaFrenz of Hopkins, Minn., formerly of Cresco and St. Charles, Minn. were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.Conway Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.
Rosalyn, 93, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009.
Boodie was born in Cresco and raised with her siblings, Joe and Agnes, on the Charles and Nell Ryan family farm in Plymouth Rock. Boodie married Vance LaFrenz and lived in Cresco until 1942 when the war took them to Washington and then Minneapolis. They lived in Winona before moving to St. Charles in 1950.
Boodie lived in St. Charles for many years where she owned and operated the Southside Grocery. She managed the St. Charles Laundromat when it replaced the grocery store. She often recalled her many fond memories of friends in St. Charles and her active role at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Retirement took Boodie and Vance back to Cresco in 1976 where she resided until 2001. Her many activities with long-time friends and relatives were very special.
In 2001 Boodie decided to move close to her family in the Twin Cities. Her years at St. Therese Sr. Apartments in Hopkins, Minn. were very fulfilling. She was very active in her card groups, working in the gift shop, various resident activities and tending her garden. St Therese gave her great opportunity to live her faith by attending daily mass in the chapel. She deeply valued the great relationships with her many St. Therese friends. Her great joy was very frequently getting together with family.
She is survived by sons: Dale (Jodeen) of Eden Prairie, Minn. and Dean (Carol) of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; six grandchildren: Mark (Elizabeth), Scott (Teri), Jason (Naomi), Jennifer, Todd (Jackie), Sarah (Jason) Bass; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Roslyn was preceded in death by her husband, Vance.
Ruth Fenske, 85
Ruth B. Fenske, 85, a long-time resident of Cresco passed away October 12, 2009 in Melbourne, Fla.
Ruth Beatrice Fenske was born May 28, 1924, the daughter of Louis and Agnus (Opat) Hruska.
Ruth was a beloved and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was known as a very generous person with a kind and loving heart. She enjoyed serving others though her work at the First Lutheran Church and the VFW Women's Auxiliary. She was an avid quilter and craftsperson with much talent. She received great pleasure from her life-long membership at TOPS.
She is survived by her children: Jolene (David) DeHeer of Grand Rapids, Mich., David (Karen) Fenske of Melbourn Beach, Fla., and Donald (Jo) Fenske of Cresco; grandchildren: Scott (Sasha) Fenske, Jason (Angie) Fenske, Jessie (Emily) Fenske, Kymberlee (Cory) Forgrave, Kerri (Ramond) Font, and Jeff (Karen) DeHeer; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister: Marie (Joe) Ferrie.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Verne, and a brother: Leonard.
Paul Wheeler, 84
Funeral services for Paul V. Wheeler of Cresco were held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco. Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco.
Lindstrom Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Paul, 84, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 surrounded by all his children.
Paul Virgil Wheeler was born November 7, 1924 the son of Mary Ann (Crawford) Wheeler and Charles Edward Wheeler in New Oregon, Iowa. Paul was one of 11 children.
Paul was married to Katherine Ellen Simmons in August 1965.
Paul is survived by his children: Deborah Hughes of Frankville, Renee (Jim) Russett of Frankville, Kim (Dennis) DeJager of Ventura, Lesia (John) Stuelke of Center Point, David Zimmer of Mable Minn., and Michael (Teresa) Wheeler of Leesburg Va.; 18 grandchildren: Melissa, Teddy, Kristina, and Stephanie Hughes, Daniel and Mac Russett, Rebecca Hubka, Miranda Hageman, Megan, Brittany, Sean, Ian and Jonathan Stuelke, Tess, Madeline, and Grace Wheeler, Alana Roethle, and Damon Zimmer; nine great-grandchildren: Chloe and Brody Hughes, Hannah and Lily Gormly, McKenna and Cameron Hubka, Thatcher and Taggert Roethle, and McCaine Zimmer, Jr.; and a sister: Mary Ellen Wheeler.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife Katherine; and a son: Ernie Zimmer.
Michael Jensen, 54
Friends of Michael "Mike" S. Jensen of Cresco greeted the family from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco. There was a 7 p.m. scripture service. No other service was held.
Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.
Michael, 54, died Friday, Oct. 9 at his home.
Michael Scott Jensen was born June 24, 1955 in Springfield, Minn., the son of Gene and Lenice (Harkin) Jensen.
While in grade school he moved to Iowa. After attending Crestwood High School he served in the U.S. Marine Corp for four years, traveling the world as an aircraft electronics technician. He then worked as an electrician for the Fredericksburg Creamery, Madison Dairy in Madison, Wis., and Featherlite Trailers of Cresco.
Mike enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR on television. He also liked bowling, darts, fishing, and shooting trap. He loved the Mississippi River and being with his friends and family. He was a member of the American Legion.
Mike is survived by his children: Caleb (Amanda) Jensen of St. Cloud, Minn., and Shawna Jensen of Mountain Iron, Minn.; his parents: Eugene and Lenice Jensen of Cresco; his brothers: Randy (Carla) Jensen of Ellington, Mo., Ricky (Donna) Jensen of Guttenberg, Gary (Deb) Jensen of Cresco, Jon (Debbie) Jensen of Cresco, and Steve (Melissa) Jensen of Cresco; along with 11 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Arnold and Elsie Jensen; and Harold and Delma Harkin.
Gilbert Endicott, 78
Arrangements are with the Akkerman Ingebrand Funeral Home of Mora, Minn. and the Livingston Funeral Home in Kingman, Kan.
Gilbert D. Endicott was born August 13, 1931 in Wichita, Kan. the son of Gilbert R. Endicott and Jeannette (Hanscome) Endicott. Gil was a graduate of Kingman High School in Kingman, Kan. in 1949. Following his high school graduation he attended Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. receiving a degree in political science at Wichita State University where he received his degree in education. He later received a Master's Degree from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan. and his Masters in Administration and Special Education Certification from the University of Northern Iowa. He served in the Army for two years from 1953-55.
On June 3, 1960 he married Sharon Myers at The Congregational Church in Kiowa, Kan. He served as a teacher, coach and athletic director in the Kiowa, Harper and Derby, Kan. school districts. The family moved to Cresco in 1969. His educational responsibilities were to serve as Assistant High School Principal and Special Education Teacher. Gil and his children moved to Elkhart, Kan. in 1981 where he served as a Middle School Principal. He took great pride in his work as a principal in Elkhart and Cresco. There were many lives positively impacted by Mr. Endicott at these schools thanks to his care and concern for students and teachers. He retired from a distinguished career in education and moved to Hutchinson, Kan.
Gil's greatest thrills involved watching his children and grandchildren in their activities and family gatherings. His infectious smile and quirky sense of humor brought joy to all who knew him. Gil was an avid sports fan and enjoyed bowling and watching his beloved Kansas Jayhawks and Cincinnati Reds.
Gil is survived by his children; Dave and Esther (Kopka) Endicott of Mora, Minn., Cami Endicott of Mora, Minn., Chris and Andrea (Larson) Endicott of Apple Valley, Minn., and Amanda (Endicott) and David Stiens of Kansas City, Mo.; seven grandchildren: Rachel and Emma Endicott, Jorunn, Larson and Finn Endicott, Jacob and Avery Stiens; and a sister: Diane and her husband Jim Sampson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother: Jerome (Jerry).
Beryl Lahr, 90
Beryl B. Lahr, 90, died Oct. 11, 2009 at her home in Compton, Calif. Interment was at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif.
Beryl B. Lahr was born November 13, 1918 in Albion Township the oldest daughter of Charles and Clara (Mandelko) Bigalk. She received her education in the public schools and moved to California in 1941.
On January 30, 1943 she married Henry Lahr. He died in 1959.
Beryl is survived by her son: William Lahr of Compton, Calif.; a sister: Shirley Davis of Cresco; a sister-in-law: Alice Bigalk of Merced, Calif.; a brother-in-law: Edward Downey of Bella Vista, Ark.; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers: Roger, Clinton and Arvid Bigalk; and two sisters: Thelberta Norman and Carol Downey.
Posted on 23 October 2009 by Marie Thompson
Myron Moore, 89
Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville handled the arrangements.
Myron, 89, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Knoxville, Iowa.
Myron Jess Moore was born May 20, 1920 in Fayette County the son of Myron and Ella (Popenahgen) Moore. He went to school in Fayette and graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1949 with a B.A. degree. He also took many classes at Bemidgi State College in Minnesota.
M.J. went into the U.S, Air Force in 1943 and served in the China, Burma, India area as a gunner and then as a radio operator. After returning from W.W. II, he married Norma Knudson on June 30, 1946.
M.J. attended college and began teaching in Maynard. In 1954 M.J., Norma and the children moved to Riceville where he taught and coached until he retired in 1983. M.J. truly enjoyed his teaching and coaching.
After retirement he and Norma had a chance to travel. They spent time in Oregon, Texas, and ended up going to Arizona for the winter and to Mille Lacs Lake, Minn. in the summer. M.J. was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He was a long time member of the Methodist Church and a member of the American Legion for over 6o years.
M.J. is survived by his wife, Norma; his daughter: Kristeen (Roger) Gray of Beaverton, Ore.; his son: James (Linda) Moore of Spencer; two grandchildren; two great-grandsons; one sister: Ella Marie (Stanley) Paul of Portage, Wis.; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.
Elmer Slifka, 85
Funeral services for Elmer R. Slifka of Decorah were held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009 at Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah with Deacon Nick Francois officiating. Fisherman's prayer was read by Dan Collett. Mary Beth Bouska was the organist and Susan Pikula was the flutist. Songs were "How Great Thou Art" and "Ave Maria". Interment was in St. Benedict's Cemetery in Decorah with military rites by American Legion Post #299 and VFW Post #5769 of Mabel, Minn.
Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah handled the arrangements.
Elmer, 85, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco.
Elmer Raymond Slifka was born March 17, 1924, the son of John J. and Ann (Schneider) Slifka in Cresco. Elmer attended rural country schools between Cresco and Protivin and then Notre Dame Catholic School. Elmer enlisted in the US Army where he had glider training and was a paratrooper. He served in Germany during World War II, as a roving guard at the Palace of Justice.
He returned to Cresco and married Eleanor Tieskotter on April 22, 1956 in Cresco. They moved to Mabel, Minn. in June of 1947, and Elmer was self-employed as a carpenter mason. He also worked for K.V. Hagen Lumber Co., until he retired.
After retirement, he repaired lawn mowers, bicycles and enjoyed "tinkering" in his garage. His favorite pastime of all was fishing and traveling and loved taking his grandchildren, Shannon and Trevor, along with him. In Elmer's earlier years, he enjoyed being a clown and riding his tall bicycle with the Mabel Grenadier's and driving his "00" stock car. Elmer was a founding member of St. Olaf's Catholic Church in Mabel and was a current member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah. Elmer was a member of the Joseph B. Lund American Legion Post #299 and a lifetime member of the Kittelson - Onsgard VFW Post #5769 in Mabel, Minn.
Elmer is survived by his daughter: Sandra (Chad) Evans of Decorah; two grandchildren: Trevor Gossman and Shannon Duncan, both of Decorah; two great-granddaughters: Sierra and Aria; one brother: Daniel (Irene) Slifka of Cresco; one sister-in-law: Dorothy Slifka of Waukon; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Eleanor Slifka on Oct. 9, 2006; a son-in-law: Charles Gossman on Jan. 7, 1977; his parents; one sister: Mildred (Frank) Kudrna; two brothers: Gerald (Lil) Slifka and Clarence Slifka; two brothers-in-law: Arnold (Mildred) Tieskotter and Gordon Tieskotter; one sister-in-law: Gertrude Schissel; one niece: Marilyn Drozd; and three nephews: Gerald Slifka, Bill and James Tieskotter.
Michael Brophy, 63
A Mass of Christian Burial for Michael "Mike" J. Brophy of Lourdes was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes with Father Ray Atwood officiating. Barb Boyle was the organist accompanying the North Washington Men's Choir singing, "Here I Am Lord", "I Am the Bread of Life", "It's Not the First Mile", "On Eagles Wings", and "Danny Boy". Pallbearers were: Franny Smith, Dan McGrane, Pat Fogarty, Merle Havlik, John Chihak and Jack Hastings. Honorary pallbearers were: Clem Havlik, Irv Friedhoff, Leo Fair and Jim Fangman. Military rites were provided by Elma American Legion John Frahm Post #597. At the graveside service, bagpiper John Morris played "Amazing Grace" and "Scotland the Brave" and everyone attending sang "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling". Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Lourdes.
Visitation was from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma with a scriptural wake service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continued at the funeral home one hour prior to services on Monday.
Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma handled the arrangements.
Michael, 63, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 at his home.
Michael Jerome Brophy was born February 22, 1946 the son of Bernard "Jerry" and Mary (Fogarty) Brophy in Elma. Mike graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Elma in 1964. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 30, 1964 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam and received his honorable discharge on August 30, 1968. He then worked for Wilson Meat Packing Plant in Cedar Rapids until his father was injured, returning home to operate Brophy Livestock. Mike was later employed at White Tractor Manufacturing in Charles City. In 1985 he built Lourdes Service Station in Lourdes which he owned and operated for three years. Mike was a rural mail carrier for the Elma Post Office for 33 years, retiring in 2006.
Mike enjoyed his family and friends, workshop "museum", history and spending time outdoors. He was especially proud of his Irish heritage. Mike was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Elma American Legion - John Frahm Post #597, Alta Vista VFW - Paul Johann Post #4069 and Elma Sportsman's Club.
He is survived by his companion Patty Korsmo of Lourdes; three children: Amber Hummel of LeRoy, Minn, Danielle (Patrick) Cowley of Syracuse, N.Y.; Sean (Sarah) Brophy of Alta Vista and his children's mother Kaye Brophy of Elma; three grandchildren: Corey, Tyler and Trey Hummel; two sisters: Alice Vick of Cedar Rapids and Jean (Tom) Huegel of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother: Johnny Brophy.
Mildred Meier, 89
Funeral services for Mildred Meier of Lime Springs will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lime Springs. Interment will be in Saratoga Cemetery following services at 2:30 p.m.
Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Mildred, 89, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 in Cedar Rapids.
Mildred Meier was born October 25, 1919, one of nine children, the daughter of Henry and Mildred Aebly of Spencer. Mildred helped her mother with laundry and housework and especially enjoyed working with her dad in the garden. Her dad always referred to her as "Pet". Mildred, along with her siblings walked every day to school where she completed the eighth grade.
Mildred was married to George W. Peters on July 2, 1933 at her sister's home in Kansas City. They had four children, George Jr., Marian, Larry and Kenneth. George and Mildred farmed around Saratoga most of their married years, later moving to Lime Springs. Mildred enjoyed doing volunteer work for Howard County Extension Service, and spent many years as a Sunday School Superintendent at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lime Springs. Mildred and George enjoyed spending their free time with family and friends, playing cards, and board games. George passed away in 1990.
On February 26, 1994 she married Walter A. Meier. They resided on his farm near Elma. Mildred always had a big strawberry patch, and enjoyed making jam and pies. One of Mildreds favorite activities was dancing. Mildred did a great Charleston Step, and loved waltzing and fox trots. When she had spare time she enjoyed writing poetry and reading. Mildred loved family time and hosted many birthday parties and holiday dinners.
She is survived by her three children: Marian Marvin of Cedar Rapids, Larry (Marilynn) Peters of Indianola, and Kenneth (Mary) Peters of Rochester, Minn.; 14 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Meier; her husband, George Peters; a son: George Jr.; a grandson: Dean Peters; her parents; and eight siblings.
Ann Scharnweber, 80
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ann A. Scharnweber of Cresco will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, where there will be a 4:15 p.m. rosary, followed by a Legion Auxiliary Service and a 7:30 p.m. scripture service.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Ann, 80, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.
Ann Anna Mae Scharnweber was born on Sept. 26, 1929 in Ossian, the third child of Hugo and Mary (Wenthold) Kleve. She moved to Cresco with her family in 1930, where her parents had purchased a farm. She attended Cresco Schools.
On June 23, 1948, she married Donald D. Scharnweber in St. Joseph's Church in Cresco. They farmed north of Cresco for 41 years, retiring to Cresco in 1995.
Ann was involved in many activities. She was past president and past secretary of the St. Joseph's Altar Society; served as co-chairlady of St. Joseph's monthly luncheons; taught CCD Classes for six years; was Cantor for 15 years, retiring at age 65; a member of the choir and The Good News Singers. She and her husband were funeral ushers for many years; and Ann participated in quilting for the Ag-Fest quilt. She and her husband were charter members of the Cresco Squares, Square Dance Club, and held the office of president several times. Ann also served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary for seven years and also served as Chaplain. Ann enjoyed her family, music, dancing, cooking, quilting, gardening and cleaning. Ann was a member and secretary of the 20th Century Club.
She is survived by her husband, Don of Cresco; son: Mark (Gloria) of West Branch, two daughters: Jane (Lloyd) Johnson of Ostrander, Minn., and Joyce (fiance Lyle Halverson) of Cresco; six grandchildren: Aaron Scharnweber of Des Moines, Edward Scharnweber of Wanamingo, Minn., Leah (Justin) Loomer of Cedar Rapids, Jessica and Mitchell Anderson of Stewartville, Minn., David Johnson of Woodbury, Minn., and Allan Johnson of Fargo, N.D.; two brothers; and four sisters.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister: Dolores Davis.
Leland Tonn, 54
Funeral services for Leland L. Tonn of Britt were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt with Rev. Brian M. Dellaert officiating. Interment was in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Britt.
Visitation was held from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25 at Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. A scriptural wake service was held at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt handled the arrangements.
Leland, 54, died Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.
Leland Lavern Tonn was born June 25, 1955, the son of Marvin and Gloria (Shimek) Tonn in Cresco. He grew up in Elma and graduated from Creswood High School in 1974.
On April 16, 1977 he married Kathy Walker of Riceville.
Leland enjoyed family holidays and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Leland enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, hunting, racing, garage sales and his new favorite, attending auctions. He collected pewter and eagle statues and figurines. Leland loved to tinker and do woodworking.
Leland is survived by his wife Kathy; a daughter: Angela (Chris) Robinson of Janesville; a son: Jesse Tonn of Britt; two grandchildren: Tyler and Gayle of Janesville; his mother: Gloria Tonn of Elma; brothers and sisters: Sandy (Dennis) Stevensen of Elma, JoAnn (David) Marshall of Hayfield, Minn., Marvin (Sarah) Tonn of Oakdale, Minn., Peggy (Khris) Huhe of Stewartville, Minn., Michael (Michele) Tonn of Stewartville, Minn.; and several nieces, nephews, and family.
He was preceded in death by his father: Marvin; daughter: Christina Marie; and sister: Lorilee Tonn.
Mary Stark, 79
Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Riceville.
Lindstrom Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Mary, 79, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at the Riceville Family Care and Therapy Center.
Mary Josephine Stark was born April 11, 1930, the daughter of Jerry and Mayme (Kakac) Louvar on a farm near Saratoga.
Merten Miller, 79
Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood handled the arrangements.
Mert, 79, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 at Regional Medical Center in Manchester.
Merten L. Miller was born on March 27, 1930 in Cresco, the son of Earl and Maria (Mertens) Miller.
Posted on 27 October 2009 by Marie Thompson
