April 17, 2001

Darlene G. Smith, 70, of Wesley, died on Sunday, April 1, 2001, in the Muse Norris Inpatient Unit at Mason City. She had been ill for many years with cardio-vascular problems.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, April 3, in the St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Wesley, with the Rev. Kim Gates, pastor of the United Methodist Church, Wesley, officiating. Music was provided by organist, Bev Klein who accompanied soloist, Judy Junkermeier and congregational hymns. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Wesley.

Casket bearers were John Youngwirth, Larry Pearson, Bill Ricke, LeRoy Grandgenett, Dennis Haverly and Frank Richter. The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral home of Wesley was in charge of the arrangements.

Darlene Gloria Schultz, daughter of Kenneth and Myrtle (Gast) Schultz, was born at Mason City, on October 11, 1930. As a small child she lived at Miller and the family later moved south of Duncan. Darlene attended country school and graduated from the Garner High School in 1948. Following graduation, she moved to Mason City and worked at Damon's.

Darlene was married to Glen Smith of Wesley on January 6, 1950, in the Liberty Methodist Church of rural Klemme. They farmed in the Wesley area.

Darlene was a member of the United Methodist Church at Wesley. In 1974 she worked for a few months at Britt Tech before her health problems began. She was the receptionist at the Oakcrest Funeral Services in Wesley for 15 years. Because of poor health, she was forced to retire in 1998.

She was on the Wesley City Council from 1986 to 1994.

Darlene enjoyed shopping with her granddaughters, making rag rugs and attending flea markets. Glen and Darlene liked to camp and travel. She spent hours playing the piano and caring for her plants.

She is survived by her husband, Glen; a daughter, Judy and Craig Heyer of Titonka; and three grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister-in-law and her husband, Joyce and Jim Nielsen of Aurora, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Terry in 1974 and Randy in 1973; her parents; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Kuchenreuther and husband, Jim and Pearl Gremmer and husband, George.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Dorotha Tegtmeyer, 1923-2001

April 10, 2001

Dorotha A. "Dottie" Tegtmeyer, 78, of Wesley, died on Tuesday, April 3, 2001, at her home near Wesley.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 7, at the First Lutheran Church of Britt. The Rev. Dr. William H. Breen, interim pastor, officiated. Music was provided by organist, Donna Tech who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Raymond Bruns and Donald Dallman.

Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Honorary casket bearers bearers were Shane Tegtmeyer, Brad Tegtmeyer, Tyler Tegtmeyer, Andy Tolle, Bryce Tegtmeyer, Larry Peterson, Bob Thompson, Brent Harms, Martin Harms and Brett Adams. Funeral services were under the direction of the Ewing Funeral Home.

Dottie Tegtmeyer, the daughter of Edward and Eda (Benson) Norris, was born on March 22, 1923 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She received her education and graduated from the Cape Girardeau High School. She later moved to Chicago, Illinois, with her mother and was employed by Kemper Insurance.

On March 26, 1944, Dottie Norris and Louis Tegtmeyer were married in Blytheville, Arkansas. After her husband was discharged from the U. S. Army, the couple moved to their farm near Britt. She was employed for a time at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Mrs. Tegtmeyer was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt. She enjoyed playing cards, crafting, painting, and listening to music.

Survivors include her husband, Louis Tegtmeyer of Wesley; two sons, Rick Tegtmeyer and his wife, Barb of Britt and Randy Tegtmeyer and his wife, Natalie of Blairsburg; four grandsons, Shane Tegtmeyer and his wife, Barb, Brad Tegtmeyer and his wife, Christy, Tyler and Bryce Tegtmeyer; three granddaughters, Betsy, Melissa and Jenna Tegtmeyer; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters; two sons; and one great-granddaughter.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Drew Dorenkamp, 1982-2001

April 10, 2001

Drew Justin Dorenkamp, died on Tuesday, April 3, 2001, at his home in rural Sheffield, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. 

A Celebration of His Life was held at the Sheffield-Chapin/Meservey-Thornton High School at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 5, with interment in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Swaledale. A reception was held at the Zion Reformed Church, rural Sheffield following the interment.

Pallbearers were Ben and Dan Zickefoose, Neal Peter, Erik, Tim and Nathan Dorenkamp. Music for the service was provided by Mike Lage, Jen Koenen, Brad and Brenda Van Horn and Karen Carstens.

Drew was born in Mason City, Iowa on June 6, 1982, the son of Jim and Jan (Zickefoose) Dorenkamp.

Drew had a great interest in computers. He achieved his A+ technician certificate and did GPS work for area farmers. For the last four years he was actively involved with Mark Lage at Countryside Computers. He was a senior at the Sheffield-Chapin/Meservey-Thornton High School. Other interests included football, track, weight lifting, four wheeling and driving his car.

He was a member of Zion Reformed Church and actively involved with the Youth Fellowship. He was also a past member of 4-H.

He is survived by his parents, Jan & Jim Dorenkamp; one brother, Bryce; one sister, Sunita; by his second family, Mark and Pam Lage, Ryan and Jacob.

He is also survived by two grandmothers, Esther Dorenkamp and Dee Herzog Zickefoose; aunts; uncles; cousins; and friends.

He was preceded in death by three grandparents, Donna Zickefoose, Willard Zickefoose, Dick Dorenkamp; and a cousin, Greg Weber.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Lyle E. Dallman, 1917-2001

April 10, 2001

Life time Hancock County resident, Lyle E. Dallman, died at his farm near Hutchins of natural causes on Wednesday, April 4, 2001. He was 84.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 7, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. The Rev. Peter Schmidlkofer officiated. Music was provided by Mrs. Dwight Anderson who accompanied, Brenda Smith and Ren Kahlstorf in a duet, and congregational hymns. Ushers were Larry Fox and John Hill.

Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Graveside military services were provided by the Britt Veteran's Ceremonial Unit. Casket bearers were Bill Dallman, Cal Larson, Paul Wiste, Doug Doughan, Don Newton and Stan Wiste. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Lyle E. Dallman, was born on December 19, 1917, to Herman and Anna Dallman. He attended country schools and graduated from the Britt High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Europe for four years, earning a field commission as a lieutenant. He was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart. While at home on furlough, he was married to Evelyn Hanson at her parent's Crystal Lake farm home on March 2, 1945. The couple had five children.

Mr. Dallman farmed in Orthel Township after World War II and moved to Britt with his family in 1963. He continued farming and did plumbing, electrical, and carpenter work in the area. He attended the Evangelical Free Church most of his life. He served on the Britt City Council for 11 years and worked for the City of Britt for four years prior to retiring. He continued doing small jobs and working at his acreage after retirement.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; his children, David of Texas, Danita of Chicago, Illinois, Timothy and wife, Linda of Arvada, Colorado, Peter and wife, Francie of Iowa City, Iowa and Brian and wife, Cindy of Britt; and seven grandchildren, Kerrie and Lori Dallman, Kaitlin and Chelsea Dallman and Rachel, Mathew and Anna Dallman.

Mr. Dallman was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth; sister, Frances; and a granddaughter, Rachel.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Eldo G. Griffen, 1912-2001

April 10, 2001

Eldo G. Griffen, 89, of Garner, died on Wednesday, April 4, 2001, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 7, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass who accompanied the church choir and congregational hymns. Ushers were Allan DeWitt, Virgil DeVary and Dean Goll.

Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. Graveside military rites were conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Honorary bearers were Clayton Greiman, Arv Stille, Bernard "Bud" Greiman and Wayne Greiman. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Eldo Gerald Griffen, the eldest of six children of Charles L. and Meta (Greimann) Griffen, was born on March 17, 1912, in Liberty Township in Hancock County. He was baptized and confirmed at the Peace Reformed Church, south of Garner and received his education at Ell Township #4. In 1929, he moved with his family to Albert, Minnesota and helped on the family farm and worked with other farmers as a day laborer. He also worked on the construction of Minnesota Hwy. 28 west of Morris, Minnesota and the rebuilding of the Alberta Consolidated School.

Mr. Griffen returned to Garner in 1939 and worked with relatives husking corn, and doing chores. In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army during WW II. He was assigned to the 5th Armored Division, 607th Tank Battalion, Company A, as a tank driver in the European Theatre, serving under General Patton and General Eisenhower.

After his honorable discharge in 1945, Mr. Griffen returned to Garner where he continued as a farm laborer until he was seriously injured in a farm accident. Upon recovery, he worked as a painter and for the Greiman-Stille Ditching Company. He was employed by Winnebago Industries in 1962. After his retirement from Winnebago, he worked at Waldorf College for a number of years.

On August 24, 1963, he married Ottolena (Barendregt) Van Oort at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner. The couple lived at Forest City until October of 1985, when they moved to Garner. After the death of his wife, Mr. Griffen continued to live in their home until moving to the Prairie View Apartments in 1996.

He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church. He enjoyed the Bible studies of his church, hunting, fishing, playing cards, cracking black walnuts, watching TV and visiting with family and friends.

Survivors include four step-children, Dwayne Van Oort and his wife, Dolores of Ankeny, Homer Van Oort and his wife, June of Garner, LaVonne Hanson and her husband, Marvin of Kansas City, Missouri and Larry Van Oort and his wife, Patricia of Cedar Falls; 23 step-grandchildren; many step-great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters, Estelle Griffen of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Ruth Moerke of Morris, Minnesota and Marvel Wagner and her husband, Joe of Morris, Minnesota; a brother-in-law, Peter Barendregt and his wife, Ada of Belem, New Mexico; two sisters-in-law, Betty Ferrow and her husband, George of Belem, New Mexico and Frances Griffen of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ottolena on April 11, 1993; his parents; two step-sons, Cornie and Roger Van Oort; a sister, Bernadene Smith; a brother, Dale Griffen; and two brothers-in-law, John Smith and Fred Moerke.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Elizabeth Schwennen Barnes, 1935-2001

April 17, 2001

Elizabeth Schwennen Barnes, of Britt, died on Sunday, April 8, 2001, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. She was 65.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 11, at the First Lutheran Church of Britt. The Rev. Dr. William H. Breen, interim pastor, officiated. Music was provided by organist, Donna Tech who accompanied soloist, Marlene Smith and several congregational hymns. Ushers were Duane Hanson and Melvin Pergande.

Interment was in the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont, Iowa.  Casket bearers were Dennis Barnes, John Moore, Donald Schwaab, Dave Junker, Loren Nevill and Mark Tindall. Honorary bearers were Donald Dallman, Scott Lyman, Paul Smith, Allan Doughan, Richard Schaefer and Don Weiland. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Elizabeth "Liz" Barnes, the daughter of August and Neva (Brass) Alt, was born on February 17, 1935 in Iowa Falls. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School.

She married John G. Schwennen, Jr., on June 30, 1953 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She made her home in Iowa Falls during her husband's military service in Korea. Following his discharge, the couple made their home on a farm near Aredale.

After the death of her first husband in 1982, she moved to Mason City in 1987, and later to Dumont where she was employed at the Dumont Care Center for three years.

On June 1, 1991, she was united in marriage to Raymond Barnes at Aredale, Iowa. The couple made their home in Britt. Mrs. Barnes was employed by the Westview Care Center, Britt, for the past eight years.

A member of the First Lutheran Church, she served two terms on the church board. She was a guest speaker at various organizations with her "Aprons of Love" program. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Britt Lioness. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren in various activities, gardening, quilting and golfing.

Survivors include her husband, Ray Barnes of Britt; her children, Rick Schwennen and his wife, Linda of Grand Mound, John Schwennen and his wife, Mary of Parkersburg and Sandy Gutting and her husband, Phil of Mason City; nine grandchildren; her mother, Neva Alt of Iowa Falls; one sister, Shirley Lyman of Wilton; one brother, Harold Alt and his wife, Carol of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her father; and first husband, John G. Schwennen, Jr.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Luke Charles Youngwirth, 1922-2001

April 10, 2001

Luke Charles Youngwirth, died suddenly on Monday, April 9, 2001, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, Iowa. He was 78.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. Celebrant was Father Daniel Greving. Organist, Bev Klein accompanied The St. Joseph Funeral Choir singing "On Eagles' Wings", "Be Not Afraid", "Prayer Of St. Francis" and "How Great Thou Art". Lector was Deb Rahm, Servers, Tyler Rahm, Spencer Rahm and A. J. Doughan. Casket bearers were, Cody Youngwirth, Jess Youngwirth, Travis Youngwirth, Trent Youngwirth, Donnie Doughan and Pat Rahm. Interment was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at Wesley.

Luke Charles Youngwirth, was born on October 18, 1922 at LuVerne, Iowa, to John and Helen Freese Youngwirth. As a young boy, he moved with his family to a farm west of Wesley. He received his early education at the St. Joseph Catholic School in Wesley and graduated from the Wesley High School in 1940. Luke farmed with his parents on the home place, which is the farm that he lived on and farmed all of his life. Luke was married to Rita Vizthum on February 13, 1943.

Luke was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. He enjoyed playing cards and visiting with his family and many friends.

Luke is survived by his wife, Rita of Wesley; his children, Dennis Youngwirth and wife, Ellie of Wesley, Tim Youngwirth and wife, Liz of Bancroft and Lisa Elbert and husband, Jeff of Wauconda, Illinois; his son-in-law, Steve Doughan of Wesley; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Dorothy Becker of Livermore, Alice May of Algona and Mary Krieps of Wesley; and his brother, John Youngwirth and wife, Toots of Wesley.

Luke was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Tom; daughter, Patricia Doughan; and 3 brothers, Amborose, Dick and Larry.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Etta Bruns, 1903-2001

April 26, 2001

Etta Bruns, of Britt, died on Friday, April 13, 2001, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. She was 93.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 18, at the First Lutheran Church of Britt. The Rev. Dr. William H. Breen, interim pastor, officiated. Music was provided by organist, Donna Tech who accompanied soloist, Dave Tegtmeyer and congregational hymns. Ushers were Randy Gremmer and Paul Smith.

Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. Casket bearers were Brian Bruns, Eric Bruns, Matthew Bruns, Dirk Bruns, Brenda Richardson, Bret Larson, Wade Bruns, Kevin Dittmar and Sandra Dittmar. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Etta (Stohr) Bruns, the daughter of Eggo and Etta (Eden) Stohr was born on March 22, 1903 in the Woden area. She attended rural school in the Woden area.

She was united in marriage with Walbert Bruns on January 18, 1928, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Titonka. The couple farmed in the Woden and Titonka areas before moving to a farm northwest of Britt. In January of 1960, they retired and moved into Britt. Mrs. Bruns enjoyed her family, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, cooking and baking.

Survivors include three daughters, Rosella Bruns of Britt, Lillian and Don Dittmar of Walnut Creek, California and Adeline and Hans Larsen of Dike; one son, Raymond Bruns and his wife, Marilyn of Britt; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lora Redenius of Britt and Lydia Hillenga of Woden; three sisters-in-law, Lena Harringa of Britt, Francis Bruns of Britt and Tressie Beenken of Buffalo Center; and two brothers-in-law, Edward Stohr of Woden and Bruno Bruns of Britt.

Mrs. Bruns was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walbert on February 24, 1979; two sisters, Getrude Kurtzleben and Caroline Senne; two brothers, Henry Stohr and one stillborn; and one stillborn great-grandchild.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Allyn C. Brink, 1917-2001

April 26, 2001

Allyn C. Brink, of LuVerne, died on Saturday, April 14, 2001, at the Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge. He was 83. 

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 17, in the United Methodist Church at LuVerne, with the Rev. Dale Reisner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Dennis Holmes who accompanied several congregational hymns. A private committal service was held in the LuVerne Cemetery prior to the service, with the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of LuVerne in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Brent Hefty, Greg Wickett, Troy Larsen, Trent Larsen, Jay Hefty, Koen Luinstra and Matthew Hefty.

A son of Percy and Maude Campbell Brink, Allyn Campbell Brink was born in rural Renwick on October 25, 1917. He received his early education in Vernon Township and graduated from the Renwick High School. After graduation, Allyn farmed with his dad near Titonka.

On April 5, 1939, he was married to Darlene Hansen at Fort Dodge. They farmed in the LuVerne area until Allyn retired in 1979. They remained on the farm and lived in the home they had built in 1974. Allyn's wife, Darlene died on December 28, 1989. In 1990, he moved into LuVerne to live.

Allyn was a member of the United Methodist Church at LuVerne. He enjoyed woodworking and was a member of the "Chips Off the Old Block Woodworking Club" at Algona. Allyn had been a beekeeper in his younger years. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent many hours participating in activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, camping, fishing and water sports. 

He is survived by three daughters, Kay Hefty and her husband, Ben of LuVerne; Raeann Larsen and her husband, Bob of Lafayette, Colorado and Nancy Wickett and her husband, John of Humboldt; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Pat Braynard and husband, Dale of Gainesville, Florida and Elayne Hansen of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; his parents; one grandson, Blaine Hefty; one granddaughter, Julie Wickett; two great-grandsons, Aaron and Benjamin Hefty; and a brother-in-law, Duane Hansen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Molly M. Hiscocks, 1965-2001

April 26, 2001

Molly M. Hiscocks, died on Saturday, April 14, 2001, at her home in Britt, following a battle with cancer. She was 35.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 19, at the Evangelical Free Church of Britt, with the Rev. Pat Nemmers and the Rev. Pete Schmidlkofer officiating. Music was provided by Carol Schmidlkofer who accompanied soloists, Doug Rietema and Trent Smith, the Children's Choir, the Praise Team and congregational hymns.

Burial was in the Riverview Cemetery, Algona. Casket bearers were Chuck Anderson, Doug Doughan, Jeff Nielson, Jim Becker, Dan Kahlstorf, Dean Bertilson and Greg McNeese. The Ewing Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Molly (McGuire) Hiscocks, was born on December 6, 1965 in Algona. She was the daughter of J. Terry and DeAnne McGuire. A 1984 graduate of the Algona High School, she received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University in 1988.

She was united in marriage with Donald Hiscocks on August 19, 1989 in Algona. They resided in Bloomington, Minnesota while Don finished school. The couple moved to Mason City for a year and then to Wichita, Kansas.

Mrs. Hiscocks taught second grade for two years until she and Don moved back home to Britt. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior on September 15, 1997, and was baptized on November 30, 1997 at the Holmes Baptist Church.

She was a member of the Britt Evangelical Free Church, a PEO member, a trustee on the Britt Library Board, and an avid collector of Longaberger baskets.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Donald R. Hiscocks; her children, Emma, Charles and Andrew, all of Britt; her parents, J. Terry and DeAnne McGuire of Algona; her brothers, Jack McGuire and his wife, Amy of Algona, Doug McGuire, of Whittemore and Ryan McGuire and his wife, Melissa of West Bend; her grandparents, Pastor Paul and Leona Bussert of Spencer; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Zelda McGuire; her grandfather, Stanley Douglas; and her mother-in-law, Beverly Hiscocks.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Marie Brooks, 1912-2001

May 11, 2001

Former Garner resident, Marie Brooks, of Poway, California, died on Thursday, April 19, 2001, at the Manor Care Nursing Home in Poway. She was 89.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 18, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mrs. Brooks was a beautician for over 25 years in Garner. She retired with her husband, Millard M. Brooks, to Mesa, Arizona in 1975. In 1995 she moved to California. She became a resident at Manor Care in 1999.

Survivors include three sons, Bob Brooks of Rochester, Minnesota, John Brooks of DeWitt, Iowa and Bill Brooks of Poway, California; a sister, Pauline Satur of Biggs, California; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Millard in 1991.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Donald E. Daggett, 1930-2001

May 3, 2001

Donald E. Daggett, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, died on Friday, April 20, 2001, at the Methodist Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were held at the Peace Presbyterian Church in St. Louis Park, on Wednesday, April 25. Interment was in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors.

Donald Elisha Daggett, was born on October 27, 1930, in Clarion to Roy and Elsie (Bowman) Daggett. He grew up in Clarion and joined the U.S. Army in July of 1949, serving until November 12, 1952.

He married Doris Gruis of Klemme on September 5, 1953. The couple moved to St, Louis Park (Minneapolis), Minnesota. Mr. Daggett was employed by the Minneapolis Civil Defense Unit and was on the Minneapolis Police Reserve for nine years. He was an avid photographer, fisherman and gardener. Don and his wife enjoyed traveling and made several trips to England where they toured the factory that manufactures the Matchbox cars he collected.

The couple spent many winters in Florida where Mr. Daggett enjoyed photographing shuttle launchings. He also photographed hot air balloons from the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He made annual fishing trips to Canada.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; sister, Doris Ables of Kanawha; brother-in-law, Lee Gruis and his wife, Gracka of Garner; brother-in-law, Maynard Meyer and his wife, Marcella of Dows; two sisters-in-law, Iola of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Shirley Gruis of Hutchinson, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Roy; and his parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Leone Vivian Kuhlers, 1927-2001

April 26, 2001

Leone Vivian Kuhlers, 73, of Rockwell, died on Friday, April 20, 2001, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 24, at the United Methodist Church in Rockwell, with the Rev. Sandy Pippert officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery.   

Leone V. Kuhlers, was born on October 25, 1927 in Rockwell, the daughter of Thomas A. and Amelia (Stoltenberg) Foell. She grew up in the Rockwell area and received her education in the Rockwell public School System.

On June 14, 1951, she was united in marriage to Henry H. Kuhlers in Klemme. After their marriage they farmed in the Thornton and Rockwell areas for six years. In 1957 they made their home in Rockwell. On January 21, 1974, Henry Kuhlers passed away.

Leone was united with Christ in baptism and became a member of the First Congregational Church in Rockwell where she served as church librarian and deaconess. She was also a member of the Congregational Ladies Aid and the Rockwell American Legion Auxiliary. Leone's heart was devoted to her family. She enjoyed collecting many things as her hobby.

Left to cherish her memory include her two sons, Cecil Kuhlers and wife, Barbara of Mason City and their children, Elizebeth Ann and Rachel Lynn Kuhlers of Mason City and Mandy Irene Stoffer of California; Rodney Kuhlers and wife, Lori of Des Moines and their children, Tyler Card of Des Moines and Nikki Lease of Iowa Falls; one sister, Lenora Floy of Rockwell; and many nieces and nephews.

Leone was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; one sister, Viola Gardewine; and two brothers, Arvid and Lloyd Foell.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Vleta Theilen, 1923-2001

April 26, 2001

Vleta Theilen, 78, of Rockwell, died on Friday, April 20, 2001, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, April 24, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rockwell, with Fr. Leo Riley officiating. Burial was in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.

Vleta, was born in Rockwell on April 14, 1923, to Henry and Mammie (Kipper) Scholl. She attended school in Rockwell.

She later met her husband-to-be, Ted Theilen, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake and they were united in marriage in Osage on April 5, 1945. Throughout their 55 years of devoted marriage they farmed surrounding areas of Rockwell until retiring in 1976. Following their retirement, they moved to Manly and many other places before finding home again in Rockwell. They spent many winters in Donna, Texas with friends.

Vleta was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and with Women of the Moose Lodge. Vleta enjoyed gardening, canning, and traveling on cruises, which took her to far away places like Hawaii and the Bahamas. She found the most enjoyment in playing cards and dice and going to the casinos. She was also an avid fisherman, dabbling in the waters of Minnesota and Canada for many summers.

She is survived by two sisters, Valeria Logan of Rockwell and Virginia Millard and husband, Raymond of Manly; four sisters-in-law, Ruth Scholl of Mason City, Elda Theilen of Rockford, Anne Theilen of Sheffield and Annabelle Theilen of Mason City; one nephew, Bud Theilen and wife, Jan of Nashua; and many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; three sisters; and husband, Ted on October 7, 2000.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

George L. Brcka, 1916-2001

April 26, 2001

George L. Brcka, of Britt, died on Saturday, April 21, 2001, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt. He was 84.

Funeral serves were held on Tuesday, April 24, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Britt, with the Rev. Marvin Bries officiating. Lector was Randy Cink. Music was provided by organist, Brenda Smith who accompanied vocalists, Tim Assink and Allison Hejlik. Ushers were Allan Doughan and Marvin Holck. Gift bearers were Andrew Higgins and Joseph Higgins. Altar servers were Stephen Volcko, Adam Cink and Ryan Pritchard.

Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan. Casket bearers were grandsons, Randy Cink, Thomas Cink, Larry Cink, Tony Cink, Greg Brcka, Chad Brcka and David Brcka. The Cataldo Funeral Home, Britt, was in charge of the arrangements.

George Leo Brcka, the son of John George and Emily F. (Kulas) Brcka, was born on September 2, 1916 at Britt. He attended the rural schools in Erin Township and helped his father with farming.

On January 9, 1940, he married Marie Kopacek at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They farmed southeast of Britt where they raised their family. In 1972, they retired from farming and lived in Garner for five years and Clear Lake for 20 years.

Mr. Brcka continued to work for Winnebago Industries and Iowa Mold and Tooling. In 1997, George and Marie returned to Britt and built a new home. He enjoyed fishing, dancing and gardening. He was also an avid ISU football fan.

He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt and former member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan and St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Clear Lake. He was also a member of the Catholic Workman Lodge #51 and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus for 50 years.

Survivors include his wife, Marie of Britt; five children, Janice Cink and her husband, Dennis of Wesley, Kenneth Brcka and his wife, Kathy of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Dale Brcka of West Des Moines, Barbara Brcka of Mason City and Diane Higgins and her husband, Daniel of Cedar Falls; 18 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two brothers, Leonard Brcka and his wife, Velma of Iowa City and Clarence Brcka and his wife, Elizabeth of Palm Desert, California; and a sister, Doris Chesshir of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Pamela Brcka.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Lillian E. Wellik, 1901-2001

May 3, 2001

Lillian E. Wellik, of Britt, died on Saturday, April 21, 2001, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, Iowa. She was 99.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 25, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The Rev. Marvin Bries officiated. Lector was Frank E. Wellik, Jr. Music was provided by accompanists, Brenda Smith and Nick Wellik who accompanied soloists, Jolene Leerar and Janan Juliff. Ushers were Allan Doughan and Marvin Holck.

Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery at Duncan. Casket bearers were Larry Holck, Jim Wellik, Terry Wellik, John K. Loebig, Jeffrey Hughes and Ray Doughan. The Ewing Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian E. Wellik, was born in Garfield Township to John and Rosa (Urich) Hejlik on October 31, 1901. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. She received her grade school education in Garfield Township.

On October 4, 1921, Lillian Hejlik and Frank G. Wellik were married at Duncan. They farmed south of Duncan until 1936 when they moved to the Britt area. In 1970 the couple moved to Britt. For the last five years, Mrs. Wellik was a resident of the Westview Care Center in Britt.

A member of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Britt, Mrs. Wellik was also a member of Senior Citizens, Catholic Workmen Lodge #51, Rosary Guild and American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed her flower garden, crocheting, baking, and fishing trips with her grandchildren.

Survivors include one son, Frank E. Wellik and his wife, Shirley of Britt; three daughters, Marie Loebig of Mason City, Rose Hughes and her husband, Tom of Britt and Marcella Doughan of Algona; daughter-in-law, Arlene Wellik of Woden; 38 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Marie Hejlik of Rockwell.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Paul Wellik; daughter, Evelyn Holck; and three sons-in-law, Lloyd Holck, John Loebig and Dale Doughan. Also of her family, Bessie Liska, Frank Hejlik, Emma Trca, Ralph Hejlik, Raymond Hejlik; and one great-granddaughter, Amanda Wellik.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Richard C. Tiggemann, 1933-2001

May 11, 2001

Former Klemme resident, Richard C. Tiggemann, of Mesa, Arizona, died at his home on Saturday, April 21, 2001, after a 7-year battle with cancer. He was 68.

A memorial service was held at home on Thursday, April 26, with Lisa Dahlen, Chaplain of Heartland Hospice officiating.

Interment will be at a later date in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Mesa Funeral Care at Mariposa Gardens was in charge of the arrangements.

Richard Clarence Tiggemann, the son of William and Martha (Heginger) Tiggemann was born in Hancock County on January 23, 1933. He was baptized in the Klemme Reformed Church and attended school at Klemme.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served his country from 1950 through 1953, having spent two of those years in Germany. After his discharge, he drove semi-trucks for Doden Trucking Co. of Woden.

He married Fern Krull on November 20, 1955, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Klemme. For over 20 years, Mr. Tiggeman owned and operated a livestock trucking business. He had served as a volunteer fireman in Klemme for many years.

In 1990, the Tiggeman family moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Mr. Tiggeman worked in maintenance for an apartment complex for the elderly. He enjoyed traveling, visiting friends and family occasions.

Survivors include his wife, Fern; a daughter, Joan Tiggemann; a brother, Edwin Tiggemann of Garner; a sister, Esther Tulp of Goodell; and a sister, Velma Smith of Mission, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert Tiggemann; and a son, Richard C. Tiggemann, Jr.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Russell A. Pals, 1924-2001

May 3, 2001

Russell A. Pals, 76, of Clear Lake, died on Tuesday April 24, 2001, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 26, at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Fred Lewis officiating. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake.

Russell, was born on November 8, 1924 in Meservey, the son of Charles K. and Kate (Barkema) Pals. He attended school in Meservey. Russell married Mary McCarthy on November 20, 1965 in Clear Lake.      

Russell worked with his brother, Stanley in Thornton, operating a corn sheller and hauling livestock until 1969. He then worked for Beck Excavating in Clear Lake and then worked for Yohn's Ready Mix, Clear Lake for 15 years, retiring in 1995 due to health. He enjoyed working on his cars.

Russell is survived by his wife, Mary Pals of Clear Lake; two children, Sarah Belsky and her husband, Randy of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Rustin Pals and his wife, Sandy "Bratrud" of Mason City; one sister, Marcele Kottman of Thornton; sisters-in-law, Berniece Pals of Thornton and Minnie Pals of Belmond; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Stanley and Raymond Pals; and three sisters, Tena Hillmann, Ruth Syverson and Margaret Hake.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Bruno Bruns Jr., 1909-2001

May 3, 2001

Bruno Bruns Jr., of Britt, died on Thursday, April 26, 2001, at the Westview Care Center, Britt. He was 91.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 30, at the United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Beverly Cataldo and a congregational hymn. Ushers were Dennis Zuehl and Harry Smith.

Casket bearers were Dean Beenken, Roger Harringa, Raymond Bruns, Beuford Stohr, John Kurtzleben and Bryon Kurtzleben. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home, Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Bruno Bruns, Jr., the son of Bruno and Engelena (Troff) Bruns, was born on July 26, 1909 near Titonka. He attended rural school near Woden and farmed with his parents. He was confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Woden.

On February 25, 1938, he was united in marriage to Frances Kurtzleben at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Woden. The couple farmed near Lakota and Ledyard before moving to a farm southeast of Titonka where they lived for 25 years. In the fall of 1972, they retired from farming and moved to Britt, where Mr. Bruns worked for Marting Manufacturing for 16 years. In his spare time he enjoyed his family, gardening, especially his flowers, and refinishing furniture.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt and was a former member of the Ramsey Reformed Church, north of Titonka, where he served on the consistory for 12 years.

Mr. Bruns is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances of Britt; a daughter, Karen Walter and her husband, Charles of Eagan, Minnesota; a grandson, Christopher Walter; two sisters, Lena Harringa of Britt and Tressie Beenken of Buffalo Center; a brother-in-law, Edward Stohr of Woden; three sisters-in-law, Katherine Kurtzleben of Titonka, Harriet Kurtzleben of Woden and Jo Ann Hobbs of Hampton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Etta Mayland, Jennie Korte, Johanna Bruns, Gertie Stohr and Grace Stohr; and two brothers, Walbert and John Bruns.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Laurine M. Proctor, 1918-2001

May 3, 2001

Laurine M. Proctor, 83, of Sheffield, formerly of Clear Lake, died on Saturday, April 28, 2001, at the Sheffield Care Center.

Laurine M. Proctor, was born on January 11, 1918 north of Ventura, to Anton & Elise (Hottatz) Park. She was baptized as an infant and attended country school. Laurine was confirmed at the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Garner on April 24, 1932.

On November 3, 1939, she was united in marriage with Thomas R. Proctor in Garner. They farmed in the Swaledale area and the Meservey area after 1960. In 1976 they retired and moved to Clear Lake. Thomas died on December 8, 1984. In October 1993, she moved to the Sheffield Care Center where she has lived since.

She was a member of the Richland Lutheran Church and Ladies Aide.

Laurine is survived by three sons, Marvin R. and wife, Jane of Mason City, Marty A. and wife, Shirley of Thornton and Duane and wife, Jewel of Carroll, Iowa; daughter, Linda Van Osten and husband, Ardell of Meservey; nine grandchildren, Alanna Proctor, Mark Proctor, Robin VanOsten, Sandy VanOsten, Matthew Proctor and wife, Janet, Amy Proctor and special friend, Chad Slagle, Nathan Proctor, Rachel Proctor and Kellie Proctor; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Spencer Proctor; one sister, Lulu Read of Clear Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and husband.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Jerry L. Abbas, 1944-2001

May 11, 2001

Former Kanawha resident, Jerry L. Abbas, of St. Louis, Missouri, died on Saturday, April 28, 2001, in St. Louis. He was 56.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 3, at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. G. David Daley officiated. Music was provided by organist, Marilyn DeKruyff who accompanied soloists, Paula Abbas and Dennis TerHark.

Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha. Casket bearers were Tom Abbas, Gilbert Asbe, Bob Abbas, Bob Verbrugge, Darl Abbas and Louis Smidt. Honorary casket bearers were Robert Schreur and Harvey Uken. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Kanawha was in charge of the arrangements.

Jerry Lee Abbas, son of Fred and Maude (Verbrugge) Abbas, was born on July 6, 1944 in Mason City. He graduated from the Kanawha High School In 1963. He was active in the National Guard at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Jerry Abbas and Lucia Geary were married in St. Louis in October of 1966. The couple had four children, Rose, Jerry Jr., Anthony and Gaylord.

He married Carol Inge in May of 1996 in St. Louis. Mr. Abbas was employed by the Wonder Bread Company for 30 years, recently being retired. He was a member of the Bethany-Peace United Church of Christ. He touched the lives of many young people through his coaching Khoury League baseball and soccer. He enjoyed playing softball, fishing and watching St. Louis Blues hockey.

Survivors include his wife, Carole A. Abbas; four children, Rose Beckham, Jerry L. Abbas, Jr., Anthony L. Abbas, Gaylord L. Abbas; three step-children, John Inge, Amanda Hayden and Patrick Inge; and three grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Audrey Mehl; two brothers, Donald Abbas and Denny Abbas; and Lucia Abbas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Maude Abbas; and a sister-in-law, Eleanor Abbas.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Kristine M. Huff, 1952-2001

May 11, 2001

Kristine M. Huff, age 48, of Richmond, Minnesota, formerly of Rockwell, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2001, at her home.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, May 3, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockwell. Rev. Ron Bolinger and Rev. William Waxenberg officiated.

Kristine M. Huff, was born on August 25, 1952 in Mason City, to Delbert and Esther (Brood) Ward. She grew up in Rockwell and graduated from the Rockwell-Swaledale High School.

She married Steve Huff on January 17, 1971 at Hanford, Iowa. They resided at Dubuque, Sherrard, Illinois, Clarkfield, Minnesota and have resided near Richmond, Minnesota, for the past four years. She was active as a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and she enjoyed fishing and the outdoors.

Survivors include her husband, Steve; children, Ben Huff and his wife, Heidi of Dallas, Texas, Travis Huff of Davenport, Iowa and Nikki Huff of Richmond, Minnesota; grandchild, Payton Huff of Dallas, Texas; parents, Delbert and Esther Ward of Swaledale; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Deb and Ron Green of Nashville, Tennessee, Mike Ward of Rockwell, Dave and Sandy Ward of Rockwell, Theresa Ward of Swaledale and Susan and Marty Adams of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Goldie A. Bitker, 1912-2001

May 11, 2001

Goldie A. Bitker, of Clear Lake, died on Monday, April 30, 2001, at her home. She was 88.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 4, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Garner. The Rev. Carl Hedberg officiated. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.   

Goldie Alice (Pitkin) Bitker, was born on October 25, 1912 in Miller, the daughter of Austin and Nellie (Schwartz) Pitkin. She graduated from the Clear Lake High School.

On August 20, 1932, Goldie married LeRoy Bitker at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake. The couple lived on a farm southwest of Ventura. They later moved to the home farm north of Ventura, where they lived until retiring and moving to Clear Lake in 1961. Mrs. Bitker dedicated her life to her family. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, baking, reading and gardening. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Garner.

Survivors include seven children, Phyllis Rosendahl, DuWayne Bitker and his wife, Neva and Larry Bitker all of Mason City, Donald Bitker of Burbank, California, Loren Bitker, Sharon Kramer both of Clear Lake, and Douglas Bitker and his wife, Calliope of Mason City; three brothers, Sherwood Pitkin, Ivan Pitkin and his wife, Geraldine of Clear Lake and Curtis Pitkin and his wife, LuElla of Andrews, Texas.

Survivors also include 26 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Pitker was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Bitker; her parents; three brothers, Virgil, Norval and Franklin Pitkin; son-in-law, Marvin Rosendahl; and a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Bitker.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001