Kathryn S. Koch, 90, of Clear Lake, died on Monday, December 15, 2003, at the Muse-Norris Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, on Friday, December 19. The Rev. Dennis Ganz, officiated. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Kathryn Koch, was born on December 29, 1913 in Clarion. She was the daughter of Samuel E. and Madge Hllda Mechem Shannon (Johnson). Kathryn was married to her first husband, Galen Hauge, on September 13, 1933 in Webster City. Galen died on March 21, 1965.

Kathryn was a member of various groups and organizations. She strongly supported the Democratic Party and in the early 1950s, she ran for Hancock County Recorder. She was a 4-H Leader, belonged to the Garfield Township Community Club and was active in the Hancock County Farm Bureau.

After moving to Ventura and Clear Lake, she graduated from the Mason City Junior College with an Associate of Arts Degree. For a number of years she taught school, was a census enumerator, member of the Key-Notes, member of the Wa-Tan-Ye Club, was in the Clear Lake Women's Club, and enjoyed art and poetry clubs in Clear Lake.

Kathryn had her poetry book, entitled "Nuff Said", published in January, 2003. She enjoyed homemaking and interior design and was an excellent cook and baker. A talented musician, she enjoyed playing the organ and piano. She played the organ at several Governor's Balls in Clear Lake and played for various functions throughout North Iowa.

Kathryn was married to Homer Hitchcock and lastly to Dean Koch. For a number of years she resided in her home in Clear Lake and enjoyed the companionship of her youngest son, Tony.

Survivors include her three surviving children and their spouses, Gary Hauge and his wife, Marieluise of Ocala, Florida, Cynthia Wolfram and her husband, Robert of Ventura and Tony Hauge of Clear Lake; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Martin John Anderson Jr., of Garner, died on Tuesday, December 16, 2003, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. He was 90.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 27, 2003, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Mason City, with Steven W. Quintus officiating. Following the services, those attending may fellowship at the Clear Lake City Hall Community Room.

Martin was born on October 24, 1913, at the farm home of his parent's, Martin Sr. and Inga Anderson, located near Dell Rapids, South Dakota. He completed his education at the high school in Dell Rapids.

He lived on the farm with his parents, one brother and three sisters, until his marriage to Jane Fossum on June 12, 1937. They moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where they lived until 1980 when they moved to Garner, to live near their only child, Lannie and his family.

For most of his working years, Martin was a painting contractor in the Sioux Falls area and was well known for his quality workmanship. He retired from his painting business in 1980. Martin and Jane were very active in the evangelizing work of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Beginning in the mid-1930's, they spent their entire lifetime in the work of teaching the message of the Bible concerning God's purpose for mankind on this earth.

Martin was noted for his organizational work for Jehovah's Witnesses as he covered the entire state of South Dakota giving lectures, extending oversight to large conventions and giving personal attention to the spiritual needs of fellow worshippers.

At the time of his death, he was still very active in the Garner congregation, serving as a minister and elder. To the surrounding communities, he was a familiar figure going from house to house and visiting care centers for the elderly with his message of hope from the Bible concerning a better future and living conditions under God's Kingdom as outlined in the Lord's prayer. He set a fine example in Christian living and will be very much missed by young and old alike

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jane; one brother; and two sisters.

Arthur E. Boehnke, 94, of Garner, died on Sunday, December 21, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

His funeral was held on Tuesday, December 23, at the St. John's Lutheran Church northeast of Garner. The Rev. Carl Hedberg officiated. Music was provided by organist, Louise Boehnke and soloist, Matilyn Hayes. Ushers were Bill Boehnke and Tom Boehnke.

Burial was in the church cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Robert Boehnke, Philip Boehnke, Carol Chiko, Mark Boehnke, Dale Boehnke and Carrol Boehnke.

Arthur Emil Boehnke, the son of Carl August and Mathilda (Dorow) Boehnke, was born on November 2, 1909, on a farm northeast of Garner. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church of rural Garner. He attended St John's Parochial School and the Garner High School.

On November 17, 1935, he married Lillian Margaret Hollatz at the St. John's Lutheran Church. They farmed northeast of Garner until 1974, when they retired and moved into Garner. On November 17, 1989, they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary prior to Lillian's death on January 2, 1990.

Arthur was an active lifetime member of the St. John's Lutheran Church and was a deacon for six years. He served as Lutheran Laymen's League President for six years and Treasurer for three years. He was an AAL member and president for ten years, was an active member of the church Board of Education and was a committed Sunday School teacher for more than 15 years. Arthur was devoted to his family and farming and remained active in the community through the Garner Lions Club.

He is survived by his children, Robert A. Boehnke and wife, Karen of Clear Lake, Philip C. Boehnke and wife, Sharon of Garner, Mark A. Boehnke and wife, Roseann of Garner, Dale W. Boehnke and wife, Annette of Lewisville, Texas and Ruth E. Chiko and husband, Carl of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Alice Boehnke of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Laura Boehnke of Ventura; a brother-in-law, LeRoy Hollatz of Garner; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

John M. Torkelson, of Forest City, died on Saturday, December 27, 2003, at his home in rural Forest City. He was 74.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 30, at the Evangelical Free Church in Clear Lake. The Rev. David Wiersbe officiatied.

Burial was in the Ellington Township Cemetery in rural Forest City. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home of Forest City was in charge of the arrangements.

John M. Torkelson, was born in Thompson on August 13, 1929. He was the son of Osmund and Bessie (Olson) Torkelson. He received his education in rural schools near his home. John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge from the service he returned home and began farming and worked at the Torkelson Gravel and Excavating business.

He married Bonnie Olson on June 5, 1965, in Hinkley, Minnesota. The couple made their home on a farm southeast of Forest City. John enjoyed reading, singing, playing musical instruments, helping friends and neighbors. He enjoyed talking about Jesus. Many times he told his children, "For me to live is Christ but to die is gain." He was concerned about the needs of others. He was a loving and caring husband and father. He had just served his 13th year as Hancock County Supervisor.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Forest City; his children, John Jr. and Bradley, both of Forest City, Andrea Welch and husband, Kevin of Yucaipa, California and Rachel Torkelson of Ames.

Also surviving are his siblings, Lavina Askeland of Buffalo Center, Othelia Torkelson and Thelma Sunde both of Forest City, Orrin Torkelson and wife, Marian of Miller, Louise Jermeland of Forest City, Julaine Albertson and husband, Charles of Leland, Darlene Hanna and husband, Marvin of Forest City; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard "Dick" Saeugling, 66, of Garner, died on Monday, December 29, 2003, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

His funeral was held on Wednesday, December 31, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloist, Kerry Brown and the St. Boniface Choir. Ushers were George Tusha, Ben Muff, Robert Young and Elmer Young.

Honorary bearers were Nile Brown, Robert Wassom, Larry Slota, Jim Lehan, Daniel Gibson, Larry Bartleson, Dick Eagan, Leland Musser and Dan Hrubes. Casket bearers were Brad Brown, Brent Brown, Tony Miller, Robert Wassom Jr., John Sternitzke, John Musser, Michael Musser, Pat Eagan, Tim Eagan and Paul Eagan. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Richard L. Saeugling, the son of Raymond R. and Florence (Berns) Saeugling, was born on October 6, 1937 at Garnavillo. In 1939, he moved with his family to Ruthven. He attended school at Ruthven where he graduated from high school in 1955. After high school, he worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Spencer until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958. While in the Air Force, he took classes in electronic maintenance repair. Dick was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, Libya, Turkey and Virginia where he was honorably discharged in 1962.

On November 28, 1964, he married Karen Rae Gibson at Spencer. They lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Dick worked as a traveling car agent. They made several moves over the years including Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Streamwood, Illinois. In 1979, they moved to Garner. Dick retired from the CP Rail System in 1997. After retiring, he was a substitute bus driver for the Garner-Hayfield School District and also drove the Head Start bus until August of 2003.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and spending time with his five grandchildren, He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Garner American Legion.

Dick is survived by his wife, Karen of Garner; daughter, Angela Stadtlander and husband, Ross of Mason City and their children, Drake and Payton; son, R. Aaron Saeugling and wife, Danna of Atlantic and their children, Wyatt, Clayton and Emily; sisters, Shirley Eagan and husband, Richard of Emmetsburg, Janice Musser and husband, Leland of Ottawa, Illinois; and other relatives and friends.

Merle H. Brown, 84, of Garner, died on Sunday, December 28, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 31, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied vocalists, Bernie and Tyler Urich and congregational hymns. Ushers were Maynard and Marvin Schoneman.

Honorary bearers were the Garner Lions Club and the North Garner Community Club. Casket bearers were Garry Brown, Don Brown, John Monson, Daryl Upmeyer, Dale Upmeyer and Larry Nelson. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Merle Hay Brown, the son of Iver and Fern (Williams) Brown, was born on August 29, 1919 at West Bend. He grew up in West Bend, Rolfe, Britt, Corwith and the Woden areas and received his education in the Des Moines Township School.

He served his country during WW II in the Army Air Force as an airplane maintenance technician in the 49th fighter squadron. Merle served in the European, North African and Middle Eastern Theatre campaigns. He was awarded 12 bronze stars, a good conduct medal and the European, African, Middle Eastern Service Ribbon. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he attended air conditioning and refrigeration school in Chicago.

On February 12, 1947, he married LaVon Hauptly at the Methodist Church in Woden. The couple lived and farmed in the Wesley and Woden areas and in 1959 purchased a farm north of Garner. They lived there until 1980 when they retired and built a home in Garner. In the mid-1960s he attended the Reisch World Wide Auction School in Mason City. He and his partner, Harold Bryan, worked auctions for 20 years. Merle was also a county dealer for Archer Oil for many years. He drove a school bus for the Garner-Hayfield School District for 12 years.

Merle and LaVon loved to travel and visited Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Nova Scotia, Australia, Mexico and Canada. They wintered in Texas for 12 years. Merle took up golfing in his retirement and enjoyed coffeeing with the "Breakfast Bunch" as well as fishing trips and family gatherings.

Merle was very active in the United Methodist Church where he served on the administrative board, was head usher and belonged to the Men's group. He was active in Pork Producers, serving as president for four years. He served on the Extension Council for six years, was on the Farm Bureau Board, served as an Assessor in Hancock County and was a Hancock County Supervisors for four years. He was an active member of the Garner VFW and American Legion and participated in the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit for many years. He was involved as a director of North Iowa Community Action, director of Elderbridge and was a Senior Citizens Advocate. Merle and LaVon were members of the Rainbow Swingers Square Dance Club and the North Garner Community Club.

He is survived by his wife, LaVon of Garner; daughter, Linda Webner and husband, Earl of Garner and their two children, Alex Webner of Garner and Heather Gorder and husband, Bryan and daughters, Mandy and Callie all of Garner; daughter, Patsy Bell and husband, Douglas and their children, Kevin and Emily all of Nora Springs; a brother, Myron Brown and friend, Jeanette of Mount Pleasant, Texas; sisters-in-law, Verna Brown of Britt and Velma Culbertson and husband, Frances of Titonka; and many nieces and nephews.