Gary (Gerald) L. Koerner, of Klemme, died on Saturday, March 1, 2003, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Unit in Mason City. He was 95.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, March 6, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements.

Gerald Leon Koerner, was born on June 8, 1907 in Klemme. He was the son of Albert and Lillie (Lau) Koerner. He grew up on the family farm on the edge of Klemme and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1925. The family pioneered telephone service in Klemme and Gerald worked in many capacities for the Koerner Telephone Company.

Following graduation from high school, he headed West with friends and found employment as an extra in silent movies, farm hand, in the oil fields, dock worker and other employment. He returned to Klemme and spent a year as part of a threshing crew and later as a powder monkey for a quarry near Omaha.

While working as a lineman for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Storm Lake, he met Bernice A. Rule. They were married on May 20, 1934 in Klemme. The couple moved to southern California in 1964, where they managed motels in Orange County. Mr. Koerner was employed at the Millikan High School in Long Beach. He retired in 1977.

The Koerners returned to Klemme where he provided most of the labor and knowledge to construct their home. He worked at the Mix Mill and was often seen mowing his lawn until the age of 94. Mr. Koerner was a talented woodworker and carpenter. He enjoyed word puzzles and travel.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Bernice Koerner; a son, Terry L. Koerner and his wife, Diana of Stratham, New Hampshire; a daughter, Kathleen Sandoval of Sunnyvale, California; a grandson, Michael Sandoval of Reno, Nevada; and a sister, Valeria Bridges.

Jeff Boeshart, of Clear Lake, died on Sunday, March 2, 2003, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was 31.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 6, at the First Congregational Church, Clear Lake. The Rev. Thomas Healey and Rev. Barbara Stewart officiated.

Interment will be held at a later date in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Jeff Boeshart, was born on November 20, 1971, the son of Fletcher and Kathy (Ellefson) Boeshart. He graduated from the Clear Lake High School in 1990. While in high school he was involved in football and wrestling. He was an employee at the I-35 Standard Station since his junior year of high school until the time of his death.

On May 22, 1993, Jeff Boeshart and Tammy Westover were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He lived his whole life in Clear Lake.

Jeff enjoyed traveling to Colorado to see his aunt and uncle and traveling to California to visit his father. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed bowling and telling jokes and stories.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy Boeshart of Clear Lake; his mother, Kathy Boeshart-Treanor of Clear Lake, his father, Fletcher Boeshart and his wife, Carol of Clear Lake; two brothers, Kevin Boeshart and his wife, Tonya and Shane Boeshart, all of Clear Lake; two step-sisters; one step-brother; father-in-law, Roger Westover of Clear Lake; grandparents, Lucile Westover and Jo Ellefson, both of Clear Lake and Bill and Bonnie Boeshart of Garner; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Gene C. Huling Sr., of Britt, died on Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt. He was 74.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 8, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with the Rev. Robert Dodge and Pastor Donna Steven officiating. Music was provided by organist, Rhonda Budlong who accompanied soloists, Gene Guenther and Jim Sweers. Special music was provided by the Praise Team Choir.

Casket bearers were Chad Rasmussen, Erik Rasmussen, Cory Rasmussen, Jason Schwickerath, Joshua Schwickerath, Justin Huling, Kyle Schmillen, Jason Metzger and Ben Steven. Honorary bearers were Denise Metzger, Jessica Libolt, Jillian Schmillen, Jodie Huling, Amie Rasmussen, Heather Rasmussen, Caitlyn Tvedt, Brandy Steven, Ella Rasmussen, Carter Rasmussen, Caleb Rasmussen, Megan Rasmussen, Hunter Tvedt and Connor Tvedt.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt with full military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Gene Calvin Huling, Sr., the son of Fern J. and Gladys M. (Nickerson) Huling, was born on April 12, 1928, on the family farm south of Britt. He was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Stilson. Gene attended the rural schools of Boone Township and graduated from the Britt High School in 1946. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WW II and the Korean Conflict.

On January 2, 1949, he married Ivalou Steven at the Methodist Church in Britt. They farmed and raised their family in the Britt area until retiring from farming in 1992. The couple were foster parents for 20 years. He remained active in retirement, delivering meat to people all over the Midwest. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, pheasant hunting, watching sports and playing cards. He especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their activities over the years.

He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Britt where he served in many positions and was a charter member of the United Methodist Men. He belonged to the Odd Fellows Protection Lodge No. 611, the Rebekah Lodge No. 334, Britt Senior Citizens, Hancock County Pork Producers board, Hancock County REC board and was a former 4-H Leader. He was a life time member of the Britt American Legion where he held many offices locally, in the county and in the district. He was a life time member of the Britt VFW.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ivalou of Britt; four children, Eulinda (Lin) Rasmussen and husband, Don of Britt, Gene (Calvin) Huling Jr. of Denmark, Dave Huling and wife, Judy of Iowa City and Gladys Radke and husband, Tom of Ulysses. Kansas; a special nephew and niece, Rick Steven and wife, Barbara of North Carolina and Dawn Tvedt and husband, Randy of Garner; grandchildren, Chad Rasmussen and wife, Amie, Erik Rasmussen and wife, Heather, Denise Metzger and husband, Jason, Cory Rasmussen, Justin Huling, Jodie Huling, Jason Schwickerath, Jessica Libolt and husband, Rob, Joshua Schwickerath, Jillian Schmillen and husband, Kyle, Ben Steven, Brandy Steven, and Caitlyn, Hunter and Connor Tvedt; and four great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include a sister, June Soma and husband, David of Britt; two brothers, Daryl Huling of Goodell and Gary Huling and wife, Frances of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

Elfrieda C. Oltrogge, 93, of Garner, formerly of La Porte City, died on Thursday, March 6, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Her funeral was held on Monday morning, March 10, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Cataldo. Special music was provided by Daniel Oltrogge and a duet by Seth and Madelyn Priebe.

Ushers were Alvin "Pete" Hansen and Darrell Goff. Casket bearers were Kymberly Oltrogge, Daniel Oltrogge, Brent Kowalsky, Teresa Mullen, Holme Oltrogge, William Oltrogge, Stewart Oltrogge, Susan Oltrogge, Sarah Oltrogge, Angelica Atalig, Stephanie Atalig and Melissa Atalig. Interment was Wednesday afternoon, March 12, at the Westview Cemetery in La Porte City. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or to the donor's choice.

Elfrieda C. Oltrogge, the daughter of Henry A. and Emma (Schuldt) Buhr, was born on October 22, 1909, on a farm in Bremer County near Tripoli. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church of Crane Creek, near Tripoli. At the age of nine, she played the organ for Sunday School and at the age of thirteen, she played for church services. She attended the Fremont #8 country school.

On June 14, 1931, she was married to Clarence H. Oltrogge at the St. John's Lutheran Church of Crane Creek. They lived on the Buhr family farm until March of 1964, when they moved to La Porte City. After her husband's death in 1974, she continued to live in La Porte City until moving to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner in June of 1989. In October of 1997, she became a resident of the Concord Care Center in Garner. She enjoyed her family, gardening, and cooking.

She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner and LWML. She was a former member of the St. John's Lutheran Church of Crane Creek and the American Lutheran Church in La Porte City, where she was active in the Ladies Aid.

She is survived by her children, Lloyd Oltrogge and his wife, Geraldine of New Hampton, Marjorie Kowalsky and her husband, Dalton of La Porte City, Eugene M. Oltrogge and his wife, Alice of Dallas, Texas, M. Wayne Oltrogge of Clear Lake and his special friend, Pat Kuhlers and Burdene Atalig and her husband, Don of Garner; 12 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Bernice Mathews of Omaha, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine G. Weaver, 61, of Boone, died on Monday, March 10, 2003, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A memorial service was held on Thursday, March 13, at the Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames, with the Rev. Mark Heilman officiating.

Private graveside services were held at the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson of the St. Paul Lutheran Church officiating. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Elaine Gladys Weaver, the daughter of Alfred William and Gladys (Meinders) Jurgemeyer, was born on April 14, 1941, on a farm south of Garner. She graduated from the Klemme High School in 1958 and continued her education at the Hamilton Business College in Mason City.

On September 3, 1960, she was married to Egon Weaver at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. They had lived in Garner, Mason City, Watertown, South Dakota and for 34 years in Boone.

Elaine had worked at the Hancock County Extension Office in Garner, Carleton Stewart Music Company in Mason City, J.C. Peterson Clothiers in Boone, Whyte Tire Company in Boone and for 17 years at Iowa State University in Ames as an accountant. She was also an organist at various churches, the last being First Baptist Church in Boone, for 30 years.

She enjoyed her family, friends, music and traveling. She was a member of the Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames.

Survivors include her husband, Egon of Boone; mother, Gladys Jurgemeyer of Garner; son, Dr. Kent Weaver and wife, Dr. Angela Collins of West Des Moines; daughter, Heather Nigro and husband, Mark of Boone; three grandchildren, Autumn Weaver of Boone and Alyssa and Paul Weaver of West Des Moines; a brother, Vernon Jurgemeyer and wife, Diane of St. James, Minnesota; and two nieces.

Eunice M. Elwood, of Corwith, died on Thursday, March 13, 2003, at the Kanawha Community Home, Kanawha. She was 76.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 15, at the United Methodist Church of Corwith. The Rev. Dan Fernandez officiated. Music was provided by organist, Sharon Gourley who accompanied congregational hymns.

Burial was in the Corwith Cemetery. The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral home of Corwith was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Steven Elwood, James Devine, Merlin Morgan, Allan Doughan, Mike Elwood, John Hill and Wayne Elkin. Honorary bearers were the American Legion Auxiliary of Corwith.

Eunice Maxine (Tabb) Elwood, the daughter of Ara (Whetsler) Tabb, was born on July 19, 1926 at Corwith. She was raised in Corwith and graduated from the Corwith High School in 1944. After graduation, she attended the LaJames College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology in Mason City. She was employed in Belmond and Eagle Grove as a hair-stylist.

On March 31, 1948, Eunice was united in marriage to Dallas Elwood at the First Baptist Church of Corwith. The couple resided in Eagle Grove and moved to Corwith in 1956. Mrs. Elwood assisted her husband in the Grocery and Meat Processing Plant in Corwith. They retired from the business on April 1, 1983.

She was a member of the Corwith United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and was a 50-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as poppy chairman for several years. Mrs. Elwood was a resident of the Kanawha Community Home for one year and seven months.

Survivors include her husband, Dallas of Corwith; two sons and their spouses, Scott Elwood and his wife, Vicky and their two sons, Mike and Steven of Jefferson City, Missouri, Tom and Ladine Elwood and their two daughters, Katie and Elizabeth Elwood of Liberty, Missouri; and several cousins.

Former Garner resident, Lillian B. Thada, of Fairfield, died on Friday, March 14, 2003, at the Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. She was 88

Funeral services for Lillian Thada were held on Tuesday, March 18, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Fairfield. The Rev. Mark Brase officiated.

Services will also be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, March 19, at the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church near Garner. The Rev. Carl Hedberg will officiate. Burial will be in the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery near Garner. The Raymond Funeral Home of Fairfield was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Thada, was born on December 11, 1914 at Garner. She was the daughter of Frank F. and Minnie (Pueggel) Thada. She grew up in the Garner community and graduated from the Garner High School. She attended Waldorf College at Forest City and graduated from Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls. She received her Masters Degree from the University of Denver.

She first taught at Ventura Schools before moving to Fairfield. She taught at Logan and Roosevelt Schools and later served as principal at Washington Elementary. She was principal at Pence Junior High and Elementary School when it first opened. She later was part time principal at Loekridge Elementary and served as elementary supervisor for the Fairfield Community School District before her retirement.

Lillian was a charter member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fairfield. She was member of T.T.T., Retired School Personnel, B.P.W., Delta Kappa Gamma, Jefferson County Republican Women, Jefferson County Historical Society, Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary and Fairfield Women's Club. She served in various offices as a member of the Jefferson County Cancer Board, Immanuel Lutheran Ladies Circle and the Weekday Bible School Study leader for the fifth and sixth grader confirmation class.

She was honored as Fairfield Citizen of the Year by the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce and wrote the popular local column "Reminiscences" in the Town Crier.

Survivors include a nephew, Glenn Thada of Garner; a niece, Marsha Doebel of Clear Lake; her companion since 1941, Mary McPherson of Fairfield; and several step-great-nieces and nephews.

Frederick J. Rockow, of Belmond, died on Sunday, March 23,  2003, at the Wright County Medical Center. He was 86.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 26, at the Vernon Lutheran Church near Dows. Burial was in the Vernon Township Cemetery. Casket bearers were Daryl Beenken, Wayne Beenken, William Trask, Daryl Rockow, Elwyn Rockow and Harley Kreitlow.

Frederick Julius Rockow, was born on March 15, 1917 at Dows. He was the son of William and Emma (Lenz) Rockow. He attended country school near Klemme and at Madison #7 north of Garner.

He was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Garner and later transferred to the Vernon Lutheran Church at Dows.

On January 23, 1941, Frederick Rockow and Fannie Kardoes were married at her parents' home near Buffalo Center. The couple made their home near Galt, where Fred farmed and was a truck driver.

Survivors include his wife, Fannie Rockow of Belmond; two sons, Gerald Rockow of Belmond and Richard Rockow and his wife, Twyla of Belmond; two grandchildren, Sam Rockow and his wife, Janet of Belmond and Larry Rockow of Belmond; and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Mildred Kreitlow of Kanawha; a sister-in-law, Norma Rockow of Garner; and a step-brother, Melvin Kreitlow of Meservey.

Ethel M. Meyer, 89, of Garner, died on Sunday, March 30, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 3, at the United Methodist Church in Klemme, with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Madelyn Priebe who accompanied congregational hymns. Special music included an instrumental duet of Brad Prohaska and Seth Priebe and a vocal duet of Sara Prohaska and Mallory Young. Ushers were Duane Jurgemeyer and John Schwichtenberg.

Casket bearers were Homer Schoenwetter, Luverne Schmidt, Laurice Lemke, Earl Beshey, Raymond Schoenwetter, Carroll Albers and Arlym Waddingham. Honorary bearers were Cheri Prohaska, Cindy Gross, Harriet Hansen, Nadine Meyer, Denise Halverson, Dennis Grimm, Deanna Fisher, Darcy Shugart, Douglas Hansen, Denise Williamson and Den Eric Hansen. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Ethel Mildred Meyer, the daughter of Arthur (A. J.) and Emma (Ludeke) Schoenwetter, was born on May 10, 1913 in Des Moines. She attended and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1932. On March 21, 1933, she was married to Herman Meyer in Galena, Illinois. They farmed west of Klemme all of their married life. After the death of her husband in 1984, Ethel continued to live on the farm until 1994, when she moved to Garner.

Due to health reasons she moved to the Concord Care Center on June 17, 2002. She enjoyed her roommate, Dona Greiman, as well as all of the activities at Concord Care Center. Herman and Ethel spent many winters in Texas. She also had traveled throughout the United States, including Alaska. Her hobbies included crocheting, quilting, music and enjoying her grandchildren.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Klemme, U.M.W., the South Liberty Homemaker's Club and the Klemme Senior Citizens.

She is survived by three children, Lorraine Buckley of Forest City, Herman (Richard) Meyer and his wife, Patricia of Cedar Rapids and Jean Hansen and her husband, Dennis of Whiteville, North Carolina; eleven grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.