Hillena Kurtz, 97, of Belmond, died on Saturday, November 1, 2003, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 4, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. The Rev. Mike Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery, Belmond. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Hillena Kurtz, was born on July 25, 1906 in German Valley, Illinois to her parents, Anno and Jenny (Aldrich) Terhark. She lived in the Belmond area most of her life and married Mike Kurtz on October 18, 1927. Her husband, Mike was killed in the Belmond tornado in 1966.

She was one of the first residents at the Belmond Retirement Center and a resident at the Belmond Health Care Center for six years.

Hillena was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, enjoyed bowling and playing bingo. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Survivors include three daughters, Jean O'Donnell of Amery, Wisconsin, Ruth (Johnnye) Goll of Garner and Carole (Sanford) Morton of Coulter; one son, Bob (Irma) Kurtz of Rancho Cordova, California; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Sadie Swenson of the Belmond Health Care Center.

Henry LeRoy Ehrhardt, of Marshalltown, died on Thursday, November 6, 2003 of cancer, at the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City surrounded by his family. He was 54.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 10, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating.

Casket bearers were David Ehrhardt, Todd Gayken, Keaton Gayken, Russell Ehrhardt, Wayne Ehrhardt and Tony Ehrhardt. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Henry LeRoy Ehrhardt, the son of Kenneth and Betty (Henriksen) Ehrhardt, was born on June 14, 1949 at Estherville. He grew up in Belmond where he attended school.

On June 26, 1967, he married Diane Martie at Manly. They were married for 16 years. They lived in Mason City where Henry was employed in construction. In 1984, he moved to Marshalltown and operated a small engine business with his brother, Wayne. He enjoyed his family, music, playing guitar and being a mechanic.

He is survived by his children, Dawn Gayken and husband, Todd and their son, Keaton of Britt, David Ehrhardt and fiancée, Jill Trainer of Northwood and his daughter, Sydney of Marshalltown and Jill's two daughters, Courtney and Kati of Northwood and Nicole Walters of Clinton; step-children, Grechet Walters and her children, Johnny, Ryan and Destiny, all of Marshalltown and Travis Walters of Marshalltown; his father, Kenneth Ehrhardt and wife, Wilma of Cedar Falls; brothers, Wayne Ehrhardt and wife, Chris of Marshalltown and Russell Ehrhardt and wife, Barb of Manly; and several nieces and nephews.

Former Britt resident, Harold W. Eisenman, of Buffalo Center, died on Saturday, November 8, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. He was 63.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 11, at the First Reformed Church of Buffalo Center. The Rev. Bill Peake officiated. Music was provided by Marlene Krull who accompanied soloist, Bruce Wubben and several congregational hymns.

Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Rev. Randy Vaage, a friend of the family, conducted the committal service. Casket bearers were Chet Eisenman, Clifton Hill, Harlan Melz, Steve Hanna, Howard Julius and William Wubben. The Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Buffalo Center was in charge of the arrangements.

Harold Willard Eisenman, son of Willard and Bernice (Riehm) Eisenman, was born on August 6, 1940 at Britt. He attended school at Britt and the Buffalo Center Community Schools.

Harold Eisenman, was married to Leonora Bebo. This union was blessed with three daughters, Julie, Pam and Monica. Later Harold married Diann Tannahlll. This marriage was blessed with a son, Andrew.

Throughout his adult life, Harold farmed and was a business owner in Buffalo Center. In 1998 he moved to Mason City, where he was employed as a courier with Priority in Clear Lake. In his younger years, he enjoyed roller skating, bowling and square dancing.

Survivors include his children, Julie Duran and her husband, Ed of Cedar Rapids, Pam Winter and her husband, Al of Clarion, Monica Oetker of Marshalltown and Andrew Eisenman of Garner; his grandchildren, Amanda and Katie Duran, Jesse and Brady Winter, Paige, Jacob and Megan Oetker; a great-granddaughter; and his sister, Cynthia "Sis" Eisenman of Omaha, Nebraska.

Merle Charles Janssen, of Goodell, died on Saturday, November 8, 2003, at the Belmond Care Center, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and cancer. He was 77.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 11, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond. The Rev. Rod Hopp officiated. Music was provided by organist, Eldoris Bunnell who accompanied soloist, Marilyn Janssen and congregational hymns.

Burial was in the St. Francis Cemetery, Belmond. Military rites were provided by the Veteran's Honor Guard of Goodell and Belmond. Casket bearers were Matt Janssen, Ryan Janssen, Nick Janssen, Justin Janssen, Eric Janssen, Brian Janssen, Jeffrey Janssen, Noland Janssen and Caleb Janssen. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Merle Janssen, was born on October 2, 1926 in Carroll, the son of William and Recka (Prill) Janssen. The family lived in Glidden until 1942 when they moved to a farm north of Goodell. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1945. In 1950, he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean Conflict.

In 1951, he married Joan Marie Lowenberg. To this union, seven sons and two daughters were born. After his discharge from service, Merle started farming with his father, Bill and brother, Roy. In 1960, he started farming on his own. In 1970, he started Merle Janssen and Sons Chester Whites. The family raised purebred Chester White hogs for over 25 years.

Merle enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair to exhibit hogs with his family and friends. He was proud of his children and enjoyed watching their sporting events and other activities.

In February of 2001, he received medals in recognition of his service in Korea. After cancer surgery in September of 2001, he entered the Belmond Care Center.

Merle Janssen was President of the Hancock Health Improvement Association, a 4-H Leader, and served on the Klemme Elevator Board. He was a 50-year member of the Goodell American Legion.

Survivors include wife, Joan; children, Danny (Donnelle), Dennis (Barbara), Steve (Marilyn), Scot (Jody), Terry (Donna), Timmy (Jane), Becky, and Bradley (Amy); grandchildren, Matt (Melissa), Nick, Jennifer, Joni, Jeffrey, Rachel (Nathan) Evans, Ryan (Susan), Heather, Jessica (Mike) Lane, Eric, Nolan, Justin, Holly, Brian, Megan, Caleb and Alyssa; and four great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his sisters, Leona (Paul) Givens and Faye (Wayne) Irelan; and sister-in-law, Flora Janssen.

Former Hancock County resident, Ubbie F. Harms, of Buffalo Center, died on Sunday, November 9, 2003, at the Lake Mills Care Center. He was 80.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 12, at the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center, with the Rev. Bill Peake officiating. Interment was in the Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center. The Winter Funeral Home of Buffalo Center was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Kenneth Skjeie, Dale Steinmetz, Michael Skjeie, David Skjeie, Rick Skjeie and Brad Bakken.

Ubbie F. Harms, was born to Harm and Johanna (Jutting) Harms on April 20, 1923, on a farm near Buffalo Center. He grew up near Buffalo Center and Woden. He was baptized in the Reformed Church. He attended school in Buffalo Center and later country school.

On April 6, 1945, Ubbie Harms and Harriet Harringa were married at the Methodist Parsonage in Algona. They farmed a few years south of Buffalo Center.

In 1952, he went to work at Welps Hatchery in Bancroft, where he was employed ten years. Later he was custodian at Forest City, Clear Lake, and Crystal Lake Schools for 15 years. He was also custodian for Manufacturer's Bank, Timely Mission Nursing Home and the First Reformed Church.

Ubbie enjoyed working on remodeling projects, talking to young people, listening to country music and visiting the Grand Ole Opry and Branson, Missouri. He enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet of Buffalo Center; daughters, Joanne Steinmetz and her husband, Terry of Northwood, Ruth Skjeie of LuVerne, Minnesota and Cheryl Bakken and her husband, James of Forest City; 12 grandchildren, Dale and Joan Steinmetz of Des Moines, Beth and Mark Heller of Blairsburg, Laurel Steinmetz of Iowa City, Sara Steinmetz of Indianola, Kenneth and Teresa Skjeie, David Skjeie, Rick and Shelly Skjeie, all of Forest City, Michael Skjeie of Golden Valley, Arizona, Cheila and Bryan Frayne, Dawn and Jeremy Mills, Bradley Bakken, all of Garner and Brenda and Eddie Simon of Mason City; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two brothers, Leonard and his wife, Lois of Forest City and Harley and his wife, Doris of Buffalo Center; four sisters, Francis Kelso of Buffalo Center, Leona Vinz and her husband, Jim of Thompson, Dorie Sinnard and her husband, Gary and Linda Johnson and her husband, Kevin all of Forest City; a sister-in-law, Louise Harms of Sweetwater, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

Word has been received of the death of Helen A. DIngman, of Omaha, Nebraska. Mrs. Dingman died on Tuesday, November 11, 2003, at her home. She was 90.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 14, at the West Hills Presbyterian Church of Omaha. The Rev. Deena Candler officiated. Interment was at Leon, Iowa. The Heafey-Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler Mortuary of Omaha was in charge of the arrangements

Helen Dingman, was born on March 20, 1913 in Decatur County. She was the daughter of Alfred and Lula Mae (Craig) Boyd. She was married to Francis W. Dingman and was a homemaker. She was a member of the West Hills Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her sons, James and Linda Martindale of Newell, Darl and Colleen Dingman of Atlanta, Georgia, Boyd and Diana Dingman of Omaha; daughters and sons-in-law, Helen and Rich Foster of Lake View, Ginger and Frank Swaney of Hampton; a son-in-law, Dick Nesbitt of Newell; 21 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two brothers, James Boyd of Texas and Bill Boyd of Stuart; two sisters, Nettie Powers of Omaha and Marie West of Oregon; and also nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 17, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mason City. The Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiated. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Loretta Arlene Grell, was born in rural Garner, on May 8, 1916, to Ernest and Linda (Rheinhart) Grell. She received her education at the Ventura Consolidated School, graduating in 1934. She graduated from the Hamilton School of Commerce in 1936.

In 1936, she was employed by Lyons Launderers Cleaner and Furriers doing clerical work. She later became their bookkeeper until they closed in 1969. She was then employed as a bookkeeper for Thomas Machine Company until her retirement in 1982.

Loretta was married to Robert M. Schultz of Mason City on December 28, 1945. She was a long time member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City and was active in LWML and the Dorcas Circle of her church. Loretta was an avid card player and fisherman.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Schultz of Mason City; sons, Edward Schultz and wife, Mary of Cedar Falls and Byron Schultz and wife, Elaine of Forest City; five grandchildren, Ainslie, Robert and Amanda Schultz of Forest City and Elizabeth and Angela Schultz of Cedar Falls; a brother, Alfred Grell and his wife, Maggie of Green Valley, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Helen Grandy and Melita Schultz of Oxbow, Saskatchewan, Canada; also several nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and friends.

Warren A. Rasmus, 76, of Garner, died on Thursday, November 13, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 15, at the United Methodist Church in Garner. The Rev. David Wagner officiated. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Cataldo who accompanied soloist, Wayne Lawhorn and congregational hymns. Ushers were Marvin and Maynard Schoneman.

Honorary bearers were the North Garner Community Club. Casket bearers were Jennifer Rasmus, Melanie Steffens, Chris Nixt, Jeremy Rasmus, Andy Nixt, Andrew Rasmus, Brooke Franzen, Amy Franzen, Dustin Rasmus and Michelle King. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Warren Allen Rasmus, the son of Irwin Victor and Thyra (Hansen) Rasmus, was born June 14, 1927, at Mason City. He attended the Concord Township #3 Country School and graduated from the Garner High School in 1945. He continued his education at Waldorf College in Forest City. Warren served his country in the U.S. Navy from February 1946 to December of 1947 as a Yeoman 3rd class.

On June 23, 1951, he married Helen Ann Whipple at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. They took over the family farm north of Garner, where they raised their family and had a dairy and grain operation. The farm became a century farm in 1981. In 1993 they moved into Garner. Warren enjoyed his family, grandchildren, friends, dancing and playing clarinet in high school, in the Navy and with the Old Timers Band.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church and was a life time member of the Garner American Legion and VFW. He belonged to the Saddle Club, the North Garner Community Club, served on the Garner Creamery Board and was a charter member of the Garner Jaycees.

He is survived by his wife, Helen of Garner; three children, Denny Rasmus and wife, Darlene of Algona, Ron Rasmus and wife, Kathi of Garner and Ellen Franzen and husband, Dean of New Hampton; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeremy, Dustin, Melanie, Andrew and Michelle; four step-grandchildren, Brooke and Amy Franzen and Chris and Andy Nixt; and a great-grandchild, Alexandra Steffens.

Also surviving are a twin brother, Wayne E. Rasmus of Garner; a sister-in-law, Arlene Rasmus of Garner; and several nieces and nephews.

Former Garner resident Joan Johnson, of Becker, Minnesota, died on Monday, November 17, 2003, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She was 45.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, November 21, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church at St. Lawrence in Faribault. Interment was in the Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault. The Park Kohl Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Joan Marie Ruppert, the daughter of Francis "Bud" and Bonnie (Rapp) Ruppert, was born on December 18, 1957 in Britt. She was raised and graduated from high school in Garner.

She was united in marriage to Joe Johnson on September 9, 1977 in Mason City. The couple lived in Garner until 1984, when they moved to Faribault, Minnesota, where Joan was a day care provider and provided foster care for many children until they moved to Becker in 1999.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Johnson of Becker; five children, Justin Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Jennifer (and Christopher) Williams, Brandon Johnson and Holly Johnson, all of Becker; two grandchildren, Javis Johnson and Austyn Williams; by a special person, Richie Robinson and his daughter, Hannah.

Also surviving are six siblings, Merle (and Christy) Ruppert of Northwood, Pam Niemeyer (and special friend, Marv) of Helena, Montana, Troy (and Candie) Ruppert of Sommervllle, South Carolina, Carolyn (and Gary) Johnson of Kanawha, Ken (and Kathy Ruppert) of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Connie (and Bob) Pavelka of Britt and other relatives and friends.

Raymond A. Nowak, of Wells, Minnesota, died on Monday, November 17, 2003, at the Parkview Care Center in Wells. He was 79.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 20, at the St. Casimurs Catholic Church of Wells. Bill Schultz of Britt was an honorary casket bearer. Casket bearers were Paul Nowak, Matt Hodges, Sean Nowak, Joe Townsend, Steve Nowak and Dominic Dahlen. Military honors were conducted by the Wells Color Guard and the Freeborn American Legion Post.

Raymond A. Nowak, was born on December 10, 1923, in Fairbault County, Minnesota. He was the son of Joseph and Ella (Kalis) Nowak. He attended country school in the Wells area. He served in the U.S. Army during W.W. II, from 1944 to 1946. He earned the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon and European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, one Overseas Service Bar, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and the Good Conduct Medal.

On May 7, 1952, he was united in marriage to Mercedes Ann Formanek in Garner. Ray farmed and did custom baling, carpentry work, digging graves, tree cutting, trucking and woodcrafts. He was a salesman and field manager for First McNess Co. and a gun safety trainer. He was a member of the St. Casimurs Catholic Church, a member and past Commander of the Wells VFW Post # 1778 and the Freeborn American Legion Post. He was also a member of the Freeborn Rod and Gun Club.

He is survived by his wife, Mercedes (Formanek) Nowak of Wells; eight children, James (Carolyn) Nowak of Geneva, Minnesota, Donald (Linda) Nowak of Wells, Clara (and special friend Steven) Halverson of Billings, Montana, Betty (Bob) Shanon of Jacksonville, Florida, Edward (Wendy) Nowak of Janesville, Minnesota, Nancy (Greg) Dahlen of Hayfield, Minnesota, Charles Nowak of Wells and Ruth (Matthew) Schaper of Wells; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two sisters, Elaine (John) Buzicky and Alvera (Bob) Formanek, all of Britt; and one brother, Jacob Nowak of Wells.

Ernest L. Woiwod, 78, of Garner, died on Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

His funeral was held on Friday, November 21, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Barb Mrosko who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Alvin "Pete" Hansen and Al Voss.

Honorary bearers were Don Ristau, Allen Haugen, Duane Harms and Paul Young. Casket bearers were Bryan Juenger, Jason Juenger, Karla Juenger, Natalie Swartout, Joel Swartout and Tom McMahon. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ernest Lawrence Woiwod, the son of Otto and Lulu (Henschen) Woiwod, was born on May 31, 1925, on a farm east of Garner. He attended school at the St. John's Parochial School northeast of Garner and was confirmed at the St. John's Lutheran Church in 1938.

On October 12, 1947, he married Elaine Peterson at the Lutheran Parsonage in Garner. They lived in Ventura for a few years before moving to Garner where they raised their family. Ernie operated a livestock trucking business until 1952, when he began working at Northern Natural Gas east of Garner. He retired from the gas plant in 1983 and then drove school bus for the Garner-Hayfield School District.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee and was an usher. Ernie also belonged to A.A. for eight years.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine of Garner; two daughters, Laurel McMahon and husband, Jim and Kris Juenger and husband, Tom all of Garner; grandchildren, Natalie Swartout and husband, Joel of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Tom McMahon, Bryan Juenger, Jason Juenger and Karla Juenger, all of Garner; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Brennan Swartout and Olivia Juenger; two brothers, Ron Woiwod and wife, Lorraine of Garner and Laurice "Pete" Woiwod and wife, Billie of Clear Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Former Hancock County resident, Harlan Elmer Anderson, of Alexander, died on Sunday, November 23, 2003, at his home, following a battle with cancer. He was 69.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 25, at the Alexander United Methodist Church in Alexander. The Rev. Tony Hershey officiated. Burial with full military honors, rendered by the Belmond and Goodell funeral squads, was in the Amsterdam Cemetery, Goodell. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.

Harlan Anderson, was born on November 18, 1934, on his parent's farm near Goodell in Hancock County. He was the son of Elmer and Esther (Harberts) Anderson. He served in the United States Armed Forces and the U.S. Army Reserve from November of 1957 until his honorable discharge as a private first class in January 1963.

Harlan Anderson, married Loretta Jane Foss on November 18, 1961 at Miami, Oklahoma. The couple had two daughters, Brenda and Beth, and a son, Brian who died at the age of 2.

Harlan worked as a laborer for most of his career. In early years, he farmed with his parents on the family farm. He later did custom combining and corn shelling throughout the area and in other states. He was employed with Westaby Trucking for 11 years and worked for the DOT for seven and a half years, before injuries sustained in an accident forced his retirement in 1984.

He served on the Alexander City Council for a number of years. He was a member of the Alexander Fire Department for more than 20 years and served as a trustee for the department. He could often be found doing maintenance work and making sure that all the department's equipment and facilities were functioning properly.

Harlan enjoyed visiting family and friends. He and Loretta enjoyed dancing in earlier years and later on they looked forward to winter trips to Branson. He looked forward to many camping excursions with family and friends. He enjoyed gardening, attending the Antique Tractor and Power Show north of Belmond and his antique John Deere tractors and mowers.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta J. Anderson of Alexander; daughters, Brenda Dunbar and husband, Bill of Plymouth and Beth Eddy and husband, Mike of Coulter; sisters, Ruby Smith of Mason City, Ila Mae Donnelly and husband, David of Arvada, Colorado; brother, Harry Anderson and wife, Anne Hustrulid of Garner; sister, Leila Wilhem and husband, Keith of Phoenix, Arizona; brother, Harley Anderson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Kellie Ferdin of Mason City, Kory Ferdin and Travis Dunbar both of Plymouth and Matthew and Brielle Eddy of Coulter; his mother-in-law, Johanna Foss of Alexander and many nieces and nephews.

Arlene M. Zeigler, 91, of Kanawha, died on Monday, November 24, 2003, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services for Arlene M. Zeigler were held on Friday, November 28, at the United Methodist Church in Kanawha, with Pastor Cindy Morrison officiating. Burial was in Amsterdam Township near Kanawha. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home in Kanawha was in charge of the arrangements.

Arlene, the daughter of Henry and Marguerite (Johnson) Severson, was born on September 2, 1912 in rural Kanawha. She grew up in the Kanawha area where she attended country schools. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

On December 9, 1930, Arlene was united in marriage with Elmer J. Zeigler in Britt. The couple farmed in the Kanawha area until 1960, when they moved to Kanawha. Arlene was employed by the Kanawha Community School in the hot lunch program.

Arlene's life centered on her family, friends, and church. She enjoyed quilting, baking, and spending time with her family. Arlene was a member of the Kanawha United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary, and a quilting group.

Survivors include her children, Hazel Wood and her husband, Eugene of Garner, Lyle Zeigler and his wife, Dawn of Kanawha, Jim Zeigler and his wife, Joyce of Estherville, Mardell Meyer and her husband, Gary of Belmond, Merlin Zeigler and his wife, Marilyn of Kanawha, David Zeigler and his wife, Margaret of Clarion, Joan Boeck and her husband, Charles of Denison; daughter-in-law, Mary Zeigler of Kanawha; 26 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruby Zeigler of Kanawha; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.