Charles H. Dewey, of Britt, died on Thursday, April 1, 2004, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. He was 87.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 5, at the United Methodist Church in Britt. The Rev. Robert Dodge officiated. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson, who accompanied soloist, Jim Sweers and congregational hymns. Harry Smith and Elmer Sweers ushered.

Casket bearers were Dave Beech, Gary Kahlstorf, Charles Sweers, Phil Sweers, Roger Kjellberg, Ed Lang and Roger Haxton. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Military rites were provided by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Charles Henry Dewey, the son of Arthur and Kate (Hullyer) Dewey, was born on November 15, 1916, on a farm near Britt. He attended the rural schools of Britt Township. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 2, 1942, and was stationed at Camp Roberts, California. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to the 32nd Division and served in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines.

He met his wife-to-be, Madeline Lena Roner, in Australia. They were married on September 2, 1944 in Sydney, Australia. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Charles and Madeline moved to Britt in September of 1945. He worked for Lechelt Motors, Pritchard Auto, Great Lakes Pipeline, Hardgraves Blacktopping and Carlson's Paving before joining the Britt Community Schools as a maintenance man in 1952. He retired in 1979 and helped out at the school and did other jobs around the community.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Britt American Legion and the Britt Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by two children, Betty Ann Duff and her husband, Bill of Sydney, Australia and Charles Arthur Dewey and his wife, Margaret of Nokomis, Florida; four grandchildren, Jenny, Jason, Billy and Lisa; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Viola Dewey Mattoon of Fairmont, Minnesota; and other relatives and friends.

Sierra Ann Penning, newborn daughter of Jeffrey and Teresa (Oleson) Penning, died on Monday, April 5, 2004, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at 1:00 p.m., at the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, with Rev. Jan Burnett of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church officiating. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake was in charge of the arrangements.

Corwith City Councilman, Tom E. Welter, died on Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa, from pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 12, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt. The Rev. Jerry Blake officiated. Music was provided by Brenda Smith who accompanied soloist, Judy Weber. Becky Rolling was the lector. Casket bearers were Ivan Frey, Matt Hobschiedt, Merle Sohl, Gary DeGroote, Dan Yeoman and Kurt Kinsey. Burial was in the St, Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Corwith. The Oakcrest Funeral Services was in charge of the arrangements.

Thomas Edward Welter, was born on April 18, 1934, to Rufus and Dorothy (Loebig) Welter at Corwith. He attended school at Corwith, graduating in 1953. After school he did carpentry, worked for the City of Corwith and then the Corwith Lumber Company.

He was married to Leona Leerar on June 14, 1955. They had one daughter, Cheryl Ann. Tom was a long time business owner of Welter's K & H Service Station, which he had established in 1960, retiring in 1996. Following retirement, Tom enjoyed farming in the spring and fall and also was a part time employee for the City of Corwith.

He served on the Corwith City Council several terms, was a fireman and served as Fire Chief. He was a member of the Corwith Merchants, Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick's Catholic Church at Britt, following closure of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Corwith.

Tom's life centered around his wife and daughter, and having lived his entire life in Corwith, Tom was a strong supporter of the community, particularly most recently with the construction of the new City Hall and Library, and the purchase of Christmas lights for Corwith's main street.

Tom was an avid golfer and was a member of the Hillside Golf Course and particularly enjoyed his annual trips to Biloxi, Mississippi with his brother, Bob and ten other golfing buddies.

Survivors include his wife, Leona; daughter, Cheryl of Fort Dodge; sister, Dorothy Ann Skitch of Lakewood, California; two brothers, Robert Welter of Mason City and William Welter of LeMars; a brother-in-law, Robert DeGroote of Corwith and several nieces and nephews.

LaVern Christensen, 1912-2004

April 21, 2004

Harry LaVern Christensen, 91, of Clear Lake, died on Saturday, April 10, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit at Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 14, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Garner. The Rev. Carl Hedberg officiated. Interment was in the St. John's Cemetery, rural Garner. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials can be made to Hospice of North Iowa or St. John's Lutheran Church, Garner.

LaVern was born the son of John and Myrtle Mae (Giles) Christensen on June 24, 1912 at Alexander. He married Sena Christians on April 4, 1937, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. He was a farmer and carpenter until his retirement in 1976. His hobbies were fishing, traveling, woodworking and playing cards.

LaVern is survived by his wife, Sena of Clear Lake; a daughter, Diana Glidden of Ames; grandchildren, Terri (Denny) Van Hemert and Jeffrey (Kitty) Glidden; great-grandchildren, Courtney and Caitlyn; a son, Kenton Christensen of Princeton, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kurtis (Michelle) Christensen, Kiley Christensen and Kindolyn (Jason Spears) Christensen; great-grandchildren, Autumn, Summer, Moriah and Morgan; and many nieces and nephews.

Earl S. Rygh, 1928-2004

April 21, 2004

Earl S. Rygh, of Garner, died on Sunday, April 11, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City. He was 75.

In accordance with his wishes, Earl's life will be celebrated at a gathering for family and friends tentatively set for Saturday, June 12 in Garner. Further details will appear in the newspaper as they are confirmed. There will be no visitation. The Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Garner Public Library or the Hancock County 4-H.

Earl Stanley Rygh, was born on the family farm near Lake Mills, on August 28, 1928. He was the third child of Selmer and Elizabeth (Gunvordahl) Rygh. Earl developed a strong work ethic at an early age, and helped on the family farm. He was baptized and confirmed at the Lime Creek Lutheran Church in Emmons, Minnesota. He graduated from the Emmons High School in 1946.

When he had time, he enjoyed going with friends to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. Earl began working as part of Buntenbach and Conroy Livestock Sales in 1948. He married Lorraine (Buntenbach) Wicks on December 26, 1949, at the Buntenbach family home in Klemme. Earl and Larry moved to Garner and lived at 825 Division Street. Their daughter, Leslie was born on August 14, 1951. In 1951, Earl bought land in Ell Township and drained it to farm. Earl and Larry planned a new home at 625 W. 8th St. and Earl did much of the construction himself. Lorraine Rygh died in July of 1956.

On April 9, 1960, he married Sandra Knight at the Methodist Church in Rockford. Their son, Christopher was born on January 5, 1969. Earl was very hardworking, versatile and resourceful, wanting to be known for planting the straightest corn rows and having the cleanest ditch banks. Earl took great pride in his knowledge of and skill in the beef cattle business. He looked forward to participating as ring man and auctioneer at the annual livestock auction at the Hancock County Junior Fair.

He was proud to have been willing and able to offer support to his daughter, son and grandchildren for formal education and homes. Among Earl's fondest memories were visiting the San Francisco Zoo, viewing the Circus Wagon Parade in Milwaukee and reminiscing with friends at his 60th birthday party. He was a born storyteller.

Earl had brief stays at the Concord Care Center and the Westview Care Center. Earl was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and served as a Trustee. For some years, he was a member of the Garner Rotary Club.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Rygh and husband, Oscar de la Roche of Napa Valley, California; his son, Christopher Rygh and wife, Marybeth of Cedar Falls; four grandchildren, Karl de la Roche, Marco de la Roche, Katherine Rygh and Molly Rygh.

Also surviving are a brother, Paul Rygh and wife, Marcia Mitchell Rygh; a sister, Barbara Rygh Crawford; a brother-in-law, Vincent Olson; a sister-in-law, Elaine Buntenbach Keraus of Garner; a brother-in-law, E. D. "Red" Buntenbach and wife, Patricia Phillips Buntenbach of Garner; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ted and Margaret Knight Zeran; his loving niece, Claudia Olson Sheets; and his caregiver, Julie Best Campbell.

Winnie Buss, 1907-2004

April 28, 2004

Winnie Buss, of Klemme, died on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the Belmond Health Care Center. She was 97.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 17, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Music was provided by organist, Lynette Nuehring who accompanied soloist, Marilyn Janssen and congregational hymns. Dixie Treinen and Gladys Wessels ushered.

Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Duane Sindt, Rod Toftey, Phil Nichols, Carroll Albers, Dick Gilpin and Bob Sindt.

Winnie (Albers) Buss, was born on February 4, 1907, on her parent's farm in rural Klemme. She was the daughter of George and Evawina (Wientjes) Albers. She was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Reformed Church. Winnie attended rural Klemme Schools and graduated from the eighth grade. Following her graduation, she helped raise her family on the farm.

She married Edgar "Mike" Buss on August 11, 1936, at the Immanuel Reformed Church. The couple farmed in rural Klemme for 26 years. In addition to assisting Edgar with the farm, Winnie was a life long homemaker. After retiring from active farming, Winnie and Mike moved to Klemme in the early 1960s where they made their home for many years. The couple enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.

Winnie looked forward to any occasion that included her family and friends. She was a long time member of the Sunshine Club in Klemme. She enjoyed playing in various bridge and 500 groups around the area. She also belonged to the ODO (Our Day Out) Club. Favorite pastimes included raising daffodils, roses and peonies, handicraft, needlework, quilting and crocheting.

Winnie was devoted to her family, spouse and siblings. She and her sisters would often assist each other with many projects and activities. After her husband's death, Winnie continued to maintain her independence by living in her own home in Klemme.

In later years, she would make daily trips to Belmond to visit her sister at the health care center. She became a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center in November of 1998.

Winnie is survived by several nieces and nephews, in-laws and cousins.

Allen E. Smith, 76, of Clarinda, formerly of Britt, died on Friday, April 16, 2004, at the Clarinda Hospital.

His funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 22, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, with the Rev. Scott Hontz officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Allen Eugene Smith, the son of George Earl and Emily May (Aitchison) Smith, was born on June 3, 1927, on a farm near Britt. He was a resident of the Hancock County Care Center in Duncan, where he was involved with the dairy operation. He later moved to Clarinda.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt.

Allen is survived by his brother, Cliff Smith and his wife, Eileen of Britt: his sister, Carol Lies of Bondurant; and many nieces and nephews.

Dwight C. Bovenmyer, 73, of Garner, died on Saturday, April 17, 2004, at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

His funeral was held on Tuesday, April 20, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass and pianist, Mary Etherington who accompanied vocalist, Doug Hayes and congregational hymns. Ushers were Doug Upmeyer, Dean Kohlmeyer, Glen Greiman and Wendell Davison.

Casket bearers were Kent Bovenmyer, Steve Rolland, Allan Bovenmyer, Bruce Rolland, Michael Rolland, David Stromer, Jon DeWitt, Dorian Goll and Dan Goll. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Dwight Courtney Bovenmyer, the son of Carl and Dorothy (McCune) Bovenmyer, was born on May 11, 1930 at Marshalltown. He graduated from the Green Mountain High School in 1948. He continued his education graduating from the Marshalltown Business College.

On October 28, 1956, he was united in marriage to Vivian Stromer at the Zion United Church of Christ in Garner. He was employed by the Iowa Highway Commission and then farmed north of Garner until moving into Garner in 1984. He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church where he served as a deacon, elder and an usher.

Dwight is survived by his wife, Vivian Bovenmyer of Garner; son, Kent Bovenmyer and wife, Rebecca of Wilton; daughter, Joleen Rolland and husband, Steve of Belmond; six grandchildren, Allan, Courtney and Therese Bovenmyer and Bruce, Markaya and Michael Rolland; sister, Beverly Parrott and husband, John of Spokane, Washington; a sister-in-law, Darlene Bovenrnyer of Garwin; and his mother-in-law, Ruby Stromer of Garner.

Former Garner resident, Frances L. Benesh, 56, of Vining, died on Saturday, April 24, 2004, at her home in Vining.

Her funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral chapel.

Frances Lee Benesh, the daughter of Reno and lone (Tanner) Harms, was born on July 24, 1947 at Forest City. She attended school at Garner. Following her schooling, she was employed at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

On July 5, 1969, she was married to Joseph J. Benesh at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived on the Benesh family farm west of Hayfield, where they farmed together until retiring in 1996. After the death of her husband in 1997, Frances continued to live on the farm until moving to Vining in 2001.

She is survived by six brothers and a sister, Ernest Harms of Garner, Howard Harms and wife, Sharon of Britt, June Harms of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Harley Harms and wife, Julie of Garner, Duane Harms of Garner, George Harms of Boone and August Harms and wife, Jan of Richland Center, Wisconsin; a friend, Ted Mikarovski of Vining; and a brother-in-law, Ron Monson of Clear Lake.

Virginia "Ginni" Overgaard, 61, of Ventura, died on Saturday, April 24, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, after a year long battle with cancer.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, April 27, at the Ventura United Methodist Church, Ventura. Interment was in the Ventura Cemetery. The Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake was in charge of the arrangements.

Virginia Lucille "Ginni", the daughter of Gordon and Perle (Boutilier) Schubert, was born on March 10, 1943 in Britt. She attended the Ventura High School, graduating in 1961. She married John Overgaard on September 23, 1961, at the Ventura United Methodist Church.

Ginni worked at the Harbor Inn for 31 years. She owned the business for the last 15 of those years. She enjoyed the restaurant business and was always a gracious host to her patrons.

Ginni was a member of the Ventura United Methodist Church. She played in several area bridge clubs which was her passion. She loved flower gardening and bird watching, and spent countless hours enjoying both of these hobbies. She also traveled to several countries abroad, as well as throughout the United States. Ginni's greatest joys were her seven grandchildren. She attended many of her grandchildren's school events.

Survivors include her husband, John of Ventura; four children, Renee Denny and her husband, Steve of Garner, Bob Overgaard and his wife, Jamie of Lakewood, Colorado, Roxarine Anderson and her husband, Allen of Williams and Ryan Overgaard and his friend, Monica Torkelson of Garner; and seven grandchildren, Jordan, Summer, Andrea and Faith Anderson, Tanner and Tyler Denny and Taylor Pesicka.

Also surviving are her father, Gordon Schubert and his wife, Donna of Algona; two brothers, Jim Schubert and his wife, Gretchen of Huntley, Montana and Ronald Schubert of South Bend, Indiana; one sister, Rebecca Schubert and her husband, Bob Claubaugh of Taylors Falls, Minnesota; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.