Violet V. Buns, 1922-2004

August 11, 2004

Violet V. Buns, 82, of Woden, died on Monday, August 2, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

Memorial services were held on Friday, August 6, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with the Rev. Arlen Lloyd officiating. Music was provided by organist, Emogene Kurtzleben who accompanied soloist, Bruce Wubben, and congregational hymns. Ushers were Tony Buns and Maurice Buns.

Honorary bearers were Carmen Fjetland, Vi Korte, Marjory Squier, Alvina Brandt, Thresa Baade and Nodia Jumpp. Interment was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, south of Woden. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Violet Virginia Buns, the daughter of Olaf and Anna (Paulsen) Wieth, was born on April 26, 1922, at Omaha, Nebraska. At an early age she moved with her family to Crystal Lake where she attended school. Following her schooling she moved to Iowa City where she worked as a nurses aide.

On June 30, 1943, she was married to Henry Buns. They lived in Woden where she was employed for almost 30 years as a store clerk at the Woden Grocery Store. Violet enjoyed her family, reading and gardening. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid.

She is survived by her four children, Diane Fortner and husband, Bill of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Jackie Fredrickson and husband, Larry of Forest City, Betty Hanna and husband, Steve of Crystal Lake and Lannie Buns of Woden; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; two sisters-in-law, Martha Thieben of Woden and Caroline Cordes and husband, Albert of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry in November of 1967; parents; three grandchildren; and two sisters, Vivian Fischer and Carmen Nall.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Jean M. Smidt, 1939-2004

August 11, 1004

Jean M. Smidt, of Woden, died on Friday, August 6, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt. She was 65 years old.

Her funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Woden Christian Reformed Church, with the Rev. Kevin Jordan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Jean Marie Smidt, the daughter of Edwin and Gertie (McNeil) Hillenga and Erna (Iverson) Hillenga, was born on January 26, 1939 at Algona. She made her profession of faith at the Woden Christian Reformed Church. She attended the rural schools of Orthel Township in Hancock County and graduated from the Britt High School in 1956. She continued her education at Dordt College.

On August 8, 1958, she was married to John Smidt at the Woden Christian Reformed Church. They lived on a farm north of Woden until 1964 when they moved to a farm near Burt. In 1988, they moved into Woden and continued farming.

Due to ill health she became a resident of the Westview Care Center in Britt in 2000. Jean enjoyed her family, designing and making cakes, reading and doing crossword puzzles. She was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church where she taught Bible School.

Jean is survived by her husband, John of Woden; her mother, Erna Hillenga of Woden; two children, Deanna (Mike) Taylor of Cherokee and Alan (Teresa) Smidt of Forest City; eleven grandchildren, Mandy, Trish and Jordan Taylor and Ryan, Sandi, Julianne, Tyler, Kyle, Emily, Allison and Nathan Smidt; five brothers and sisters, Kay Hunter of Cedar, Minnesota, Doris (Dean) Haugland of Forest City, Edwin (Vicki) Hillenga of Wesley, Carol Clendenen of Auto, West Virginia and Dean (Suzanne) Hillenga of Hobbs, New Mexico; a sister-in-law, Grace Barnes of Iowa City; a brother-in-law, Warren (Bev) Smidt of Clayton, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a stillborn son; her father; and her mother, Gertie.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Ernest Lee Miller, 1947-2004

August 18, 2004

Ernest Lee Miller, of Hayfield, died on Monday, August 9, 2004, in rural Crystal Lake. He was 56 years old.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 13, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Waddingham and the Rev. Todd Jones officiating. Interment followed in the Belmond Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5515 of Garner.

Ernie was born on September 10, 1947 in Fletcher, Oklahoma, the son of Ernest and Vernice (Cummins) Miller. Ernie graduated from the Belmond High School.

On October 25, 1966, he entered the United States Navy. At the end of his tour, Ernie held the rank of ADJ3. During his tour he achieved the following decorations and commendations, National Defense Service Medal (1st Award), Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device (1960) and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). Ernie was honorably discharged from the United States Naval Reserves on June 6, 1972.

On June 5, 1971, Ernie was united in marriage to Deborah E. Garman in Estherville, and to this union, four children were born.

He was a giver at heart and loved life and always offered a helping hand. His contagious belly laugh would fill a room. A smile and small talk went hand in hand and the word "stranger" didn't exist in his vocabulary.

Those thankful for having shared in Ernie's life include his three children, Danielle (Scott) Graham of Fort Dodge, Jeremiah "Bud" Miller and special friend, Rita Gross of Titonka and Tracy Miller of Klemme; one special nephew, Evan Miller of Fort Dodge; six grandchildren, Tristan and Sierra Miller, Jake, Samantha and Tricia Hall, and Kannon Ray E. Graham; two brothers, Dwayne "Bo" Miller and Mike Miller; three sisters, Betty (Dale) Jones, Byrul (Curtiss) Moore and Renee "Miss" Aldrich; special aunts, Florence M. Cummins and Peggy Ellis; three sisters-in-law, Bobbi (Ed) Miller, Jerlyn Miller and Dianne Miller; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Rusty Miller; three brothers, Dwight "Ole", Earl "Frank" and Virgil; and one nephew, Jason Moore.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Ann A. Christensen, 1910-2004

August 18, 2004

Ann Christensen, 94, of Woden, died on Friday, August 13, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 17, at the First Presbyterian Church in Woden with Judy Junkermeier, lay pastor, officiating. Music was provided by organist, Doris Leeck who accompanied soloist, Bruce Wubben and congregational hymns. Lamont Junkermeier ushered.

Casket bearers were Don Isebrand, Roger Wood, Bob Lorenzen, Don Weiland, Marlin Cromwell, Paul Gerdes, Ron Dahle and Everett Brock. Burial was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, south of Woden. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden was in charge of the arrangements.

Ann Angeline Christensen, the daughter of John and Johanna (Meenk) Hoftiezer was born on May 16, 1910 at Castlewood, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed, learning both the German and English Catechism, at the Bemis Presbyterian Church in rural Castlewood. She started country school near Castlewood at the age of 4 to learn the English language.

Ann came to Iowa in 1930 where she met her future husband, Charles Christensen. They were married on November 14, 1934, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She worked at Schelfbein Grocery for two years, Orthel Grocery Store for ten years and was clerk at the Woden Post Office from 1950 to 1972. Ann and Charlie lived their entire married life in Woden.

She was known to many as Mother Ann and Grandma Ann. Ann enjoyed her grandson, his wife, her great-grandchildren, her church and community and most of all, helping other people.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Woden, where she was the first woman Elder in the church and was active as a Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent and was past President and Secretary of the Presbyterian Women. She was also the Clerk of Session of the Woden Presbyterian Church for 23 years and was honored as an Outstanding Elder of the church.

She belonged to the Woden Ladies Auxiliary serving as past President, Woden Senior Citizens being named Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1984 and was a Gold Star Mother. Ann was one of the organizers of the first Woden Public Library. She was voted Woden's Centennial Queen in July of 1999 and was nominated and received the Giving Your Best Award sponsored by the local TV station and sponsors in the year 2000.

Survivors include her grandson, Dallas Christensen and wife, Deanna and their children, Jessica, Michelle and Jacob all of Britt; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie on October 16, 1974; her parents; a son, Leon; son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Barb Christiansen. Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Albert, Dick, Herman, John, Harry and Arey Hofteizer; and a sister, Jennie Lammers.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Donna Lou Kester, 1940-2004

August 18, 2004

Word has been received of the death of former area resident, Donna Lou Kester, 64, of Marshalltown. Mrs. Kester died on Saturday, August 14, 2004, following a battle with cancer.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 17, at the St. Henry Catholic Church. Burial was in the Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.

Donna Lou Kester, the daughter of Melvin and Myrtle Peterson, was raised on a farm near Leland. She attended elementary school at Leland and graduated from the Forest City High School in 1957. She received an AA degree from Eagle Grove Community College; a BA degree from UNI and a MA degree from Drake University. Her teaching career included positions at Shell Rock, Stacyville, St. Ansgar and in Marshalltown at the Anson Elementary/Middle School and Headstart. She spent the last six years partnering with her husband to develop the Cross Country Estates housing development.

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and later as Sunday School Superintendent. After retiring from a 35-year career as a public school teacher, she served as Parish Worker for Trinity Lutheran Church and was the author of e-mail devotions for the past three years. Donna Lou was a member of MEA, NEA, ISEA, Matins Kiwanis, ADK and enjoyed several bridge clubs.

Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Larry; one daughter, Lori Manderfield and her husband, Jim of Urbandale; two sons, Dave and his wife, Julie of Urbandale and Dan and his wife, Lora of Marshalltown; nine grandchildren; two brothers, Roger Peterson of Lake Mills and Richard Peterson of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; two sisters, Marjorie VerHoef of Leland and Sharon Holland of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Marvin.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Leonard Rayhons, 1922-2004

August 25, 2004

Leonard J. Rayhons, 82, of Garner, died on Sunday, August 15, 2004, at his rural home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 19, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Lector was Shane Upmeyer. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Bob Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Honorary bearers were the Garner Lions Club and spouses. Casket bearers were Corey Upmeyer, Shane Upmeyer, Brian Cataldo, Brian Follmann, Jason Reis, Bob Malek, Scott Rayhons and Randy Rayhons. Burial was at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Leonard John Rayhons, the son of John and Beatta (Wellik) Rayhons, was born on February 28, 1922 at Garner. He attended the Garfield No. 5 Country School and helped his parents on the family farm northwest of Garner.

On November 16, 1943, he married Emily Marie Tlach at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They made their home across from his parents' home where they farmed. He served his country during WW II in the U.S. Army as an automotive mechanic in the European Theatre. Following his honorable discharge on October 27, 1946, he returned home and continued to farm.

Besides farming, he also sold hybrid seed, did custom baling and chopping and hauled feed and grain. On May 8, 1978, his wife, Emily died from cancer at the age of 52.

On August 16, 1979, he married Alice (Rapp) Meints at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They lived on the home farm where Leonard farmed with his son, Marv. Leonard enjoyed his family, visiting with people, playing cards, dancing and helping on the farm. He especially enjoyed dressing up each Christmas as Santa Claus for lots of little children.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, St. Boniface Men's Society, Catholic Workman Lodge, Garner Lions Club and was a life time member of the Garner VFW and American Legion. Leonard was also a 4-H Leader, served on the ASC Committee and was a Trustee for Garfield Township.

He is survived by his wife, Alice of Garner; two children, Marvin (Nancy) Rayhons of Garner and Jeanette (Allen) Upmeyer of Clinton; five grandchildren, Bonnie (Brian) Cataldo, Amy (Brian) Follmann, Cory (Jennifer) Upmeyer, Shane (Jennifer) Upmeyer and Darci (Jason) Reis; seven great-grandchildren, Sam, Ray and Reed Cataldo, Ethan and Abby Follmann, James and Joshua Upmeyer; three step-children, Roger Meints of San Diego, California, Dick (Sheryl) Meints of Meservey and Kathleen (Mike) Embertson of Mason City.

Also surviving are two sisters, Rose Mae (Red) Baker of Garner and Darlene Oldham of Dubuque; a brother-in-law, George (Betty) Tlach of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by first wife, Emily; his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Darold Pletcher and Mike Oldham.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

David A. Wilhelm, 1951-2004

September 1, 2004

Word was received of the death of David A. Wilhelm, 52, of Mason City, who died at his home, on Sunday, August 22, 2004.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m., at the Nativity Catholic Church in Harmony, Minnesota. Burial was in the St. Bridget's Cemetery near Bluffton, Iowa.

David Arthur Wilhelm, was born near Cresco, on October 2, 1951. He graduated from the Harmony High School in 1969 and attended Winona Vocational College, graduating from the electronics program. He worked for Davis TV in Garner before opening his own business, Dave's TV and Stereo in Clear Lake.

On September 8, 1979, David Wilhelm married Jill Ackerman of Ventura. They later divorced.

David was active in the fire department, Jaycees, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Clear Lake. He enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, camping, canoeing and golfing.

Survivors include his children, April and David Joseph (DJ) of Clear Lake; his parents, Art and Sadie Wilhelm of Harmony, Minnesota; three sisters, Diane (Larry) Anderson of Ostrander, Minnesota, Denise Schultz of Lanesboro, Minnesota and Angela (Kyle) Colbenson of Rushford, Minnesota; two brothers, Richard (Judy) Wilhelm of Garner and Michael (Lisa) Wilhelm of Preston, Minnesota.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Marjorie Roths, 1927-2004

September 1, 2004

Marjorie M. Hofbauer-Spieker-Roths, 77, died on Wednesday, August 25, 2004, at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. Graveside services will be held at a later date, with burial in the Concord Township Cemetery.

Marjorie was born on April 15, 1927, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, and lived most of her life in Garner. She was a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary and the Presbyterian Church in Garner.

She is survived by her son, Rodney (Cheryl) Spieker, their son, Michael (Julie) Spieker, daughter, Michelle Spieker and great-granddaughter, Aibree Spieker; son, David (Mickey) Spieker, their sons, Dillon (Jane), Wyatt and Shadoe Spieker; son, Scott (Lisa) Spieker, their son, Zach Brown, daughter, Mollie Brown; daughter, Jackie (Jim) Liska, their son, Travis Jorgenson and a great-grandson, Remington Jorgenson.

She is also survived by her brothers, Hank and Jack Hofbauer; sisters, Ruth Harris and Billie Weaver.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas "Junior" Roths; granddaughter, Vanessa Spieker; and eight brothers and sisters.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004