Fred J. Pauk Sr., 1920-2004

July 21, 2004

Fred J. Pauk, Sr., 83, of Corwith, died on Thursday, July 1, 2004, in the Hospice Unit of the Wright Medical Center in Clarion, with his family at his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 5, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley. The Rev. Marvin Bries officiated. Music was provided by Elizabeth McGlynn and cantor, Paula Scott.

Honorary casket bearers were Mr. Pauk's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casket bearers were Mike Pauk, Bob Pauk. Dennis Pauk, Paul Pauk, Mark Schilling, Kris Schilling, Mike Crotty and Fred Zeman. Burial was in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Corwith. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home, Kanawha, was in charge of the arrangements.

Fred J. Pauk, the son of George and Catherine (Micona) Pauk, was born on October 24, 1920, on the family farm at Marathon. He was a 1938 graduate of the Laurens High School.

Fred was united in marriage with Elsie Dora Schilling on November 29, 1941, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Laurens. The couple farmed in the Laurens area until 1951, when they moved to a farm northwest of Kanawha, where they raised their family. They continued to farm until retiring in 1984, at which time they moved into Corwith. In addition to farming, Fred worked several years at Triggs Manufacturing, delivered Winnebago Motor Homes, and sold DeKalb Seed Corn.

Fred was active in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Corwith until it's closing. He participated in choir and was custodial caretaker for many years. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley. He was an active member of the community, participating in the Kanawha Jaycees, 4-H Leader, Hancock County Fair Beef Superintendent and Hancock County Fair Board Member. Fred was an avid fisherman and loved watching the Chicago Cubs.

Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years Elsie; his children, Fred Pauk Jr. and his wife, Mary of Webster City, Beverly Otey and her husband, Tom of Alexandria, Virginia, Mary Pals and her husband, Ray of Van Meter, Barbara Pauk of Garner, Roger Pauk and his wife, Jean of Fitchburg, Wisconsin and Jim Pauk and his wife, Cindy of Clarion; 13 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mary Worster of Des Moines and Kay Zygutis and her husband, Larry of West Bend; and brother, George Pauk Jr. and his wife, Rose of Prescott, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois; younger brothers, Don and Bill; and his twin brother, Frank Pauk.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Delores Lallier, 1930-2004

July 7, 2004

Delores Lallier, 73, of Ventura, died on Friday, July 2, 2004, at the Heritage Care Center, Mason City.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 7, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Robert Hogan officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 6, from 4-6:30 p.m., where a Scriptural Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

Delores Ellen Lanier, the daughter of Earl Sr. and Veda (Robinson) Bowman, was born on November 10, 1930 in Algona. She received her education and graduated from the Algona High School. After high school, she attended nursing training, where she earned her LPN degree.

Delores was united in marriage to Leo F. Lallier on September 9, 1950 in Algona. The couple made their home in Ventura. Delores worked for what is now Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa for over 40 years in varying areas, but her specialties were the medical and surgical floors. She returned to NIACC in the early 1970's to obtain her RN degree.

Delores's greatest love was spending time with her family. She also enjoyed traveling with Leo to Arizona for the winter months for the past several years. She was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Clear Lake.

Survivors include her husband, Leo of Ventura; three daughters, Vicki McNally and her husband, Patrick of Tucson, Arizona, Debra Sharits and her significant other, Jack Wignot of Redondo Beach, California and Kristy Prall and her husband, Kirk of Meridian, Idaho.

Also surviving are six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Earl Bowman Jr. and his wife, Shirley of Hayfield, Minnesota; and two sisters, Barb Craig and her husband, Don of Washington, Illinois and Judy Radig and her husband, Roger of Lone Rock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Larry Bowman; and one granddaughter, Melissa.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Marie A. Tusha, 1934-2004

July 14, 2004

Marie A. Tusha, 70, of Garner, formerly of Englewood, Ohio, died on Sunday, July 4, 2004, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a lingering illness.

Her funeral was held on Thursday, July 8, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Lector was Kenneth Paca. Altar servers were Mary Pistek and Brittany Weaver. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Verne Prohaska and Allan Formanek.

Casket bearers were Tim Tusha, Tom Tusha, Ted Tusha, Ray Steven, Jr., Alan Kasprzak and Chris Rebosky. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Marie Agnes Tusha, the daughter of John and Anna (Tlach) Tusha, was born on January 16, 1934, on a farm west of Garner. She attended country school at Garfield #8. She lived with her family on the farm until moving to Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 21. She worked at General Motors in Dayton until retiring in May of 1996. She also managed an apartment building and worked part time at Diet Workshop for 20 years. Following her retirement, she moved to Englewood, Ohio, and worked at Elder Beermans Department Store until January of 2003.

In May of 2003, Marie moved to Garner to be closer to her family. She was a very generous person who enjoyed entertaining, cooking and traveling. She was a member of the St Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

She is survived by her brother, George (Mary Lou) Tusha of Garner; a brother-in-law, Ray (Vivian) Steven of Algona; four nephews, Ray Steven Jr. of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Tim (Ellen) Tusha of Garner, Tom (Teri) Tusha of Clear Lake and Ted (Christa) Tusha of Garner; seven great-nieces and nephews; and many friends in Dayton and Englewood.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Agnes Steven; and a sister-in-law, Darlene Tusha.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Martin G. Harms, 1928-2004

July 21, 2004

Martin G. Harms, 75, of Britt, died on Sunday, July 11, 2004, at his rural home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 15, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with the Rev. Dr. John Meyer and Janelle Siffring, AiM, officiating. Music was provided by organist, Donna Tech who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Gary Laabs and Paul Boekelman.

Casket bearers were Adam Harms, Trevor Harms, Harris Harms, Tom Grant, Dennis Johanson and Rick Tegtmeyer. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Martin George Harms, the son of John K. and Adelaide (Stecker) Harms, was born on November 20, 1928, in German Township in Kossuth County. He attended the rural schools of Kossuth County.

On November 18, 1951, he married Shirley Ann Goetz at the First Lutheran Church in Des Moines. They farmed in the Titonka area until they moved to their present home northwest of Britt in 1966. Martin continued to farm until retiring in 1988. Following his retirement he drove semi and worked at a hog operation. He enjoyed spending time with his family and raising Belgian horses. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Britt Draft Horse Association.

Martin is survived by his daughter, Marvella Harms and special friend, Wilbur Pihl of Woden; son, Brent Harms and wife, Brenda and their daughter, Macey of Wesley; daughter-in-law, Misty Abbas and husband, Doug and her sons, Adam and Trevor of Britt; a brother, Johnny Harms and wife, Velda of Titonka; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley on October 12, 1982; son, Alan on December 29, 1994; his parents; and an infant brother, Edward Harms.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Jan C. Wicks, 1939-2004

July 28, 2004

Former Hancock County resident, Jan C. Wicks, 64, of Mason City, died on Sunday, July 11, 2004, at his home.

Memorial services were held at the Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home in Kanawha. Janelle Siffring, AIM, officiated. Music was provided by organist, Twila Schroeder who accompanied soloist, Monica Abbas.

Interment was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha. Military graveside services were provided by the Kanawha American Legion, Severson Post #77. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Kanawha was in charge of the arrangements.

Jan Wicks, the son of Everett and Viola Erickson Wicks, was born on October 7, 1939 near Kanawha. He attended country grade school and graduated from the Kanawha High School. He entered the United States Army in 1962, serving as an MP. While he was stationed in Germany, he was married to "Honey" Bridget Fay. The couple later divorced.

Following his discharge from the Army, Jan returned to Kanawha, where he owned and operated Jan's D-X Station.

In September of 1974, Jan was united in marriage with Cindy Hendrickson in Clear Lake. The couple made their home in Mason City, where Jan was employed in the lumber business. Following his divorce from Cindy, Jan continued to live in Mason City.

Jan enjoyed collecting stuffed animals and miniature toys and cars. He also enjoyed playing cribbage.

Jan is survived by his children, Arnold Wicks and his wife, Robin of Beachwood, New Jersey, Jan Wicks and his wife, Kristie of Barnagite, New Jersey, Tony Wicks of Beachwood, New Jersey, Dena and her husband, Brad Tyler of Mason City and Chad Wicks of Louisville, Kentucky; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters, Sheryl Buren of Kanawha, Valerie and her husband, Ron Trca of Spokane, Washington and Lana and her husband, Don Gray of La Verne, California; one brother, Kevin Wicks and his wife, Trudy of Reno, Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Viola Wicks; son, Terry Wicks; and sister, Dedee Stewart.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Mourine R. Pals, 1909-2004

July 28, 2004

Mourine R. Pals, 94, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 17, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond, with the Rev. Mike Druhl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Dona Cleveland who accompanied soloist, Marilyn Janssen.

Honorary casket bearers were Jean Ostendorf, Alice Bryant, Rosemary Hamilton, Shirley Fulton, Marvel Stadtlander and Judy Poolman. Casket bearers were Tom Lerdal, Terry Evans, Lynn Ostendorf, Joel Pals, Terrill Baker and Robert Pals. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Mourine Ruth Lieuwen, was born on July 30, 1909, on the Lieuwen family farm in Avery Township, Hancock County. She was the seventh of 11 children born to Teeke Tjaard and Helen (Frey) Lieuwen. As a child, Mourine received her education in a neighborhood rural school.

Mourine married Joe Pals of Alexander, on November 9, 1929, at the parsonage of the First Reformed Church in Meservey. During the years when Joe worked maintaining the roads of Wright County, the couple made their home in Belmond. They moved to the Lieuwen farm in 1974 where they lived until retiring to their home in Belmond in 1974.

A homemaker, Mourine devoted her life to her family. Her home was the focal point for many family gatherings. Mourine was an excellent cook and a skilled seamstress. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening, canning, and reading, especially cookbooks.

Survivors include four children, Joan (James) Carroll of Osage, David (Marlys) of Cedar Falls, Carol (Roland) Lerdal of Berne, Indiana and James of Britt; ten grandchildren, Susan Neuwohner, Leanne Ermer, Susan Gersema, Debra Cunningham, Teresa Pietsch, Laura Grimm, Lisa Smith, Tom Lerdal, Nicole Stoller and Joel Pals; 14 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mabel (Clif) Evans of Clarion, Mary (Andy) Jasperson of Glendale, California and Margaret (Kenneth) Parker of Yucaipa, California.

Also surviving are a niece who made her home with the Lieuwens, Jean (Arnett) Ostendorf of Klemme; a sister-in-law, Jennie (George) Lieuwen; and a brother-in-law, Peter (Gladys) Pals, both of Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe in 1989; three brothers, George, Bert and Donald Lieuwen; and four sisters, Nellie (Hauko) Barkema, Grace (Hauko) Barkema, Rose (Ralph) Baker and Helen (Gene) Kelley.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Marvin Townsend, 1914-2004

July 21, 2004

Marvin H. Townsend, 89, of Winterset, formerly of Garner, died on Friday, July 16, 2004, at the Madison County Health Care System in Winterset, after two weeks of being critically ill with pneumonia and a stroke.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 19, 2004, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with celebrant Father Michael Schueller. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner. The Ochiltree Funeral Service of Winterset was in charge of the arrangements.

Marvin Townsend, was born on September 16, 1914, on the Townsend Farm in Britt. He was the son of Miller and Sophia (Rose) Townsend. His marriage to Lucille Yegge took place on April 12, 1950, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Garner. They were blessed with two daughters, Victoria and Trish.

Marvin worked at Pritchards in Britt, Biram Olson in Mason City and Whites in Forest City, as a paint and body technician. He also worked for the government as a county corn bin superintendent and he retired from this employment in the late 1960s. After he retired, he worked part time building grain elevators.

Marvin was a 50-year member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church of Garner and a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winterset for five and a half years.

Marvin served his country for three years during World War II in the Army Air Corps as a sergeant. He loved dancing, bingo, fishing, visiting his children, eating out and especially the trip he and Lucille took to Branson, Missouri to see the Lawrence Welk show to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Lucille Townsend of Winterset; two daughters, Victoria Wagner and her husband, Dan of Ankeny, Trish Hubbard and husband, Roger of Winterset; a sister, Lucille Roe of California; five grandchildren, Mike Gilbert, Katie Hubbard, Jennifer Porter, Nicole Leach and Scott Wagner; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Alvin Townsend; one sister, Virginia (Townsend) Yaekel; and one grandson, Michael Hubbard.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Charlotte I. Ziesmer, 1916-2004

July 21, 2004

Charlotte I. Ziesmer, 88, of Garner, died on Friday, July 16, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Her funeral was held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, July 20, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Robert Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Honorary bearer was Robert Kelly. Casket bearers were Paul Kelly, Raymond Grund, Kenneth Paca, Jim Grund, Verne Hejlik and Dale Upmeyer. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner, was in charge of the arrangements.

Charlotte Irene Ziesmer, the daughter of John and Rose (Massey) Kelly, was born on February 19, 1916 at Britt. She attended school at Britt where she graduated from high school in 1933. She continued her education for one year at the Britt Jr. College and then taught in the rural schools of Hancock County for the next 12 years.

She was married to Everett McCoy in 1936. To this union a daughter, Jeanette was born.

In 1942, she was married to LeRoy Busch and to this union a son, Tom was born. Charlotte continued her teaching career as an elementary teacher in Garner until retiring in 1981.

On August 19, 1976, she was married to Stanley E. Ziesmer in Missouri. She enjoyed her family and traveling. She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society, CD of A and the Garner Wa-Tan-Ye Club.

Charlotte is survived by her son, Tom Busch and wife, Diane of Cedar Rapids; and two grandsons, Robert Busch and wife, Angela and their two children, Alexis and Austin of Cedar Rapids and Tom Busch and wife, Meg of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stan on February 21, 2000; her daughter, Jeanette Bartell on September 30, 1981; her parents; a sister, Gertrude McCormick; and a brother, John Kelly.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Ellen R. Johnston, 1928-2004  

July 28, 2004
             
Ellen R. Johnston, of Belmond, died on Saturday, July 17, 2004, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. She was 76.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 19, at the Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond. The Rev. Marvin Lorenz officiated. Casket bearers were Michael Walrod, Don Suntken, Larry Suntken, John Walrod, Doug Suntken and Collin Steenhard. Burial was in the Alexander Cemetery in Alexander.

Ellen Ruth Johnston, the daughter of Enno and Allie (Schmidt) Suntken, was born on April 26, 1928 in Franklin County. She grew up near Dows where she attended school.

Ellen was married to Wallace F. Johnston in 1951. The couple lived their entire married life in the Belmond, Alexander and Meservey areas. She enjoyed crocheting afghans, cooking and baking.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Wallace Johnston of Belmond; a daughter, LaNae Walrod and husband, Michael of Latimer; a son, Clarence of Holmes; a daughter-in-law, Lelani Johnston of Goodell; four grandchildren, Alex, Matthew, John and Tammy; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Don Suntken and wife, Marlene of Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Harold in 2003; two brothers, Clarence and Marvin; and a sister, Inez.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Robert D. Bravik, 1927-2004

July 28, 2004

Robert D. Bravick, 77, of Britt, died on Saturday, July 17, 2004, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 20, at the United Methodist Church in Britt. The Rev. Robert Dodge officiated. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Cindy Schubert.

Honorary casket bearers were, Don Eisenman, Jim Smith, Joe Appelhons and Tom Hughes. Casket bearers were, Bill Malek, Bud Weiland, Harry Smith, Roger Haxton, Brian Hiscocks and John Francis. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. Military graveside services were provided by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Bravick, the son of Silas and Emily J. (Bell) Bravick, was born on May 8, 1927 in Thompson. The family moved to the Britt area in 1933. Bob was educated in the Britt Community School. Bob served his country in the United States Navy from 1945 until 1946. While in the Navy, Bob was stationed aboard the USS Nicholson Destroyer. Following his discharge from the Navy, Bob was employed at Fairmont Foods from 1946-1950.

Bob was united in marriage with Jeanette Johns at the Little Brown Church in Nashua on March 13, 1948. The couple made their home in Britt where they raised their family. Bob was employed at the Britt Creamery (1950-1964), Britt Coop Gas Company (1964-1966) and the United States Postal Service (1966-1990). Bob and Jeanette enjoyed spending their winters in Weslaco, Texas. His hobbies included visiting, woodworking, fishing, and playing shuffleboard and cribbage.

Bob was a member of the Britt United Methodist Church. He was also a 40-year member of the Britt Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Britt American Legion and the Hancock County Historical Society.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette of Britt; one daughter, Rebecca Newton and her husband, Don of Clear Lake and their family, Rachel and Corey Vespestad and Talia and Sidra of Huxley, and Andy and Jessica Newton of Ankeny; and one son, David Bravick and his wife, Jane of Iowa City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Edwin S. Furness, 1924-2004

July 28, 2004

Edwin S. Furness, 79, of Garner, died on Wednesday, July 21, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

His funeral was held on Monday, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Garner, with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Music was provided by organist, Louise Boehnke who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Carrol Boehnke and Glenn Thada.

Honorary bearers were Jeremy Furness, Ross Anderson, Bruce Anderson, Carl Anderson, Dale Anderson, Paul Bartlett and Steve Furness. Casket bearers were Mike Furness, Dean Furness, Erick Furness, Kelly Furness, Todd Harmon and Kevin Harmon. Memorials may be given to the St. John's Lutheran Church.

Edwin Sivert Furness, the son of Sivert and Ida (Eide) Furness, was born on October 21, 1924, on a farm north of Hanlontown. He was baptized and confirmed at the Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown. He graduated from the Hanlontown High School in 1942. Following his graduation, he farmed with his father near Hanlontown.

On December 1, 1946, Edwin Furness married Ardith Anderson at the Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church northeast of Garner. They farmed near Lake Mills until 1951, when they moved to a farm northeast of Garner. They retired from farming in 1986 and moved into Garner.

Ed enjoyed researching his family genealogy, traveling and seeing sports events. He will be remembered by his children as always being there for them when they were growing up.

He was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, LLL, the Fellowship Club and taught Sunday School. He was also a 4-H Leader for ten years and belonged to the North Iowa Milk Marketing Association.

He is survived by his wife, Ardith of Garner; four sons, Dennis Furness and wife, Karen of Story City, Donald Furness and wife, Janis of Pottsboro, Texas, Ralph Furness and wife, Nancy of Sioux City and Roger Furness of Garner; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include a sister, Gladys Bartlett of Denton, Texas; a sister-in-law, Neva Furness of Hanlontown; and a special friend of the family, Dick Harmon and wife, Judy of Harris.

He was preceded in death by his son, Marlin on March 24, 1964; his parents; and a brother, James Furness on March 10, 2004.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Mark Staley, 1961-2004

July 28, 2004

Mark Allen Staley, of Meservey, died on Friday, July 23, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, after a short battle with cancer. He was 43 years old.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 27, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Meservey, with Pastor Rose Calderon-Khan officiating. Interment followed in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Thornton. The Retz-Grarup Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Mark was born on January 19, 1961, to John William and Jean LaRae (Retallick) Staley, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was educated in the Oregon, Wisconsin School District and graduated in 1979 at the Freedom House High in Madison, Wisconsin.

Mark moved to Clear Lake in 1985 and worked for Plastic Molders, County Market and Target. He moved to Thornton in 1987 and worked for area construction companies, Hennings, GSI, Lerdal Construction and Roger's Roofing. Mark worked for KR Construction in Belmond since 2002, until he was unable to work in April of this year.

Mark was a volunteer for the Klemme Boy Scout Troop 456 and he enjoyed bow hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, attending his children's activities, Harley Davidsons, the Packers, and being with family and friends. Mark attended the Salem United Methodist Church in Meservey.

Mark is survived by his wife, Kay; daughters, Toni Staley of Barneveld, Wisconsin and Stacy Nachazel and son, Tyler Staley both at home; grandson, Braden Hosler of Barneveld, Wisconsin; mother, Jean (Mike) Diggan of Madison, Wisconsin; grandmother, Ruth Vultaggio of Columbus, Wisconsin; brothers, John (Karen) Staley of Garner, James Staley of Stoughton, Wisconsin; sisters, Cheryll (Dennis) McCormick of Madison, Wisconsin and Michelle Staley of Madison, Wisconsin; nieces, Alicia, Shauna, Laiken, Stacey, Erin, Karin and Ashley; nephews, Andy, Kyle, Collin, Devon, Brett, Brian, Brent and Brandon; great-nieces, MacKenzie and Alexis; great-nephew, Jacob; grandmother-in-law, Evelyn Carroll of Mason City; parents-in-law, Lynn and Alice Scharlau of Mason City; brother-in-law, John (Tina) Scharlau of Mason City; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, John in September 1991; his brothers, Bob in December 2003 and his brother, Michael at birth; and grandmother-in-law, Kathryn Scharlau in January 2000.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Arnold T. Ambroson, 1913-2004

July 28, 2004

Arnold T. "Runt" Ambroson, 91, of Leland, died on Sunday, July 25, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, July 28, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland, with the Rev. Jacqueline Swanson officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Sue Johnson who will accompany a congregational hymn and special music by Greg and Rosemary Ambroson.

Casket bearers will be Greg Ambroson, Jason Ambroson, Matthew Ward, Andrew Ward, Randy Wass and Rick Wass. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Leland. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner is in charge of the arrangements.

Arnold Truman Ambroson, the son of Oscar T. and Tilda (Anderson) Ambroson, was born on February 9, 1913 at Leland. He graduated from the Leland High School and continued his education at Waldorf College in Forest City.

On October 14, 1938, he married Jean S. Evanson at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leland. They lived in Leland all of their married life where they raised their family and Arnold farmed. Arnold also worked for Interstate Power and at bin sites for sealing government corn. He became a resident of the Concord Care Center in Garner in June of 2003.

He enjoyed his family, farming, sports, politics and visiting with people. He was a life time member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities over the years. He served as Mayor of Leland and was on the City Council for many years. He was instrumental in helping get water and sewer into Leland and developing the city park. He also served on the Leland and Forest City School Boards.

He is survived by his two children, Vance Ambroson and wife, Judy of Leland and Debra Ward and husband, Bill of Brighton, Colorado; ten grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Roger Ambroson and wife, Lavonne of Lewiston, Idaho; two sisters, Carmen Romash of Anaheim, California and Margaret Andrews of Laughlin, Nevada; and a sister-in-law, Pearl Ambroson of Fort Myers, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean on August 7, 2003; daughter, Karen Boyd on August 3, 1987; parents; and three brothers, Art, Oscar M. and Orrin Ambroson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Gerhard Gabrielson, 1913-2004

August 4, 2004

Gerhard A. Gabrielson, 91, of Belmond, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2004, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 31, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Belmond, the Rev. Lowell H. Havorson officiated. Music was provided by organist, Carol Severson who accompanied soloist, Marilyn Janssen and congregational hymns.

Casket bearers were Duan Mennenga, Daren Mennenga, John Gabrielson, Daniel Gabrielson, Kraig Oeltjenbruns, Brent King and Roger Reid. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Gerhard Arnold Gabrielson, the son of Gabriel and Anna (Sunde-Peterson) Gabrielson, was born on March 24, 1913 near Belmond. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Olaf Church, rural Belmond. He received his education in the Wright County rural schools.

Gerhard was united in marriage to Marion Odegard of Waterville on January 15, 1938, at the St. John's Lutheran Parsonage in Waukon. They farmed in the Belmond and Waterville areas for more than 30 years. In 1972 they moved to Waukon where Gerhard did painting, drove a school bus, and was foreman for the Allamakee County road workers. In 1978 they moved to Belmond. He enjoyed farm life, family, fishing, gardening and flowers.

Gerhard was a member of the Switzerland of Iowa Barber Shoppers at Waukon for 13 years. He was an active member of the Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church of rural Waterville and was serving as president when he moved to Belmond. He was a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church and sang with the men's chorus for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Marion; one son, Dale and wife, Kathleen of Arlington, Tennessee; two daughters, Marjorie Liska and husband, Cletus of Clear Lake and Margaret Mennenga and husband, Larry of Belmond; seven grandchildren, Duan Mennenga of Chicago, Illinois, Daren Mennenga and his wife, Diena of Belmond, Carolyn Oeltjenbruns and husband, Kraig of Eagan, Minnesota, Christine King and husband, Brent of Urbandale, John Gabrielson and wife, Jennifer of Arlington, Tennessee, Daniel Gabrielson and wife, Andrea of Arlington, Tennessee and Caroline Reid and husband, Roger of Oakland, Tennessee; and nine great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is one brother, Lester Gabrielson of Belmond; two sisters, Beulah Reasoner and Ruby Boller of Belmond; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, James in 1964; grandson, Benjamin in 1991; three brothers, Tolford, Elmer and Norman Gabrielson; and three sisters, Elizabeth Waddington, Burley Gabrielson and Ruth Boller.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004