Theresa F. Payne, 1925-2004

May 12, 2004

Theresa F. Payne (Ostwinkle), of Britt, died on Monday, May 3, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home in Algona, on Saturday, May 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. A private family burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery.

Theresa Payne, was born on June 21, 1925 in Algona. She was the daughter of Ralph and Agnes Shipler. She married Paul Ostwinkle on July 23, 1947, at the St. Cecelia's Catholic Church in Algona. The couple raised five children in Algona. She was employed at the J.C. Penny Company for several years.

Among her many interests were cooking, baking, sewing, upholstering, gardening, canning, golfing and bowling. She was involved in helping her daughter, Paula with her business, "Past and Present", in Garner. For the past several years she made her home in Britt.

She is survived by her five children, Paula (daughter) and Duane Hutchinson and granddaughter, Lori of Garner and Cedar Rapids; Marianne (daughter) Williams, grandchildren, Lance, Shanna, Alethea and five great-grandchildren, Marcala, Lauren, Romel, Noah and Danielle of Minneapolis and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Rebecca (daughter) and Pete Fickbohm and grandchildren, Chad and Dawn, and great-granddaughter, Mckenna of Whittemore, Ankeny and Carroll; and sons, Paul Ostwinkle Jr. of Algona and SFC Stephan Ostwinkle of Baxter, Minnesota currently stationed in Bosnia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith Payne; and a sister, Catherine.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Larry G. Neal, 1938-2004

May 19, 2004

Larry G. Neal, 66, of Garner, died on Friday, May 7, 2004, at Weslaco, Texas.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 15, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloist, Bernie Urich and a congregational hymn. Maynard and Marvin Schoneman ushered.

Casket bearers were William L. Stuck, Greg Poland, Roger Ginapp, Richard Bell, Don Pals and Merle Poland. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Larry Glen Neal, the son of Glen George and Erma Dora (Bell) Neal, was born on March 10, 1938 at Dows. He graduated from the Dows High School and continued his education at AIB in Des Moines. He returned to Dows where he worked with his father, Glen at the sale barn.

On September 28, 1958, he married A. Elaine Reichardt at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. The couple lived in Garner where Larry was involved in the car business. He was employed at Glen's Pontiac, Glen's Auto Sales, Ollenburg-Neal Motors and most recently at Clear Lake Auto Sales which he owned and operated with his son, Mark.

He enjoyed traveling and mission work. He and Elaine also enjoyed leading numerous work camps to Mexico over the years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine of Garner; son, Mark Neal of Clear Lake; daughter, Lori Hart and husband, Tom of Cedar Falls; three grandchildren, Amber Neal and Alex and Darby Hart.

Also surviving are a sister, Joann Stuck and husband, Bill of Dows; two uncles, Maurice Neal and wife, Ruth of Pioneer, California and Eldon Bell and wife, Luverne of Thornton; four aunts, Inez Ginapp of Belmond, Alma Pals of Alexander, LaVonne Card and husband, Dallas of Alexander and Dorothy Poland and husband, Clifford of Rockwell; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Robert L. Best, 1936-2004

May 19, 2004

Robert L. Best, 67, of Garner, died on Monday, May 10, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, May 13, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. The Rev. Michael Schueller officiated. Mary Nedved was the lector. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Larry Schisel and Jim Reising.

Honorary bearers were Jason Goll, Jay Campbell, Jacob Young and Erik Best. Interment was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Robert Leo Best, the son of Herman and Vera (Young) Best, was born on July 15, 1936 at Pomeroy. At an early age, he moved with his family to Garner, where he graduated from high school in 1954. Following his schooling, Bob worked as a carpenter in the Garner area.

On March 16, 1957, he married Barbara Haugo at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City. They lived in Garner where they raised their six children. In February of 1964 he started Best Construction. He built many homes in Garner and the surrounding area as well as the Garner Country Club. Bob took pride in his craftsmanship. He served his country in the Army Reserve.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and was an avid golfer. Bob also enjoyed watching his children's and grandchildren's activities and sporting events over the years.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, was a past member of the Garner Lions Club and a charter member of the Garner Country Club.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Garner; six children, Carolyn (Ralph Jr.) Hejlik of West Des Moines, Kathleen (Charles) Goll of Garner, Juli (Scott) Campbell of Garner, Jacqueline (Marvin) Young of Garner, Joseph (Jane) Best of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Susan (Brian) Beeck of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; 14 grandchildren, Kelly and Emily Hejlik, Holly and Jason Goll, Kati and Jay Campbell, Mallory, Courtney and Jacob Young, Rachel, Hannah and Erik Best, Allison and Erin Beeck.

Also surviving are two brothers, Dennis Best of Clear Lake and Larry (Mary) Best of Grimes; aunt, Rita Young of Garner; sister-in-law, Marilyn Hanson of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Gene (Beverly) Haugo of Lake Mills; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Walter; father-in-law, Torjus Haugo; and mother-in-law, Marie Haugo.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Fred E. Swisher, 1922-2004

May 19, 2004

Fred E. Swisher, 81, of Britt, died on Monday, May 10, 2004, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 14, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Myra Bowman who accompanied a congregational hymn and special music by Russell and Cindy Schubert. Ushers were Dennis Zuehl and Don Eisenman.

Casket bearers were Roger Kjellberg, Bill Hudson, Dennis Brumm, David Beech, Jim Pals, Bob Sanger, Jack Fisher and Gene Perkins. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Taps was performed by his granddaughter, Carla Riherd. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Fredrick Ernest Swisher, the son of Ernest and Blanche (Macy) Swisher, was born on May 24, 1922 at Vermillion, South Dakota. He attended school in Vermillion where he graduated from high school in 1940. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on June 18, 1940, and served his country as a radio operator in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Following his honorable discharge on June 21, 1945, he returned to Vermillion and attended the University of South Dakota where he received his bachelor's degree in Speech/English.

On October 2, 1954, he married Jean Sipling at Le Grand. They lived in Des Moines, Hampton and in 1957 the couple moved to Britt. Fred taught school in Rapid City, South Dakota, Hansell and from 1957 to 1986 at Britt. In his teaching career at Britt he taught English and was in charge of the drama department and debate team. Fred also taught communication skills at NIACC in Mason City for 22 years. He enjoyed his family, golf, visiting with people and talking about history, especially WW II.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt, United Methodist Men and was a Sunday School Teacher. He also was a member of the Britt American Legion, Masonic Lodge and ISEA. Fred was active in the Hancock County Little Theatre and was instrumental in helping organize it.

Survivors are his wife, Jean of Britt; three children, Sherri Schrandt and husband, Don of Britt, Deb Swisher of Nashville, Tennessee and Terry Swisher of Nashville; four grandchildren, Gina Riherd of Forest City, John Riherd of Cleveland, Texas; Katie Riherd of Crystal Lake and Carla Riherd of Britt; six great-grandchildren, Samantha, Zack, Mackenzie, Steven, Abby and Zebastion; and a sister-in-law, Jo Swisher of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Robert Allen Riherd; a brother, Warren "Buck" Swisher; a half-sister, Millicent Howell; and a half-brother, Walter Swisher.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Thora M. Trees, 1905-2004

June 2, 2004

Thora Mary (Carpenter) Trees, age 99, a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond, died on Thursday, May 13, 2004, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 15, at the Belmond United Methodist Church. The Rev. Michael Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral home, Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.

Thora Carpenter, was born on February 16, 1905, on her parent's farm north of Goodell. She was the daughter of Alfred C. and Lydia Janes (Smith) Carpenter. Thora attended country school through the 8th grade, then went to high school in Goodell and graduated in 1923. Following her schooling she returned home to the farm for a short period of time.

On August 26, 1924, she was united in marriage to James F. Trees at the Methodist Church in Belmond. To this union two children were born, a daughter, Cleo and son, William "Bill" Trees.

Thora was a life long home maker. She was a member at the United Methodist Church for nearly 75 years and was active in the UMCW, Rebecca and Goodwill Circles, and the Belmond Senior Citizens. Thora and her husband had enjoyed spending many winters in Florida.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim in November of 1983. She later moved to the Belmond Retirement Community Apartments and resided there for 18 years prior to becoming a resident of the care center in June 2001.

Survivors include her daughter, Cleo Frank and husband, Richard of Gig Harbor, Washington; a son, Bill Trees of Wauna, Washington; and a brother, Richard Carpenter and his wife, Carole of Shelter Cove, California; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers, Harry, Lloyd and Alfred; a sister, Thelma Schlicting; three sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law, Albert Schlicting; and two daughters-n-law, Beverly Trees and Jane (Heinig) Trees.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Ida Smit, 1909-2004

June 2, 2004

Ida (Koenen) Smit, age 94, most recently a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center, long time resident of the Meservey area, died on Sunday, May 16, 2004, at the Belmond Health Care Center, Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 19, at the First Reformed Church, Meservey. The Rev. Rodney Meester officiated. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Ida Koenen, was born on December 22, 1909, on her parents farm in rural Alexander. She was the daughter of Harm and Hermina (Dirks) Koenen. She attended the Alexander Schools. Following her education she assisted her father with the family farm.

On May 10, 1933, she was united in marriage to Ben Smit. The couple farmed their entire married life east of Meservey. Their union was blessed with seven children, Betty, Ione, Lois, Alvin, JoAnne, Harlan and Edward.

Ida was a life long home maker and partner in the farming duties with her husband, Ben. She was a hardworking and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who always put the needs of her family and others before the needs of her own.

In earlier years of their life, Ida and her husband went on a trip to Germany. The couple had also enjoyed fishing trips to the northern country. Besides her excellent baking skills, Ida enjoyed reading and was an avid gardener. She was a life long member of the First Reformed Church in Meservey. At the age of 92 she became a resident of the care center in Belmond.

Survivors include her daughters, Betty Nedved of Hayfield, Ione Hayungs of Clear Lake, Lois Jenison of Belmond; son, Alvin Smit and wife, Jackie of Thornton; daughter, Jo Ann and husband, Mike Ritter of Goodell; daughters-in-law, Joanne Smit (wife of the late Harlan Smit) and Georgia Smit (wife of the late Edward Smit) both of Sheffield; a sister, Tina Smit of Sheffield; 21 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ben in 1973; sons, Harlan in 2003 and Edward in 1997; sons-in-law, Elmer Nedved, Ernie Hayungs and Merrill Jenison; sisters, Tillie Koenen and Hermina Foss; and brother, Herman Koenen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Dale Anderson, 1915-2004

May 26, 2004

Former Hancock County resident, Dale I. Anderson, 89, of Mason City, died on Monday, May 17, 2004, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 20, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, with the Rev. Daird W. Korth officiating. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake. The Fullerton Funeral Home of Mason City was in charge of the arrangements.

Dale Iva Anderson, was born on May 5, 1915 in Kanawha. He was the son of Irvin L. and Myra E. (Bilbrey) Anderson. Dale grew up in the Kanawha and Garner areas.

On February 24, 1937, Dale was married to Marie Greiman in Mason City. Dale farmed small grain and milked Jersey and Guernsey dairy cattle for 65 years before retiring in 1985. Dale and Marie moved to Mason City in 1988. Dale's greatest love and passion in his life were his family and farming. He enjoyed hunting and trapping during his leisure time.

Survivors include two daughters, Virginia (Bill) Ames of Rockwell and Dora Jean (Fredrich) Mueller of Mason City; six grandchildren, Susan Adams, Patricia Lane, Pamela Haukoos, Kristi Hebel, Brad Cronk and Linda Anneling; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie on February 14, 1995; one sister, Mabel Anderson; one brother, Lloyd Anderson; and one grandson, Danny Ames.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Walter Schaumberg, 1924-2004

June 2, 2004

Walter "Honest Bud" Schaumberg, 79, of Garner, died on Sunday, May 23. 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 26, at the United Methodist Church in Garner. The Rev. David Wagner officiated. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloist, Shelley Haugland and congregational hymns. Ushers were Marvin and Maynard Schoneman.

Honorary bearers were Bud's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casket bearers were Marty Karsjens, Philip Olson, Waylon Folkerts, Cody Lunning, Matthew Schaumberg and Jim Janessen. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Walter William "Bud" Schaumberg, son of August and Fannie (Boeckholt) Schaumberg, was born on September 30, 1924 at Titonka. He grew up in the Lakota and Ledyard area where he attended the rural schools and then farmed with his parents.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on December 7, 1944, and received his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served his country during WW II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and obtained the rank of technician fifth degree. Bud was honorably discharged on July 18, 1946.

On November 24, 1946, he married Violet "Dolly" Cassem at Lakota. The couple had seven children, JoAnn, Doreen, Donna, Nancy, Peggy Sue, Rodney and James. They lived in Lakota until 1951 when they moved to the Buffalo Center area and farmed.

In 1956, they moved to Rake and Bud began selling cars at Kastner's Chevrolet in Kiester, Minnesota and in 1963 at L & M Motors in Blue Earth, Minnesota. In July of 1969 the family moved to Garner where Bud and a partner started K & S Chevrolet which he operated until 1980. Violet Schaumberg died on August 17, 1986.

On September 12, 1987, Bud married Mabel Lunning and the family was increased by three more children, DeWayne, Norman and Sue. Bud continued in the car business as a salesman at Schukei Chevrolet in Mason City and in 1987 at 0llenburg Motors in Garner. Bud was in the car business for over 47 years. He enjoyed his family, fishing and selling cars.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner, the Garner VFW and American Legion and was a past member of the Garner Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Mabel of Garner; his mother, Fannie Hofmann of Buffalo Center; children, JoAnn (Harold) Curley of Garner, Doreen (Philip) Olson of Garner, Donna Karsjens of Garner, Jim (Deb) Schaumberg of Forest City, Norman (Joyce) Lunning of Garner and Sue (Randy) Folkerts of Forest City; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Lunning and friend, Dave of Coulter; 22 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters, Tressie Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Carolyn Elwood of Buffalo Center and Deloris Thompson of Bancroft; and a sister-in-law, Ruby Knight of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolly; his father; three children in infancy, Nancy, Peggy Sue and Rodney; a son, DeWayne Lunning; grandson, Matthew Folkerts; and five brothers-in-law.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Orville A. Kropp, 1916-2004

June 2, 2004

Orville A. Kropp, 87, of Garner, died on Monday, May 24, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 27, at the United Methodist Church in Klemme, with the Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Madelyn Priebe, who accompanied soloist, Brenda Anderson and a congregational hymn. Arlyn Waddingham and Calvin Bruggeman were ushers.

Casket bearers were Don Bell, Larry Bell, Jerry Kropp, Rex Kropp, Carroll Kropp and Dewey Galloway. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Orville August Kropp, the son of August and Rosa (Bredlow) Kropp, was born on December 9, 1916, on a farm south of Garner. He was baptized and confirmed at the Liberty Methodist Church, west of Klemme. He attended school at Liberty No. 2 and graduated from the Garner High School in 1934. Following his schooling he farmed with his parents south of Garner.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 1, 1941, and served his country in the Pacific Theater. On January 27, 1946, he was honorably discharged. Orville returned home and farmed with his brother, Lester.

In 2000, he became a resident of the Concord Care Center in Garner. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Klemme and the Garner VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed watching sports and reading.

He is survived by three sisters and a brother, Lucille Drugg of Forest City, Hilda Bell of Garner, Viola Kropp of Garner and Lester Kropp of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Relma Finn and Neva Hartzell; and two brothers, Gilbert and Carts "Barney" Kropp.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Lillian L. Schlei, 1922-2004

June 2, 2004

Lillian L. Schlei, 81, of Garner, died on Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Her funeral was held on Saturday, May 29, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Music was provided by organist, Lynette Nuehring who accompanied soloist, Warren Torkelson and congregational hymns. Ushers were Dixie Treinen and Beth Roths.

Honorary bearers were Tracy Marshall, Anna Skogerboe, Amy Skogerboe and Taylor Farris. Casket bearers were Craig Meints, Cody Farris, Frank Marshall, Dave Boeset, Bill Grange and Bob Hanson. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Louise Schlei, the daughter of Axel and Katherine (Petersen) Juhl, was born on July 17, 1922, on a farm near Thornton. She was raised on several farms in the Thornton, Ventura and Clear Lake areas and graduated from the Ventura High School in 1940.

On April 28, 1943, she was united in marriage to Dale Schlei at the Lutheran parsonage in Clear Lake. They lived and farmed southwest of Klemme all of their married life. Lillian spent much of her time with her husband showing their Belgian horses. She had lived at the Prairie View Apartments in Garner for the past 18 years. She enjoyed playing cards, puzzle books and spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren.

She was a member of the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme.

Lillian is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Farris and husband, Dan of Garner; grandchildren, Tracy Marshall and husband, Frank of Klemme, Craig Meints and wife, Linda of Klemme and Cody Farris of Garner; great-granddaughter, Taylor Farris; great-grandbaby, Marshall due in September; step-granddaughters, Anna and Amy Skogerboe of Klemme; sister, Alice Thompson of University City, Washington; sisters-in-law, Irene Juhl of Harrison, Arkansas, Ruth Juhl of Mason City and Ruth Juhl of Clear Lake; brother-in-law, Elwood Pilz of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale in 1975; her parents; sisters, Elnora, Laura and Elsie "Julie"; brothers, Albert, Elmer, Leonard and Arthur; and three infant siblings.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Adene V. Hagen, 1920-2004

June 2, 2004

Adene V. Hagen, 83, of Garner, died on Saturday, May 29, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 2, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Henry Friedrich officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Beverly Cataldo who will accompany soloist, Doug Hayes and a congregational hymn. Alvin "Pete" Hansen and Al Voss will usher.

Honorary bearers are Kelly Jo Hagen, Floyd Gilbertson, Russell Latch and Gary Anderson. Casket bearers are Vance Hagen, Travis Hagen, Jeramie Hagen, Jamie Hagen, Russell Leitz and Gary Maben. Burial will be at the Beaver Creek Cemetery near Joice. The Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Adene Viola Hagen, the daughter of Knudt J. and Marie (Bang) Tweed, was born on July 3, 1920 near Joice. She graduated the youngest in her class in 1936 from the Joice High School.

On October 11, 1941, she was married to Earl LeRoy Hagen at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice. They farmed near Joice until 1953 when they moved to Garner. Adene was employed at Winnebago Industries in Forest City and sold Tupperware. For the past 40 years she also sold Avon. She was recently honored by Avon for 30 consecutive years of service by being presented the Alby Award and service award.

Adene enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She loved family gatherings. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, LWML and the Avon Honor Society.

She is survived by her two sons, Larry (Ann) Hagen of Britt and Lon (Lynn) Hagen of Forest City; five grandchildren, Vance (Cindy) Hagen of Britt, Travis (Jamie) Hagen of Britt, Kelly Jo (Russell) Leitz of Leland, Jeramie (Annette) Hagen of Forest City and Jamie Hagen of Forest City; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Myrtle Hagen of Mason City; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Pat and Gary Maben of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl on March 16, 1988; her parents; sisters, Evelyn Latch, Henrietta Almelien and Hulda Gilbertson; and brothers, Joseph, Martin, and Melville Tweed.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Lillian Chizek, 1909-2004

June 9, 2004

Lillian M. (Kopacek) Chizek, 95, of Britt, died on Saturday, May 29, 2004, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, June 2, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt. The Rev. Jerry Blake and the Rev. Jerry Kopacek officiated. Jerry Chizek was the lector. Music was provided by organist, Brenda Smith who accompanied soloist, Louise Zrostlik. Allan Doughan and Craig Leerar ushered.

Casket bearers were Ed Arndorfer, Bill Arndorfer, Don Chizek, Bill Chizek, Ken Chizek, Gary Chizek, Denise Roberts and Sarah Williams. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Marie Chizek, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Kudej Kopacek, was born on April 10, 1909 in Britt. She was united in marriage with William Albert Chizek on January 15, 1929.

Mrs. Chizek cherished the farm where she and her husband, Bill raised their children, beginning the family legacy that was her main source of joy. She was an exceptional gardener and baker. She enjoyed making baby quilts and afghans, which she gave to her family members and friends.

Her 95 years were recently celebrated at the Britt Country Club. Her well-wishers reached into the hundreds, receiving more than 150 birthday cards.

At the time of her death, Mrs. Chizek was the oldest member of the St. Patrick's Parish in Britt, where she lovingly cared for the church sanctuary and altar linens for many years.

She is survived by one son, William F. Chizek and his wife, Blanche of Britt; one daughter, Marie Wieck and her husband, Gary of Clear Lake; one son-in-law, Francis Arndorfer of Willmar, Minnesota; one daughter-in-law, Lorraine Chizek of Britt; 24 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Survivors also include four sisters, Marie Brcka of Britt, Vivian Formanek of Britt, Agnes Rayhons of Garner and Blanche Paca of Britt; one brother, Vincent Kopacek and his wife, Rose of Britt; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; son, Arthur; daughter, Lorene Arndorfer; granddaughter, Barbara Sue Williams; great-granddaughter, Ashley Chizek; three sisters, Helen Kopacek, Evelyn Kopacek and Mildred Wellik; and three brothers, Arnold, Francis and Raymond Kopacek.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004