Richard D. Wood, 1935-2004

November 10, 2004

Richard D. Wood, 69, of Woden, died on Friday, November 5, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday November 8, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden, with the Rev. Edward Bard, Chaplain of Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. Casket bearers were Ronald Hanna, David Naser, Brian Wood, Jeffrey Wood, Steven Wood, Michael Isebrand, Kevin Wittmeier, James Wood, Joel Gigler and Todd DeWaard. Burial was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, south of Woden. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Richard Darvin Wood, the son of William Jacob and Ethel Mae (Hammond) Wood was born on May 20, 1935 in Woden. He lived in Woden until entering the Westview Care Center in Britt in 1996 due to ill health. He enjoyed visits from his family and occasional outings with relatives. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Woden.

He is survived by seven sisters and four brothers, Lois (Alvin) Hanna of Woden, Lorraine Naser of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Don (Ardith) Wood of Mason City, Leona Chesnut of Springfield, Missouri, William A. (Faith) Wood of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Eugene J. E. (Hazel) Wood of Garner, LaVonne (Don) Isebrand of Woden, Lola Wittmeier of Fort Dodge, Larry (Betty) Wood of Woden, LaDonna (Don) Gigler of Columbia, Missouri and Linda (Ken) DeWaard of Britt; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1972; his father in 1982; three brothers-in-law, Gary Wittmeier, Chuck Chesnut and Wayne Naser; an infant niece, Valerie Jo Wood; and a nephew, Gary Naser.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Royal J. McNeese, 1915-2004

November 10, 2004

Royal J. McNeese, 89, of Britt, died at the Westview Care Center in Britt on Friday, November 5, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 9, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. The Rev. Howard Westlund and the Rev. J. Mark Aheron Sr. officiated. Music was provided by Mrs. Dwight Anderson who accompanied soloist, Nancy Aheron, a duet by Jennifer Johnson and Amber McNeese and congregational hymns. Don Anderson and Cal Larson ushered.

Casket bearers were Mr. McNeese's grandsons, Greg McNeese, Brent McNeese, Joe Mikkelson, Steve Mikkelson, James Clarke, John Clarke, Kelly Janes, Garen Janes, Andrew McNeese, Robert McNeese, John Aheron, R. J. McNeese and Mark McNeese. Honorary bearers were Cherlyn Johnson, Michaela Clarke, Dana Janes, Carrie Valster, Sarah Marquez and Esther Drew. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Royal James McNeese, the son of James R. McNeese and Lillie Robertson McNeese, was born on January 25, 1915 in Talleyrand.

On September 5, 1939, Royal was united in marriage to Mary Rakey in Fairfield. The couple farmed near Washington until 1946, when they moved to a farm northwest of Britt, where they farmed until 1967.

Royal started a motorcycle business on the farm in 1957 and moved it into Britt in 1973, at which time they also moved from their farm home into Britt. Royal continued operating the Harley Davidson shop in town until 1998, when he suffered a stroke and has spent the last six years in the Westview Care Center.

Royal was blessed with a very creative mind and used this gift to accomplish many things. He enjoyed his family, working with mechanics and watching the corn grow. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized when he was in his 30s. Royal was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Britt where he served on the church board and also as the church treasurer.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of Britt; three sons, Gale (Bev) McNeese, Gary (Theresa) McNeese of Britt and James McNeese; four daughters, Shirley Mikkelson of Lynchburg, Virginia, Sharon (Rick) Clarke of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Sandy (Keith) Janes of Stuart, Florida and Nancy (J. Mark Sr.) Aheron of Trumbull, Connecticut. Other survivors include 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; four sisters; one son-in-law; and one granddaughter.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Loren E. Abele, 1915-2004

November 17, 2004

Loren E. Abele, 89, of Garner, died on Thursday, November 11, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 13, 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 Schoneman ushered.

Casket bearers were Steve Abele, Brian Abele, Paul Abele, Jerry Zwald, Robert D. Abele and Harlan Carolus. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Loren Edwin Abele, the son of Albert and Esther (Moll) Abele, was born on February 13, 1915, on the family farm north of Garner. He attended the rural schools of Garfield Township and graduated from the Garner High School in 1933.

He farmed with his father until enlisting in the U.S. Army in September of 1942. He served his country during WW II in the Alaskan Command, being stationed at Anchorage, Alaska. Following his honorable discharge in July of 1945 he returned home to farm.

On May 28, 1950, he married Beryl Hyler at Ames. They farmed and raised their family on the family farm, which was recognized as a Century Farm. He enjoyed his family, grandchildren and gardening.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner, where he served as an usher and belonged to the Men's Club. He was also a member of the Garner American Legion, the Hancock County Farm Bureau, serving on the board of directors for several years, the Hancock County Dairy Herd Improvement Association and the Hancock County Pork Producers serving as secretary.

He is survived by his wife, Beryl of Garner; three children, Ronald Abele of Garner and special friend, Deb Uhlenhopp, Jean Abele of Des Moines and Julie Cook and husband, Mark of Britt; grandchildren, Ronald Abele II and fiancée, Melissa Mayland, Kari Abele, Jamie Cook, Misty Leerar and husband, Andy and their son, Spencer and Andrea Cook and special friend, Scott Schlichting.

Also surviving are a sister, Iris Abele of Garner; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Osnes and husband, John of Forest City; a brother-in-law, Calvin Voigt of Forest City; two nephews, Steven Abele and wife, Jan of Lake Mills and Brian Abele and wife, Barb of Leland; a niece, Ann Fischer of Forest City; many cousins; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Elmer Abele; a sister, Lois Voigt; and a nephew, Michael Abele.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Alvin W. Hanna, 1920-2004

November 24, 2004

Alvin W. Hanna, 84, of Woden, died on Sunday, November 14, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 17, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, with the Rev. Arlen Lloyd officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied congregational hymns and a vocal duet of Doryce Hanna and Rita Brue. Ushers were Allan Hanna and Tom Larson.

Casket bearers were Scott Hanna, Tracy Hanna, Donald Grant, Pence Upchurch, Doug Swingen and Steve Wood. Burial was in the Grant Lutheran Cemetery northeast of Woden. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden was in charge of the arrangements.

Alvin Wallace Hanna, the son of Ole and Garda (Gjerde) Hanna, was born on January 9, 1920, on a farm east of Woden. He was baptized and confirmed at the Grant Lutheran Church near Woden. He attended the rural schools of Grant Township.

On June 15, 1940, he married Lois Wood at Mason City. They lived and farmed on the farm where he was born. He retired from farming in 1985. Alvin and Lois spent their winters in Texas for 20 years with friends until ill health forced him to stay home. He enjoyed being with his family and playing golf and pool.

He was a life time member of the Grant Lutheran Church and served on the church board. He was chairman of the election board for many years and was also a township trustee.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Lois, of Woden; two children, Ronald (Arlis) Hanna of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Vicki (Robert) Grant of Latimer; grandchildren, Scott and Tracy Hanna, both of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Penny Hanna Upchurch of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Gail Castillo of Hampton and Don Grant of Overland Park, Kansas; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Sylvia (Orle) Severson of Forest City and Virginia Wessels of Forest City; a sister-in-law, Myrtle Hanna of Mason City; two nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1936; his father, in 1964; a brother, Gordon in 1978; and two brothers-in-law, Ray Haugen and Pete Wessels in 1999.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Dylan Dean Bailey, 2004

December 1, 2004

Dylan Dean Bailey, infant son of Todd and Ann Bailey of Clear Lake, died on Saturday, November 20, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 24, 2004, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City, with Rev. Harry Koelker officiating.

Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. The Fullerton Funeral Home of Mason City was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Chad and Tucker Bailey, Kevin Bailey, Dean Popowski and Matthew Popowski. Honorary bearers were Dan Johansen, Lonie Stohl, Jermie Schroeder, Adam Bailey, LeRoy Popowski, Jerry Popowski, Steven Popowski and Monica Popowski.

Dylan Dean Bailey, was born on September 9, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City to his loving parents, Todd Dean and Ann Margaret (Popowski) Bailey. He was the first-born child to his parents.

From the very beginning, Dylan expressed his love of cuddling and his independent personality. After a time of being held and snuggled with, he was content to be laid down so he could freely coo and kick. Dylan was extremely alert and seemed to notice everything that surrounded him. In particular, Dylan already held a fascination for riding high in Daddy's big, red, Chevy truck. Watching the fish in the aquarium also sparked his curiosity.

Even though Dylan was in their lives for only a short time, he brought much joy and love into the hearts and lives of his entire family and friends.

He is survived by his parents, Todd and Ann Bailey of Clear Lake; his grandparents, Roger and Sharon Bailey of Denison and Dennis and Charlene Popowski of Garner; his great-grandparents, Lila Bailey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Donald and Frances Johnson of Tea, South Dakota, Roy and Marjorie Popowski of Ivanhoe, Minnesota and Anna Verly of Minneota, Minnesota.

Other survivors include his uncles and aunts, Chad and Tina Bailey of Denison, LeRoy and Felicia Popowski of Portland, Oregon, Dean Popowski of Mountain View, California, Jerry and Laura Popowski of Rapid City, South Dakota, Steven Popowski of Garner, Matthew Popowski of Waverly and Monica Popowski of Garner; and eight cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Virgil Bailey, Orvin Henrichs and Albert Verly.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Paul C. Blank, 1918-2004

December 8, 2004

Former Hancock County resident Paul C. Blank, of Longmont, Colorado, died on Thursday, November 18, 2004. He was 86.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 22, at the Howe Mortuary Chapel. The Rev. Robert Roark officiated.

Paul Blank, was born on May 29, 1918 in Britt. He was the son of John and Cora Belle (Roushia) Blank. He grew up on the family farm. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1941 and served during World War II. In 1946, he moved to Denver, Colorado, where he met his future wife. He married Ruth Tole on June 1, 1947, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1960, they moved to a farm in Rinn where they raised six children. They were later divorced.

On June 24, 1987, he married Louise Douthit in Nashville, Arkansas. Mr. Blank was an assembler for Law & Son Casket Co. in Denver for more than 30 years. He was an inventor and the owner of several patents. He enjoyed gardening and the mountains. He also enjoyed studying the Bible.

Survivors include his wife's three sons, John Blank and his wife, Sharon of O'Fallon, Missouri, James Blank and his wife, Emma of Daconon, Colorado and Stephen Blank and his wife, Barbara of Lancaster, California; three daughters, Edna Blank of Daconon, Elaine Blank of Longmont and Esther Morison and her husband, Mike of Longmont; a brother, Junior "Cap" Blank of Klemme; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dorothy Nieman and June Nieman; and three brothers, Cecil Blank, Bodie Blank and Joe Blank.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

John Thomas Riherd, 1980-2004

December 8, 2004

J. T. Riherd, 24, of Britt, died on Sunday, November 28, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

His funeral was held on Thursday, December 2, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Darcy Eisenman and congregational hymns. Dennis Zuehl and Scott Johnson ushered. Casket bearers were Matt Zadow, Scott Hudspeth, Jeremy Nedved, Scott Redman, Ryan Waltman and Tom Erdahl. Burial was in the Crystal Township Cemetery, Crystal Lake. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

John Thomas Riherd, the son of Timothy Arnold Riherd and Sherri Louise (Swisher) Schrandt, was born on July 31, 1980 at Britt. He attended school at Crystal Lake and Britt.

J. T. was employed at North Iowa Wood Products in Belmond. He enjoyed working with wood and cars. His pride and joy was his son, Zebastian.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

He is survived by his son, Zebastian Riherd of Britt; fiancée, Shay Depue of Britt; mother, Sherri (Don) Schrandt of Britt; father, Tim (Cheryl) Riherd of Crystal Lake; three sisters, Gina Riherd of Britt, Katie Riherd of Crystal Lake and Carla Riherd of Britt; two step-sisters, Shannon (Jamie) Pascual of Hayfield and Stephanie Bonjour of Minneapolis, Minnesota; maternal grandmother, Jean Swisher of Britt; paternal grandparents, Tom and Delores Riherd of Kanawha; paternal step-grandmother, Vi Swanson of Sheffield; several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Allen Riherd; maternal grandfather, Fred Swisher; and paternal step-grandfather, Larry Swanson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Evelyn L. Gerdes, 1922-2004

December 8, 2004

Evelyn L. Gerdes, 82, of Britt, died on Sunday, November 28, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, December 1, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt. The Rev. Dr. John Meyer of First Lutheran Church officiated. Music was provided by Beverly Cataldo. Honorary bearers were Casey Clark, Holden Clark, Bob Peterson, Bill Peterson, Mike May, Tom Dahl, Brian Peterson and Bruce Shipman. Interment was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, south of Woden.

Evelyn Luella Gerdes, the daughter of Emil C. and Nola M. (Sharp) Peterson, was born on July 9, 1922 at Kanawha. She attended school at Stilson until the 11th grade and then worked at a grocery store in Britt.

On February 9, 1956, she was married to Henry W. Gerdes at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived in Hutchins where they owned and operated the Hutchins Grocery Store until 1970. After her husband, Heini died in 1981, she continued to live in Hutchins until moving to Britt in August of 2001.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, embroidering and was an angel of care for many people. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt and the Woden VFW and American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include two daughters, Julie (Mark) Clark of Des Moines and Dianne (Steven) Dahl of Macks Creek, Missouri; five grandchildren, Casey and Holden Clark, Trisha Clark, Leslie Dahl and Tom Dahl; a brother, Emil L. (Dori) Peterson of Northfield, Minnesota; five sisters-in-law, Alice Gerdes of Columbus, Mississippi, Leota Gerdes of Garner, Betty (Don) May of Corwith, Rose Gerdes of Britt and Barbara Shipman of Nora Springs; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Heini on March 14, 1981; and her parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004