Cynthia M. Rabe, 1952-2004

October 6, 2004

Cindy "Cindy" M. Rabe, 52, a life long resident of the Belmond area and former executive director of the Belmond Area Chamber of Commerce, died on Friday, October 1, 2004, with her family at her side at the Belmond Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m., at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Cynthia Trees, was born on February 28, 1952, at the Steele Memorial Hospital in Belmond, the daughter of Paul George and Marjorie (Wigg) Trees. She was one of five children in the Trees family. Cindy graduated from the Belmond High School in 1970. She attended Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, Minnesota, where she majored in accounting.

Cindy was united in marriage to Neal A. Rabe on July 17, 1971. To this union were born two children, Jeffrey and Krista. Cindy began her career working as a bookkeeper/accountant at ACCO Seed Co. in Belmond. She later went to work for Lloyd Anders, CPA, and the Belmond Independent Newspaper and PSI. In October of 1995, she was employed by the Belmond Area Chamber of Commerce. Cindy was the executive director for the Chamber and BIDCO (Belmond Industrial Development) until this past winter, when her health forced her to retire. In her role as the executive of the Chamber and BIDCO, she relished the opportunity to promote the attributes of Belmond and the surrounding areas.

She was an active member of the Iowa Chamber Executives, Professional Developers of Iowa, Wright County Tourism, Central Iowa River Partnership, Promotion Council, Wright County Economic Development, and many other groups and organizations. Prior to her illness, she was looking forward to working on the plans for the Belmond 150th Anniversary Celebration and various other new projects.

Cindy loved life and most importantly times spent with her family. She enjoyed fishing excursions with them to Canada and Wisconsin. She was very excited about her new granddaughter, Molly Hartwig, who blessed her life shortly before her illness began.

She enjoyed spending time with friends, going shopping, crafting, home decorating, family gatherings, camping and going out to dinner with friends. In earlier years she enjoyed golf.

Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Neal Rabe of Belmond; her son, Jeffrey of Belmond; her daughter, Krista and her husband, Brad Hartwig and their daughter, Molly all of Kanawha; her mother, Marjorie Trees of Belmond; sister, Candy Fjetland and her husband, Ron of Clarion; brother, Mike Trees and his wife, Colleen of Belmond; sister, Diane Erickson of Belmond; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul on March 28, 2003; her brother, Terry Paul in 1964; grandparents, Estella Hanson and Racine Wigg, Vern and Violet Trees; and an uncle, Robert Wigg.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Terry S. DeGeus, 1993-2004

October 20, 2004

Terry Scott DeGeus, 32, of rural Britt, was wrongfully taken from his family on November 5, 1993.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, October 16, 2004, at the Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home in Britt. The Rev. Dr. John Meyer officiated.

Honorary casket bearers were, Jeff DeGeus, Brian DeGeus, Terry Kunkel, Kevin Nelson, Steve Gerdes and Paul Pigman. Interment was in the Bingham Township Cemetery.

Terry Scott DeGeus, the son of Edward and JoAnn DeGeus, was born on November 19, 1960 in Charles City. Terry was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Garner. Terry graduated from the West Hancock High School in 1980. While in Jr. High School, Terry was a record holder in pole vaulting and enjoyed being a member of the wrestling team.

Terry worked for Holland Construction in Forest City and later drove semi for Schmidt Trucking of Britt. Terry also drove truck for Bud Ranken and Bud Schrotter. Some of Terry's hobbies were playing pool, spending time with his friends and most of all spending quality time with his daughter, Ashley.

Survivors include his parents, Edward and JoAnn DeGeus of Britt; two sisters, Ronda Francis and her husband, Jerry of Britt and Brenda Stone and her husband, Bryan of Charles City; two brothers, Jeff DeGeus and his wife, Becky of Britt and Brian DeGeus of Orlando, Florida. Terry is also survived by his daughter, Ashley of Corwith; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Westin Scott DeGeus.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Ruth E. Hagen, 1927-2004

November 17, 2004

Garner native Ruth E. Hagen, of St. Charles, Illinois, died on Sunday, October 17, 2004, at the Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, Illinois. She was 77.

Memorial services were held on Friday, October 22, at the Norris Funeral Home in St. Charles.

Ruth Hagen, was born on February 13, 1927 at Garner. She was the daughter of Chester and Lela (James) Rice. She lived for many years in Mountain Home, Arkansas, before moving to Elgin, Illinois and then to St. Charles.

She lived at Carroll Towers for the last five years and enjoyed playing with her card group, reading, and e-mailing family and friends. She was also a member of the Primetimer from St. Patrick Church.

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Paul) Jacobs of St. Charles, Mery (Marilyn) Hagen of Dundee, Illinois and Darcie (Andrew) Irvin of Yucaipa, California; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are sisters, Shirley Nixon of North Andover, Massachusetts and Lorraine (Herb) Rauh of West Neufield, Maine.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and by her brother, Jim Rice.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Mary V. Frisbie, 1914-2004

October 27, 2004

Mary V. Frisbie, 89, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, October 17, 2004, at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 20, at the Lime Creek (Iowa) Synod Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills. The Rev. Karl Hermanson officiated. Burial was in the Hartland Cemetery in Hartland, Minnesota. The Mittelstadt Funeral Home of Lake Mills was in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Virginia (Carter) Frisbie, was born in rural Montana, on November 7, 1914, the oldest child of Mary (Sutter) and Warren Carter. She graduated from the Goose Lake High School in 1933.

She was united in marriage to Harold Frisbie on May 7, 1933. The Frisbies moved to this area in 1936, farming in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa until 1956 when they moved to Lake Mills. Mary worked at Deluxe in Lake Mills from 1956 until her retirement in 1977.

Mary enjoyed growing flowers and always had a beautiful garden. Playing and listening to music was a favorite past time. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her children, Donald Frisbie and his wife, Mary of Lake Mills, Ruth and her husband, Dale Slagle of Garner, Larry and his wife, Diane of Faribault and Laura and her husband, Roger Solomonson of Leland; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; infant son, Clarence; and grandchildren, Douglas and Dawn Slagle.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Harold F. Knop, 1928-2004

October 27, 2004

Harold F. Knop, 76, of Clear Lake, died on Friday, October 22, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, surrounded by his family.

His funeral was held on Tuesday, October 26, at the St. John's Lutheran Church east of Garner, with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mrs. Louise Boehnke who accompanied a vocal duet of Brandi Hiscocks and Steve Livingston and congregational hymns. Ushers were Philip Boehnke and Mark Boehnke.

Honorary bearers were Leeza Phinney, Mona Mimms, Lee Knop, Jay Knop, Mark Knop, Todd Knop and Chris Knop. Casket bearers were Chad Knop, Ryan Hiscocks, Ben Livingston, Michael Leslie, Jenny Montgomery, Emily Hiscocks, Erin Hiscocks and Kelly Leslie. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Hospice of North Iowa or to the St. John's Lutheran Church Building and Window Fund.

Harold Frank Knop, was born the eldest of three boys on May 12, 1928 in rural Garner, to Julius and Emma (Rayhons) Knop. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Garner. He graduated from the Ventura High School in 1946 and farmed on the family farm until 1989.

Harold married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Miller on June 25, 1947. Harold enjoyed a very active life. He enjoyed fishing "up north" and in Florida. In 1983, Harold and Ruth began traveling to Florida in the winter. After retirement from farming they made Florida their winter home.

Harold had a very special relationship with his grandchildren and shared with them his love for fireworks. His family is thankful for the special gift of his love and for sharing his faith in the Lord and passing on that love for the Lord to his family. He was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Ruth of Clear Lake; four children, Julie (Steve) Livingston of Clear Lake, Greg (Carolyn) Knop of Nevada, Denise (Kerry) Hiscocks of Ventura and Karen (Jim) Leslie of Maple Grove, Minnesota; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Ben (Traci) Livingston and children, Jacob, Noah and Drew of Clear Lake, Chad (Brooke) Knop of Nevada, Ryan (Brandi) Hiscocks and children, Riley and Parker of Britt, Jenny Montgomery and daughter, Bailey of Nevada, Emily Hiscocks of Ventura, Erin Hiscocks of Ventura, Michael Leslie of Mankato, Minnesota and Kelly Leslie of Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Also surviving are two brothers, Ronnie (Wilma) Knop of Ventura and Ken (Virginia) Knop of Houston, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Cheryl; and his parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Albert E. Martin, 1908-2004

November 3, 2004

Albert Earle Martin, 96, of Belmond, died on Friday, October 22, 2004.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, October 27, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Belmond. The Rev. David Beckman and Deacon Nick Schmit officiated. Burial with full military honors rendered by the Belmond Military Funeral Unit, was in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Belmond. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Albert Earle Martin, was born on September 13, 1908, to Marion (Finch) and Earle Martin on a farm west of Belmond. He was educated in the Belmond schools, at St. Thomas Military Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at Marquette University, and Iowa State University. Upon graduation from Iowa State in 1931, he worked for the Iowa Extension Service.

On February 10, 1934, he married Dorothy Sweeney. The couple lived in Marshalltown and Des Moines. In 1936 they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where Albert became Director of the Regional Office of the Farmers Home Administration.

In December 1940, he was called to active military service and served with the U.S. Army in Italy, France and Germany during World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged from active duty and joined an Army Reserve unit, in which he remained active until October 1961, when he retired with the rank of lieutenant colonial.

Upon returning to Iowa, Mr. Martin was employed by the Veterans Administration, where he worked with the state agricultural organizations to establish the first statewide farm training program for veterans. After 20 years with the Veterans Administration, he retired in 1966.

Soon after, he took on administrative responsibilities at the Ames Laboratory on the campus of Iowa State University, where he worked until 1976. During this time Albert was active in the community, St. Cecilia's Parish, Iowa State Alumni and fraternity associations in Ames.

In 1986, he and his wife returned to Belmond. He became a participant in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Belmond Historical Society and Museum, and a variety of other organizations.

Albert and Dorothy raised and educated four children, James, Marion, Linda, and Jane. The couple enjoyed travel as a form of education and a way of meeting new friends. In May of this year, he returned to Italy for the 60th anniversary reunion of U.S. soldiers who had landed at the Salerno and Anzio beaches and liberated Rome. He continued to enjoy his garden, sharing produce with family and friends.

Survivors include his daughter-in-law, Sharon Martin of Mazeppa, Minnesota; two daughters, Linda (Wade) Clarke of Moline, Illinois and Jane (Schuyler) VanGorden of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his son, James; and his daughter, Marion.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Carol McLaughlin, 1937-2004

November 3, 2004

Carol R. McLaughlin, 67, of Belmond, died on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond, with her husband at her side.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 30, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond. The Rev. Rod Hopp officiated. Burial was in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Belmond. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Carol Johnson, was born on April 29, 1937 in Carpenter, the daughter of Clarence Alvin and Ruth Verda (Parker) Johnson. She attended the Rock Creek Country School for a time and then Osage Schools, graduating in 1955.

She was married to Alfred George McLaughlin on August 8, 1959, at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City. They recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. The couple had seven children, Terrance, Lori, Kevin, Angela, Michelle, Elizabeth and Susan.

Following their marriage, Carol and Al lived for a time in Belmond, Hampton and Grinnell. In 1973, they returned to Alfred's parents' farm in rural Belmond, where they farmed until moving to their present home in Belmond in 1983.

Carol was a devoted wife and life partner to Al. She attended business school at Hamilton College, Mason City, graduating in 1981. She was employed by the State of Iowa Division of Soil Conservation from 1981-2002.

Carol was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother. She looked forward to family gatherings and reunions and opportunities to get together with her siblings.

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond, where she served in many roles including president of the church council, Sunday School Teacher, the Mary Circle, and the recently completed Visionary Task Force.

Carol showed the same concern for her community. She was a member of the Belmond Hospital Auxiliary and was a Wright County Soil Commissioner. She served for a time as President of the Culture Club in Belmond. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Belmond Health Care Center. She enjoyed visiting the nursing home and making crafts for friends. She earned numerous awards for her conservation work.

An avid sports fan, she was a league bowler for many years in the Belmond Bowling Association, and Vice President of the Happy Eight Bowling League. She was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and enjoyed high school athletics.

Carol was a strong and faithful person whose perseverance kept her on the path to recovery following a terrible automobile accident.

Survivors include her husband, Alfred McLaughlin of Belmond; her sons, Terrance and wife, Linda of Des Moines and Kevin McLaughlin of Rochester, Minnesota; her daughters, Lori Ludwig and husband, Allen of Corwith, Angela Rasmussen and husband, James of Evergreen, Colorado, Michelle Schaeffer and husband, Bryon of Ankeny, Elizabeth Engberg and husband, Allen of Puyallup, Washington and Susan McLaughlin of Algona; her sister-in-law, Marge Johnson; brothers, Charles and wife, Betty, Harley and wife, Clarissa, Ivan and wife, Kathy all of Osage and Keith and wife, Jackie of Ft. Dodge; her sister-in-law, Frances Johnson of Osage; and her sister, Eleanor Schallock of Osage; brother-in-law, Lowell Olsen of Osage; sisters, Mildred Sponheim and husband, Norman of Nora Springs and Sharon Boyce and husband, James of Roseville, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Dale and Kenneth Johnson; two sisters, Margaret Olsen and Florence Borcherding; two infant sisters; and a brother-in-law, Alvy Borcherding.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Betty L. Wagner, 1922-2004

November 3, 2004

Betty L. Wagner, of Britt, formerly of Manchester, died suddenly at the Westview Care Center in Britt on Tuesday, October 26, 2004. She was 81.

A memorial service was held on Monday, November 1, at the Geneseo United Methodist Church, rural Buckingham with Pastor Craig Ferguson, the Rev. Keith Scott, and the Rev. David Wagner, officiating.

Interment was in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery, rural Marion. The Leonard-Muller Funeral Home of Manchester was in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Louise "Betty Lou" Scott, was born on November 5, 1922 in Cedar Rapids, to Clyde C. and Grace (Hutton) Scott. She was a 1940 graduate of the Marion High School and a 1944 graduate of St. Luke's School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids.

She was united in marriage to Harold Eugene Wagner on October 14, 1944 in Midland, Texas. Three children were born to this union. Betty worked as a school nurse for the Dysart-Geneseo School, an industrial nurse at Clinton, and a surgical nurse at Grundy Center. She was employed as the head of health services at The Iowa Braille School in Vinton, and helped originate the state hospice program while in Nevada.

Harold and Betty retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1983. In 2000 they moved to Manchester. Since June of 2003, Betty has resided at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Survivors include her three children, Rev. David (Candace) Wagner of Garner, Robert Wagner of Greenwood, Arkansas and Nancy (Ron) Engstrom of Reynolds, Illinois; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Albert Scott of Red Oak and Keith Scott of Clear Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold in 2003; and three sisters, Jean Bell and two in infancy.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004

Velma M. Jacobsen, 1919-2004

November 10, 2004

Velma Jacobsen, of Clear Lake, formerly of Thornton, died on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. She was 85 years old.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 29, at the United Methodist Church, Thornton, with the Rev. Rose Calderon-Kahn presiding and words of remembrance offered by Red Haugland. Interment followed at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Thornton. The Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, Thornton, was in charge of the arrangements.

Velma Marie Luick, was born on March 9, 1919 at Goodell, a daughter of George and Lorena (Jenison) Luick. She graduated from the Thornton High School and Iowa State Teachers College. She taught in country school and at the Thornton School for ten years. She later worked at the Oakwood Manor Nursing Home in Clear Lake.

On January 20, 1946, Velma was united in marriage with Hans Peter Jacobsen at Mason City. They made their home in Thornton and lived there for over 50 years. Velma was a member of the United Methodist Church and active in the UMW. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Pleasant Valley Golf Club. Her hobbies included playing cards, traveling and spending time with her family. Velma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Hans; daughter, Sue (Kirby) Meints of Forth Worth, Texas; son, Don (Donna) Jacobsen of Garner; daughter, Jan (Steven) Gobeli of Cincinnati, Ohio; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many close nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Voral Baker, Jean Jackson and Mildred Luick; and one brother, Donald Luick.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2004