Ruby E. Hoyt, 1913-2005

August 10, 2005

Ruby E. Hoyt, of rural Garner, died on Monday, August 1, 2005, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. She was 92 years old.

Funeral services were held at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, on Wednesday, August 3, with Richard Scott, Lay Assistant of the Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Burial followed in the Concord Cemetery, Garner. The Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ruby Eva Hoyt, was born on July 4, 1913 in rural Goodell, Hancock County, to Charles and Amanda (Willer) Halfpop. Ruby graduated from the Goodell High School in 1931. She was united in marriage to Emmett D. Hoyt on July 3, 1934 at Britt. They had two children and were members of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Ruby and Emmett farmed together all of their married life, living on the same farm since 1946. She took an active part in the farming and after retirement in 1978, continued to live on the farm. Even after retirement she would help out with chores, etc until she was no longer able. They enjoyed spending summers in Minnesota on fishing trips.

Ruby was a quilt maker, making quilts for all of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. One of her quilts won a purple ribbon at the North Iowa Fair. Ruby enjoyed cooking and read cookbooks instead of novels. She was always trying out new recipes. You couldn't enter her kitchen without being fed. She continued to feed the "Farmhands" until age 90 when she broke her hip.

She loved her family and cherished Christmas when they were all together.

She will be missed by her family and friends. Son, Robert and wife, Pat of Garner and daughter, Dixie Boehnke of Clear Lake; grandchildren, Twyla Coe and fiancée, David Schrader, Melody Coe and Suzanne Copas and husband, Tim; great-grandchildren, Joshua Coe, Amanda Johnson and husband, Troy and children Alexis, Cade & Coy, Sandra Coe and children Brenna & Jackson, Sarah Myers and husband, Eric and son Jacob and Krystal Copas; sister, Gladys McNutt of Fargo, North Dakota; dear friend and roommate, Eloise Prescott; many nieces and nephews.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Emmett in 1995; sisters, Edith Hubbard and Margaret Christie; brother, Paul Halfpop; and sister-in-law, Elsie Frandson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Blanche (Kopacek) Paca, 1914-2005

August 10, 2005

Blanche (Kopacek) Paca, of Britt, died on Tuesday, August 2, 2005, at the Westview Care Center in Britt. She was 90 years old.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, on Friday, August 5, with Fathers Michael Schueller and Jerry Kopacek officiating. Lectors were Irene Raber and Becky McCormick and Eucharistic Ministers were Marjorie Hansen and Vivian Formanek. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek, flutist, Barbara Brcka, the St. Wenceslaus Church Choir, and accompanist, Brenda Smith. Casket bearers were Monte "Bill" Hiscocks, Nedra Horstman, Steven Raber, Holly Lahr, Paul McCormick and Lisa Loecher.

Honorary casket bearers were Michael Hiscocks, Brenda Smith, Mindy Blommer, Amber Kingsley, David Hiscocks, Melinda Clark, Jeffrey Haan, Timothy Raber, Carmen Jamtgaard, Pamela Pritchard, Morwen Gerson and Jennifer Roeser. Kenny Paca and Francis Rayhons served as ushers. Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. Funeral services were under the direction of the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, Britt.

Blanche was born to Frank and Elizabeth (Kudej) Kopacek on September 20, 1914, on a farm outside of Britt. She married William Paca on November 21, 1933. They farmed near Duncan until 1974, when they moved to Garner. William died in 1981. In 1995, Blanche became a resident of the Westview Care Center in Britt when the effects of Alzheimer's diminished her recognition and memories of her dear friends and the family that she loved.

Blanche enjoyed baking, bowling, gardening, playing cards and making quilts for her grandchildren. Her greatest joy came from her family, especially her grandbabies and great-grandbabies. Blanche was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Catholic Workmen.

Blanche is survived by her daughters, Marjorie (Ron) Hansen of Britt, Irene (Jan) Raber of Kanawha, Rita (Ralph) Haan of Eden Valley, Minnesota and Rebecca (Paul) McCormick of Rollingstone, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marie Brcka of Britt, Vivian Formanek of Britt and Agnes Rayhons of Britt; one brother, Vincent (Rose) Kopacek of Britt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Bill; daughter, Catherine; son-in-law, Monte Hiscocks; two great-granddaughters; her parents; three brothers, Francis, Arnold and Raymond; and four sisters, Helen, Evelyn, Mildred Wellik and Lillian Chizek.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Joseph R. Vogel, 1926-2005

August 10, 2005

Joseph R. Vogel, 78, of Garner, died on Wednesday, August 3, 2005, at the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 78 years old.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 6, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Jerry Blake officiating. Lector was Donna Young. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Robert Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Casket bearers were Brad Butin, Jimmy Butin, Chris Vogel, Mark Vogel, Marv Engstler and Neil Haugland. Burial was in the church cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Joseph Richard Vogel, the son of Joseph Jr. and Maude (Clarahan) Vogel, was born on October 6, 1926 at Harper. He attended school at the St. Elizabeth Catholic School at Harper and worked on the family farm. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WW II with the 2nd Armored Division in England, France and Germany. Following his honorable discharge in 1946 he returned to Harper.

On January 21, 1948, he married Marie M. Webb at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Harper. They farmed near Harper until 1958 when they moved to Garner. Joe worked at the Garner Creamery, Woodford Wheeler in Britt and for 19 years as custodian at the Garner-Hayfield High School, retiring in 1992. He truly loved working at the school, visiting with the kids and going to the "Penthouse" with Marv for breaks.

On March 21, 2005, he entered the Manly Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He enjoyed his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Garner VFW and American Legion.

Joe is survived by his three children, Jim (Kathy) Vogel of League City, Texas, John (Lee Ann) Vogel of League City, Texas and Bonnie (Bob) Butin of Garner; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Fisher and Marie Oliver both of Keswick: and two brothers, Stanley (Irene) Vogel of Sigourney and Gorden Vogel of Louisville, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; twin daughters, Teresa and Mary; parents; infant brother, Joseph Francis; nephew, Danny Vogel; and brothers-in-law, Elvin Fisher and Don Oliver.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Mable Christensen, 1911-2005

August 17, 2005

Mable V. Christensen, 94, of Britt, died on Friday, August 12, 2005, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 16, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Britt, with the Rev. Bob Fleming officiating. Music was provided by organist, Judy Oudekerk who accompanied soloist, Marlene Smith and congregational hymns. Ushers were Cliff Smith and Bob Oudekerk.

Casket bearers were Tod Robert Christensen, James Robert Christensen, Lloyd Yender, Louis Yender Jr., Shane Malek and Robert Formanek, Jr. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Mable Viola Christensen, the daughter of James and Anna (Helt) Reed, was born on July 8, 1911 at Aredale. She attended the rural schools of Franklin County.

On January 10, 1931, she was united in marriage to George Melvin Christensen at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They farmed west of Belmond until 1954 when they moved to a farm west of Klemme. They retired from farming in 1973 and continued to live on the farm.

Mable spent the past six months as a resident of the Westview Care Center in Britt. The most important things in her life were her faith in the Lord, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a number of interests which included embroidery, sewing, gardening, baking and life on the farm. She was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church and the Ladies Aid.

Survivors include her children, Marlys (Larry) Ridley of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Velma (Louis) Yender of Bella Vista, Arkansas, George Robert (Carolyn) Christensen of Britt and Raymond Christensen of Britt; a daughter-in-law, Alice Christensen of Edwardsburg, Michigan; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Vera Puhl of Charles City, Arlene Puhl of Charles City and Ruby (Lowell) Hobert of Greene.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George on April 23, 1983; a daughter, Shirley; sons, Lloyd and Richard; brothers, John, Orville, Don and Merlin Reed; and sisters, Velma McSpaden, LaVon Steere and Bernadine Johnson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Reba Turner Turns 99

August 17, 2005

Reba Turner, Garner, will celebrate her 99th birthday on Tuesday, August 16, 2005. Her family and friends are throwing her a card shower.

Mrs. Turner is the mother of four children. She has 33 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She also has four great-great-grandchildren.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Earl D. Graham, 1945-2005

August 24, 2005

Earl D. Graham, of Garner, died on Wednesday, August 17, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. He was 59.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 19, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Ushers were Maynard and Marvin Schoneman. Honorary bearers were Doyle Haugland, Al Jenniges and Cecil Noble. Casket bearers were Roger Grandgeorge, Jim Brooks, Jack Butz, Doug Lemke, Bill Reece and Bob Sniezek.

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.

Earl Dean Graham, the son of Basil Claude and Sarah Emma (Urich) Graham, was born on December 18, 1945 at Eagleville, Missouri. At the age of 14 he moved with his family to Lakeview. He graduated from the Lakeview-Auburn High School in 1965.

Earl served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees from 1965 to 1968, including two tours of Vietnam.

On November 26, 1968, he married Jane Korleski in South Sioux City, Nebraska. They lived in Eldora where Earl was employed in construction and long distance trucking. He later worked at Ram Industries in Waukee until moving to Garner in October of 1976. He worked at IMT in Garner until 1994 when he started Graham Scrap Iron.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling and traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He was a member of the Garner VFW where he served in various offices including commander for six years.

Earl is survived by his wife, Jane of Garner; two sons, Chad (Tammy) Graham of West Des Moines and Eric (Jessica) Graham of Garner; grandchildren, Jessica, Geoffrey, Eric II, Jesse, Christine, Ashley and Sarah.

Also surviving are three brothers, Basil (Shirley) Graham of Mercer, Missouri, Otho (Lenore) Graham of Trenton, Missouri and Raymond Graham of Phoenix, Arizona; and a sister, Helen (Bill) Picaman of Princeton, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Emma; brother, Don Graham; sister-in-law, June Graham; and five nieces and nephews.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Dean P. Tompkins, 1929-2005

August 24, 2005

Dean P. Tompkins, of Garner, died on Friday, August 19, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. He was 75 years old.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 23, 2005, at the United Methodist Church in Garner. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloist, Doug Hayes and a congregational hymn. Ushers were Maynard and Marvin Schoneman.

Casket bearers were Claire Tompkins, Gabe Stearns, Allen Tompkins, Larry Tompkins, Zachary Tompkins, Michael Beaver, Mark Hiscocks and Jerry Zwald. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Dean P. Tompkins, the son of Purd and Viola (Burnham) Tompkins, was born on November 15, 1929 in Concord Township, Hancock County. He graduated from the Garner High School in 1947.

On August 20, 1949, he married Betty Johnson at the United Methodist Church in Garner. They lived on a farm south of Garner where Dean farmed with his father and brother, Claire. He retired from farming in 1987 and continued to live on the home place. In his retirement, Dean and Betty enjoyed spending time at their cabin in the Lake of the Woods. His passion was hunting, fishing and trapping.

He was a life time member of the United Methodist Church in Garner.

Dean is survived by his wife, Betty of Garner; three children, Allen (Marian) Tompkins and their two children, Sarah and Zachary of Clear Lake, Larry (Sandi) Tompkins of Urbandale and Beth (Michael) Beaver and son, Gabe Stearns of Garner; a brother, Claire (Bettylou) Tompkins of Garner; a niece, Julie (Richard) Bahlmann of Urbandale; and a nephew, Jay Tompkins of Dallas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara on March 19, 2000; his parents; and a sister, Ruth Tompkins in 1935.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Arlin C. Olsen, 1916-2005

August 31, 2005

Arlin C. Olsen, a long time resident of Klemme and a native of Clear Lake, died on Friday, August 26, 2005, at the Belmond Medical Center in Belmond. He was 89.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 29, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements.

Arlin "Ole" Olsen, the son of Knute and Aleta (Rear) Olson, was born on June 9, 1916, on his parent's farm in rural Clear Lake. He attended the Eden Country School and Union # 2.

Arlin began his life long love of trucking in his youth. By age 11, he built his first truck using a Model T car frame and the gas tank he installed on the frame as his seat. He later graduated to a 1938 Ford Truck, which he used to haul hogs for area farmers to Mason City. As the years went by he made countless trips throughout Iowa and to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Arlin was united in marriage to Christina Schwartz on July 6, 1946, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. Their partnership of nearly 60 years was blessed with four sons, Merlyn, Harland, Randy and Roger, and one daughter, Corrine (Susie) Olsen.

Following their marriage they resided south of Clear Lake for a time and later moved to Klemme. Over the years much of Arlin's trucking was done at night so that he could do farm work during the days. He did custom combining from 1944-49, in addition to his trucking. In 1949 he purchased a semi-tractor and entered the trucking business full time.

In 1972, he and his wife quit their trucking business. At that time Christina began driving school bus and Arlin switched to driving a U.S. Mail Truck, hauling First Class Mail out of the Postal Service Bulk Mail Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His route ran seven days a week for the next 13 years and was an 800-mile round trip from the Twin Cities to Omaha and back. Arlin's dedication to the trucking profession carried him on journeys of more than 100,000 average miles per year between 1942 and 1985.

After he retired in 1985, Arlin continued to remain very active working on cars, trucks, and lawn mowers at the couple's home in Klemme. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his warm and uncanny sense of humor. His wife and children will remember him as a wonderful, warm, and hardworking spouse and dad. In recent years Arlin looked forward to the daily visits to the Klemme School for senior dining and fellowship with friends.

Survivors include wife, Christina Olsen a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center; his sons, Merlyn Olson and wife, Audrey of Santa Maria, California, Harland Olsen and wife, Janet of Mason City and Randy Olsen and wife, Monica of Garner; his daughter, Corrine (Susie) Olsen of Klemme; daughter-in-law, Linda Olson of Ventura; nine grandchildren, Doni and husband, Bill Schaefer, Denette Olson, Deanne and husband, Mike Luis, Greg and wife, Kim Olson, Ryan and wife, Tina Olsen, Shannon and husband, Gary Graves, Jim Olsen, Jenn Olsen, Dan 0lson and Eenja Olson; 16 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Clare Olson of Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Knute and Aleta; sisters, Gladys Bier and Mildred Van Laere; and his son, Roger on March 4, 1997; also a brother and sister in infancy.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Alice LaVerne Bosworth, 1917-2005

August 31, 2005

Alice LaVerne Bosworth, of Corwith, died on Saturday, August 27, 2005, at the Greenleaf Health Care in Fort Dodge. She was 88.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 30, at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home in Corwith, with the Rev. Jerry Newland officiating. Burial was in the Corwith Cemetery.

Alice LaVerne Bosworth, was born on January 31, 1917 in Maroa, Illinois. She was the daughter of Harry and Mary (Whetsler) Liptrap. At a young age her family moved to Corwith where she attended school and graduated from the Corwith High School. After her schooling, LaVerne worked at the Dime Store in Eagle Grove.

In November of 1943, LaVerne was united in marriage to Fred Bosworth in Corwith. The couple lived in Corwith until moving to Renwick in 1954. Fred Bosworth died in November of 1964.

In 1965, LaVerne returned to Corwith where she worked at the restaurant and continued to live until she entered the Good Samaritan Communities in Algona. She later moved to the Greenleaf Health Care in Fort Dodge.

LaVerne was very active in the First Baptist Church in Corwith before it closed. She enjoyed playing cards, making crafts and going to coffee with friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Royal Neighbors, Senior Citizens and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon and husband, Duane Heinen of LuVerne; son, Marvin Bosworth and wife, Phyllis of Corwith; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Wade of Havelock; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; and a sister, Virginia Bradshaw.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Elmer J. Urich, 1908-2005

August 31, 2005

Elmer J. Urich, of Garner, died on Saturday, August 27, 2005, at the Westview Care Center, Britt. He was 97.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, September 2, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who will accompany the church choir. Ushers will be Robert Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Casket bearers will be J.J. Urich, Roger Urich, Scott Fistler, Aaron Fistler, Jeff Fistler and Verne Hejlik. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Scriptural Wake Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Elmer Joseph Urich, the son of Joseph and Anastacia (Kudej) Urich, was born on June 27, 1908, on a farm in Garfield Township, Hancock County. He graduated from the Hayfield Consolidated School as class valedictorian. Following his schooling, he worked at Sterling Grocery and Variety (where Goodnatures is now located). After four years at Sterlings, he went to work for the county driving a caterpillar and working on the roads. He also served as manager of the CWA (County Works Administration).

On October 28, 1930, he married Rose Hejlik. They lived in Garner where they raised three children. In 1935, Elmer became an employee at the George Newman International dealership in Garner. In 1939, he bought the business and Urich Implement started a forty year relationship with Hancock County farmers. Also, that year, Elmer moved his business to a new building where All Iowa Sales is now located. On January 26, 1971, Rose Urich died.

In 1972, he moved the business to its present location north of Hwy. 18 on State Street. During the move to the new facility the old building was destroyed by an accidental fire. On September 17, 1973, Elmer married Nora Fistler at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. In 1980 he retired from the implement business. Elmer remained active in the community serving on the city council three different times. He was very proud of his Bohemian heritage and was very active in his church, community and business throughout his life. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner and the Knights of Columbus. Elmer had been a member of the Garner Rotary Club and Garner Chamber of Commerce serving both as president. He also served on the State Tax Committee for the Implement Association, was chairman of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and was one of two county representative to NIACOG (North Iowa Area Council of Governments).

Survivors include his children, Vernon Urich, M.D. of Surprise, Arizona; Gary (Sharon) Urich of Coralville and Mary Jeann Batham of Des Plaines, Illinois; step-sons, Phillip (Ella) Fistler of Rockwell City, Bruce Fistler of Russell and Mark (Dawn) Fistler of Joice; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Frances Brozik of Garner; a brother, Rudy (Dorothy) Urich of Garner; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Rose; second wife, Nora on March 31, 1996; a grandson, Joey Urich; and a sister, Estella (Don) Basert. 
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Leon K. Gelner, 1910-2005

September 7, 2005

Leon K. Gelner, 95, of Klemme, died on Monday, August 29, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, September 1, 2005, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Tue who accompanied congregational hymns and a vocal duet of Angela Best and Crystal Greiman. Ushers were Bob Scott and Carl Heginger.

Casket bearers were Gary Gelner, Bill Renner, Matt Hanson, Ron Hanson, Ken Hanson, Dr. Steven Stokesbary, Michael Boyd, Ryan Gelner and Randy Gelner. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City. The Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or the Klemme United Methodist Church.

Leon Karl Gelner, the son of Ferdnand and Amelia (Stiehl) Gelner, was born on March 12, 1910, on a farm south of Forest City. He attended school at Madison Township #6 and farmed with his parents.

On April 7, 1934, he married Wava Nelson at Northwood. To this union four children were born, Janice, Jerald, Shirley and Leora. Leon worked for Hancock County as a caterpillar operator and later for Herman Buns Construction. While farming they sold hybrid corn seed and Triple F Feed.

On March 2, 1956, he married Nova T. Koerner Stokesbary at Albert Lea, Minnesota. They made their home in Klemme and later started the Mix-Mill Feed Business. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Europe, Alaska and wintering in Hawaii.

Leon was active throughout his life enjoying boating, square dancing, camping, bowling, playing softball and especially golfing at the Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme, where he was not only a board member, he was also a mentor to all. He looked forward to visiting with his friends at congregate meals in Klemme. He was a member of the Klemme United Methodist Church and I.O.O.F.

Leon is survived by his children, Janice Whitehurst of Clear Lake, Jerald (Suzee) Gelner of Laveen, Arizona and Shirley Feaver of Aguanga, California; ten grandchildren, Janice (Eugene) Weis, Jeannine (Douglas) Thompson, Jeri (Steve) Sphon, Kenneth (Jean) Hanson, Ronald (Celeste) Hanson, Ronda Ryan, Ryan Gelner, Michael Boyd, Dana Williams and Randy Gelner; 25 great-grandchildren; step-children, Janice (Marvin) Janssen of Garner, Jerry (Sharon) Stokesbary of Mason City and Julie (Bill) Renner of Garner; step-grandchildren, Dr. Steven (Sheryl) Stokesbary, Jill (Todd) Thorson, Sue (Tom) Gilland, Sandra (Brent) Schupanitz, Jodi (Jason) Cagle, Angela (Michael) Best, Stacie (Lance) Harrison and Crystal (Wade) Greiman; and 16 step-great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two sisters, Ruth Brown of Garner and Doris Isaacson of Northwood; a sister-in-law, Blanche Gelner of Britt; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Wava Nonnweiler in 1986; second wife, Nova on December 17, 2001; daughter, Leora Gelner McComb; son-in-law, Orvin Whitehurst in 2003; brothers, Donald and Harvey Gelner; sister, Bernice Dahlhauser; nephew, Carol Dahlhauser; and a niece, Patricia Dahlhauser.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005

Lloyd H. Pringnitz, 1918-2005

September 7, 2005

Lloyd H. Pringnitz, 86, of Garner, died on Tuesday, August 30, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 3, at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner, with the Rev. Linzy Collins officiating. Music was provided by organist, Karen Pedersen who accompanied vocalist, Angie Pringnitz and a congregational hymn. Ushers were Harlan Haberkamp and Don Quintus.

Honorary bearers were Angie Pringnitz, Karrie Pringnitz and Rachel Pringnitz. Casket bearers were Jesse Pringnitz, Brent Pringnitz, Chris Jackson, Jim Pringnitz, Jerry Pringnitz and Eric Jackson. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Lloyd Harvey Pringnitz, the son of Franz and Minnie M. (Heinz) Pringnitz, was born on September 22, 1918, on the family farm in Twin Lakes Township, Hancock County. He attended Twin Lakes #5 Country School and briefly attended the Kanawha High School.

On January 1, 1940, he married Mildred Dortha Hammon at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner. The first year of marriage they lived in the Garner area before moving to the Goodell area where they farmed and raised Shorthorn cattle. They returned to Garner in 1954 where they farmed, custom sprayed and raised three sons on property located one mile west of Garner. They retired from farming in 1980 and moved into Garner in December of 1983.

Following his retirement, Lloyd enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, photography, woodworking, traveling and welding where he patented an attachment for New Holland balers. Adventures took them to Acapulco, Hawaii, Las Vegas and an extensive tour of Europe. Lloyd and Mildred also hosted "Grandkids Weekends" in the summertime. Special woodworking projects would be created and bike repairs and modifications would be completed in time for bike races around the yard.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Garner and served as a trustee, elder and was on the Building Finance Committee for the new church. He was active as a 4-H Leader for the Liberty Go-Getters and served on the Hancock County Co-Op Oil Board for many years.

He is survived by three sons, Roger Pringnitz and special friend, Erma Hill of Garner, Gordon and wife, Marilyn of Garner and Dale Pringnitz of Garner; five grandchildren, Jim (Rachel) Pringnitz and their son, Ean of Rochester, Minnesota, Brent Pringnitz of Ames, Jesse (Angie) Pringnitz and their two children, Kelsi and Jake of Garner, Chris (Eric) Jackson and their two children, Lucas and Miranda of Garner and Jerry (Karrie) Pringnitz and their three sons, Jade, Jace and Joseph of Garner; a brother, Stanley (Eunice) Pringnitz of Osage; a sister-in-law, Mary Pringnitz of Belmond; and a large extended family which includes many family friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred on November 9, 1992; his parents; an infant sister; brothers, Arthur and Harley Pringnitz; a sister, Evelyn Mehus; and a sister-in-law, Marva Pringnitz.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005