Denise Marie Claire Gronbach, 52, of Belmond, died on Thursday, November 9, 2006, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services for Denise Gronbach were held on Monday, November 13, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond, with Pastor Patrick Kennedy officiating. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Denise Marie Claire Jenkinson, was born on June 8, 1954, to Frank and Patricia (Witt) Jenkinson in Rock Island, Illinois. She graduated from the Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona.

Denise married Paul W. Gronbach Jr. in Emmetsburg, on September 14, 1974, following his discharge from the service. They lived in various communities including Algona, Garner, and most recently, Belmond.

Denise had many hobbies such as genealogy, scrap booking, sewing, family photography, and visiting and collecting lighthouses. She treasured the time spent with her family.

Denise was quite active in the community, being a member of the Evangelical Free Church Women's Ministry in Belmond, current President of the Goodell American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Belmond VFW Auxiliary. Denise was also a Creative Memories consultant and customer service representative at True Value in Belmond.

Denise is survived by her husband, Paul Jr.; two sons, Paul III of Corwith and Justin of Belmond; one daughter, Krystal Sachen of Belmond; three grandchildren, Gavyn, Halo and Audrey; three brothers, Gary Jenkinson of Huntington Beach, California, John (Laura) Jenkinson of Protovin and Jim (Becky) Jenkinson of Arkansas; seven sisters, Rachael Jenkinson of West Bend, Fran (Dean) Peters of Des Moines, Leah (Daryl) Speich of Algona, Sharon Jenkinson of New York, Maria Berg of Missouri, Diana (Isam) Jaber of Rihadyh, Saudia Arabia and Judy (Jim) Enos of Algona; and 34 nieces and nephews.

Ronald D. "Boots" Brinkman, age 78, a life long resident and carpenter in the Klemme area, died on Friday, November 10, 2006, at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 13, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial, with full military honors provided by the Klemme Area Military Funeral Unit, was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Ronald Dean "Boots" Brinkman, the son of Martin John and Meta (Baack) Brinkman, was born on March 19, 1928, in Klemme. He attended Klemme Schools and graduated from the Klemme High School with the Class of 1946. During his years in Klemme schools "Boots" was an avid athlete, excelling in both baseball and basketball. Teams which he was a part of had participated in the state tournaments. His love of sports and in particular baseball and softball continued throughout most of his life as he was active in various adult league teams up until his health kept him from competing.

"Boots" began his life long career in construction as a young man while still in high school at age 16. His first construction shop was in his father's blacksmith shop, Slim's Blacksmith Shop in Klemme. Following his primary education he want on to study all aspects of the building trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, dry wall, masonry, and nearly all other tasks involved with construction. He was proficient in nearly every part of the trade during his career with one of his specialties being cabinetry.

Mr. Brinkman was united in marriage to Alice M. Meyer, on December 16, 1950, at the Immanuel Reformed Church in Klemme. The couple made their home and raised their family in Klemme during their entire married life. Their union was blessed with three children, Bruce, Renee, and Perry.

"Boots" was employed as a resident carpenter for the Northern Lumber Company from 1946-1951. On March 30, 1951, he went into military service in the United States Army. During his tenure he served for a time in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces on March 24, 1953, with the rank of Corporal.

Upon returning from military service, Mr. Brinkman resumed his career as a builder employed for periods of time at the Forest City Millworks, and Great Plains Lumber, in addition to being self-employed. He built numerous homes and completed many other construction projects around Klemme and the north Iowa area. He was meticulous and was never one to cut corners, or use inferior materials. He was highly skilled in nearly every task and detail in the construction profession.

"Boots" enjoyed making precious, handmade items for his family and friends. Each one of his family will cherish the special gifts made for them with the love and sweat of his hands. He also made many items for church bazaars and auctions, along with one of a kind furniture pieces for his church, such as memorial cabinets, kneelers, and miscellaneous other hand-crafted items.

Mr. Brinkman was a life long member of the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ where he was baptized and confirmed. He served in various roles on the church consistory, including as a deacon. He loved music and was a member of the church choir.

"Boots" also served for many years as a member of the Hancock County Election Review Board. He enjoyed conversing with friends over a cup of coffee at the Klemme Elevator and enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of friends in various "500" card clubs.

As family reflects upon his life and legacy they will cherish memories of fishing journeys with him to Canada and taking various camping excursions. They will hold dear to their hearts the many gifts made with his hands for them such as jewelry and key boxes, cradles, tables, and so many other pieces of memorabilia. They will fondly remember him as a "conservationist" in his own way, always making sure resources were used in an efficient manner.

He loved going dancing and met his wife and life long partner, Alice, during a dance in their school years. He loved listening to music, especially, the classic singers, such as Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves. His family will chuckle as they picture "Boots" with his "Extra Peppermint" gum stuck behind his ear for future use, often forgetting that he put it there. They will also remember the noises from machines made by his hobby and pastime of sharpening saws for countless residents throughout the area. His grandkids will always reflect back on the special birthday celebrations and other occasions with "Grandpa Boots". He was always a gentleman, but also had his own stubborn side, as he was very much a perfectionist and believed things needed to be done right. He always enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, and the family appreciates all the support and love that has been shown to them and "Boots" during his lifetime and recent health decline.

Those left to cherish the memories of "Boots" life include his wife and life partner of nearly 56 years, Alice Brinkman; son, Bruce and his wife, Jeanette Brinkman of Carroll, daughter, Renee Kramer and husband Ron of Iowa City and son, Perry Brinkman of Klemme; two brothers, Garland Brinkman and wife, Karna of Garner, and "Marty" Martin Brinkman, Jr. and wife, Lois of Sheffield; a sister-in-law, wife of the late Merlin Brinkman, Ina Brinkman of Ventura; his grandchildren, Brian and wife, Karman Brinkman of Rochester, Minnesota, Nick Brinkman and wife, Amanda of St. Paul Park, Minnesota, Baron Brinkman of Emmetsburg, Abbey Kramer of West Des Moines, Chad Kramer of Cedar Rapids and Levi and Bo Brinkman of Long Branch, Minnesota; two great-grandchildren, Kally and Karly Brinkman of Rochester, Minnesota; and also nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marvalyn A. Rayhons, 67, of rural Garner, died on Saturday, November 18, 2006, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 22, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Dick Formanek, Ron Brozik and Robert Hestad.

Casket bearers were her grandchildren. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan. A combined Rosary Society and Catholic Workman Rosary and a Scriptural Wake Service was held on Tuesday. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner, was in charge of the arrangements.

Marvalyn Ann Rayhons, the daughter of Richard and Anna (Tanner) Carolus, was born on December 23, 1938 at Clarion. She graduated from the Klemme High School in 1957 and completed her LPN degree from the Marshalltown School of Nursing.

On April 28, 1959, she was married to Henry V. Rayhons, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. To this union four children were born. Marvalyn and Henry lived and farmed their entire married life in the Hayfield area. Marvalyn fought a long hard battle against diabetes, never complaining once. She loved the farm, her flowers, having coffee with the ladies on Monday and most of all her family.

She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Rosary Society, Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51 and the Hayfield Coffee Club.

Marvalyn is survived by her husband, Henry of Garner; her children, Carol (Mark) Juhl of Garner, Dale (Lori) Rayhons of Forest City, Sara (Doug) Abbas of Clear Lake and Gary (Michelle) Rayhons of Garner; ten grandchildren, Melissa (Trent) Anderson, Kevin and Alan Juhl, Ashley, Brian and Chris Rayhons, Jackson and Haley Abbas and Lucas and Makenna Rayhons; one great-grandchild, Jordan Anderson; her mother-in-law, Agnes Rayhons of Britt; two sisters, Carolyn Jontz of San Bernardino, California and Donna (Robert) Beier of Pleasantville; a brother, Keith (Roberta) Carolus of Klemme; and many nieces and nephews.