Evelyn N. Radloff, 1913-2007

August 8, 2007

Evelyn N. Radloff, 93, of Garner, died on Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 4, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Dale Glawatz officiating. Music was provided by Beverly Cataldo. Ushers were Earl Jaspersen and Al Voss.

Casket bearers were David Hansen, Gordon Quintus, Ivan Barkema, Bill Waddingham, Earl Kotz and Rex Aldinger. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hospice of North Iowa or Opportunity Village.

Evelyn Neva Radloff, the daughter of Chris and Bertha (Krieger) Hansen, was born on December 7, 1913 at Nora Springs. She graduated from the Nora Springs High School and Hamilton Business College in Mason City. Evelyn then worked as a secretary at the Brick and Tile Building in Mason City.

On February 18, 1951, she was married to Laurence F. Radloff at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Nora Springs. They farmed southeast of Garner on the home farm until Lawrence's death in 1997. Evelyn remained in her home with the help of her nephew, David Hansen, until a stroke caused her to enter the Concord Care Center in July of 2006.

Evelyn was a devoted member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and belonged to many church functions. Evelyn and Laurence were big supporters of youth in the church and all high school events. They were given the honor of being chosen "Honorary Parents".

She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary (Bob) Davis of Mason City and Anna Radloff of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence on January 11, 1997; her parents; and a brother, Ervin Hansen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Ralph Nuehring, 1930-2007

August 15, 2007

Ralph W. Nuehring, of Klemme, died on Friday, August 3, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond, as a result of injuries suffered in a bicycle-motor vehicle accident near Klemme on Saturday, July 28. He was 76 years old.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 11, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial with full military honors provided by the Klemme Honor guard was in the Ell Township Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was In charge of the funeral arrangements.

Ralph William Nuehring, the son of Owen and Blanche (Montgomery) Nuehring, was born on October 5, 1930, on his parents' farm in rural Klemme. He attended rural Klemme Schools at Ell Township #3 and then Klemme Schools where he graduated from high school with the Class of 1948.

In the fall of 1948 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 4 years. Ralph's military tenure included time stationed in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. Ralph fulfilled his role in the Air Force as a Control Tower Operator. Following his Honorable Discharge from service, he returned to Klemme where he lived on the family farm for a time and later made his home in town.

Ralph was a fairly quiet man who enjoyed a simple life as a bachelor. He enjoyed reading on a wide variety of topics and especially looked forward to his newspapers and the Iowa Conservationist magazines. He liked to raise a garden and in earlier years looked forward to a competitive game of cards. Those who knew Ralph well would see him almost daily on his bicycle journey's tooling around the Klemme area.

Ralph is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Brede of Goodell, Mavis Eckes of Long Prairie, Minnesota, Marie Ver Helst of Klemme and Inez and husband, Bruce Dunbar of Mason City; brothers, Dean Nuehring of Osage and Keith and wife, Wilma Nuehring of Webster City; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Nuehring of Britt and Doris Nuehring of Mason City; brother-in-law, Art Kemp of Colome, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Blanche; brothers, Lyle and Morris; sisters, Clara, Grace, and Betty; an infant brother, Lorril; brothers-in-law, Warren Bier, Norman Eckes, Ken Van Nurden and Richard Ver Helst; and sister-in-law, Elsie Nuehring.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Verna Marie Brown, 1920-2007

August 15, 2007

Verna Marie Brown, 86, of Britt, died on Monday, August 6, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 10, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Verna, the daughter of Frank William and Anna Marie Ruscher Gayken, was born on October 16, 1920 in Britt. She attended school in Britt. At a young age she began caring for her mother until her mother's death.

In 1944, Verna married Newell Brown at the Woden United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in the Britt area and Verna enjoyed rural living. In 1961 they moved into Britt. Verna was employed at the milk plant in Britt and then at Winnebago Industries in Forest City for 14 years.

Verna was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt. She made and donated many stocking caps, mittens, ornaments and anything else that the church needed crocheted.

Verna was the strength of her family and loved spending time with them. She enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint and quilting and gave many of the items as gifts. Verna also enjoyed doing word search, playing cribbage, fishing and putting puzzles together.

Verna is survived by five sons, Don (Kathy) of Mason City, Shirley (Linda) of Garner, Al (Barb) of Britt, Vennis of Hortonville, New York and Ralph (Audrey) of Clear Lake; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brother, Bud (Bev) Gayken of Britt; sister, Viola "Blondie" (Christie) Peterson of Goodell; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Newell; son, Bill; grandson, Victor; sister, Blanche Gill; and brother, Lester Gayken.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

June E. Beshey, 1914-2007

August 15, 2007

June E. Beshey, of Garner, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. She was 93.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 10, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Doreen Johnson who accompanied soloist, Warren Torkelson and a congregational hymn.

Ushers were Maynard Schoneman and Burke Haberkamp. Casket bearers were Mark Beshey, Jeff Beshey, Michael Richter, Scott Richter, Eric Beshey and Evan Beshey. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

June Adell Elva, the daughter of Almon and Bertha (Hans) Lattimer, was born on June 22, 1914 at Algona. She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Algona. June attended school in Algona.

On November 18, 1933, she was married to Donald Beshey of Woolstock at the Methodist Parsonage in Fort Dodge. They lived in Woolstock, Webster City and Marble Rock where they worked on farms. In 1941, they moved to the Goldfield-Eagle Grove areas and in 1953 to Britt where they continued to farm. They retired in 1974 and moved into Garner. June and Don spent some of their winter months in Georgia and Florida. After Don passed away in 1999, she moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner.

June enjoyed going fishing with Don, making crafts and was an avid sports fan. Her great pride was her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many special neighbors and friends.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner, UMW, Royal Neighbors of Britt and the Holiday Homemakers Club at Britt.

June is survived by her four children, Connie (Michael) Richter of Britt, LaVonne (Robert) Kahl of High Springs, Florida, James (Jeri) Beshey of St. Clair, Minnesota and Earl (Julie) Beshey of Garner; a daughter-in-law, Annette Beshey of Moultrie, Georgia; 15 grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; many step-great-grandchildren; two half-sisters, Ruth Theunte of Algona and Sherry Lloyd of Las Vegas, Nevada; a sister-in-law, Illa Lattimer of California; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don on March 6, 1999; two sons, Jerry and Richard (Bessie) Beshey; her parents; step-father, Sid Spear; three sisters, Elnora (Hubert) Bartels, Betty (Henry) Bartels and Lorraine (Wayne) Riddle; a brother, Elmer Lattimer; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Theunte.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Ruth Olson, 1912-2007

August 29, 2007

Ruth O. Olson, age 95, of Forest City, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at the Titonka Care Center in Titonka.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 10, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Wayne Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Forest City. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ruth Overa Olson, was born on June 13, 1912, to Carl and Sarah (Tweeten) Gustafson in Mount Valley Township in Winnebago County, Iowa, the third of nine children. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Winnebago Lutheran Church.

On January 3, 1932, she married Kenneth Olson. The couple farmed near Miller until 1968 when they moved to their new home near Forest City. Kenneth passed away in 1973 and Ruth remained there until moving to Forest City. She was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller and later the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Ruth enjoyed family gatherings, being with friends, entertaining, and growing flowers. She was a long-time member of the Happy Birthday Club, an Extension, 4-H Leader, Church Circle and Sr. Citizen's Center. After retirement, the couple delivered motor homes and she and Kenneth wintered in Texas.

In 2005, Ruth moved to Forest Plaza and in March of 2007 to the Titonka Care Center where she passed away.

Ruth is survived by three daughters, Janice (Morris) Kluver of Forest City, Yvonne Rippentrop of Titonka and Marcia (Irvin) Milbrandt of Elmore, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Nelson of Forest City; brother, Clemmit Gustafson and wife, Elaine of Walcott, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Orva Gustafson of Lake Mills.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; son-in-law, Roger Rippentrop; brothers, Gustaf, Cleo, James and Victor; a brother in infancy; and a sister, Margaret Nyhus.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

LuVerne E. Knoke, 1923-2007

August 22, 2007

LuVerne E. Knoke, 84, of Mason City, died on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 18, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City, with the Rev. Jo Watkins officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

LuVerne Elmer Knoke, the son of Louis and Mattie (Schwartz) Knoke, was born on January 21, 1923 at Klemme. He graduated from the Garner High School. During WW II, he served his country in the Army Air Force as a corporal in the 13th Air Repair Squadron.

On July 20, 1947, he was married to LaVonne Hammitt at the Zion United Church of Christ in Garner. They lived in Garner until 1962, when they moved to Mason City. LuVerne was employed as a lineman for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company until retiring in 1987. He also refereed high school sports events in north Iowa for many years.

In 1982, LuVerne and LaVonne moved to an acreage north of Mason City. LuVerne liked working on his acreage whether it be mowing the lawn or tending to his large garden. In 2004, he sold the acreage and moved back into Mason City. He loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters. They were the light of his life.

He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ.

LuVerne is survived by his son, Bill (Betty) Knoke of Mason City; two granddaughters, Heather and Emily Knoke; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne on September 12, 2003; his parents; and four brothers, Donald, Dorance, Lester and Eldo Knoke.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Evelyn L. Stokesbary, 1916-2007

August 22, 2007

Evelyn Lucille "Jane" Stokesbary, 91, of Clear Lake, died on Thursday, August 16, 2007, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 20, at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake. The Rev. Diana Hoover officiated. Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements. The family of Evelyn Lucille Stokesbary has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of North Iowa in her memory.

Jane was born on May 2, 1916, on a farm near Britt. Her parents, Noah and Zora (Wyant) Whitehurst, had ten children of which Jane was the sixth. She grew up and went to the local country school near Hutchins, Iowa.

Jane married Arvid Stokesbary at Klemme on January 9, 1936. They started their family and worked on area farms until 1942, when they moved to Ames, Iowa, The family remained in Ames until 1955. Arvid's employment took them to Winchester, Illinois and then four years later on to Kansas City, Missouri.

In Kansas City, they attended and became members of the Countryside Methodist Church. Jane was very active with the church and served as President of the UMW group. She was President of the Sorosis Club, as well as President of the Raytown Federated Women's Club. She received a lifetime membership pin from the Countryside Church in 1975.

Jane and Arvid retired in 1975 and moved to Clear Lake. They became active members of the Clear Lake Methodist Church. Jane served on many committees and was President of the Sorosis Club.

Jane was widowed in 2002 and a year later she sold her home on Pine Tree Court and moved to the Meadows Apartments. She remained at the Meadow's until 2006, and then moved into the Oakwood Care Facility.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Arvid; and oldest daughter, Barbara Ford.

Left to cherish her memory is Barbara Ford's husband, Paul Ford and four grandchildren; her daughter, Beverly Lambert of Auburn, Illinois and four grandchildren; her son, Daryl and wife, Sandy Stokesbary of Hampton, Minnesota and two grandchildren; Bethene and husband, Gene Hatcher of Winchester, Illinois and six grand-children; Debby and husband, Mick Hansmeier of Eagan, Minnesota and two grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Jane is also survived by two sisters, Gladys Schmidt of Britt and Irene Pletcher of Forest City; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Alvaro D. Diaz, 1940-2007

August 29, 2007

Professor Alvaro D. Diaz, 66, of Temple, died on Friday, August 17, 2007, at a local hospital.

Professor Diaz was born in Bogota, Colombia, on October 22, 1940, the son of Alberto Diaz and Ana Copete. He earned two B.S. degrees in Agronomy and Animal Sciences in 1962 and 1964, and a M.Ed. degree in Sciences in 1969. He became a U.S. citizen in 1980.

Professor Diaz had a great joy for teaching and was beloved by his students. He taught Math and ESL at Temple College for the last 16 years, before which he taught high school Spanish for 25 years in Bangor, Maine. He also worked as a shift supervisor in the Passenger Service Office at the Bangor International Airport in Maine for 12 years, and in 1996 he translated the book Art Play from English to Spanish for the Wolf Trap Institute.

Professor Diaz was a modest but brilliant man who was known to his family, friends and students as a kind, patient and loving person.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda Diaz of Temple; daughters, Ana Olsthoorn of Garner and Elisa Diaz of Bowdoinham, Maine; son, Carlos Diaz of Portland, Maine; brothers, Dr. Jaime Diaz of El Paso, Texas and Hector Diaz of Southwest Harbor, Maine; grandchildren, Simon, Ivan, Oliver and Jonah; and nieces and nephews, Belisa, Liliana, Rodrigo, Andres and Christopher Diaz.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Donnitta C. Hayungs, 1940-2007

August 29, 2007

Donnitta "Doni" C. Hayungs, 66, of Garner, died on Monday, August 20, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, August 24, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Doreen Johnson. Ushers were Maynard and Marvin Schoneman.

Honorary bearers were Dakota Back and Shawn Hayungs. Casket bearers were Levi, Cody and Jordan Paulsen, Steven, Darin and Mark Koelm and Jason Kimbrough. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Donnitta "Doni" Carroll Hayungs, the daughter of Donald Clark and Bernadine Elaine (Lundy) Standley was born on October 13, 1940 at Klemme. She graduated from the Clear Lake High School in 1958 and then began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Garner as an operator.

On November 8, 1960, she was married to Robert Hayungs at West Memphis, Arkansas. They lived in various cities and locations around the U.S. and across the globe. In March of 1979 Bob retired from the military and the family moved to Garner, where Doni managed Casey's General Store and worked at the Goodnature Annex. Doni and Bob also owned and operated the Modern Cleaners in Garner for a number of years. In 1993, Doni began attending NIACC graduating with an AA degree in 1995. She worked at the Workforce Center in Mason City for a time and then Curries in Mason City before retiring in 2000.

She enjoyed her family, especially time with her grandsons, her beloved dog, Katie Jo, camping in Minnesota, having coffee with her friends and motorcycling.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Homemakers Club and was a past member of the Garner Wa-Tan-Ye Club.

Doni is survived by her two children, Denise Back (Jon Nelson) of Klemme and Scott (Sue) Hayungs of Rochester, Minnesota; her significant other, Joe Shafer of Garner; two grandchildren, Dakota Back of Klemme and Shawn Hayungs of Rochester; a brother, Donald (Lois) Standley of Garner; two sisters, Cindy (Ray) Koelm of Altamont, Illinois and Katherine (Keith) Kimbrough of Mount Pleasant; a sister-in-law, Linda Standley of Navarre, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert on June 26, 1991; parents; and a brother, James Allen Lundy Standley.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Gerald Burk, 1915-2007

September 12, 2007

Gerald Burk, 92, most recently of Garner, formerly a resident of Goodell, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 30, at the Goodell United Methodist Church, with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery in Goodell. The Dugger Ewing Funeral Home in Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Gerald Burk, the son of Wilmer and Elizabeth (Brannan) Burk was born on March 25, 1915 in Goodell. He was educated in the Goodell School, graduating in 1933. Gerald married his lifetime sweetheart, Nellie Griggs on September 11, 1936, at the Goodell United Brethren Church Parsonage.

He began farming in 1937 at a farm located southwest of Goodell, later moving to Nellie's childhood home and farming the land in Avery Township from 1942 until 1996. Gerald loved the land and never lost his interest in the crops, the weather, and the grain movement and prices. He was a meticulous farmer and loved seeing the seasons of growth in the fields.

In 1955, he was honored as an Iowa State Swine Master Producer in Des Moines. He was very proud of his years of raising hogs, and his grandchildren fondly remember getting to hold those squealing little pigs when they were young.

Gerald served as an Avery Township Committee person for several years and worked a number of years for the A.S.C.S. measuring and checking farms, as well as bin sites and elevators taking in government sealed corn.

He was a Boy Scout Leader for the Goodell troop for 12 years. Kay has some great memories of the fun they had at Boy Scout Camp and his leadership and cooking abilities.

Memories of duck hunting with Don and Wilmer Burk at Twin Lakes were an important highlight in Gerald's life. He will also be remembered for shooting the last wolf in Hancock County.

For many, many years he sold seed corn and seed beans and was very proud of his achievements. He enjoyed meeting and visiting with his customers. He worked during the winters for 15 years for the County Assessor in Hancock County. Gerald was a highly respected and trusted county supervisor for 12 years and served on numerous committees for the county when working in that capacity.

Gerald was a faithful Lions member for many years and served as Lion Zone Chairman for his district. He also served on the county historical board for Hancock County for several years.

He will be remembered as a loyal and devout member of the United Methodist Church in Goodell for all his life, having been baptized and confirmed there in his youth. Gerald was active in church in many capacities throughout his life and served as the Administrative Board Chairman. He loved his church and worshiped faithfully every Sunday.

Gerald loved his wife and sons with all his heart and they were always first in his thoughts and concerns. He was a just and truthful man in all ways, likewise he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much, always being interested in their activities and well-being. He will be so deeply missed by all his family.

Gerald is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Nellie; his sons, Kay (Gloria) and Dean (Joyce) Burk; his 5 grandchildren, Lisa (Mark) Woiwood, Steve (Julie) Burk, Dana (Kathy) Burk, Sarah (Frank) Oldham and Richard (Cassie) Burk; 11 great-grandchildren, Adam, Aaron, Annie, Ashton Woiwood and Alyssa, Abigail, Karina, Brayden, Kaylie Burk, Delbert Oldham and Adrian Martin.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Elizabeth Burk; and brother, Donald and his wife, Doris Burk.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Hal Hefti, 1947-2007

September 5, 2007

Hal Hefti, of Baxter, Minnesota, died on Monday, August 27, 2007, at his home with his family at his side.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 30, at the Park United Methodist Church, in Brainerd, Minnesota. A memorial service and internment will be held at the Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on Saturday, September 15, at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that donations be given to prostate cancer research, Good Samaritan Hospice or the Park United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.

Harold Owen Hefti, was born on November 20, 1947 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Clifford Lee and Peggy Joyce (Owen) Hefti. Hal graduated from the Central High School in 1965. He attended UW-La Crosse before enlisting in the Air Force. He attended UW-Stevens Point from 1971-1975. He was an active member in the Vets 550. Hal was married to Cheryl Krause from 1966 to 1969.

Hal was united in marriage to Kathryn Gast on May 22, 1971. They accepted a position with the Christian Ministry in the National Parks, first in Cooke City, Montana. for the summer of 1975, where Hal was the student pastor of the Mt. Republic Chapel of Peace and then at the Grand Canyon in 1976, where he was the coordinator of the ministry team.

In the fall of 1976, they moved to New Brighton, Minnesota, where he attended the United Theological Seminary. In 1977, they added the responsibility of head residents at Drew Hall, Hamlin University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He ended his studies at UTS in 1979. They moved to Baxter, Minnesota in 1980, to leave metro life behind and head to the country for a position with the State Fire Marshall division. Kathi and Hal adopted Janessa InSook Hefti in April of 1983.

When not out inspecting for fire safety, Hal enjoyed hunting, racquetball, tennis, biking, both bicycle and motorcycle, and traveling.

Hal retired in 2005 to have more time for he and Kathi to continue their love of travel and hobbies and for Hal to spend more time with his grandson, Rylan.

Hal is survived by his wife, Kathi; daughter, Janessa (Chee) Hefti-Lee; grandson, Rylan of Middleton, Wisconsin; his mother, Peggy Hefti of La Crosse, Wisconsin; his brothers, Clif (Debbie) Hefti and Dan (Sally) Hefti, of Holmen, Wisconsin; his nieces and nephews, Ryan (Rebecca) Hefti of Newton, North Carolina, Stephanie (Kevin) Tyburski of Onalaska, Jared Hefti of La Crosse, Diana (Joshua) Clark and Kaylie, of New Glarus, Wisconsin, Stephanie Johnson and her daughters, Caitlyn and Makenzie of Onalaska and Danny O. Hefti of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

His mother-in-law, Ruth Gast lives in Garner. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Doran (Marilyn) Gast of Stillwater, New York and Eldon (Clara) Gast of Garner; and nephews-in-law, Clifford Gast and Octavia and Logan, of Stillwater, New York, Curt (Marya) Gast of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Jed Gast of Garner and Will Gast of Estherville; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford L. Hefti; his father-in-law, Loren Gast; and his grandparents, Celia and Harold Owen and Peter and Hazel Hefti.

Hal taught us all how to live, laugh, and love, and now how to fight the fight of cancer and yet die with dignity. We want to thank the staff at the Good Samaritan Hospice for their support and care, which allowed Hal to remain in the comfort of his own home. We also want to thank the staff at the Brainerd Medical Center oncology department for their ongoing support, expertise and guidance. They were our second family.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007