Margaret J. Allen, 1929-2007

December 26, 2007

Margaret J. Allen, formerly of Garner, died on Monday, December 3, 2007, at the Regency Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hermiston, Oregon. She was 78.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Sunday, December 9, at the Umatilla Presbyterian Church in Umatilla, Oregon. Burial of the cremains will be in the Mount Auborn Cemetery in Stickney, Illinois at a later date.

Margaret Allen was born at Garner on April 5, 1929, to Roy and Mildred (Stewart) Quintus.

Survivors include a son, Rollie Romp; step-son, Billy Allen of Westmont, Illinois; step-daughter, Shirley Donald of Redington Shore, Florida; two brothers, Gerald Quintus and Donald Quintus; sisters, Virginia Haberkamp and Dorothy Jeter, all of Garner; five step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Kenneth Kluckhohn, 1915-2007

December 19, 2007

Kenneth L. Kluckhohn, 92, most recently of Garner, formerly a lifelong resident of Klemme, passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa, following a short illness.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 8, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Full military honors were provided by members of the Klemme and Garner Legion and VFW. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Hancock County Chapter of the American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice.

Kenneth's life began on February 17, 1915, the oldest son of Frank and Anna (Liljenberg) Kluckhohn. He had one brother, Franklin, and one sister, Carmen. He was born in a house on Second Street in Klemme. Kenny attended the Klemme School District and graduated in the Class of 1932. After graduation he worked at various jobs.

In 1941 he enlisted in the Navy and was aboard the U.S.S. New Mexico. He served his country from 1941 to 1945 and was honorably discharged as a fire patrolman third class.

On July 10, 1946, he was married to Caroline Schwartz in Cedar Falls, Iowa. To this union two children were born. His best friend, Joseph West (one of the first 50 highway patrolmen) talked him into joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. One of their many jobs included laying railroad tracks from Klemme to Belmond and throughout Iowa. Kenny very much enjoyed working alongside of Joe.

For five years Kenny owned and operated the Klemme Shoe Shop, selling and repairing shoes for many people throughout the region.

He joined the Klemme Fire Department where he served as a volunteer for several years. He was a lifelong member of the Klemme American Legion and the Garner VFW. He was the adjutant for the Klemme American Legion for many years.

Being a graduate of the Klemme School, he eventually worked as the janitor and bus driver at the old school. He worked for more than 20 years at the new school. After retirement he and Caroline both worked at BMD in Klemme.

He was a member of the UCC Church and served as an elder. His hobbies included calligraphy (old English letters), painting and gardening. In earlier years he had been a musician and for many years was the emcee for the community movies that were held downtown.

Kenny and Caroline would help people in town with various jobs such as painting, cleaning house or cleaning their yards.

In 1999 he was diagnosed with colon cancer by Dr. Norman D. Thede of Britt. He was sent to the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines where he had surgery. He had been a nine-year survivor at the time of his death.

In recent years he enjoyed congregate meals at the old Klemme School Building.

On August 1, 2006, he moved into the Prairie View Apartments in Garner, with the help of his daughter and his nephew, Randy Olsen, and his wife, Monica. He enjoyed visiting with all the other residents and getting involved in their activities at the residence.

After a short illness he passed away at Westview Care Center on December 4, 2007. His wife, Caroline, passed away at the same place on June 9, 2006.

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Marchant and granddaughter, Angie Kluckhohn, both of Klemme; a grandson, Jeffrey Marchant and special friend, Susie Field.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna (Liljenberg) Kluckhohn; a brother, Franklin Kluckhohn; a sister, Carmen Back; and his wife, Caroline.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Ardith A. Meyer, 1928-2007

December 12, 2007

Ardith A. Meyer, 79, of Ventura, died on Thursday, December 6, 2007, at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Monday, December 10, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Gamer, with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Inurnment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Health Center or the Hospice of North Iowa.

Ardith was born on January 2, 1928 in Mason City, the daughter of Leon and Frances (Brokaw) Probert. She graduated from the Mason City High School in 1946 and attended Mason City Jr. College. She was an assistant telephone operator for Northwestern Bell in Mason City.

Ardith married Lambert Meyer on July 7, 1952 in Mason City. She worked at the phone company until she quit to raise the family. They lived on a farm south of Ventura where they raised turkeys. After the family was raised, she went to work for Unisys and later Rockwell Collins, until she retired. They moved to their present residence in 1966.

She loved to take her grandchildren shopping, reading, crossword puzzles and traveling. Ardith was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Gamer.

Ardith is survived by her husband, Lambert Meyer of Ventura; one son, Stanley Meyer and his wife, Elaine of Clear Lake; three grandchildren, Abby Meyer and her special friend, Tony Bauman of Clear Lake, Seth Meyer of Cherokee and Anna Meyer of Iowa City; a brother, Leon Probert of Mason City; sisters-in-law, Jean Probert of Seville, Ohio, Elaine Lauterback and her husband, Richard of Iowa Falls, Dorothy Meyer of Miami, Florida and Joann Meyer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; brothers-in-law, Arthur Meyer and his wife, Pat of Clear Lake, Glen Meyer and his wife, Roberta of Iowa Falls and Harold Meyer and his wife, Bonnie of Waterloo.

Ardith was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Paul Probert; daughter, Linda Meyer; and brothers-in-law, Victor and Raymond Meyer.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Esther M. Walk, 1919-2007

December 12, 2007

Esther M. Walk, 88, of Kanawha, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2007, at the Kanawha Community Home in Kanawha, surrounded by her children.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 11, at 10:30 a.m., at the Kanawha Lutheran Church, with Janelle Siffring, AiM officiating. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery near Kanawha. The Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, Kanawha, was in charge of the arrangements.

Esther Marie Walk, was born on November 26, 1919 in Erin Township, the daughter of Charles and Effie (Bray) Howlett. She attended rural school and graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1937.

On February 26, 1937, she was united in marriage to Fred William Walk at the Little Brown Church. This marriage blessed them with seven children. They farmed near Kanawha until the death of her husband in 1960. She remained on the farm and raised her children until retiring in 1972. Esther was a member of the Kanawha Lutheran Church.

Esther loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoying shopping trips, birthday parties and holiday gathering. She also enjoyed coffee parties with her friends, gardening, watching and feeding the birds and flowers, especially her rose bed.

Left to cherish her memory are her five daughters, Judy (Harold) Bohlen of Shakopee, Minnesota, Jane (Jack) Mewes of West Bend, Betty (Lyle) Faris of Kanawha, Diane Omvig of Kanawha and Donna (Todd) Wolf of Garner; one son, David (Doreen) Walk of Kanawha; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Effie Howlett; her husband, Fred Walk; one son, Bill Walk; one sister, Opal Ryerson; 3 brothers, Harry, Howard and Robert Howlett; one grandson, Nickolas Pogge; one daughter-in-law, Myrna Walk; and one son-in-law, Roger Omvig.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Kanawha Lutheran Church or the West Hancock Ambulance Service.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Paul W. Lau, 1919-2007

December 12, 2007

Paul W. Lau, 88, of Garner, died on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, at the Peace Reformed Church south of Garner, with Rev. Harvey Opp officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Paul William Lau, the son of Emil W. and Alma Ella (Haberkamp) Lau, was born on July 21, 1919, on a farm south of Klemme. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Reformed Church in Klemme. Paul attended country school in Twin Lakes Township and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1937. Following graduation, he helped build the new high school in Klemme and worked for farmers in the Klemme and Duncan areas.

On December 17, 1943, he married Velma E. Kaduce at the Immanuel Reformed Church in Klemme. They farmed in the Goodell and Klemme areas. Paul also was a Kruger Seed dealer for several years. In 1977 Velma passed away.

On September 16, 1978, he married Phyllis Asche at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner. They lived on the farm until 1984 when they moved into Garner. Paul had many interests. He especially enjoyed working on the farm, gardening, fishing, trapping, playing cards, selling his produce at local Farmer's Markets and going up town for coffee in the morning. Teasing the grandkids also have him great pleasure.

He was a member of the Peace Reformed Church, Garner Creamery Board and belonged to the Klemme Lions Club, serving as club secretary for 16 years.

Paul is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Garner; children, Graydon (Sally) Lau of Britt, Janelle (Tom) Renner of Ventura, Marian (David) Scott of Ames, Dennis (Michelle) Lau of New Hampton and Mark (Lori) Lau of Garner; step-children, Gregory (Karen) Asche of Andover, Minnesota, Peggy (Steve) Matous of Mason City, Carol (Byron) Hangaya of Montevideo, Minnesota and Dawn (Steve) Hensley of Mason City; 43 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Velma Lau of Madrid and Ramona Lau Schmidt of Ventura; brothers-in-law, Richard Happel of Alexander and Leonard (Arlene) Kaduce of Klemme; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Velma on February 15, 1977; a sister, Lois Happel; and two brothers, Allen and Verner Lau.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Francis G. Ames, 1929-2007

December 19, 2007

Francis G. Ames, age 78, of Klemme, died on Sunday, December 9, 2007, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 13, 2007, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Interment was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements.

Francis George Ames, was born on August 19, 1929 in Swaledale, to Lloyd and Ethel (Long) Ames. He graduated from the Swaledale High School with the Class of 1947. He was united in marriage to Luella Priebe on October 11, 1952. To this union five children were born. Francis grain farmed and had a dairy herd for many years on a farm just south of Klemme. He also did some trucking for Richard Tiggemann.

On December 12, 1975, Francis was united in marriage to Beverly Olthoff. At this time two more daughters joined the family. Francis worked at the Garner Farm Supply from 1976 to 1990 and for a short time he worked at the Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme.

Francis enjoyed camping, golfing, fishing trips, spending time with his family and in earlier years snowmobiling adventures. Francis loved to tease others and also enjoyed receiving it back. He was definitely a kid at heart.

Francis was a sports fan, especially softball and baseball. Over the years he played on church softball teams and looked forward to attending Twins baseball games on occasion. He was active in past years with K.A.D.O. and served for a number of years on the church consistory and as an usher. He looked forward to visiting with friends over coffee and could often be seen tooling about town checking out the happenings of the day.

Those left to cherish the memory of his life include his wife, Bev Ames of Klemme; three daughters, Nancy Nieman of Clear Lake, Chris (Norman) Bruggeman of Garner and Karen (Bob) Thuerauf of Ely, Minnesota; three sons, Mark (Carol) Ames of Rockwell, Steve (Mary Jo) Ames of Garner and Doug (Carol) Ames of Garner; grandchildren, Jeremy (Mindi) Ames, Jennifer (Jon) Holbach, Greg Nieman and special friend, Julie Monson, Merrielle (Chad) Hinz, Cherilyn Schafer, Tanya Ames and special friend, Eric Wolvers, Jenna Ames and special friend, Nick Wellik, Chris, Jon, Rachel and Emily Thuerauf, Nick Bruggeman and special friend, Brittney Cornik, Alex and Eric Bruggeman, Christian, Kayden and MacKenzie Ames and Adrian and Jordan Hinz; four brothers, Roger (Leona) Ames, Bill (Virginia) Ames, Dale Ames and Jerry (Barb) Ames; two sisters, Gladys Siems and Barb Havill; three special aunts and many nieces and nephews.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Ames and Ethel Ransom; a son, David; granddaughter, Amy; brother, Robert; sister, Charlotte; step-father, Ed Ransom; step-mother, Lucille Ames; several aunts, uncles, and many other relatives.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Michael D. Diekhuis, 1955-2007

December 19, 2007

Michael D. Diekhuis, 52, of Garner, died on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 15, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with Rev. David Graham officiating. Inurnment will be in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Michael Duane Diekhuis, the son of Marvin and Phyllis (Pierce) Diekhuis, was born on April 12, 1955 at Belmond. He was confirmed at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner and graduated from the Garner-Hayfield High School in 1973. Following graduation, he worked for the Rock Island Railroad at Mason City.

In 1976, he moved to California and worked for an oil company for a few years before going into housing construction. On July 18, 1981, he married Sandy Webb at Santa Maria, California. They lived in Santa Maria where they raised their two children, Jessica and Jacob.

In 1990, he moved to Oregon where he met Jayne Chipman. They lived on a ranch near Jacksonville where Mike was employed in construction and helped raise Jayne's two children, Brian and Heather. In 2005, he retired and moved back to Garner.

Mike battled cancer for the past 16 years. He enjoyed his family, friends, horses, camping, target shooting, scuba diving, mountain climbing, white water rafting and most recently, motorcycling.

He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner.

Mike is survived by his parents, Marvin and Phyllis Diekhuis of Garner; children, Jessica and Jacob Diekhuis of Ojai, California; step-children, Brian Chipman of Beaverton, Oregon and Heather (Robert) Penner of Fiji; a sister, Marlene (Dennis) Willey of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Craig (Donna) Diekhuis of Mason City and Jimmie (Jeanine) Diekhuis of Garner; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Margaret M. Wellen, 1929-2007

December 26, 2007

Margaret Mary Wellen, 78, of Mason City, died on Monday, December 17, 2007, at the Heritage Care Center.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, December 20, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mason City, with the Rev. Craig Steimel officiating. Interment was in the Elmwood-St. Joseph's Cemetery. The Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's (CCDI) Unit at the Heritage Care Center.

Margaret was born on June 4, 1929 near Thompson, in Winnebago County, Iowa, to Henry and Anna C. (Gardner) Klein. She attended schools in Thompson and Clear Lake, graduating from the Clear Lake High School in 1947. She attended the first Girls' State in Iowa in 1946.

She was the secretary in the Stillman & Goranson Law offices in Clear Lake for five years before her marriage to Charles F. Wellen on April 19, 1952, at the St. Patrick's Church, Clear Lake.

She was a full-time wife and mother as well as a volunteer for her church and community. She was interested in family history as well as local history and enjoyed helping others research their ancestry.

She is survived by her sisters, J. Rosa Fleming of Mason City and B. Elizabeth Casey of Terre Haute, Indiana; three daughters, Mary (Ralph) Madison of Mason City, Patricia (Thomas) Schmidt of Garner and Maureen (James) Arndt of Blairstown, Iowa; son, Daniel (Katrina) of Missouri; seven grandchildren, Joshua Penney of Mason City, Eddie, Dustin, Joseph and Katie Schmidt of Garner and Stephanie and Sarah Wellen of Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Doris Klein of Clear Lake and Jean Wellen of Humboldt, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and many good friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles who died on April 7, 1995; her parents; a sister, Mary (Marie) McClintock; and two brothers, Leo and John Joseph Klein, who was killed in action in WW II on December 25, 1944.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Makinley M. Mills, 2006-2007

January 2, 2008

Makinley M. Mills, 15 month old daughter of Jeremy and Dawn Mills of Garner, died on Saturday, December 22, 2007, at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 27, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Dale Glawatz officiating. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Cataldo and soloist, Bill Grant. Ushers were Earl Jaspersen and Swede Englin. Casket bearers were Bryan Frayne, Eddy Simon, Dennis Reid and Jamie Staley. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Makinley Marie Mills, the daughter of Jeremy and Dawn (Bakken) Mills, was born on September 19, 2006 at Mason City. An older brother, Dalton welcomed her to the home they shared in Garner. As each day passed their love for Makinley grew stronger and Dalton adored his "Kinney".

In May of 2007, after several months of fear and frustration, Makinley was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder called Krabbe disease. When the family learned that Makinley's life on earth would be all too short, they vowed to make each moment precious. Dawn and Jeremy found the strength to face each new day with a positive spirit and Dalton prided himself in doing his best to help care for Makinley. He loved the opportunity to help in any way he could. It is certain that this sweet baby felt more love than some experience in a lifetime. They cherish every moment they were given with her.

She is survived by her parents, Jeremy and Dawn Mills of Garner; her brother, Dalton; maternal grandparents, Jim and Cheryl Bakken of Forest City; paternal grandparents, Kevin and Wendy Mills of Marathon; great grandmothers, Lavina Bakken of Garner, Harriet Harms of Buffalo Center and Darlene Mills of Webb; and aunts and uncles, Cheila and Bryan Frayne of Garner, Brenda and Eddy Simon of Mason City, Brad Bakken of Garner, Tara and Dennis Reid of Runnells, Stacey and Melany Mills of Webb and Sarah and Jamie Staley of Webster City; as well as many special cousins.

Makinley was preceded in death by her great-grandfathers, Carrol Bakken, Ubbie Harms and Roy Mills; and great-grandparents, Russell and Arlene Skelton.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Ardell R. Rockow, 1953-2007

January 9, 2008

Ardell R. Rockow, 54, of Garner, died on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Dale Glawatz officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Ardell Ronnie Rockow, the son of Harold and Norma (Wille) Rockow, was born on May 18, 1953 at Forest City. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner.

Ardell graduated from the Garner-Hayfield High School in 1972. Following high school he farmed the family farm north of Garner until 1988. In 1993, he moved with his mother into Garner. Most recently he had resided at Duncan Heights and worked at the Opportunity Village-Garner Work Center.

During high school he enjoyed showing dairy cows at the Hancock County and North Iowa Fairs. Ardell was an avid Garner-Hayfield Cardinal fan attending many basketball and football games over the years. He also was an Iowa Hawkeye and Minnesota Vikings fan. Ardell enjoyed going to movies, bowling and visiting with family and friends.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his mother, Norma of Garner; a sister, Ilene (James) Johnson of San Juan, Texas; three brothers, Merlin (Judy) Rockow of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Daryl (Mary Jane) Rockow of Mankato, Minnesota and Elwyn (Barb) Rockow of Forest City; and nine nieces and nephews.

Ardell was preceded in death by his father, Harold on January 1, 1979.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Dona L. Greiman, 1929-2007

January 9, 2008

Dona L. Greiman, 78, of Garner, died on Sunday, December 30, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 3, 2008, at the Peace Reformed Church south of Garner, with Rev. Harvey Opp officiating. Burial was in the Peace Reformed Church Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Dona Loucille Greiman, the second daughter of Charles H. and Dorothy (Whitney) Bethke, was born on September 30, 1929 at Garner. She graduated from the Garner High School.

On January 19, 1947, she was married to Clifford Greiman in Algona. They farmed south of Garner and raised and showed purebred Angus cattle. She co-owned and operated the "Fashion Alley" boutique in downtown Garner. Dona managed the Prairie View Apartments from 1977 to 1981 and 1986 to 1992. She also was a resident of Prairie View from 2000 to 2002. Due to ill health, she resided at the Concord Care Center for the past six years.

Dona enjoyed her family, friends, travels with Cliff to Sanibel Island, Florida, spending time with Cliff vending ice cream at the Iowa State Fair and doing presentations on her vintage clothing collection.

She was a member of the Peace Reformed Church, where she served on the Women's Missionary Society and taught Sunday School. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and served on post-prom parties for many years. Dona was a member of the Iowa Tau Master Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and served as a Hancock County delegate to the Iowa Republican state convention. Dona wrote and directed the pageant for Garner's Centennial Celebration in June of 1970. She was the chairperson along with writing and directing the theatre production of "Our Town" for Hancock County's Bicentennial Celebration in June of 1976.

Dona is survived by her five children, daughter, Cherry (James) Brouwer of Bemidji, Minnesota and their son, Andrew (Pam) and their two sons, Josh and Jacob; son, Chris Greiman of Waterloo and his three children, Dustin (Amber), Kate and Cassi; daughter, Gay (Mike) Prohaska of Huxley and their four children, Marisa (Doug) Kennedy, Jessa (Jared) Hill and their three children, Riley, Bryton and Grady, Clint (Allison) and their daughter, Afton and Shandra; son, Cory (Florence "Sis") Greiman of Garner and their two children, Morgan and Zachary; son, Kurt (Tina) Greiman of Perry and their three children, Haley, Abigail and Samuel; a sister, Patricia Stallings of Sedro Woolley, Washington and her three children, William and Joseph Holden of Washington and Polly Harvey of Alaska and their families; a brother-in-law, Don (Yvonne) Greiman of Garner and their two sons, Brad and Ted and their families; a sister-in-law, Shirley Greiman of West Hartford, Connecticut and her two children, Jeffrey Zivic and Missy Urban and her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford on December 16, 1996; her mother, Dorothy on July 31, 1988; her father, Charles on February 6, 1976; and a nephew, Fred Stallings.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Luella I. Yakel, 1925-2007

January 9, 2008

Luella I. Yakel, age 82, of Klemme, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 30, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 4, 2008, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Reformed UCC Church, Klemme, or to the donor's choice.

Luella Irene Theimann, the daughter of Henry and Minnie (Schuettpelz) Theimann, Jr., was born on April 7, 1925, on her parent's farm 4 miles east of Klemme, the youngest of four children. As a child she attended the Ell Township Country School and later attended and graduated from the Klemme Community Schools. She grew up in and was baptized on May 7, 1925, and later confirmed on April 7, 1939, at the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Klemme.

Luella was united in marriage to Roland F. Yakel on January 28, 1947, at the Evangelical and Reformed Church, Klemme. The couple's union was blessed with three children, Randy, Susan and Julie.

Luella and Roland spent a number of years farming in rural Klemme, where she assisted with many of the farming operations such as helping milk the dairy cattle. She was also a lifelong homemaker. Luella had always raised a large vegetable garden and was known for her beautiful gladiolas and other flowers. Luella's green thumb was known to produce plentiful crops of delicious tomatoes, squash, green beans, and savory cucumbers. She was even looking ahead and planned for her upcoming planting needs as this coming spring approached. She was a devoted wife and partner on the farm and was a loving and nurturing mother to her children.

Luella was a lifelong member of the church in Klemme where she was active in the Women's Fellowship and served as the Secretary of the Fellowship. She served for a time on the Sunday School Board, and assisted with other tasks of the church throughout her life.

Roland passed away in January of 1972 just short of the couple's 25th wedding anniversary. Following his passing, Luella was employed for a time as a cook at the Garner Country Club and then cooked at the Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme for many years before her retirement.

In addition to her involvement in the church, Luella enjoyed handicraft work. She was excellent at needlework, made many beautiful cross-stitched items and meticulously and lovingly hand made quilts for loved ones. She had fulfilled the role of alto in the church choir and was very well read on the Bible.

She was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed the challenge of a good crossword puzzle. Luella looked forward to family get-togethers and had just spent part of the final day of her life's journey enjoying the fellowship of her family before passing away suddenly that afternoon.

Those who will cherish her memory include her daughter, Susan Larson and husband, Marion of Woonsocket, South Dakota and their children, Amy Miller and husband, Rich of Woonsocket, South Dakota and Tracy Bird and husband, Corey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; daughter, Julie Mau of Klemme and her children, Trevor Pasch and wife, Darla of Yankton, South Dakota and Mandie Reed and husband, Noah of Kanawha and daughter, Kathryn Turnbull of Klemme and her son, Randy R. Yakel and his wife, Kathy of Klemme; also seven great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Grace Thiemann of Klemme, Leona Yakel of St. Paul, Minnesota and Myrna Yakel of Hampton; and also nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roland Yakel in January 1972; a grandson, Troy Larson; two sisters; and one brother.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008