Ralph C. Juhl, 1918-2007

September 19, 2007

CRYSTAL LAKE-Ralph Carlton Juhl, 89, of Crystal Lake, died on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 11, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, with Pastor Robert Snitzer officiating. Burial was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home, Forest City was in charge of the arrangements.

Ralph Carlton Juhl, was born in Orchard, Colorado, on July 15, 1918. He moved with his family to Iowa in 1919 and the family farmed near Ventura and Miller. In 1926 they moved to Gettysberg, South Dakota and in 1934 returned to Iowa.

Ralph was married to Emma Sveen on February 15, 1941, at the Synod Lutheran Church in Forest City. He entered the United States Army Air Forces in 1942 and served in England until his honorable discharge in 1945. The couple farmed around Miller, west of Forest City and north of Leland. In 1958 Ralph and Emma moved to Crystal Lake and together they owned and operated the Crystal Grocery until 1969.

Ralph worked for Winnebago Industries and retired in 1984. He then delivered motor homes for several years. Ralph and Emma made their home in Crystal Lake and later at Prairie View in Garner. Due to failing health, they moved to the Concord Care Center also in Garner, in 2001.

Ralph was an involved member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, an active member of the American Legion Post 409 and the Crystal Lake Commercial Club.

Ralph is survived by his four sons, Douglas and wife, Paula, Lynn and wife, Rosalie, Charles and wife, Connie and Bryce and wife, Pamela; nine grandchildren, Nicole (Rob) Chaney, Coleen (Garry) Alexander, Peter, Kathryn, Carla (Doug) Hall, Charles Jr., Jessica (Matthew) Doden, Jonathan and Cassandra; six great-grandchildren, Mason, Riley and Nathan Chaney, EmaLee and Joseph Alexander and Alexander Hall; three sisters, Anna Mae Beers and husband, Warren of Ventura, California, Fern Branstad and husband, Hubert of St. James, Minnesota and Lorraine Quayle and husband, Robert of Forest City; and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Emma on February 24, 2007; and brothers, Lawrence and Harold.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Betty M. Sankey, 1937-2007

September 19, 2007

Betty M. Sankey, 70, of Garner, died on Sunday, September 16, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, September 19, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church with a Rosary Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner is in charge of the arrangements.

Elizabeth Marcella Sankey, the daughter of John and Josephine (Aaron) Frank, was born on January 31, 1937 in Osage. She attended school in Mason City and later received her GED from NIACC in Mason City.

On September 27, 1958, she was married to Bruce E. Sankey at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. They lived in Garner where they raised their family. Betty was employed as a custodian at the Garner Post Office for 18 years. She also worked at Lynn's Clothing Store, Tammy's Pharmacy, Goodnature's and most recently at Bill's Family Foods in Garner.

Betty enjoyed collecting dolls, golfing, visiting with people and baking for the residents at the Concord Care Center. She loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren in their sporting events and car races.

She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society, served as an Eucharistic Minister and was on the parish council. Betty also belonged to the Garner Wa-Tan-Ye, Homemakers Club and the Red Hat Society.

Betty is survived by her husband, Bruce of Garner; three children, Delbert (Sheri) Sankey of Thompson, Rick (Denise) Sankey of Garner and Becky (Mike) Rollefson of Clear Lake; seven grandchildren, Sara and her son, Blaze, Zach (April) and their daughter, Natalie, Colton, Amber, Dustin, Logan and Spencer; four sisters, Catherine (Ed) Stoner of Atlanta, Georgia, Ann Peterson of Mason City, Rose (Walter) Portis of Mason City and Margaret Yungclas of Ames; two brothers, Jake (Rosie) Frank of Mason City and Ed Frank of Mason City; a sister-in-law, Claire Frank of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, John and Joe Frank.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Betty J. Quintus, 1924-2007

September 26, 2007

Betty J. Quintus, 83, of Garner, died on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 21, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, with Rodney Bill officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Betty Jean Quintus, the daughter of Floyd and Helen (Johnston) Fiero, was born on May 11, 1924, on a farm east of Garner. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1942. Betty then worked as a dental assistant to Dr. F.L. Hayes.

On January 17, 1947, she was married to Warren W. Quintus at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner. They lived in Garner, where they raised their family. She enjoyed sewing, taking care of her pets and playing the organ.

She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Garner, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir.

She is survived by her children, Steven (Sandra) Quintus of Garner, Mary (Myron) Suby of Garner, Alan Quintus of Klemme and Theresa (Larry) Piper of Des Moines; nine grandchildren, Erin (Andy) Fortin, Terra (Rodney) Bill, Abraham Quintus, Samuel Quintus, Sarah (David) Arnold, Laura Suby, Amanda Suby, Derek Quintus and Lindsay Quintus; two sisters, Lois Bowen of Mason City and Charlotte (Tom) Treloar of Clear Lake; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren on November 21, 1995; her parents; and an infant brother, Robert.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Charlotte Swanson, 1914-2007

October 3, 2007

Charlotte Dorothy (Greimann) Swanson, 93, died on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at the Austin Medical Center in Austin, Minnesota.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 21, at the Grace Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Robert Iverson officiating. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery. The Clasen-Jordan Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements.

Charlotte was born on April 7, 1914 in Dale, Wisconsin. She grew up and attended school in Wisconsin and Iowa. She graduated from the Garner High School in Iowa. Following additional study, Charlotte worked for several years in California, where she met her husband, Leonard Swanson. They returned to Minnesota and settled in Austin, where Leonard was a 31-year employee of Hormel.

An active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Charlotte served as parish secretary, Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Ruth Circle. Charlotte enjoyed gardening, handwork, quilting, traveling, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Jack (Kathy) Swanson of Plymouth, Minnesota and Deanna (Bill) Fink of Anoka, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Christina (Craig) Johnson of Northfield, Minnesota, Eric Swanson of Gold Valley, Minnesota and Anna Swanson of Missoula, Montana; three great-grandchildren, Anders, Emma and Inga Johnson of Northfield, Minnesota; brother, Eugene (Doris) Greimann of Garner; sister-in-law, Ruth Greimann of Garner; sister, Dorothy Anderson of Garner; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Swanson; parents, Rev. Herman and Caroline (Haberkamp) Greimann; step-mother, Anna (Maurer) Greimann; sister, Adeline Greimann Carothers; brother, Curtis Greimann; and brothers-in-law, Charles Carothers and Norman Anderson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Margaret "Meggie" Malm, 1985-2007

October 10, 2007

Margaret Alexandra Malm, 22, died suddenly on Thursday, September 20, 2007, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 24, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Des Moines. The Iles Funeral Home of Des Moines was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be designated to the Roosevelt High School Foundation, Athletic Commons Project.

Margaret "Meggie" was born on June 18, 1985 in Des Moines. In 2003, she graduated as valedictorian from the Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. She received her Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering summa cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia in May 2007. She was enrolled in the Gordon E. Crosby Jr. MBA program at Missouri.

A Varsity Soccer Captain, 1st Team All-State Soccer team, All State Tournament Soccer Team, National Youth Leadership program, "R" Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, cross country, track, and volleyball team member at Roosevelt High School, Meggie demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, and academic achievement.

Notable recognitions from the University of Missouri-Columbia include: Outstanding Industrial Engineering Dean's List, Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll, Academic All District 7 Soccer First Team, Mizzou 39, and Mystical Seven Secret Society.

Meggie's zest for life was demonstrated by her active volunteer participation in church, Athletes for Action, soccer coach, math tutor, and community outreach coordinator. She will be remembered for her loyalty to friends, love for family, optimistic outlook and strong faith.

Meggie is survived by her parents, Richard and Robbie Malm of Des Moines; brother, Jonathan and wife, Maggie of Baltimore, Maryland; sister, Kathryn and her fiancée, Nate Cloe of Des Moines; maternal grandmother, Robertine Gatchel of Garner; fraternal grandmother, Darlene Malm of San Diego, California; and aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Clarence Gatchel; and fraternal grandfather, Frank Malm.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Martha E. Cooper, 1912-2007

October 3, 2007

Martha E. (VanderPloeg) Cooper, 94, of Garner, died on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, October 1, at the Garner Evangelical Free Church, with the Rev. Terry Baxter officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Martha Elizabeth (VanderPloeg) Cooper, the daughter of Ralph and Gertrude (Howlett) Whitney, was born on November 6, 1912 at Britt. At the age of 16, she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at a special meeting at the Evangelical Free Church. She graduated from the Britt High School in 1931 and continued her education at the Britt Junior College. Martha then taught country school at Erin No.1 for four years.

On June 3, 1936, she was married to Sam VanderPloeg at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They made their home in rural Britt where they raised their four children. Sam passed away on October 26, 1970.

On May 7, 1977, she was married to Albert Cooper at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. They lived in Britt for a year before moving to Kanawha. After Albert passed away in 1997, she moved back to Britt and later to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner. In 2003, she moved to Cardinal Grove and in 2005 to the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Martha enjoyed gardening, needlework, quilting and loved to bake and cook. She was well known for her caramel rolls.

She was a member of the Garner Evangelical Free Church. In her younger years she was active in WMS, White Cross, church choir, Child Evangelism Club and was a leader in the Friendship Bible Coffees. She also belonged to the Happy Homemakers Birthday Club.

Martha is survived by her four children, Roger (Marilyn) VanderPloeg of Mason City, Robert (Kathryn) VanderPloeg of Lindsay, Oklahoma, Vance (Gail) VanderPloeg of Greybull, Wyoming and Mary Beth (Wayne) Fleis of Greendale, Wisconsin; step-children, Anita (Dave) Brink of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Larry (Jan) Cooper of Kanawha, Bonita (Jim) Geerdes of Wellsburg and Terry (Lynn) Cooper of Thatcher, Arizona; grandchildren, Marlys (Curt) Schwaderer, Judith (Charles) Rush, Linda VanderPloeg, Todd (Kathreen) VanderPloeg, Mark (Karrie Jo) VanderPloeg, Brian (Heather) VanderPloeg, Shawn VanderPloeg, Daniel (Julie) VanderPloeg, Steve (Misty) VanderPloeg, TJ VanderPloeg and Mariam (Chris) Cass; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Sam and Albert; her parents; and brothers, Orville, Charles and Wayne Whitney.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Doris Weishaar, 1920-2007

October 3, 2007

Doris Weishaar, 87, of Garner, died on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, September 29, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Doris Lucille Weishaar, the daughter of Edward and Edna (Rasmus) Wetterling, was born on February 15, 1920 at Garner. She attended school in Garner where she graduated from high school in 1938.

On September 28, 1941, she was married to Gilbert "Gib" Rowen at the United Methodist Church in Garner. To this union a daughter was born, Faith Ann. They lived in several different towns in Iowa during their married life. Gib passed away in June of 1973.

On December 6, 1975, Doris was married to Edwin Weishaar at the United Methodist Church in Garner. They lived in Faribault, where Doris was employed at the county nurse's office. Ed passed away in January of 1984.

Doris continued to live and work in Faribault after his death until she retired and moved to Garner to be closer to family. In January of 2006, she moved to the Prairie View Apartments. She enjoyed playing cards and knitting.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW and the Order of Eastern Star.

Doris is survived by her two grandchildren, Kevin (Darcy) Paulsen of Garner and Lori (Myron) Keppy of Port Byron, Illinois; and six great-grandchildren, Cody, Levi and Jordan Paulsen and Collin, Mitchell and Kara Keppy.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Gib and Ed; her daughter and son-in-law, Faith Ann and Larry Paulsen; parents; a sister, Esther Kutzner; and two brothers, Earl and Luvern Wetterling.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Delbert F. May, 1914-2007

October 10, 2007

Delbert Fulton May, 92, of New Hampton, died on Friday, September 28, 2007, at the New Hampton Care Center in New Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 5, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in New Hampton, with the Rev. Marshall Monthei officiating. Burial was in the New Hampton Cemetery. Darren May, Stuart May, Gene Zwald, Jerry Zwald, Terry Johnson and Larry Hilgendorf were pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Nathan, Devin, Lauren and Kennedy May. The Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home of New Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.

Del was born on December 5, 1914, to Charles and Viola (Mayes) May in Mansfield, Illinois. He moved to Hayfield with his family, graduating from the Hayfield High School in 1933. Del worked as a farm hand after graduation. During this time he met and was united in marriage to Elma Margaret Zwald on August 22, 1942 in Garner. They moved to Duncan, where Elma taught country school and Del farmed.

On December 1, 1942, Del reported for active duty in the US Army at Ft. Stevens, Oregon. He received an honorable discharge on February 8, 1946. The couple moved to Garner where Del was employed as a farm machinery mechanic at an implement dealer.

In 1961 the family moved to New Hampton where Del worked for local implement dealers as a mechanic. Del also owned and operated Del's DX Service until 1969. He then opened a small repair shop, specializing in Lawn-Boy sales and repair, which he operated for 33 years.

He enjoyed woodworking, volunteering for Chickasaw County Tourism, and the Carnegie Cultural Center in New Hampton. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of New Hampton and the American Legion Post #38.

Del is survived by three sons, Russel of New Hampton, Dean and his wife, Carolyn of Georgetown, Texas and Allen and his wife, Linda of Urbandale; four grandchildren, Darren and his wife, Becky, Joell DeLeon, Stuart and his wife, Sarah and Stacy; four great-grandchildren, Nathan, Devin, Lauren and Kennedy; and several nieces and nephews.

Del was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elma; two brothers, Edward and Victor; and two sisters, Berdella and Ethel.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007