Jeffrey W. Doyle, 1961-2008

March 12, 2008

Jeffrey W. Doyle, 46, of rural Garner, died on Monday, March 3, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center–North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with the Rev. Barb Spaulding and the Rev. Wendy Johannesen officiating. Burial was in the Olena Mound Cemetery in Buffalo Center. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Jeffrey William Doyle, the son of William and Connie (Forthun) Doyle, was born November 30, 1961, at Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center. He attended Albert Lea schools and graduated from Buffalo Center – Rake High School in 1980. During his high school years, he worked on the farm for Howard and Elaine Michaelson. Following high school, he continued his education at NIACC in Mason City. After college, he was employed by CEI Enterprise in Cedar Rapids and later at Iowa Mold and Tooling in Garner.

On June 18, 1983, he married LeAnn Hagenson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Buffalo Center. They lived in Miller until moving to their current home northwest of Garner where they were raising their boys, Eric (20) and Drew (15). In 1989, Jeff began his own business, Doyle’s Welding and Repair.

He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling and visiting with his customers. He also enjoyed taking a dear friend to appointments and going to the annual Windstock Country Music Festival at Winsted, Minn. Special times for Jeff included teaching his boys his trade of welding and seeing them enjoy four-wheeling, snowmobiling and fishing.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. Jeff served for many years on the Hancock County Zoning Board and was currently on the Hancock County Conservation Board.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, LeAnn of Garner; sons, Eric of Mason City and Drew of Garner; a sister, Kim (Duke) Powell of Mason City; four half-brothers, Chad Doyle of Buffalo Center, Cory (Erica) Doyle of Ireton and Ryan and Kyle Doyle of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his parents-in-law, Keith and Shirley Hagenson of Buffalo Center; sisters-in-law, Sheryl (Kim) Davids of Buffalo Center and Vicki (Rodney) Wubben of Buffalo Center; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; a half-brother, Brandon Doyle; paternal grandparents, Richard “Claire” and Helen Doyle; maternal grandfather, Oral Forthun; maternal grandmother, Hazel Forthun Berhow; and maternal step-grandfather, Bud Berhow.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Gordon Schubert, 1916-2008

March 12, 2008

Gordon Schubert, age 91, of Algona, Iowa, died on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona.

Memorial services were held on Friday, March 7, at the First United Methodist Church in Algona, with the Rev. Karen Dearchs officiating. Burial will be at a later date. The Wilson-Lentz Funeral Home of Algona was in charge of the arrangements.

Gordon Ernest Schubert, the son of Ernest and Thora (Nelson) Schubert, was born on June 29, 1916, on a farm north of Britt. He graduated from Britt High School in 1933.

Gordon was united in marriage with Perle Boutilier on October 23, 1941 in Britt. After Perle’s death on November 4, 1971, Gordon married Donna Stevens on December 23, 1972 in Algona. Gordon worked as a farmer south of Garner until retiring 1971. During his retirement Gordon worked for several businesses in the area, doing different jobs that were of interest to him.

He was a member of the Hancock County CO-OP Oil Board for 15 years and was a Past President. He was a member of the Moose Lodge of Algona, Hancock County Community Chest, Kossuth County Historical Society, Golden K Kiwanis Club, a 4-H Leader, and a Methodist Church Board Trustee in Klemme and Algona. Gordon enjoyed reading, fishing, and antique collecting.

Mr. Schubert is survived by his wife of 35 years, Donna Schubert of Algona; two sons, James Schubert and his wife, Gretchen of Billings, Montana and Ronald Schubert of South Bend, Indiana; a daughter, Rebecca Schubert and her husband, Robert Claybaugh of Taylor Falls, Minnesota; a step-son, Robert Stevens of Algona; two step-daughters, Colleen Stevens of Chaska, Minnesota and Lori Hopkins and her husband, Charles of Waukee; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; a daughter, Virginia Overgaard; and two brothers, Harold and Richard Schubert.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Cindy M. Short, 1972-2008

March 12, 2008

Cindy M. Short, 35, of Urbandale, formerly of Garner, died on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at her home of natural causes.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. The Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Cynthia Marie Short, the adopted daughter of William G. and Rose Marie (Luedtke) Short, was born March 20, 1972 at Seoul, Korea. She graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1990. Cindy continued her education at DMACC in Des Moines where she obtained her advanced degree in nursing. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, walking her dog “Murph Dog” and entertaining company.

She is survived by her parents, William and Dorothy Short of Garner; brothers, Ron (Christine) Short of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, Steve Short of China, Mark Short of Brooklyn, New York, Bill (Lori) Short of Garner, Jeff (Lisa) Short of Garner, Dan (Sherry) Short of North Branch, Minnesota, Chris (Bobbie) Short of Mankato, Minnesota and Joe (Pat) Short of Wichita, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Matt Broer of Des Moines.

Cindy was preceded in death by her mother, Rose on November 3, 1976.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Colina L. Haan, 1916-2008

March 12, 2008

Colina L. Haan, 91, of Garner, died on Friday, March 7, 2008, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., on Monday, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial was in St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Colina Lauretta Haan, the daughter of Charles and Kathlyn (Panhoff) Mikesh, was born September 11, 1916, on the Mikesh farm on the edge of Hickory Grove near Belmond. She attended Liberty No. 6 country school and graduated from Garner High School. Colina taught in the rural schools of Ellington Township in Hancock County for several years.

In 1936, she met the man of her dreams, Robert Haan and was married to him on February 8, 1937, at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City. They farmed near Crystal Lake, Forest City and Garner. In 1949, they moved to Miller where they raised their family.

Colina worked at Concord Care Center in Garner and later Winnebago Industries in Forest City where she retired at the age of 65. Colina lived her life never speaking a bad word about anybody. She was a very good cook and loved to prepare large meals for her family and friends. Colina was also an avid gardener, raising most of the food for the meals she prepared and had a green thumb for gardening. She loved to can tomatoes and many other garden produce. Bob and Colina enjoyed spending many summers at their cabin in Minnesota.

She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and Rosary Society.

Colina is survived by her children, Richard (Gloria) Haan of Kimberling City, Missouri, Ralph (Rita) Haan of Eden Valley, Minnesota, Dennis (Irene) Haan of Waldron, Arkansas and Delores (Greg) Jones of Mason City; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Charles (Wanda) Mikesh of Belmond; sisters, Gladys (Pete) Pals of Belmond, Connie Roley of Annandale, Minnesota and Ruby Dwyer of Harper’s Ferry; and a sister-in-law, Emily Mikesh of Belmond.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 2002; daughter, Roberta Speer; an infant son, Timothy; a sister, Grace Zaspel; and a brother, George Mikesh.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Rosella E. Hrubes, 1918-2008

March 12, 2008

Rosella Hrubes, 89, of Britt, died on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at the La Porte City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt with a 4:00 p.m. parish rosary. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Rosella Ethel Hrubes, the daughter of William and Ethel (Johnson) Morris, was born March 31, 1918 at Britt. She attended the rural schools south of Britt and graduated from Britt High School in 1934. She continued her education at Britt Junior College graduating in 1936. Rosella then taught in the rural schools of Erin Township in Hancock County for three years.

On November 22, 1939, she was married to Elmer Joseph Hrubes at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They farmed north of Garner, Thompson, Duncan, Forest City and for 29 years in the Crystal Lake area. In 1966, they moved into Britt and retired from active farming in 1984. In 1998, Rosella became a resident of the La Porte City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She enjoyed flowers, baking, gardening and working on the farm.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt and the Jolly Circle Club.

She is survived by her son, Marvin (Sue) Hrubes of La Porte City; daughter-in-law, Kathy (Joe) Gibbs of Garner; six grandchildren, Kristi (Todd) Butler, Mike (Julia) Hrubes, Pam Hrubes, Dan (Carol) Hrubes, Melissa (Bob) Oborny and Joe Gibbs, Jr; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer on September 2, 1989; and her son, Roger on March 20, 1975.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Evelyn H. Weaver, 1922-2008

March 19, 2008

Evelyn H. Weaver, 85, of Rockwell, died on Monday, March 10, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, at the United Methodist Church in Rockwell, with the Rev. John Scherb officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Evelyn Hanna Weaver, the daughter of Anton and Mabel (Anderson) Anderson was born on July 2, 1922 at Corwith. She was confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Britt. Evelyn attended the rural schools of Orthel Township and graduated from Britt High School in 1940. She continued her education at Britt Junior College for a year and then taught in the rural schools of Hancock County for three years.

On May 18, 1944, she was married to Wiley Weaver at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme. They farmed in Hancock County for 22 years before moving to the Rockwell area in 1968 where they continued to farm. Evelyn enjoyed gardening and crocheting. She crocheted afghans for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Rockwell and was a past 4-H Leader.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Sandra (Richard) Hitzhusen of Rockwell, Tom (Deb) Weaver of Rockwell, Sharon (Bob) Cardwell of Alcova, Wyoming and Sheryl (Bill) Quigley of Clear Lake; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wiley on November 1, 2006; son, Terry in 1966; and a brother, Oscar Anderson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Larry M. Dietrich, 1934-2008

March 19, 2008

Larry Dietrich, 73, of Garner, died on Friday, March 14, 2008, at his home.

Lydia Schneider, 1908-2008

March 26, 2008

Lydia Schneider, 100, of Garner, died on Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 27, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. Inurnment will be at a later date in Arizona. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, with a Rosary Society Rosary at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Lydia Louisa Schneider, the daughter of Fred and Henrietta (Schmidt) Meyer, was born on February 1, 1908 in Garner. She attended the rural schools south of Garner. Lydia helped her family on the farm and also took care of a sister who was disabled. On October 6, 1926, she married William Victor Schneider at the family farm south of Garner. They farmed east of Garner for 2 years, 11 years southeast of Garner and then purchased their own farm south of Garner. In 1950, they moved to Clear Lake in a home William built for Lydia. In 1957, they moved to Tucson, Arizona for health reasons.

After her husband’s death in 1973, Lydia stayed in Tucson where she worked as a LPN, caring for people in their own homes. Later, she worked as a receptionist at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Tucson. Due to ill health, she moved to Garner to be near her family. She enjoyed making quilts from donated fabrics which she supplied for missions in Mexico. She also baked countless cookies, which she sent along with the quilts.

She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society, CD of A and Country Birthday Club east of Garner.

Lydia is survived by six children, Ardella (John) Hanson of Klemme, Ardeen Hansen of Mason City, William R. (Edie) Schneider of Tucson, Arizona, Larry (Geri) Schneider of Glendale, Arizona, Bernie (Laura) Schneider of Kalama, Washington and Roger (Mary) Schneider of Tucson, Arizona; 22 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William; son, Fred Schneider in 1967; son, Tom Schneider in 2006; her parents; and a grandson, Rich Hanson in 2005.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Elsie E. Vavrik, 1916-2008

March 26, 2008

Elsie E. Vavrik, 91, of Garner, died on Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 19, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial was in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Elsie Eleanor Vavrik, the daughter of Jilji and Rosa (Hejlik) Hrubes, was born on August 29, 1916, on the home farm in Hancock County. She attended rural school in Garfield Township.

On October 11, 1938, she was married to Frank Vavrik at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. To this union three children were born, Marge, Francis “Sonny” and Dort. Frank and Elsie farmed all of their married life near Hayfield. Elsie worked at various restaurants over the years. As a young girl, music influenced her life. At the age of 16, Elsie began playing the piano in the family band. She later joined Ray’s Accordion Band and the Jolly Fisherman, entertaining throughout the Midwest. She also sang and played the organ at various nursing homes in the area.

She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church where she was the church organist for many years, Rosary Society and the Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51.

Elsie is survived by her daughters, Marge (Edward) Gutzmer of Mason City and Dort Lehmann (fiancée’, Tom Bock) of Belmond; grandchildren, Mark (Joan) Gutzmer, Michelle (Kent) Grandgenett, Kevin (Angela) Gutzmer, Stephanie (Phil) Colon, Tami (Greg) Torrance and Jill Lehmann; great-grandchildren, Helena, August, Daniel, Emilee and Thomas Gutzmer, Max and Megan Grandgenett, Sloane and Kennidea Hubler, Carson Torrance, Oliver and Casey Colon; sisters, Helen Malek and Mary Trca; brothers, Joe (Leona) Hrubes, Clarence (Joan) Hrubes; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Hrubes, Alice Hrubes, Lillian Malek and Marge (Louis) Vavrik.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; son, Francis, “Sonny”; her parents; and numerous other relatives.

We will miss you mom, grandma but your musical talents live within us. Now you can play the “Grand” piano of Heaven.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Orvin H. Schnebly, 1935-2008

April 2, 2008

Orvin Schnebly, 73, of Downey, California, died on Monday, March 17, 2008, from inoperable brain cancer.

A Celebration of Life for Orvin "Orv" Schnebly was held on Saturday, March 22, at the United Methodist Church in Placentia, California, for family and friends in California.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, on April 12, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., for friends and family in Iowa. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery in Leland. Following the burial, a reception will be at the United Methodist Church.

A memorial fund has been established for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life team, The Care Bears.

Born on January 1, 1935 in Kanawha, Orvin grew up in Hayfield. He graduated from the Hayfield High School in 1952. In November of 1954, Orv and his brother, Russ purchased the Phillips 66 station in Forest City. They enjoyed their Schnebly Brothers 66 partnership for approximately 25 years.

In August of 1955, Orvin married Wanda Ann Carlson of Forest City. They had four children, Kirby, Kerry, Kyle and Kelly. Orvin was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Forest City. He served in many volunteer efforts and was a member of the Forest City Lions Club.

In 1978, Orvin and Wanda moved to Ames where they owned and operated the Singer Sewing Center. In 1981, after his separation from Wanda, Orvin moved to Downey, California.

Orvin worked at and eventually bought A-Rodgers Vacuum and Sewing Center in Bellflower, California. For the past six years, he worked with Marty, also his business partner.

Survivors include his sisters, Winona Schulz and Wanita Priebe; brothers, Russell and Roger Schnebly; former wife, Wanda Ann Carlson Schnebly; sons, Kirby Layne and Kyle Lynne and daughter, Kerry LeAnn; three grandchildren, Kelly Leigh, Brandon Layne and Brittany Marie Schnebly; their mother, Rachael Schnebly; his special companion for the past seven years, Martha “Marty” Drury; and numerous relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Kelly Leigh; his parents, Oliver and Eva Belle (Goodrich) Schnebly; and sister, Zelma Schnebly Petersen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Ina Stille, 1916-2008

April 23, 2008

Ina Stille, age 91, of Garner, died on Monday, March 24, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Ina Augusta, the daughter of John and Augusta (Jacobs) Bergerfer, was born on December 29, 1916 east of Belmond. She grew up in Belmond where she attended the Belmond Schools. Ina graduated from the Belmond High School in 1934. Later in life, she attended college and taught school in a one-room schoolhouse. She did some substituting in schools in the Hancock County area.

Ina and George Stille were married on October 16, 1934, in the Parsonage in Klemme, Iowa. She and George made their home in Spencer where George worked road construction for seven years. They returned to Goodell in 1941, living east of Goodell for 50 years. They moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner in 1998.

Ina was a very active member of the Goodell United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School as well as taking an active part in the Bible School. She enjoyed making crafts, sewing, and gardening. Canning vegetables from her garden was a task Ina enjoyed, as well as her lovely flowers from her flower garden.

Ina is survived by her daughters, Maxine Dresbach of Mason City and Sharyl (Marlin) Stadtlander of Garner; sons, Kenton (Carol) of Poolville, Texas and Lynn (Janice) of Davenport, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Garnet Beenan of Newton, Iowa; and numerous other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; her son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Gloria Stille; son-in-law, "Mac" Dresbach; her brother, Boyd; and sisters, Doris, Edna and Lola.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Harold P. Konicek, 1917-2008

April 2, 2008

Harold P. Konicek, 90, of Belle Plaine, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, following a brief illness.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 29, at the Hrabek Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, with the Rev. Charles Johnson officiating. Burial was in the National Cemetery in Vining. The Hrabak Funeral Home of Belle Plaine was in charge of the arrangements.

Harold Paul Konicek, was born on November 22, 1917 in rural Dysart, the son of John and Rose (Stahr) Konicek. He graduated from the Clutier High School. On September 22, 1947, Harold Konicek and Mildred Strachota were married at Cedar Rapids. During his life, Harold farmed in the Elberon area. Upon moving to Belle Plaine in 1977, Harold worked for Graham Construction and as a groundskeeper for the Belle Plaine Country Club.

He enjoyed doing woodworking and in his spare time and watching basketball games, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred; three children, Diane (Robert) Deibler of Garner, Allen (Sylvia) Konicek of Alpena, Michigan and Cindy (Dave) Broadie of Davenport; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; five sisters, Evelyn Feuerbach, Eleanor Andreson, LaVonne Koubna, Genevieve Kromminga and Beverly Wentworth; and one brother, Duane Konicek.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald and Marvin; and three sisters, Violet Cox, Maxine Podhajsky and Pat Fry.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Sheryl J. Peterson, 1936-2008

April 2, 2008

Sheryl J. Peterson, 72, of Clear Lake, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 31, at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment was in the Concord Cemetery, Garner. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.

Sheryl was born on January 27, 1936 in Garner, the daughter of Franklin and Julia (Borchers) Bredlow. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1953. She worked at the Hancock County National Bank in Garner form 1953-1961, Wisconsin State Bank, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1961-1963 and then Community State Bank at Clear Lake 1963-1968. Sheryl married Larry J. Peterson on October 23, 1965, at the Methodist Church in Garner. After her husband’s death in 1982 she returned to work for the Community State Bank until 1997.

Sheryl was an avid basketball fan, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing board games, watching TV game shows and playing cards. She was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

Sheryl is survived by two daughters, Angela (Pat) Culliton, Clear Lake and Amy (Rick) McDaniel of Eagle Grove; four grandchildren, Victoria Culliton, Shaila McDaniel, Jacob McDaniel and Andrew McDaniel; two sisters, Lorain Bredlow of Garner and Marjorie Millard of Perry, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry in 1982; four brothers, Glen, Marvin, Loroy and Ronald Bredlow.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Rev. Raymond G. Barz, 1913-2008

April 9, 2008

The Rev. Raymond G. Barz, age 95, of Weyauwega, Wisconsin, died on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the Bethany Home in Waupaca.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 2, at the Hope United Church of Christ in Fremont. Pastor Alex Tychkin and Pastor Harvey Kandler officiated. Burial was in the Wolf River Cemetery. The Lewin Funeral Home of Fremont was in charge of the arrangements.

He was born on March 5, 1913 in Klemme, Iowa, the son of the late Henry and Clara (Born) Barz. Raymond graduated from the Klemme High School in 1930. He then attended Mission House College and Seminary from 1931 to 1939, and then returned home to the family farm.

On January 14, 1942, Raymond married Viola Thiemann in Klemme. Together they farmed the family farm from 1941-1953. Viola preceded him in death on July 21, 1997. In 1953, Raymond returned to the Seminary for an abbreviated course and graduated from the Seminary on May 15, 1953. He was then ordained in Klemme in 1953. Pastor Barz then accepted a call on May 25, 1953 to become the pastor of the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Peterson, Iowa.

On September 1, 1960, Pastor Barz and his family moved to Fremont, Wisconsin where he served at the Hope United Church of Christ until retiring in 1984. Following retirement, Pastor Barz served as an interim Pastor for churches in Stockbridge, Brillion, Neenah, Black Creek, Hancock, Royalton and Clintonville until September 1994. After retirement, Pastor Barz continued on as a member of the Hope United Church of Christ in Fremont, where he sang in the choir and served as the outdoor custodian.

He was also a member of the Fremont Friendly Seniors and delivered Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed playing senior citizen dart ball and bowling, and loved traveling with his wife, Vi, golfing, and playing cards.

Pastor Barz is survived by two sons, Leland of Plover and Gaylon (Mary) of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin; daughter, Heidi of Portland, Oregon; two grandchildren, Lisa (Joel) Dombrowski of Amherst and Ryan (Heidi) Barz of Amherst; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Marcus Barz; a sister, Avis (Eldon) Hagen of Klemme; three sisters-in-law, Ihla Barz of Garner, Gladys Barz of Waterloo and Grace Thiemann of Klemme; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Rev. Albert M. Guthmiller, 1929-2008

April 9, 2008

The Rev. Albert M. Guthmiller, known as “Pastor Al” to many, died on Sunday, March 30, 2008, after a 78 year life of service to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Al was born on May 2, 1929 in Herrick, South Dakota. Upon unexpected death of his father, Al was raised by his mother, Pauline whose determination, hard work, thrift, and love for the Lord left a lasting impression on him. His strong work ethic and ability to save money enabled him to attend Lakeland College and the Mission House Seminary, where he received his Master’s of Divinity and entered a life of service to God’s people.

While he attended the Tripp High School, he met Mary Schmidt, who married him in 1952 after a seven year courtship. They embarked on their journey together, and during their 55-year marriage, they found the joy that came with having three children, Kim, Mike and Tami. They enjoyed many good times as a family, whether it was popping popcorn and watching TV together at home, or camping on vacation, or enjoying their family’s special recipes around the dinner table.

Al served as pastor of the Zion Church of Garner from 1958-1964. Al and Mary left Garner for Faribault, Minnesota and finally settled in Lodi, California, where they served at Zion Reformed Church for 16 years. The emphasis of Al’s ministry was in the care for his congregation, and he focused much effort on celebrating life and sharing sorrows with those whom the Lord had entrusted to his care. Although he retired from active ministry in 1992, he continued to mentor others in the ministry, and was an active member of the Calvary Bible Church of Lodi. Despite his illness, he was able to worship at Easter services last week, which brought him much comfort and joy.

Albert is survived by his wife, Mary of Lodi, California; their son, Mike Guthmiller of Galt, California; and their daughters, Kim Anamizu of Woodbridge, California and Tamara Petrick of Lodi, California. “Papa” (as he was known by those who loved him) was blessed with six grandchildren, Benjamin Petrick, Zachary and Katey Anamizu, and Allyson, Amy, and Amanda Guthmiller, all of whom were able to be at his bedside in his final hours.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Albert and Pauline Guthmiller; and his stepfather, Christian Dewald.

Al’s example was a constant guide to his entire family, and it was a privilege for each one to be able to say goodbye and thank him as he passed over to the other side. A memorial service was held at the Calvary Bible Church, Acampo, California, on Friday, April 4.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008