Mavis A. Johnson, 1927-2008

October 8, 2008

Mavis Arlene Johnson, 80, of Mason City, died on Thursday, October 2, 2008, at her home surrounded by her family.

A celebration of life service was held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, October 6, at the Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, with Pastor Tom Healey officiating. Inurnment was in the Garner Cemetery, Garner.

Mavis Arlene Meyer, was born on October 20, 1927 in Webster, Wisconsin, the daughter of William F. and Edith C. (Honer) Meyer. She attended Klemme schools. Mavis was united in marriage to Bert Johnson on January 8, 1946, in Fairmont, Minnesota and to this union a daughter was born. They farmed in the Burt area until retirement in 1970, when they moved to Garner.

Mavis enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing cards, puzzles, reading and taking bus trips with the Senior Citizen Center. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially every Sunday when she would cook a big meal for everyone!

She is survived by her daughter, Bernita (Ronald) Young of Mason City; grandchildren, Taunya Mae (Doug) Krueger of Mason City and Aaron Dale (Heather) Blaas of Mason City; great-grandchildren, Douglas Krueger Jr. and special friend, Tori of Mason City, Amanda Krueger of Mason City, Nicole Krueger of Mason City, Jade and Azreal Blaas, both of Mason City; one great-great-grandchild expected in April; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mavis is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bert; grandson, Micheal Jon Blaas; brothers, Bud and Carroll; and sisters, Ardie and Beatrice.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Brenda Ricke, 1967-2008

October 8, 2008

Brenda Sue Ricke, age 41, of Garner and formerly of Osage, died on Friday, October 3, 2008.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, Iowa, with Father Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial was in the Eden Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Rudd, Iowa. The Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home of Osage was in charge of the arrangements.

Brenda was born on July 22, 1967 in Osage, the daughter of Dean and Elsie (Gerdes) Nuehring. She graduated from the Osage High School in 1985. She married Randy Ricke on September 30, 1989 in Garner and they lived in the Garner area.

Brenda was employed at Principal Financial in Mason City. She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, where she was a member of the Slovik Ladies Group. Brenda served on the Garner Park and Rec Board. She was also active in the Garner Sports Booster Club, Music Booster Club and the Garner Post Prom Committee.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Randy Ricke of Garner; three children, Amber, Stephanie and Alex Ricke of Garner; father, Dean Nuehring and wife, Dorothy of Osage; sisters, Avon (Jerry) Rurup of Titonka, Donna (Marloe) Ellingson of Joice, Nancy (Neal) Hirota of Osage, Janet (Gerard) May of Osage and Ronda Olson of Rose Creek, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Sharon Nuehring Mihm of Mason City; father-in-law, Dean Ricke and wife, Millie of Garner; brothers-in-law, Mark (Kim) Ricke of Garner, Marvin (Jane) Ricke of Garner, Terry (Kristin) Ricke of Des Moines and Jerry (Terrill) Ricke of Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Sandy (Kevin) Hanson of Buffalo, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elsie Nuehring; a brother, Dennis Nuehring; and her mother-in-law, Eleanore Ricke.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Alice B. Hrubes, 1915-2008

October 15, 2008

Alice B. Hrubes, 92, of Garner, died on Friday, October 10, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 13, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Alice Barbara Hrubes, the daughter of James and Mary (Formanek) Rokos, was born on December 4, 1915, on a farm northwest of Garner. She was baptized and confirmed at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. Alice graduated from the Hayfield Consolidated High School in 1934.

On June 9, 1936, she was married to Frank Hrubes at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. They farmed south of Duncan until retiring to Garner in 1980. Alice also worked part-time in the Dietary Department at HCMH in Britt. She enjoyed gardening vegetables, baking, playing cards, going on trips and flowers, especially, roses. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be sadly missed by her family.

She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Rosary Society and Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51. She belonged to the Liberty Ladies' Club and was a past 4-H Leader.

Alice is survived by her son, Don (Donna) Hrubes of Spencer; daughter, Sister Janet Hrubes of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren, Deb (Alan) Hummel of West Des Moines and their son, Elijah and Diane and Dan Hrubes of Spencer; a sister, Gladys Kudej of Britt; sisters-in-law, Helen Malek of Garner, Margaret Hrubes of Garner and Mary Trca of Britt; brothers-in-law, Clarence (Joan) Hrubes of Garner and Joe (Leona) Hrubes of Britt; many nieces and nephews; and close friends, Sisters Nila and Non Meyerhofer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents; sister, Lillian (John) Dolphin; sisters-in-law, Emily (Ernie) Trca and Elsie (Frank) Vavrik; and brothers-in-law, Bob Kudej, John Hrubes, Syl Malek, Arnold Trca and Ray (Darlene) Hrubes.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Robert L. Roths, 1928-2008

October 22, 2008

Robert L. Roths, 80, of Garner, died on Sunday, October 12, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Military rites were conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert LuVerne Roths, the son of Thomas and Leola (Smith) Roths, was born on June 20, 1928, on a farm south of Klemme. He attended school at Klemme. Bob served his country during the Korean conflict in the US Army.

On December 29, 1956, he married Helen M. Jacobsen in Lincoln, Nebraska. They made their home in Garner where they raised their family. Bob was employed as a truck driver for Bock Transport and later Ruan Transport before retiring in 1985. After retiring, he continued to truck part-time for a few years. He enjoyed his family, watching NASCAR, traveling in his motor home to Arizona for the winter and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

He was a member of the Garner VFW and the Teamsters Union.

Bob is survived by his son, Rob (Lori) Roths of Garner; daughter, Darcey Folkerts (fiancée, Bob McAvoy) of Plainfield, Illinois; grandson, Troy Folkerts (fiancée, Wendy Medlan) and two children, Paige and Taylor; step-grandchildren, Sadie Perry and daughter, Taylor, Cole Amstutz and Lindsay Amstutz; sister-in-law, Helen Roths of Klemme; nieces and nephew, Beth Roths, Thomas (Kandy) Roths and their daughter, Sarah, Karen (Scott) Schoenwetter, Sarah Roths and Michelle (Don) Thorson, and other family members, Marlene Lerdahl, Verlinda (Randy) Ennen, Bobbie (Bob) Carpenter and Dan (Deb) Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen on November 14, 2000; granddaughter, Marni Folkerts; parents; and a brother, Thomas Roths, Jr.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Wilma L. Haag, 1931-2008

October 22, 2008

Wilma L. Haag, age 77, of Monticello, died on Monday, October 13, 2008, peacefully in her home, following an extended illness

Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 16, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello, with interment in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Fr. Keith Birch officiated.

Wilma Behrends was born on January 5, 1931 in Bowen's Prairie, rural Monticello. She was the daughter of William and Gebena (Paulsen) Behrends. She graduated from the Monticello High School. Wilma married Eldon Breitbach who preceded her in death.

On June 15, 1957, Vincent Haag and Wilma Behrends Breitbach, were united in marriage, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In 1958, the couple moved to Iowa City where Vince managed Elco Distributing. They returned to Monticello in 1959 where they raised their family.

Wilma was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her many friends, and her cherished entertainment time. She will be missed dearly by all.

She is survived by her six children, Michael (Penny) Haag of Sandborn, William (Molly) Haag of Muscatine, David (Diane) Haag of Monticello, Joan (Scott) Corporori of Peoria, Arizona, Don (Brenda) Haag of North Liberty and James (Brenda) Haag of Garner; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren with one great-grandchild on the way; two special nieces, Vickie Holub and Shirley Keating; a sister, Loretta Breitbach of Cascade; four sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Lucille Loomis, Kathryn Haag, Virgil (Lorraine) Haag and Gregary (Claretta) Haag; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; one brother; and her two husbands, Eldon Breitbach and Vincent Haag.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Viola M. Peterson, 1926-2008

October 22, 2008

Viola "Blondie" M. Peterson, age 82, a native of Britt and longtime resident of the Goodell area, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at the Goodell United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery east of Goodell. The Andrews Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family or the donor's choice.

Viola Mae Gayken, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Ruscher) Gayken, was born on May 13, 1926 in Britt. She spent her childhood in Britt, where she attended the Britt Public Schools. During her years of education she participated as Drum Major for the Britt High School Marching Band. As a young lady she was nick named "Blondie", a name that most people knew her by the rest of her life.

At an early age, Viola was united in marriage to Lyle Green. The couple's union was blessed with 8 children. An accident took Lyle's life several years later and Blondie became a widow at age 35. This new role as a single mother with many young children brought with it many challenges and responsibilities, but also Blondie's family became the complete center of her life and attention. Her love for her family was always foremost in her life.

She married Christie Peterson on December 8, 1961 in Garner. The couple was blessed with a son, Jay Peterson. In addition to being a life long homemaker, mother, and wife to two husbands, Blondie had helped out with the farming duties during the family's years on the farm.

Blondie enjoyed the simple things in life, such as gatherings with family and friends, music, and dancing. In earlier years of her life she had been active in bowling and looked forward to going out on social occasions. Her family also reflects fondly on family vacations and Blondie's great sense of humor and wit. Blondie worked along side her husband, Christie in the garden and did a great deal of canning.

Blondie's culinary and cooking skills were infamous. Whether it was her famous potato salad or a mouth-watering piece of "Blonde's Dessert" as it was often named by people who were lucky enough to have some at a local function, her recipes were one of a kind. Luckily, Blondie looked forward to sharing her ingredients and techniques with others.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of almost 47 years, Christie Peterson of Goodell; her children, Richard Green of Pensacola, Florida, Marvin Green of Algona, Keith Green of Mason City, Kelly (Deb) Green of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Vicky Green of Texas, Pam Litzel of Clear Lake, Perry Green of Belmond, Karen (Paul) Dwyer of Belmond, Jay Peterson of Goodell and Mona Seamen (grandchild) of Goodell; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Lyle Green; granddaughter, Jennifer Wilson; brothers, Lester and Harold; and sisters, Verna and Blanch.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Orlando L. Peterson, 1935-2008

October 22, 2008

Orlando Peterson, 73, of Mason City, formerly of Clear Lake, died on Friday, October 17, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura, with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Orlando Luverne Peterson, the son of Norris and Alice (Trytten) Peterson, was born on October 4, 1935 at Thompson. He graduated from the Kiester High School in 1953 and then farmed near Scarville. On September 26, 1956, he married Marjorie C. Eenhuis at the Peace Reformed Church south of Garner. They lived in Wesley where Orlando was employed at Robinson Produce. In 1959, they moved to Forest City and Orlando began working for Fryer Farms. In 1961, he became the Superintendent of electrical distribution for the City of Forest City, until retiring in 1983 due to ill health.

After retiring, Orlando and Marj moved to Port Aransas, Texas and managed the Gulf Shores Condos and Pioneer RV Resort from 1992 to 1998. In 1999, they returned to Iowa where Orlando worked part-time for the City of Crystal Lake before becoming the manager of the Three Links Apts. in Mason City. He also managed the Rockford Golf Course and Regency Apartments in Mason City.

In July of 2008, Orlando and Marj moved from Clear Lake to Mason City. He enjoyed his family, golfing, fishing, camping, gardening and spending time outdoors. Orlando will always be remembered by his family and friends for his positive outlook in life.

He was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura, serving for a time as Trustee. He was also a former member of the Forest City Fire Department, Forest City Lions Club and the Sky Warn and Civil Defense Committee.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Mason City; children, Carolyn (Craig) Schlawin of Farmington, Minnesota, Robert (Genon) Peterson of Forest City and Les Peterson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Crystalyn (Michael) Kaczmarek, Chad Schlawin, CPL Cody Schlawin, Samantha Peterson, Michael Peterson, Hannah Peterson and Brittney Peterson; four step-grandchildren, Marvea (Paul) Vandel, Aaron (Wendy) Jensen, Cameo (Todd) Echelberger and Hope Jensen; three great-grandchildren, Brock, Brayden and Brooklyn Kaczmarek; six step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Ardella Thompson of Albert Lea, Minnesota; and two brothers, Maynard and Kenneth Peterson of Forest City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Norman Peterson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Betty A. Hughes, 1925-2008

October 29, 2008

Betty A. Hughes, 83, of Garner, died on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Graham officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Arlene Hughes, the daughter of Edwin George and Fern (Rowe) Greiman, was born on February 12, 1925 at Garner. She graduated from the Garner High School and continued her education at Hamilton Business College in Mason City.

On September 25, 1943, she was married to George Hughes at the Zion United Church of Christ in Garner. They lived in Mason City and Cedar Falls before moving to Garner in 1950. Betty worked in Garner at Van Dyke's Drugstore and later Erickson's Pharmacy until her retirement. She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, golfing and traveling with her husband, George, to Lions Club Conventions in Japan, Mexico, Hong Kong and numerous conventions in the United States.

She was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, Women' s Fellowship and Homemakers Club. She belonged to the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 50 years, was a charter member of the Garner Red Hat Society and a charter member of the Garner Wa-Tan-Ye Club, serving as national Vice-President.

Betty is survived by her children, Barbara Jo (Charles) Noble of Waseca, Minnesota, Pamela (Rex) Beckham of Sachse, Texas and Chuck (Amy) Hughes of Garner; grandchildren, Julie (Timothy) Hayes, David (Anne) Noble, Beth (Randy) Sellner, Bradley Nedved, Shannon Nedved, Maggie Hughes and Dylan Hughes; great-grandchildren, Kelly, Katy, Hannah and Michael Hayes, Seiler and Elliot Noble, Jacob Donald, Rachele, Mandi and Stephanie Sellner and Christi Nedved; a great-great grandson, Gavyn Haack; and sisters-in-law, Arlene Greiman of Garner and Doris Parks of Clear Lake.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George on March 10, 1997; her parents; and a brother, Kermit E. Greiman.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Calvin F. Josten, 1933-2008

October 29, 2008

Calvin F. Josten, 75, of rural Ventura, died unexpectedly on the family farm on Thursday, October 23, 2008.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, October 27, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with Rev. David Graham officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Visitation was held from 3-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and continued for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Calvin Franklin Josten, the son of Ewald and Della (Rosendahl) Josten was born on January 25, 1933 at Klemme. He grew up in rural Klemme and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1950. He served in the Army during the Korean conflict.

On June 20, 1956, he married Ella Eekhoff at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church and to this union four children were born. They lived southwest of Ventura where they farmed. He was a devoted husband and father who set a great example for his children. He worked hard and always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face. Calvin also loved his grandchildren. From giving them tractor rides on demand to attending their events, he was there for them. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed competing in leagues and tournaments over the years.

Calvin was an active member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner. He served on the Church Board for many years and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His faith was his first priority and each morning began his day by reading his Bible and praying. Calvin loved Jesus and was blessed to have a personal relationship with his Savior. Calvin has now met his Father face to face and is in his heavenly home.

Calvin leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Ella of Ventura; his children, James (Carol) Josten of Des Moines, Dean (Miriam) Josten of Ventura, Becky (James) Bull of Mason City and Karen (Doug) Faktor of Mason City; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Michael and Luke Josten, Branson and Mitchell Bull and Benjamin and Hannah Faktor; brothers, Marvin (Dianne) Josten of Marshalltown and Edward (Kathy) Josten of Elkader; and many nieces and nephews.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Ewald and Della Josten.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008

Duane "Hondo" Harms, 1950-2008

October 29, 2008

Duane D. "Hondo" Harms, 58, of Garner, died on Friday, October 24, 2008, at his home south of Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 28, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Burial will be in the Concord Township Cemetery at a later date.

Duane Dean Harms, the son of Reno and Ione (Tanner) Harms, was born on May 27, 1950 at Forest City. He attended school at Garner. Duane lived south of Garner and worked various jobs in the area. He raised pigeons, chickens and ducks at his home for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, cooking and in his younger years, riding motorcycles. Hondo ran for Mayor of Garner in the 1990's.

Hondo is survived by his two daughters, Amanda (Wade) Anderson of Lake Mills and their two daughters, Morgan and Alexis; and Sara (Bob) Weber of Austin, Minnesota and their four children, Cole, Amanda, Abby and Cory; four brothers, Ernie Harms of Garner, Howard (Sharon) Harms of Britt, Harley (Julie) Harms of Garner and George Harms of New Hampton; a sister, June Harms of Albert Lea, Minnesota; a sister-in-law, Janine Harms; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Frances Benesh and Grace Monson; and brother, August Harms.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2008