Bruce W. Brinkman, 1951-2009

November 4, 2009

Bruce Brinkman, 58, of Carroll, Iowa, died early on Sunday, November 1, 2009, at his residence, following a 4 ½ year battle with cancer.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 4, at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Father Timothy Schott, assisted by Deacon Gary Schon. Homilist will be Deacon Gary Schon. Lector will be Donna Goeman. Gift Bearers will be his sister, Renee Kramer and brother, Perry Brinkman. Soloist will be Joan Sweeney. Eucharistic Ministers will be Jerri Rogers and Lany Kahnke. Honorary Pallbearer will be Brad Coulter.

Casket Bearers will be Al Ausbom, Ralph Bock, Ed Dewey, Bruce Jones,  Kraig Klopfenstein and Tom Quandt. Burial will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll. The Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Brinkman was born on October 1, 1951 at Mason City, the son of Ronald and Alice (Meyer) Brinkman. He graduated from the Klemme High School and then received a two year degree at Iowa Central Community College in Eagle Grove, where he played basketball. He then graduated from Wayne State University in Wayne, Nebraska, where he played football and participated in Golden Gloves.

He then taught and coached at Bancroft, Nebraska, where he met his wife, Jeanette Kahnke. They were married on June 14, 1975, at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Florence, South Dakota. The couple moved to Iowa in 1978, where he taught and coached at the Sheffield-Chapin High School for four years. He then became an insurance salesman and manager for the Farm Bureau Insurance Company in Garner. The family moved to Carroll in 1990, where Bruce worked for Farm Bureau Insurance and later for Auto Owners Insurance. He also coached football at the Glidden-Ralston High School and taught and coached at the Carroll High School.

He was a member of the St. Lawrence Parish, Knights of Columbus, Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Carroll Booster Club and several professional insurance organizations. Bruce was an avid fisherman and hunter. He made yearly fishing trips to Canada and hunted in South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Carolina and Iowa.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Brinkman of Carroll; his sons, Brian Brinkman and his wife, Karman of Fairmont, Minnesota, Nick Brinkman and his wife, Amanda of St. Paul Park, Minnesota and Baron Brinkman of Carroll; three granddaughters, Kally, Karly and Madison Brinkman; his mother, Alice Brinkman of Klemme; sister, Renee Kramer and her husband, Ron of Iowa City; brother, Perry Brinkman and his fiancée, Carol Main of Klemme; his mother-in-law, Delores Kahnke of Florence, South Dakota; brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Rose Kahnke of Florence, South Dakota, Jerri and Alan Rogers of Brookings, South Dakota, Donna and David Goeman of Glen Burnie, Maryland, Georgia Kahnke of Florence, South Dakota and Cindy Heald of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was. preceded in death by his father, Ronald Brinkman; his father-in-law, Lawrence Kahnke; and brothers-in-law, James and Charles Kahnke.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Phyllis M. Nedved

November 11, 2009

Phyllis M. Nedved, 83, of Britt, died on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

Phyllis Marie Nedved, the daughter of Charles and Marie (Erdman) Holecek, was born on July 10, 1926 on a farm south of Hayfield. She graduated from the Hayfield Consolidated High School in 1943 as class salutatorian and continued her education at the Hamilton Business College in Mason City. After college, she moved to Chicago where she worked for a short time. On May 7, 1945, she was married to Robert G. Nedved at Great Bend, Kansas. Phyllis lived with her parents while Bob served his country during WW II. Upon his discharge they made their home on a farm west of Duncan where they raised their family. Besides helping on the farm, Phyllis had worked at Irene's Steakhouse in Garner, Fryar Farms in Forest City, Winnebago Industries in Forest City and Opportunity Village in Clear Lake where she retired after 20 years of employment. In 2006, she moved to the Britt Elderly Apartments.

Phyllis was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed her family, sewing, baking and working in her flower gardens. She was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt and the Britt VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries.

Phyllis is survived by her four children, Patricia (Jack) Chisholm of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jeanne (Jim) Zigmant of Lemont, Illinois, Linda (John B.) Johnson of Britt and Bob (Tandi) Nedved of Duncan; six grandchildren, Jeremy (Sara) Paulsen and their three children, Justice, Makenzie and Jamison, Jason (Danielle) Paulsen and their daughter, Jayla, J.P. Zigmant, Whitney Johnson, Cole Nedved and Cass Nedved; two brothers, Glen (Darlene) Holecek of Centuria, Wisconsin and Clyde (Connie) Holecek of Klemme; and many nieces, nephews and a special cousin, Elaine Schmidt of Mesa, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Bob on February 6, 2006.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Gladys Huckins, 1914-2009

November 11, 2009

MASON CITY-Gladys Lourine (Schlichting) Huckins, 95, died on Sunday, November 8, 2009, at the I.O.O.F. Home, Mason City, Iowa.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 12, at the Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Clyde Harvey officiating. The Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel of Mason City is in charge of the arrangements.

Gladys was born on April 25, 1914 in Hancock County, Iowa, the first of the two daughters of Fredrick and Clara (Ludeke) Schlichting. As a child, Gladys lived on a farm near Klemme, Iowa. She attended Klemme Schools through the ninth grade. In eighth grade, Gladys won the Des Moines Register spelling bee and advanced to the county competition. In ninth grade, she again won and was Hancock's representative to the state competition. Later in 1955, Gladys would complete her high school degree through a correspondence course with the American School in Chicago, Illinois. She also partially completed a correspondence course in commercial law.

Gladys married Edwin Harry Huckins on November 9, 1949, at the Radio Chapel in Mason City. She and Edwin made their home in Mason City. Their only daughter, Sheri Evelyn was born on March 27, 1957. After Edwin passed away on September 17, 1963, Gladys raised Sheri on her own.

Gladys enjoyed playing music throughout her life and she took piano and accordion lessons. She and Edwin often played music together. Gladys was very devoted to the several dogs that she adopted throughout her life.

As a young woman,. Gladys worked for various people doing housekeeping chores. After her marriage in 1949, she went to work at the Iowa Odd Fellows and Orphans Home in Mason City. She completed nurses aide training and worked at the Home steadily from December 27, 1949, first as a nurses aide and then becoming a supervisor in 1974. Gladys retired on April 14, 1986.

Gladys became a grandmother when Sheri and her husband, Art Bohlmann had their son, Aaron in 1980. Sadly, Sheri died in 2000. Gladys lived on her own until she moved to the I.O.O.E Home in 2006.

Gladys always took her religion very seriously and was a member of the Klemme Methodist Church as a child. As an adult, she attended several different churches in the Mason City area.

She is survived by her grandson, Aaron of California; and her nephew, Gordon (Pam) Lassahn of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter; her sister, Mable Viola Lassahn; her niece, Joyce Lassahn Schlagel; and her nephew, Terry Lassahn.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

TereseAnn Lynch, 1978-2009

November 18, 2009

A Funeral Mass for TereseAnn Lynch, 30, was held on Monday, November 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Wenceslas Catholic Church, Duncan, with Fr. Brian Dellaert and Father Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Bancroft, with military honors conducted by the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard, Omaha, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, the Iowa Air National Guard has set up a memorial fund for TereseAnn Lynch's son, Levi. You can mail donations to: Chief Master Sgt. Mark Louw, 132nd Fighter Wing, 3100 McKinley Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50321.

TereseAnn Marie Lynch, was born on December 7, 1978 in Fairmont, Minnesota, the daughter of Tim and Sheila (Richards) Lynch. She grew up in the Garner and Duncan areas, graduating from the Garner-Hayfield High School in 1998. TereseAnn attended Kirkwood College, graduated from NIACC in Mason City and obtained her Bachelor's Degree at Iowa State in 2003.

Family, along with serving as a Technical Sergeant in the Iowa Air National Guard, was always dear to TereseAnn's heart. She had family members that fought for this country and TereseAnn carried on that family legacy. She went on to serve three tours of duty overseas, the most recent coming in 2008 when she was deployed to Iraq. It was something she always held in the highest of regards. She also cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her son, Levi, who was born on March 31, 2009. During her best times and during her worst times, Levi was her source of strength. He was the one that kept her upbeat and the one that kept her going. Whatever life held in store, she always made sure he was her top priority.

TereseAnn worked in the field of family services for the past 10 years, most recently for the Department of Human Services in Des Moines. She was an avid runner. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time with friends and family above all else.

TereseAnn is survived by her son, Levi; her mother, Sheila Lynch of Kerrville, Texas; her father and step-mother, Tim and Pauline Lynch of Duncan; a sister, Kathleen Hill and her partner, Tracie of Austin, Texas; two brothers, Michael Lynch of Ames and Richard Lynch and Rachel Ruppert of Garner; and her nieces and nephews, Blake, Zachary and Kacie. She is also survived by a step-sister, April Henn and her husband, Tyler of Buffalo Center; a step-brother, Charlie Goll of Dows; step-nephews, Clayton and Ethan; her maternal grandmother, Marcyl Ferguson of Aurora, Colorado; her aunts and uncles, Duane Richards of Crowley, Texas, Keith Richards of White Sands, New Mexico, Gina Richards of Austin, Texas, Mary Menke and her husband, Don of Indianola, Ellen Schiltz and her husband, Rob of Urbandale, Teresa Geitzenauer and her husband, Jim of Mason City, Anne Vaske and her husband, David of Urbandale and Carol Patterson of Fairmont, Minnesota; as well as many cousins and special friends.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Edward in infancy; her maternal grandfather, George Richards; and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Florence Lynch.

The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, was in charge of the arrangements.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Marjorie "Lorene" Gilbert, 1921-2009

November 18, 2009

Marjorie "Lorene" (Throssel) Gilbert, age 87, a native and long time resident of Thornton, most recently of Klemme, died on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 16, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Thornton. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thornton. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements.

Marjorie Throssel, the daughter of Wesley and Lora (Parish) Throssel, was born on December 20, 1921 at Thornton. She graduated from the Thornton High School with the Class of 1939. Marjorie was united in marriage to Albert J. Gilbert. Their union was blessed with a son, David A. and a daughter, Gail Gilbert. Following their marriage, the couple raised their family on a farm in rural Thornton. In addition to helping her husband with the farming duties and raising their children, "Lorene", had been employed for a time with the Central Telephone Company and Thornton Enterprise in Thornton. She was also assessor for the town of Thornton for many years. Marjorie had been employed for periods of time by the Ritter Nursing Home in Clear Lake and as a lab technician for the American Crystal Sugar Company in Mason City. She later was employed with EF Johnson Company, which later became Sperry Univac and then retired from Unisys in Clear Lake.

Marjorie enjoyed her work, her friends and truly looked forward to times spent with her family. She was a very social lady and had a wonderful, warm and friendly personality. She looked forward to visiting with both friends and acquaintances. "Lorene" enjoyed dancing excursions with Albert to various venues including the Surf Ballroom, where country, jazz and oldies were among her favorites. She also enjoyed dining and was an excellent cook. She was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Thornton where she was a life member. Marjorie and Albert have been living at the Klemme Apartments for more than 12 years.

Majorie's life will live on in the memories of her surviving husband of more than 63 years, Albert J. Gilbert of Klemme; her son, David A. Gilbert and wife, Dawn of Swaledale; her daughter, Gail Lee (Gilbert) Copper in the USA; two grandchildren; and one brother, Lew W. Throssel of Eldora; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Helen Humphrey, 1910-2009

November 18, 2009

Helen E. Humphrey, 99, of Garner, died on Friday, November 13, 2009, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 16, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with Rev. Tim Rieckhoff-Faris officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Garner or to the Hospice of North Iowa.

Helen Eva Humphrey, the daughter of John and Junie (Ouverson) Seglem, was born on July 2, 1910 on a farm near Fertile. She graduated from the Fertile High School in 1928. On August 27, 1930, she was married to John E. Humphrey at the Humphrey home in Fertile. Helen and John farmed southeast of Garner for 30 years before retiring and moving into Garner in 1970.

She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and was well known for her homemade lefse. Helen enjoyed her family, grandchildren and found great joy in family gatherings. She was very active in the United Methodist Church in Garner. She was a charter member of the "Quilters" and was also active in UMW, church circle and funeral committees.

Helen is survived by her children, Verneil Quintus of Garner, Carol (Richard) Jass of Mason City, John W. (Linda) Humphrey of Centerville, Linda (Gary) Gilbert of Fulton, Illinois and Dudley Humphrey of Mason City; a son-in-law, Eugene Schaefer of Mason City; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John in 1999; daughter, Reta Schaefer in 1974; sons-in-law, Robert Dodd in 1990 and Gerald Quintus in 2009; a granddaughter, Roxanne Rene Dodd in 1956; a grandson, Bradley Humphrey in 1995; a granddaughter-in-law, Cindy Dodd in 2001; a brother, Enos Seglem; and two sisters, Hazel Stevens and Silence Levang.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Nellie C. Burk, 1915-2009

December 2, 2009

Nellie C. Griggs Burk, age 94, of Goodell, died on Friday, November 13, 2009, at the Concord Care Nursing Home in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 17, at the United Methodist Church in Goodell. Pastor Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery east of Goodell. The Dugger Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Nellie Griggs Burk, was born on October 19, 1915, at the farm home where she lived all her life. She was the daughter of Jay Thomas and Margaret Grosz Griggs. She was a life long member of the E.U.B. Church, later being the United Methodist Church in Goodell. Nellie attended school in Goodell and graduated from the Goodell High School in 1933. On September 22, 1936, she married Gerald W. Burk at the Parsonage in Goodell. They farmed and lived on the land that was in the Griggs family for many years. The couple were blessed with two sons, Kay and Dean.

Nellie loved being a homemaker, cooking and especially baking Gerald's favorite pie. She worked with Gerald during harvest and always loved her garden and raising chickens. She took immense joy in the simple things of life, the finches at the feeder, a beautiful sunset, the first ripe tomato. Her sons were her pride and joy, and when grandchildren and great-grandchildren blessed them, she enjoyed them very much through out the years. She was loyal all her life to her church and her faith was strong in the Lord. How she loved hearing, playing and singing her favorite hymns!

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald in 2007; her siblings, Fernon Griggs, Mae Keenan, Lela Boone and Kenneth Griggs; and numerous other extended family members.

The memories of her life will be cherished by her son, Kay Burk and his wife, Gloria of Garner and their children's families, Lisa Woiwood and her husband, Mark and their children, Adam, Aaron, Annie and Ashton, of West Des Moines; Steve Burk and his wife, Julie and their children, Alyssa and Abigail, of Lakeville, Minnesota; Dana Burk and his wife, Kathy and their children, Karina, Brayden and Kaylie, of Carlisle; son, Dean Burk and wife, Joyce of South Padre Island, Texas and their children, Sarah Oldham and husband, Francis of Minnesota Lake, Minnesota and their children, Delbert and Michael of Minnesota Lake and Dean's son, Richard of Englewood, Colorado.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Arnold W. Ketelsen

November 25, 2009

Arnold W. Ketelsen, 94, of West Bend, died on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at the West Bend Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 21, at 10:30 a.m., at the Peace Lutheran Church in West Bend, with burial to follow in the West Bend Cemetery. The Harris Funeral Home of West Bend was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include Arnold's children, John (Nancy) Ketelsen of West Bond and Ruth (Sherman) Myering of Garner; grandchildren, Kevin and Jay Ketelsen and Michael, Beth and Kristina Myering; three great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Barbara Lansing of Des Moines.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Iris R. Abele, 1917-2009

December 2, 2009

Iris R. Abele, 91, of Garner, died on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 25, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with Rev. Tim Rieckhoff-Faris officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Iris Ruth Abele, the daughter of Albert and Esther (Moll) Abele, was born on December 10, 1917, on a farm near Garner. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1935 and continued her education at Waldorf College in Forest City. Iris worked at the Hancock County A.S.C.S. Office in Garner for a number of years and later worked part-time at the Hancock County Extension Office.

She enjoyed office work, gardening, yard work and house work. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner.

Iris is survived by two sisters-in-law, Beryl Abele of Garner and Bonnie (John) Osnes of Forest City; a brother-in-law, Calvin Voigt of Crystal Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Elmer and Loren Abele; and a sister, Lois Voigt.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Colleen M. Wenthold, 1945-2009

December 2, 2009

Colleen M. Wenthold, 64, of rural Garner, died on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 28, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Rev. Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Colleen M. Wenthold, the daughter of Earl and Vada (Roney) McLain, was born on July 5, 1945 at Decorah. She attended country school and graduated from the Decorah High School in 1963. After high school she worked in Des Moines for two years before returning to Decorah where she was employed at the Lynch Law Firm. On June 6, 1969, she was married to John Wenthold at the St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah. They made their home in Lime Springs, Garner and in 1973 moved to their home in Hayfield. Colleen had worked at the Templeton Pronk Law Firm before returning to school at Hamilton Business College in Mason City. She then worked at various jobs in the north Iowa area including, Decal Specialties in Mason City, the Iowa Department of Transportation in Algona, Hancock County Extension Office in Garner and the Westview Care Center in Britt, from which she retired in 2000 due to ill health.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, polka dancing and reading. She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner.

Colleen is survived by her husband of forty years, John of rural Garner; son, Chuck (Ann) Wenthold of Jefferson; four siblings, Milton (Ruth) Stevens of Saratoga, Lois (Bernie) Phillips of Spillville, Lowell (Sandy) McLain of Spring, Texas and Daryl (Marie) McLain of Cannon Falls, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two nephews.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Gloria J. Braner, 1956-2009

December 2, 2009

Gloria J. (Wertz) Braner, age 53, most recently a resident of Klemme, formerly of Belmond, died on Thursday, November 26, 2009, at her home in Klemme, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 30, at 11:00 a.m., at the Belmond United Methodist Church, Belmond. The Rev. Michael Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery, Webster City. The Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond was in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to honor Gloria's memory with a memorial other than flowers may wish to consider an organization of their own choice.

Gloria Jean Wertz, the daughter of Harley L. and Phyllis I. (Gabrielson) Wertz, was born on September 10, 1956, at the St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. In early childhood she was baptized at the Norway Iowa Methodist Church. During her school years, Gloria was active in 4-H and was a high school wrestling cheerleader. She attended the Chariton High School and graduated with the Class of 1974. Gloria continued her education for a time at DMACC-Area 11, where she was educated in the Key Punch programs.

Gloria was united in marriage to Leslie A. Braner on August 20, 1982, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple's marriage was blessed with two sons, Branden and Nathan. Gloria thoroughly appreciated raising her family and was their number one "cheerleader" in life and relished the role of being the "Ultimate Soccer Mom", supporting them in all that they were active in. Even in her illness in recent months she looked forward to being there to support her family and had attended Branden's weightlifting competition in September.

Gloria had a life long love of horses and truly enjoyed bonding and caring for each of them in her life. She was a long time member of various saddle clubs, first with the Garner Saddle Club and then on a more regional level with the "Three Rivers Pony Express" in Worth, Cerro Gordo and Mitchell Counties. Gloria held various officer positions with the Pony Express, including treasurer and for the past three years as the group's county coordinator.

Gloria looked forward to family vacations with Less and her children, including going to Disney World, Universal Studios and other points of interest in Florida and various other places in the U.S. She also cherished opportunities to spend time with family and friends on camping excursions, snowmobile rides with family and the Iowa River Riders Snowmobile Club and going on canoe outings. She was an excellent cook and made some of the hottest chili and most delicious potato salad. She loved to spend time with her dogs and more recently working in her yard. She also had a fondness for the St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the work and focus of it's efforts.

Gloria's work life and her life in general was always driven forward to successful accomplishments by her "give it 100%" attitude. For more than 10 years she was the sole operator and owner/editor of the "Iowa Discover It" quarterly magazine. Gloria enjoyed her role as a partner with Les in the farming operations prior to his death in 2002. She was very knowledgeable and skilled at the tasks on the farm. At the time of her death, Gloria had just retired, due to her health, as a sales account manager for the "Three Eagle's Communications Broadcasting Group", where she had been employed for a number of years.

Gloria is survived by her children, Branden and Nathan Braner of Burnsville, Minnesota; her step-children, Les Braner, Jr. and wife, Jamie and Michael Braner and wife, Jodi, all of Sacramento, California; a step-daughter, Colleen Braner of Massachusetts; her parents, Harley and Phyllis Wertz of Menlo; a brother, Michael and wife, Carol Wertz of Osage; a sister, Christine Pace of Stuart; and many nieces and nephews, as well as her special dog, "Shelby".

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie A. Braner on May 26, 2002; and her father-in-law, Donald Braner in 2009.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Jeanne A. Schroeder, 1923-2009

December 2, 2009

Jeanne A. Schroeder, 86, of Garner, died on Friday, November 27, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Society in Algona.

Funeral services were held at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner, with Rev. Tim Diehl officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Jeanne Ardith Schroeder, the daughter of John and Lillian (Abele) Griffen, was born on June 17, 1923, on a farm southwest of Garner. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1941. On September 27, 1941, she was married to John Schroeder at her parents' farm near Garner. They lived southwest of Garner until 1951, when they moved to a farm north of Garner. Jeanne was employed at North Iowa Grain Equipment as a bookkeeper, from 1963 until her retirement in 2003. She also was an active Avon sales representative for a number of years. In March of 2005, she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Algona.

She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles and singing. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, where she was active in UPW, sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was a Presbyterian Camp Counselor and LOGOS teacher. Jeanne also belonged to the Sweet Adelines, Ellington Township Birthday Club, Clear Lake Christian Women's Luncheon and Bible study and was a 20-gallon plus blood donor to the American Red Cross.

Jeanne is survived by her children, Ed (Kathy) Schroeder of Garner, John (Carol) Schroeder of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Perry (Sandra) Schroeder of Garner, Laurel Lea (Dan) Calvert of Garner, Carolyn (Andrew) Wigglesworth of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lyndon (Elaine) Schroeder of Urbandale and Tracy (Connie) Schroeder of Forest City; 18 grandchildren, Brent, Bryan, Tammy and Scott Schroeder, Larry and Jerry Schroeder, Jeff Schroeder, Kirstin Bourke, Hanni Schroeder, Sally Westphal, Lilly Calvert, Kelly Hawley, Jennifer Mitchell, Abby Wigglesworth, Mason and Reid Schroeder and Shelby and Colton Schroeder; 14 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; a sister, Betty (Harlan) Carolus of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Elmer; and brothers, Fred and Leon Griffen.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Betty D. Kaduce, 1932-2009

December 9, 2009

Betty D. Kaduce, 77, of Garner, died on Monday, November 30, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City, from injuries sustained in a car accident at Ventura.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner, with Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Betty Darlene, the daughter of Andrew and Alice (Hanson) Chodur, was born on March 7, 1932 at Crystal Lake. She attended school at Forest City. On July 8, 1949, she was married to Henry Kaduce at the United Church of Christ Parsonage in Klemme. They lived in Klemme where she worked as a cook at the school. In 1973, they moved to Garner where Betty operated her own upholstery business in her home. She also was employed at Winnebago Industries in Forest City.

She enjoyed her family, gardening, sewing and cooking.

Betty is survived by her husband, Henry of Garner; children, Marcia (Larry) Kluckhohn of Garner, Barb (Wayne) Eenhuis of Garner, Jackie (Fred) Gustafson of Parker, Colorado, Peggy (James) Nelson of Britt, Dennis Kaduce of Redmond, Washington and David Kaduce of Garner; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald Chodur of Kensett and Kenneth (Shirley) Chodur of Kensett; sisters, Odella Broome of Des Moines, Mildred (John) Bauer of Mason City, Delores Norcross of Mason City, Irene (Richard) King of Seattle, Washington and Gerri (Bill) Hart of Arizona City, Arizona; and a sister-in-law, Madonna Chodur (Eugene Kirschbaum) of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; twins in infancy; two brothers, Ralph and James Chodur; two sisters, Linda Mayo and Jolene Ballay; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Chodur and Verlene Chodur; and four brothers-in-law, Cliff Broome, Darold Norcross, Lloyd Mayo and John Ballay.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Dorothea C. Erickson, 1918-2009

December 9, 2009

Dorothea C. Weiland Erickson, 91, of Clear Lake, died on Monday, November 30, 2009, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 5, at the Evangelical Free Church in Clear Lake, with Revs. Dan Jordan and David Wiersbe officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothea Christina Jensen Weiland Erickson, the daughter of Jens and Camilla Christensen Jensen, was born on April 7, 1918 in Britt. She graduated from the Britt High School in 1936 and from the Britt Junior College with a Commercial Degree. She was employed at the C.P. Lewis department and grocery store until her marriage. On March 8, 1940, she was united in marriage to Louis “Bud” Weiland at the Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church, north of Britt. They lived and farmed for 3 years ½ mile south of Britt before moving to a farm 2 miles east of Garner, where they raised their family. Following Bud’s death on May 18, 1976, Dorothea moved to Clear Lake in 1979 and married Glenn Erickson on April 11, 1993. Glenn died on October 4, 2002 and Dorothea remained at her residence in Clear Lake until shortly before her death.

Dorothea greatly enjoyed her family, in addition to her hobbies of baking, cooking, gardening and sewing. She also had a great love for serving her Lord. She was an active life-long member of the Evangelical Free Churches at Upper Flat, Britt, Garner and Clear Lake. Dorothea was a member of the Women’s W.M.S., a Sunday School teacher, a Bible School teacher, and a Bible study member and leader. She was well known for her cooking skills which included coordinating, cooking and serving for many church activities. Dorothea was active in the Garner area Homemakers Club, the Ventura Garden Club and as a 4-H Leader.

Dorothea’s survivors include her six children, Luaine (Don) Oleson of Rockford, Illinois, Lois (Roger) Howland of Fort Dodge, Linda Perkins of San Rafael, California, Marilyn (Jim) Dennis of Iowa City, Don (Judi) Weiland of Garner and Monna Quinn of New York City, New York; eleven grandchildren, Jennifer (Grant) Spickelmier of Richfield, Minnesota, Carrie (Jon) Boyum of Burnsville, Minnesota, Brent (Tammy) Howland of Mason City, Abby (George) Berger of Fort Dodge, Megan Perkins (Eric Janzen) of Guerneville, California, Kelly Murphy of Iowa City, Marcy Simpson of Iowa City, Reid (Carla) Weiland of Palmas, Brazil, Lea (Brian) Leopold of San Mateo, California, Kristina (Jon) Sands of San Francisco, California and Morgan Quinn of New York City, New York; and twelve great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Camilla and Jens Jensen; her first husband, Louis Weiland; her second husband, Glenn Erickson; a brother, Nels Jensen; and a sister, Bertha Jensen Foster.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009