Levi G. Landphair, 1988-2009

October 14, 2009

Levi G. Landphair, age 21, of Des Moines and formerly of Belmond, died on Saturday, October 3, 2009, in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 8, at the United Methodist Church in Belmond. Pastor Mike Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. Graveside military rites were provided by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Visitation was held from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 7, at the Dugger Funeral Home, Belmond and one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday. Memorials may be made in the name of Levi G. Landphair.

Levi Gustafson, the son of Connie Suntken and Larry Landphair, was born on June 22, 1988 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He moved to Belmond where he was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church of Belmond. Levi graduated from the Garner High School in 2006 and joined the National Guard after graduation. Levi was part of the 1133rd and helped with the disaster floods.

Levi's hobbies included hunting, riding his bike, being with family and spending time on the farm. He worked at the Fareway Store.

Levi is survived by his mother, Connie (Doug) Suntken of Garner; father, Larry (Kristy) Landphair of Des Moines; brother, Louie (Mary Beth) of Davenport; sister, Elizabeth Suntken of Hampton; maternal grandparents, Roger and Carole Halfpop of Belmond; paternal grandmother, Doris Landphair of Leon; grandparents, Don and Marlene Suntken of Belmond; aunts and uncles, Cary and Julie Halfpop and children, Trey, Brady and Kelby of Ankeny, Chris and David Thompson and children, James and Jennifer of Denver, Colorado, Chris and Dinna Landphair and children of Des Moines, David and Diane Suntken and children, Taylor and Regan of Ames; and numerous other great-aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

Levi was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Mamie Holocek; and his grandfather, Har Landphair.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Violette Thompson-Rickerl, 1932-2009

October 7, 2009

Violette M. Thompson-Rickerl, 77, of Charles City, died on Monday morning, October 5, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 13, at the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. Pastor David Werges and Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Concord Cemetery, Garner. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church on Tuesday.

Violette Mae Eisberg, was born on January 29, 1932 at Salisbury, Missouri, the daughter of Walter R. and Amanda (Jass) Eisberg. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1949. On January 2, 1951, she married Arnold Pearson at Garner. They later divorced. On May 28, 1978, Violette married Leon Thompson at Mason City. Leon died in May of 1995.

On January 3, 1998, she was united in marriage to Herman Rickerl at Charles City. Violette and Herman's marriage was blessed by a Catholic Priest in Leroy, Minnesota on January 10, 1998. She was a farmer's wife for 23 years, secretary and bookkeeper at the Cerro Gordo County Farm Bureau, Hancock County ASCS Office and bookkeeper for Thompson Mobile Service in Charles City.

Violette was a 4-H Leader for nine years, Sunday School teacher, Hospice volunteer, Food Box volunteer and a Pink Lady at the Floyd County Medical Center. She was a member of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City Women's Club and the Hoe Garden Club. Her interests include playing in 500 marathons, arranging flowers, gardening and reading books. Violette's favorite saying was, "To accept everyone as they are, not as they were yesterday or as they will be tomorrow, but as they are today."

Living family members include her husband, Herman Rickert of Charles City; three children, Ellen Olson of Ames, Jeanne Carls of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and William Pearson of Peoria, Illinois; eight step-children, Carmine (Dean) Swenson, Loren (Penny) Rickerl, Janelle (Gary) Sunnes, all of Riceville, Karen (Larry) Smith of Broomfield, Colorado, Marlin (Jan) Thompson of Harlan, Marlys (Frank) Nockels of Arvada, Colorado, Paula Schwab of Fort Collins, Colorado and Jeffery Thompson, Sr. of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Amanda (Tony) DeGrote, Andrew (Mary Anna) Carls, Ben (Stephanie) Olson and Sarah Olson; 24 step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, Blake DeGrote, Tyanna Medrud, Kaleb Carls and Jack Carls; and several step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon Thompson; one step-granddaughter; and one step-great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be directed to the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles City.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City is in charge of the arrangements.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

R. Elmer Ouderkirk, 1925-2009

October 14, 2009

R. Elmer Ouderkirk, 84, of Garner, died on Monday, October 5, 2009, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with Pastor Tim Rieckhoff-Faris officiating. A flag presentation ceremony will be conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, in the Western Cemetery in Orion. Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials may be made in his name to the Garner United Methodist Church or the donor's charity of choice.

Roy Elmer Ouderkirk, the son of Dr. Roy and Edith (Taylor) Ouderkirk, was born on April 25, 1925 at Reynolds, Illinois. He graduated from the Reynolds High School in 1943. Elmer served his country during WW II in the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Illinois and attended the Western Illinois State College in Macomb. On August 28, 1949, he married Virginia Hill at Orion. Elmer continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Husbandry. Elmer worked in sales at Quaker Oats before joining the Diamond V Mills in Cedar Rapids. He was then employed by the federal government in the Soil Conservation Service for 26 years before retiring in 1987. In 1997, Elmer and Virginia moved from New Hampton to Garner to be closer to family.

Elmer enjoyed visiting with family, gardening, camping, reading, watching movies and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Education was very important to Elmer. He was proud to have all of his children graduate from college. He was a member of the Garner United Methodist Church, American Legion, NARFE and was a past member of an RV camping group.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Virginia of Garner; six children, Larry (Mary Lou) Ouderkirk of Frederick, Maryland., Linda (Duane) Jurgemeyer of Klemme, Bruce (Nancy) Ouderkirk of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Sandra Olson of Altoona, Sheryl (Steven) Greene of New Richmond, Wisconsin and Sara (Eric) Wester of Cleghorn; 15 grandchildren, Mike, Katie and Megan Ouderkirk, Amy Jurgemeyer, Lisa Kobes, Kimberly Jurgemeyer, Cristy and Melissa Ouderkirk, Jason and Laura Olson, Cody and Bryan Greene and Kyle, Andrea and Christopher Wester; three great-grandchildren, Mya Foelske and Conner and Brayden Kobes; and a brother, Mason (Florence) Ouderkirk of Indianola.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Pamela Sue; a son-in-law, Rodney Olson; and his step-mother, Myrtle.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Ervin A. Ausborn, 1929-2009

October 14, 2009

Ervin A. Ausborn, age 80, of Belmond, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2009, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 10, at the St John Lutheran Church in Belmond. Pastor Jim Harbaugh officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

Ervin Albert, the son of Albert and Anna Groh Ausborn, was born on April 22, 1929. Ervin was baptized and confirmed at the St John Lutheran Church in Belmond. He grew up in the Klemme area where he attended school. Ervin graduated from the Klemme High School in 1947.

Ervin was united in marriage to Nellie Sherwood on August 14, 1948, at the United Methodist Church in Klemme. The couple made their home near Klemme. Ervin farmed 48 years on the same farm southeast of Klemme. He milked cows all his life. Ervin built a new barn and took pride in selling Grade A Milk. After quitting milking because of health, he raised cow-calf herds. In 1986, he raised beef cows for five years. He went strictly grain farming until 1997 when he moved to Belmond. He drove tractors for area farmers until he quit for health reasons.

He was a very active member of the St John Lutheran Church all his life, where he served as deacon and vice president of the church council.

Ervin is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nellie; children, Lavonne (Dennis) Prescott of Belmond, Terry (Sue) Ausborn of Ventura and Linda (John) Lillebo of Goodell; 11 grandchildren, Cathy Prescott, Joe Prescott, Kristy Prescott, Larry (Kris) Ausborn, Scott (Melissa) Ausborn, Brent (Keri) Ausborn, John Ryan (Becky) Lillebo, Anna (Mike) Kasuboski, Mark (Tric) Lillebo and Sarah (Don) Yarbor; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Leonard Ausborn of Belmond and Bob (Mary) Ausborn of Ames; brother-in-law, Frank (Gloria) Sherwood of Mason City; and sister-in-law, Corrine Ausborn of Britt; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harvey and Donald; and a grandson, Billy Prescott.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Melvin L. Myklestad, 1918-2009

October 14, 2009

Melvin Lars Myklestad, 91, of Garner, Iowa, died on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at Hospice Care Inc.. Madison, Wisconsin.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 10, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. The Rev. Jeff Ungs officiated. Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The family suggests memorials to Hospice Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin.

Melvin was born in rural Emmons, Minnesota, the son of Lars and Velma (McDowell) Myklestad. He attended the Forest City Schools. He farmed with his father until he married Iva Viola Johnson on December 21, 1942. They lived on a farm south of Ventura and later moved into Ventura, where he worked for the Ventura Elevator. After retiring from the elevator they moved to their present home in Garner.

He is survived by his son, Ronald Myklestad and his wife, Jessica of Prescott, Arizona; a daughter, Janice Snater and her husband, Ron of Madison, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Chad Snater of Gainesville, Florida and Joshua Snater of Madison, Wisconsin; and one sister, Gladys Baker of Clear Lake, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a sister, Beulah Rothamel; and a brother, Allen Myklestad.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Marilyn E. Schnoor, 1935-2009

October 14, 2009

Marilyn E. Schnoor, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died on Friday, October 9, 2009, at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. She was 74.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 13, at the Salem Lutheran Church. The Rev. Milton Ost officiated. Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery. The Bonnerup Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

She was born on June 16, 1935 in Albert Lea, the daughter of James and Gertrude (McCreedy) Leegaard. She grew up in the Silver Lake area and was baptized and confirmed at the Silver Lake Lutheran Church. She graduated from the Emmons High School. She was united in marriage to Delmar R. Schnoor on July 18, 1964, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Following their marriage they made their home in Albert Lea and were members of the Salem Lutheran Church. She had worked at Miami Margarine for several years, but her life's work really centered on making her house a "home" for her family

She enjoyed old western movies, traveling and playing cards with friends. She crocheted many blankets and lovingly shared them with her family. Her pet friends, Thumper and TJ, were a very important part of her life.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Del; four children, Diane (Jeff) Schmidt of Garner, Donna (Randy) Saltou of Glenville, Minnesota, Dan (Cheryl) Farris of Garner and Michael J. (Malissa) Schnoor of Houston, Texas; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Justin (fiancée, Nicole) Schmidt of Raleigh, North Carolina, Amber Schmidt of Clear Lake, Roger Saltou and Reina Saltou, both of Glenville, Minnesota; step-grandson, Jason Saltou and family of Albert Lea and Cody Farris of Afghanistan and his daughter, Taylor; step-grandchildren, Tracey and Craig and families of Garner, James Schnoor and his children, Jamie Lynn, Jillian and Kelsey of Kansas City, Veronica and Jazzten Schnoor of Houston, Texas; brother, Dale (Rosie) Leegaard of Silver Lake, Iowa; sisters, Alice (John) Moen of Albert Lea and Cheryl (Earl) Cavett of Lake Mills; mother-in-law, Delilia Tesch of Albert Lea; sisters-in-law, Mary Woodford and Athelene (Kenneth) Gerber, both of Albert Lea; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marilyn so treasured her family and especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren, family and friends.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Marie D. Ellingson, 1920-2009

October 14, 2009

Marie Dorthea Ellingson, 89, of Garner, died on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with family and friends. The Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, is in charge of the arrangements.

Marie Dorthea Petersen, was born on May 22, 1920 in Kensett, the daughter of Carl and Johanna (Bay) Petersen. She graduated from the Kensett High School. After graduation she moved to Mason City to be a nanny and housekeeper for a doctor. Marie was united in marriage to Orvin Ellingson and to this union four children were born. She was a homemaker until she went to work for the Decker Packing Plant, Mason City. She worked there for 28 years, retiring when she was 55 years old.

Marie enjoyed dancing, gardening, decorating for the different seasons and holidays. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Marie enjoyed taking walks with her sister-in-law, Esther and attending regular coffee hour! She was very active in her church, the Bethany Lutheran Church, Kensett, Women's Club and the Senior Citizens Center, Kensett.

Marie is survived by her children, Dallas (Rose) Ellingson of Norwalk, Connecticut, Sandra (Craig) Boutelle of Mission, Kansas and Linda Finn of Garner; grandchildren, Steven Boutelle and friend, Pam, Kelly (Julie) Vedane-Finn, Tina Boutelle, Mollie (David) Hueneman, Heather (Ken) Drake and D.J. (Amanda) Ellingson; great-grandchildren, Tayler (Chace) Doyal, Madison Finn, Zachary, Trevor and Jake Hueneman, Kendall and Tatum Drake; sister-in-law, Muriel Petersen; extended family, Fran Ellingson, Brian (Willi) Finn, Meghan and Kyle Finn; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed by three little boys.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter; seven brothers; two sisters; two great-granddaughters, Stephanie and Samantha; along with several nieces and nephews.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Gerald M. VanBuskirk, 1929-2009

October 21, 2009

Gerald "Barney" M. VanBuskirk, age 80, of Klemme, died on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the Rehabilitation Center, Hampton, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services were held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 17, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Rev. Cindy Morrison officiated. Interment was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme, with full military honors provided by the Klemme Military Unit.

Gerald M. VanBuskirk, the son of Lloyd and Annie (Brass) VanBuskirk, was born on July 27, 1929 in Twin Lake Township, rural Hancock County, Iowa. He attended the Belmond High School and graduated in 1947. Following his education Barney enlisted in the United States Armed Services, serving in the Air Force from July of 1948 through July of 1949. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Barney was later re-enlisted for a second tenure of service during the Korean Conflict in July of 1949 and was honorably discharged in July of 1955.
   
Barney was united in marriage to Neva Ann Anderson on February 6, 1955, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The couple's union was blessed with two daughters, Kathy and Paula and a son Gerald, Jr. Barney's work life included many years as a self-employed, professional long distance and regional truck driver. He had also spent many years providing for the needs of his family as a farmer. He enjoyed the hard work and reaping the fruits of his labors in working the land. He had also been a salesman for many years, where his salesmanship and knowledge of his trade often came with the acknowledgement that "Barney could sell ice to an Eskimo!" He definitely used the gift of conversation and his innate abilities to communicate with both friends and acquaintances to its fullest.

Barney was a man who loved a good adventure, whether it was a cruise in one of his beloved fast cars when he might be known to light up the pavement under his wheels, a fishing excursion with one of his buddies, or a trucking journey across the country where the "Crapshooter", as he was known on the CB radio, would provide for the needs of his family. His wife, Ann would often ride shotgun with him on the road.

In more recent times his love of exploring new things continued to flourish when his children brought him a computer, which at age 80 he decided was a great place to spend time playing games such as solitaire which was a favorite.

Barney also enjoyed the simple things in life, such as teaching the grandkids to play solitaire and cribbage, family get-togethers which most certainly would have to include the traditional games of "Pepper" and "Buck Yuker". He also enjoyed times spent playing cards with his buddies and working in his flowers. He cherished his grandchildren and loved to spend time with them whenever possible. They always had a special place in "Grandpa Barney's" heart. He and Ann also enjoyed their many so-called adopted family in the community.

Barney was a past member of the Masonic Lodge in the various places the family had lived and was an active member of the American Legion Post in Garner.

He is survived by his wife and life partner of nearly 55 years, Ann VanBuskirk of Klemme; his daughter, Kathy and her companion, Bob of Rogers, Arkansas and her children and their families, Tanya and husband, Allen Jarchow and children, Allison and Abigail, Nicole and husband, Dan Kies and their children, Raven, Alexis and Austin, Jeanie and husband, Ken Farr and their children, Zain and Isaiah and Rick Thurman and his children, Kelsey, Jake, Ashley and Luke; his daughter, Paula and husband, Gary Kruse of Minot, North Dakota and their children and families, Mandy Kruse and Trent, April and Raymond Lockhart and their children, Kristen and Diamond and Kelly Kruse; and a son, Gerald VanBuskirk, Jr. of Klemme and his daughter, Jessica VanBuskirk; four sisters; and one brother and many extended family.

Barney was preceded in death by his patents; three sisters; and two brothers.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Mark Van Dyke

November 25, 2009

Mark Van Dyke, 39, of Hopkins, Minnesota, died on Friday, October 16, 2009, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Fairview, Minnesota, following a year of dialysis treatment for kidney failure.

Mark Van Dyke, was born on March 9, 1970 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the Garner-Hayfield Schools and graduated in 1989. On June 14, 2008, Mark married the love of his life, Deb. Her love and support at times of good health and illness, gave Mark the strength and courage to face each new day. His faith in the Lord gave him comfort and strength to fight the good fight. He had a great sense of humor and could make fun out of any situation that was given to him.

He was an active member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. He loved riding his Harley Davidson Ultra-Classic along side his wife, Deb. One of Mark's greatest joys was spending time with his girls, Ashley and Paige.

Mark proudly worked for Dave and Nancy Eichelberger at Eichelberger Farms in Wayland, Iowa until March of 2009, when he was too ill to continue. He said that the Eichelbergers were the best group of people he had ever worked for or with. He loved his job and was sad when he was unable to see his producers regularly after leaving Iowa.

Those left to cherish Mark's memory include his beloved wife, Deb of Hopkins, Minnesota; daughters, Ashley, 15 and Paige, 13, of Mountain View, Arkansas; his step-daughters and sons-in-law, Rachel and Dave Brown of Madison, Wisconsin and Erica and Dan Johnson; and step-grandsons, Gavin and Luke of Northfield, Minnesota; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Crystal and Robert Bower of South Bend, Indiana and Kim and Mark Peterson; his nieces, Abby and Hannah of Harcourt, Iowa; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Ronald Van Dyke.

His joyful spirit will live on in all he touched.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009