Marcedes Hoffman
August 30, 1914-May 2, 2001

May 9, 2001

Marcedes Maxine Hoffman, 86, of Hampton, died on Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at her home in Hampton.

Graveside services were held on Friday, May 4, in the Hampton Cemetery in Hampton. Rev. Gregory Smith officiated. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.

Marcedes was born on August 30, 1914 in Butler County, to John H. and Alice Chester Hoffman. She graduated from the Hampton High School and the University of Iowa with a nursing degree. She served in the United States Army Nursing Corps from 1942-46 during World War II. She never married and worked as a nurse.

Marcedes was a member of the First Christian Church of Hampton and the Hampton American Legion.

She is survived by many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her stepfather, Arthur Windelow.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Francis Stock
July 12, 1925-May 5, 2001

May 9, 2001

Francis L. Stock, 75, of Dumont, died on Saturday, May 5, 2001, at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 8, at the Dumont United Methodist Church, with burial in the Harlan Cemetery, rural Dumont. Rev. Robert Connor officiated. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton, was in charge of the arrangements.

Francis was born on July 12, 1925 in Butler County, to Earl and Effie Mollencamp Stock and attended the Hampton High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1945-47 and 1950-52. On July 8, 1962, he married Lois Harlan at the Little Brown Church at Nashua. He was a farmer and worked at Olivers in Charles City.

Francis was a member of the Dumont United Methodist Church; the Bristow AM Vets Post No. 160 and the Dumont American Legion Post No. 360; the Pinto Horse Association of America; Dumont Saddle Club; and the Charles City Moose Lodge. He enjoyed horses, fishing and dancing.

He is survived by his wife, Lois of Dumont; two sons, Rodney of Phoenix, Arizona and Ron of Warren, Ohio; two brothers, Dilman Stock and wife, Frances and Lowell Stock and wife, Pat, all of Hampton; three sisters, Virginia Rodgers of Iowa Falls, Carol Miller and husband, Richard of Mesa, Arizona and Luella Miller and husband, Jerry of Hampton; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Maxine.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Margaret Larsen
May 31, 1914-May 5, 2001

May 9, 2001

Margaret Larsen, 86, of Forest City, died on Saturday, May 5, 2001.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 8, at the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, with burial in the church cemetery.

Margaret was born on May 31, 1914 in Marysberg, Minnesota, to Frank and Josephine Frederick Volk. She attended the All Saints High School in Madison Lake, Minnesota. On February 2, 1934, she married Arthur Johnson at Waseca, Minnesota and they farmed near Forest City. After the death of her husband in 1946, she married Andrew Larsen and they farmed northeast of Forest City.

She was a member of the St. James Catholic Church in Forest City.

She is survived by two sons, Gerald Johnson and wife, Margaret of Mankato, Minnesota and Duane Larsen and wife, Sharon of Chula Vista, California; three daughters, Noreen Hannaman and husband, DeWayne of Mankato, Beverly Schoenfeldt of Iowa Falls and DeLaine Hoeft and husband, Randy of Forest City; a stepson, Eugene Johnson and wife, Betty of Forest City; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; a daughter; a stepdaughter; four brothers; and four sisters.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Dellmer Fate
February 17, 1899-May 7, 2001

May 9, 2001

Dellmer Martin Fate, 102, of Webster City, formerly of Williams, died on Monday, May 7, 2001, at the Crestview Manor in Webster City.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Williams, with burial in the Williams Cemetery. Rev. Darwin Moore will officiate. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 6-8:00 p.m., at the Foster Funeral Home in Webster City.

Dellmer was born on February 17, 1899 near Jewell, to Martin and Nettie Shirtlift Fate. He spent his childhood in Wisconsin Rapids, except for a few years in the Ozarks in Missouri. On August 15, 1921, he married Lucille Potter. They lived south of Williams on a farm where he raised hogs, cattle, sheep and chickens. Lucille died on October 23, 1968 and on October 31, 1969, he married Ethel McKeever Hayden at the Little Brown Church at Nashua.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; and nine brothers and sisters.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Harvey DeBuhr
Monday, May 7, 2001

May 9, 2001

Harvey DeBuhr, 66, of Ackley, died on Monday, May 7, 2001, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services are pending at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Jack Warnecke
June 23, 1938-May 10, 2001

May 16, 2001

A. Jack Warnecke, 62, of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, May 10, 2001, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 14, at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls, with burial in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. Netha Brada officiated. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls, was in charge of the arrangements.

Jack was born on June 23, 1938 in Iowa Falls, to Armin and Beulah Bailey Warnecke. He graduated from the Iowa Falls High School, attended Ellsworth College, worked for Farmland Foods for over 20 years and then worked as custodian at the Iowa Falls School District, retiring in May, 2000. He achieved rank as an Eagle Scout and had been a Boy Scout Leader.

Jack was a member of the Elks Club for 32 years and was currently holding the position of Tiler. He was a member of the First Christian Church and a member of the Meadow Hills Golf Course, where he served on the Board.

He is survived by his wife, Verona (Casbon) Warnecke of Iowa Falls; a daughter, Holli Warnecke; and a son, Chris Warnecke; his mother, Beulah Warnecke of Iowa Falls; a sister, Jill (Jass) Fraser of Alden; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Fran Casbon Lane of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Alyce Casbon Brim and husband, Bud of Blairsburg, George Casbon of Webster City, Ronald Casbon and wife, Marcia of Kamrar and Elda Casbon Stalker of Farmington, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Armin; a daughter, Jackie Sue; a great-niece; and a brother-in-law.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Lela Davison
December 3, 1910-May 11, 2001

May 16, 2001

Lela F. Davison, 90, of Eldora, died on Friday, May 11, 2001, at the Oakview Care Center in Conrad.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 14, at the United Methodist Church in Eldora, with burial in the Eldora City Cemetery. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora was in charge of the arrangements.

Lela was born on December 3, 1910 at Dexter, to Chester and Nora Haskin Emmert. She moved to Eldora from Whitten in 1936 and on May 15, 1938, she married A.I. "Bob" Davison in Jewell. She was a member of the Eldora Methodist Church and a past president of the UMW. She worked for many years as a cook. Her hobbies were quilting and cooking.

She is survived by her husband, Bob of Eldora; two daughters, Charlotte Long and husband, Jim of Dallas, Texas and Judy Neymeyer and husband, Curly of Eldora; a son, Jack Davison and wife, Vicki of LeClaire; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clarence Emmert and wife, Geneva of Eldora and Kenneth Emmert and wife, Marjorie of Modesto, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; one sister; and two step-grandchildren.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Julian F. Thorell
June 29, 1931-May 11, 2001

May 16, 2001

Julian F. Thorell, 69, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, May 11, 2001, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Rev. Brian King will officiate. There will be no visitation. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Julian was born on June 29, 1931 in Lynch, Nebraska, to Carl and Alma Anderson Thorell. He graduated from high school in Bristow, Nebraska and from Wayne State College in Nebraska. He was a member of the United States Air Force from 1951-55 and on December 27, 1976, he married Patricia Ott at Republican City, Nebraska. Julian was a controller for Iowa Prestressed Concrete, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Iowa Falls; a brother, Conrad and wife, Meldine of Lynch, Nebraska; five sisters, Florence Burnett of Independence, Kansas, Grace Ruda of Spencer, Nebraska, Eunice Fuhr and husband, Joe and Bernice Chandler, all of Fremont, Nebraska and Helen McDaniel and husband, Mike of Lakewood, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Mary Ann Sailer
December 30, 1931-May 11, 2001

May 16, 2001

Mary Ann Sailer, 69, of Hampton, died on Friday, May 11, 2001, at her home in Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 15, at the St. Peter's United Church of Christ, rural Geneva, with burial in the church cemetery. Pastor Rose Hermonat officiated. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Ann was born on December 30, 1931 in rural Hampton, to Peter and Elnor Nowell Jensen. She graduated from the Hampton High School and on July 12, 1949, she married Jacob Sailer in South Dakota. She was a homemaker and farm wife.

Mary Ann was a member of the St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Women's Fellowship, Sunshine Club and Sewing Circle. She had been a Sunday School Teacher and a 4-H Leader. Her hobbies were sewing and quilting.

She is survived by her husband, Jacob of Hampton; three sons, John and wife, Rachel of Roanoke, Virginia, Larry and wife, Janice of Iowa Falls and Ron and wife, Sandy of Hampton; four daughters, Nancy Tue and husband, Greg of Clear Lake, Janet Siems and Cathy Acri and husband, Rick, all of Norwalk and Mary Carolus and husband, Jeff of Alden; a sister, Karen Janssen and husband, Bob of Clarksville; two brothers, Jim Jensen and wife, Marilyn of Hampton and Russell Jensen of Coulter; 23 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Myrl Cockerham
July 28, 1913-May 13, 2001

May 16, 2001

Myrl Rudolph Cockerham, 87, of rural Hubbard, died of renal failure on Sunday, May 13, 2001, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Myrl had donated his body to the College of Medicine at the University of Iowa of Iowa City. No services are planned. His remains will be buried at a later date in the Chester Cemetery, rural Union. The Boeke Funeral home of Hubbard is in charge of the arrangements.

Myrl was born on July 28, 1913, on a farm southwest of New Providence. He attended rural schools and on September 24, 1939, he married Wilma Glenney at her parents' home near Union. They farmed near Whitten for a time, then near Buckeye and settled on a farm southwest of Hubbard in 1955. Myrl also helped at the Thompson Auto Salvage in McCallsburg.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma of Hubbard; a son, James of Rhodes; three daughters, Jerrie Friest of Ames, Jeanie Zwygart of Cameron, Missouri and Jolene Conrad of Zearing; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Jerry; a daughter, Judy Jones; two brothers, Clair and Myron Cockerham; and a sister, Beatrice Frazier.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Esther Frisk-Rice
Sunday, May 13, 2001

May 16, 2001

Esther Frisk-Rice, 73, of Ackley, died on Sunday, May 13, 2001, at her home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 1:00 p.m., at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 3-8:00 p.m., at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, with the family receiving friends from 6-8:00 p.m.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Hugo Don Bonin
Sunday, May 13, 2001

May 16, 2001

Hugo Don Bonin, 69, of Tucson, Arizona, died on Sunday, May 13, 2001, in Arizona.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m., in the St. Mark's Catholic Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The Linn's Funeral Home in Iowa Falls, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

G. Louisa Busma
October 14, 1916-May 14, 2001

May 16, 2001

G. Louisa Busma, 84, of Allison, died on Monday, May 14, 2001, at the Allison Care Center in Allison.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m., at the Calvary Baptist Church in Greene, with burial in the Allison Cemetery. Officiating the service is Pastor Rob Metras. Visitation is on Wednesday, from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.

Louisa was born on October 14, 1916 in Butler County, to Henry and Elizabeth Lursen Cassmann. She received her education at the Sunnybrooke Country School in Wilken County, Minnesota. On January 30, 1941, she married Carl Busma in Kesley. Louisa was a homemaker.

She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Greene and enjoyed crocheting, needlework, cooking, baking, camping fishing, gardening and flowers.

Survivors include a son, Wayne and his wife, Vicky of Norman, Oklahoma; a daughter-in-law, Fern Busma of Allison; three brothers, LeRoy and his wife, Lucille Cassmann of Hampton, Henry and wife, Phyllis Cassmann of Manchester and Harold and his wife, Helen Cassmann of Allison; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons; and a sister.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Sheryl Russell
March 20, 1946-May 14, 2001

May 16, 2001

Sheryl Faye Russell, 55, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday, May 14, 2001, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m., at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls, with burial in the Union Cemetery. Rev. Netha Brada will officiate. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Sheryl was born on March 20, 1946 at Ackley, to William and Bernice Eichmeier Lindeman. She graduated from the Ackley High School in 1964. On August 29, 1964, she married Ronald Russell at the St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley. She was a housewife and enjoyed motorcycle riding, walking, sewing, hiking and dancing to the oldies.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald of Iowa Falls; a daughter, Michelle Russell and her friend, Charlie Yoders of Spraggs, Pennsylvania; a son, Troy of Vale, South Dakota; 10 grandchildren; her mother, Bernice Lindeman of Ackley; a sister, Ramona Fleming of Ackley; and two brothers, Rodney Lindeman of Cedar Rapids and Anthony Lindeman of Keokuk.

She was preceded in death by her father; and a brother, Marlin Lindeman.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Josephine Stukenberg
May 23, 1915-May 16, 2001

May 23, 2001

Josephine "Jo" Stukenberg, 85, of Aplington, died on Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 19, at the Aplington Baptist Church, with Rev. Marlin Mohrman officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Aplington. The Schwartz Funeral Home of Parkersburg, was in charge of the arrangements.

Jo was born on May 23, 1915, to David and Jennie Reiter Anderson in Dike. She graduated from the Dike High School in 1933. On September 11, 1935, she married Earl "Bud" Stukenberg at Nevada. They farmed for 43 years in the Parkersburg-Aplington area where they raised three children. Since the death of her husband, Jo has managed the farm rental and rental homes.

She was a member of the Aplington Baptist Church and enjoyed home decorating, cards, board games, reading, sewing, traveling, church involvement and family activities.

Survivors include two daughters, Ruth and her husband, G. G. Diers of Cedar Rapids and Jana an her husband, Don Hegg of Billings, Montana; a son, David and his wife, Ginger of Parkersburg; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Bud; a granddaughter, Margo Hegg; her parents; a brother, Frank Anderson; a sister, Ethel Abkes; and an infant sister.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Lauretta Schachterle
November 30, 1917-May 17, 2001

May 23, 2001

Lauretta Schachterle, 83, of Ackley, died on Thursday, May 17, 2001, at her home.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, May 19, at the St. John's United Church of Christ, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, both in Ackley. Rev. Michael Dack officiated. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, was in charge of the arrangements.

Lauretta was born on November 30, 1917 in rural Butler County near Ackley, to Richard and Florence Miller Hartema. On November 2, 1937, she married Raymond Schachterle at the Reformed Church in Dumont.

She was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley. Lauretta was a Girls Scout Leader and past member of the Memorial Board and Garden Club. Her hobbies were making wedding cakes, gardening and wood carving.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond; a son, Ronald and wife, Karen of Ackley; a daughter, Patricia Awe and special friend, Tom Hansen of Ackley; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Ervin Hartema of Waseca, Minnesota; three sisters, Lillian Voy of Ackley, Edna Knoll of Hampton and Dorothy Knoll and husband, Bill of Bradford; and a sister-in-law, Carelyn Hartema of Aplington.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Lawrence Hartema; and a sister, Amanda Wildebor.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Gladys Dilley
August 5, 1940-May 17, 2001

May 23, 2001

Gladys L. Dilley, 60, of Eldora, died of cancer at the Kavanaugh House in West Des Moines, on Thursday, May 17, 2001.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 21, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora, with burial in the New Providence Cemetery. Pastor Bruce Baillie of the First Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock officiated.

Gladys was born on August 5, 1940 in Marlinton, West Virginia, to Wilson and Ruby Wardell Biggs. She graduated from the Marlinton High School and on May 7, 1960, she married Norman Dilley in McDowell County, Virginia. She had lived in Eldora for 26 years, where she was employed as a waitress at Jerry's Pizza. For the past few years she had lived in West Des Moines working as an administrative assistant for Freese-Notis Weather, retiring in 2000 because of illness. She enjoyed scrapbooking in her spare time.

She is survived by her husband, Norman; a son, Robert Dilley and wife, Joyce of Eldora; a daughter, Wendy Lawrence and husband, Jeff of West Des Moines; two sisters, Linda Woolard and husband, Lee of Cleveland, Ohio and Mary Ann Beverage and husband, Glenn of Marlinton; two brothers, Thomas Biggs and wife, Charlotte and Roger Biggs, all of Marlinton; and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Freddie and Curtis Biggs.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Murl Bessman
July 19, 1914-May 17, 2001

May 23, 2001

Murl "Pete" Keller Bessman, 86, of Alden, died on Thursday, May 17, 2001, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 21, at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ in Ackley, with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Rev. Bob Miller officiated. The Surls Funeral Home in Alden was in charge of the arrangements.

Pete was born on July 19, 1914, on the family farm near Alden, to Henry and Grace Keller Bessman. On January 12, 1979, he married Geri Akers Beecher at Nashua. He attended the Alden School and served in the United States Army in World War II, receiving the Purple Heart. He had formerly owned a gas station, the Bessman and Cary Grocery Store in Alden and had farmed.

Murl was a member of the Moose Lodge No.1331 and the Collins-Dunning Post No. 201 of Alden. His hobbies were yard work and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Geri of Alden; a daughter, Nancy Shaner and her husband, Ken of Brighton, Michigan; a stepdaughter, Sonja Hickey of Temple City, California; a stepson, Douglas Beecher and his wife, Pam of Lompoc, California; a grandson, Kurt Shaner and wife, Kathy of Barnwell, South Carolina; a step-grandson, Timothy Hickey of Seattle, Washington; step-granddaughters, Tiffany Caracausa and husband, Bill of Pine Mountain, California, Kelli Laffoon and husband, Keith and Elizabeth Beecher, all of Lompoc, California; four great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Ila Jean Chrisjohn and husband, Robert of Alden.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Clarice in 1968; two brothers, Cletis and Keith; and two sisters, Neva Elliott and Mary Lou Bessman.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Bethine Lavalle
July 4, 1927-May 18, 2001

May 23, 2001

Bethine Marjorie Lavalle, 73, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, May 18, 2001, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 23, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, with burial in the Union Cemetery, both in Iowa Falls. Rev. Brian King of the Bethany Lutheran Church will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa, Hampton, Iowa or to the Iowa Falls Breast Cancer Support Group, Iowa Falls, Iowa.

Beth was born on July 4, 1927, on her parents' farm east of Thor, to Guy and Esther Sandven Larson. She attended country schools near Eagle Grove and graduated from the Hampton High School in 1945. On May 28, 1949, she married Rocco "Rocky" Lavalle at Hampton. Beth and Rocky were restaurateurs, owning and operating Rocky's Pizza in Marshalltown, Webster City and then Iowa Falls.

She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls and the Business and Professional Women's Club, Iowa Falls.

She is survived by her husband, Rocky of Iowa Falls; a daughter, Annette Ford and husband, Steven of Appleton, Wisconsin; three sons, Michael Lavalle and wife, Lisa of Des Moines, Thomas Lavalle and wife, Debra of Farmington, Connecticut and Kevin Lavalle and wife, Verdelle of South Pasadena, California; six grandchildren, Eva Beth, Nina and Gennie Lavalle, of Des Moines and Trevor, Chay and Molly Ford of Appleton; three brothers, Clifton Larson and wife, Siri of Ames, Larry Larson and wife, Rodean of Ames and Kenneth Larson and wife, Shirley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The Linn's Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Ethel Townsend
Saturday, May 19, 2001

May 23, 2001

Ethel Louise Townsend, 87, of Tempe, Arizona, formerly of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, May 19, 2001, at Precious Memories in Tempe.

Funeral services are pending with the Linn's Funeral Home in Iowa Falls.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Eleanor Gast
December 21, 1931-May 22, 2001

May 30, 2001

Eleanor P. Gast, 69, of Eldora, died on Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at her home in Eldora.

Memorial services were held on Friday, May 26, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora, with burial in the Eldora City Cemetery. Pastor Bruce Baillie of the First Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock, officiated. Memorials may be directed to the Eldora Public Library.

Eleanor was born on December 21, 1931 in Wellsburg, to Emil and Johanna Assing Brandes. She graduated from the Wellsburg High School in 1950 and received her teaching degree from Teachers College (UNI). On July 24, 1953, she married Maurice "Peanuts" Gast and they made their home in Steamboat Rock. They moved to Eldora in 1964 and lived there the remainder of her life. She taught in the Eldora-New Providence School System all of her working life and since 1983 as a substitute teacher.

She was an associate member of Post No. 182 of the Eldora American Legion and was a volunteer and contributor of the Eldora Public Library. She enjoyed working puzzles and was a fan of the New York Stock Exchange.

She is survived by two sons, Guy Gast and wife, Deanna of Des Moines and Jay Gast and wife, Marcy of Hingham, Massachusetts; a daughter, Vel Snider and husband, Bill of Maraga, California; a sister, Doretta Hamilton of Pearlington, Mississippi; brother-in-law, Charles Gast of Houston, Texas; sisters-in-law, Frances Gast of Newton and Merriem Gast of Steamboat Rock; former daughter-in-law, Linda Gast of West Des Moines; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice in 1993; her parents; and a sister, Johana Westerhausen.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Ronald Kruse
July 7, 1936-May 26, 2001

May 30, 2001

Ronald R. Kruse, 64, of Ackley, died on Saturday, May 26, 2001, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Rev. Michael Dack will officiate. Military rites will be provided by the Elliott-Keninger American Legion No. 252 of Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley, is in charge of the arrangements.

Ronald was born on July 7, 1936 at Iowa Falls, to Albert and Anna Deters Kruse. He graduated from the Wellsburg High School and had been a member of the National Guard for 12 years. He was a staff sergeant and an instructor and an expert with hand guns. On October 17, 1974, he married Mildred Jutting Boelman in Minnesota. He was part owner and assistant manager of the Farmer's Elevator Co. in Ackley and then was grain manager of the Farmers Co-op Elevator in Ackley, retiring in January 1998.

He was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley and was active in the church.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred; a stepdaughter, Bonnie Poley and husband, Wes of Cedar Falls; his mother, Anna Kruse of Ackley; and a sister, Arlys Olson and husband, Ron of Indianola.

He was preceded in death by his father; and an infant brother.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Florence Sword
June 8, 1894-May 27, 2001

May 30, 2001

Florence Sword, 106, formerly of Eldora, died on Sunday, May 27, 2001, at the Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls.

Private graveside services were held on Tuesday, May 29, in the Eldora Cemetery, with Brother Dennis Krukow of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Iowa Falls officiating. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home of Eldora was in charge of the arrangements.

Florence was born on June 8, 1894 near Conrad, to John and Fannie Watson Arnold. She married Elmer Sword at Abilene, Kansas on January 1, 1914. They farmed north of Whitten for many years and in 1984, she moved to the Eldora Manor Care Center and in 1993 she moved to Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. She was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses at Kingdom Hall in Iowa Falls.

She is survived by a son, Loyd Sword and wife, Leona of Rochester, Minnesota; a sister, Alta Meister of Sioux City; a daughter-in-law, Josephine Cook of Conrad; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1955; a son, Russell; a daughter, Pearl Marcrae; a sister, Hazel Doak; and a grandson, Melvin Sword.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Marvin W. Locke
November 22, 1915-May 30, 2001

May 30, 2001

Marvin W. Locke, 85, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2001, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls, with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Linn's Funeral Home, Iowa Falls. The family will receive friends during the visitation. Military honors will be provided by the Hyman-Peavey American Legion Post #188, Iowa Falls.

Marvin William Locke, was born on November 22, 1915 in Barron county, Wisconsin, the son of John and Carrie "Halvorson" Locke. He was reared and educated in the vicinity of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, graduating with the class of 1937. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Kansas City, Missouri. He served with the United States Army from September 24, 1943 until February 5, 1946, during World War II, serving overseas in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. He returned to the United States attending "The School of Watchmaking", Kansas City, Missouri.

On June 18, 1949, he was united in marriage to Lillian Elvira Klein at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Alden, Iowa. They moved to Iowa from Missouri in 1950, where Marvin was employed with Lougheed Jewelers in Ottumwa, Iowa and later with McLaughlin Jewelers in Newton, Iowa. In June of 1956, they purchased the former Winbigler Jewelry Store in Eagle Grove, Iowa. In July of that year the former Brenton Bank Building was purchased opening a larger and better Jewelry and Gift store. In February of 1973, this building was destroyed by an explosion which originated two stores away. Since that time he worked for other Jewelers in Iowa.

He was a member of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove and served as elder and financial Secretary. In April 1989, they moved to Iowa Falls and joined the Immanuel Lutheran Church and served on its financial board for two years.

Marvin was a member of the Fort Dodge Watchmakers Guild, Jewelers of America, Iowa Jewelers and Watchmakers Association of Iowa, the American Watchmakers Institute, the National Association of Watch and Clock Company, the Hyman-Peavey American Legion Post #188 and Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post #8708, both of Iowa Falls.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Rachel Dearing
May 16, 1925-May 30, 2001

June 6, 2001

Rachel Nadine Dearing, 76, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Alden, died on Wednesday, May 30, 2001, at Phoenix.

There will be no service but there will be inurnment in the Alden Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Honey Creek Preservation Group at New Providence. The Surls Funeral Home of Alden was in charge of the local arrangements.

Rachel was born on May 16, 1925 in New Providence, to Ralph and Marie Humeston Walton. She was a descendant of the Quaker Reece family who founded the Quaker communities of New Providence and Honey Creek. She graduated from the Alden High School in 1943, Ellsworth College and AIB College in Des Moines, majoring in secretarial science and playing on the basketball team. She moved to Phoenix in 1948 and on September 4, 1953, she married George Dearing. She was secretary to the principal of two high schools in Phoenix and she and her husband were members of the Dons of Arizona for 43 years.

She is survived by her husband, George of Phoenix; a daughter, Diane; a son, Hugh and wife, Leslie; five grandchildren; and a sister, Sara Lee Henslee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Philip.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

William Tietz
July 10, 1921-May 31, 2001

June 6, 2001

William "Doc" Tietz, 79, of Eldora, died on Thursday, May 31, 2001, at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center in Mason City, from Alzheimer's disease.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 4, at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eldora, with burial in the Eldora Cemetery. Pastor David Platt officiated. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home of Eldora was in charge of the arrangements.

Bill was born on July 10, 1921 in Eldora, to Herman and Lydia Guenther Tietz. He graduated from the Eldora High School in 1938 and Iowa State University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. He practiced in Eldora for 39 years. On October 26, 1947, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Oldenburg in Eldora. He enjoyed his profession and was a past board member of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.

He was a member of the Rotary Club, served as past chairman of the board at 2nd National Bank of Eldora, had served on the County Board of Education and past president of the Eldora Memorial Hospital Board. He served as a livestock judge at the Hardin County Fair for many years and in 1963 was named Eldora Chamber of Commerce "Man of the Year". He built and operated the Eldora Town & Country Mobile Home Park in Eldora.

Bill was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eldora and enjoyed sports, music, bird watching, gardening and traveling.

He is survived by two daughters, Janann Price and husband, Brad of Clear Lake and Trudy Martin and husband, John of Urbandale; two sons, Bill and wife, Sue of West Branch and Dan and wife, Cindy of Atalissa; a sister, Betty Rieke and husband, Ralph of Fairmont, Minnesota; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty in 1993; a brother, Ted; and an infant sister.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Edna Hartkopp
June 24, 1909-May 31, 2001

June 6, 2001

Edna Otellie Hartkopp, 91, of Popejoy, died on Thursday, May 31, 2001, at the USA Health Care Center in Dows.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 4, at the First Lutheran Church in Dows, with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Pastor Paul Thompson officiated. The Elledge Funeral Home of Dows was in charge of the arrangements.

Edna was born on June 24, 1909 in Dows, to Oliver and Alice Gorder Gardalen. She attended rural Dows Schools. On December 22, 1928, she married Walter Hartkopp at her parents' home in Dows. They farmed north of Popejoy until 1958, when they retired from farming and moved into Popejoy. Edna worked for the Ellsworth turkey plant for several years.

She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Dows, FLCW, Popejoy Improvement Club and the Popejoy Senior Citizens.

She is survived by a son, Merle and wife, Martha of Popejoy; a daughter-in-law, Arlene Faye of Ankeny; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; four brothers, Harley of Popejoy, Floyd of Denver, Colorado, Lloyd of Broomfield and Leo of Clear Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter in 1973; her stepmother, Anna Gardalen; two brothers, Lester and Donald; a sister, Selma Erickson; a son, Orville; and a grandson, Michael Hartkopp.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001

Tammi Guenther
May 11, 1959-May 31, 2001

June 6, 2001

Tammi L. Guenther, 42, of Tomah, Wisconsin, died on Thursday, May 31, 2001, at the Tomah Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 4, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tomah, with graveside rites in the Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Minnesota. Pastor John Wille officiated.

Tammi was born on May 11, 1959 in Rochester, to Allan and Eunice Luedke Strelow. She graduated from high school in Rochester and attended the Rochester Area Vocational Institute, graduating in the Dental Assistant Program. On April 11, 1981, she married Michael Guenther in Rochester. They lived throughout the United States as a military family, moving to Tomah in 1997.

She enjoyed volunteering at the children's schools and taught Sunday School. One of her special contributions was volunteering at Relay for Life and in 1999 she was the honorary chairman. She enjoyed crafting, especially sewing and ceramics.

She is survived by her husband, Mike of Tomah; her children, Cory and Kelsey; her parents, Allan and Eunice Strelow of Rochester; three sisters, Michelle Potter and husband, John of Rochester, Debra Sells and husband, Bill of Iowa Falls and Stephanie Behne and husband, Rich of Rochester; and many nieces and nephews.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2001