** Peggy Mechem

CLARION — Peggy Mechem, 70. of Clarion, died on Wednesday (Dec. 30, 1998) at her winter home in Mesa, Ariz.

Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church, Clarion.

RICEVILLE — Glenn Miles, 100, of Riceville, died Thursday (Dec. 31, 1998) at the Riceville Community Nursing Home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Conway Funeral Home, Riceville.

** Richard 'Obie' Raymond Guertin

NORTHWOOD — Richard "Obie" Raymond Guertin, 69, of Northwood, died Thursday (Dec. 31, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett.

BURT — Harvey V. Larson, 88, of Burt, died Wednesday (Dec. 30, 1998) at the Good Samaritan Center, Algona.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church, in Burt, with the Rev. Sue Thomas officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery, Algona.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, where other arrangements are incomplete.

** Bonnie J. Knapp

HAMPTON — Bonnie J. Knapp, 74, of Hampton, died Tuesday (Dec. 29, 1998) at the Hampton Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hampton United Methodist Church, with Pastor Janet Wearda officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery.

There will be no public visitation. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie J. Knapp was born July 30, 1924, in Auburn, Ill.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Knapp Sr., of Hampton; three sons, Kenneth Knapp Jr., of Upperville, Va., Robert Knapp, of San Pablo, Calif., and Richard Knapp, of Seattle; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Betty O'Connor, of Wells, Minn., and Shirley Kennely, of Valpraiso, Ind.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

** Ruth I. 'DeKruif' Garrard

MASON CITY — Ruth I. "DeKruif" Garrard, 77, of 304 Third St. N.E., died Wednesday (Dec. 30, 1998) at her home.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at the Wayside Chapel, of First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Douglas Anderson officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania and one hour before services on Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Ruth I. DeKruif Garrard Memorial Fund.

Ruth was born May 14, 1921, in Wesley, the daughter of Gale and Beatrice (Cassler) Stockwell. She grew up in Sheldon, Iowa, and lived there until she was 16, when the family moved to Algona. She graduated from Algona High School.

Ruth was married to William DeKruif on Feb. 2, 1941, in Algona. They moved to Mason City in 1945. William died on Oct. 12, 1975.

Ruth worked for the Mason City Schools at Washington Elementary School in the Food Service for 10 years before retiring in 1974.

She married William Garrard on May 24, 1986. He died in 1991.

Ruth enjoyed making quilts, embroidering, dancing and traveling.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sarah Circle, GGG Sorority, Moose Auxiliary, and the Postal Auxiliary. She was a former member of the Grandmothers Club.

Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Zimmer and her husband, Steven, of Mason City; sons, William J. DeKruif and his wife, Barbara, of Garner and Chris P. DeKruif, of Mason City; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ilene Shepherd, of Washta, Iowa and June Lassahn, of Saginaw, Mich.; sisters-in-law, Effie Jacobsma, of Sibley, Annie Paulson, of Sheldon, and Pauline DeKruif, of Sheldon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first and second husbands, sister, Marie Nelson; and brother, Robert D. Stockwell.

** Stephen C. Allison

MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. — Stephen C. Allison, 50, of 4919 Independence St., Maple Plain, Minn. 55359, died Thursday (Dec. 24, 1998) at his home, of a heart attack.

Steve, the son of Max I. and Mary Jane (Quinn) Allison, was born Jan. 14, 1948, in Mason City. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1966 and served four years in the Air Force.

Steve is survived by his wife, Dawn; a daughter, Stephanie and grandson, Jacob, of Mason City; a daughter, Alicia, of Chanhassen, Minn.; and a stepdaughter, Heather, at home.

Living family members include his father, Max, of Mason City; brothers, Mike, of Rockford, Phil, of Clarion and Dennis, of Denver.; sisters, Cindy Blanchard, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Linda Rogers, of Altoona.

He was preceded in death by his mother; and an older brother, Tony.

** Irene Catherine Francis

BRITT — Irene Catherine Francis, 69, of Britt, passed away Tuesday (Dec. 29, 1998) at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, in Britt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Britt, with the Rev. Marvin Bries officiating. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Britt.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Ewing Funeral Home, Britt.

Irene, the daughter of John and Katherine (Kress) Appelhons, was born Oct. 23, 1929, in Britt. Irene attended Britt Community Schools.

She was united in marriage with Darrell Francis on Oct. 16, 1948 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Britt. The couple made their home in Britt.

Irene was employed at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital and the Britt News Tribune. She later was employed by Winnebago Industries for 19 years.

Irene enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing cards and putting together puzzles.

She was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary in Britt.

Irene is survived by her husband, Darrell; daughter, Diane, of Britt; son, Jim and his wife, Tena, of Britt; and their children, Courtney, Callie and Cara; two brothers, John Appelhons and his wife, Emma, of Thompson, Joe Appelhons and his wife, Donna, of Britt; sister-in-law, Tena Appelhons, of Crystal Lake; and brother-in-law, Lewis Fox, of Britt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Donald Paul Francis; three sisters, Elizabeth Haxton, Mary Fox, and Barbara Jilek; and a brother, Jake Appelhons.

** Dorothy H. Cerwinske

ROCKFORD — Dorothy H. Cerwinske, 89, a former Rockford resident, died Monday (Dec. 28, 1998) at the Stanton Nursing Home, in Stanton, Neb.

** Richard 'Obie' Raymond Guertin

NORTHWOOD — Richard "Obie" Raymond Guertin, 69, of Northwood, died Thursday (Dec. 31, 1998) at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with the Rev. Selmer G. "Sam" Hernes officiating. Military honors will be held in the church by Our Buddies V.F.W. Memorial Post No. 6779, Northwood. Following the services cremation will take place.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 99-11th St. S., Northwood and one hour prior to services on Sunday at the church.

The family of Richard "Obie" Raymond Guertin has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lutheran Retirement Home, in Northwood, in his memory.

Richard "Obie" Raymond Guertin was born on March 24, 1929, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of George and Della (Overbeck) Guertin. He received his education in the Mason City school system, graduating from Mason City High School in 1947.

After completing his schooling, he began working for the Shipley Printing Company in Mason City, until his induction into the U.S. Army on Jan. 15, 1951, at Fort Des Moines He served with an artillery unit in the Fifth Army in the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on Oct. 15, 1952, at Camp Lucas, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

After his honorable discharge, he went back to working for the Shipley Printing Company, in Mason City, until 1965. He moved to Washington, D.C. where he lived until his retirement in 1985, when he moved to Northwood.

He was united in marriage to Frances Adams on June 4, 1955, at the Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, rural Glenville, Minn.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, bowling, and telling old stories to his family and friends.

He was a member of the Elk Creek Lutheran Church and former member of the church council in Kensett. He was a member of Our Buddies V.F.W. Memorial Post No. 6779 in Northwood.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Frances Guertin, of Northwood; one daughter, Debra Lucas and her husband, Jeff, of Blacksburg, Va.; two sons, Kevin Guertin and his wife, Mary, of San Jose, Calif., and Jon Guertin, of Northwood; four grandchildren, Brandon, Nicole and Adam Lucas, of Blacksburg, Va. and Kendall Guertin, of San Jose, Calif.; one brother, Don Guertin and his wife, Peggy, of Roseburg, Ore.; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Irene, Dixie and Vivian; and a brother, George Guertin.

** Ruth I. DeKruif Garrard

MASON CITY — Ruth I. DeKruif Garrard, 77, of 304 Third St. N.E., died Wednesday (Dec. 30, 1998) at her home.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. today at the Wayside Chapel, of First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Douglas Anderson officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation was held Friday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania and will be held one hour before services today at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Ruth I. DeKruif Garrard Memorial Fund.

Ruth was born May 14, 1921, in Wesley, the daughter of Gale and Beatrice (Casler) Stockwell. She grew up in Sheldon, Iowa. When she was 16, the family moved to Algona. She graduated from Algona High School.

Ruth was married to William DeKruif on Feb. 2, 1941, in Algona. They moved to Mason City in 1945. William died on Oct. 12, 1975.

Ruth worked for the Mason City Schools at Washington Elementary School in food service for 10 years . She retired in 1974.

She married William Garrard on May 24, 1986. He died in 1991.

Ruth enjoyed making quilts, embroidering, dancing and traveling.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sarah Circle, GGG Sorority, Moose Auxiliary, and the Postal Auxiliary. She was a former member of the Grandmothers Club.

Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Zimmer and her husband, Steven, of Mason City; sons, William J. DeKruif and his wife, Barbara, of Garner and Chris P. DeKruif, of Mason City; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ilene Shepherd, of Washta, Iowa and June Lassahn, of Saginaw, Mich.; sisters-in-law, Effie Jacobsma, of Sibley, Annie Paulsen, of Sheldon, and Pauline DeKruif, of Sheldon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, John DeKruif; her first and second husbands; sister, Marie Nelson; and brother, Robert D. Stockwell.

** Glen D. Miles

RICEVILLE — Glen D. Miles, 100, of Riceville, died Thursday (Dec. 31, 1998) at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Conway Funeral Home, with the Rev. Herschel Hawf officiating. Burial will be in the Saratoga Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Conway Funeral Home, Riceville.

Glen was born June 18, 1898, in Howard County.

He is survived by one son, John, of Riceville; three daughters, Eleanor Bower, of Osage; Erma Downs, of Mason City; and Konnie Russell, of Phoenix; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Allison "Jack" of Osage.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two sons, one brother and one sister.

** Harvey V. Larson

BURT — Harvey V. Larson, 88, of Burt, died Wednesday (Dec. 30, 1998) at the Good Samaritan Center, Algona.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church, Burt, with the Rev. Sue Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Eastlawn Cemetery, Algona.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Burt and after 9 a.m. Monday at the church.

Harvey V. Larson was born May 4, 1910, in Plum Creek Township, Burt.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred Larson, of Burt; two daughters, Linda Broesder and Becky Ricke, both of Algona; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

** Lavon C. Landers

GREENE — Funeral services for Lavon C. Landers, 71, of 408 N. Bluff St., Greene, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, in Greene, with Pastor Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.

Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Reid's Funeral Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 9 p.m., with a pubic scripture service at 7:30 p.m. The casket will be closed at the church.

Lavon Charlotte Ringleb was born July 1, 1927 in rural Bristow, Butler County, a daughter of Alfred and Alice (Wiebke) Ringleb; and died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at her home in Greene of cancer.

She was baptized July 24, 1927 at her home and confirmed a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Vilmar on April 6, 1941. She received her education at the Brushy Mound Country School in rural Butler County.

On Dec. 22, 1946, she was united in marriage to Elmer Otto Landers, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Vilmar. To this union were born four children, Duane Leon, Dean Alan, Janice Ann and Richard Lee. Elmer and Lavon first farmed east of Aredale for four years, before moving onto their farm near Packard. In 1980, they moved to their present home in Greene.

Lavon was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed baking, flower gardening, and crocheting. She enjoyed going on evening drives with her husband and going out for supper; and also spending time with her four grandchildren going to the races, the county fair, ball games and shopping trips.

She was a faithful member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and was a member of WELCA and a former member of the Packard Club.

Living family members include her loving husband of 52 years, Elmer, of Greene; one daughter, Jan Austin, of Greene; one son, Richard and his wife, Mary Landers, of Clarksville; four grandchildren, Chad Austin, Tara Austin, Alecia Landers, and Cody Landers; and one sister, Marvel Gerjerts, of Cedar Falls.

She was preceded in death by her two sons, Dean Alan on Aug. 31, 1951, and Duane Leon on May 13, 1964; and one brother, Donald Ringleb.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Lavon C. Landers Memorial Fund in care of the family.

** Dale F. Smith

MASON CITY — Dale F. Smith, 73, of 1054 17th St. N.E., died Thursday (Dec. 31, 1998) at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, after suffering a heart attack.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at the Fullerton Patterson James Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., with Pastor Arne Bergland, of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with graveside military honors conducted by the Mason City Memorial Association.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Fullerton Patterson James Funeral Home, and from 9 a.m. until time of services on Tuesday.

Other arrangements are incomplete at the Patterson James Funeral Home.

** Arthur Charles Rice Sr.

CLEAR LAKE — Arthur Charles Rice, Sr., 64, of Clear Lake, died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

** Edwin C. Wittkopf

ALGONA — Edwin C. Wittkopf, 85, of Algona, died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona.

** Charles R. 'Charlie' Hubacher

MASON CITY — Charles R. "Charlie" Hubacher, 68, of 1323 10th St. S.E., died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) in Tama, Iowa, of heart failure.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.

Other arrangements are incomplete at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City.

** Greg G. Green

CHARLES CITY — Greg G. Green, 32, 611 Freeman St., died Wednesday (Dec. 30, 1998) from injuries suffered in a two vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 218 west of Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, 105 Chapel Lane, Charles City, with the Rev. Dr. S. Todd Yeaton officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City and will continue from 9 a.m. until noon on Monday. There will be further visitation one hour prior to services at the church.

Greg Garland Green was born Sept. 27, 1966, in Charles City.

Survivors include his father, Gayle, of Charles City; his mother, Ardella Morrison, of Spring Hill, Fla.; two sisters, Gayla Jo Wilkinson, of Ocean View, Del.; and Deanna Mae Ballard, of Urbandale; and one brother, Dana Rae Green, of Fort Worth, Texas; and his grandmothers, Belva Green, of Charles City, and Myrtle Zipse, of New Hampton.

** Peggy L. Mechem

CLARION — Peggy Lunette Mechem, 70, died Wednesday (Dec. 30, 1998) at her winter home in Mesa, Ariz.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, Clarion. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Visitation, with the family present, will be from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Willim Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St.

Peggy Lunette Latch Mechem was born Aug. 31, 1928, at Clarion.

She is survived by her husband, Allen, of Clarion; a son, Robert, of Ft. Myers, Fla.; a daughter, Diana Christians, of Kanawha; four grandchildren; a brother, Ronnie Latch, of Joplin, Mo.; and three sisters, Barbara Nail of Clarion, Colleen Halwick of Chicago and Linda Ginger of Joplin, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepmother.

** Lillian K. Skram

COLUMBIA , Mo. — Lillian Kathryn Skram, 45, died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at Boone Retirement Center in Columbia.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Columbia, with the Rev. Michael Flanagan officiating. Interment will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph, Mo.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Parker Funeral Service & Crematory, 22 N. Tenth St., is in charge of arrangements.

Lillian Kathryn Skram was born Aug. 31, 1953, in Ankara, Turkey, to Joseph and Mary Elaine Knapp Skram.

She attended Myrtle Miller School for Exceptional Children in St. Joseph, Mo., Hoover Grade School in Mason City, Iowa, and Hope Haven in Rock Valley, Iowa, for two years. Lilly worked for Harts Sheltered Workshop in Sterling, Colo., and was an original resident of the then newly established Harts Home for the Retarded. Upon moving to Omaha, Neb., she was employed by Methodist Hospital for more than 15 years.

Six years ago she moved with her parents to Columbia, Mo., where until recently she worked for Central Missouri Shelter Enterprises.

Lillian is survived by her parents, Joseph and Mary Elaine Skram, Columbia; five sisters, Suzanne Hart, Columbia, Eleanor Ann Skram, New York City, Nancy Tolliver, Charleston, W.Va., Patricia L. Turner, Portland, Ore., and Mary Elaine Waite, Beaver Creek, Ohio; three brothers, Christopher J. Skram, Denver, Colo., Paul E. Skram, Charleston, W.Va., and Peter Soren Skram, Denver, Colo.; eight brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; grandnieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; and friends who always remember the love and joy she brought into their lives.

Memorials may be given to Our Lady of Lourdes Building Fund, 903 Bernadette Drive, Columbia, MO 65203.

** Dale F. Smith

MASON CITY — Dale F. Smith, 73, of 1054 17th St. N.E., died Thursday (Dec. 31, 1998) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East after suffering a heart attack.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fullerton Patterson-James Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., with the Rev. Arne Bergland of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with graveside military honors conducted by the Mason City Memorial Association.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. until service time on Tuesday.

Dale Francis Smith was born April 11, 1925, in Swaledale, the son of William Henry and Phoebe Lucretia (Bradley) Smith. He attended school in Swaledale and graduated from Swaledale Community High School in 1942.

Dale immediately entered the United States Navy. He proudly served his country during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and on May 31, 1945, in Louisville, Ky., he was united in marriage to Daisy Roberta Robertson.

The couple made their home in Mason City where Dale was employed as a loading dock checker at the former Decker's Meat Packing Company. He and his family moved briefly to Fort Madison when Dale was transferred to the packing company there. Two years later, Dale and family returned to Mason City where he continued his profession with the Armour Meat Packing Co. Dale retired during the late 1980s.

He was a lifetime member of Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post No. 733 of Mason City. He also belonged to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge of Mason City and the American Association of Retired Persons. During his working years, Dale was a member of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union. Dale loved to go camping and fishing. He played slow-pitch softball and bowled for the Pete's Place teams. He also played darts in the Men's Dart League. Dale also enjoyed attending stock car races and rodeos, especially the Sidney Rodeo, whenever he could.

Those thankful for having shared Dale's life include two foster sons, Walter W. Marson and Edward D. Marson, both of Mason City; a daughter-in-law, Darlene Stephani of Kensett; a brother, Roy Smith of Mason City; three sisters, Mavis Madole of Mason City, June Greene of Cedar Rapids and Ella (Mrs. Carl) Bruchner of Hiawatha; two grandsons, Danny Stephani of Kansas City, Mo., and Edward Boyd of Mankato, Minn.; a very special friend, Lois Hildman of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Daisy, who died Oct. 16, 1989, in Mason City; a son, Lee Smith; a brother, George Smith; and a sister, Bonnie Lee Smith Marson.

** Melvin O. Burtness

NORTHWOOD — Melvin Oscar Burtness, 96, died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with the Rev. Selmer G. "Sam" Hernes officiating. Burial will be the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Conner Colonial Chapel, 99 Eleventh St. S., Northwood. Visitation will resume one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Melvin Oscar Burtness was born on June 19, 1902, in Danville Township, Worth County, the son of Ole Pederson and Marie (Arneson) Burtness. He was baptized by Pastor Lars O. Pederson on June 18, 1916, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation in the Lutheran faith by Pastor Thor Sigmond on Nov. 11, 1918, also at Elk Creek Church. Melvin enrolled at Waldorf Lutheran College in Forest City and graduated on May 22, 1922.

Melvin became a farmer in Danville and Brookfield townships and farmed for 52 years, until his retirement in 1975 when he sold his farm to Harold and Clarice Hagen and moved to San Bernardino, Calif., and became a staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ International, an evangelistic organization.

Melvin wanted to go to Africa as an agricultural missionary, but for health reasons he stayed with Campus Crusade for six years, then retired to Northwood in 1981. He also was a salesman for Archer Oil Company in Omaha, Neb.

He was a member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church and was active in its Sunday School and, for many years, served as church secretary.

Melvin is survived by second-cousins in Canada, Norway and the United States and by a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Peter Arnold Burtness; and a sister, Ingeborg Amelia Burtness.

** Charles R. Hubacher

MASON CITY — Charles R. "Charlie" Hubacher, 68, of 1323 Tenth St. S.E., died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) in Tama of heart failure.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Sharon Betsworth officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Memorials may be directed to the Charles "Charlie" Hubacher Memorial Fund.

Charles R. "Charlie" Hubacher was born Sept. 17, 1930, in rural Mason City, the son of Clarence W. and Mabel (Rhodes) Hubacher.

He grew up in Mason City and married Mary J. Tickal on Dec. 31, 1950, in Austin, Minn. In 1980, they moved from Mason City to Lakewood, Colo.

After Mary died in 1987, Charlie moved back to Mason City in 1989. He married Karen Perry on Nov. 6, 1992, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Charlie was self-employed as a trucker, working for Stockberger's, H & M Transportation, Crouse Cartage Company and, after retirement, for Huffman Transportation. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Teamsters Union.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Hubacher, Mason City; two sons, Rodney Hubacher, LaFayette, La., and Curtis Hubacher and his wife, Julie, Mason City; one daughter, Vickie Holmes and her husband, Chris, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; three grandchildren, Gabe Johanns and Joshua and Zachary Hubacher; two stepchildren, Patti Burke and her husband, Tracy, Fertile, and George Perry Jr. and friend, Ogie, Mason City; six stepgrandchildren, Nicholas, Nichole, Sabrina, Cheyenne, Summer and Georden; two brothers, Floyd Hubacher and his wife, Cheryl, Cambridge, Minn., and John Hubacher and his wife, Esther, Mason City; two sisters, Florence Wagner and her husband, Art, Mason City, and Bonnie Olson, Mason City; one foster sister, Irene Moretz and her husband, Russ, Kensett; several nieces and nephews; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Hazel King, Mason City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary, in 1987; one sister, Darlene; and one brother-in-law, Clarence Olson.

** Esther S. Brekke

GARNER — Esther S. Brekke, 85, died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garner, with the Rev. Clyde Kieschnick and the Rev. Robert Bronson officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Roland Cemetery, Roland.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, Garner, and will resume one hour prior to services at the church Wednesday.

Esther Selma Brekke, the daughter of Samuel I. and Bertha (Solmonson) Sampson, was born May 27, 1913, on a farm near Roland. She was baptized and confirmed at the Bergen Lutheran Church in Roland. She attended rural schools near McCallsburg.

On Nov. 13, 1932, she was married to Amos M. Brekke at Roland. They farmed in Story County before moving to Clear Lake in 1941, Garner in 1949 and Klemme in 1955. They retired in 1978 and moved into Clear Lake. In 1996, Esther moved to the Prairie View Apartments, Garner.

She enjoyed her grandchildren, friends, gardening, crossword puzzles, Bible study and baking. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and its ladies aid and was a former member of the O.D.O. Club.

Esther is survived by her children, David Brekke and his wife, June, Portsmouth, Va., Roger Brekke and his wife, Gloria, Klemme, Karen Priebe and her husband, Carroll, Klemme, Darlene Stephens, Clear Lake, Sheryl Anderson and her husband, Robert, Garner, Mark Brekke and his wife, Mary, Norfolk, Va., and Mary Moon and her husband, Ron, Elkhart; 29 grandchildren, Michael Brekke, David Brekke Jr., Richard Brekke, Robert Brekke, William Brekke, Joseph Brekke, Regis Korbe, Karla Sawyer, Kathy Hussey, Michael Korbe, Patricia Johnson, Levi Brekke, Charlotte Brekke, Keith Priebe, Clark Priebe, Carrie Priebe, Craig Priebe, Cory Brekke, Justin Stephens, Trista "T.J." Stephens, Shelley Blank, Shawn Huinker, Grant Anderson, Michael Anderson, Jennifer Brekke, Sarah Brekke, Aaron Moon, Eric Moon and Kyle Moon; many great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Stella Anderson, Nevada, and Effie Sorem, Story City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Amos, April 11, 1985; a grandson, Richard A. Brekke, during September of 1996; her parents; a brother, Theodore Sampson; and a sister, Carrie Sampson.

** Dorothy H. Cerwinske

ROCKFORD — Dorothy H. Cerwinske, 83, formerly of Rockford, died Monday (Dec. 28, 1998) at the Stanton Nursing Home in Stanton, Neb.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Fullerton-Schumburg Funeral Home, Rockford, with the Rev. Richard Pippert of the Rudd United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the funeral home.

Dorothy was born on Nov. 1, 1915, at Dougherty, the daughter of Mark and Harriet (Whitledge) Boone.

On March 16, 1935, she was united in marriage to Robert Cerwinske. They lived in Arizona from 1951 until 1956, when they moved to Rockford where they farmed until their retirement. They then moved to Rudd.

After her husband's death in 1991, she moved to O'Neil, Neb., to live with her daughter and then to the Stanton Nursing Home in 1995. She was a member of the Rudd United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Lois, and her husband, Robert Carrall, O'Neil, Neb.; her son, Allan, and his wife, Nancy Cerwinske, Rockford; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert, in 1991; an infant granddaughter; three brothers, Frank, Roy and Don Boone; a sister, Mabel Schmidt; and two infant siblings.

** Betty Kiewiet

BUFFALO CENTER — Betty Kiewiet, 76, died Saturday (Jan. 2, 1999) at her home in Buffalo Center.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center.

** Altha Mae Kotz

NEW HAMPTON — Altha Mae Kotz, 73, died Thursday (Dec. 31, 1998) at Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo, of natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton, with the Rev. David Bergstrom and the Rev. Daniel Vojta officiating. Burial will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Larkin-Martin-Hugeback Funeral Home, New Hampton, and will resume one hour prior to the services Monday at the church. Larkin-Martin-Hugeback Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Altha was born Nov. 26, 1925, in Armstrong, the daughter of Alton Parker and Grace Olive (Lange) Elliott. She attended school in Buffalo Center and Clear Lake and graduated from Mason City High School in 1944.

On March 11, 1946, she was united in marriage to Wilbur Kotz in Decorah. She worked at the former Roger's Restaurant in New Hampton for more than 10 years and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Altha's favorite pastime was sewing.

Survivors include her husband, Wilbur; four daughters, Patsy Fickbohm, Des Moines, Merry Kruger and her husband, Richard, Charles City, Kathy VanTassel and her husband, Mark, Rochester, Minn., and Sue Ann Kotz, Cedar Falls; three sons, Wilbur Kotz and his wife, Barbara, Des Moines, Tom P. Kotz and his wife, Michele, Lamoni, and Robbie L. Kotz and his wife, Cindy, New Hampton; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and three sisters, Olive Hammon, LeRoy, Minn., Darlene Sprau, Mason City, and Delores Eland, Fort Meyers, Fla.

Altha was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, LaLonna, on July 16, 1965; and one sister, Nellie Hammon.

** Edwin Carl Wittkopf

ALGONA — Edwin Carl Wittkopf , 85, died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Doug Hoag and the Rev. Steve Turner officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home.

Edwin Carl Wittkopf was born near Lotts Creek on Jan. 28, 1913.

He is survived by his wife, Luella, of Algona; three children, Harlan and Jerel (Dick) of Algona and Marla of Roswell, N. M., and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and two brothers.

** Virgil Miller

FOREST CITY — Virgil Miller, 46, died Saturday (Jan. 2, 1999) at his home.

** Melvin O. Burtness

NORTHWOOD — Melvin Oscar Burtness, 96, died Friday (Jan. 1, 1999) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, rural Kensett, with the Rev. Selmer G. "Sam" Hernes officiating. Burial will be the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Conner Colonial Chapel, 99 Eleventh St. S., Northwood. Visitation will resume one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Melvin Oscar Burtness was born on June 19, 1902, in Danville Township, Worth County, the son of Ole Pederson and Marie (Arneson) Burtness. He was baptized by Pastor Lars O. Pederson on June 18, 1916, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation in the Lutheran faith by Pastor Thor Sigmond on Nov. 11, 1918, also at Elk Creek Church. Melvin enrolled at Waldorf Lutheran College in Forest City and graduated on May 22, 1922.

Melvin became a farmer in Danville and Brookfield townships and farmed for 52 years, until his retirement in 1975 when he sold his farm to Harold and Clarice Hagen and moved to San Bernardino, Calif., and became a staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ International, an evangelistic organization.

Melvin wanted to go to Africa as an agricultural missionary, but for health reasons he stayed with Campus Crusade for six years, then retired to Northwood in 1981. He also was a salesman for Archer Oil Company in Omaha, Neb.

He was a member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church and was active in its Sunday School and, for many years, served as church secretary.

Melvin is survived by second-cousins in Canada, Norway and the United States and by a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Peter Arnold Burtness; and a sister, Ingeborg Amelia Burtness.

** Virgil Miller

FOREST CITY — Virgil Miller, 46, died Saturday (Jan. 2, 1999) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gary Marzolf officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home.

Virgil Miller was born Dec. 13, 1952, in Vermillion, S.D.

Survivors include his wife, Gerilyn Miller of Forest City; two daughters, Cher Nielsen and Shannon Miller, both of Forest City; three sisters, Betty Jones, Byrul Moore and Renee Miller, all of Belmond; four brothers, Ernie Miller of Hayfield, Michael Miller of Fort Dodge, Dwight Miller of Belmond, and Dwayne Miller of Britt; and one grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother.

** Greg G. Greene

services postponed

CHARLES CITY — Funeral services for Greg G. Greene, 32, of Charles City have been rescheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church, 105 Chapel Lane, Charles City. Visitation will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. today at the Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home.

** Bertha M. Petersen

VENTURA — Bertha M. Petersen, 80, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake.

** Roger W. Mapes

CHARLES CITY — Roger W. Mapes, 73, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home.

** Wilfred Iverson

LAKE MILLS — Wilfred Iverson, 84, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Mittelstadt Funeral Home.

** Betty W. Kiewiet

BUFFALO CENTER — Betty Kiewiet, 76, died Saturday (Jan. 2, 1999) in Buffalo Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the First Reformed Church with the Rev. Bill Peake officiating. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Winter Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Betty W. Kiewiet was born Feb. 7, 1922, in Cortland, N.Y.

Survivors include her children, Tom and Terry, both of Buffalo Center, and Fayola Cook of Jupiter, Fla.; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and two brothers, Stephen Waite of Buffalo Center, and John Waite of Woodburn, Ore.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, and one brother.

** Louise M. Hermann

ROCKFORD — Louise M. Hermann, 107, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home.

** Dorothy Johnson

NEWTON — Dorothy Johnson, 78, formerly of the Belmond and surrounding areas, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1998) at the Nelson Manor Nursing Home.

** Stanley Collins

MASON CITY — Stanley Collins, 89, of 2002 S. Georgia Ave., died Monday (Jan. 4, 1999) at Good Shepherd Health Center.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

** Bertha Louise Togeas

ALGONA — Bertha Louise Togeas, 84, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at the Good Samaritan Home, Algona.

Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Algona, with the Rev. Don Wahlgren of Gowrie officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Dodge, at a later date.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Bertha Louise Togeas was born on March 15, 1914, at Gilman.

She is survived by her children, James Togeas, Morris, Minn., Cindy Kohlhaas, LuVerne, and Janie Togeas, Arcadia, Calif.; two grandchildren; and one sister, Gladys Lambert, Chandler, Ariz.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter and four brothers.

** Roger W. Mapes

CHARLES CITY — Roger W. Mapes, 73, of 2175 S. Main St., died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at his home.

There will be no memorial service or visitation at this time. The Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Winston Mapes was born Feb. 13, 1925, in Charles City.

He is survived by a brother, Robert Mapes, Charles City, and a sister, Marjorie Groth, Charles City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the American Heart Association.

** Bertha M. Petersen

VENTURA — Bertha M. Petersen, 81, of 213 E. Lake St., died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Kermit Roisen officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, and will resume one hour prior to the services at the church Wednesday.

The family suggests that memorials be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or Zion Lutheran Church.

Bertha was born Nov. 28, 1917, in Clear Lake, the daughter of Anton and Minnie (Grell) Larson. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1935. She continued her education at Hamilton Business College, Mason City.

Bertha married Everett M. Petersen April 9, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minn. They lived in Clear Lake and later moved to Ventura. She worked for a tax service in Garner in the mid 1950s, then for Clear Lake Creamery and in 1963 went to work for the Ventura Farmers Co-op as a bookkeeper. She worked there until her retirement during 1985.

Bertha was a member of Zion Luthern Church, Clear Lake, and the Tina Rebekah Lodge No. 105, Clear Lake.

She is survived by her two daughters, Julie Lambert and her husband, Jack, Albert Lea, Minn., and Janice Humphrey and her husband, David, Arlington, Texas; three grandchildren, Rachael Humphrey and her fiancee, Rick Boatwright, Arlington, Texas, Brian Lambert and his wife, Lisa, Austin, Minn., and Ann Lambert, Winona, Minn.; one brother, Lester Larson, Dubuque; and a sister-in-law, Genevieve Venticher and her husband, Ed, of Manning.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, John David; her husband, Everett; one sister, Hazel Allstot; one brother, Donald Larson; a brother-in-law, Fred Martin; and a sister-in-law, Virginia Tice, and her husband, Gayle.

** Max Schaefer

BUFFALO CENTER — Max Schaefer, 69, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at North Iowa Mercy Health Center West, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Buffalo Center United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center. Other arrangements are pending.

** Louise M. Hermann

ROCKFORD — Louise M. Hermann, 107, of 105 Fifth St. N. W., died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Funeral services are tentatively planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Rockford, with the Rev. Ron Friedell officiating.

Other arrangements are incomplete at Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home, 302 W. Main.

** Roger A. Saunders Sr.

HAMPTON , Va. — Roger Allan Saunders Sr., 65, died Friday (Dec. 25, 1995) at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, Va.

Our Lord reached down with his loving hands and gently raised the soul of Roger A. Saunders Sr. to his glorious light in heaven. He is being rewarded for fulfilling God's unique and special purpose for his life — a life dedicated to family, friends, community and love.

A funeral Mass was held at noon Tuesday, Dec. 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hampton, Va. Interment was at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

Roger was born in Mason City on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 1933. He was educated in parochial and public schools in Mason City where he earned recognition for his outstanding athletic abilities in track. He completed Mason City Junior College and then enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Desiring to seek better opportunities for his family, he completed Mortuary Science School in Atlanta, Ga., and began a career with Cooke Brothers Funeral Home.

While serving his country at Fort Eustis, he met and married Irene Boone. To this union were born four children.

During the early 1950s, he was given the opportunity to become the first black automobile salesman on the Peninsula. This career change resulted in a successful 38 years with Poquoson Motors. He earned salesman-of-the-month and salesman-of-the-year awards for several years. Being the kind and considerate person he was, he removed himself from the contest to allow others to earn recognition. He was the recipient of numerous civic and service awards for his dedication and love of community.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 43 years, Irene Boone Saunders; a daughter and son-in-law, Debra Saunders White and Dr. Cecil White Jr., Memphis, Tenn.; three sons, Roger Allan Saunders Jr. and his wife, Sonya E., Ralph Jerome Saunders and his wife, Tanya G., and Kyle Patrick Saunders Sr., all of Hampton, Va..; his parents , Mrs. Edna Saunders, Mason City, and Albert Saunders Sr., Milwaukee, Wis.; brothers, Dr. Meredith Saunders, Des Moines, Albert J. Saunders Jr., Des Moines, and Philip T. Saunders, Troy, Mich.; one sister, Greta L. Jeffries, Newport News, Va.; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Vergie Boone, Jackson, N. C.; seven grandchildren; dedicated brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews.

Roger was blessed with devoted and loyal customers. He gave himself in every deal he made. He worked diligently to take care of his customers and make them "happy." He cherished Norfolk Sentara's Heart Transplant team and Drs. Clark, Francis and Ridley, for it was this team that gave him rebirth.

Roger, a loving, generous, hard-working child of the Lord, will be remembered with joy and missed with love.

** Wilfred H. Iverson

LAKE MILLS — Wilfred "Wif" H. Iverson, 84, died Sunday (Jan. 3, 1999) at the Lake Mills Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Salem Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Dykstra and the Rev. Sara Beth Akre officiating. Burial will be in Salem Memorial Cemetery, with military rites performed by members of Otto/Chose American Legion Post No. 235.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Mittelstadt Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

Wilfred "Wif" H. Iverson was born Feb. 8, 1914, in Winnebago County.

He is survived by his wife, Izetta, Lake Mills; one daughter, Ann Kassera, Maple Grove, Minn.; one son, Lee Iverson, Billings Mont.; one grandson; one brother, Forest Iverson, Lake Mills; and one sister, Adaline Bradford, Alexandria, Minn.

Wilfred was preceded in death by his parents, one son, two sisters and two brothers.

** Stanley Nash

MARBLE ROCK — Stanley Nash, 48, of 525 S. Main St., died Monday (Jan. 4, 1999) at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Reid's Funeral Chapel, Marble Rock. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery.