Rockwell - Lenora Amelia Floy, 95, of Rockwell, died Tuesday (Jan. 20, 2009) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.
    Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Friday at First United Methodist Church, Thornton, with the Rev. John Scherb of Rockwell presiding. Interment will be at a later date at Pleasant View Cemetery, Thornton.
    Visitation will be from 11 to 12:30 p.m., Friday at the church.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home 641-998-2311.
 

HAMPTON - Lucille Hansen, 90, of the Franklin General Nursing Facility of Hampton, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
    Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton with burial in the Hampton Cemetery.
     Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. The Rev. Karl Bollhagen and Vicar Jesse Burns will officiate the service.
     Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton.
     Lucille was born Nov. 29, 1918, the 12th of 14 children to Fred and S. Edna (Nowell) Bonjour in Ross Township, Franklin County. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Sheffield. She lived most of her younger years around Chapin and attended Stoney Point country school. She was very proud of winning a county spelling bee contest while at school.
    On Oct. 20, 1937, Lucille married Eino Hansen in Mason City. They farmed in the Swaledale area until 1945 when they moved to the Hansen home farm near Hampton. In 1966 they moved to a home in Val Kay Court in Hampton.
    She worked in Anthony's Clothing and Nelson Hardware. She belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid Society and the Hampton Cemetery Society.
    Lucille was famous for her cooking skills. She especially excelled in pie making. This was done never using a recipe or measuring cup. It was always measured by sight. If anyone stopped at her home, no matter what time of the day, it was time for "coffee." She would put a spread of food on the table that would feed any number. She also loved sewing, gardening, playing cards, bingo and scrabble.
    She is survived by three sons, Edward (Judi) and Jim (Pam) of Hampton and Harold (Jo) Hansen of Mason City; seven grandchildren, Ron (Paige) Hansen and Doug (Deb) Hansen of Hampton, Colleen (Clay) Love, Bloomington, Minn, Amy (Carter) Crews, High Ridge, Miss., Jym (Elaine) Hansen, Oelwein, Adam Hansen, Hashua, and Kelly (Ted) Minette, Liberty, Mo.; two foster grandchildren, Joey Abraham, Iowa City, and Marylyn (Andy) Slavek, Sagle, Idaho; 16 great-grandchildren, Patrick, Haylee, Eric, Jennifer, Megan, Jacob, Abby, Maxwell, Ciara, Cameron, Jenny, Alex, Katherine, Cole, Devon and Destiny; two sisters, Lois Smith of Marshfield, Mo., and Pearl Liekweg of Sheffield; three sisters-in-law, Lillian Canterbury and Helen Bonjour of Hampton and Faye Bonjour of Ardmore, Ala.
    She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Eino, in 2000; her parents, brothers and sisters, LeRoy, Lottie, Leatha, Guy, Dallas, Alvin, LuVerne, Merle, Willard, Clarence and Leona; and a foster daughter, Jenny (Jensen) Abraham.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, Hampton, 306 Central Ave. E., 641-456-3232.
 

Clear Lake - Jeff Karr, 51, of 805 S. Eighth St., Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) in his home.
    Arrangements are pending with Sheckler Colonial Chapel-Nora Springs, 641-749-2210.

wwww.colonialchapels.com
 

Mason City - Walter W. Marson, 55, of 510 S. Illinois Ave., Mason City, died Saturday (Jan. 17, 2009) at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.
    A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the Mason City Veteran's Memorial Association. A private inurnment for family and friends will be held at a later date this spring.
    Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel.
    Memorials may be directed to the Walter W. Marson Memorial Fund, in care of Roy Rinnels, 709 E. State St., Mason City, IA 50401.
    Walter was born Dec. 1, 1953, in Mason City, the son of Walter W. and Bonnie L. (Smith) Marson. Walter was mainly raised by his family members, Dale and Daisy Smith. He graduated from Mason City High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1974 and was honorably discharged in 1974. He worked for Marion Mid-Way for several years and most recently was a cab driver for K.C. Cabs.
    Walter enjoyed thrift store shopping, garage sales and loved to cook.
    He is survived by his brother, Edward Marson, Mason City, one nephew and numerous other family members and friends.
    Walter was preceded in death by his parents.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 641-423-2372.
www.colonialchapels.com
 

CHARLES CITY - Virgil Quade, 90, of Charles City, died Tuesday (Jan. 20, 2009) at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
    Funeral services for Virgil Quade will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Entombment will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.
    Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Visitation will continue at the church an hour prior to the service.

The Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323.
www.hauserfh.com
 

Rockford - Dale R. "Choppy" Sadler, 81, of 212 W. Main Ave., Rockford, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at the Nora Springs Care Center, Nora Springs.
    Arrangements are pending at Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home, 302 W. Main, Rockford.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 641-756-3311.
www.Fullertonfh.com
 

GREENE - Pauline Marie Tindall, 99, of 616 Highland Drive, Greene, died Monday (Jan. 19, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, of natural causes.
    Funeral services for Pauline Marie Tindall will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at the Methodist Church in Greene. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene.
    Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., in Greene.
    Pauline Marie Minert was born in Pittsford Township, Butler County, on Sept. 8, 1909, the youngest of four children of Guy A. and Ida Jane (Meehen) Minert, and died Monday (Jan. 19, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City of natural causes.
    Pauline's father and mother farmed north of Dumont. Pauline graduated from Dumont High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls obtaining a teachers certificate. Pauline taught in a rural country school.
    On Sept. 3, 1930, she was united in marriage to Wilbur Earl Tindall at her parents' home in rural Dumont. They farmed, making their home in rural Bristow until 1962 when they moved to Greene.
    She was active in the Wesleyan Church in Bennezette Township. After moving to Greene, she and Wilbur joined the Methodist Church in Greene.
    Pauline was a member of the Wesleyan Missionary Society in Bennezette Township. She was a member of the Women's Society of the Methodist Church in Greene. She was also a member of the Federated Women's Club, Ladies Embroidery Club, The Better Way Club and the Round Grove Country Club.
    Pauline was a wonderful homemaker and an excellent cook. She loved and cherished her family. In later years Pauline and Wilbur enjoyed spending winters in Scottsdale, Ariz. With the assistance of Evelyn Green, Pauline was able to enjoy her last few years living in her own home. She enjoyed the company of Evelyn's sons, Max Green, Dylan Green and Benjamin Green.
    She is survived by two sons, Lloyd W. Tindall and his wife, Cleo, of Verona, Wis., Donn Tindall and his wife, Sally, of Bristow, one daughter, Belva Krukow and her husband, Donovon, of Hampton; six grandchildren, Stephen Tindall and his wife, Ilene, of Cedar Falls, Timothy Tindall of Holden, Maine, Scott Tindall and his wife, Julie, of Urbandale, Mark Tindall and his wife, Twyla, of Clear Lake, David Krukow of Hampton and Jonathan Krukow and his wife, Pokum, of Hampton; 13 great-grandchildren, Andrew Tindall, Cassandra Tindall, Alicia Tindall and Conor Tindall of Cedar Falls, Elliot Tindall and Taylor Tindall of Holden, Maine, Joshua Tindall, Jessica Tindall and Jena Tindall of Urbandale, and Emily Tindall, Ethan Tindall, Elaina Tindall and Ellie Rose Tindall of Clear Lake. Also, many nieces and nephews.
    Pauline was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur on March 16, 1997; her parents; one sister, Mildred Zimmerman; and two brothers, Wayne Minert and Dwight Minert.
    Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Pauline M. Tindall Memorial Fund in care of the family.
    Arrangements are entrusted to Reid's funeral Chapels, 519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457.
 

HAMPTON - Gary Wickwire, 66, of Hampton, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at the Hampton Health Care Center.
    Arrangements are pending with Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, 641-456-3232.
 

CLEAR LAKE - Dr. Charles B. Wilmarth, 70, of 1419 North Shore Drive died Jan. 9, 2009, in Tahiti.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Jim Stiles and the Rev. Jo Frahm Watkins officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
    Charles was born June 8, 1938, in Ocheyedan, the son of Curtis and Dorothy (Bellows) Wilmarth. He and his sister grew up on the family farm in Harris and he maintained a lifelong interest in Iowa farming. Charles graduated from Harris High School in 1956.
    He married Karen Landhuis Dec. 19, 1959, in Harris. Charles graduated from     Morningside College, Sioux City, in 1960 and from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1964.
    He was a member of the Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternity and was awarded membership to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. After completing an internship at Los Angeles County Hospital, he served in the Public Health Service in Toppenish, Wash., for two years. Charles completed his residency in radiology at the University of Iowa in 1970. He was a partner with Radiologists of North Iowa in Mason City from 1970 until his retirement in 1995.
    Charles was an active member of First United Methodist Church, a member of the Mason City Country Club and a supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed traveling, was an avid sailor and a member of the Clear Lake Yacht Club.
    Charles is survived by his wife, Karen, of Clear Lake; son, Steven Wilmarth of Ridgefield, Wash.; daughters, Dr. Linda Wilmarth of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Susan Baker and husband, Christopher, of Oxford; sister, Charlene Barnum and husband, Royce ,of Sioux City; nieces, Rebecca Coleman of Edmond, Okla., and Rachelle Barnum of Sioux City.
    Charles was preceded in death by his parents.
    Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory, Mason City, 641-423-0924.
www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

Posted on 01/22/2009

CHARLES CITY - Ruth Boelsen, 87, of Charles City, formerly of Marble Rock, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
    Funeral services for Ruth Boelsen will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Judy Wooton, pastor of the Marble Rock Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City.
    Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Visitation will continue Monday at the funeral home an hour prior to the service.

The Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City, 641-228-2323.
www.hauserfh.com
 

Rockwell - Avis LaVonne Crawford, 82, of Rockwell, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.
    Arrangements are pending with Major Erickson Funeral Home, 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

ROCKWELL - Lenora Floy, 95, of Rockwell, died Tuesday (Jan. 20, 2009) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home.
    Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., today at First United Methodist Church, Thornton, with the Rev. John Scherb of the Rockwell United Methodist Church presiding. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, Thornton at a later date due to deep snow at the cemetery.
    Visitation will be 11 to 12:30 p.m., today at the church.
    Lenora Amelia Foell Floy was born May 13, 1913, on a farm near Cartersville in Cerro Gordo County, a daughter of Thomas A. and Amelia (Stoltenberg) Foell. While a young girl her family lived at Little Falls, Minn., for a short time. They returned to Iowa and settled in the Rockwell area.
    When Lenora was 14 years old she began a life of caring for others by working as a caregiver for the young in other's homes.
    On Sept. 20, 1939, Lenora was united in marriage with Elmer Petersen Floy at the Methodist Parsonage in Mason City. They made their home on a farm southwest of Thornton. She became a homemaker dedicated to caring for her invalid daughter.
    Lenora continued to live on the farm until 1974 when she moved into Rockwell. For the last nearly 15 years she has resided at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home. The staff and residents of the care center became her extended family.
    Lenora is also survived by her daughter, Gloria Lenora Floy Troeger and her husband, Jack Clayton Troeger of Ames; granddaughter, Joy Amelia Floy Troeger, West Des Moines; sister-in-law, Bernice Foell, Plymouth, and many nieces and nephews.
     Lenora is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer, in May 1964; daughter, June, in July 1974; sister Viola (Harry) Gardewine; brothers, Arvid (Allene) Foell and Lloyd Foell; and sister, Leone (Henry) Kuhlers.
    Lenora's family would like to thank the staff, volunteers and residents of the Rockwell Community Nursing Home for the exceptional care and friendship Lenora received for the last nearly 15 years.

Retz-Grarup Funeral Home, 641-998-2311.
 

LAKOTA - Pauline Heidecker, 97, of Lakota, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at the Heritage Center in Bancroft.
    Services are pending with Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
    Online tributes or personal e-mails may be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com

Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 641-562-2858.
 

OSAGE - James Eldon Hungerford, 85, of Osage, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.
    Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church in Osage, with the Rev. Dennis Hanson and Pastor Gary Gilbert officiating. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery.
    Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m., today at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage and will continue one hour before services at the church.
    He was born April 28, 1923, to James L. and Bernice (Knowles) Hungerford on the family farm north of Manly. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethel Evangelical Church in Manly.
    Eldon graduated from Manly High School in 1942. He attended Iowa State University and also worked at the Manly Creamery before being inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1944. He was stationed at Great Lakes and also the U. S. Naval Base at North Island, San Diego, Calif. Eldon was honorably discharged on July 3, 1946.
    On Sept. 12, 1946, he was married to Kathryn Marie Raecker at the Salem Evangelical Church at Meservey. He farmed the family farm near Manly for five years before moving to their farm north of Osage in 1951. They continued to live there until moving to their new home in Osage in 1990. They enjoyed spending twenty winters near McAllen, Texas.
    Eldon was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osage, holding many offices. He was also a Farm Bureau member, charter member of the Cedar Valley Engine Club and a member of Cedar Valley Memories. His enjoyment of antique engines and tractors continued through his retirement years.
    Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Kathryn Hungerford of Osage; six children, Cheryl (Gene Pitzen) Renwick of Stacyville, Brenda Miller of Nora Springs, Debra (Keith) Bauer of Floyd, Susan (Scott ) Engelhardt of Osage, Bruce (Tammy) Hungerford of Osage and Mark (Michelle) Hungerford of San Antonio, Texas; twelve grandchildren, Amy and Dan Renwick, Timothy Miller, Julie and Brian Bauer, Luke and Amber Gast, Joseph, Holli and Jonathan Hungerford, Melody and Kayla Carlton; a brother, Walter Hungerford of Cedar Falls; a sister, Inez Sparby of San Antonio, Texas; and nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Neil Hungerford; and a son-in-law, David Miller.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, 641-732-3706.
 

Clear Lake - Jeffrey Allen Karr, 51, of 805 S. Eighth St., Clear Lake, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at his home.
    A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, 1921 317th St., Osage, with Pastor Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will take place at the Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City, with full military honors conducted by members of the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.
    Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., today, Jan. 23, 2009 at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye Ave., Nora Springs.
    Jeff was born Oct. 3, 1957, in Waterloo, the son of Marvin W. and Dolores D. (Gosse) Karr. He attended RRMR schools and served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. He worked for Yohn Redi Mix in Clear Lake, and most recently helped out on various farms in the area.
    Jeff enjoyed his 1966 Ford Mustang, motorcycles and working on cars. He also loved being out on the farm and in the fields.
    He is survived by his parents, Marvin and Dolores Karr, Rudd; his sisters, Janice (Chuck) Hedrick, Rudd and Vickie (John) Douglas, Rudd; his nieces and nephews, John Douglas Jr., Amy, Tony and Krissy Kramer; and his grandma, Florence Gosse, Rudd.
    Jeff was preceded in death by his brothers, Greg and Christopher; and his grandparents, August Gosse, Cleone Karr and Thelma Benter.

Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 641-749-2210.
www.colonialchapels.com
 

Klemme - Julie A. Mau, 57, of Klemme, died Sunday (Jan. 18, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, following a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.
    Funeral services will held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman will be officiating. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
    Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., today, Jan. 23, 2009, at the Andrews Funeral Home, 528 E. Main St., Klemme, and continue one hour prior to the services at the church Saturday.
    Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Julie's name may wish to consider Hospice of North Iowa, the Klemme United Methodist Church or their own choice.
    Julie Ann Yakel, the daughter of Roland and Luella Theimann Yakel, was born March 1, 1951, at Klemme, one of three children to bless this union. Julie was baptized on April 1, 1951, by the Rev. Vernon E. Jaberg.
    Julie attended Klemme Schools where she participated in music and and arts. In 1966, she was confirmed by the Rev. Geo. Behrens. Julie graduated from Klemme High School with the Class of 1969.
    Shortly after graduating she moved to St. Paul, Minn., where she lived for a time with her aunt.
    During her years in the Twin Cities she was employed at the Deluxe Check Corporation for 20 years. During this time she was united in marriage to Eugene Pasch and the couple's union was blessed with two daughters, Mandie and Kathryn, and one son, Trevor. Julie and Eugene were eventually divorced. She later moved back to Klemme, where she made her home for the remainder of her life.
    Julie was united in marriage to Danny Mau and the couple spent many wonderful years together. During this time they had done some traveling on various business trips to Las Vegas, Kentucky, St. Louis and several other places. Julie and Danny were divorced in 2003, though they remained very strong in their bond for one another.
    Julie had been employed with A&I in Klemme from 1995 until 2005, at which time she was forced to retire from the company due to her health complications.
    Her passion for life and placing the needs of others before her own was a life long trait. Though she had been employed throughout much of her life, the vocation she relished the most was being a mom and grandma and homemaker.
     Her children, grandchildren, siblings and other family were always foremost in her life journey. She always strived to provide for their needs and was proud to recognize them in any accomplishments in their lives no matter how large or small.
    Julie looked forward to family celebrations of any kind and loved to celebrate birthdays with her sister. She looked forward to visits with her family in South Dakota and recently had made this trek even as her health declined rapidly.
    Her passion and love for her family could not be impeded by her fight against cancer. Her family and friends will miss her upbeat personality, heartwarming smile, the twinkle in her eyes and her gift of making others feel good, even when she may not be at her best healthwise.
    Julie's gift and love of art was a lifelong talent. She had shared this in creation of many things including a drawing of the Klemme United Methodist Church for its Cenntennial Celebration.
    Her skills and eye for creating works, attenion to the smallest details, and passion for this lifelong love led her to handcraft, cross-stitch and design-stitched pillow cases, wall hanging and other items made with her loving hands. Her eye for the greater picture and innovative mind brought with it a continual love of changing the look of her home. She would often design her own decor, or at times journey out on one of her favorite pastimes of shopping excursions and then return home and create her own innovations and look for the items she had purchased. She absolutely loved to make things her own.
    Her family remembers Julie's fondness for the color red, whether it began in the days of her favorite red Gran Torino, her clothes, or any of a variety of other areas in her life, this love of red often shown through as brightly as her heart which was filled with joy and fun.
    Julie had been a longtime member of the Klemme United Methodist Church and had served as the church treasurer there for many years, as well as fulfilling the role of a Sunday School teacher there.
    In later years, as she was faced with her battle against cancer, she dove deeply into her Bible studies and became very passionate in her faith.
    Those who had the privilege of having Julie in their life and the honor of crossing through life's journey will remember her caring ways, uplifting attitude, humbleness and unselfish compassions towards the needs of others.
    She was very charitable and has given to many, many organizations and causes. She was not one who needed the spotlight or recognition of her deeds and giving.
     One of her most priceless gifts to those who were in her presence was how to face terminal illness and bumps in the road with dignity and determination. Julie's passion for life and living could not be extinguished even in her battle with her health decline.
    Julie's life and legacy will live on in the memories of her son, Trevor Roland and his wife Darla Pasch, Yankton, S.D.; daughters, Mandie Sue and Noah Reed, Kanawha and Kathryn Marie Turnbull, Klemme; four grandchildren, Jada Joann Woolridge, Forest City, Taylor Ann Pasch, Yankton, S.D., Riley Julie Reed, Kanawha and Shelby Alana Steig, Klemme; her brother, Randy Roland Yakel and his wife Kathy, Garner; her sister, Susan Irene Larson and her husband Marion, Woonsocket, S.D.; the "love of her life" and best friend, Danny Mau, Klemme, and two nieces, Amy Miiller and her husband, Richard, Woonsocket, S.D. and Tracy Bird and her husband, Corey, Sioux Falls, S.D.; also surviving are Julie's step-children, Devon Mau and his wife Jayme and their children, Devon Love II, Urbandale and Danielle Mau-Sear and her husband, Connor, and their child Nico, Kansas City, Mo. and Dillon Mau, Rochester, Minn., and countless friends.
    Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Luella.

Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme. 641-587-2510.
 

Mason City - Mac T. McDowall, 88, of 1102 S. President, Mason City, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at the Rockwell Community Care Center.
    Arrangements are pending at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Mason City, 641-423-8676.
 

GREENE - Dale E. Poppe, 84, of 108 S. High St., Greene, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.
    Funeral Arrangements are pending at Reid's Funeral Chapel.
519 N. First St., Greene, 641-823-4457.
 

Mason City - Michael Ramos, 43, of Mason City, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
    Arrangements are pending with Major Erickson Funeral Home, 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. - Daniel Rice, 46, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) in Cherry Valley, Ill.
    A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Interment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
    Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

Other arrangements will be made with Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. Clear Lake, 641-357-2193.
ww.colonialchapels.com
 

Rockford - Dale R. "Choppy" Sadler, 81, of 212 W. Main, Ave., Rockford, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at the Nora Springs Care Center, Nora Springs, after a battle with cancer.
    According to his wishes no services will be held. He was cremated at Cremation Services of North Iowa and his remains will be spread at a later date.
    Dale Russel was born in the home of his parents John and Florence (Frost) Sadler on June 24, 1927, in Rockford. He attended school in Rockford and then entered the Army on Sept. 14, 1950, serving his country in Alaska. He then transferred to the Army Reserve and served until his honorable discharge on April 15, 1957.
    Dale returned to Rockford and was employed at the Rockford Brick and Tile and then worked for the Oliver Corporation in Charles City until his retirement.
    Choppy was a huge Chicago Cubs fan. He worked around Rockford for many people being a handyman and working in yards. He always appreciated anyone stopping to say hello or spending time with him.
    Dale is survived by his brother, Loren, and his wife, Marilyn Sadler, Clear Lake; his niece Terri (Bob) Franzen; nephews, Steven and Douglas (Jennifer) Sadler all of Charles City, Scott Sadler, of Clear Lake; several great-nieces and nephews and special friends Darrell Hayungs, Glenn Biggs and Gloria Grady. He was very grateful to the Rockford Community who were so supportive of him throughout the years.
    His parents, John and Florence; and brothers, Earl and Eldon preceded him in death.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 302 W. Main, Rockford, 641-756-3311.
www.Fullertonfh.com
 

Posted on 01/23/2009

HAMPTON - Edna Anna Bloom, 91, of Hampton died Friday (Jan. 23, 2009) at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.
    Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Hampton United Methodist Church in Hampton. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Edward R. Peterson will be officiating.
    Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, 641-456-3232.
www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com
 

ROCKWELL - Avis LaVonne Crawford, age 83, best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home. She was a victim of Alzheimer's disease.
    A private funeral service will be held for the family, and inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
    Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City.
    Avis was born on July 9, 1925, in Des Moines, the daughter of Jesse and Twila (St. Peter) Field. She graduated from Mason City High School and worked for State Brand Creamery.
    On Aug. 31, 1946, she married Robert R. Crawford and dedicated her life to being the wife of a career serviceman and mother to six children, making homes in Iowa, Maine, New Mexico, Ohio and California. After Bob died suddenly in California in 1969, Avis became a single parent. In 1970, she moved the kids back to Mason City, to be close to family and care for her ailing mother. She bought a house and made a good life for her children and eventually her grandchildren.
    In memory of Bob, Avis joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 733. An active member of the Women's Auxiliary (Cooties), she was a diligent volunteer. She worked and played at the VFW and made many life long friends. Avis was always there for you. Support, advice, money, shelter, a shoulder, whatever you needed, she gave. Over the years, she opened her home to family and friends and we all remember Friday night tacos, old people's Christmas, staying overnight with grandma, weather cursed rummage sales and iced tea on the front porch. Thanks for everything, Mom.
    In 2005, failing health forced her to sell her house and move first to assisted living and then to the Rockwell Nursing Home. In the end, Alzheimer's ravaged her mind and body but it couldn't take her spirit or sense of humor. She died the way she lived, with quiet dignity.
    Left to honor her memory are her six children: Bob Crawford, Santa Ana, Calif., Jim Crawford, St. Paul, Minn., Linda (Cecil) Foell, Rockwell, Julie (Wayne) Woolley, Rochester, Minn., Laura (Kurt) Hudson, Indianola, and Jeff Crawford, Mason City; 14 grandchildren: David (Panom) Foell, Cathy (Mugs) Carmody, Brenda Pierce, Mike Foell, Jason Foell, Sarah (Greg) Hogan, Annie Crawford (Adam Robinson), Sam Crawford, Jessie (David) Froisland, Tyler Woolley, Dan Woolley, Noah Hudson, Ian Hudson and Jake Hudson; great-grandchildren: Aiden and Keegan Foell, Samantha, Gage and Gavin Carmody, Alex Vega, Cole and Sydney Pierce, Talon Froisland, Olivia and Grace Hogan and Rachel Hudson. We'll do our best to make you proud, Mom.
    Special people she leaves behind to miss her include Dixie and Ernie Hudson, Donnie and Lee Knutson and neighbors who became family, Dan and Carol Bohl.
Waiting for her on the other side are her beloved husband, Bob; mother, Twila; sister, Mary Lou Munn; and brother, Howard (Sonny) Field. It makes saying good-bye bearable.
    In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest that memorials be directed to the Rockwell Nursing Home, whose wonderful employees cared for our mom like she was their's.
    Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, is in charge of arrangements, 641-423-0924.
www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

CEDAR FALLS - Deloris J. Dahlberg, 90, of Cedar Falls, formerly of Ventura, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) in Cedar Falls.
    A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Richardson Funeral Home, Cedar Falls, 319-266-3525.
 

LAKOTA - Pauline Heidecker, age 97, of Lakota died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at Heritage Center in Bancroft.
    The funeral ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elmore with Pastor Dale Kohrs officiating. Burial will be at St. Matthews Cemetery.
    Friends and family may attend her visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Winter Funeral Home, 414 First St., Buffalo Center, and also one hour before the service at the church.
    Online condolences and personal e-mails may be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com

Winter Funeral Home, Buffalo Center, 641-562-2858.
 

MASON CITY - Joy Ann (Kurash) Hjelle, 50, of 623 South Polk Ave., died Friday (Jan. 23, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.
    Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 N. Delaware Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The family has requested casual attire.
    Visitation will be held Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
    Memorials may be directed to the Joy Ann Hjelle Memorial Fund in care of Robin Hjelle, 623 South Polk Ave., Mason City, IA 50401.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, 641-423-2372
www.colonialchapels.com
 

MASON CITY - Murray "Mac" T. McDowall, 88, of 1102 S. President Ave., Mason City, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at the Rockwell Community Care Center.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City. Officiating will be the Rev. Father Ken Gehling.
    Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be completed at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Murray T. McDowall Memorial Fund. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Mason City, 641-423-8676.
www.Fullertonfh.com
 

MASON CITY - Grace M. Pearce, age 72, of Mason City, died Friday (Jan. 23, 2009) at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City.
    A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday (Jan. 26, 2009) at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Father Kenneth Gehling, chaplain with Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, officiating.
    Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.
    Grace was born on July 25, 1936, in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of Pasquale and Vita (Conigliero) Palazzolo. She graduated high school in St. Louis.
    Grace married James E. Pearce on Jan. 2, 1960, in St. Louis. Grace was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking, and collecting baskets and recipes. Making Christmas cookies was her specialty. Grace also loved to shop.
    She is survived by her husband, James Pearce of Mason City; one daughter, Laurie Weber and husband, David, of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Jordan and Eric; one brother, Joseph Palazzolo and wife, Mildred, of St. Louis.
    She was preceded in death by her parents.
    Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, is in charge of arrangements, 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

RODGERS, Ark. - Edna Marie Pinckney, 88, of Rodgers, Ark., formerly of Iowa Falls, died Friday (Jan. 23, 2009) at Golden Living Center, Rodgers, Ark.
    Funeral services are pending with Linn's Funeral Home, Iowa Falls, 641-648-2569.
 

GREENE - Dale E. Poppe of 108 S. High St., died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at Liebe Care Center in Greene.
    Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, with Pastor Mark Walker and Monsignor Walter Brunkan officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene. Military rites will be conducted by Tack Barnett Post 268 American Legion of Greene.
    Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Reid's Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Monday.
    Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Dale E. Poppe Memorial Fund, 108 S. High St. Greene, IA 50636.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel 519 N. First St. Greene, 641-823-4457.
 

MASON CITY - Michael Ramos, age 43, of Mason City, died Thursday (Jan. 22, 2009) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
    A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Tom Healey, chaplain with Hospice of North Iowa, officiating.
    There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to the Michael Ramos Memorial Fund in care of the family.
    Mike was born on Dec. 13, 1965, in Oelwein, the son of Paul Ramos and Mary (Jones) Anderson. He attended school in Independence and Olewein.
    Mike married Judy Da Silva on June 5, 1987, in Denver, Colo. He worked for Plagge Trucking for 15 years. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football (the Broncos), making people laugh and telling jokes. He also enjoyed watching wrestling and monster truck shows. Mike also loved watching John Wayne movies.
     He is survived by his wife, Judy Ramos, of Mason City; two children, Chris Ramos of Mason City and Angelo Ramos of Mason City; his mother, Mary Anderson of Fertile; one grandchild, Damian James Ramos; his brothers and sisters, Kathy Schnepf of Mason City, Steve Youngton of Fertile, Larry Youngton and wife, Theresa, of Oelwein, Rose Mary Youngton of Mason City, Kenny Youngton and wife, Kelly, of Cedar Falls, Anthony Ramos of Oelwein, and Brenda Root and husband, Mike, of LaPorte City. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
    Mike was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents; and one brother, Michael Youngton.
     Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, is in charge of arrangements, 641-423-0924.

www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
 

CLARION - Barbara O. Reed, 88, of Clarion passed away Tuesday (Jan. 20, 2009) at Careage in Clarion.
    Memorial services for Barbara Reed will be held at a later date.
Ewing Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St. in Clarion, is assisting the family.
    Barbara Olive Reed was born Dec. 11, 1920, on a farm near Belmond, the daughter of Reuben Reed and Edith Renicker Reed.
     She attended a one-room rural school and, yes, she walked two miles to school, sometimes in the snow.
    While attending Belmond High School she qualified to compete in two state-wide contests, geometry and English grammar, and won seventh place in the state grammar contest.
    She was graduated from the junior college at Mason City, and from the State University of Iowa (SUI) at Iowa City, receiving a bachelor of arts degree with a certificate in journalism. She also received the Community Journalism award. At SUI she was proud to be one of the students of Earl English, who later became dean of the Columbia School of Journalism in Missouri. She could not have attended college without the generosity of a Belmond physician, Dr. George H. Steele, and his wife, Inga, who cheerfully paid all expenses as needed.
    Within a week of receiving her diploma at Iowa City in 1944, she moved to Moline to work for the Daily Dispatch. She served at various times as reporter, state editor, copy editor and photographer and retired in 1986 after 42 years.
She moved from Moline to Rock Island in 1999. Barbara liked animals, especially dogs and cats, and was a volunteer at the Rock Island County Animal Welfare Society in Milan. She also volunteered in the WVIK Apris program for reading to the blind, and at Trinity Hospital in Rock Island.
    Barbara is survived by her sister, Virginia Sadler (Donald) of Clarion; two nieces, Nikki Slaughter (DeWayne) of Treynor and Nancy Irwin (Harry) of Reno, Nevada.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
    Memorials can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.

Ewing Funeral Home, Clarion, 515-532-2233.
 

CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. - Daniel Ronald Rice, 46, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) in Cherry Valley, Ill.
    A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating.
    Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel and one hour prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church. Interment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
    Daniel was born Dec. 27, 1962, in Mason City, the son of Ronald C. and Eileen Susan (Lee) Rice.
    Daniel went to Parks University in St. Louis and graduated with a degree in aviation technology. He was an aviation maintenance engineer and worked for the Army at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.
    Daniel married Julie Moran Jackson on Aug. 26, 1989, in St. Louis, Mo. They lived in Huntsville, Ala. He took great pride in his children and enjoyed watching them participate in sports, scouting, school events and band. Other interests included military history and a love of trains.
    Daniel was an avid aviation enthusiast and loved flying airplanes. He enjoyed being able to support the military helicopters, especially the H64 Apache as part of his job at Redstone.
    Daniel is survived by his father, Ronald C. Rice, Cherry Valley, Ill.; his wife, Julie Moran Jackson Rice; his children, Jackson Rice and Lillie Rice, Huntsville; sister, Rhoda Sue Fox and her husband, Robert; niece, Rachel Fox and nephew, Joel Fox, Cherry Valley; and sister, Sarah Rice-Collins, and her husband, David, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
    Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Susan (Lee) Rice.
A memorial service is being held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, in Huntsville, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 625 Airport Road S.W.
    In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Diabetes Association are requested or memorials may be given to the Daniel Rice Memorial Fund.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, 641-357-2193.
www.colonialchapels.com
 

INDEPENDENCE - The Rev. Carroll E. Robinson, 81, of Independence died Thursday evening (Jan. 22, 2009) at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids after a short illness.
    Rev. Robinson was born on Jan. 20, 1928, at Yale, Iowa, the son of Clyde E. and Ella (Fagen) Robinson. He graduated from the Yale High School and received a BA degree from Simpson College, Indianola in 1954. He attended Iliff School of Theology in Colorado, and received a masters of divinity degree in 1960 from Drake University, Des Moines.
    He served the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving throughout Iowa since 1950 and most recently in Forest City, Dysart, Miles-Preston-Sabula and in Arlington-Volga churches prior to his retirement in 2004.
He was united in marriage to Jeane L. Spear in Perry, on Jan. 23, 1949. The couple later divorced in 1991.
    He is survived by three children: Vicki (Ralph) Standley of Marion, and Craig Robinson and Rob (Sandy) Robinson all of Independence; eight grandchildren, Joshua Standley, Meredith (Tim) Frasher, Megan (Simon) Peters, Cooper Robinson, Matthew Robinson, Mikki Robinson and friend, Rem Scott, and Toni Robinson, and a great-grandchild, Parker Frasher.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Debra Robinson, three brothers and a sister.
    Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at First United Methodist Church, Independence, with the Rev. Dennis Bailey officiating. Rev. Robinson's wish was to be of service, so he donated his body to the University of Iowa for the advancement of science.
    The family will receive friends from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rev. Carroll E. Robinson Memorial Fund, in care of BankIowa, 230 First St. E.; Independence, IA 50644.
For more information and to leave an online condolences, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, 319-334-2501.
 

HAMPTON - Gary E. Wickwire, 66, of Hampton, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) at the Hampton Health Care Center in Hampton.
    Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Hampton. The Rev. Dr. Edward R. Peterson will be officiating
    Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Inurnment will be in the Hampton Cemetery.
     Gary was born on Dec. 23, 1942, in Rockwell to Willard Lee and Dorothy (Clark) Wickwire. Gary graduated from Rockwell High School. He married Betty Baker at the Little Brown Church in Nashua on Dec. 29, 1989. Gary worked at Seabee Corp. for 28 years and retired from there in 2000.
    Gary was a member of the Lions Club, the Jaycees and was the first president of the Saddle Club of Rockwell. He enjoyed fishing, going to the casinos, hunting, working on trucks and antique tractors and playing cards. Gary loved animals, he especially enjoyed playing with his dogs and cat, Lula, Sadie and Pouncer.
    Gary is survived by his wife, Betty, of Hampton; daughter, Kathy Brierly of Nora Springs; son, Mark and wife, Terri Wickwire, of Swaledale; son, Steve and wife, Lee Ann Wickwire, of Hampton; son, Scott and wife, Cindy Wickwire, of Mason City; stepdaughter, Crystal Baker of Hampton, stepson, Wade Baker of Mason City; father, Willard (Babe) and wife, Carrie Wickwire, of Rockwell; sister, Marlys and husband, Lloyd Johnson, of Rockwell; and 10 grandchildren.
     Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy; brother; Robert; sister, Mary, and son-in-law, Bryan.

Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home, Hampton, 641-456-3232.
www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com
 

 Posted on 01/24/2009

MASON CITY - Garth David Francis, 53, of Collinsville, Conn., formerly of Mason City, died unexpectedly Tuesday (Jan. 13, 2009) while visiting an old friend in Virginia.
    There will be a gathering of family and friends to remember Garth from 1 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E., Mason City. Inurnment will follow at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 122 West, Mason City.
The family of Garth David Francis has requested that those wishing to give a memorial, should direct them to the Collinsville Historical Museum in Collinsville, Conn., in his memory.
    Garth David Francis was born on Nov. 1, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of the late Paul Francis of Rockwell, and the late Joanne (Bower) Francis of Mason City.
    Garth was an artist who began his career as a welder and art-assistant to the renowned artist, John Chamberlin. Garth directed Chamberlin's intricate installations all over the world. In 1992, Garth started a Florida based company called Art Smart, Inc., and became a leading conservator of outdoor sculpture and statuary in the region. Garth worked with the famed pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein while restoring his statue, The Mermaid, in Miami Beach, and received many accolades for his work. In 1999, Garth relocated to Connecticut and settled in the village of Collinsville, where he continued creating art work and became a well-known and beloved member of the community. He could often be found sitting at the counter in LaSalle Market, drinking coffee and joking with his large group of local friends.
    Garth had a love of life that was reflected in his sense of humor, his accepting nature, and the wide spectrum of friends he has left behind in Iowa, Florida, and especially Collinsville. While in Connecticut, Garth supported himself as a tradesman, and his handiwork, which dots the Collinsville landscape in many forms, will serve as a poignant reminder to those who knew him best. As an artist, Garth often worked in abstract sculpture and enjoyed collecting relics from the Collinsville area.
    Left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Paula (Mark) Garth of Sioux City and Christine (Tom) Whitten of Simsbury, Conn.; a nephew, Paul Garth, of Omaha, Neb., and a niece, Katie Garth, of Madison, Wis., as well as other extended family members and many friends.
    A gathering of family and friends in remembrance of Garth was held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at the Collinsville Historical Museum, 11 Front Street, Collinsville, Conn.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, 641- 423-2372.
www.colonialchapels.com.
 

CHARLES CITY - Marilee Groesbeck, 69, of 2755 155th St., Charles City, died Saturday (Jan. 24, 2009) at a Rochester, Minn., hospital.
    Funeral arrangements are pending with Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, 641-228-4211.
 

MASON CITY - Joy Ann (Kurash) Hjelle, 50, of 623 South Polk, died Friday, (Jan. 23, 2009) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City after a long courageous battle with cancer.
    Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 North Delaware, Mason City, with the Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The family has requested casual attire!
    Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street N.E. Mason City, and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
    Memorials may be directed to the Joy Ann Hjelle Memorial Fund in care of Robin Hjelle, 623 South Polk, Mason City, Iowa 50401.
    Joy was born Dec. 21, 1958, in Mason City, the daughter of Francis and Mary Ann (Kloster) Kurash. She attended the Mason City School District.
Joy was united in marriage to Robin Hjelle on June 26, 1976. To this union three daughters were born. Joy worked at Pro's Sandwich Shop for several years, as well as the Railside Inn, Manly.
    Joy's enjoyment in life was spending time with her husband, daughters, grandchildren, other family members and friends. Joy had a love for horses and horseback riding, watching NASCAR and going to the casino and reading books.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 32 years, Robin Hjelle, Mason City; daughters, Krisia (Joe) Herker, Brandy Lodge and special friend, Jake Wiseman; grandchildren, Brittany, Valerie, Sabrina, Lana, Corwin, Avery and Jaxon; granddog, Denali; mother, Mary Ann Kurash, grandmother, Marcella Dwire; sisters, Patsy (Marv) Hackbart, Nancy (Marty) Hjelle, Lorri (Bruce) Seidel; brother, Pete Kurash; father-in-law, Helmer Hjelle; brothers and sisters-in-law, Merle Hjelle, Larry (Margaret) Hjelle, Sally (Gary) Anderson and Patti Hjelle; along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
Joy is preceded in death by her daughter, Amanda Hjelle; father, Francis Kurash; grandson, Joshua Ruehlow; grandfather, George Kloster, Sr.; grandparents, Edward and Clara Kurash; step-grandfather, Bill Dwire; uncle, Joey Kloster; mother-in-law, Nita Hjelle; brothers-in-law, Hans Hjelle, Mickey Hjelle and sister-in-law, Sue Johnson.
    Joy's family would like to extend their most heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Hospice of North Iowa. The doctors and nurses have gone above and beyond. Their time and patience has helped our family through a very long and trying time. Again, our family thanks each and every one of you.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, 641-423-2372.
www.colonialchapels.com.
 

MASON CITY - Bernadine Kvalheim, 96, of Mason City, died Saturday (Jan. 24, 2009) at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City, Iowa.
    Services are pending at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, Iowa, 641-423-2372.
 

MASON CITY - Murray "Mac" T. McDowall, 88, of 1102 S. President, Mason City, died early Thursday morning (Jan. 22, 2009) at the Rockwell Community Care Center.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E., Mason City. Officiating will be the Rev. Father Ken Gehling.
    Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with a 6 p.m. parish wake service. Inurnment will be completed at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Murray T. McDowall Memorial Fund.
    Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com.
Murray Thomson McDowall was born on Nov. 27, 1920, at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada the son of Jim and Annie McDowall. He graduated from Hamilton High School and then spent three years on his engineering degree at McMasters University in Hamilton prior to entering the Navy. Murray was a chief warrant officer running the boiler room on board ship in the Canadian Navy from 1939 to 1945 when he was honorably discharged. Mac was married to Dorothy June McDermitt and they moved to Mason City where she was originally from. She preceded him in death.
    Murray became a proud U.S. citizen of the United States in 1946. He was engaged as the maintenance supervisor at Lehigh Portland Cement Company for over 35 years. On July 19, 1974, he was united in marriage to Delores Jimenez Torres at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. His retirement in 1979 was short- lived when he agreed to move to Texas and work as a supervisor for Texas Industries in Midlothian, Texas for six years. They later moved back to Mason City where he has resided since.
    Murray loved to dance with his wife. They also shared interests in mixed league bowling at the Rose Bowl, going to movies and golfing. As fans they attended several Vikings games and while living in Texas attended the Dallas Cowboys games. He also rooted for the Hawkeyes and Iowa State.
    Those thankful in sharing Mac's life include his wife, Delores; one daughter, Barbara (James) Bond, Mason City; one son, Michael McDowall, Klamath Falls, Ore.; one step-daughter, Marlene DiMarco; two step-sons, John and Navarro (Kathryn) Torres, all of Mason City; and one sister, Esabelle.
    His parents; his first wife; one sister, Ann McDowall; and two brothers, John and James McDowall, preceded Mac in death.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 123 Second St., S.E., Mason City, 641-423-8676.
www.Fullertonfh.com.
 

BUFFALO CENTER -
Albin Nelson, 90, of Buffalo Center, died Friday (Jan. 23, 2009), at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center.
    Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Buffalo Center, with Pastor Perry Aalgaard presiding. Burial will be at Olena Mound Cemetery, Buffalo Center.
    Friends and family are welcome at his visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Winter Funeral Home, 414 First St. N.W., Buffalo Center, and one hour before the service at the church.
    Online tributes or personal e-mails may be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com.
Winter Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Buffalo Center, 641-562-2858.
 

MACKSBURG - Edna Marie Pinckney, 88, formerly of Iowa Falls, died Friday (Jan. 23, 2009).
    Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, at Moon Cemetery in Macksburg.
    Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Linn's Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave, Iowa Falls.
 

GREENE - Funeral services for Dale E. Poppe, 84, of 108 South High St., will be 10:30 a.m. Monday (Jan. 26, 2009) at Reid's Funeral Chapel, 519 N. First St., Greene, with Pastor Mark Walker officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Greene. Military rites conducted by Tack Barnett Post 268 American Legion of Greene.
    Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at Reid's Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Monday.
    Dale E. Poppe was born in Greene, Butler County, Iowa, on Sept. 27, 1924, a son of Ewald and Mary (Schmidt) Poppe and died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.
    Dale received his education in the Dayton No. 9 country school and the Greene High School, graduating in 1941. He enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in World War II. Dale was honorably discharged in 1945.
    Dale was united in marriage to Vena Gail Sours on Oct. 4, 1968.
    He owned and operated his own portable milling business in Allison, for nine years before farming east of Greene and working for P.A.G. Seeds for the next nine years. Dale became district supervisor for P.A.G. Seeds, and remained with them for an additional 10 years. Later, Dale and Vena Gail became delivery drivers for Winnebago Manufacturing Co. delivering new motor homes across the United States, Canada, and Alaska. They were Regional Directors of the Winnebago International Travelers Club and took Winnebago caravans thru Mexico. For many years they did remodeling of houses to help young couples get their own homes.
Dale was captain of the Spirit of Greene for seven seasons. He was a volunteer for Trees Forever, helped with the entry sign "Welcome to Greene" east of town, and worked on the Railroad Park. He enjoyed cribbage, fishing, especially in Leech Lake, motor home traveling, nature, and listening to "old- time music."
    Dale was preceded in death by an infant son; his parents; brother, Wayne and his sister, Vi.
    He is survived by his loving wife, Vena Gail; a daughter, Sharon (Don) Hunt of Mayer, Arizona; two sons, Dale Poppe Jr. of Pheonix, Ariz., and Dean (Ruth Ann) Poppe of Silver City, N.M.; two stepchildren, Joyce (Jim) Klunder of Ventura, and Paul (Diane) Kelly of Glendale Heights, Ill.; one grandchild, Chris Rowe; nine step grandchildren, 21 step great-grandchildren; two sisters, Evalyn Nettelton of Greene, and Diane Hartman of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
    Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Dale E. Poppe Memorial Fund, 108 South High St. Greene, IA 50636.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Chapel, Greene, 641-823-4457.
 

CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. - Daniel Ronald Rice, 46, died Wednesday (Jan. 21, 2009) in Cherry Valley, Ill.
    A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating.
    Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel and one hour prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church. Interment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
    Daniel was born on Dec. 27, 1962, in Mason City, the son of Ronald C. and Eileen Susan (Lee) Rice.
    Daniel went to Parks University in St. Louis and graduated with a degree in aviation technology. He was an aviation maintenance engineer and worked for the U.S. Army at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.
    Daniel married Julie Moran Jackson on Aug. 26, 1989, in St. Louis, Mo. They lived in Huntsville, Ala. He took great pride in his children and enjoyed watching them participate in sports, scouting, school events, and band. Other interests included military history and a love of trains.
    Daniel was an avid aviation enthusiast and loved flying airplanes. He enjoyed being able to support the military helicopters, especially the H64 Apache as part of his job at Redstone.
    Daniel is survived by his father, Ronald C. Rice, Cherry Valley, Ill; his wife, Julie Moran Jackson Rice, his children Jackson Rice and Lillie Rice, Huntsville, Ala.; sister, Rhoda Sue Fox, her husband, Robert; niece, Rachel Fox and nephew; Joel Fox, Cherry Valley, Ill.; and sister, Sarah Rice-Collins, and her husband, David, Cincinnati, Ohio.
    Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Susan (Lee) Rice.
    A memorial service is being held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Huntsville, Ala., at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 625 Airport Road S.W.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Diabetes Association are requested or memorials may be given to the Daniel Rice Memorial Fund.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, 641-357-2193.
www.colonialchapels.com.
 

TITONKA - Vernon Roy Ricklefs, 83, a resident of the Titonka Care Center, died Saturday morning (Jan 24, 2009).
    Funeral services for Vernon Ricklefs will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at Ramsey Reformed Church, 3706 220 Ave. Interment will be in the church cemetery
    Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Titonka, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.
    Vernon Roy Ricklefs was born on July 7, 1925, to Harry and Tressie (Spear) Ricklefs in rural Titonka. He attended country school through the eighth grade and was confirmed at Good Hope Lutheran Church.
    On June 29, 1949, Vernon married Darlene Seefeld. Five children blessed this marriage: Gayle, Donna, Veryl, Kristin and Michael. Vernon farmed north of Titonka his entire life until giving way to his son Veryl. Over the years he raised not only corn, soybeans, and hay but also sheep, dairy cows, hogs, and chickens. He also worked for the A.S.C.S. for many years.
    Vernon had a deep love for his family and was always willing to lend a helping hand to any member of his family that needed it. Vernon loved to visit and enjoyed Sunday afternoon visits with friends and family. He was a member of Ramsey Reformed Church rural Titonka.
    Vernon is survived by five children: Gayle and Mark Mayer; Donna and Ronald Irlmeier; Veryl Ricklefs; Kristin and Dale Gerdes; and Michael and Denise Ricklefs; twelve grandchildren: Jason Irlmeier, Allen and Janet Irlmeier, Kenneth and Kami Irlmeier, Lucas Gerdes, David Mayer, Michael and Mindy Mayer, Marie Irlmeier, Julie and Terry Valentine, Jamie Gerdes, Laura Irlmeier, Kaitlin Ricklefs and Kassandra Ricklefs; six great-grandchildren: Dillon Gerdes, Macy Schwering, Dalton Schwering, Evan Irlmeier, Jacob Schwering, and Allison Irlmeier; a sister, Betty Phelps; a brother, Melvin and Loretta Ricklefs; a sister-in-law, Mildred Ricklefs; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; his parents; and a brother, Harold Ricklefs.

Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home, Titonka, 515-928-2735.
 

Posted 0n 01/25/2009 by Marie Thompson