Gerald "Jerry" R. Smith, 72, of Britt died Monday, February 9, 2004, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

  Funeral services were held Friday, February 13, at the United Methodist Church in Britt with the Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Darcy Eisenman and a congregational hymn. Drivers for the family were Don Kopacek, Charles Earles and Herman Sweers. Ushers were Dennis Zuehl and Gary Kahlstorf.

  Honorary bearers were Bradley Harriman, Kevin Schreiner, Glen Smith, Jim Smith Sr., Harry Smith and Kenny Smith. Casket bearers were Andrew Townsend, Nick Smith, Nathan Smith, Pat Trulson, Dennis E. Smith, John Weiland and Michael Hejlik. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

  Gerald Robert Smith, the son of LeRoy and Martha (Moe) Smith, was born December 2, 1931, on a farm southwest of Britt. He attended country school at Boone # 1 and then farmed with his parents. Jerry served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, being stationed most of the time in Germany.

  On November 8, 1958, he married Jennie Mae Gremmer at the United Methodist Church in Britt. In March of 1959, they bought a farm west of Britt where they lived and farmed for the past 45 years. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and farming.

  He was a life time member of the United Methodist Church in Britt where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the Britt American Legion Post No. 315.

  Survivors include his of wife of 45 years, Jennie, of Britt; two daughters, Vicki Schreiner and her children, Kevin and Jessica all from Hutchinson, Minnesota and Bonnie Melohn and husband, Mark of Kanawha and her two children, Jennifer Harriman of Clarkston, Michigan and Bradley Harriman of White Lake, Michigan; his son, Tracy Smith and wife, Michelle and their children, Kaitlin and Glen all of Britt; three brothers, Jim Smith Sr. and wife, Doris of Britt, Harry Smith and wife, Pearl of Britt and Kenny Smith and wife, Nancy of Britt; many nieces and nephews; and his father-in-law, Hemmo Gremmer of Kanawha.

  Emma C. Wacker, rural Garner, died Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at her home. She was 103.

  Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 12, at the Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme. Pastor Jim Haake of the Highway Chapel Four Square, Forest City, officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, KIemme.

  Emma Wacker was born February 16, 1900, on the Wacker family farm in Hancock County. She was the daughter of Fred and Anna (Ax) Wacker. She attended schools at KIemme and Scotland, South Dakota and graduated from Waldorf College with a teaching degree. Emma taught schools for a time and later returned to work on the family farm. She loved gardening, taking care of chickens and her Lord. She lived on the home place most of her life.

  Survivors include her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Wacker, wife of the late Silvanus Wacker, Garner.

  Also surviving are five nephews, Dan Wacker and Fred Wacker of Garner, Mark Wacker and his wife, Debi of Clear Lake, Paul Wacker of Ames and John Wacker and his wife, Cindy rural Garner; and five nieces, Mrs. Mike (Anita) Wilson of Goldendale, Washington, Mrs. Mark (Joanna) Johns of Waconia, Minnesota, Mrs. Tory (Anna) Meyer of Bloomington, Minnesota, Mrs. Cade (Lois) Moore of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Mrs. Paul (Ruth) Tagatz of Stewartville, Minnesota.

  Edith (Mrs. Alfred W.) Mueller, age 80, of Faribault, Minnesota, died Friday, February 13, 2004, at the Pleasant Manor Nursing Home, Faribault.

  A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 21, at the St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Faribault, with the Reverend Dr. Mark Noren officiating. Interment was in the Concord Cemetery, Garner. The Boldt Funeral Home of Faribault was in charge of the arrangements.

  Edith, the daughter of Willi Max and Hedwig (Holland) Jenke, was born February 24, 1923, in Berlin, Germany. She married Alfred W. Mueller on November 9, 1946, at Berlin, Germany. Alfred had served in the German Army and was captured in Africa and held as a prisoner of war in Algona. In 1949, she and her husband returned to the U.S. sponsored by E. G. Greiman of Garner.  She was formerly employed by the Sioux Railroad in Minneapolis.

  She is survived by special friends, Kermit and Arlene Greiman and Betty Hughes, all of Garner and their families.

  Kevin M. Kluver of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Crystal Lake, died Saturday, February 14, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City as a result of a snowmobile accident east of Scarville. He was 42.

  Funeral services were held Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake with the Rev. Gary Marzolf officiating. Music was provided by pianist, Kristi Kirschbaum who accompanied soloist, Rev. Gary Marzolf and congregational hymns. Kent Kluver and Dale Bird ushered.

  Honorary bearers were Mike Isebrand, Rick Schmidt and Bob Anderson. Casket bearers were Jeff Holland, John Joseph, Terry Derby, Dale Benson, Mike Hauan, Lynn KIuver, Brett Kluver and Perry Kirschbaum. Burial was in the Crystal Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

  Kevin Merle Kluver, the son of Merle Orren and Karen Irene (Brown) Kluver, was born April 22, 1961, at Forest City. He graduated from the Woden-Crystal Lake High School in 1979 and UNI in Cedar Falls in 1983 with a degree in business administration. Following his graduation, he moved to Dallas, Texas, where he was employed at a bank. Kevin continued his education in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he graduated from the FAA Academy. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he was employed as an air traffic controller at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport.

  On August 12, 1988 he married Victoria A. Piskos at St. Louis. They lived in Des Moines for a while where he worked as an air traffic controller at the Des Moines International Airport. The couple returned to St. Louis where he was employed at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

  Kevin enjoyed spending much of his time with his wife, children, and being active with his neighbors. He liked to landscape, play basketball, snowmobile and help friends with numerous projects. He enjoyed spending his off duty time with his family and friends in the Crystal Lake area, especially helping his brother, Bruce on the farm in the fall and getting together with his father, Merle and his siblings as often as possible. Kevin had a strong sense of family and took the time to travel to the people that were close to his heart.

  He was a member of the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church, Lake Mills Snowmobile Club and the National Air Controllers Association.

  He is survived by his wife, Victoria Kluver and their daughters, Ashley and Amber of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; father, Merle KIuver of Garner; mother, Karen Kerr and husband, Bill of Waterloo; two brothers, Bruce Kluver and wife, Marcia and their two children, Brett and Amber all of Crystal Lake and Tracy KIuver of Bettendorf; a sister, Toni Williams and husband, Bryan and their two sons, Logan and Carson all of Clear Lake; many other relatives and friends.

  Dalia B. Griggs, 103, of Garner died Sunday, February 15, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church with the Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. Music will be provided by Margaret Jass who will accompany soloist, Gary Moore and congregational hymns. Ushers will be Allan DeWitt, Alan Jass and Roger Schmidt.

  Honorary bearers will be David Giilespie, Jeff Reising, her granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Casket bearers will be Wendell Davison, Andrew Davison, Collin Davison, Ryan Davison, Jeff Kruse and John Gormley. Burial will be in the Concord Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the church until the time of service. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner is in charge of the arrangements.

  Dalia Bertha Griggs, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Ax) Stromer, was born July 13, 1900, at the farm home west of KIemme in Liberty Township. She was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Reformed Church in KIemme. She completed grade school at Liberty No. 7 and graduated from the KIemme High School in 1919. She attended Waldorf College in Forest City and Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls for advancement in her teaching career. Dalia taught in Hancock County rural schools for 20 years. During those years she was an active member in the church choir and taught Sunday School and Bible School.

  On December 27, 1938, she was married to Fernon Griggs at the church parsonage in KIemme. They farmed east of KIemme one year and in 1940 moved to their farm near Miller. She continued to reside there until she became a resident of the Concord Care Center in January of 1994.

  She was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner and was a charter member of the Happy Birthday Club. Dalia will be remembered as a farm homemaker and mother who enjoyed cooking and doing handwork and quilting. She always had an interest in teaching and learning. It was important for her to keep up on new and current events. In later years, a great source of enjoyment was her love and interest in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

  Derek Lee Eastvold, son of Darin and Shanna Eastvold of Rake, was born on February 7 at Blue Earth, Minnesota. He weighed in at 8 pounds and 4 ounces.

  Grandparents are Kent and Julie Swenson of Scarville, Darrell and Ginny Eastvold of Mankato, Minnesota. Great-grandparents are Gorden and Kay Anderson of Scarville, Nylene Swenson of Thompson, Bessie Eastvold of Rake and Dona Sens of Bricelyn, Minnesota.

  Carl and Margie (Katuin) Henschen, Forest City will celebrate their 40th Anniversary at the Garner VFW with an open house lunch reception from 6-7:30 p.m. on February 21 and a dance to follow from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

  Their children are Steve and Jackie Lunning, Rick and Lisa Henschen, Max and Lori Smith, Doug and Dawn Mitchell. They have ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

  An open house birthday celebration honoring Elsie Formanek will be held Sunday, February 29, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the party room at Prairie View Apartments, Garner.

  Elsie was born February 22, 1914 to Elizabeth and Frank Schoun. She lived in the Duncan area, and married George Formanek and farmed near Duncan.

  The couple raised four children, Bob Formanek of Duncan, Blanche Chizek of Britt, Marge Ryerson of St. Paul, Minnesota and Marlene Leerar of Britt.

  Paul R. Bier, 73, of Belmond, died Sunday, February 15, 2004 at the Belmond Health Care Center.

  Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 18, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond with the Rev. Garry Schneider officiating. Burial was in the Meservey Cemetery. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

  Paul Robert Bier was born at Belmond. He was the son of Henry George and Priscilla (Pals) Bier. He graduated from the Belmond Public High School and Faith Baptist Bible College. He was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Belmond, where he taught Sunday School and was church treasurer for over 40 years.

  Survivors include two sisters-in-law, Etta Lou Bier and Ardis Bier, both of Garner; several nieces and nephews; his church family and numerous friends.

  Clara (Drabek) Malek, 76, of Britt, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, in Mason City, Iowa.

  Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 18 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. The Rev. Michael Schueller officiated. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek and the St. Wencelslaus Church Choir. Leo Wellik and Melvin Wellik ushered.

  Honorary Casketbearers were Jen Swearingen, Amy Roberts, Lacey Malek, Kelsi Hansen and Amanda Edington. Casketbearers were Jason Malek, Shane Malek, Casey Malek, Tony Hansen, Jeremy Malek, Seth Malek, Nick Roberts, Jamie Malek, Ryan Malek and Lee Roberts. Burial was in the St. John's Cemetery, Duncan. The Ewing Dugger Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

  Clara Malek was born May 8, 1927, on a farm near Duncan, the daughter of James and Frances (Wellik) Drabek. She was the tenth of 11 children. She attended country school in the Duncan area. She worked for several years as a domestic worker for several families.

  She was united in marriage to Ernest Malek on April 29, 1947, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They farmed in the local area until 1977 when they moved to Britt. Clara enjoyed her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and baking for family and others.

  She was a life long member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, a member of the Duncan Rosary Society and the American Legion Auxiliary.

  Survivors include her husband, Ernest of Britt; her children, Darlene (Bill) Edington of Talihina, Oklahoma, Duane (Bev) Malek of Britt, Edwin (Elaine) Malek of Pella, Gary Malek of Garner, Marvin (Cheryl) Malek of Garner, Beverly (John) Roberts of Apex, North Carolina and Diane (Dann) Hansen of Kanawha; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and six sisters-in-law.

  Reva Jacobsen Anderson, 84, of Forest City, died Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa.

  Funeral services were held Saturday, February 21 at the Fertile Lutheran Church in Fertile, with Rev. Lee Laaveg officiating. Burial was in the Pilot Knob Lutheran Cemetery in rural Forest City. The Petersen-Lund Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

  Reva Jacobsen Anderson was born on December 29, 1919, on a farm north of Clear Lake. She was the daughter of Chris and Laura (Hansen) Jacobsen. She was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. She graduated from the Clear Lake High School in the Class of 1937 and was employed for four years at Snow White Market and one year for Mathers Grocery.

  On August 1, 1942 she married Grant Anderson at the Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Garner. Upon Grant's return from the service they farmed their entire married lives north of Ventura. The couple had four children, who along with their spouses, survive, Gary and his wife, Ramona of Fertile, Linda and her husband, Craig Ackarman of Ventura, Shirley and her husband, Beryl Wubbena of Bristow, Bruce and his wife, Dianne of Forest City.

  Survivors also include ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Ardith (Mrs. Edwin) Furness of Garner and Beverly (Mrs. Roy) Anderson of Ventura.

  Funeral services for Ruth Heitland, 85, of Buffalo Center were held Saturday, February 21, at the First Congregational Church in Buffalo Center. The Rev. Bill Peake and the Rev. Paul Haugen officiated. Mrs. Heitland died Tuesday, February 17, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

  Special music was provided by Phyllis Shortenhaus, Kathi Nelson and Emily Silber. Congregational hymns were accompanied by Jan Missman on the organ. Casket bearers were Travis Dontje, Tim Heidecker, Larry Mountain, Carey Melz, Scott Heitland, Cdr. Rick Mountain, Brandon Melz and Randy Melz. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery. The Winter Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

  Ruth Elaine Heitland, daughter of Forest and Emma (Schauf) Fisher, was born on September 11, 1918, at Forest City. Ruth grew up in the Thompson area and graduated from the Thompson High School.

  Survivors include her husband, George Heitland of Buffalo Center; her children, Janell (Ivan) Heidecker of Lakota, Diane (Bill) Mountain of Vernon Center, Minnesota, Connie (Harlan) Melzof of Lakota, Terry Heitland of Long Lake, Minnesota, Patricia (Gary) Dontje of Garner; a daughter-in-law, Adelia Heitland of Des Moines; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

  Also surviving are three sisters, Doris Murphy of Vancouver, Washington, Faye Timms of Norwalk and Geraldine Goumas of Niacc, New York; three brothers, Marlin (Dell) Fisher of Thompson, Richard (Margaret) Fisher of Lafayette, Colorado and Ramon (Joyce) Fisher of Humboldt; and many nieces and nephews.

  Walter J. Gorman, 81, of Garner died Sunday, February 22, 2004, at his home following a battle with cancer.

  His memorial service was held Tuesday, February 24, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan with Fr. Jerry Blake officiating. Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir. Robert Kral ushered.

  Honorary casket bearers were Walter's grandchildren and spouses. Interment was in the Crystal Township Cemetery, Crystal Lake with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

  Walter Joseph Gorman, the son of Walter James and Ida (Ingalls) Gorman, was born October 24, 1922, at Haywarden. He grew up in Algona and graduated from the Algona High School in 1940. He continued his education at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and then worked for the FBI. Walter served his country during WW II in the Merchant Marines for four years. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to Algona.

  On October 16, 1949, he married Phylida Scanlan at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They made their home in Algona, Ventura and in 1960, moved to Garner. Walter was employed at Northern Natural Gas in Ventura for 35 years before retiring in 1986. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed sitting on the front porch with his dog, Chloe, and visiting with friends and neighbors. His unbelievable "silly" stories and unique sense of humor will be missed by all.

  He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church.

  Survivors include his three children, Gena Greiman and husband, Fred of Garner, Pat Gorman and wife, Sharon of Garner and Toni Gorman and friend, Toni Castillo both of San Antonio, Texas; eight grandchildren, Andrea Greiman and fiance, Todd Young of Garner, Brook Stokes and husband, Charlie of Austin, Texas, Melissa Gorman and special friend, Bob Darg of Garner, Gail Gouge and husband, Jeremy of Garner, Jamie Greiman and fiance, Nick Christensen of Ankeny, Luke Greiman of Garner, Nicole Bruggeman and husband, Brandon of Klemme and Kate Gorman and fiance, Travis Nolte of Klemme; great-grandchildren, Taylor Hubbard, Kaden Greiman, Mykenzie Darg, Brock Gouge, Kaylee Nolte, Ryan Darg and baby Stokes and baby Christensen both due in July.

  Also surviving are a sister, Kathryn Gorman of Burbank, California; and a niece, Kathy of California and her four children.

  Brian and Lynne Bovenmyer of Garwin announce the birth of their first child, a son born February 17. Owen Garrett Bovenmyer weighed 9 1/2 pounds and was 22 3/4 inches long.

  Karen Jo Weiland, age 48, a resident of Opportunity Village in Clear lake, Iowa, daughter, sister, and aunt to Klemme area residents, died, Thursday, February 26, 2004, at her residence in Clear Lake.

  Funeral services were held Monday, March 1, 2004, at the Klemme United Methodist Church in Klemme. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements.

  Karen Jo Weiland was born May 27, 1955, at Britt, Iowa, the daughter of Vernon and Elaine (Carlson) Weiland. At a young age she was diagnosed as severely handicapped. Karen began attending Happy Arc in Garner at age 12, a school which was structured for the disabled. She continued to attend there until age 21, when she started to go to the Day Activity Program at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. In October of 1980, Karen became a full time resident of the Village and has lived there since.

  Being the big sister in the family, Karen Jo always focused on keeping peace and harmony in the relationships that surrounded her life. Though she was unable to speak clearly, her ability to communicate was excellent. Karen Jo, "Jo-Jo" as her father called her, enjoyed going for rides with her father, activities that included her mother and siblings, and going for ice cream. She liked to look at magazines and listen to music.

  She looked forward to family gatherings, but was also very comfortable living at Opportunity Village with her adopted second family of wonderful caregivers and resident friends. Karen Jo enjoyed activities sponsored through the Village, such as shopping trips, going to the fair, and other activities. Though her life may have not been normal in the day to day routine that most people take for granted, her life touched countless people through her warm smile, wonderful personality, and loving hugs.

  She is survived by her mother, Elaine Weiland, Klemme; sisters, Kathy and husband, Verlyn Olthoff of Klemme, Kay and husband, Joe Jackson of New Baden, Illinois; brothers, Kenneth and wife, Donna Weiland and Kelly and wife, Deb Weiland all of KIemme; and nine nieces and nephews, Travis Olthoff, Brandon Weiland, Jared and Josh Jackson, K.C. Weiland, Jayme and husband, Eric Dougherty, Jennifer Olthoff, Katie Weiland and Krystal Jackson.

  Clifford Knutson, 91, of Britt, died Friday, February 27, 2004, at the Franklin General Nursing Facility in Hampton.

  Funeral services were held Monday, March 1, at the Ewing-Dugger Funeral Chapel in Britt. Janelle Siffring, AiM officiated. Music was provided by organist, Brenda Smith. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

  Clifford Knutson, the son of Erick and Emma (Sporaland) Knutson, was born September 27, 1914. He was united in marriage with Genevieve Koppen in 1932. To this union, two sons were born, Eugene and Carlyle.

  Clifford farmed in Wisconsin for a time. He later moved to the Britt area, where he was employed by Winnebago Industries. In 1973, Clifford was united in marriage with Blanche (Wieland) Wilson at the United Methodist Church in Britt. The couple lived in the Britt area until moving to the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

  He is survived by one son, Carlyle Knutson of Viroqua, Wisconsin; one sister, Lila Lunn of Fairmont, Minnesota and several nieces and nephews.

  Hubert Luther Keiser of Britt died February 27, 2004, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City. He was 95.

  Funeral services were held Monday, March 1, at the First Lutheran Church, Britt. Janelle Siffring, AIM, officiated. Music was provided by Donna Tech, who accompanied soloist, Marlene Smith and several congregational hymns. Chester Eisenman and Mel Pergande ushered.

  Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Honorary bearers were Norbert Evers, Raymond Evers, Robert Evers, Jerry Hobscheidt, Bill Jones, Ivan Norstrud, Neal Hageman and Lynn Hageman. Casket bearers were Jon Swenson, Jeff Short, Jeff Shields, Jim Diemer, Donald Roberts and Mike Stevens.

  Hubert Keiser was born the son of Charles and Norma Tripp Keiser on November 12, 1908, in Manchester, Iowa. He married Della Evers on June 24, 1949. Four children were born to this union, Charles, Kathleen, Kristeen and David.

  Hubert worked most of his years in the hardware business. His last job was at Swenson's Hardware, formerly Kreitingers. Mr. Keiser was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt. He was a faithful husband and loving father. His family enjoyed many fishing vacations in northern Minnesota, as he was an avid fisherman. He never missed his sonsi sporting events.

  Hubert is survived by his wife, Della; four children, Charles Keiser and Norma of Winner, South Dakota, Kathleen and Steve Tolbert of Lafayette, Indiana, Kristeen and Steve Gunderson of Odebolt and David Keiser and Rene of Mason City; ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.

  Lester Leerar, 67, of Britt died February 28, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, West Campus in Mason City, Iowa.

  Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 2 at the St. Partick's Catholic Church in Britt. The Rev. Michael Schueller officiated. Music was provided by organist, Brenda Smith who accompanied soloist, Louise Zrostlik. Allen Doughan and Craig Leerar ushered. Burial was in the St. John's Cemetery, Duncan. The Ewirig-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

  Honorary casket bearers were Mr. Leerar's grandchildren, Ryan, Chris, Sarah, Dylan, Ashley, Jessica, Michael, Eric, Emily, Kelly, Brayden, Logan and Jacob. Casket bearers were Andy Trunkhill, Dustin Trunkhill, Chad Trunkhill, Mike Leerar, Ron Leerar, Greg Leerar and Justin Leerar

  Lester Joseph, the son of Herman and Lula Jackson Leerar, was born December 23, 1936, in rural Britt. He attended country school and then the Britt High School. Following high school, Lester began farming with his parents.

  On October 3, 1960, Lester was married to Teresa Nedved at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. The couple farmed in the Britt and Bancroft areas until they moved to Britt in 1975. At that time, Lester kept involved with agriculture by operating a custom grain business. He later was employed by Snap on Tools and then Winnebago Industries, retiring in 1997.

  Lester enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed his dog, Buddy, being outdoors, going fishing and camping. He looked forward to trips to Branson, Missouri with Teresa.

  He is survived by his wife, Teresa; five children, Monte Leerar and his wife, Tammy of Britt, Marlene Henning and her husband, Herman of Leland, Jon Leerar and his wife, Marlene of Britt, Cory Leerar and his wife, Jolene of Britt and Jason Leerar and his wife, Joanie of Algona; and 14 grandchildren.

  Also surviving are four sisters, Leona Welter and her husband, Thomas of Corwith, Darlene Day of Britt, Linda Foy and her husband, Charles of Odebolt and Vicki Trunkhill and her husband Charles of Algona; two brothers, Duane Leerar and his wife, Paulette of Garner and Larry Leerar and his wife, Lorna of Britt; numerous nieces and nephews.

  Ernest M. Johnson, 96, of Belmond, died Saturday, February 28, 2004, at the Belmond Health Care Center in Belmond.

  Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 3, at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church near Belmond with the Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiating. Burial was in the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery. Military graveside rites were provided by the Belmond Honor Guard. The Dugger-Ewing Funeral Home of Belmond was in charge of the arrangements.

  Ernest Johnson was born May 4, 1907 to George and Barbro (Charlson) Johnson in rural Belmond. He attended country schools in the Belmond area through the eighth grade. He was confirmed at the St. Olaf Church. Ernest farmed in the Belmond area for most of his life, except for a four-year tour of duty in the Army. He was stationed in Hawaii for three years. Following his discharge, he took flying lessons and received his pilots license.

  On July 19, 1950, he was married to Sarah Adele Fetrow. The couple had two sons. Mr. Johnson served as deacon and sexton at the St. Olaf Church in Belmond.

  Surviving are his wife, Adele; sons, George and Phil and his wife, Laurie; grandchildren, Darien, Brandon, Tyler and Jayme; one sister, Georgia and several nieces and nephews.