Richard D. Wood 1935-2004

November 10, 2004

  Richard D. Wood, 69, of Woden died Friday, November 5, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

  Funeral services were held Monday at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden with the Rev. Edward Bard, Chaplain of Hospice of North Iowa, officiating. Casket bearers were Ronald Hanna, David Naser, Brian Wood, Jeffrey Wood, Steven Wood, Michael Isebrand, Kevin Wittmeier, James Wood, Joel Gigler and Todd DeWaard. Burial was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, south of Woden. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of North Iowa.

  Richard Darvin Wood, the son of William Jacob and Ethel Mae (Hammond) Wood was born May 20, 1935, in Woden. He lived in Woden until entering the Westview Care Center in Britt in 1996 due to ill health. He enjoyed visits from his family and occasional outings with relatives. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Woden.

  He is survived by seven sisters and four brothers, Lois (Alvin) Hanna of Woden, Lorraine Naser of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Don (Ardith) Wood of Mason City, Leona Chesnut of Springfield, Missouri, William A. (Faith) Wood of Minneaplis, Minnesota, Eugene J.E. (Hazel) Wood of Garner, LaVonne (Don) Isebrand of Woden, Lola Wittmeier of Fort Dodge, Larry (Betty) Wood of Woden, LaDonna (Don) Gigler of Columbia, Missouri and Linda (Ken) DeWaard of Britt; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his mother in 1972; his father in 1982; three brothers-in-law, Gary Wittmeier, Chuck Chesnut and Wayne Naser; an infant niece, Valerie Jo Wood; and a nephew, Gary Naser.

November 10, 2004

  Royal J. McNeese, 89, of Britt, died at the Westview Care Center in Britt on Friday, November 5, 2004.

  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 9, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. The Rev. Howard Westlund and the Rev. J. Mark Aheron Sr. officiated. Music was provided by Mrs. Dwight Anderson who accompanied soloist, Nancy Aheron, a duet by Jennifer Johnson and Amber McNeese and congregational hymns. Don Anderson and Cal Larson ushered.

  Casket bearers were Mr. McNeese's grandsons, Greg McNeese, Brent McNeese, Joe Mikkelson, Steve Mikkelson, James Clarke, John Clarke, Kelly Janes, Garen Janes, Andrew McNeese, Robert McNeese, John Aheron, R. J. McNeese and Mark McNeese. Honorary bearers were Cherlyn Johnson, Michaela Clarke, Dana Janes, Carrie Valster, Sarah Marquez and Esther Drew. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

  Royal James McNeese, the son of James R. McNeese and Lillie Robertson McNeese, was born January 25, 1915, in Talleyrand.

  On September 5, 1939, Royal was united in marriage to Mary Rakey in Fairfield. The couple farmed near Washington until 1946, when they moved to a farm northwest of Britt, where they farmed until 1967.

  Royal started a motorcycle business on the farm in 1957 and moved it into Britt in 1973, at which time they also moved from their farm home into Britt. Royal continued operating the Harley Davidson shop in town until 1998, when he suffered a stroke and has spent the last six years in the Westview Care Center.

  Royal was blessed with a very creative mind and used this gift to accomplish many things. He enjoyed his family, working with mechanics and watching the corn grow. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized when he was in his 30s. Royal was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Britt where he served on the church board and also as the church treasurer.

  He is survived by his wife, Mary of Britt; three sons, Gale (Bev) McNeese, Gary (Theresa) McNeese of Britt and James McNeese; four daughters, Shirley Mikkelson of Lynchberg, Virginia, Sharon (Rick) Clarke of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Sandy (Keith) Janes of Stuart, Florida and Nancy (J. Mark Sr.) Aheron of Trumbull, Connecticut. Other survivors include 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; four sisters; one son-in-law; and one granddaughter.

Devin Michael Bott

November 10, 2004

  Holli Jurgemeyer and Ryan Bott of Ankeny announce the birth of their son, Devin Michael. Devin was born on July 19, at the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. He weighed 9 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21.25 inches long.

  Proud grandparents are Tammy and Mike McAvoy of Belmond, David and Tamara Jurgemeyer of Ankeny and Steve and Sharon Bott of Waukee. Great-grandparents are Dot Metz of Belmond, Lucille Jurgemeyer of Garner, Jerry Metz of Austin, Minnesota and Dorothy and Ray Vail of Omaha, Nebraska.

Sarah Marie Schmidt

November 10, 2004

  Rusty and Stacy Schmidt of Garner are delighted to announce the arrival of their daughter, Sarah Marie. Sarah was born Thursday, October 28.

  She weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounces and was 21 inches long. Sarah was welcomed home by older brother, Travis William.

  Proud grandparents include Roger and Deb Schmidt of Garner and Roger and Teresa Boge of Klemme. Great-grandparents are Lloyd and Geneva Oakley of Audubon and Eva Boge of Charles City.

November 17, 2004

  Loren E. Abele, 89, of Garner died Thursday, November 11, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

  Funeral services were held Saturday, November 13, at the United Methodist Church in Garner with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek, who accompanied soloist, Bernie Urich and a congregational hymn. Maynard Schoneman ushered.

  Casket bearers were Steve Abele, Brian Abele, Paul Abele, Jerry Zwald, Robert D. Abele and Harlan Carolus. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

  Loren Edwin Abele, the son of Albert and Esther (Moll) Abele, was born February 13, 1915 on the family farm north of Garner. He attended the rural schools of Garfield Township and graduated from the Garner High School in 1933.

  He farmed with his father until enlisting in the U.S. Army in September of 1942. He served his country during WW II in the Alaskan Command, being stationed at Anchorage, Alaska. Following his honorable discharge in July of 1945 he returned home to farm.

  On May 28, 1950 he married Beryl Hyler at Ames. They farmed and raised their family on the family farm, which was recognized as a Century Farm. He enjoyed his family, grandchildren and gardening.

  He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner, where he served as an usher and belonged to the Men's Club. He was also a member of the Garner American Legion, the Hancock County Farm Bureau, serving on the board of directors for several years, the Hancock County Dairy Herd Improvement Association and the Hancock County Pork Producers serving as secretary.

  He is survived by his wife, Beryl of Garner; three children, Ronald Abele of Garner and special friend, Deb Uhlenhopp, Jean Abele of Des Moines and Julie Cook and husband, Mark of Britt; grandchildren, Ronald Abele II and fiancee, Melissa Mayland, Kari Abele, Jamie Cook, Misty Leerar and husband, Andy and their son, Spencer and Andrea Cook and special friend, Scott Schlichting.

  Also surviving are a sister, Iris Abele of Garner; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Osnes and husband, John of Forest City; a brother-in-law, Calvin Voigt of Forest City; two nephews, Steven Abele and wife, Jan of Lake Mills and Brian Abele and wife, Barb of Leland; a niece, Ann Fischer of Forest City; many cousins; and other relatives.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Elmer Abele; a sister, Lois Voigt; and a nephew, Michael Abele.

November 17, 2004

  Mr. and Mrs. William Luppen of Garner, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last August with their children and grandchildren, with a trip to Lake Superior.

  William (Bill) Luppen and Janet Smith were married on November 7, 1954, in Hardy. They returned to the church they were married in on November 7, to have their vows renewed.

  The children and their spouses are Kevin and Janice Luppen of Wasilla, Alaska, Milo and Shelly Luppen of Woodbury, Minnesota, Bernie and Bambi Urich of Garner, Tony and Misty Bartleson of Forest City and Doug and Kelli Krustinger of Marengo. They also have 13 grandchildren.

November 17, 2004

  Ken and Mary McCormick of Clear Lake will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, November 26 at the VFW Legion Hall in Clear Lake. A reception will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dance from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.

  The couple was married November 14, 1964 at the St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah. This event will be hosted by their children, Connie Schroeder and her husband, Tracy, Kevin McCormick and his wife, Marie, Scott McCormick, Susan Boehnke and her husband, Dan and grandchildren.

Katherine Joyce Ebeling

November 17, 2004

  Paul Ebeling and Wendy Meyer of Davenport are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Katherine Joyce. Katherine was born on October 29. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was 19 inches long.

  Proud grandparents are Gary and Joyce Meyer of Garner and Tom and Toni Ebeling of Clear Lake. Great-grandparents are Clarence and Verneil Ptacek of Garner.

November 24, 2004

  Alvin W. Hanna, 84, of Woden died Sunday, November 14, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt.

  Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 17, at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden with the Rev. Arlen Lloyd officiating. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied congregational hymns and a vocal duet of Doryce Hanna and Rita Brue. Ushers were Allan Hanna and Tom Larson. Casket bearers were Scott Hanna, Tracy Hanna, Donald Grant, Pence Upchurch, Doug Swingen and Steve Wood. Burial was in the Grant Lutheran Cemetery northeast of Woden. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Woden was in charge of the arrangements.

  Alvin Wallace Hanna, the son of Ole and Garda (Gjerde) Hanna, was born January 9, 1920 on a farm east of Woden. He was baptized and confirmed at the Grant Lutheran Church near Woden. He attended the rural schools of Grant Township.

  On June 15, 1940 he married Lois Wood at Mason City. They lived and farmed on the farm where he was born. He retired from farming in 1985. Alvin and Lois spent their winters in Texas for 20 years with friends until ill health forced him to stay home. He enjoyed being with his family and playing golf and pool.

  He was a life time member of the Grant Lutheran Church and served on the church board. He was chairman of the election board for many years and was also a township trustee.

  Alvin is survived by his wife, Lois, of Woden; two children, Ronald (Arlis) Hanna of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Vicki (Robert) Grant of Latimer; grandchildren, Scott and Tracy Hanna, both of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Penny Hanna Upchurch of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Gail Castillo of Hampton and Don Grant of Overland Park, Kansas; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters, Sylvia (Orle) Severson of Forest City and Virginia Wessels of Forest City; a sister-in-law, Myrtle Hanna of Mason City; two nieces and two nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his mother in 1936; his father, in 1964; a brother, Gordon in 1978; and two brothers-in-law, Ray Haugen and Pete Wessels in 1999.

November 24, 2004

  Hilda (Abele) Greiman of Garner will celebrate her 80th birthday with an open house on November 27, from 1:30-4:00 p.m., at the Zion Evangelical Reformed Church, 760 West 8th Street, Garner.

  She was born November 2, 1924, to Lew and Esther Abele on the family farm west of Klemme.

  This event will be hosted by her family, Florence (Sid) Banwart, Stan (Michele) Greiman, Dr. Susan Karrer, Glen (Terri) Greiman, Karen (Shawn) Zenor, and their families. 

Hannah Raelyne Schiele

November 24, 2004

  Jeni and Lance Schiele of West Branch are the proud parents of a baby girl born on October 26. Hannah Raelyne weighed 8 pounds, one-half ounce and was 20 and one half inches long. She was welcomed home by her 3 1/2-year-old brother, Brett.

  Grandparents are Howard Kayser, Teri Kayser and Jananne Schiele.

Jacob Mathew Formanek

November 24, 2004

  Jacob Mathew Formanek was born on November 5, to Mat and Lisa Formanek. He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long. Jacob was welcomed home by his two sisters, Ciera 15 months old and Mariah 9.

  Grandparents are Dick and Marcia Formanek of Garner and Bob and Kathy Vierkant of Belmond. Great-grandparents are Ralph and Gen Turner of Belmond, Lucille Billick of Meservey, Agnes Formanek of Garner and Bob Pletcher of Forest City.

December 1, 2004

  Dylan Dean Bailey, infant son of Todd and Ann Bailey of Clear Lake, died Saturday, November 20, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

  Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 24, 2004, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Mason City with Rev. Harry Koelker officiating.

  Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. The Fullerton Funeral Home of Mason City was in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Chad and Tucker Bailey, Kevin Bailey, Dean Popowski and Matthew Popowski. Honorary bearers were Dan Johansen, Lonie Stohl, Jermie Schroeder, Adam Bailey, LeRoy Popowski, Jerry Popowski, Steven Popowski and Monica Popowski.

  Dylan Dean Bailey was born September 9, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City to his loving parents, Todd Dean and Ann Margaret (Popowski) Bailey. He was the first-born child to his parents.

  From the very beginning, Dylan expressed his love of cuddling and his independent personality. After a time of being held and snuggled with, he was content to be laid down so he could freely coo and kick. Dylan was extremely alert and seemed to notice everything that surrounded him. In particular, Dylan already held a fascination for riding high in Daddy's big, red, Chevy truck. Watching the fish in the aquarium also sparked his curiosity.

  Even though Dylan was in their lives for only a short time, he brought much joy and love into the hearts and lives of his entire family and friends.

  He is survived by his parents, Todd and Ann Bailey of Clear Lake; his grandparents, Roger and Sharon Bailey of Denison and Dennis and Charlene Popowski of Garner; his great-grandparents, Lila Bailey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Donald and Frances Johnson of Tea, South Dakota, Roy and Marjorie Popowski of Ivanhoe, Minnesota and Anna Verly of Minneota, Minnesota.

  Other survivors include his uncles and aunts, Chad and Tina Bailey of Denison, LeRoy and Felicia Popowski of Portland, Oregon, Dean Popowski of Mountain View, California, Jerry and Laura Popowski of Rapid City, South Dakota, Steven Popowski of Garner, Matthew Popowski of Waverly and Monica Popowski of Garner; and eight cousins.

  He was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Virgil Bailey, Orvin Henrichs and Albert Verly.

Emma L'Bona-Mae Goll

December 1, 2004

  Dan and Traci Goll of Garner are the proud parents of a daughter, Emma L'Bona-Mae. Emma was born on October 30, at the Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces. Emma was welcomed home by her big brothers, Alek, 6 years old and Erik, 4 years old.

  Grandparents are Donna Banta and Dean and Doris Goll all of Garner, and Bill Rasmuson of Chaffee, Missouri.

  Great-grandmother is Carol Rasmuson of Britt.

Paul C. Blank 1918-2004

December 8, 2004

  Former Hancock County resident Paul C. Blank of Longmont, Colorado, died Thursday, November 18. He was 86.

  Funeral services were held Monday, November 22, at the Howe Mortuary Chapel. The Rev. Robert Roark officiated.

  Paul Blank was born May 29, 1918, in Britt. He was the son of John and Cora Belle (Roushia) Blank. He grew up on the family farm. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1941 and served during World War II. In 1946, he moved to Denver, Colorado, where he met his future wife. He married Ruth Tole on June 1, 1947, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1960, they moved to a farm in Rinn where they raised six children. They were later divorced.

  On June 24, 1987, he married Louise Douthit in Nashville, Arkansas. Mr. Blank was an assembler for Law & Son Casket Co. in Denver for more than 30 years. He was an inventor and the owner of several patents. He enjoyed gardening and the mountains. He also enjoyed studying the Bible.

  Survivors include his wife's three sons, John Blank and his wife, Sharon of O'Fallon, Missouri, James Blank and his wife, Emma of Daconon, Colorado and Stephen Blank and his wife, Barbara of Lancaster, California; three daughters, Edna Blank of Daconon, Elaine Blank of Longmont and Esther Morison and her husband, Mike of Longmont; a brother, Junior "Cap" Blank of Klemme; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dorothy Nieman and June Nieman; and three brothers, Cecil Blank, Bodie Blank and Joe Blank.

John Thomas Riherd 1980-2004

December 8, 2004

  J.T. Riherd, 24, of Britt died Sunday, November 28, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

  His funeral was held Thursday, December 2, 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 congregational hymns. Dennis Zuehl and Scott Johnson ushered. Casket bearers were Matt Zadow, Scott Hudspeth, Jeremy Nedved, Scott Redman, Ryan Waltman and Tom Erdahl. Burial was in the Crystal Township Cemetery, Crystal Lake. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

  John Thomas Riherd, the son of Timothy Arnold Riherd and Sherri Louise (Swisher) Schrandt, was born July 31, 1980 at Britt. He attended school at Crystal Lake and Britt.

  J.T. was employed at North Iowa Wood Products in Belmond. He enjoyed working with wood and cars. His pride and joy was his son, Zebastian.

  He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake.

  He is survived by his son, Zebastian Riherd of Britt; fiancee, Shay Depue of Britt; mother, Sherri (Don) Schrandt of Britt; father, Tim (Cheryl) Riherd of Crystal Lake; three sisters, Gina Riherd of Britt, Katie Riherd of Crystal Lake and Carla Riherd of Britt; two step-sisters, Shannon (Jamie) Pascual of Hayfield and Stephanie Bonjour of Minneapolis, Minnesota; maternal grandmother, Jean Swisher of Britt; paternal grandparents, Tom and Delores Riherd of Kanawha; paternal step-grandmother, Vi Swanson of Sheffield; several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends.

  He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Allen Riherd; maternal grandfather, Fred Swisher; and paternal step-grandfather, Larry Swanson.

Evelyn L. Gerdes 1922-2004

December 8, 2004

  Evelyn L. Gerdes, 82, of Britt died Sunday, November 28, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City.

  A memorial service was held Wednesday, December 1, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt. The Rev. Dr. John Meyer of First Lutheran Church officiated. Music was provided by Beverly Cataldo. Honorary bearers were Casey Clark, Holden Clark, Bob Peterson, Bill Peterson, Mike May, Tom Dahl, Brian Peterson and Bruce Shipman. Interment was in the Bingham Township Cemetery, south of Woden.

  Evelyn Luella Gerdes, the daughter of Emil C. and Nola M. (Sharp) Peterson, was born July 9, 1922 at Kanawha. She attended school at Stilson until the 11th grade and then worked at a grocery store in Britt.

  On February 9, 1956, she was married to Henry W. Gerdes at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived in Hutchins where they owned and operated the Hutchins Grocery Store until 1970. After her husband, Heini died in 1981, she continued to live in Hutchins until moving to Britt in August of 2001.

  She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, embroidering and was an angel of care for many people. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt and the Woden VFW and American Legion Auxiliary.

  Survivors include two daughters, Julie (Mark) Clark of Des Moines and Dianne (Steven) Dahl of Macks Creek, Missouri; five grandchildren, Casey and Holden Clark, Trisha Clark, Leslie Dahl and Tom Dahl; a brother, Emil L. (Dori) Peterson of Northfield, Minnesota; five sisters-in-law, Alice Gerdes of Columbus, Mississippi, Leota Gerdes of Garner, Betty (Don) May of Corwith, Rose Gerdes of Britt and Barbara Shipman of Nora Springs; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, Heini on March 14, 1981; and her parents.

Jayden David Knuse

December 8, 2004

  Jayden David Knuse, son of Jeff and Jennifer Knuse of Pella was born on Saturday, November 27, at 3:22 a.m. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. Jayden was welcomed home by his 3 1/2 year old big sister, Makayla.

  Proud grandparents are Janan Griggs and the late Jay Griggs.

Dalton Brian Konz

December 8, 2004

  Heidi and Brian Konz, Sheldon, announce the arrival of their first child, Dalton Brian on Tuesday, November 30.

  Grandparents are Terri and Glen Greiman of Garner and Kristie and Bill Konz of Red Oak. Great-grandparents are Arnold and Thelma Prohaska of Clear Lake, Hilda Greiman of Garner and John Konz of Minden.