Donald E. Larkin, 84, of Garner died Thursday, December 1, 2005, at his home.

  Funeral services were held on Monday, December 5, at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner with the Rev. Linzy Collins, Jr. officiating. Music was provided by organist, Audrey Sonnenberg who accompanied Rev. Collins in a solo as well as congregational hymns. Harlan Carolus and Dave Hrubes ushered.

  Honorary bearers were Kirstie Stifel, Lindsey Wessels, Jasa Clos and Jessica Larkin. Casket bearers were Michael Brooks, Shawn Larkin, Jay Larkin, Brian Formanek, Chadd Ptacek, Travis Ptacek and Lucas Ptacek. 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.

  Donald Eugene Larkin, the son of Charles and Bessie (Chiverton) Larkin, was born May 27, 1921 at Dixon, Illinois. He received his education in the schools of Dixon and Rockford.

  On August 29, 1941, he married Elnore R. Bowers at the home of Elnore's sister, Lola and husband, Robert Murphy in Rockford. Don served his country in the U.S. Navy from June of 1944 to January 1946, being stationed in the Philippines aboard LST 895 as a gunner's mate. After the service, he returned to his job as a tool cutter for the Barber-Colman Company in Rockford.

  In 1950, Don and Elnore moved to Garner where Don farmed for Ray Ford until 1956. Don worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation as a traffic weight officer from 1955 until ill health forced him to retire in 1982. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Don was a very generous and loving husband and father and was the world's greatest grandfather. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and the Garner VFW and American Legion.

  Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Elnore of Garner; children, Karen Brooks of Urbandale, Debra (Gerald) Ptacek of Cedar Rapids and Major (Ret.) Kevin (Julie) Larkin of Davenport; grandchildren and their families, Kirstie Stifel and her three children, Madison, Morgan and Coleson, Michael (Sara) Brooks and their daughter, Reagan, Shawn Larkin, Jay Larkin and fiancé, Ashley Kozisek, Brian Formanek, Chadd Ptacek and his two children, Morgan and Patrick, Travis Ptacek and his daughter, Gabrielle, Lindsey (Robb) Wessels and their daughter, Berkley, Lucas Ptacek, Jasa (Jacob) Clos and their children, Nicholas and Isabella and Jessica Larkin and fiancé, Mike Clark; a brother, Richard (Joanne) Larkin of Rockford, Illinois; a sister, Betty (Jerry) Dietrich of Pecatonica, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

  Terry E. Lassahn, 61, of the rural Meservey-Klemme area, died Saturday, December 3, 2005, at his home in rural Hancock County with his wife at his side, following a battle with cancer.

  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 6, 2005, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, Klemme. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme with full military honors by the Klemme Area Military Funeral Unit. The Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements.

  Terry Eugene Lassahn, was born on November 27, 1944 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Harold Paul and Mable Viola (Schlichting) Lassahn. He grew up in Klemme and graduated from the Klemme High School with the Class of 1962. Following high school he served in the United States Armed Forces, commencing in March of 1964 and continuing for three years and 11 months before being honorably discharged as an SP 5. His tenure included time serving in Okinawa.

  Upon returning from military service he attended North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City and received an Associate of Applied Science Degree with an Engineering Major, graduating in June of 1970. He was a member of the Honor Society affiliated with the Iowa Area Community Colleges and Vocational Tech Institute Alpha Chapter where he was honored in February of 1970.

  Following his education, he was employed at Bell Labs in Naperville, Illinois as a Design Engineer and held various other titles for the company. Bell Labs is where he met his wife and companion of 25 years, Naomi Grey. The couple was united in marriage on January 5, 1980, at Naperville. Following their marriage the couple spent time in Naperville before making their home in Winfield, Illinois.

  Following retirement after 25 years with the company. Terry and Naomi returned to Iowa and settled on their present farm acreage in the rural Meservey-Klemme area in Avery Township. There they enjoyed the peace and tranquility of country living and special friends and neighbors. Terry enjoyed cooking, gardening, planting trees, woodworking and traveling the area and visiting with friends.

  He attended both the Klemme United Methodist Church and more recently enjoyed being involved with the Goodell United Methodist Church. He and Naomi also enjoyed the companionship of their special cats, Willy and Tao.

  Terry will be remembered as a very humble, simple, caring and intelligent man. He was a member of American Legion Post #0625.

  Survivors include his wife, Naomi Lassahn of Meservey; his mother, Mable Lassahn a resident of the Good Samaritan Center, Idaho Falls, Idaho; a brother, Gordon and wife, Pamela Lassahn of Idaho Falls, Idaho; brothers-in-law, Robert Schlagel of Kingman, Arizona and Clive Grey and his wife, Carmen of Claremont, California; also many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and his special beloved pets, Willy and Tao.

  Donald E. Abbas, 80, of Kanawha, died Saturday, December 10, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

  Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 14, at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Steve Schulz officiated. Music was provided by organist, Marilyn DeKruyff who accompanied vocalist, Ryan Zonnefeld and congregational hymns. William Schreur and Clarence Seebeck ushered.

  Casket bearers were Jason and Angela Abbas, Jeremy and Sara Abbas, Valorie and Ryan Zonnefeld, Daniel and Lisa Mouw and Stephanie Mouw. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Kanawha was in charge of the arrangements.

  Donald, the son of Fred and Grace Folkerts Abbas, was born August 15, 1925, in rural Kanawha. He was raised in the Kanawha area where he attended country school and graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1943. Following graduation, Donald helped his father farm the family farm.

  Donald was united in marriage with Eleanor Ruka on April 10, 1948 in Goodell. The couple made their home in the Kanawha, Britt and Corwith areas. Following their retirement they moved from the Corwith farm into Kanawha. Eleanor died on June 4, 1998.

  Donald loved his family and friends very much. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed bowling, listening to male gospel quartets and traveling when given the opportunity. He served as a role model to his family and was a true inspiration.

  In 1999, Donald married Leona Carlson Freerksen in Jenison, Michigan. The couple made their home in Kanawha until the time of Leona's death on May 22, 2005.

  Donald was an active member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church. He served on the church council as deacon and elder and was a member of the Men's Society.

  He is survived by his daughter, Lois Ann Mouw and her husband, Glen of Sioux Center; his son, Darl and his wife, Paula of Kanawha; two step-children, Arlene Goemaat and her husband, Larry of Lakewood, California and Richard Freerksen and his wife, Ruth of Grand Rapids, Michigan; five grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; his sister, Audrey Mehl and her husband, Norman of Britt; his brother, Dennis Abbas and his wife, Jean of Marshalltown; and numerous other family members and friends.

  Velma M. Brown, 77, of Britt, died Tuesday, December 13, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

  Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 17, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Britt with the Rev. Robert Fleming officiating. Music was provided by organist, Judy Oudekerk who accompanied soloist, Bruce Wubben. Elzo Lewerke ushered.

  Casket bearers were Jake Brouwer, Ron Brooks, Ron Brozik, Dan Brozik, Cliff Smith and Bob Oudekerk. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

  Velma Marie Brown, the daughter of Melvin William and Anna Elizabeth (Brooks) Brown, was born September 12, 1928 at Britt. She attended the rural schools of Hancock County and then stayed home to help her family.

  In 1938, she moved with her family to a farm northwest of Garner and in 1993 moved with her sister, Blanche to Britt.

  In 2003, she became a resident of the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Velma enjoyed farming and tilling the soil. She attended the Bethel Baptist Church in Britt.

  Survivors include her brother-in-law, Albert Oudekerk of Mason City; a sister-in-law, Viola Brown of Forest City; and many other relatives.

  Elwin James Redenius, 63, of Britt, died Thursday, December 15, 2005, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

  Funeral services were held on Monday, December 19, at the First Lutheran Church, Britt. Pastor Janelle Siffring AiM, officiated. Music was provided by organist, Donna Tech who accompanied soloist, John Weishaar. Raymond Bruns and Donald Dallman ushered.

  Casket bearers were Steve Waters, Shawn VanLaere, Brent Drahn, Jason Redenius, Bob Seefeld and Roger Ewing. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

  Elwin, the son of Menno and Lora Stohr Redenius, was born April 25, 1942, in Britt. He grew up in the Britt area and graduated from the Britt High School in 1960. Following graduation, he joined the National Guard/Army Reserves. He was employed at the milk plant in Britt and at Floyd and Leonard's in Mason City as a parts man.

  On May 28, 1965, Elwin married Linda Brunner in Mason City. The couple lived in Mason City for three years and then moved to the family farm near Britt where Elwin farmed for 37 years.

  Elwin loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and friends. He loved his Corvettes, racing and farming. He was instrumental in establishing the Britt Hobo Day Car Show. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Britt.

  Elwin is survived by his wife, Linda; four daughters, Sandra and husband, Troy Thompson of Arlington, Washington, Sara Jo and husband, Steve Waters of Ankeny, Stephanie and husband, Brent Drahn of Charles City, Susan and husband, Shawn VanLaere of Mason City; six grand-children; four brothers, Myron Redenius of Billings, Montana, Kermit Redenius and wife, Kristin of Webster City, Gerald Redenius and wife, Yolanda of Britt, Ronald Redenius and wife, Mary Jane of Forest City; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

  Jared and Chris Greiman of Mason City welcome the arrival of their son, Joshua Daniel, born November 10, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City. Joshua weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 21 1 /2 inches long.

  Ernest L. Hanson, 94, of Garner, died Friday, December 16, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City.

  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 20, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller. Burial was in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City. The Petersen Lund Funeral Home of Forest City was in charge of the arrangements.

  Ernest LeVerne Hanson was born on a farm near Thompson on October 16, 1911. He was the son of Lewis and Hannah (Hanson) Hansen. He received his education in country school near Miller. He married Florence Rhine on December 25, 1935. To this union five children were born.

  Ernest worked for area farmers for several years. In 1943, he began farming on his own northeast of Miller. He enjoyed gardening and watching the deer and wildlife on the farm. He treasured time spent visiting with family and friends and loved a Sunday drive in the country to check on the crops. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller.

  He is survived by his sons and their spouses, Arlo and Maralyn Hanson of Mason City, Ron and Donna Hanson of Forest City, Carroll and Kathryn Hanson of Glenville, Minnesota and Joel and Brenda Hanson of Garner; ten grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

  Also surviving are two brothers, Milton Hanson of Forest City and Earl Hanson of San Clemente, California; three sisters, Dorothy Wilson of Garner, Lula Schroeder of Britt and Vivian Rasmussen of Clear Lake.

  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday December 21, 2005, at the St. Paul's Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for Maryann Zabinski, formerly of Garner, who died on Sunday, December 18, 2005, at the St. Cloud Hospital. She was 60.

  The Rev. Timothy Baltes officiated. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery.

  Maryann Zabinski was born August 17, 1945, in St. Cloud to Ignatius and Alvina (Birk) Zabinski. She moved to Garner n 1978 and returned to St. Cloud in 1997. Maryann was employed in the food service industry for many years of her life. She was a member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church.

  Maryann was a volunteer for the GRIP Organization and the Place of Hope for several years. She enjoyed reading, crafting, cooking, and spending time with her family.

  She is survived by her children, Carol Richards (Dave) of Rangely, Colorado, Cathy Nygard of Garner, Connie Bleile (Terry) of Mason City, Colleen Altman (Tom) of Solon, Randy Sniezek (Staci) of Ames, Christy Marchand (Eric) of Britt, Cassie Rochholz (Landon) of Solon; 13 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

  Survivors also include brothers and sisters, Eugene Zabinski (Loretta) of Ely, Luverne Orth of St. Cloud, Gerald Zabinski (Eileen) of St. Augusta, Minnesota, Virgil Zabinski (Julie) of Spangler, Washington, Jeanette Mondloch (Ollie) of St. Augusta, David Zabinski (Patty) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Darlene Young (Jerome) of Holdingford; and sisters-in-law, Evelyn Briggs of St. Cloud and Joyce Zabinski of Crystal, Minnesota.

  Charles "Raleigh" Hesley of Britt, died Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at the Westview Care Center in Britt. He was 85.

  Funeral services were held on Friday, December 23, at the Britt Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Joel DeBoer officiated. Music was provided by pianist, Peg Eisenman who accompanied vocalist, Joel DeBoer and a congregational hymn. Harlan Eeekhoff and Louis Smidt ushered.

  Honorary casketbearers were Duane Francis, Merrill Olson, Joe Appelhons and Elmer Sweers. Casket bearer were Ron Smidt, Roger Haxton, Kenny Terhark, Gary Olson, Roger Allen, Ron Eisenman, Jon Swenson and Pat Trulson. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery. Graveside military services were provided by the Britt Ceremonial Unit. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

  Raleigh, the son of Harold and Olga Henrietta "Hattie" (Sonerholm) Hesley, was born March 31, 1920 in Britt. He was raised in Britt and attended the Britt schools.

  On October 7, 1941, Raleigh enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for almost four years. A very decorated soldier, Raleigh received the American Defense Service Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, Service Stripe and four Overseas Service Bars. Following his discharge in 1945, he returned to Britt.

  On March 3, 1948, Raleigh married Bertha Pannkuk in Buffalo Center. The couple made their home in Britt, where Raleigh was employed at the Fullerton Lumber Company, Artes Produce and then Woodford-Wheeler Lumber Company. He retired in August of 1987.

  Raleigh had a great sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards and watching baseball. He also enjoyed going to Wyoming and visiting the mountains. He was a member of the Britt United Methodist Church, Britt Fire Department, VFW and American Legion.

  Survivors include two daughters, Beverly Malek and husband, Duane of Britt, Sue Haddix and husband, David of Gillette, Wyoming; two sons, Dale Hesley and wife, Linda of Britt, Steve Hesley and wife, Giovanna of Oracle, Arizona; six grandchildren, Jason (Amy), Jeremy, Jennifer (Mike), Nick, Tyler, Dylan; a great-granddaughter, Taylor; a sister, Christal Bredberg of Blue Earth, Minnesota; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

  Jason and Leah Rohlf of Iowa City are the parents of a daughter, Isabelle Marie, born November 24, 2005. Isabelle weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces.

  Larry D. Lauen, 67, of Goodell, died Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City.

  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 27, at the United Methodist Church, Goodell. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery, Goodell.

  Larry Dean Lauen was born March 20, 1938, on the family farm. He was the son of John and Mabel (Prilipp) Lauen of Goodell. He attended and graduated from the Meservey High School in 1956. He was baptized and confirmed in the Meservey United Methodist Church.

  On June 30, 1963, Larry Lauen and Jane Butcher were married at the United Methodist Church in Meservey. Larry was very active in the community. He volunteered as an EMT for the Meservey/Thornton area. He also taught Sunday School at the Meservey UMC. Larry enjoyed working in his shop as well as Southern Gospel Concerts. His favorite hobby was farming, having lived his entire life on the family farm.

  He was an active member of the Goodell United Methodist Church, serving on the SPRC committee. He was also an MYF leader as well as a 4-H leader and past president of the Klemme Elevator.

  Survivors include his wife, Jane; son, Steven and his wife, Dorcee of Sioux City; daughter, Lynnette and husband, Mark Wang of Taichung, Taiwan; and a special granddaughter, Natalie Wang.

January 4, 2006

  Josephine Hall, 75, of Garner, died Saturday, December 24, 2005, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

  Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller with the Rev. Owen Gaasedelen officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Torkelson who accompanied soloist, Warren Torkelson and a congregational hymn. Ushers were Dave Luscomb and Ted Hall.

  Casket bearers were Dave Borger, Ed Simon, Jim Sweeney, Daryl Upmeyer, Dale Upmeyer and Vern Greimann. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. The Cataldo Funeral Home of Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

  Josephine Hall, the daughter of Jacob and Marie (Borger) Alt, was born March 7, 1930, at Mason City. She was baptized and confirmed at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City. Jo attended school at Mason City.

  On February 27, 1947, she was married to Orville (Bud) Hall at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. They farmed north of Garner from 1949 to 1977. Jo was a cook at the Garner A & W, Forest Dairy Queen, Forest City Golf Course and was a part owner and cook at the Bull Pen Cafe in Forest City.

  In 1979, Jo and Bud moved to Cleveland, Minnesota where they were co-owners of Hall's Resort for 18 years. In 1997, they retired from the resort and returned to Garner. Jo enjoyed cooking, crafts, bowling, bingo, traveling and helping at the nursing home. She thoroughly enjoyed her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

  She was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller and the Ladies Aid. She was a member of the North Garner Community Club and was treasurer for the North Iowa Homemakers.

  Jo is survived by her husband, Bud of Garner; three children, Jerry Hall and wife, Pat of Garner, Gary Hall of Garner and his special friend, Pat Mennenga of Mason City and Pam Russell and husband, Kenny of Lee Center, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jennifer Hall, Cara Hall, Kelly Hall, Kerry Hall, Randy Hall, Joel Hall, Verlinda Russell and Lena Russell; three great-grandchildren, Jake, Samantha and Tricia Hall; a sister, JoAnn Pierce and husband, Donavon of Oskaloosa; a brother, Joseph Borger and wife, Thelma of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

  Phildred Fern Jacobs of Garner, died Monday, December 26, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City. She was 93.

  Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 29, at the United Methodist Church in Klemme with the Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Tue who accompanied congregational hymns. Special music was provided by JoAnne Gentle, Maurice Jacobs and Jon Keese. Ushers were Raymond Schoenwetter and Lance Arnold.

  Casket bearers were Tom Jacobs, Tim Karsjens, Dan Jacobs, Peter Jacobs, Troy Gentle and Dan Brozik. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Klemme or the American Cancer Society.

  Phildred Fern Jacobs, the daughter of Frank Nelson and Edith Idella (Oxley) Izzard, was born August 5, 1912, at Corwith. She graduated from the Corwith High School as class valedictorian.

  On April 28, 1934, she was married to Roy Wayne Jacobs at the Baptist parsonage in Clarion. They farmed east of Corwith until 1936 when they moved to a farm east of Klemme. In 1972, they moved into Klemme. Phildred enjoyed helping others throughout her life. She was involved in fund raising for cancer research and was recognized for her 15 years of service with a plaque from the American Cancer Society. She also was active in 4-H for many years, serving on the county board and judging numerous local achievement shows and the county fair. In September of 1999 she moved to Prairie View Apartments in Garner.

  Phildred was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Klemme and UMW. She also belonged to the Klemme Grandmother's Club and the Klemme Senior Citizens.

  She is survived by her five children, Don (JoAnn Bacon) Jacobs of Palatine, Illinois, Kay (Ronald) Karsjens of Garner, Cecil (Marlene Blumer) Jacobs of Woodbury, Minnesota, JoAnne Gentle of Avon, Illinois and Michael (Patricia Chabot) Jacobs of Nashua, New Hampshire; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

January 4, 2006

  Larry O. Paulsen, 64, of Garner, died Saturday, December 31, 2005, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

  Funeral services were held on Monday, January 2, 2006 at the United Methodist Church in Garner with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Todd and Terry Jass.

  Casket bearers were Cody Paulsen, Jordan Paulsen, Levi Paulsen, Collin Keppy, Mitchell Keppy and Kara Keppy. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.