Doris Bonte

April 8, 2008

Doris G. Bonte, 93, of Ventura, formerly of Belmond, died on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning, at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Doris Garnet, the daughter of Albert and Zella (Young) Russell, was born on March 20, 1915 in Belmond. She attended Belmond Schools where she was very active in music activities, including playing the cornet in the band and singing in the chorus and a sextet. She and five of her classmates composed the Belmond High School fight song, "On You Broncos", which is still used today. She graduated from Buena Vista College and was a country school teacher for two years.

Doris married Clair Bonte on April 30, 1938. She continued to be active in the Belmond community her entire life. As a young woman she worked for the Belmond Advertiser, became a correspondent for the Globe Gazette, and later worked as a reporter for the Belmond Independent. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and belonged to a ladies circle. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and a charter member of the Culture Study Club.

Doris was a very genuine, sincere person. She was an excellent listener and a second mother to a number of people. Doris was non-judgmental and a confidant to all her children. Her family was a source of pride for Doris, just as she was for them. She was an avid card player and also enjoyed working crossword puzzles and playing solitaire.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Zella Rae; grandson, Waylen Bonte; and brother, Glenn Russell.

Doris is survived by her children, Linda (Greg) Harrison of South Palm Beach, Florida, Cathy Manusos of Melissa, Texas, Dudley (Cindy) Bonte of Martinsville, Indiana, Ellen (Gary) Lentz of Muscatine and Russell (Sharon) Bonte of Ventura; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Don Nielsen of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Peter Pals

April 16, 2008

Peter Pals, Jr., 90, of Belmond, died on Saturday April 5, 2008, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 10, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond, with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Peter was born at Alexander on April 15, 1917. He was the eighth child of Peter and Katherine (Bos) Pals and was the last surviving member of his family. As a child Peter lived briefly with his family in Port Arthur, Texas. After five years the family returned to Alexander where Peter attended school.

Peter served in the Civilian Conservation Corp and helped with the development of Beed's Lake at Hampton. Later he joined the Army Air Force and served in the Special Services Division in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

On November 30, 1942, Peter married Lola Shahan in Baltimore. After spending some time together in Baltimore, Lola returned to Belmond and Peter shipped out to Europe. On May 26, 1944, while Peter was stationed in Ireland, Lola died at the Hampton hospital of complications from the birth of daughter, Mary Katherine. Three months later Peter received the news that his father had died.

Peter attained the rank of sergeant, was honorably discharged after the war, and returned to the Belmond area where he worked for Charles Showalter and Harold Thompson. On August 8, 1947, he married Darline Kruse of Belmond, and the couple began farming the Kruse farm at Hickory Grove northwest of Belmond. After Darline's death in March 1977, Peter continued farming at Hickory Grove and lived there for several years after retirement.

On November 14, 1997 Peter married Gladys Shahan, and they resided in Belmond.

Besides farming, Peter enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, visiting and cooking. At one time he was pleased to have been selected as "Cook of the Week," a weekly feature in the Belmond Independent.

The farm was the focal point for many social gatherings. Peter had a host of friends, and he always had time for a visit with family, neighbors and the men who came to hunt in Hickory Grove. The coffee was always on, and there was always room for one more around his kitchen table. Peter enjoyed telling about his experiences as a boy in Port Arthur, his experiences as a soldier, and the early history of Hickory Grove. Peter was especially proud of the fact that he had met many dignitaries, including Franklin Roosevelt, had shaken hands with Winston Churchill on three occasions, and was one of the personal drivers for Jimmy Doolittle.

Peter was preceded in death by granddaughter, Shea Ranae Nelson; great-grandson, Jonathan Craig Nelson; wives, Lola and Darline; his parents; brothers, Hans, Hilko, Herman and Joe Pals; sisters, Kate (Menno) Frohling, Grace (Will) Tinkey and Henrietta (Frank) Ostendorf Hertel; and step-son, Charles Krivachek.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys; daughter, Mary K. Nelson; granddaughters, Ann (Patrik) Nelson and Amber (Trent) Rosendahl, all of Belmond; great-grandchildren, Bridgette, Elisabeth and Zachariah Nelson and Benjamin, Alexandria and James Rosendahl; step-children, Ronald (Linda) Shahan, Kathlyn Shahan and Edwin Ray (Nancy) Shahan.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Phyllis Cain

April 29, 2008

Phyllis Cain, died on Sunday, April 6, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. She spent the last several months at her sister's home under the care of her sister, daughter, hospice and other family members.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 12, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Clovis, California, with Pastors Dale Leamon and Gordon Bullock officiating.

Phyllis was born in Clarion on May 22, 1938, to William and Alice White. She attended country schools and the Clarion High School. She was married to Tom Sheffield. They had six children and lived for a time in Belmond. She later married Lee Cain of Terre Haute, Indiana.

Phyllis lived many different places, California, Georgia and Indiana. She took pride in being an immaculate homemaker and was able to make even a small apartment homey and comfortable. She also enjoyed crocheting and making afghans and doilies for family and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; son, Joseph Sheffield; and grandson, Levi Sheets.

Survivors include her husband; children, Susan (Gary) Sheets of Clovis, Elizabeth Simental and Rebecca Hudson of Peru, Indiana, John Sheffield of Fresno and David (Pam) Sheffield of Rock Valley, Iowa; sisters, Molly (Wil) Norton of San Diego, Karen (Dean) Flowers and Diane Anderson of Clovis, Millie (Roy) Jacobs of Corona, Peg (Stan) Olsen of Rowan and Brenda (Andy) Riordan of Torrance; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Barbara Pals

May 13, 2008

Barbara Kay Pals, 69, of Shakopee, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, after a battle with cancer.

She was born on September 8, 1938, the daughter of Weston and Ada Shahan Hughes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry.

Survivors include her children, Brian (Janice) Pals, Michael (Patricia) Pals and Cynthia (Michael Kutscher) Pals; siblings, Gary (Jo) Hughes, Lee (Phyllis) Hughes, Lyle (Margaret) Hughes, Virginia Mennenga, Linda (Gene) Helland, Keith (Suzette) Hughes, Paul (Judy) Hughes, Becky (Steve) Frerichs and Darwin Hughes; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Horstman.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Jason Knudtson

April 16, 2008

Jason Paul Knudtson, 21, of Belmond, died on Friday, April 11, 2008, in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning, April 16, at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be given in Jason Knudtson's name.

Jason, the son of Philip and Peggy (Worster) Knudtson, was born June 2, 1986 in Mason City. He was baptized and confirmed at the Belmond United Methodist Church where he was a member. Jason grew up in Belmond and graduated from the Belmond-Klemme High School in 2004.

Jason was very active in high school. He was involved in thespians, football, wrestling, the Blueprint, and student council. Not only did he represent his junior class in the homecoming court, Jason was voted homecoming king his senior year.

In his free time Jason could be found skateboarding, snowboarding or playing Frisbee golf. Those hobbies led Jason to realize there was a need for a place to do that type of activity. He was instrumental in establishing the extreme sports park in Belmond for skate boarders, roller bladers and BMX bikers. He was a large part of the group that won the 2002 Youth Leadership Award through the Community Betterment Program which was presented by Governor Thomas Vilsack.

Jason will be remembered as a special person and very kind, with an infectious smile and a wonderful sense of humor.

Jason had been working at the Proctor and Gamble Company in Iowa City where he was residing.

He was preceded in death by grandfather, Carl Knudtson.

Surviving Jason are his parents; brothers, Erik of Ames and Alex at home; grandparents, Don and Gwen Worster of Keokuk; grandmother, Phyllis Knudtson of Rake; and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Fern McKinley

April 23, 2008

Fern I. McKinley, 104, of Rowan, died on Monday, April 14, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 17, at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan.

Fern was born on December 21, 1903 in Kilduff, Iowa, the daughter of Wilbur and Anna (Swearingen) Watts. When she was six the family moved to Parker, South Dakota. She attended rural school until she was ten, and then the family moved to a farm south of Clarion. On November 7, 1929, Fern married Joseph McKinley in Rolfe. The couple moved to the family farm near Rowan where she resided until three weeks before her death. Fern was an equal partner in their farming operation of milking shorthorns and beef cattle.

She loved flowers and made floral arrangements for many church occasions. Her hobbies were reading and making quilts, which she was still actively creating for her family and church bazaars. She was a member of the United Methodist Women.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son Lewis; grandchildren, Brian Long and Ellen Groom; brothers, Ralph, Wilbur and Eldon Watts; and sisters, Bernice Miller and Mabel, Bessie and Alma Watts; and son-in-law, Lawrence Long.

Fern is survived by daughters, Esther Long of Gowrie and Marjorie (Dwight) Groom of Rowan; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Lory (Wilma) Watts of Placentia, California.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Roger Kinseth

April 23, 2008

Roger J. Kinseth, 76, of Belmond, a former partner in Kinseth Plumbing & Heating, died of a stroke on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Belmond Medical Center.

A time of sharing memories and reflections was held on Sunday, April 20, at Andrews Funeral Home, followed by interment in the Belmond Cemetery.

Roger Joe, son of Bernold and Neva (Oler) Kinseth, was born on January 12, 1932, on the family farm near Alexander. He lived on the farm until the family moved into Belmond. Roger graduated from the Belmond High School in 1949. During high school he excelled at basketball. He attended Luther College in Decorah. In 1949 Roger married Janyce Larson at the Catholic Church Rectory.

Roger was a partner in Kinseth Plumbing & Heating along with his brothers, Larry and Roland, and Roy Cummings. He was employed at the company following high school in 1949 and shared in its ownership from 1966 until 1989, when he sold his share of the business.

Roger was fond of the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. For 57 years he made annual fishing trips with friends and family to the Willams Narrows Resort in Deer River, Minnesota. His family recalls all-day fishing excursions with Roger, afternoon lunches on the shore, and evenings filled with friendly, yet very competitive games of cards. Roger was a very competitive man, whether it was around the card table, at the bowling alley, or on the golf course. He was proficient at all of these activities and had received awards and recognitions for his achievements. He rolled a 300 game, 738 series, and won the Wright County High School Individual bowling title.

Roger enjoyed times spent with young people, especially his grandchildren. He looked forward to daily conversations with friends at local coffee clutches and restaurants. He also looked forward to watching the Master's Golf Tournament. Those who knew Roger will remember his unique sense of humor and his infamous one liners.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth; sisters, Ardith Buchanan, Avon Armour and Maxine Dorr; sister-in-law, Marian Kinseth; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Armour, Gordon Buchanan and Paul Dorr.

Roger is survived by his four daughters and son, Julie (Earl) Kalkwarf and Jane (Randy) Turner of Belmond, Jeff (Dixie) Kinseth of Cedar Rapids, Jill (Tracy) Bedell of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Jody (Tim) Carlson of Urbandale; grandchildren, Jennifer (Dr. Steve) Tenold, Dr. Dan (Lyndi) Gabrielson, Amy (Casey) Clabaugh, Travis Turner, Angela (Justin) Dehmer, Benjamin, Brea and Brooke Bedell and Molly and Cal Carlson; step-grandchildren, Mike (Amy) Icenbice, Jessica (Travis) Roma and Andy Kalkwarf; many great-grandchildren; brothers, Roland (Marge) Kinseth and Larry (Shari) Kinseth of Belmond; and sister-in-law, Cyrena Kinseth of Decorah.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Deloris Robbins

April 23, 2008

Deloris A. Robbins, 75, died on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at the Belmond Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, April 19, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with Father Paul Lippstock officiating. Burial was in the St. Francis Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made to Wright County Hospice.

Deloris Arlene, the daughter of Raymond and Mabel (Garberick) Green, was born on January 17, 1933 in Belmond. She grew up in Belmond and graduated from the Belmond High School. Then she attended Iowa Cosmetology School in Des Moines. Deloris married Lee Robbins on December 27, 1952. They made their home in Goodell.

She had a beauty shop in her home for a number of years. Deloris and Lee enjoyed dancing, playing cards, traveling and family picnics. The highlight of her life was time spent with her family.

Deloris was a longtime member of the St. Mary's Church in Goodell and St. Francis Xavier in Belmond, as well as the Rosary Society and the Goodell American Legion Auxiliary.

Deloris was preceded in death by her parents; husband; great-grandson, Joshua Christians; four sisters; and three brothers.

Survivors include her children, Kenneth (René) of Belmond, Rita (Tom) Christians of Belmond, Larry (Phyllis) of Goodell, Dave (Linda) of Goodell, Dale (significant other, Michelle) of Clear Lake and Rebecca (Rick) Munoz of Ottumwa; grandchildren, Tony, Matt (significant other, Kellie), Kristina and Natalie Robbins, Clint (Andrea), Nichole and Neil Christians, Amanda and Mark Robbins, Beth, James (Jamie) and Rachael Robbins, Jillian (significant other, Angie) Logston and Jennifer and Vina Munoz; sister, Betty Barkema; and 11 great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Merrel Carpenter

April 23, 2008

Merrel C. Carpenter, 78, died on Friday, April 18, 2008, at his residence in Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 24, at the Belmond United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Belmond cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Dugger Funeral Home. There will be no viewing, the body has been cremated.

Merrel Charles, was born on July 9, 1929 at the family farm in Goodell, the son of Lloyd and Lenora Shelton Carpenter. He attended Kanawha schools and served in the United States Marine Corps for two years. On September 24, 1950, Merrel married Marion Meints.

The couple farmed for 30 years. After retirement they moved to an acreage near Alexander. Merrel enjoyed fishing, gardening and keeping the acreage in excellent condition.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Merrel is survived by his wife; children, Peggy (Les) Berhow of Belmond, David (fiancée, Kathleen) of Arizona, Alan (Tammy) of Alexander and Sandra (Darrel) Baxter of Alexander; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Zeola Seagren of California; and brother, Donald of Arizona.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Mable Lassahn

May 23, 2008

Mable Viola Lassahn, 91, formerly of Klemme, died on Friday, April 18, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 16, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, with Reverend Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Mable was born on February 16, 1917, in Twin Lake Township near Klemme, the second daughter of Fred and Clara Ludeke Schlichting. She attended schools in the Klemme area and was a member of the Klemme United Methodist Church.

On November 22, 1939, she married Harold Paul Lassahn in Albert Lea. They farmed near Klemme and were divorced in 1946. She then lived in Klemme and cared for her parents until their passing. Mable loved animals and fed the squirrels outside the family home.

In 1990 she moved to Idaho Falls, then lived for a time in Mackay, Idaho, before returning to Idaho Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Joyce (Robert) Schlagel; and son, Terry (Naomi) Lassahn.

Survivors include her sister, Gladys Huckins of Mason City; son, Gordon (Pam) Lassahn of Idaho Falls; five grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
©Belmond Independent 2008

William Covington

May 6, 2008

William "Willy" Covington, Jr., 46, on Franklin, Georgia, died on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at the Grady Hospital in Atlanta, as the result of a motorcycle accident.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 26, at the home of Ray and Shirley Covington in Goodell.

William Ray, Jr., was born on January 5, 1962 in Linn County, Iowa, to William Ray, Sr. and Shirley Jean Tate Covington. He graduated from the Belmond High School in 1980.

William was a pipe liner for the International Operators Union Local No. 926. His family attended the Franklin United Methodist Church. He was a loving husband, son and father and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Justine Lockwood Covington of Franklin; daughters, Jennifer Hammel of Latimer and Betty Jean Covington of Franklin; sons, Logan Hammel of Clarion, Brandon Manning of Franklin, Brent Manning of Franklin and William Ray "Brew" Covington, III of Franklin; his parents of Goodell; sisters, Laurie Winfrey of Ames and Rhonda Wenzel of Belmond; brothers, Randy Covington of Eldon, Missouri and Larry Covington of Stone Ridge, Virginia; and granddaughter, Amaya Hammel.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Elsie Schlei

April 29, 2008

Elsie M. Schlei, 90, a former Klemme resident, died on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, May 5, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, with Reverend Paddy Druhl officiating. Burial will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 4, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond and one hour prior to the services at the church in Klemme.

Elsie Marie, the daughter of Jens and Margaret Sophie Detlefsen Kjar, was born on July 4, 1917 at Humboldt. She moved with her family to Rowan where she was raised. Elsie graduated from the Rowan High School and continued her education at the Des Moines College of Cosmetology. She was employed as a beautician in Klemme for a number of years.

On May 4, 1941, Elsie married Kermit W. Schlei. They farmed southwest of Klemme. In addition to assisting her husband with the farm, Elsie was a devoted wife and mother. She worked at the veterinary office and the bank in Klemme. Elsie instilled the values of church and family in her children and made sure that they made it to Sunday School on a regular basis. She was an excellent cook, and made delicious pies.

Following Kermit's passing Elsie moved to Belmond where she was a unit clerk at the Belmond Hospital and later a volunteer. She made her home in Belmond for 20 years before moving to Elgin, Illinois, to live with her son, Daryl and his family.

Elsie eventually moved back to Belmond. She resided at the Belmond Health Care Center for the past five years where she was a member of the Resident Advisory Board. On occasion she served as an ambassador. Elsie loved a good conversation and relished times spent in the presence of her family and her many friends.

Elsie had fond memories of her trip to Greece and Turkey. She had been a long time member of the Klemme United Methodist Church. A few of her favorite past times included crocheting and tatting.

Elsie was preceded in death by her father in 1940; step-father, Alt Hackley in 1968; husband in 1976; and mother in 1983.

Survivors include sons, Daryl (Susan) Schlei of Elgin and Duane Schlei of Rapid City; sisters, Sena (John) Keheler of Colorado Springs and Ann Parsons of Davenport; brothers, Nels (Lois) Kjar of Oelwein and Paul (Elaine) Kjar of Thornton; granddaughters, Rebecca (Steve) Bramer of St. Charles, Illinois and Karin Schlei of Chicago; and great-grandchildren, Gillian, Samantha and Gavin Bramer.

The family suggests those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Elsie's name consider the Klemme United Methodist Church or the Belmond Health Care Center Memorial Fund.
©Belmond Independent 2008

Lester Gabrielson

May 6, 2008

Lester E. Gabrielson, 90, formerly of Belmond, died on Sunday April 27, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 1, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Pastor Troy Pflibsen officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Lester Ervin, the son of Gabriel and Anna Marie (Sunde) Gabrielson, was born on July 9, 1917, on a farm near St. Olaf, west of Belmond. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1935. Lester married Florence B. Mack on August 29, 1942 at Storm Lake.

Lester was a very hard worker. He farmed, drove a school bus, operated a bulk tank truck for Hancock County Oil, and worked for Central Soya. As an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Lester served on numerous boards and was a member of the Sons of Norway. Lester enjoyed fishing, working outside and gardening. He was known as a good cook and a very good dancer, and he enjoyed the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake and the Val Aire Ballroom in Des Moines.

Florence died in 1979, and Lester retired from Central Soya in 1981. He then moved to Des Moines where he was employed by Hertz Rentals. Lester moved to Britt and later the Belmond Community Apartments for three years. He moved to the Westview Care Center in Britt in 2006.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sisters and spouses, Burley, Liz (George Waddington), Beulah (Ed Reasoner) and Ruth (Wes Boller); brothers and spouses, Tolford (Agnes), Gerhard, Norman (Marian, Alta), and Elmer (Shirley); and brother-in-law, Kenny Boller.

Lester is survived by his children, Pamela (Donald) VanLaningham of Chandler, Arizona, Gayle (Louis) Smidt of Britt, Neil (Kathleen) Gabrielson of Britt, Mack (Cindy) Gabrielson of Clear Lake and Faye (Karen Fickenwirth) of Seattle, Washington; special companion, Palma Quandahl; grandchildren, Joy (Kent) Venton, Julie (Sonny) Wehrer, Jeffrey (Annette) Smidt, Sarah (Jayson) Keiper, Kimberly Smidt, Kurt (Christa) Gabrielson, Karen (Chris) Solien, Lori (Travis) Clendenen, Lisa (Dr. Christopher) VandeLune, Bonnie (Jay) Hiscocks, Jennifer (Dr. Steven) Tenold, Laurie (Robert) McKenna, Dr. Daniel (Lyndi) Gabrielson, Jay (Elizabeth) LeFevre and Joshua (Lauren) Daniels; 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Boller and sister-in-law, Marion Gabrielson, both of Belmond.
©Belmond Independent 2008