Thelma E. Weir

Thelma E. Weir, 89, of Eagle Grove, died on Thursday, May 2, 2002, at the Rotary Ann Home in Eagle Grove.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 4, at the Willim Funeral Home, Clarion. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Thelma E. Frye, was born on July 27, 1912 at Woolstock, the daughter of Edward and Birdie Lee Frye. She was raised and educated in Woolstock.

On March 27, 1929, Thelma was united in marriage with Curtis Glen Weir at the Webster City Congregational Church Parsonage. The couple made their home throughout the region in communities such as Dows, Galt, Bradford, Iowa Falls and Alden before moving to Chester, Minnesota, where they resided for over five years.

In 1972, Thelma and Curtis retired and moved to Eagle Grove. In their retirement, they spent many winters in Florida and Texas, where they enjoyed fishing and spending time with their friends. Thelma was also a member of the Ladies Aid Club of Bradford and she was a loyal member of the Church of the Open Bible in Eagle Grove.

Survivors include her daughters, Wilma Oleson and husband, Dwight of Coulter and Colleen Risius of Iowa Falls; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Harold Slagle of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Curtis; a granddaughter; three brothers, Alvin, Lloyd and Doyle; and two sisters, Dessie and Beverly.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Mildred Ellen Russell

Mildred Ellen Russell, 91, of Clarion, died on Wednesday, May 8, 2002, at the South Field Wellness Community in Webster City.

Services were held on Saturday, May 11, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Fr. David Beckman officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery. The Willim Funeral Home of Clarion was in charge of the arrangements.

Mildred Ellen Whaley, was born on May 20, 1910, the daughter of Frederick and Nina (Bailey) Whaley in Miller, South Dakota. In 1911, the family moved to Webster City where they made their home. Mildred graduated from the Webster City High School in 1927. She then attended the Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Mildred then taught grade school in Webster City for nine years.

She married Henry Russell on October 5, 1939, in Webster City. Mildred and Henry moved to one of the Russell farms five miles south of Clarion in 1941. She and Henry farmed together until his death on January 3, 1969.

Mildred later moved into Mayfair Manor in Clarion and lived there until May 5, 2000. Mildred was active in the Congregate Meals, serving as its first Secretary, and later as Chairman. She delivered meals on Wheels, was on the Senior Center Board, Hospital Auxiliary, Historical Society, Genealogical Society, past Regent of DAR, and one of her favorite groups was R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). In 1989, Mildred won the Outstanding Senior Citizen in Wright County award.

Mildred is survived by one son, Terry Russell and wife, Jan of Holmen, Wisconsin; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three sisters, Maxine Packard of Webster City, Helen Graham and husband, Leslie of Webster City and Doris Nelson and husband, Dean of Mason City; one brother, Delavan Whaley and wife, Mabel of Webster City; and several nieces and nephews.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; and one sister, Louise Alexander.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Lyle Pierce Anderson

Lyle Pierce Anderson, 83, of Clarion, died on Friday, May 10, 2002, at the Rotary Ann Home, Eagle Grove.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at the Dows Community Funeral Home. Pastor Tony Hershey of the First Presbyterian Church officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Lyle Pierce Anderson, was born on May 23, 1918, the son of Almond and Gertrude (Trowbridge) Anderson at Dows. He was raised and attended school in Dows. In 1943, Lyle served a short time in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. After finishing his tour of duty, Lyle worked as a mechanic in Dows, Belmond and Eagle Grove before moving to Clarion where he worked for Hagie Manufacturing, retiring in 1985.

In 1953, Lyle was united in marriage with Retta Logsdon Casebeer in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple made their home in Clarion. He loved to spend his free time fishing and gardening and was a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Retta of Clarion; two step-children, Frances Luke of Eagle Grove and Larry Casebeer of Clinton; seven step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruth Bagley and Lucretia Andersen; and three brothers, Harmon, Paul and Russell Anderson.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Myrth Venita Jerde

Myrth Venita Jerde, 93, of Clarion, died on Sunday, May 12, 2002, at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, at the Willim Funeral Home, Clarion. Rev. Gary Boen of the First Lutheran Church, will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. The Willim Funeral Home in Clarion is in charge of the arrangements.

Myrth Venita Jerde, was born on December 27, 1908 in Winnebago County, the daughter of Julius and Carrie (Gullickson) Jerde. Myrtha was raised and educated in the Forest City area, graduating from the Forest City High School in 1926. She then attended and graduated from Waldorf College in 1931, where she earned her teaching certificate. She taught school in the communities of Leland, St. Ansgar, Doliver and Hanlontown.

In 1964, Myrth moved to Clarion where she and her sister, Mabel Valley opened a ladies dress shop. Even after Mabel's passing, Myrth continued to run the shop until 1986.

Myrth enjoyed playing bridge, reading, watching NBA basketball, and meeting and visiting with people. Myrth was baptized and confirmed at the West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Forest City, was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Clarion, member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Clarion Senior Citizens, and Retired Teachers Association.

Myrth is survived by three nieces, Jan Jerde of Clarion, Joan Potter of Iowa Falls and Katy Phifer of Corvallis, Oregon; one nephew, Jerry Valley of Forest City; several great nieces and nephews with whom she had a very special relationship.

Myrth was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Carrol, Joseph and Melvin; one sister, Mabel Valley; and one nephew, James Jerde.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Sheryl Renee Fuhr

Sheryl Renee Fuhr, 43, of Clarion, died on Sunday, May 12, 2002, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, where she had been a patient for two days.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m., at the Willim Funeral Home, Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen of the First Lutheran Church officiated. Burial was in the East Ullensvang Cemetery, rural Thor.

Sheryl Renee Fuhr, was born on June 4, 1958, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Kenneth and Norma Jean Fuhr. She was baptized at the Lake Lutheran Church, Renwick. On June 2, 1974 she was confirmed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove.

Sheryl was a graduate of the Goldfield High School and Iowa Central Community College, where she received her R.N. degree. She was employed by the Wright Medical Center in Clarion for 13 years as Emergency Room Supervisor. She also served on the Clarion Ambulance Service and was a Wright County Hospice volunteer during her career. She resided in Clarion where she raised her two children, Angie and Kendall.

Survivors include one son, Kendall Fuhr; one daughter, Angie Troyer; one granddaughter; one brother, Doug Fuhr; and one nephew, Kenneth Fuhr, all of Clarion; step-mother, Joyce Fuhr; and four step-siblings and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Norma; and grandparents, Andrew and Edith Fuhr.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Loree Fern Hoffman

Loree F. Hoffman, 90, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at the Florence Home Nursing Facility in Omaha.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 18, at the Willim Funeral Home, Clarion. Rev. Tim Platt of the Clarion Church of Christ, officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Loree Fern Merritt, was born on March 30, 1912 in Webster City, the daughter of Walter and Fern (Nail) Merritt. She was raised in Webster City until 1926 and then her family moved to Clarion. She graduated from the Clarion High School in 1930.

On April 16, 1933, Loree was united in marriage with Earl D. Hoffman at Leon, Iowa. The couple made their home in Clarion where Loree was employed at several business places, and also was the bookkeeper for her husband's trucking business. During the three years that Earl was in the United States Army, Loree managed the trucks and when needed, she drove one of the trucks.

After Earl's passing in 1974, Loree continued to reside in Clarion at the Southtown Apartments.

Survivors include her son, Dennis Hoffman of Omaha, Nebraska; two grandchildren; and one sister, Pat Gore of Webster City.

Loree was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; daughter-in-law, Colleen Hoffman; and two brothers, Edward and Clifford Merritt.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Kittie Clarabelle Strong

Kittie Clarabelle Strong, 86, of Clarion, died on Monday, May 20, 2002, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. The Willim Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Kittie Clarabelle (Bradley) Strong, was born on December 7, 1915 at Clarion, the daughter of Arthur L. and Mary (Perry) Bradley. She was raised and educated in Clarion.

On June 6, 1938, Kittie and Eldon Strong were united in marriage at Austin, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Clarion where Kittie raised their family and took care of their home while Eldon worked as an engineer for the railroad.

Kittie also loved to spend her time being active in elections. She was a poll sitter for many years in the community of Clarion and had even been in attendance at one of the Democratic State Conventions.

Survivors include her six children, Vicki Freeman and husband, Rick of Clarion, Kittie Mann of Pleasanton, Texas, James Pohlman of Burlington, James Strong and wife, Jan of Fort Dodge, Cindy Strong of Burlington and Terry Strong of Burlington; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a very special friend, Rader Folden of Belmond.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; one son, Jerry Pohlman; one brother, Richard Bradley;  one sister, Maxine Adamek; and one son-in-law, Clayson Mann.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Dell Ross

Dell Ross, 89, of Clarion, died on Tuesday, May 21, 2002, at the USA Healthcare Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 25, at the United Methodist Church, Clarion. Rev. LaVonne Kaasa officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield. The Willim Funeral Home in Clarion was in charge of the arrangements.

Dell Ross was born on March 4, 1913, in rural Clarion, the son of John S. and Laura (Huss) Ross. He was raised and educated in rural Clarion.

On June 27, 1955, he and Louise Larsen Fjetland were united in marriage  at the Presbyterian Church, Goldfield. The couple farmed south of Clarion until retirement when they moved into Clarion. He was a member of the Clarion United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one sister, Bertha Hinton of Centerville; two step-sons, Galen Fjetland and wife, Pauline and Burton Fjetland, all of Goldfield; seven step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Dell was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louise in 2001; one step-daughter, Eloise Maassen; three brothers; Ervie, Clyde and Berton Ross; and two sisters, Edna Peterson and Gladys Pate.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Oscar Erickson

Oscar Erickson, 95, of Clarion, died on Thursday, May 23, 2002.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 27, at the Holmes Lutheran Church. Rev. Paul Rothfusz officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Interment was in the Holmes Lutheran Cemetery. The Willim Funeral Home of Clarion was in charge of the arrangements.

Oscar Erickson was born on May 15, 1907 in Wright County, the son of  Tobias and Anne Olson Erickson. He was raised and educated in the Holmes area.

On June 8, 1929, Oscar and Lola B. Jacobson were married in Peterson, Minnesota. He worked as an auto mechanic in Fort Dodge, Eagle Grove and surrounding communities for several years.

In 1938, Oscar and Lola moved to Goldfield where they made their home. Oscar opened his own welding shop and operated it until 1954 when he went to work at Hagie Hybrids, serving as production manager for 19 years. He retired from the Hagie facility in 1972. In the early 1950's, the couple built a new home in Holmes and lived there until 1993 when they moved to Clarion.

Oscar was a member of the Holmes Evangelical Lutheran Church and a founder and member of the Hawkeye Campers.

He is survived by three children, LaVonne Nerge of Eagan, Minnesota, Lorraine Wentz of Sartelle, Minnesota and Theodore Erickson of Mountain Green, Utah; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Elmer.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one sister, Selva; one brother, Earnest; and one grandchild, Donald Holum.
© Wright County Monitor 2002

Wilford Peterson

Wilford Peterson, 74, of Goldfield, died on Saturday, May 25, 2002, at the Hospice House at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Private funeral services for Wilford Peterson will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield. The Willim Funeral Home in Clarion is in charge of the arrangements.

Wilford Peterson was born on July 20, 1927, in Webster City, the son of George and Gertrude Welch Peterson. He was raised and educated in rural Renwick. He farmed north of Goldfield until his retirement and was a seed dealer for many years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Goldfield.

Wilford is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Goldfield; two daughters, Pamella McPeak and husband, Mike of Ames and Debra Pate and husband, Mark of Olathe, Kansas; three step-children; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother; and four sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2002