Glenn LaVerne Fraser

June 10, 2004

Glenn LaVerne Fraser, 84, of Eagle Grove, died on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at the Rotary Ann Home in Eagle Grove.

Glenn LaVerne Fraser, was born on March 11, 1920 on a farm near Holmes, the son of Morris and Edith (Wampler) Fraser. He attended schools in Holmes and Clarion.

On April 4, 1939, he was united in marriage to Vivian Lester in Garner. To this union one daughter, Sharon was born.

Glenn farmed in the Holmes and Galt areas. He was a County Supervisor and worked at the Assessor's Office in Clarion.

The couple spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona. He was an avid rock collector and had a rock museum which was visited by many school children in the area. He enjoyed wood carving, silver smithing, and lapidary work.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Vivian who resides at the Rotary Ann South in Eagle Grove; one daughter, Sharon Ludwig and husband, Ed of Rockwell City; one grandson; two granddaughters; one great-grandson; four great-granddaughters; two step-great-granddaughters; two brothers, Emmett Fraser and wife, Dorothy of Clarion and Donald Fraser and wife, Beverly of Mesa, Arizona; and one sister, Phyllis Berkenes of Clarion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Bernice Anderson and Maxine Berkenes.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

George Henry Weiner

June 10, 2004

George Henry Weiner, 88, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2004, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

A memorial service was held on Monday, June 7, at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Clarion. Pastor Tim Platt officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

George Henry Weiner, was born on March 12, 1916 in rural Geneva, the son of Henry and Lena (Miller) Weiner. He attended school at Geneva and lived in the area during his youth doing farm labor.

On November 3, 1935, he married Belva Maxine Coats of Clarion. They made their home in the Clarion area until moving to San Diego, California in 1950. In 1953 they returned to Iowa for their remaining years. George and Belva moved to The Meadows in Clarion in 1995, where they lived until Belva's passing on March 10, 1998. George continued to live there until his passing.

George enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 30, 1942, and served during World War II until his discharge on October 27, 1945. He was employed by the Chicago Great Western Railroad as a fireman and engineer from 1945 until 1966, and for the Chicago Rock Island Railroad from 1966 until he retired in 1980. He was a member of the American Legion Post #246, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Clarion Church of Christ.

George is survived by a daughter, Lonnie Hough and husband, Daniel of Roach, Missouri; four grandsons; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jorgene Bourgart on February 14, 2004; two sisters, Annie and Leola; and two brothers, Fred and Claus.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Melvin Thomas Mosher

June 10, 2004

Melvin Thomas Mosher, 91, of Clarion, died on Saturday, June 5, 2004, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 8, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Pastor Stan Watne officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Melvin Thomas Mosher, was born on September 17, 1912, at home on a farm northeast of Clarion, the son of Robert Edward (Rob) and Mary (Hamer) Mosher. He was raised and educated in Wright County and farmed all his life.

Melvin was united in marriage to Irene Mae Abbott on November 20, 1937 at Princeton, Missouri. To this union three children were born, Maynard, Bonnie and Kelly.

In 1950, Melvin bought the hog buying station in Clarion and moved to the site of the business on December 4. This became the Mosher Livestock Market where he also bought wool and fur and sold Rath feed and fertilizer. Melvin retired in 1987. He enjoyed baseball, playing cards, going to sales, fishing, trapping, and was always helping others.

Melvin was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion for over 50 years.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Irene; sons, Maynard and wife, Fran of Fort Pierce, Florida and Kelly and wife, Chichi of Austin, Minnesota; daughter, Bonnie Kapka of Ellijay, Georgia; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brothers, Robert and Don.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Velma Mosher Caquelin, Mildred Mosher Dahlgren, Myrl Mosher Dahlgren; brothers, Eldon, Gary and Kenneth; and several nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Ione M. Ziegler

June 17, 2004

For the obituary, please see the notice published on February 12, 2004, in the Wright County Monitor page of June 2004.

Ione M. Ziegler, 102, of Clarion, died on February 8, 2004, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Interment and graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Rev. Tim Platt will officiate at the 11:00 a.m. service.

Ione Peck was born on October 13, 1901 in LeMars, the daughter of William and Caroline (Boland) Peck. The family later moved to Algona, where she received her education.

In 1938, Ione was united in marriage to Ad Ziegler in Clarion where the couple established their home.

During the war years, Ione worked for the Selective Service. She was a former member of Eastern Star, Clarmond Country Club, and the Clarion Church of Christ. She enjoyed fishing, golfing, knitting and belonging to bridge clubs.

Preceding Ione in death were her parents; and husband, Ad in 1987.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Amelia Caroline Howard

June 17, 2004

Amelia Caroline Howard, 92, of Dows, died on Sunday, June 6, 2004, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 10, at the Morgan United Methodist Church in Dows. Pastor David Gobeli officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment was in the Morgan Cemetery, Dows.

Amelia Caroline Fink, was born on May 4, 1912 in Gerold, Missouri, the daughter of Albert and Emma Lottmann Fink. She was the oldest of nine children. Amelia was baptized at the Methodist Church in Williams. She grew up in the Williams area and attended the Williams School.

On February 18, 1931, Amelia was united in marriage with Charles Howard in Webster City. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Webster City for several years. They moved to Dows and purchased a farm in 1943. It was there the couple farmed and raised their family. Charles passed away in 1978, at which time Amelia moved to her present home in Dows.

Amelia and Charles loved spending time at their cabin in Minnesota. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking and is fondly remembered for her cinnamon rolls.

She was a member of the Morgan United Methodist Church and the Legion Auxiliary in Dows.

Amelia is survived by five children, Mabel Howard Lambertsen of Hampton, Donald Howard and wife, Shelly of Dows, Homer Howard and wife, Linda of Dows, Linda Sheridan and husband, Gary of Cannon Falls, Minnesota and Mary Howard of Dows; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Delores Crawford of Iowa Falls and Dorothy Eriksen of Dows; one brother, George Fink and wife, Clara Bell of Montezuma, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles in 1978; one sister, Evelyn; five brothers, Henry, Harold, Howard, Richard and Robert.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Aleta Maxine Rossotti

June 24, 2004

Aleta Maxine (Rusk) Rossotti, 89, a resident of Atwater, California for 52 years, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center in Merced, California.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 18, at the Atwater Baptist Church in Atwater, California. Burial followed in the Winton District Cemetery, Winton, California.

Aleta Maxine Rusk, was born on May 18, 1915, on a farm northeast of Belmond, the daughter of Alice and Clarence Rusk. The family moved to a farm south of Galt in 1917. She attended rural schools and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1934. The family moved to a farm northeast of Webster City that same year. She married Augustine Rossotti in 1952 in Stateline, California, at South Lake Tahoe.

Aleta attended Drake University in Des Moines and taught elementary school for ten years. She then attended the American Institute of Business College in Des Moines. She worked for the Federal Civil Service for 31 years.

After her retirement she furthered her education by attending colleges at Merced College and Stanislaus State College, graduating with honors in 1987 with a degree in Nursing.

Survivors include a nephew, Daniel Rusk of Reno, Nevada; a niece, Karen Kranz of Watertown, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Dorothy Rusk of Mesa, Arizona; and a cousin, Bill Champlin of Torrance, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Duane Rusk and Forrest Rusk; a sister-in-law, Goldie Rusk, all of Webster City; and her husband, Augustine Rossotti.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Dorothy Marie Ashpole

June 24, 2004

Dorothy Marie Ashpole, 91, of Clarion, died on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Services were held on Monday, June 21, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Fr. David Beckman officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. There was a private family committal immediately following the service.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, J. R. Ashpole; two sons, J. R. Jr. and wife, Mary of Houston, Texas and Kenley and wife, Gina of Leesburg, Indiana; four grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent directly to the charity of choice and the family requested no flowers.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Bluferd LeRoy Cooper

June 24, 2004

Bluferd L. Cooper, 86, of Dows, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at the Hampton Health Care Center.

A memorial service was held on Monday, June 21, at the First Presbyterian Church in Dows. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Bluferd LeRoy Cooper, was born on May 15, 1918 in Wright County, the son of Noah and Bertha (Keeling) Cooper. He attended school in Wright County and graduated from the Galt High School in 1936. After graduating from high school he served four and one-half years in the Army during World War II, spending 32 months overseas with the 11th Evac Unit in the European Theater.

Bluferd was united in marriage to Marcine Rice on October 9, 1941. The couple farmed west of Dows until moving into town in 1957. Bluferd than ran his own gas truck business until he retired.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Dows. a life member of both the VFW in Clarion and the Dows American Legion.

Bluferd is survived by his wife, Marcine; one son, Dick Cooper and wife, Mary of Trenton, New Jersey; two daughters, Cheryl Jass and husband, Bob of Alden and Phyllis Wilson and husband, Reggie of Mason City; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Wava State of Clarion; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Russell and Wilbur; and one sister, Evelyn Lewelly.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Myrtle Marie Dow

June 24, 2004

Myrtle Marie Dow, 82, of Dows, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at the Wiseman Homes in Williams.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 19, at the Dows United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Myrtle Marie Wininger, was born on June 9, 1922 in Stanhope, the daughter of Harry and Rose (Buckwoldt) Wininger. She attended schools in Stanhope and graduated from the Stanhope High School, achieving the honor of Valedictorian.

Myrtle was united in marriage to Harold Dow on March 25, 1943, while he was still in the Marine Corps. The couple traveled the United States while Harold was in the Corps, but settled in the Dows area in 1946. They farmed around Dows until 1974, when they decided to retire to Caplinger Mills, Missouri. In March of 2001 they moved back to Dows because of Harold's health. Harold went to the Dows Nursing Home while Myrtle found an apartment. On Memorial Day, 2003, Myrtle moved into Wiseman Homes in Williams, where she lived until her recent passing.

Myrtle is survived by two sons, Curtis Dow and wife, Linda of Dows and Blake Dow and wife, Marcia of Prior, Oklahoma; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Bertha Perry of Ankeny; and a brother, Ray Wininger and wife, Marcella of Fort Dodge.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Harold on October 23, 2001.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Rader Folden

July 1, 2004

Rader Folden, 84, of Clarion, formerly of Badger, died on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

A memorial service was held on Monday, July 28, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Rev. Don Morrison officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Interment was in the Clarion Evergreen Cemetery.

Rader Folden, was born on February 8, 1920 on Folday Island, Norway, the son of Nels and Josephine (Rasmusson) Folden. In 1923, he moved with his parents to the United States. He attended school in Webster City and Grand Meadow, Minnesota. He was confirmed in the Badger Lutheran Church. He served in the United States Army during World War II. For the last two years Rader has been a resident at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Rader is survived by his family, Rick Freeman and wife, Vicki of Clarion, Corey Freeman and wife, Theresa of Sheldon, Angela (Mike) McLaughlin of Cherokee, Bill Freeman of Clarion, Kittie Mann, Jim Strong and Cindy Strong; sister, Jane Schulte; sister-in-law, Carene Folden; brother-in-law, Gordon Lund; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his special companion, Kittie Strong; parents; brothers, John, Nick, Olaf and Lief; sisters, Olga, Alvilda, Sigrid and Thordis.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Tena Clara Kruger

July 1, 2004

Tena Clara Kruger, 84, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 29, at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Clarion. Pastor Mike Murdock conducted the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Tena Kruger, was born on March 28, 1920 in Iowa Falls, the daughter of Jake and Jennie (Miller) Marsjens. She was raised in Iowa Falls, graduating from the Iowa Falls High School.

On February 12, 1941, Tena was united in marriage to Andrew A. Kruger in Iowa Falls. To this union one son was born. The couple farmed near Iowa Falls for four years. They then moved to a farm northwest of Clarion in 1950 and continued farming there until retiring in 1971, when they moved to Clarion.

Tena worked at the Clarion High School in the cafeteria for 17 years. One of Tena's greatest joys were her granddaughters. Tena was a life long member of the Church of the Open Bible.

Tena is survived by her daughter-in-law, Ronda Kruger of Clarion; two granddaughters; one sister, Delores Conrad of Colo; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Andrew; son, Myrl; and four brothers and three sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Charles "Bob" Stecher

July 15, 2004

Charles "Bob" Stecher, 80, of Ottawa, formerly of Sheridan, died on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at the Ottawa Pavilion in Ottawa.

Charles Stecher, was born on February 12, 1924 in Clarion, the son of Louis Edward and Acelia (Kittler) Stecher. He married Gladys Rose Boma on June 11, 1946 in Piper City, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946-1947. He was retired as a Captain from the State of Illinois, Sheridan Correctional Facility.

He was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, former member of the Serena High School Board, Sheridan Grade School Board, served on the local District Council of Boy Scouts of America and a volunteer at the Community Hospital in Ottawa, Serena Lions Club, and a Zoning Officer for Mission Twp. He was a resident of Sheridan for 30 years, moving to Ottawa in 1988.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; two daughters, Mary Kacmarcik and husband, Bob of Waterford, Wisconsin and Susan Powers of Glendale, Arizona; three sons, James Stecher and wife, Dianne of Kempton, Illinois, Ronald Stecher and wife, Kathy of Upland, California and Michael Stecher and wife, Brenda of Sheridan, Illinois; five grandchildren; one brother, John Stecher and wife, Evelyn of Des Moines; and one sister, Dianne Dorsey and husband, Tom of Clarion.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Bernard William Pollock

July 1, 2004

Bernard William Pollock, 83, of Clarion, died on Sunday, June 27, 2004, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 1, at the United Methodist Church in Goldfield. Rev. Karen Groe Dearchs will officiate at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 30, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove.

Bernard William Pollock, was born on September 15, 1920, on the family farm northeast of Goldfield, the son of James and Clara (Hinton) Pollock. He attended Liberty #6 Country School and the Goldfield Public Schools.

Bernard has farmed and lived on the family century farm his entire life. He moved to the Wright Medical Extended Care following the death of his brother, Edwin in April of 2002.

Bernard was a member of the United Methodist Church in Goldfield. He was an avid sports fan and a devoted brother.

Bernard is survived by his cousins, Joe Skinner and wife, Phyllis of Goldfield, Cleo Skinner Hough of Dayton, Ohio, Garnette Skinner Dupont of McLean, Virginia, Betty Hinton Scharpenter and husband, Ted of St. Charles, Illinois, Kenneth Agard and wife, Lucille of Ames and Ellsworth Tukua and wife, Janet of Hartland, Minnesota; and several other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Edwin; and several aunts and uncles.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Samuel A. Woodall

July 1, 2004

Samuel A. Woodall, 75, of Eagle Grove, died on Sunday, June 27, 2004, at the Rotary Ann Nursing Home in Eagle Grove.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 29, at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. Rev. Mary K. Green officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Cass Cemetery near Webster City.

Samuel A. Woodall, was born on September 21, 1928 in Ashley, Illinois, the son of Robert and Beatrice (Walk) Woodall. He was raised and educated in Illinois and graduated from a Chicago High School in 1946. He also served in the United States Army. Sam then graduated from refrigeration school in Chicago in 1948. He worked at Wrigley Field while living in Chicago. He moved to Webster City, where he lived with his sister and worked for the Brinn Furniture Company for several years.

On April 12, 1958, Sam was married to Dorothy Maharas at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They lived in Fort Dodge and then moved to Eagle Grove in 1959. Sam worked over 38 years for Umthun Trucking, retiring in 1993 due to health problems.

Sam is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Eagle Grove; three children, Russel and wife, Patricia of Uncasville, Connecticut, Mike and wife, Tina of Fort Dodge and Karla Thompson of Eagle Grove; eight grandchildren; an honorary grandson, Mark Reiland; a sister, Dorothy Rusk of Mesa, Arizona; a brother, Dick Woodall of Kamrar; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Richard, Robert, Raymond and Rodger.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Joan Martinson

July 1, 2004

A graveside service of remembrance for the burial of the remains of Joan Martinson will be held on July 9, 2004, at 11:00 a.m., at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Joan Martinson, was born on September 16, 1932 in Clarion, Iowa to John and Frances (Peg) Martinson. She died on April 25, 2004 in Michigan. After graduating from the Clarion High School, Joan completed a Registered Nurse program at the Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota.

Joan worked as a nurse in hospitals in Clarion, Spokane, Washington and Royal Oak, Michigan. When health problems prevented her working full time she worked as a private duty nurse in Fort Dodge. She finished her career as Night Supervisor of Nurses in the St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, Minnesota.

As health problems intensified, she lived with her sister, Shirley Martinson, remaining active as long as possible.

Joan is survived by sisters, Shirley Martinson and Gilma (David) Truesdell, both of Novi, Michigan; niece, Lisa (Kent) Bergstrom of Farmington Hills, Michigan; nephews, Stephen (Kim) Truesdell of Howell, Michigan and Brian Truesdell of Detroit, Michigan; and great-nephew, Jordan Truesdell of Howell, Michigan.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Charles Arthur Kelch

July 8, 2004

Charles Arthur Kelch, 76, of Marshalltown, died on Monday, June 28, 2004, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines, after battling cancer.

Charles was born on July 11, 1927 in Corwith, the son of Nicholas and Charlotte (Fox) Kelch. After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Navy on a mine sweeper in the Philippines during World War II.

On September 23, 1950, he was united in marriage to Mary Lee Neis. To this union eight children were born. In 1982 he entered the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, where he resided until his death.

Charles is survived by his children, Mark Kelch and wife, Sandy of Logandale, Nevada, Jill Swanson and husband, Virgil of Greenfield, Margaret Duffy and husband, Joe of Marshalltown, Patricia Lee of Clarion, Annette Vasher and husband, Alan of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Alice Baker of Nampa, Idaho, Charles Kelch and wife, Pam of Clarion and Paul Kelch and wife, Jenny of Des Moines; one sister, Margaret Anderson of Clarion; and one brother, John Kelch of Bloomington, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Veronica, Vincent, Ernest, Julius, Alfred, Leo, Matilda, Mabel, Mary Agnes, Sarah, Eileen, Cecilia, Lorraine and Alice.

Memorials may be made to the Iowa Veterans Home in care of Maggie Duffy at 505 Sunset Lane, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 and will be used to support the library and gardening services at the Iowa Veterans Home.
© Wright County Monitor 2004