Irene Sylvia Nelson

May 6, 2004

Irene Sylvia Nelson, 94, of Clarion, died on Saturday, May 1, 2004, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 4, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Rev. Gary Boen officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Irene Sylvia Hagenson, was born on June 6, 1909 in Thompson, the daughter of Amos Peter and Bertina Sophia (Anderson) Hagenson. She was raised in the Thompson area and graduated from the Thompson High School.

On April 1, 1929, she was united in marriage with Oscar Nelson in Thompson. To this union eight children were born. The couple lived in the Bode area, moving to Eagle Grove where they raised their family. Irene was a cook at the Eagle Grove High School for many years.

After Oscar’s death in 1962, Irene moved to the Southtown Apartments in Clarion. In the last few years she was a resident of the USA Health Care Center, until her recent passing.

Irene was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Clarion, FLCW, First Lutheran Sew Ladies, and was involved in all activities at the Southtown Apartments and Care Center.

Irene is survived by eight children, Ardis Anthony of Culver City, California, Cecil Nelson and wife, Lois of Fort Dodge, Beverly Keeling and husband, Harold of Hayward, Wisconsin, Carol Hurst and husband, Stan of Kingman, Arizona, Gladys Riley and husband, Maurice of Clarion, Rovert Nelson and wife, Laurie of Boulder City, Nevada, Mary Ann Heiken and husband, Dennis of Clayton, Wisconsin and David Nelson and wife, Jayne of Roland; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oscar; sister, Elnora Anderson; two brothers, Adain Hagenson and Amos Hagenson; and a great-grandson, Carter David Nelson.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

John E. Strever

June 10, 2004

John E. Strever, 91, died on Friday, May 7, 2004, at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center.

Memorial services were held on May 10, at the 1st Congregational Church. Pastor Barry Holmes officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment rites were held on Monday, May 10, at 3:00 p.m., at the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

John E. Strever, was born on October 23, 1912 in Wright County, the son of George Earl Strever and Lottie Gilbert Strever. He attended rural schools and the Clarion High School, graduating in the class of 1931.

On May 3, 1936, he married Melvine Shake. They made their home in Clarion until 1948, and then lived in Webster City and Ames until 1952 when they moved to Marshalltown.

He served in the Civil Conservation Corps and worked for the Engineering Department of Wright County before he served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific in World War II. After service he attended Toledo, Ohio meat cutting school and worked in Clarion, Webster City and Ames before becoming manager of Marshalltown's Fareway Meat Department from 1952-75.

John was a member of the First Congregational Church in Marshalltown, the American Legion for over 50 years, and Sr. Bowling League and the American Legion Golf Association.

John is survived by his son, John R. and wife, Helen of Bella Vista, Arkansas; a daughter, Norma Dannen and husband, Max of Marshalltown; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and wife, Melvine in 2003.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Ruth Lucille Stewart Monroe

May 20, 2004

Ruth Lucille Stewart Monroe, 84, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Charles City, died on Friday, May 14, 2004, following a short illness.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids and at 2:00 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, Charles City. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

Ruth was born on March 20, 1920 in Scranton, the daughter of James Samuel and Ruby Stewart. She lived in and graduated from high school in Clarion. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1942 with a Home Economics degree.

On May 20, 1942, Ruth married Robert Monroe in Lubbock, Texas and they were stationed in San Antonio and Sabinal, Texas during World War II. In 1945, they moved to Charles City and in 1946 they opened their own business, Monroe Sporting Goods. Ruth also taught Home Economics in various Central and Eastern Iowa School Districts. In 1995, Ruth and Bob moved to Cedar Rapids where they resided at Crystal Estates.

Ruth was very active in community and church activities, often volunteering her time and talents. She was recognized as Charles City’s “Woman of the Year” for her commitment to community, volunteer and service activities. Ruth was a member of PEO, Eastern Star, AAUW, First Congregational (Charles City) and First Presbyterian (Cedar Rapids) fellowships and groups.

Ruth will be remembered by her children and grandchildren for the individual afghans she knit for each of them. Yet her greatest legacy to her family was her life as a role model and teacher of character and life’s lessons.

Survivors include her husband of almost 62 years, Robert G. Monroe; two sons, Professor James R. Monroe and wife, Louise of Des Moines and John C. Monroe and wife, Cindy of Cedar Rapids; one daughter, Linda Hoel and husband, Roger of Coralville; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene Holmes of Omaha, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Mary Bredall.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

E. Sue Denger

June 10, 2004

E. Sue Denger, 67, of Wichita, Kansas, formerly of Dows, died on Friday, May 21, 2004, of heart disease.

A memorial service was held on Monday, June 7, 2004, at the United Methodist Church in Dows. Pastor Tony Hershey officiated at the 1:00 p.m. service. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

E. Sue Brighton Denger, was born on July 12, 1936, the daughter of Ray L. and Elsie M. Brighton Denger. She attended the rural school Vernon #5, through the 5th grade, then transferred to the Dows Independent School where she completed her high school education in 1953. She then attended the Broadlawns Polk County School of Nursing in Des Moines, graduating in 1956. She attended the University of Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in 1966 and a Master of Arts Degree in 1968.

As a registered nurse, Sue had a long career, including eight years of clinical practice in Iowa. During her 25 plus years of nurse executive practice and leadership, she lived and worked in five different states; Missouri, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Kansas. She served on the nursing faculties of the Pennsylvania State University, University of Louisville and Wichita State University. She also was on the faculty of numerous seminars including a series of seminars for nursing staff of Aranco Oil Company in Daharan, Saudi Arabia.

Through the years Sue was involved at the local and state level of activities for various nursing organizations, including serving as President of the Kansas Organization of Nurse Leaders and of the Kansas League for Nursing. Nationally, she served on several nursing organization committees and served a two-year term as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

Survivors include her mother, Elsie Denger of Dows; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Denger of Dows; two nieces; and three grandnieces and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, Susie and G. D. Denger and Hette and John Brighton; and one brother, Dan Denger.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Darlene Dorothy Adams

May 27, 2004

Darlene Dorothy Adams, 81, of Keota, died on Sunday, May 23, 2004, at the English Valley Care Center in North English following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 26, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Sigourney. Pastor Richard Meyer officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion at 3:30 p.m.

Darlene Dorothy Wetrosky, was born on December 7, 1922 near Kingsley, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Munch Wetrosky. She attended country school and graduated from the Leeds High School in Sioux City. She worked several years for the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C.

After returning to Iowa, Darlene married DeWayne Richard Adams on September 3, 1946, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City. They farmed at Goldfield, Stewartville and Mabel, Minnesota. In 1964 they returned to Iowa and after living in several communities, chose Keota as their permanent residence. Darlene lived there for 38 years.

Darlene was an active member of her community and was employed through the years at Chases' Grocery, Farmers Savings Bank, Keota Public Library, and most recently the Keota Senior Center. Darlene was known for her decorated cakes, her love of sewing and gardening, and baking cookies for family and friends. She enjoyed her social clubs and the Lutheran Ladies Aide. She was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church in Sigourney.

She is survived by two daughters, Dana McCarthy and husband, Kevin of Hiawatha and Debbie Hammes and husband, Doug of Ladora; four grandsons; and two sisters, Luella Johns and Loretta Porch.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, DeWayne in September 1990; a son, Dean; and nine brothers and sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Bonnie R. Osborne

June 3, 2004

Bonnie R. Osborne, 78, of Clarion, passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2004, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 26, at the Clarion Church of Christ. Pastor Tim Platt officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Bonnie R. Boone, was born on August 1, 1925 in Dows, the daughter of Luke and Alma (King) Boone. She attended the Dows High School and graduated in 1942.

On February 1, 1947, she was united in marriage to Wayne J. Osborne in Kansas City, Missouri. This union was blessed with one child, Gloria.

Bonnie worked at the Paddock Steak House in Sioux City for 14 years and owned several restaurants in northern Iowa. She enjoyed knitting booties, traveling, playing cards and playing Bingo at the Care Center. She was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ and volunteered numerous hours to help with whatever she could for her church.

Bonnie is survived by a daughter, Gloria Andersen and husband, Jim of Cherokee; one brother, Luke L. Boone of Maryville, Missouri; three sisters, Verla Lundahl, Bessie Ritter (twin sister) and Darlene Balsar all of Clarion; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne in 1994; and one brother, Chessle Boone.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Mavis IDell Cramer

June 3, 2004

Mavis IDell Cramer, 88, of Clarion, died on Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 29, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Rev. Curt Miner officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Union Falls Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

Mavis IDell Collis, was born on December 21, 1915 in Iowa City, the daughter of Dr. Clarence Clifton and Gladys Harriette (Willson) Collis. She graduated from the Glidden Consolidated School. She then attended Drake University and A.I.B. in Des Moines. She worked several years in the accounting department of Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company in Washington, D.C.

She married Leland "Tad" Kent in Iowa Falls in 1947 and during his illness, she returned to work at the Guttenberg Press Office and also for the City of Guttenberg. Tad died in 1967 and three years later she moved to Clarion to be closer to her mother who was ill. She worked part-time at Ramsay's Clothing Store in Clarion. After the death of her mother she married Leonard J. Cramer in 1984.

Mavis was baptized in the Methodist Church in Glidden and remained a member of this church until moving to Clarion, where she joined the United Church of Christ Congregational. She was a Past President of the Women's Fellowship, Agenda Club, and Hospital Auxiliary.

Mavis is survived by her husband, Leonard Cramer of Clarion; one stepson, David Cramer and wife, Marjie of Logan, Utah; one stepbrother, Don Cramer and wife, Marj of Clarion; one sister-in-law, Dorothy E. Collis of Des Moines; one brother-in-law, Keith Wright and wife, Marian of Springfield, Illinois; one niece and four nephews, 14 great-nieces and nephews; and eight great-great-nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Phyllis I. Stewart

June 3, 2004

Phyllis I. Stewart, 85, of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, formerly of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2004, following a long illness. Services will be held on Thursday, June 10, at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion.

Phyllis was the daughter of Hildred (Jones) and D. L. Thomas. Born in Vesta, Minnesota, she attended schools in Vesta and Madison, Minnesota where she graduated and then attended Junior College in Appleton, Minnesota.

Phyllis moved with her family to Humboldt where she met her husband, Clarence R. Stewart. They were married on April 2, 1938, and continued to live in Humboldt and Rutland. They moved to Clarion in 1951.

Phyllis and Clarence were the parents of two children, Donald Thomas "Tom" Stewart and Jeanne Ellen Stewart.

Phyllis was a 65-year member of the Methodist Church and taught Sunday School for over 25 years. A nearly 50 year member of the Eastern Star, she served as Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls for 6 years. She was a charter member of the Clarion Hospital Auxiliary where for many years she was in charge of the gift cart and she served as a member of the community chest board and belonged to bridge clubs.

Phyllis is survived by a daughter, Jeanne Feckey and husband, Jim; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Roger Thomas and wife, Jean of Sioux City; one sister, Elner Pehl and husband, Alfred of Austin, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Dorothy Thomas of West Des Moines; and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; son, Tom; brother, Gordon; and one sister, Deloris Scott.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Vernon T. C. Weld

June 10, 2004

Vernon Weld, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2004, at his home in Salem, Oregon.

There was a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at the Salem First Baptist Church on June 4, at 2:00 p.m. Burial was in the Williamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, with military honors.

Vernon T. C. Weld was born to Tim and Flossie Weld. He had one brother, Merle who was a long time resident of Clarion. Vernon graduated from the Belmond High School in 1934.

He married his high school sweetheart, Elsie Anderson. He and Elsie had been married 67 years. Vernon was a farmer, attended Iowa State College and was a World War II veteran. In 1951, he moved his family to Oregon. He retired from the State of Oregon, Motor Vehicles Division in 1978.

Vernon was a life long member of the American Legion and was an active member of the Salem First Baptist Church.

Vernon is survived by one son, Roger and one daughter, Verdeen; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Ronald.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Robert Gene Krukow

June 10, 2004

Robert G. Krukow, 66, of Dows, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2004, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 3, at the Dows Community Funeral Home. Pastor Stan Watne officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Robert G. Krukow, was born on June 18, 1937, the son of Harold and Mildred Varrellmann Krukow. He grew up in the Franklin County area where he graduated from the Alexander High School in 1954. After high school he started trucking. He drove truck for Hansel Produce, Midwest Drivers and the 3M Company. He was also a member of Teamster Local 147. He retired in 2002.

Robert was united in marriage to Audrey White on March 6, 1973, at the Presbyterian Church in Rock Island. The couple made their home in Dows where they raised their family.

Robert was a member of the National Guard, was in a country western band where he played guitar and sang. He also enjoyed hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey; two daughters, Lana and Wendy of Dows; one granddaughter; one brother, Ronald and wife, Roberta of Dows; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2004

Charles Edward Patrick Harris

June 10, 2004

Charles Edward Patrick Hams, 85, of Shawnee Mission, Kansas passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2004, at the Shawnee Mission Medical Center, after a battle with pneumonia and infection.

Charles Harris was born on October 16, 1918 in Mason City, the son of George Francis and Anna Mae (Thul) Harris. On April 9, 1937, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served for 20 years, receiving numerous honors, commendations, medals, and citations for duties aboard submarines in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. On January 10, 1957, he retired as Chief Torpedoman, after which he enlisted in Fleet Rescue, retiring on July 1, 1967. In all, Chuck acquired 30 years of honorable duty.

On June 2, 1941, Chuck was united in marriage to Faye G. Mulhern in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The couple had two children, Charles Edward Jr. and AnnaMarie. The family moved to Mason City in 1958. Chuck retired in 1980 as owner and operator of a semi. The couple moved to Gravois Mills, Missouri, in 1986 where they spent their retirement until Faye's passing on April 17, 2004.

Chuck is survived by his son, Charles Edward Jr. "Skip" and wife, Marilyn of London, England; daughter, AnnaMarie Lusher and husband, Larry of Kansas City, Kansas; four grandchildren; and one sister, Virginia Nannega.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Faye.
© Wright County Monitor 2004