Merlin George Peyton

February 10, 2005

Merlin George Peyton, 84, of Dows, died on Tuesday, February 1, 2005, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa. His body was cremated and there were no services. Condolences may be directed to Judy Dahley.

Merlin George Peyton, was born on December 25, 1920, the son of Harry and Mabel (Sarber) Peyton. He attended rural schools in the Clarion area and worked for area farmers.

Merlin was united in marriage to Elaine Severson on January 23, 1942, in Trenton, Missouri. He was inducted into the Army and served in World War II from 1942 until he was discharged in 1945. After returning home from the War, he lived in Riceville and Chicago, before moving his family to Mason City. He was employed by A&M Concrete, A&M Prestress in Clear Lake, and Cerro Gordo County in Clear Lake.

Merlin is survived by three children, Judy Dahley and husband, Elon of Mason City, Carolyn Evans and husband, Mike of Mesa, Arizona and Rick Peyton and wife, Sandy of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, Melvin Peyton and wife, Eva of Hampton; four sisters, Doris Rohrer and husband, Fran of Eagle Grove, Lois Hansen of Chino, California, Evelyn Doherty and husband, Chuck of Johnston and Connie Smith and husband, Jim of Cedar Rapids.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Vivian Kittleson and Maxine Rice.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Albert Clarence Tripp

February 10, 2005

Albert Clarence Tripp, 63, of Clarion, formerly of Spencer, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2005, at his home in Clarion.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, February 8, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg. Pastor Dennis Angland officiated at the 1:00 p.m. service.

Albert Clarence Tripp, was born on September 6, 1941 in Fort Dodge, the son of Alvie and Irene (Pierce) Tripp. He was raised in the Bradgate, Emmetsburg and Webb areas.

On September 30, 1962, Albert was united in marriage to Pamela Taylor in Spencer. To this union three daughters were born. The couple resided in Webb, while Albert farmed with this father. Albert farmed south of Spencer for numerous years, moving to Clarion in 1985. He was a mail carrier for several years in the Clarion area before working for Ennis Trucking. He was owner and operator of his own truck and traveled throughout the United States for 14 years until his retirement.

He was a policeman for the Clay County Fair for 33 years, taking two weeks of vacation every year to police the grounds.

Albert is survived by three daughters, Karen Van Thournout and husband, Craig of Urbandale, Deann Eivins and husband, Michael of Iowa City and Dawn Tripp of Spencer; eight grandchildren; mother, Irene Pierce of Emmetsburg; sisters, Arlene Webster of Bode and Ilene Birchard of Dayton, Ohio; brothers, Dale Tripp of Everly and Arnold Tripp of Albert Lea, Minnesota; special companion, Cindy Espeseth; and many other relatives.

Albert was preceded in death by his father; brothers, Alvin and Allan; and a niece, Jenifer Webster.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

George A. Daggett

February 17, 2005

George A. Daggett, 87, of Cedar Rapids, died on Friday, February 4, 2005, in Mercy Medical Center following a long illness.

George donated his body to the University of Iowa Anatomy Department so that his legacy of helping others might continue.  A memorial service will be held for George at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, at the First United Methodist Church, Clarion, Iowa.  Memorials will be contributed to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospitals on George's behalf.

George was born at Holmes, Iowa on September 1, 1917.  When he was 14, George's father was injured.  To support his family, George ended his formal education and assumed his father's position as a heavy equipment operator with the Wright County road development crew.  His informal education and training continued throughout his life as he maintained his passion for reading, learning, teaching and giving back to his country and to his community.  

He served in the South Pacific during WW II and was a decorated sergeant first class.  Following the war he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 26 years in Clarion and Fort Dodge and was the U.S. Postmaster in Thor, Iowa, when he retired in 1980. 

As an ardent conservationist, he developed parks and planted trees for wildlife protection throughout Wright County.  He was active in the American Legion for 60 years and was a former Commander of the Mount Lebanon Commandery No. 61, Knights Templar Lodge in Clarion, Iowa.  George was an El Kahir Shriner for 30 years; his special focus was raising money for the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospitals. 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Darlene; daughter, Sondy; two sisters, Ruth Sheehan of Clarion and Helen Bloomfield of Clarksville, Tennessee; Liz Hoskins, Matt, Sara, Allie and Olivia Hoskins; Matt, Lisa and Michaela O'Donnell; 10 nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Ruth Lillian Nail

February 10, 2005

Ruth L. Nail, 84, of Webster City, died on Saturday, February 5, 2005, at the Villa St. Joseph Care Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 9, at the Church of Christ in Webster City. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery.

Ruth Lillian Johnson was born on October 21, 1920 at Webster City, the daughter of Nels and Hilda Bergman Johnson. She received her education and graduated from the Stanhope High School.

On November 27, 1941, she married Ray William Nail at Bethany, Missouri. The couple farmed northeast of Webster City. In 1949, they moved to a farm in Wright County. They moved to Clarion two years before they retired from farming in 1975. In 1979, they moved to Webster City. Ray died on November 2, 1998 and Ruth moved to Overland Park in May of 2004.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Jerry Nail and wife, Lavonne of Unionville, Missouri and Ron Nail and wife, Patty of Minneapolis, Minnesota; one daughter, Deanne Sheets and husband, Larry of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray in 2004; two brothers, Lloyd Johnson and Clifford Johnson; and three sisters, Eleanor Glawe, Delma Spitler and Helen Johnson.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Alice Elizabeth Martin

February 17, 2005

Alice Elizabeth Martin, 85, of Des Moines, formerly of Clarion, died on Tuesday, February 8, 2005, at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 11, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Alice E. Hambleton, was born on July 23, 1919 in Bloomfield, the daughter of Charles and Laura (Lockman) Hambleton. She lived on the family farm until the age of 18, graduated from the Bloomfield High School and then moved to Woodward.

Alice worked at the Woodward State Hospital where she met her husband, Burt Raymond McMorris. The couple was united in marriage on July 12, 1941, and moved to Portland, Oregon until the beginning of World War II. Alice and Burt then moved to Des Moines, where Burt enlisted in the Navy.

In 1946, after the war, they moved to Clarion where Burt started Bogue Beauty Shop. Alice raised their two children, Scott and LeAnna, and also joined Burt in the family business from 1964 until her retirement in 1991. Burt and Alice were very active in the Clarion business community.

Burt passed away in 1981 and Alice married Leo Martin in July, 1982. She and Leo lived in Clarion until 2002 and then moved to Altoona to be closer to their families. The couple lived at Briar Cliff Assisted Living in Altoona.

Alice was a member of the United Methodist Church in Clarion, the Clarmond Country Club, and Eastern Star.

Alice is survived by her husband, Leo of Altoona; one son, Scott McMorris and fiancée, Kathy Sparks of Pleasant Hill; one daughter, LeAnna Martin and husband, Ron of Pleasant Hill; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one stepdaughter, Jean Cooper and husband, Wayne of Waukee; one stepson, Darrell Martin; four step-grandchildren; one brother, Lee Hambleton of San Clemente, California; and numerous extended family and friends.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; and first husband, Burt McMorris.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Sadie B. Swenson

February 17, 2005

Sadie B. Swenson, 94, of Belmond, died on Saturday, February 12, 2005, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 15, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Belmond. The Rev. Rod Hopp officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Sadie TerHark, was born on July 27, 1910 at Germany Valley, Illinois, the daughter of Anno and Jenny (Aldrich) TerHark. On January 4, 1934, she and William Swenson were united in marriage. William passed away on August 31, 1969.

Sadie lived at Lake Cornelia until moving to the Belmond Retirement Apartments. She then moved to the Belmond Health Care Center and had resided there for the last two years.

Sadie served as a housekeeper for many families in the Clarion and Belmond areas. She was an excellent cook who worked in many area restaurants. After retiring she was known to lend her culinary skills to others.

She was a Sunday School Teacher for many years, a member of the Mary Circle, Belmond Hospital Auxiliary, the Belmond Historical Society and a past Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows Association.

She is survived by two daughters, Genevieve Larkin of Belmond and Karen Miller of Muskogee, Oklahoma; son, Richard Swenson of Marion; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Sadie was preceded in death by her husband, William; son, (William) Bill; a grandson, Todd Larkin; son-in-law, Bernard Miller; three sisters; and eight brothers.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Genevieve Irene Stevenson

February 17, 2005

Genevieve Irene Stevenson, 94, of Goldfield, died on Monday, February 14, 2005, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 17, at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield. Rev. Tamara EnTin will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 16, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Genevieve Irene Fenner, was born on August 6, 1910 in Des Moines, the daughter of Everett and Eldred (Black) Fenner. She moved to Eagle Grove with her parents at the age of nine months. Genevieve attended Eagle Grove Schools and graduated from the Eagle Grove High School in 1929. She worked as a secretary at the Hobbet and Blue Law Firm.

On June 1, 1933, Genevieve was united in marriage with Howard Stevenson at the home of her parents in Eagle Grove.

Genevieve was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield and served as an elder. She taught Sunday School, youth club and daily Vacation Bible School. She was also a member of Eastern Star, White Shrine, Eagle Grove, Daughters of the Nile, Des Moines, Rotary Ann Red Hat Ladies, Oakridge Recreation Club, and the Alpha Delphian Club, Goldfield.

Genevieve is survived by two sons, Tom Stevenson and wife, Sandra of Goldfield and Fenner Stevenson and wife, Ev of Boone; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many dear friends who she considered to be part of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Howard in 1971.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Vergil Dale Darland

March 3, 2005

Vergil Dale Darland, 88, of Clarion, died on Tuesday, February 22, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, February 24, at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield. Rev. Tamara EnTin officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Vergil Dale Darland, was born on February 29, 1916 in Clarion, the son of James and Ruth (Griffee) Darland. He graduated from the Goldfield High School, worked for Whyte Hardware, Whyte Motor and was a rural mail carrier.

Vergil was called to duty during World War II. He served in the United States Army as a Technical Sergeant of the 125th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron from March 1941 to October 1945.

On March 23, 1946, Vergil was united in marriage with Verla Lester.

Vergil was a member of the National Guard for 11 years. He retired from the Postal Service, which included 26 years on the Hardy-Goldfield route. Vergil was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield, the American Legion, and Oakridge Recreation.

Vergil enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and traveling. He was on a bowling team, basketball team, and coached Little League baseball.

Vergil is survived by his wife, Verla; two sons, Douglas Darland and wife, Linda of Clarion and Robert Darland and wife, Wanda of Alpine, Oregon; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Darland of Eagle Grove.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Louise Peterson; and two brothers, Glen and Irwin Darland.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

George Samuel Peterson

March 3, 2005

George Samuel Peterson, 97, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 1, at the Holmes Baptist Church. Pastor Patrick Odle officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

George Samuel Peterson, was born on December 19, 1907 in Goldfield, the son of Nels Peter and Frederikke (Madison) Peterson. He attended school in Goldfield, graduating in 1926. On February 19, 1930, George was united in marriage to Edna Ross in Humboldt County. To this union one son was born.

The couple moved to the Peterson farm west of Goldfield, where George helped his father farm from 1930 to 1947, trying to save the family farm during the Depression. In 1947, George and Edna moved to their farm west of Clarion where they farmed for over 40 years.

George took care of Edna at home for many years until she moved to the nursing home in Clarion, where she passed away on February 3, 1994. He remained on the farm for a few more years before moving to the Meadows in Clarion. He lived at the Meadows for six years, was in extended care at the Wright Medical Center for two years, and moved to the USA Health Care Center in December, 2004.

George was a member of the Holmes Baptist Church and was named an Honorary Deacon.

George enjoyed fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, getting his hands dirty, and loved to garden.

He is survived by his son, Morris Peterson and wife, DiAnn of Clarion; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Clarence Peterson of Clarion; brother-in-law, Carroll Spangler of Eagle Grove; and a sister-in-law, Bertha Hinton of Centerville.

George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edna in 1994; four brothers, Joe, Bill, Reuben and Lawrence; and two sisters, Ruth and Edith.
© Wright County Monitor 2005