Verle is survived by three sons, Douglas Bowman of Morrill, Nebraska, Dennis Bowman of the sailing vessel Yemanja and Dale Bowman of Richland, Washington; two daughters, Julie Calvert of Surprise, Arizona and Roxanna Moore of Canton, Kansas; two sisters, Audrey Knutson of Colorado and Donna Long of Arizona: one brother, Ronald Pletcher of Montana; 16 grandchildren: and 25 great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

George "Bud" M. Lynch

December 29, 2005

George "Bud" M. Lynch, 74, former Clarion resident, died on Wednesday, November 9, 2005, in Yuma, Arizona.

His body was cremated and family services will be held at a later date in Coldwater, Kansas.

George "Bud" M. Lynch, was born on September 16, 1931, the son of Vernon Lee and Verna Lea (Lovell) Lynch in Bolivar, Texas. He was the first born of ten children.

He and Patricia E. Hadley were united in marriage on October 7, 1960 in Coldwater, Kansas. Bud and his family moved to Clarion in August of 1967. In 1985, they moved to Carthage, Missouri. Bud retired from Schneider Transport in 1995. After retiring he and his wife enjoyed traveling. In 2001 they retired to Yuma, Arizona.

Bud served in the U.S. Army for 13 years. While in the military, he served as Drill Sergeant and Small Arms Instructor. He served multiple voluntary tours of combat in Korea as a Paratrooper Medic in the 187th Airborne Infantry and then transferred to the 101st Airborne. During that time, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action and two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained during combat.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia E. (Hadley) Lynch of 45 years; three sons, Stephen D. Lynch of Kailua, Hawaii, Randall S. Lynch of Escondido, California and Michael C. Lynch of Spring, Texas; two daughters, T. Lynne DeVrieze of Carthage, Missouri and M. Susan Hutchins of Travis Air Force Base, California; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four brothers, Bobby and Gary Lynch of Denton, Texas, Danny Lynch of Sanger and James Lynch of Dallas, Texas; four sisters, J.D. Petway of Gainesville, Texas, Jackie Lynch of Pilot Point, Texas, Patsy Bolin-Snow of Anaheim, California and Angel Smitty of Terrel, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister in infancy.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Kathleen Alice Goodwin

November 24, 2005

Kathleen Alice Goodwin, 71, of Hampton, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2005, at the Hampton Health Care Center.

A graveside service was held on Monday, November 14, 2005, at 11:00 a.m., at the Fairview Cemetery in Dows. Father Chris Podhajsky officiated.

Kathleen Alice Norwood, was born on April 2, 1934, the daughter of Edward Lewis and Mary Helen (Scouten) Norwood in Elmira, New York. She was raised and educated in Elmira, graduating from the Elmira Free Academy. Kathleen did babysitting in the Elmira area for several years.

On July 14, 1952, Kathleen was united in marriage to Donald Edwin Goodwin in Montour Falls, New York. Donald served in the military so they traveled quite a bit in the early years of their marriage, living in Texas and New York prior to moving to Iowa in 1992. She worked as a secretary for the Dallas School District while they lived in Texas and also worked as a CNA.

Surviving Kathleen are her children, Helen Goodwin of Clarion, Kathy Goodwin of Dows, Susan Goodwin of Texas, Donald Goodwin of Alabama and Bill Goodwin of Mississippi; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, James Norwood of Pine City, New York; two sisters, Helen Mae Dunne of Elmira, New York and Winona of Phoenix, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; a son, Robert; a grandson, Donald; one brother during World War II; and six sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Phyllis L. Stoakes

November 24,2005

Phyllis L. Stoakes, 59, of Goldfield, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2005, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2005, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. Pastor Paul Stone will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Phyllis L. Hefti, was born on January 4, 1946 in Fort Dodge, the daughter of William Edward and Sarah (Stockdale) Hefti. She was baptized and confirmed at the Lake Lutheran Church, rural Goldfield. Phyllis was raised and educated in the Goldfield area, graduating from the Goldfield High School in 1964. She then received her degrees in English and German Education from Luther College in 1967.

On June 2, 1967, Phyllis was united in marriage with Ken Stoakes at the Lake Lutheran Church, rural Goldfield. The couple moved to Mason City where she taught school from 1967 to 1968. In 1968 and 1969, they lived in El Paso, Texas where she was a substitute teacher for two years and then they returned to Mason City. In 1975, the couple moved back to her family farm near Goldfield, where she worked in her husband's accounting business, W. Ken Stoakes, LPA.

Phyllis was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she had taught Sunday School and participated in the Altar Guild. She served as a 4-H Leader for 20 years, was active with the North Central Regional 4-H Forum, and was named an honorary 4-H member. She was also a Campfire Volunteer and served as past president of the GFWC Alpha Delphian Club. Phyllis enjoyed scrapbooking, reading and collecting Boyd's Bears, but her greatest joy was truly her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Stoakes of Goldfield; a son, Tim Stoakes and wife, Lori of Naperville, Illinois; a daughter, Deanna Watters and husband, Sean of Des Moines; three grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Wilton Hefti.

Memorials may be directed to the Wright County 4-H Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or may be left to the discretion of the family.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Charles Arnold "Chuck" Hoyt

December 1, 2005

Charles Arnold "Chuck" Hoyt, 49, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2005, at his home with his family at his side.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 23, 2005, at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home in Clarion. Pastor Tim Platt officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Chuck was raised and educated in Clarion. He started working at a young age in the construction industry, starting as a general laborer and quickly moving into heavy equipment operator, which he did most of his adult life. He worked for Maasdam Construction for over 22 years.

He enjoyed racing of any kind, but became an avid NASCAR fan. On any given Sunday you could always find him and Pat at home watching NASCAR on television. He loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren more than anything else.

Chuck is survived by his spouse, Pat Fender of Clarion; one daughter, Toni Emery and spouse, Marv of Ankeny; one son, Rodney and spouse, Bree Sky of Clarion; Pat's children, Derek Fender and spouse, Andrea of Waterloo, Jeremy Fender of Fort Dodge and Brittany Fender of Clarion; four grandchildren; mother, Frances Hoyt of Clarion; a brother, Craig and spouse, Kathy of Davis City; a sister, Jane Sieren and spouse, Leo of Keota; and a brother, Jerry and spouse, Janice of Placerville, California.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold; step-father, Shorty Sharp; and infant brother, Jackie.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

He was preceded in death by his parents: brothers, Arthur and Howard Askelsen; and one sister, Gladys Knutson.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

She is survived by two daughters, Lori Cox and husband, Gary of Carlisle and Cara Flavio and husband, Max of Concord, Illinois; eight grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and a sister-in-law, Rosalie McCoy of Hampton.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Maura's body has gone to the Anatomical Society of Maryland for research.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Kenneth R. Anderson

December 1, 2005

Kenneth R. Anderson, 84, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion.

Memorial services were held on Sunday, November 27, 2005, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Private family Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Kenneth R. Anderson, was born on July 19, 1921 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Andrew O. and Minnie (Swanson) Anderson. He graduated from the Osakis High School in 1939.

On June 16, 1946, Kenneth and Doris Jean Nelson were united in marriage at the Center Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.

Kenneth was employed as a guide on Lake Osakis, a mechanic at Breen Implement in Alexandria, Minnesota, Minnesota Valley Breeders Association in Alexandria and Nicollet, Minnesota, Sanitarian at the Sleepy Eye Creamery Association in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota and a salesman and customer service coordinator for Asgrow Seed Company in Tracy, Minnesota and Clarion, retiring in January of 1984.

His activities included 4-H and Rural Youth in Douglas County, Minnesota; charter member and First Vice President of the Jaycees in Alexandria, Minnesota; member of several church boards at the First English Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Minnesota; a Boy Scout Leader; served on several boards and President of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota; First Vice President, member of the church board and a Luther League Advisor at the Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota; Vice President and member of the Church Council and head of New Constitution Comm. at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Kenneth was one of the persons who helped to restore the Clarion Depot and was secretary/treasurer of the Clarion Depot Foundation. He was also a member of the Clarion Chamber of Commerce and a past president. For several years he played Santa Claus for different towns.

Kenneth was also very active in several camping clubs, serving as President of Iowa Corn Belt Campers; President of Iowa Winnie Hawks; and a member and Past President of the Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Doris of Clarion; daughters, Nancy Anderson of New Ulm, Minnesota and Carol Anderson Martinson and husband, Bob of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brothers, Harley Anderson of Osakis, Minnesota and Leonard Anderson and wife, Mona of Fairmont, Minnesota; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Karl Anderson in 1982.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Bethany Ann Hanson

December 1, 2005

Bethany Ann Hanson, 21, of Clarion and formerly of Goodell, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2005, as a result of injuries received in an auto accident.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at the Belmond United Methodist Church. Pastor Pat Kennedy officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery near Goodell.

Bethany Ann Hanson, was born on June 2, 1984 in Des Moines, the daughter of Duane and Cynthia Wiarda Hanson. She grew up and attended school in Des Moines. While at the Des Moines High School she was involved in ROTC, competing in the military drill and marksman teams. She also played softball, volleyball, basketball and soccer.

Bethany moved to Goodell and attended the Belmond-Klemme High School. She was chosen to attend Girl's State in 2001. Bethany shadowed Linn Larson of the Belmond Police Department. She graduated in 2002 and furthered her education by attending DMACC and NIACC, becoming a certified nurse's assistant.

Bethany was a very caring person which is reflected by the various places she worked, the Wright Medical Center, North Central Human Services and Opportunity Village.

Bethany spent her summer and holiday vacations on the farm near Goodell with Grandma Florence, Aunt Janet and Uncle Randy. She loved being with her cousin, Christina on the farm, playing with Barbies and cutting off all their hair. She also enjoyed spending time with her little cousin, Austin and ice cream was their favorite treat together.

Bethany recently became engaged to Darren Robinson of Clarion, where she made her home with Haylee. She thoroughly enjoyed life, from fishing at the gravel pit on the family farm to scrapbooking, Tai Kwando and surfing at Pismo Beach. She was a member of the Goodell American Legion Auxiliary as well as the Belmond VFW. Bethany belonged to the Belmond Evangelical Free Church.

Bethany spend the last four months of her life devoting herself to her daughter, Haylee and her fiancée, Darren.

Bethany is survived by her father, Duane Hanson and wife, Jean of Goodell; mother, Cynthia Betts of Des Moines; fiancée, Darren Robinson of Clarion; three brothers, Benjamin and Danielle Hanson of Eagle Grove, Barrin and Kelly Hanson of Key West, Florida and Barrick Hanson of Webster City; maternal grandparents, Irving and Lolaraye Wiarda of Dows; aunts and uncles; nephews and nieces; and numerous other friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her fraternal grandparents, Merlin and Florence Hanson.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Haylee Evaline Hanson

December 1, 2005

Haylee Evaline Hanson, age four months, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2005, as a result of injuries received in an auto accident. Haylee Evaline was the daughter of Bethany Ann Hanson of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at the Belmond United Methodist Church. Pastor Pat Kennedy officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery near Goodell.

Haylee Evaline Hanson, was born on July 30, 2005 in Clarion, the daughter of Bethany Ann Hanson.

Haylee was the joy of her mother's life. She lived and was loved by her mother, her mother's fiancée, Darren Robinson and the entire family. She brought smiles to those who had the pleasure of her company. Haylee was affectionately referred to as "Scoobie Pie".

Haylee is survived by her grandfather, Duane Hanson and wife, Jean of Goodell; grandmother, Cynthia Betts of Des Moines; Darren Robinson of Clarion; three uncles and aunts, Benjamin and Danielle Hanson of Eagle Grove, Barrin and Kelly Hanson of Key West, Florida and Barrick Hanson of Webster City; maternal great-grandparents, Irving and Lolaraye Wiarda of Dows; great aunts and uncles, Lorene and Bryan Arends of Hampton, Sue English and Glenn of Mason City, Lori Wiarda and Rob of Manly, Lavonne Hines and Merle of Rushville, Indiana and Janet and Randy Lich of Belmond; many cousins and numerous other friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her fraternal great-grandparents, Merlin and Florence Hanson.
© Wright County Monitor 2005

Donald H. Bierl

December 8, 2005

Donald Henry Bierl, age 75, of Clarion, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December 2, at the St. John's Catholic Church, Clarion. Father Chris Podhajsky officiated at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Clarion.

Donald Henry Bierl, was born on July 18, 1930, on a farm near Templeton, Iowa and was the oldest son of Albert and Pauline (Schroder) Bierl.

In 1940, the Bierl family moved to Clarion where his father opened the Gamble Store. Don graduated from the Clarion High School in 1948 and joined the Navy. His tour of duty took him to New London, Connecticut, where he served in the submarine service. Upon his discharge, he returned to Clarion where he took correspondence courses in radio and television repair. On February 16, 1952, he married Darlene Marlys Anderson at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion.

Don was called back to active duty during the Korean War and was assigned to the USS Winston. After his second tour of duty, he returned to Clarion and started a radio and television repair shop in the back of the Gamble Store. In 1962, Don's Radio and TV Service moved to 506 Central Avenue. In 1975, the store was relocated to 217 North Main Street where his oldest son, Mike joined the business. After serving Clarion and surrounding communities for 28 years, Don began a career with Combined Insurance Companies of America. Don was with Combined Insurance for 15 years where he was a Sales Representative and District Manager. After retiring from Combined Insurance, he was employed by Life Touch Studio for seven years as a sales representative and school picture photographer.

Don was an avid sportsman and enjoyed various outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, RV'ing, bowling and golf. Many of his friends also knew him as an avid Hawkeye fan. He was an active member of the St. John's Catholic Church for over 60 years, having served as Cantor, Communion Minister and a member of the Choir.

Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene of Clarion; children, Michael, Ramona and husband, Dennis, Michelle, Steven and wife, Heather and James and wife, Carrie; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vernus and Duane; and a sister, Mary Anne.
© Wright County Monitor 2005