Kathryn Hagie West

March 9, 2006

Kathryn Hagie West, 63, of Barrington, Illinois, passed away at her home on Saturday, March 4, 2006.

Survivors include her husband, Ted M. West; two children, Angela West of Antioch, Illinois and Kristen (John Panko) West of Chicago, Illinois; one granddaughter; parents, Ray and June Hagie of Clarion; a sister, Margaret Severino (Frank); a brother, John and wife, Barb of Clarion; and many nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2006 

Loren Franklin Dougherty

March 16, 2006

Loren Franklin Dougherty, 87, of Sanford, Florida, formerly of Clarion, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2006.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 13, at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, Clarion. Pastor Tim Platt officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Loren Franklin Dougherty, was born on October 10, 1918 in Ackley, the son of Earl and Gertrude Dougherty. He moved from Iowa Falls to Clarion at an early age where he completed his schooling, graduating with the Class of 1936. After high school he enlisted in the US Navy, retiring after 20 years. He was with the dive bombing squadron attached to the aircraft carrier Bunker Hill during World War II. He was on the Bunker Hill during numerous battles in the islands and when she was attacked and crippled by kamikaze air strikes. He also served in the Korean War. He moved to Sanford in 1955 where he completed his enlistment in the US Navy. He worked for Martin Marietta in Orlando, for 30 years.

Loren was a Deacon for the Sanford Church of Christ for many years. He was a contributor to the Central Florida Blood Bank, having donated 30 gallons of blood.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Roberts Dougherty; two daughters, Jan Dougherty (friend Mick Hutton) of Sanford and Anne Lucas and husband, John of Lake Mary; three grandsons; two brothers, Dale Dougherty of Clarion and Russell Dougherty of Belmond; one sister, Gerene Smith of Eagle Grove; and several nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Edgar Allan Robinson

March 16, 2006

Edgar Allan Robinson, 62, of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, while on a sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands.

A memorial service and Interment will be held in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion at a later date.

Edgar Allan Robinson, was born on September 23, 1943 in Clarion, the son of Marion Allan Robinson and Betty Brooks Robinson. He received his early education at the Lake Township #4 Rural School and at the Clarion Public Schools, graduating in 1960. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Product Engineering. At the time of his death, he was an engineer for the State of Minnesota.

After finishing school, he entered the armed services and was stationed in Germany. During his time in Germany, he met and married Ilona Aschenbrandt and they were the parents of four children. After returning to the States they lived in Clarion and Holmes, where he helped run the family business-FLO Gard and the Farmers Exchange.

In 1991, he married Elaine Stuber. They spent a lot of time at the home they built on Big Sandy Lake. They also enjoyed canoeing at the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.

Ed had a life long love of the water and as a young boy, he and his neighbor and friend, Joel Sebby, spent many an hour at the local dredge ditch, picnicking and exploring the water.

Every winter for the last few years they have vacationed with friends on a sailing trip to the Virgin Islands. He also kept active with scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, camping, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking and biking. He used his education to build a home in Clarion and a home at Big Sandy Lake.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; three daughters, Carola List and husband, Tim of Los Angeles, California, Sonja Raschke and husband, Russ of Chanhassen, Minnesota and Dina and friend, Mike Pravatz of Seattle, Washington; one son, Clinton Robinson and wife, Josie of Maple Grove, Minnesota; three grandchildren; three sisters, Carole Martin of Clive, Beth Menges and friend, Wendell Mayes of Clarion and Mary Robinson and husband, George Scamans of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Sue and Larry Mattson of Pine Island, Minnesota and their three children; brother-in-law, Hal Stuber of Boulder, Colorado; and numerous nieces, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Robinson; grandparents, Allen and Lizzie Robinson and Edgar and Hazel Brooks.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Alice H. Ruiter

March 16, 2006

Alice H. Ruiter, 75, of Goldfield, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 11, at the United Presbyterian Church, Goldfield. Rev. Tamara EnTin officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Alice H. Ruiter, was born on September 4, 1930 on a farm west of Goldfield, the daughter of Amos and Helen (Rasmussen) Folkedahl. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from the Goldfield High School in 1948. Alice received her Bachelors Degree in History and Music from Northwestern University in Chicago.

She taught school for a short time in Alexis, Illinois and continued teaching when she moved to Meservey, Iowa in the fall of 1952.

On July 1, 1954, Alice was united in marriage with Ronald E. Ruiter at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield. The couple made their home in Meservey until 1959, when they moved to Goldfield and opened the Dari-Y, also known as "Alice's Grease Palace". They operated the business until retiring in 2001. Alice was the "Hostess with the Mostess" at Ron's Restaurant from 1964 to 1990.

Alice was a life long member of the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield and was active in the Choir and Session. She loved music and enjoyed baking, knitting, traveling, and sports, including being an avid Northwestern Wildcat and New York Yankees fan. Alice also was a member of the T.O.P.S. Club the last several years.

She is survived by husband, Ron of Goldfield; a daughter, Karla Ruiter of Bettendorf; a son, Kyle Ruiter and wife, Connie of Goldfield; three grandchildren; a sister, Helen Stueland and husband, Alvin who resides at the USA Healthcare in Clarion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and mother-in-law, Martha Ruiter.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

He was preceded in death by his parents; and several aunts and uncles.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Bergel Amanda Whitman

March 16, 2006

Bergel Amanda Moen Whitman, 91, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2006, at the Mercy Hospice, Johnston.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 17, at the First Lutheran Church, Clarion. The visitation will be held at noon with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a private burial.

Bergel Amanda Moen, was born on July 12, 1914 in Leland, the daughter of Charley and Sena Moen. In 1935, Bergel moved to Clarion. It was here that she met and subsequently married Howard Franklin Whitman on February 10, 1937.

Bergel was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Clarion where she participated in various church circles, FLCW, Sew Day, and Bible study classes. She always gave a helping hand to any church activity that needed her. Bergel was also active in the Federated Club and the Clarion Hospital Auxiliary. When Bergel was not spending time with family and friends, she was knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, baking, playing bridge and volunteering.

Bergel is survived by daughters, Molly Notestine and husband, Tom of Lee's Summit, Missouri and Mary Gordon and husband, John of Kansas City; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Elvina Moen of Chicago, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; a daughter, Sena; and a son, Tom.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the First Lutheran Church of Clarion or the Clarion Hospital Auxiliary.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred; a son, Fred; one granddaughter; a brother, Lawrence; an infant brother and sister; and one great-grandson.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Martin; birth mother, Agnes Hagemeister Martin; mother, Grace Zinser Martin; and a sister, Cleo Martin.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Laurel Kirstein

March 30, 2006

Laurel Kirstein, 85, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2006, at the USA Healthcare Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 28, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 1:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Laurel Cole, was born on April 4, 1920 in Dundee, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest and Mary (Phelps) Cole. She had an older brother, Laurence and a younger sister, Lorraine.

Laurel was raised in the LaPorte City, Iowa, area during the Great Depression. Many memories of those hard times were shared with her family throughout the years.

Following graduation from the LaPorte City High School in 1938, Laurel worked for a time as a maid in Waterloo and during a visit with her brother, Laurence in Clarion, she met and later married Robert Kirstein. Bob and Laurel were married on April 19, 1941. To this union five children were born.

Bob and Laurel farmed south of Clarion all their married life. She loved to cook, garden, crochet, sew, weave rugs and paint. Laurel was instrumental in getting the four way stop light installed five miles south on R-38. She also was the winner of the contest for naming the roller rink in Clarion-Spinning Wheels. At one time Laurel taught adult reading in her home. They moved into Clarion in 1987. Following Bob's death in 1988, Laurel moved to Southtown and later the USA Healthcare Center where she lived at the time of her death.

Laurel was a member of the United Methodist Church and will be remembered by all who knew her as a dedicated patriot.

She is survived by her children, Mildred Hoyd and husband, Dale of Boise, Idaho; Philip Kirstein and wife, Judy of Clarion and Paul Kirstein and wife, Pat of Clarion; a sister, Lorraine Merryfield of Des Moines; and a dear niece, Linda Vanderlinden of Des Moines.

Laurel is also survived by ten grandchildren; two step-granddaughters; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one daughter, Karole Ann; one son, Randy; one granddaughter, Laurie; one daughter-in-law, Marlene; one brother, Laurence; and a niece, Janet Cohoon.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Vernon R. Smith

March 30, 2006

Vernon R. Smith, 84, of Clarion, passed away at his home on Friday, March 24, 2006.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 27, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Pastor Curt Miner officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Vernon Smith, was born on September 5, 1921 in Clarion, the son of Ralph and Adeline Busse Smith. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1939. Vernon and Maxine Armour were married on February 15, 1942 in Clarion, at the home of Maxine's parents. 

Vernon served as a Civil Flight Instructor-Enlisted Reserves for the Army Air Corps during World War II in Uvalde, Texas. He then managed the Dows Airport before returning to the family farm located south of Clarion, where he farmed the rest of his life.

Vernon enjoyed golfing, reading, coin collecting, flying, and traveled to Texas during the winters. He was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion, Civil Air Patrol, Masonic Lodge, Wright County Shriners and the Shriners' Mini Patrol.

He is survived by one son, Phillip R. Smith and wife, Nancy of Clarion; one daughter, Pamela Lansdell and husband, Alan of Decatur, Alabama; four grandchildren; and one sister, Louella Jones of Houston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine on July 8, 1989; an infant daughter, Judy; a son, Paul; and a brother, Leroy Smith.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Donald and Duane "Jack" Baker.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Marjorie Ann Olson

March 30, 2006

Marjorie Ann Olson, 78, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2006, at her home in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 28, at the First Lutheran Church, Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Holmes Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, First Lutheran Church Sew Day, or the Clarion Public Library.

Marjorie Ann (Knutson) Olson, was born on May 16, 1927 in Kamrar, the daughter of Helmer and Della (Walterman) Knutson. As a child she moved to Webster City with her parents. She completed her education, graduating from the Webster City High School in 1945. After graduation she worked at the Hahney Printing Company.

Marge met her "Prince Charming" Arnold Olson in 1946 and they were married on November 17, 1948. In 1950, Arnold and Marge moved to a farm outside of Clarion.

After 54 years, they left the farm and moved into Clarion. The past two years they have resided at Southtown.

Marge and Arnold traveled many miles to attend their grandchildren's activities. Marge enjoyed numerous hobbies, a.m. coffees, golf, Sew Day, Alter Guild, ECLA Circle, bridge, card club, Water Buffaloes, hospital volunteer, 3C's and crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Arnold; two daughters, DeAnn Cocoran and husband, Richard of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Jane Leese and husband, Grant of Edina, Minnesota; one son, Duane and wife, Lynn of Shoreview, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; one brother, Howard Knutson; and Arnold's brothers and sisters.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; and four brothers, Roy, Johnny, Harley and Gary Knutson.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Robert Vernon Knight

April 13, 2006

Robert Vernon Knight, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2006, at the International Order of Odd Fellows Home, Mason City.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, April 15, at 11:00 a.m., in Mason City.

Robert was born on July 10, 1935 in Sioux City, the son of Robinette LaGue and Gerald "Red" Knight.

He graduated in 1953 from the Numa High School and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955. He later transferred to the U.S. Army, where he served in Indochina and Korea from 1967-68 and from 1971-72. Robert retired from the Army in 1976 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer-Third Class.

He received his BA in Business Administration from the University of Northern Iowa and then lived in Waterloo and Marshalltown before receiving his MPA from Iowa State University in 1987. He worked for the State of Iowa Department of Health from 1987-1991, as an apartment manager in Des Moines until 1996, and then as a consultant for the Triston Corporation.

Robert is remembered by his father, Red; his brother, Rod (Barb); a niece, Terri (Bruce); great-nephews and great-nieces; and special friends, Mike and Laurie.
© Wright County Monitor 2006

Alicia is survived by her father, Edward of Clarion; two brothers, Glen and Roger; husband, Ken; four children, Shylo, Roxanne, Dan and Crystal; and many other family members.
© Wright County Monitor 2006