Tillie Verbrugge

April 12, 2007

Tillie Verbrugge, 95, of Kanawha, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 11, at the Wright Christian Reformed Church near Kanawha. Pastor Chuck Walton officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Wright Christian Reformed Church Cemetery.

Tillie Christians, was born on August 1, 1911 in Hancock County, the daughter of Nick and Nellie (Beninga) Christians.

On December 8, 1932, she was united in marriage to Heis Verbrugge at the home of her parents in rural Kanawha. They farmed and made their home in the Kanawha area. Following the death of her husband, Tillie moved into Kanawha and entered the Kanawha Community Home in September of 1998.

Tillie was a life long member of the Wright Christian Reformed Church.

She is survived by her children, Marjorie Roskamp and husband, Bernard of Clarion, Nick Verbrugge and wife, Rouletta of Kanawha, Donald Verbrugge and wife, Deloris of Kanawha, Ruth Eekhoff and husband, Robert of New Era, Michigan and Lois Lamfers and husband, Roger of Kanawha; son-in-law, Kermit Redenius and wife, Kristin of Webster City; 25 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Henrietta Rietema and husband, Art of Kanawha, Nettie Assink of Kanawha and Marguerite Hensel of Stockson, Illinois; three sisters-in-law, Oralene Christians, Marjorie Christians and Mavis Christians of Kanawha; one brother-in-law, John Verbrugge of Kanawha; and one sister-in-law, Thelma Verbrugge of Mason City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Heis in 1976; one daughter, Rose Redenius in 2003; three sisters, Tena Ruter and Minnie Rietema; four brothers, Edward, Herman, Elmer (Mike) and James Christians, all of Kanawha.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Philip D. Kirstein

April 19, 2007

Philip D. Kirstein, 59, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 17, at the United Methodist Church, Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Phil donated his body to the University of Iowa.

Philip D. Kirstein, was born on January 4, 1948, the son of Robert D. and Laurel (Cole) Kirstein. He lived his entire life in the Clarion area. His class was the last to graduate from the sixth grade at a one room school in Woolstock Township. He attended the Clarion High School and graduated in 1966. Phil was raised on the family Century Farm in Woolstock Township and enjoyed farming from an early age. He raised pigs from age 11, and purchased his first tractor while a junior in high school. To pay for the tractor he applied fertilizer on many local farms. The local Jaycee Chapter recognized Phil's dedication to Agriculture by naming him Outstanding Young Farmer in 1973.

Following high school Phil served in the Army National Guard for six years.

Phil and his high school sweetheart, Judy (Bernhardt), were married on March 4, 1972, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. To this union three sons were born. The family centered their life around farming for 35 years.

Phil loved watching the changing seasons in agriculture and being a good steward of the land. He also enjoyed all motor sports on TV or as a spectator. His favorite pastime, though, was being with his family. He cherished the time spent farming with all three sons, loving and teasing his daughters-in-law, and being a Grandpa.

He has been active in the United Methodist Church serving as an usher, Sunday School Teacher, chairman of the Pastor Parish relations committee and on several other committees.

Surviving are his wife, Judy; three sons, Kent Kirstein and wife, Kelly, Dean Kirstein and wife, Abby, all of Clarion and Cole Kirstein of Ankeny; three grandchildren; one sister, Mildred Hoyd and husband, Dale of Boise, Idaho; one brother, Paul Kirstein and wife, Pat of Clarion; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Laurel Kirstein; one infant sister, Karole Ann; and one brother, Randy.

Memorials may be directed to Wright County Hospice.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Mary McGinnis

April 19, 2007

Mary McGinnis, 91, of Clarion, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2007, at the USA Health Care, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m., at the Clarion Church of Christ.

Mary Pepper, was born on September 13, 1915 at Rowan, the daughter of Nathan and Lydia (Phillips) Pepper. She received her education in the Waterloo and Waverly schools.

On January 1, 1936, she was united in marriage to Herman McGinnis in Mineral, Illinois. The couple farmed in the Rowan, Dows and Clarion vicinities for many years, moving to the their present home in Clarion in 1978.

She was a member of the Dows United Methodist Church, Clarion Senior Citizens, and has been very active in volunteer work at the Clarion Care Center. She also has attended the Clarion Church of Christ for the past few years.

Mary was an avid gardener and lover of flowers, sharing the wealth of her labors with many friends, relatives, and neighbors. Another of her many talents were making delicious pies.

Mary is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Barefoot and husband, Jack of Charlotte, North Carolina; one sister-in-law, Glenna McGinnis of Boone; 11 nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman in 1994; parents; two sisters and their husbands.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Jody Amber Priestly

April 26, 2007

Jody Amber Priestly, age 17, of Belmond, passed away early Sunday morning, April 15, 2007, as a result of injuries received from an automobile accident.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 19, in the Belmond-Klemme Community School gymnasium, with Pastors Phil Arnold and Melvin Voss officiating. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery.

Jody, the daughter of Bobbi Jo and Guy Priestly, was born on May 22, 1989 in Mason City, Iowa. She was baptized in the Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond. Jody grew up in the Belmond area and was educated in the Belmond-Klemme School and was a member of this year's graduating Class of 2007.

In her early years, she loved sports. As an eighth grader, she was a member of the 4 X 4 relay team which set an NIC record as well as a school record. Jody was also a lover of animals, especially her dog, Cookie. She had many, many friends who enjoyed getting together. She enjoyed "hanging out" with her very best friend, her sister, Ashly.

This past winter, Jody was crowned queen of the Winter Sports Festival at the high school. Weekends with her cousins and friends were always a highlight for Jody as they were so very special to her. She will be remembered for her huge amounts of text messages as well as her infamous "peace sign."

Jody is survived by her parents, Bobbi Jo and Guy Priestly of Alexander; sister, Ashly Jo of Des Moines; Chet Burkett, a special person she loved; maternal grandparents, Robert (Bob) and Evanette (Evie) Foss of Belmond; paternal grandparents, Virginia Priestly of Wrightwood, California and Samuel Priestly of Yountville, California; maternal great-grandparent, Dena Pals of Belmond; aunts and uncles, Tony (Shelley) Foss of Belmond, Gayle (Les) Thompson of Belmond, Todd (Denise) Foss of Clarion, Sally (Brad) Lindeman of Belmond, Michael Priestly of Wrightwood, California, Christopher Priestly of San Francisco, California and Roxanne (Tom) Fitzsimmons of Grass Valley, California; 15 cousins; and numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Robert H. Foss

April 26, 2007

Robert H. Foss, 78, of Belmond, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2007, at his home in Belmond.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 25, at the Bethany Reformed Church in Belmond. The Rev. Philip Arnold officiated. Burial was in the Belmond Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Belmond Honor Guard.

Bob, the son of Louis Wesley and Blanche Esther (Rohrbach) Foss, was born on June 5, 1928 in Hampton. He grew up in Belmond, where he completed his education through the Belmond Schools. In early adulthood he enlisted in the United States Marines serving in the capacities of active and reserve duty that included duty overseas during the Korean Conflict. He served as a telecommunications specialist and was honorably discharged from active duty as a Corporal.

Bob was united in marriage to Evanette (Evie) Maxine Pals on April 17, 1952, at the Parsonage of the First Reformed Church in Meservey. Bob worked for the Belmond Independent for 30 years and for Printing Services for 11 years, retiring in June, 1990. He then owned and operated a shop called Heads or Tails, a coins, collectibles, sporting cards and taxidermy shop until 2000 when he closed the store due to illness.

Bob's knowledge of the Belmond area and its history was of keen interest to many people. He had been compiling large picture books on Belmond history and he was an active part of the committee who put together the Belmond Sesquicentennial Book in 2006. Bob was a charter member of the Jaycees. He was an active and dedicated member of the Bethany Reformed Church for 53 years, serving as a deacon and he belonged to the Bethany Couples Club.

He is survived by his wife, Evanette Foss of Belmond; his children, Bobbi Jo Priestly and her husband, Guy of Alexander, Anthony Louis Foss and his wife, Shelley of Belmond, Gayle DeAnn Thompson and her husband, Les of Belmond, Todd Henry Foss and his wife, Denise of Clarion and Sally Ann Lindeman and her husband, Brad of Belmond; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sister, Charlotte Anne Foss Winter of Denver, Colorado.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard Foss; and a granddaughter, Jody Priestly.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Donald Robert Kastler

May 3, 2007

Donald Robert Kastler, 81, of West Union, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at the La Crosse Lutheran Hospital, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Graveside services were held on Monday, April 30, at the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Pastor Cindy Morrison officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service.

Donald Robert Kastler, was born on May 5, 1925 at Clarion, the son of Louis and Edith (Trees) Kastler. He attended Wall Lake Township Country School and the Clarion High School. Don farmed with his father until joining the United States Navy during World War II, where he spent three and one-half years. After returning home from the service, he managed a gas station in Clarion for six years.

On August 30, 1947, Don was united in marriage to Bette Dennis and to this union three sons were born. Don started working for the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1962 and after 25 years, retired in 1987. He was a long time member of the American Legion and enjoyed camping, fishing and NASCAR racing.

Donald is survived by his two sons, David Kastler and wife, Wendy of Redmond, Oregon and Richard Kastler and wife, Robin of Asheville, North Carolina; and special friend, Jan Johansen of West Union.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Dennis; a sister, Ruth; and one brother, Howard.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

James Gilbert Mohr

May 3, 2007

James Gilbert Mohr, Sr., 71, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at the USA Healthcare, Clarion.

Graveside services were held on Monday, April 30, at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Iowa.

James Gilbert Mohr, Sr., was born on October 8, 1934 at Prescott, Iowa, the son of Griffith and Edith (Bray) Mohr. He was raised in Arispe and graduated from the Arispe High School in 1953.

Jim was united in marriage to Marylin Willey in 1955 at the United Methodist Church in Arispe. They moved the Eagle Grove in 1966.

Jim worked for the Boone Valley Co-op and AGP in Eagle Grove for 26 years as a shift supervisor, retiring in 1997.

Jim enjoyed fishing, gardening, spending time with his five children and grandchildren, and was an avid Cubs fan.

Survivors include five children, James Mohr of Woolstock, Kenneth Mohr and wife, Penny of Eagle Grove, Ronald Mohr of Eagle Grove, Michael Mohr of Eagle Grove and Shelly Bjornson and husband, Brian of Eagle Grove; seven grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister; and two brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents: wife, Marylin in 1996; one sister; and one brother.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Jennie Steenhard

May 3, 2007

Jennie Steenhard, 90, of Belmond, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2007, at the Belmond Care Center, following a stroke.

Funeral services were held on Monday. April 30, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, Belmond. Pastor Lowell Halvorson officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment was held in the Belmond Cemetery.

Jennie Wiemann, was born on May 10, 1916 in Meservey, the daughter of John and Epka (Kaduce) Wiemann. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Reformed Church, Meservey. She attended the Wisner No. 1 Country School until the 8th grade.

She married Clarence Steenhard on February 25, 1937, at Zion Reformed Church. They lived in various towns and farms surrounding the Belmond area and stayed in Central Iowa for their married life. She worked for the Belmond School District as a cook for 28 years and retired only after gentle insistence from her family, who believed she deserved some time for herself. In 1998. she moved to the Belmond Care Center.

She is survived by one daughter, Sharon (Steenhard) Hagie of Clarion; three sisters, Dena Pals, Frieda Jurgens and Thelma Langlitz; one son-in-law, Rich Kling; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; one daughter, Marilyn (Steenhard) Kling; two infant sons and one infant daughter; two brothers, Henry Wiemann and Leonard Wiemann; three brothers-in-law, Henry Pals, Lloyd Jurgens and Ivan Langlitz; and a sister-in-law, Lyda Wiemann.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Wright County Hospice, or the Belmond Care Center Activity Fund.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Richard Nels Olson

May 10, 2007

Richard Nels Olson, 63, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2007, at Houston, Texas, following a lengthy illness. Internment will be held at the Rowan Cemetery on Saturday, May 12.

Richard Nels Olson, was born on September 5, 1943 at Clarion, the son of Russell and Lenora Olson. He was raised on a farm near Rowan and attended Rowan Schools.

He is survived by two daughters, Lori Ann Damico of LaQuinta, California and Kimberly Ann Olson of Jefferson City, Missouri; one son, Richard Nels Olson of Jefferson City, Missouri; four grandchildren; two sisters, Sandra Willis and Colleen Moore; five brothers, Jack, Larry, Ron, David and Dan Olson and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Jennifer Joyce; one brother, Dennis Olson; and one sister, Nancy McNeal.
© Wright County Monitor 2007