Elma M. Maxon

August 9, 2007

Elma M. Maxon, 82, of Grinnell, formerly of Clarion, died on Thursday, August 2, 2007, at the Mayflower Home Health Care Center, Grinnell.

A graveside service was held on Monday, August 6, in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion. Rev. Don Morrison, pastor of the Clarion United Methodist Church, officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service.

Elma Anderson, was born on September 1, 1924, on the family farm near Clarion, the daughter of Salmer and Eda Jordanger Anderson. She attended rural school and graduated from the Clarion High School with the Class of 1942. Following her education she worked for the Rural Electric Co-op.

On July 29, 1945, she was married to Lawrence Maxon in Clarion. The couple operated a grain and livestock farm in the Clarion area. The couple later moved into Clarion and owned and operated the Clarion Movie Theatre from 1977 to 1999. Elma moved to the Mayflower Home in Grinnell in the fall of 1999.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Democratic Party and the Adah Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She was formerly involved with 4-H, the Wartburg Parents' Committee, and was a poll official for local elections.

She is survived by one daughter, Patricia Larson and husband, Bob of Grinnell; one son, Larry Maxon of Grinnell; two granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; one brother-in-law, Alvin Rousse of New Orleans; and one sister-in-law, Shirley Anderson of Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one sister, Adeline Marcene Anderson; and one brother, Orval Anderson.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Marilyn Priscilla Chapman

August 16, 2007

Marilyn Priscilla Chapman, 71, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2007, at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 8, at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home in Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Amsterdam Cemetery, Goodell.

Marilyn Priscilla Chapman, was born on February 18, 1936, the daughter of Charles and Lillian (Morphew) Chapman. She was raised and educated in Kanawha, graduating from the Kanawha High School.

She stayed on the farm and helped her parents. She enjoyed being outside. Marilyn enjoyed doll collecting, baking cookies and other things. She was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ.

Marilyn is survived by three sisters, Lillian Van Buskirk and husband, Owen of Osage, Sylvia Douglas of Clarion and Hope Mortimer and husband, Donnie of Allen, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, John Chapman.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Cleo James Bisgrove

August 16, 2007

Cleo James Bisgrove, 84, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center, Fort Dodge.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 11, at the United Presbyterian Church in Clarion. Pastor Bill Kem officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Cleo James Bisgrove, was born on February 6, 1923 in Clarion, the son of Floid and Estella (Bell) Bisgrove. Cleo was born and raised on a farm near Clarion, graduating from the Clarion High School. After high school he attended Texas A&M. When he came home he worked at the Galt Bank.

On November 19, 1944, Biz was united in marriage to Wyladene Potter in Hampton. The couple then started farming. On December 31, 1958 their son, Robert Dean was born. Robert was tragically killed in a plane crash during a snow storm on December 7, 1982.

Biz was very passionate and generous towards his family. He was out going, friendly, very giving, meticulous and orderly. He enjoyed his community and being a community leader.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Masons and Shriners, Clarion Elevator Board, Federal Land Bank Board, Wright County REC Board, First National Bank Board and the Central Iowa Mutual Insurance Board.

He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Wyladene; one sister, Phyllis Woodley of Clarion; one sister-in-law, Norma Jeanne Newman and husband, Dick of Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert; and one sister, Ila Mae "Midge" Sebert.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Faye E. Hiveley

August 16, 2007

Faye Hiveley, 77, of Goldfield, passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 13, at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. Pastor Deane Dennis officiated at the service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Faye E. Hiveley was born on December 26, 1929 in Davis City, Iowa, the daughter of Elbert E. and Ima F. (Campbell) Dennis. Faye graduated from the Webster City High School in 1947. She then received her teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Faye also received a degree in Business Administration in 1978 from Iowa Central Community College, Eagle Grove.

On September 9, 1948, Faye was united in marriage with Maynard Hiveley at the home of Rev. Guy Fowler in Webster City.

Faye lived in north central Iowa most of her life, except for a short time when she and Maynard made their home in Wichita, Kansas and then moved to Goldfield in 1994. Faye was a homemaker and worked at various jobs, including the City/Sedgwick County Health Department in Wichita, retiring in 1993 after 10 years.

She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Faye loved her family and she enjoyed painting, hand crafts, sewing, and candy making.

Survivors include her husband, Maynard L. Hiveley of Goldfield; children, Eloise Hunter of Goldfield, Elizabeth Smith and husband, Bernard of Wichita, Kansas, Kriss Hiveley and wife, Dorothy of Goldfield, Nancy Phyle and husband, Larry of Wichita, Kansas, Maynard A. Hiveley and wife, Sheryl of Goldfield and Boyd Hiveley and wife, Vivi-Ann of Haysville, Kansas; 19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Deane Dennis and wife, Ida Mae of Ames; one sister, Delo Poore and husband, Marty of Bear, Delaware; and numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Elizabeth Jane Gahan

August 16, 2007

Elizabeth Jane Gahan, 80, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 18, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Pastor Dean Goebel will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Elizabeth Jane LaBarre, was born on September 9, 1926 in Algona, the daughter of Charles R. and Eleanor (Aldrich) LaBarre. She grew up in Algona and graduated from the Algona High School. She then attended Lindenwood School for Women in St. Charles, Missouri and later Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, where she was a member of Phi Beta Phi.

Elizabeth was married and blessed with six children.

She worked at Hagie Manufacturing for 25 years. She enjoyed cooking, reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing bridge, working outdoors, spending time with her family and loved animals.

Elizabeth was a very active member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion, DAR and Phi Beta Phi.

Elizabeth is survived by a one son, Robert M. Gahan and wife, Deb of Grand Lake, Colorado; four daughters, Deborah Prehm and husband, Dan of Eagle Grove, Jodie McDonough and husband, Dale of Iowa Falls, Julie Brandau and husband, Russ of Osage and Pat Borel of Clear Lake; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Marion Ferris of Algona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Bill; one brother; and two sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Barbara June Claude

August 23, 2007

Barbara June Claude, 79, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2007, at the USA Healthcare Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 20, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Pastor Dean Goebel officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Inurnment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Barbara June Wray, was born on August 14, 1928, the daughter of Willard Harvey and Iva Jane (Jones) Wray. The youngest daughter of eight, she was born at home on their acreage in Clarion. A true miracle of God and survivor, she weighed only two pounds at birth.

Barbara married Wilbur Lester Claude on January 17, 1949 in Clarion, where they have resided all their lives. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she has been best known for her loving, caring and nurturing ways. Barbara has lived at the USA Health Care Center for the past eight years after having complications from heart surgery. The staff quickly became her extended family, providing her with excellent care until her death.

She is survived by her husband, Wilbur of Clarion; one daughter, Jolene Roberts of Moreno Valley, California; four grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; and two sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Kathleen Karkosh Temeyer

August 23, 2007

Kathleen Karkosh Temeyer, 60, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2007, at her home after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, August 22, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove. Fathers Chris Podhajsky and John Hemann officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove. Memorials may be left to the Haiti Fund in care of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove or the Wright County Hospice.

Kathleen Karkosh, was born on March 8, 1947 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Milo "Mike" and Whyla (Kitch) Karkosh. She graduated from the LaSalle High School, Cedar Rapids in 1965, the University of Iowa, receiving her B.A. in Sociology in 1968 and the University of Iowa, School of Dentistry in 1980.

On December 27, 1970, Kathleen was united in marriage with Jerry Temeyer in Cedar Rapids. The couple made their home in Eagle Grove for twenty-two years and Clarion the last five years.

Kathleen worked as a Dentist for 27 years, retiring due to her health in 2007. She had practices in Clarion and Eagle Grove.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America, AAUW and the American Dental Association.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Jerry Temeyer of Clarion; one daughter, Pauline Temeyer of Clarion; two sons, Joe Temeyer of Le Mars and Tim Temeyer of Albany, New York; two grandchildren; one sister, Marcia Lemke and husband, Paul of Ankeny; and one brother, Roy Karkosh and wife, Diane of Churchton, Maryland.

She was preceded in death by her parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Glen Eldon McCormick

August 30, 2007

Glen Eldon McCormick, 78, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2007.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 23, at 1:00 p.m., at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery following the service.

Glenn Eldon McCormick, was born in Clarion on December 26, 1929, the son of Raymond and Fern (Waddell) McCormick. He married Ruby Carlson on March 11, 1950. They moved their family to Sioux Falls in 1961.

Glenn was a soil consultant with area farmers where not only crops, but also friendships grew. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and spent many hours volunteering with groups such as Meals on Wheels, the Healing Touch and the Healing Garden, wood projects with the youth and Lutheran Men in Mission. He was state president of the LMM for five years.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby of Sioux Falls; a son, Michael McCormick and wife, Judy of Sioux Falls; two daughters, Patricia Lunde and husband, Brady of Watertown, South Dakota and Gwendolyn Dummermuth and husband, Dan of Colorado Springs, Colorado; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Marjorie Sanders of Eagle Grove; and brother, Dean McCormick of Clarion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Roger McCormick; and brother, Duane McCormick.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Melissa Emily Cole Smith

September 27, 2007

Melissa Emily Cole Smith, 35, of Coalville, Iowa, died in a house fire on Wednesday, August 22, 2007.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, September 27, 2007, from 6-8:00 p.m., at the Gunderson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Storm Lake, with a private burial in the Vernon Township Cemetery, rural Dows.

Melissa Emily Cole, was born on July 17, 1972, the daughter of Joyce (Kreitlow) Hughes of Fonda. Melissa graduated from the Clarion-Goldfield High School. She loved cooking, doing cross stitch, making jewelry, reading and animals.

She is survived by her mother, Joyce Hughes; a sister, Thera Shey McMahon and husband, Scott of Fort Dodge; a brother, Steven Eugene Mertz II of San Angelo, Texas; three nieces and one nephew; many aunts and uncles; and maternal grandmother, Emily Kreitlow of White, South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Ivan Kreitlow.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Shirley Ann Benton

August 30, 2007

Shirley Ann Benton, 78, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2007, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 28, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove. Father Chris Podhajsky officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Shirley Ann Russell, was born on November 13, 1928 in Eagle Grove, the daughter of Frank and Marguerite (Moser) Russell. She was raised and educated in Clarion and Eagle Grove and graduated from the Eagle Grove High School in 1947.

On June 26, 1948, Shirley was united in marriage with Evan D. Benton in Eagle Grove, where the couple made their home. Shirley worked for the Kenefick Pharmacy in Eagle Grove.

She was a member of the Scared Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove. She enjoyed knitting, quilting, reading and crossword puzzles. She also loved flowers and gardening.

Survivors include her children, James Michael Benton and wife, Sue of Iowa City, Steven Benton and wife, Nancy of Woodbury, Minnesota, Rose Lake of Iowa City and Deb Bowden of Humboldt; ten grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Kathy Keeling of Clarion and Marjorie Handley of Capistrano Beach, California; one brother, Thomas Russell of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin; and three sisters-in-law, Linda Oberhelman of Missouri, Louise Russell of Eagle Grove and Judy Russell of Clarion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Evan in 2003; and two brothers, Leo and James.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Anthony T. Baderschneider

September 6, 2007

Anthony T. Baderschneider, 96, of Longwood, Florida, formerly of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2007.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 8, at the St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Longwood, Florida and a service will also be held at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion at a future date.

Anthony T. Baderschneider, was born on March 6, 1911, the son of a missionary, in Saginaw, Michigan and remained faithfully active in the Lutheran Church throughout his life.

Down to his last dime during the Great Depression, he met and married the love of his life, Geneva in 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There he worked at Cutler Hammer as a process engineer. His name is listed on one of the large generators for the Hoover Dam.

Tony moved to Goldfield where he owned a general store for almost 30 years, raised his two children, and was a longtime member of the Lions Club. He lived his later years in Clarion and worked as an office manager for All Star Pro Golf. He had lived with his son in Longwood, Florida for the past few years.

He will be remembered loving by his family, including his children, Roger and Earl; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Raymond Mathias Deimerly

August 30, 2007

Raymond Mathias Deimerly, 94, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2007, at his home in rural Clarion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 30, at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Fr. Chris Podhjsky will officiate at the 1:00 p.m. service. Interment will take place in the St. John's Cemetery, Clarion. Visitation was on Wednesday, August 29, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, Clarion, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Raymond Mathias Deimerly, oldest son of Sebastian and Anna (O'Neill) Deimerly, was born on March 5, 1913 in Wall Lake Township, Wright County. When Raymond was five years old he moved with his family to the longtime family farm in Dayton Township. He completed his formal education through the 8th grade at Dayton #6 School. Raymond continued to help with the family farming operation until 1936 when he began his own farming career.

On June 17, 1940, Raymond and Margaret Stackland were united in marriage at the St. John's Parish in Clarion. In 1944, they moved to their farm in Wall Lake Township. During their 67 years of marriage, Raymond and Margaret raised five children and continued to expand their farming operation.

Raymond's long farming career extended nearly 70 years. He will be remembered for his humor, unwavering values, memory of family and local history and love for his family and the land. As long as he was able, he attended every baptism, birthday, high school graduation, college graduation, wedding, or other event for his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their families. Many of the little ones enjoyed tractor rides with Grandpa or Uncle Ray as recently as two years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Clarion; daughters, Suzanne Deimerly of Clarion, Trish Perry and husband, Kent of Ankeny, Joan Dougherty and husband, Dennis of Belmond and Robert Deimerly and wife, Kathy of Clarion; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Claire, John and James; one sister, Theresa Mraz; and one daughter, Rosemary.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Donna Jean McKeever

September 6, 2007

Donna Jean McKeever, 78, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 4, at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Pastor Dean Goebel officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Dows.

Donna Jean Owens, was born on July 23, 1929 in Olds, Iowa, the daughter of Ira and Ethel Owens. She graduated from the Olds High School in 1946 and on October 6th of the same year was united in marriage to Mitch McKeever. For three years she worked as an operator at the Olds Telephone Company before moving to Dows in 1954. They lived in Dows until 1996 when Mitch and Donna moved to Clarion to live at the Meadows.

Donna spent hours watching sports and movies, enjoyed doing puzzles of all kinds and loved to watch the birds.

She is survived by her children, Christine and fiancée, Steve of Lake Mills, Danny and wife, Maria of Norfolk, Virginia and Karyl Bonjour and husband, Chuck of Webster City; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Ballinger and husband, George of Oskaloosa; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 50 years, Mitch; a daughter, Rebecca; one brother, Virgil Owens; and one sister, Mildred Gipple.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Lawrence "Larry" Edward Reif

September 6, 2007

Lawrence "Larry" Edward Reif, 58, of Sperry, died on Friday, August 31, 2007.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 5, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dodgeville, Iowa. Fr. David Steinie and Fr. Patrick Hilgendorf officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Graveside military rites were conducted by Post 243 of the American Legion.

Lawrence Edward Reif, was born on December 13, 1948 at Burlington, the son of Clifford George Reif Sr. and Mary Magdaline Gehringer Reif. He graduated from the Mediapolis High School in 1967 and the Burlington Junior College. He joined the Naval Reserves in July of 1969 and was called into Active Duty aboard the USS Higbee during the Vietnam Conflict. He served on active duty until July 1971 and was Honorably Discharged in July 1975. He attained the class of YN3 and received the National Defense Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

He and Michelle Moore were married on June 12, 1976 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dodgeville. Upon returning to civilian ranks, he was engaged in the farming operation of Reif Farmers Ltd. with his brother, Clifford Jr. In 1982 he joined the Reif Oil Company where he was employed as the fuel oil tank wagon driver and the General Manager of Maintenance, until the time of his death.

He was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dodgeville, where he was the Parish Council President, Cemetery Board Secretary and a member of the Finance Committee. He served on the Board of Directors of the Sperry Union Store & Elevator and was secretary of Franidin Township. He was a member and treasurer of Diamond Lodge #326 IOOF in Sperry and Post #243 of the American Legion in Mediapolis.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle of Sperry; two daughters, Maria and Alison Reif, both of Sperry; two sons, James Reif and wife, Andrea of Mediapolis and Andrew Reif of Sperry; two brothers, Clifford Reif Jr. and Kenneth Reif, both of Burlington; three sisters, Carolyn Reif of Dubuque, Delores McCoy of Iowa City and Mary Christine Loops and husband, Herb of North Liberty; 17 nieces and nephews; two great-nieces; three great-nephews; and parents-in-law, James R. and Marjorie Moore of Clarion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and Thomas; and one sister, Dorothy.
© Wright County Monitor 2007