Electia Maxine Brott

December 13, 2007

Electia Maxine Brott, 61, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2007, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, following an extended illness.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, December 12, at the First Lutheran Church, Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Inurnment was held in the Graceland Cemetery, Webster City.

Electia Maxine Garth, was born on December 26, 1945 in Hampton, the daughter of Myron and Katherine (McGuire) Garth. She graduated from high school in Webster City in June 1964. She married Lawrence "Larry" Brott on June 24, 1964 in Webster City. They were married for 43 years. She was a homemaker, staying home to raise her children, while also keeping books for Larry's Auto Body, the family business, for over 30 years.

Maxine loved gardening and yard work as well as being active helping make quilts for church donation. But most of all, she loved raising her family and enjoyed street rods and shows with her husband.

She is survived by her husband, Larry of Clarion; children, Larry L. Brott and wife, Lisa of Janesville, Wisconsin, John Brott and wife, Carol of Clarion and Marcie Winkelman and husband, Ryan of Dubuque; four grandchildren; four sisters, Susan Arras of Webster City, Dixie Wood of Kamrar, Shirley McIntosh of Tilden, Nebraska and Barb A. Nelson of Rudyard, Michigan; and one brother, Myron L. Garth of Webster City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Lendal Garth; three brothers-in-law, Joe Wood, Colby A. Brott and John L. Brott.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Josephine Nichols

December 27, 2007

Josephine Marie (Anderson) Nichols, age 90, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday morning, December 19, 2007, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 22, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion, with Pastor Gary Boen officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Josephine was born on November 26, 1917 in Kanawha, Iowa, to George and Antonia (Hovland) Anderson. In 1935 she graduated from the Belmond High School and later worked as an operator at the local telephone company.

Josephine married Eldo R. Nichols of Clarion on February 1, 1940 in Missouri. They moved to a farm near Galt then returned to Clarion in 1950 where they farmed and raised their children until retirement in 1981. Josephine and Eldo then moved to their home in Clarion which became and remained a hub for family gatherings.

Josephine was a lifetime member of the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. She was a brilliant and active woman throughout her life. From her many high school clubs, to farming, to cooking great meals, to bridge club, to fishing, to State Commander and national Adjutant of Navy Mothers, to raising her seven children. Josephine always added a caring touch that was felt through all who knew her. She was a true patriot, a good friend and a great mom. She is loved by all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Josephine is survived by her daughters, Joan Lomas and husband, Cliff of Olney, Illinois, Beth Schultz and husband, Paul Schultz of Clarion and Jean Ridenour and husband, Jim of Clarion; her sons, Nick Nichols and wife, Elaine of Clarion, Willard Nichols and wife, Carolyn of Pensacola, Florida and Steve Nichols and wife, Macrina of Chicago, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Paul Anderson of Eagle Grove.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldo; son, Keith Nichols; brothers, Arnold and Otis; and two sisters, Norma and Lucille.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Mae Tillman

December 27, 2007

Mae Tillman, age 106, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday morning, December 19, 2007, at Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 21, at the Clarion Church of Christ in Clarion, with Pastor Tim Platt officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Mae, the daughter of Frank and Hattie Doctor Henry, was born on October 8, 1901 in Grant Township, near Clarion. She attended a country school and graduated from the Clarion High School in 1921. Following graduation she taught several years in country schools, at one time teaching 17 students of different ages and grade levels.

Mae was united in marriage with Oliver Tillman on May 1, 1924. The couple made their home on a farm east of Clarion in Lincoln Township. Following Oliver's death in 1934, Mae continued to live on the farm until 1950 when she moved into Clarion. Mae resided at the Southtown Apartments for twenty yeas before becoming a resident of the USA Healthcare Center now Careage of Clarion.

Mae is survived by her son, Jack and his wife, Levetta Tillman of Clarion; her daughter, Wilma and her husband, Wayne Tank of Wilton; six grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oliver; and brother, Harold Henry.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Clifford H. Crowe, Jr.

January 3, 2008

Clifford H. Crowe, Jr., 86, of Kokomo, Indiana, a former resident of Clarion, died on Saturday, December 22, 2007, at his home.

A celebration of life service was held on Thursday, December 27, at 11:00 a.m., at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion. Revs. Jon Tice and Jim Jacobs officiated, Rev. John Staton delivered the eulogy, followed by military honors. A graveside service was held on Saturday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m., at the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion, with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.

Clifford was born on March 12, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Clifford H. and Norine (Wohenberg) Crowe, Sr. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1938 and served as the drum major during his senior year. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1942 and earned his MBA degree from Harvard in 1947.

While in college he held leadership positions in the ROTC program. He received a direct commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, enlisting in 1942. He was a part of the 384th Bomb Group established in England, which ran bombing raids on ball bearing plants in Schweinfurt, Germany on June 22, 1943. Cliff was promoted to Major and became Adjutant of the 94th Combat Wing. Cliff loved "leading the band" and his high school experience as drum major led him to orchestrating the right mix in his military also. He served as a member of the Pershing Rifles while involved in the ROTC program at Iowa University and was also in the ROTC Drum and Bugle Corps. At the conclusions of the war, Cliff was made Deputy Commander for a group returning to pickup up B-29 bombers. When discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he received the usual American Citations with a Bronze Star and the prestigious French Fourragere. Cliff completed a total of 22 years of honorable service in the armed forces.

Cliff was the manager of J.C. Penney's in Kokomo from 1964 to 1984. He served in administration at the Howard Regional Health Service on a part-time basis after his retirement.

His memberships included the United Church of Christ Congregational in Clarion, the Kokomo Country Club and Rotary International. He was a member and past president of the following organizations: Kokomo Area Chamber of Commerce, Grissom Air Base Community Council, Howard Community Hospital Foundation Board and the Howard Convention and Visitors Bureau. He served on the following boards: Mayor's Committee on Drug Abuse, Kokomo Center Schools Distributive Education Committee, Rotary Club, Kokomo YMCA, Kokomo Country Club, Credit Bureau of Kokomo, Kokomo Development Corp., Junior Achievement, Indiana Retail Council and Kokomo Progress Committee to Review Police and Fire Department.

He was married to Ina Crowe in Kokomo.

Cliffe Jr. is survived by his wife, Ina; three sons, C.H. "Pat" Crowe III and his wife, Tricia of Rochester, Michigan, Ed Crowe and wife, Mary of Bakersfield, California and Joe Kennedy of Indianapolis; one daughter, Carol Billiard and husband, James of Kokomo; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Oncology Department or the VNS Hospice Care of Howard Regional Hospital and/or the Memorial Fund of the UCC Congregational Church in Clarion.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Charles "Chuck" Lackore

January 10, 2008

Charles "Chuck" Lackore, 67, of Clarion, died on Monday, December 24, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

A memorial service was held on Friday, December 28, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 1:00 p.m. service.

Charles Harris, was born on April 10, 1940 in Forest City, the son of Harris and Hazel Pringle Lackore. He attended the Hayfield Schools. In high school Chuck excelled in baseball and basketball. He received recognition as a First Team All-State basketball player. He also played in the band. Chuck graduated from the Hayfield High School in 1958. He then attended the Eagle Grove Junior College, where he also excelled in sports.

Chuck was united in marriage to Peggy Strain on June 3, 1961 in Eagle Grove. The couple made their home in Eagle Grove. Their marriage was grounded in their religion. Every day of their married life began with prayer and devotions. Chuck worked for the Chicago North Western Railroad where he was a Yard Master. They raised their family and lived in Eagle Grove. Later, Chuck also worked and lived in Chicago and St. Louis. After 38 years with the railroad Chuck and Peggy retired to Clarion.

He loved his family, sports and music. He, along with his brother, Marvin would entertain people musically at nursing homes in the area. He was one who mixed with all the people. He loved to golf and play cards with his friends from Hayfield and Garner. Chuck was very proud of his three children and eight grandchildren. He wanted to be involved in all facets of his kids' activities. His family treasured their relationships and remember him as a man of quiet strength.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Kristal Anderson and husband, Gary of Clarion, Charles Edward Lackore and wife, Diane of Polk City and Pamela Maxheimer of Clarion; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings in infancy, Melvin, Donald and Audrey; one sister, Arvilla Larson; and one nephew, Harris "Skip" Lackore.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Ethel B. Lewerke

January 3, 2008

Ethel B. Lewerke, 87, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 28, at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Chapel West in Britt. Jeff Thayer and Tim Vaughan officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt.

Ethel Peck, was born on June 21, 1920 in Wesley, the daughter of William and Gertrude (Nance) Peck. She attended country schools and helped on the family farm.

On June 21, 1940, Ethel was united in marriage with Jake Lewerke in Britt. Following their marriage, they made their home and farmed near Hayfield. In 1969, they moved to Clarion where Ethel drove Winnebago Motor Homes and worked with Dean with Service Master for about 13 years.

Ethel made her choice to serve God in 1956 and her main priority in life was going to Sunday morning fellowship. She enjoyed baking, having friends over for coffee and doing gardening. She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Ethel is survived by her husband, Jake Lewerke; three children, Doug and wife, Jane of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, Dean and wife, Patsy of Iowa Falls and Leaann Anderson and husband, Greg of Clarion; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Don Peck of Zearing, Junior Peck of Britt and Duane Peck of Ventura; two sisters, Darlene Schmidt and husband, Darl of Garner and Sharon Peck of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews, family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Patricia Lewerke; a brother, Glen; and four sisters, Edna, Evelyn, Violet and Gladys.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Marjorie I. Sanders

January 3, 2008

Marjorie I. Sanders, 86, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 29, at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. Rev. Mary K. Green officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. Memorials may be left to the 4-H Foundation.

Marjorie I. Sanders, was born on April 15, 1921 in Clarion, the daughter of William and Fern Waddell McCormick. She graduated from the Clarion High School.

Marjorie and Delmer Sanders were united in marriage on February 17, 1944 in Clarion. They made their home on the Sanders family farm where they farmed together for many years. She served as a 4-H Leader and was active in Eastern Star and the United Methodist Church. Marjorie was also a member of the KYN Club and the Red Hat Ladies of Rotary Ann.

She is survived by her children, Delma Fromm and husband, Ron of Battle Creek, Michigan, Roy Sanders and wife, Jan of Eagle Grove and Beth Clutter and husband, Ron of Clarion: six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Dean McCormick of Clarion; two sisters-in-law, Sue McCormick of Clarion and Ruby McCormick of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Delmer on January 19, 2005; and two brothers, Duane and Glenn McCormick.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Donald Tonderum Schultz

January 10, 2008

Donald Tonderum Schultz, 85, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at the Careage in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 2, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Eagle Grove.

Donald Tonderum Schultz, was born on July 17, 1922 in Hayward, Minnesota, the son of Niels and Ida Tonderum Schultz. The family later moved to the Bode area and Donald graduated from the Rutland High School. When Donald was drafted into service he joined the Navy, but after completing basic training he changed to the Marines. He spent 22 months overseas.

In late 1946, Donald returned home and worked for his brother-in-law farming. His next job was in 1948, which was a cream route in Goldfield. This allowed him to be home in the early afternoon so he could help on another farm. Donald built and painted his own house in Goldfield.

In 1950, he met and married Helen Beecher and continued to do odd jobs around the Goldfield area. He also began putting up cement concrete elevators in many different towns. In 1961, the couple moved to Ames where Donald went to work for Doboy Feeds as part of the maintenance crew. He worked there for 21 years and returned to Clarion where he resided for the last 18 years. Helen passed away in 2001.

Donald was a member of the United Methodist Church in Clarion and had been President of the Senior Center of Clarion for ten years until he married Fern Knight of Phoenix, Arizona. He started going to Phoenix with Fern for five months out of the year and thought it only fair to let someone else be President of the Senior Center.

Donald loved to play bingo, cards, raising roses, and baking pies. He thoroughly enjoyed having friends and family stop in just to make his day.

Donald is survived by his wife, Fern of Clarion; three step-sons, Leslie Beecher of Eagle Grove, Jerry Knight and wife, Betty of Golden, Missouri and Larry Knight and wife, Kristi of Phoenix, Arizona; step-daughter, Sharon Becker and husband, Dave of Anamosa; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Schultz of Franklin, Virginia and Marjorie Whipple and husband, Warren of Humboldt; two brothers-in-law, Herman Mickelson, residing in the VA Home in Marshalltown and Helmer Mickelson and wife, Lovella of Phoenix, Arizona; 12 step-grandchildren; numerous step-great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Oscar and Eldon Schultz; wives, Helen Beecher Schultz, Agnes Schultz and Helen Rasmussen; a step-son, Eugene Beecher; and a brother-in-law, Marshall Rasmussen.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Doris J. Larson

January 10, 2008

Doris J. Larson, 89, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 3, at the Goldfield United Methodist Church. Rev. Dale A. Schoening officiated at the 1:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Doris J. Larson, was born on March 29, 1918 in Lohrville, the daughter of Floyd and Sarah (Struck) Rossow. She was raised in the area of her birth and attended the Lohrville High School and Drake University.

Doris and Harlan L. Larson were married on November 29, 1940, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Alpha Delphian Club and the Goldfield United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, a Goldfield Telephone Company board member, Oakridge Recreation and the Drake University Alumni Association.

She is survived by her children, Lana Eagen and husband, Terry of Mason City, Lance Larson and wife, Linda of Omaha, Nebraska, Lynne Malloy and husband, Robert of Goldfield and Larry Larson and wife, Deb of Lehigh; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Glenn Rossow and wife, Marilyn of Adel; and several nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Rebecca Jean LaRue

January 10, 2008

Rebecca Jean LaRue, 58, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 4, 2008, 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.

After graduating from the Clarion High School, she attended the Eagle Grove Community College. She returned to Clarion and started her family. When Lance was eight years old she lost her husband, Lance's dad, LeRoy LaRue.

Rebecca operated a daycare in Clarion for many years and touched many lives in the process. She also served the public at Evans Lumber for many years.

Bec's strength and compassion for others also set her apart from the crowd. She raised Lance on her own and touched the lives of every child who was fortunate enough to enter her daycare. Despite being sick herself, she was able to maintain her home, drive as needed and care for her mother. She even had the strength to spend Christmas with her grandchildren and extended family. Her love and generosity will always be remembered.

She always made the extra effort to take care of those around her. Friends from the lake, the Knotty Pine, and the campground crew will attest to Bec's ability to make those around her comfortable and happy. Everyone felt welcome and all had a good time.

Bec is survived by her son, Lance LaRue of Clarion; mother, Lois Lester of Clarion; five grandchildren; two sisters, Paulette Seal and husband, Jerry of Waterloo and Roxane Nowling and husband, David of Denver, Colorado; a brother, Tom Lester and wife, Sheri of Bellingham, Washington; seven nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
© Wright County Monitor 2008