Olga Elizabeth Thomas

May 10, 2007

Olga Elizabeth Thomas, 95, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at her home.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 4, 2007, at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, Clarion. Pastor Tim Platt officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Olga Elizabeth Sathre, was born on June 3, 1911 in Eagle Grove, the daughter of Hans and Nellie (Marcus) Sathre. She was raised in Eagle Grove and graduated from the Eagle Grove High School.

Olga was united in marriage to Walter Thomas, on June 9, 1935 at Albert Lea, Minnesota. To this union three children were born. They lived and worked together on their family farm near Clarion until 1976 when they moved into town. She was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ where she was very active.

She worked as a secretary for Sumners Insurance for over 30 years. She was an avid gardener and cook, spending many hours canning her fresh produce. She was a gifted seamstress and knitter, knitting many things with love for her family.

Olga is survived by two daughters, Kathy Froyen and husband, Curt of Knoxville and Christy Galt and husband, Jim of Urbandale; one son, Bruce Thomas and wife, Linda of Goliad, Texas; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter; two brothers and one sister.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Collin Andrew Boen

May 10, 2007

Collin Andrew Boen, 22, passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2007, at his home in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 7, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Pastor Tim Platt and Fr. Chris Podhajsky officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Strombeck Cemetery in Montevideo, Minnesota on Tuesday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m.

Collin Andrew Boen, was born on April 23, 1985 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Pastor Gary Boen of Clarion and Sandra (Walstrom) Boen of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The family lived in Pelican Rapids, International Falls, and Clearbrook, Minnesota before moving to Clarion.

Collin loved writing poems, drawing, nature, basketball, and bicycling. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his parents; one brother, Ryan Boen of St. Cloud, Minnesota; grandparents, Orlean Boen of Karlstad, Minnesota and Joyce Walstrom of Montevideo, Minnesota; aunts and uncles, Steven Walstrom and wife, Marsha of Montevideo, Minnesota, Tim Walstrom and wife, Amy of Maplewood, Minnesota and Linda Cargill and husband, Herb of Shelton, Washington; and five cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joyce Boen and Sterling Walstrom; and one brother, Mitch Boen.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

John O'Neill

May 17, 2007

John O'Neill, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2007, at the Webster County Care Facility, Fort Dodge.

A Funeral Mass will be held in Marshalltown at the Iowa Veterans Home on Thursday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m., with burial in Clarion at 1:00 p.m.

John O'Neill, was born on August 28, 1943 in Clarion, the son of Veronica and Francis O'Neill. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1961 and attended Creighton University in Omaha, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

After discharge from the Navy, John spent time traveling the United States until he came home for care and treatment. John spent many good years as a resident of the Webster County Care Facility in Fort Dodge. However, his best adult years were spent as a resident in the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

John enjoyed the bus trips to baseball and football games, going to the casino, and to meals around the Marshalltown area. He enjoyed collecting cans and thanks to Steve Mraz, recycling them. Throughout his years at the Iowa Veterans Hospital, the staff was most professional and compassionate. The Hospice care and Loftus 2 Unit staff cared for and loved John until his death.

John is survived by his mother, Veronica who resides at the USA Health Care Center in Clarion; one sister, Peggy of Las Vegas, Nevada; uncles and aunts, Marie and Maurice O'Neill of Council Bluffs, Catherine and George Anstey of St. Louis, Missouri and John Hughes of Anchorage, Alaska; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Joan Marlene Wagner

May 24, 2007

Joan Marlene Wagner, 74, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

Joan's wishes were to be cremated. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Joan Marlene Larick, the daughter of William and Clara (Stockdale) Larick, was born at Eagle Grove on September 13, 1932. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from the Eagle Grove High School in 1950.

On July 14, 1951, Joan was united in marriage with Curtis L. Wagner at the Samuel Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove.

Joan enjoyed life in the fullest way, especially the rural life on the farm where she and Curt lived for most of their married life. She moved to Webster City a few years after losing her husband. She enjoyed playing golf, quilting, cooking and baking for family and friends, and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Jana Pitlik and husband, Jim of Rock Island, Illinois and Kristy Anderson and husband, Chris of Webster City; two sons, John Wagner and wife, Jan of Riverton, Utah and Kirk Wagner of Fort Dodge; eight grandchildren; one sister, Marguerite (Larick) Donnelly and husband, Ed of Webster City; one brother, Kenneth Larick and wife, Gertrude of Waukon; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Curtis in 1997; and one daughter, Barbara.

Memorials may be left to the Hospice of Fort Dodge or the American Heart Association.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Michael Keith Durham

May 31, 2007

Michael Keith Durham, 40, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2007.

A Memorial Mass was held on Saturday, May 26, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. Father Harry McAlpine officiated at the service. A private family interment was held in the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, with Father Chris Podhajsky officiating.

Michael Keith Durham, was born on May 26, 1966 in San Diego, California, the son of Sid and Jean Durham. As a youth and teenager he was a gifted athlete in track, soccer and baseball. He graduated from the Adolpho Camarillo High School in 1984. The special delights of his life were the two children born during his marriage to Dawn Castler.

Michael and his family moved to Goldfield in 1993. Using his skills as a title searcher, Michael worked in Clarion until the seriousness of his mental illness resulted in his moving to live with his parents in California and some years later in Spencer. In spite of the challenges of his physical and mental illnesses, Michael possessed courage, determination and an inner strength that exhibited itself in the way he truly cared for others. Michael recently completed training as a Peer Support Specialist and was looking forward to using his skills and personal experience to help others with the challenges of mental illness.

Michael is survived by his children, Michael and Heather of Clarion; parents, Sid and Jean Durham of Spencer; three sisters, Theresa Coman and husband, John of Granville, New York, Monica Stark of Spencer and Cecilia Miller of Emmetsburg; one brother, Timothy Durham and wife, Beverly of Palm Bay, Florida; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends from the East Coast to the West Coast.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Esther Lager of Clarion; paternal grandparents, Virgil and Signa Durham of Rock Island, Illinois; one uncle; and two aunts.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Tracy Meeder Hamner

June 7, 2007

Tracy Meeder Hamner, age 30, passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center, Fort Dodge.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 25, at the Clarion Church of Christ. Pastor Tim Platt and Pastor Pat Odle officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Tracy Marie Meeder, was born on March 4, 1977 in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Fred Jr. and Pam Meeder and Rosemary Meeder. She was a 1995 graduate of the Clarion-Goldfield High School and a 1997 graduate of the Iowa Central Community College.

Tracy married Michael Hamner on July 2, 2005, at the Clarion Church of Christ. She and Michael made their home in Clarion where they shared their lives together with her cat, Tiger.

Tracy was a Program Specialist for Krysilis and also worked in the Day Habilitation area in Clarion. She was a very caring person who gave unconditional love to others and only wanted the same in return. She liked to do counting cross stitch and playing with her cat, Tiger. She also enjoyed canoeing with her father, Fred. She was very dedicated to her Krysilis patients and her family.

She is survived by her husband, Michael of Clarion; parents, Fred and Pam Meeder and Rosemary Meeder, all of Clarion; grandmother, Evelyn Meeder of Clarion; one step-sister, Courtney Ayala and husband, Anthony of Fort Dodge; mother-in-law, Dorothy Day and father-in-law, David Day and wife, Mary.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Frederick Meeder, Sr.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Earle Lee Davis

May 31, 2007

Earle Lee Davis, 68, of Clarion, died on Sunday, May 27, 2007, at his home in Clarion, due to complications related to a stroke.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 30, at the First Lutheran Church, Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen will officiate at the 11:30 a.m. service. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m., on Wednesday morning at the church and will continue until the start of the service.

An evening visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at the Bowman Chapel in rural Guthrie Center, from 6-8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 31, at the Bowman Chapel of Guthrie Center, with Pastor Lilian Galo-Seagren officiating. Burial will take place in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Earle Lee Davis, was born in Carroll, the son of Glen and Mary Davis. He was a 1957 graduate of the Guthrie Center High School and a 1961 graduate of Iowa State University in the field of Electrical Engineering. Earle worked in engineering and was a long-time farmer in Guthrie County. In recent years, he spent his time traveling to see his grandchildren and watching their many activities. He also helped maintain assisted living apartments with his wife, Ruth.

Earle married Joy Lydon on October 16, 1960, in Guthrie Center. Their loving union spanned nearly 40 years until her death in 2000. Earle and Joy had four children. Earle married Ruth Radechel on October 14, 2000.

Earle will be remembered by many for his quiet and caring spirit. He loved and was proud of all his grandchildren. He enjoyed pursuing many hobbies and interests, including attending antique tractor shows and horse shows.

Earl is survived by one daughter, Jodi (Jean Paul) Labadie of Las Vegas; three sons, Brian (Jean) Davis of Minneapolis, Charles (Mary) Davis of Clarion and Michael (Sonia) Davis of Muscoda, Wisconsin; and nine grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth and her children, Scott (Kristin) Radechel of Goldfield, Kris (Paul) Cawthorn of Des Moines, Craig (Gina) Radechel of Clarion and Anne Radechel of Clarion; and nine step-grandchildren.

Earle was preceded in death by his wife, Joy; and his parents, Glen and Mary Davis.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Donald Thomas Mrazek

May 31, 2007

Donald Thomas Mrazek, 75, of Goldfield, passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2007, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, May 31, at the Renwick Baptist Church. Pastor Jerry Newland will officiate at the 2:00 p.m. service. A private family committal service will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield prior to the church service.

Donald Thomas Mrazek, was born on February 18, 1932 at Kanawha, the son of Thomas and Bernice (Duitscher) Mrazek. He attended Humboldt County Elementary Schools and graduated from the Renwick High School in 1950. Don then served in the 34th Military Police Company of the Iowa Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1956. He was very proud of the fact that he served in three honor guards for Presidents Truman and Eisenhower.

Don was married on November 21, 1953, to Beverly Christensen. They later divorced. On December 28, 1974, he married Margaret Walters.

Don farmed in his early years and became a self-taught electrician, owning and operating Goldfield Electric over the course of 40 years. During a portion of that time, he was employed by the City of Goldfield as superintendent of public works.

Don will be remembered for his friendly and jovial nature, his "big heart" and his willingness to help others. His interests included fishing, traveling, reading, watching the History Channel and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Mrazek of Goldfield; two daughters, Debra Shields and husband, Ronald of Cedar Rapids; Cathy Mrazek and partner, Samantha of Little Rock, Arkansas: four stepsons, Marty Walters and wife, Kathy of Grimes, Dave Walters and wife, Jody of West Des Moines, Steve Walters and wife, Betty of Urbandale and Mike Walters and wife, Angela of Goldfield; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren: one sister, Sharon Demesko and husband, Ray of Lee's Summit, Missouri; sister-in-law, Diane Mrazek of Eagle Grove; and two aunts, Maxine Cassill of Iowa Falls and Dorothy Deakins of Lithonia. Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Richard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wright County Public Health and Hospice or the Renwick Baptist Church or a memorial of your choice.
© Wright County Monitor 2007

Carroll John "Jack" Havlik

February 21, 2008

Carroll John "Jack" Havlik, passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2007, at his home in Longview. Texas.

A graveside memorial service was held in the Northwood Cemetery, on Saturday, July 21, 2007 and was attended by his family and friends from Colorado and Iowa. The ceremony was written and executed by his sister, Karen and his three nephews, with testimony in words and song.

Carroll John "Jack" Havlik, was born on December 3, 1940 in Clarion, the son of Marlin Glenn and Ruth Fern (Carrell) Doctor. Jack attended the Clarion Public Schools until the age of nine. Glenn and Ruth were divorced in 1949. Ruth and her two children moved to Mason City.

In 1951, Ruth and John Havlik were married and the family moved to a farm outside of Northwood. John Havlik legally adopted Jack and his sister, Karen and the children took on the Havlik name.

Jack attended country school for a time and finished his public school education, graduating from the Northwood High School in 1959. He was active in the school music programs and was an accomplished performer on seven instruments, especially on piano and organ. His higher education was acquired at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon.

He was employed by the Beneficial Loan Companies and served in various locations in Iowa and Illinois until 1969, when he accepted a position as Assistant Cashier at the Dubuque Bank and Trust Company of Dubuque.

Due to health problems he was advised to move to a warmer climate and he moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he entered training in April 1977 with the Texas State Optical Company. He worked as an optician for T.S.O. in San Antonio, Texas and later in Longview, Texas. Due to multiple health problems he retired in 1984.

His passions were reading, writing and music. Although he never married nor had children of his own, he lent a helping hand to any child in need. His greatest love were for his cats and his family.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Barnett and husband, Duane of Ft. Collins, Colorado; step-mother, Marian Havlik of Northwood, Iowa; aunt, Verlene McOllough of Clarion; and nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
© Wright County Monitor 2008