Nola Y. Ades

January 10, 2008

Nola Y. Ades, of Goldfield, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2008, at her home.

A visitation for Nola was held on Wednesday, January 9, at the Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. Burial will be at a later date.

Nola Y. Williams, was born on August 8, 1928 in Stratford, Iowa, the daughter of Sylvester and Sylvia (Whaley) Williams. She graduated from the Stratford High School in 1946.

Nola was a bookkeeper for most of her life, living in Fresno, California until moving back to Eagle Grove in 1967. and moving to Goldfield in 2006. She enjoyed camping, reading, sewing, bird watching and spending time with her family.

Nola is survived by her children, Marion Steven Ades and wife, Kathy of Goldfield, Jack Roy Lee Ades and Vicki Simpson of Goldfield and Dawn Davis of Goldfield; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; honorary granddaughter, Pattie Nichols; a brother, Clinton Williams and wife, Beth of Winterset; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Donald Brett Ades; a sister, Elvira Larson; a brother, Richard Williams; foster brother, Jack Griffen; and a great-grandson, Nicholas.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Carolyn Eleanor Grummitt

January 17, 2008

Carolyn Eleanor Grummitt, 83, recently of Belmond, formerly of Boone, Ogden, Oelwein, Arlington and Clarion, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2008, at the Belmond Medical Center, following a brief battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, January 10, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Belmond. Rev. Chris Podhjsky and Deacon Nick Schmit officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Boone.

Carolyn Eleanor Moore, was born on March 30, 1924 in Oelwein, the daughter of James and Josephine (Maeller) Moore. She lived for a short time in Maynard, Iowa, before moving with her family to a farm near Oelwein. She was baptized on April 20, 1924 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hazelton. She attended the Stanley, Iowa area schools, and went on to graduate from high school.

On December 1, 1945, Carolyn was united in marriage to Clarence E. Grummitt following his return from military service.

Carolyn and Clarence owned and operated a dairy farm at Arlington, Iowa for 23 years. In addition to assisting her husband with the farming operations, Carolyn was a lifelong homemaker, devoted wife and nurturing mother. After 23 years on the dairy farm they sold it and moved into Oelwein for a short time where Clarence worked as a plumber and Carolyn was a homemaker. During this time they worked on their hotel/motel management certifications and eventually moved to Clarion where they owned and operated the Evans Kay Motel for eight years.

Following their retirement, the couple moved to Boone for seven years and became very active in the church there. They then moved to Ogden and resided there for seven years until Clarence passed away in December 2000. Carolyn moved to Belmond in 2000 and resided there until her death.

In addition to helping on the farm and working with her husband in the hotel/motel business, Carolyn had furthered her education in her 50's by taking insurance courses in Eagle Grove and eventually attaining a license to sell insurance in the State of Iowa.

She is survived by her children, James Grummitt and wife, Mary of Big Spring, Texas, Dennis Grummitt and wife, Brenda of Clarion, Rita Anderson and husband, Steve of Clarion, Diane Sharry of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Mary Swenson and husband, Dennis of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; siblings, Marion Stieffather of Valders, Wisconsin, Burton Moore of Hazelton, Iowa, Beatrice Phillips and husband, Delbert of Jesup and Joseph Moore and wife, Annette of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; one brother, Norbert of Hawkeye, Iowa; and one sister, Eva Moore of Chicago, Illinois.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Marjorie Ann Emhoff

January 17, 2008
(Also see Clarence "Sonny" Emhoff below)

Marjorie Ann Emhoff, 76, of Mason City, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Graveside services will be held at a later date. The Major Erickson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Marjorie and Clarence Emhoff

May 1, 2008

Marjorie Emhoff, 76, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Marjorie Ann DeLano, was born on April 29, 1931, the daughter of Victor and Bertha (Jacobson) DeLano, in Clarion. She was baptized and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Clarion. Marjorie attended school in Clarion and was a graduate of Drake University with a degree in music education. Upon graduating from Drake, she taught music in the Sheffield School System.

Clarence "Sonny" Emhoff

Clarence "Sonny" Emhoff, 77, passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2008, while in the care of the Hospice of North Iowa.

Clarence Frank Emhoff Jr., was born on April 30, 1930 in Sheffield, the son of Clarence Frank and Nellie (Vaughn) Emhoff. Sonny attended school in Sheffield. He entered the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. After his tour of duty he returned to Sheffield and began work at the Sheffield Brick and Tile Company.

The couple met while Marge was teaching at the Sheffield Schools and Sonny was working at the Brick and Tile Company. On September 24, 1954, Marge and Sonny were united in marriage at the Congregational Church in Clarion. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Mason City.

Marge taught in the Plymouth Schools and Sonny continued his work at the Sheffield Brick and Tile Company until 1988, when the business closed. Sonny worked the next four years in road construction and retired in 1992. The couple resided in the home they built in 1959, until this past December.

They are survived by one son, Scott Emhoff and wife, Mary of Eagan, Minnesota; sisters and sisters-in-law, Lavaughn Uhlenhopp of Mason City and Donna Mehlberg of California; brothers-in-law, Robert Buchanan of Des Moines and Gordon Broka of Aredale; and several nieces and nephews.

They were preceded in death by their parents; sisters, Joan DeLano, Nadine Buchanan, Donny Spellmeyer, Jane Norris and Marietta Broka; brothers-in-law, Alan Uhlenhopp, Jerry Norris, Ted Mehlberg and George Spellmeyer.

A memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 3, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City. Pastor Patti Aurand will officiate at the 11:00 a.m. service. Inurnment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Wilma Irene Stevens

January 17, 2008

Wilma Irene Stevens, 83, of Swea City, passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2008, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 12, at the First Baptist Church in Swea City. Pastor Davis officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment was in the Swea Township Cemetery, Swea City, following the service.

Wilma Irene Dawson, was born on September 25, 1924 in Clarion, the daughter of Wallace and Beulah (Carr) Dawson. Wilma was a member of the First Baptist Church in Swea City. She received her education in the Clarion schools.

On October 8, 1946, she was united in marriage to Richard Charles Stevens in Clarion. Several years after their marriage, the couple made their home in rural Swea City. Wilma worked at the Sandpiper Supper Club in Armstrong. In 1984, the couple moved into Swea City. She enjoying doing craft projects and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Lynn Stevens and wife, Mary Lou of Olathe, Kansas, Joel Stevens and wife, Laurie of Swea City and Diann Gayer and husband, David of Spirit Lake; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard in September 1, 2006; one brother, Robert; and one sister, Laura.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Maurice O'Neill

January 24, 2008

Maurice O'Neill, 88, of Council Bluffs, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2008, at Risen Son.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, January 15, at 11:00 a.m., at the Queen of Apostles Church. Interment was in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Maurice O'Neill, was born on July 15, 1919 in Clarion, the son of Hugh and Delia Chambers O'Neill. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1937 and attended Loras College in Dubuque before graduating from the St. Louis School of Mortuary Science.

Maurice was married on June 12, 1944. He and his wife, Marie moved to Council Bluffs where he worked for the Beem-Belford Funeral Home. In 2000, the O'Neills merged with the Cutler Funeral Home to start the Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home. He worked until the age of 86, when he retired for health reasons.

Maurice was a member of the St. Peter's Church, honorary member of the Knights Of Columbus #1045 where he served as financial secretary for 26 years, charter member, past president, past district governor of Serra Club International, where he received the Serran of the Year Award in 1997, Mercy Hospital Heritage Award winner and former board member, former Pottawattamie County Coroner, charter member of the Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation, Phillip's Cupboard, Downtown Kiwanis member, charter member of the St. Albert School Board and served on their Educational Foundation, served on various fund-raisers at the school and became a member of their Wall of Fame. He also served on the Municipal Housing Board and was moderator at Iowa Western for funeral directors and was Master of Ceremony for many events, including the roast for Governor Terry Branstad.

Maurice is survived by his wife, Marie; daughters, Nancy Dowdle and husband, Jim of Clive, Colleen Paulsen and husband, Greg of Hartley and Kathleen Zajic and husband, Mike of McClelland, Iowa; sons, Pat and wife, Joanne of Chesterfield, Missouri, Rev. Thomas of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Jim of Yorktown, Virginia, Tim and wife, Sally and Dan and wife, Alison, all of Omaha, Nebraska; Steve and wife, Sherry and Matt and wife, Michelle, all of Council Bluffs; 24 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Helen and Eileen: and two brothers, Francis and John.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Linden Aileen "Lindi" Snyder

January 17, 2008

Linden Aileen "Lindi" Snyder, 53, of Algona, died at her home on Saturday, January 12, 2008, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, January 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. Burial was in the Riverview Cemetery, Algona.

Linden "Lindi" Aileen Anderson, was born on March 23, 1954, in Ames, the daughter of D. Duane "Andy" and Margaret (Koprek) Anderson. She graduated from the Gilbert High School in 1972 and went on to attend Westmar College in LeMars, majoring in Elementary Education.

On August 7, 1976, Linden was united in marriage to David Snyder in LeMars. After their marriage the couple began their teaching careers in LeMars. With Dave being a band director, it lead them to various towns throughout Iowa in her 30 plus year teaching career. Lindi taught in East Greene, Cherokee and Central Decatur of Leon before accepting her final position with the Clarion-Goldfield School District in 1992. In 1997, they moved to Algona where they have resided since and Dave is currently the band director at Sentral of Fenton.

Lindi was very passionate about her teaching and lately some of her students had dubbed her as the Queen of Quite-A-Lot. She was very creative in her classroom with her creative writing of humorous acts and skits for the kids to carry out. She just loved the children. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, her large family, scrapbooking, making jewelry, reading, sewing, knitting and shopping. She was a member of ISEA, PEI, and St. Cecelia Parish and in the past had been a cheerleading sponsor and was once in a bowling league.

She is survived by her husband, David of Algona; a daughter, Katherine "Katie" Snyder-Princehouse and husband, Marty of Huxley; a son, Michael Snyder of Algona; two grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Mike and Pat Anderson of Luther, Mark Anderson of Greeley, Colorado, Kristin and Larry Couture of Nevada, Kraig and Connie Anderson of Story City, Loris and Randall Blask of Baileyville, Illinois, Garrett Peterson of Gilbert, Doug and Ruth Anderson of Ames, Kathleen and Michael Steenhagen of Roland, Holly and Kim Coder of Danielsville, Georgia, Susan and Scott Anderson of Harlan, Nancy and Shawn Stolte of Huxley and Rosemary Anderson of Ellsworth; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lael Peterson; one nephew, Joshua Lask; and a great-niece, Mia Ray.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

"Harley" Gene Thayer

January 24, 2008

"Harley" Gene Thayer, 53, of Clarion, died on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 19, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was held at 1:30 p.m., at the Belmond Cemetery.

Gene Ray Thayer, was born on July 10, 1954 in Belmond, the son of Harley and Elnora McMannus Thayer. He attended school in Belmond, graduating from the Belmond High School in 1972. After graduation he worked various jobs throughout the Belmond and Clarion areas. Gene had worked at EDS in Clarion for the last 23 years. On June 2, 1979, Gene was united in marriage to Leslie Thompson in Belmond.

Gene loved telling stories to friends and could talk to just about anyone. He was an avid Hawkeye fan, enjoyed listening to tunes on the deck, doing handiwork around the house and playing cards. Gene also liked watching, cheering and sideline coaching his boys in their sporting events, camping and grilling. He played slow-pitch softball for the Goodell Bears and several other teams for many years.

Gene is survived by his wife, Leslie; three children, Dustin, Kyle and Brady; one brother, Larry Thayer and wife, Karen; one sister, Mary Ellen Lilly and husband, Lester; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Dorothy Marie Froyen

January 31, 2008

Dorothy Marie Froyen, 94, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 21, at the St. John's Catholic Church, Clarion. Rev. Chris Podhajsky, Deacon Leonard Froyen and Deacon Michael Whitters officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Church, Clarion. Memorials may be directed to the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion.

Dorothy Marie Junglen, was born on August 26, 1913 in Frazee, Minnesota, the daughter of Casper and Mary (Prem) Junglen. She married Arthur Frederick Froyen on August 19, 1933.

She was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion, the Altar and Rosary Society, as well as Navy Mothers.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Leonard Arthur (Gail) and Gary Thomas (Ann Renee Lighter) of Cedar Falls, Richard Gordon (Gloria) of Ventura, California and Curtis John (Kathleen) of Knoxville; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one son; five brothers; and five sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Mary Ann Olson

January 31, 2008

Mary Ann Olson, 87, formerly of Eagle Grove, now of Johnston, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Mercy Hospice.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 28, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Eagle Grove. Father Chris Podhajsky conducted the 11:00 a.m. service. Burial will be held at a later date.

Mary Ann Schiele, was born on July 27, 1920 in Linton, North Dakota, the daughter of Michael and Margaret (Bichler) Schiele. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth. At the beginning of World War II, she and a friend, Katie Schell, moved to California to work in the ship building industry. She returned to Linton to help on the family farm before moving to Millerville, Minnesota in 1944, where her family joined her in 1945.

On June 13, 1946, Mary Ann married Florian Theusch in Urbank, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota where they raised their three children. She earned her GED and attended the Staples Area Technical College, earning a degree in Food Service. Mary Ann worked for the Parkers Prairie School for many years before moving to Alexandria where she worked at the Bethany Nursing Home and Radisson Arrowwood Resort.

Mary Ann married Lester "Chick" Olson on February 26, 1977 and moved to Eagle Grove. She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, and was an accomplished china painter. She was a member of the World Organization of China Painters, the Humboldt China Painters and the Sacred Heath Catholic Church where was active in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Eagle Grove.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, "Chick" Olson of Madrid; three children; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters; one brother-in-law; and one sister-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Florian; two brothers; one sister; and one brother-in-law.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Elva Adelia Weir

February 14, 2008

Elva Adelia Weir, 90, of Clarion, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2008, at her home in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 1, at the Clarion Church of Christ. Pastor Tim Platt officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Elva Adelia Ward, was born on January 26, 1928 in Lehigh, the daughter of Elmer and Nettie (Ford) Ward. Elva was united in marriage to Frank B. Weir on April 27, 1935 in Webster City. To this union six children were born. Elva helped her husband on the farm by raising chickens, gardening, canning and taking care of the household and children.

Elva always wanted to continue her education, so after Frank passed away she attended classes and received her GED in 1992. She was very proud of this accomplishment and so was the rest of her family.

Elva was a member of the Clarion Church of Christm where she attended services as often as she could. She was active with Sunday School in both attendance and teaching.

Elva had a great sense of humor and loved wearing her collection of 110 pairs of decorative novelty socks. She had a pair of socks for every holiday, season and any other occasion one might imagine. She also loved playing cards and games at the Clarion Senior Citizen Center and with her family. She enjoyed spending as much time with her family as she could. She also loved going out to eat, embroidery and reading.

Elva is survived by five children, Juanita Watts and husband, Leroy of Clarion, Genevieve Hoesel and husband, Jerry of Grand Junction, Colorado, Jean Smith and husband, Jerome of Morganton, North Carolina, Rosemary and husband, Craig of Waterloo and Frank B. Weir Jr. of Killeen, Texas; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank on March 31, 1991; an infant son, Glen Weir; one great-grandson, Eric Watts; one brother, Walter at the age of 12; and one sister, Zola Kinseth.
© Wright County Monitor 2008