Robert "Bob" Gean Avery

June 12, 2008

Robert "Bob" Gean Avery, 77, of Rowan, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2008, in the hospice unit of the Wright Count Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 6, at the United Church of Rowan. Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. Military rites were provided by the Rowan American Legion. Visitation was held on Thursday, June 5, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Belmond and one hour prior to the services.

Robert Gean Avery, was born on April 23, 1931 in Miller, South Dakota, the son of John and Eva (Fischer) Avery. His family moved to the Eagle Grove area when he was a young boy. He attended country school and the Eagle Grove School until his family moved to Rowan in his freshman year of high school. Bob graduated from the Rowan High School in the class of 1949. He and Anna Mae (Annie) Tudor were married at the Little Brown Church on January 6, 1952.

Prior to his induction into the Army in March, 1952, he worked for the railroad and various farmers in the Rowan area. Bob was particularly proud of his service to his country, including a yearlong deployment to Korea, where he served as a Military Policeman. He was Honorably discharged in March 1954 and returned to the Rowan community where he lived for the rest of his life.

With help from their parents, Bob and Annie began farming in 1954 on rented land north of town. Bob was proud of his success at farming and he and Annie farmed until ill-health forced him to retire in 1989. After retirement, they enjoyed winters in Weslaco, Texas, with many friends from the Rowan area.

Bob was an outdoorsman and horseman at heart and took great joy in riding and even greater joy in sharing his love of horses with his family and friends. He was an original member of the Belmond Saddle Club and a member of the Hamilton County Saddle Club. He was particularly proud of the riding skills of his grandchildren. He was a lifelong supporter of the Rowan Community. He was a member of the United Church of Rowan and was an active member of the Rowan Legion and the Rowan Lions Club. He served for years as the guardian of the sausages at the Lions' all-you-can eat pancake breakfasts. He was one of the originators of the Rowan Endowment Fund.

Bob rarely sat still and took his hobbies as seriously as he took his work. He was known for his clowning and trained mule, his skill as a square dance caller and amateur auctioneer, his drumming in the Aitken Hearts and Country Cousins, his decorative and humorous welding, and his love of stories, practical jokes and tall tales. Many times only the twinkle in his eye gave him away.

Bob was a great role model and teacher for his family. He was especially proud and supportive of Annie and daughter-in-law, Terri's musical performances.

Bob is survived by Annie, his wife of 56 years; Jim and Terry Avery of Rowan; Jack Avery and Dan Lontkowski of St. Paul, and two children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; and father and mother-in-law, Dillard and Luelda Tudor.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Gladys Eloise Hollis

June 12, 2008

Gladys Eloise Hollis, formerly of Clarion, passed into eternal rest on Monday, June 2, 2008, while living in Chesterfield, Missouri.

Funeral services are pending at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Webster City.

Gladys Eloise Frakes, was born on a farm near Woolstock, the daughter of Earnest and Mary Frakes. She attended a one room schoolhouse for elementary grades and graduated from the Woolstock High School in 1934 as valedictorian. She graduated from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and went on to teach eight grades at a one room school house in Wright County and later was a substitute teacher in the Woolstock Schools.

Gladys and Marion Frakes were united in marriage in 1937 and began farming near Webster City. For many years they farmed near Woolstock before moving into Clarion. Gladys worked at Morton Frozen Foods in Webster City and at the Clarion Care Center for many years.

Gladys is survived by her family, William and Marlyce Hollis of Dunnellon, Florida, Gail and Gary Sloan of New York City, Robert and Kathleen Hollis of Canton, Connecticut, William Hollis of Hartford, Connecticut, Carolyn Sue and Howard Sandberg of Chesterfield, Missouri and Eric and Elaine Sandberg of Ballwin, Missouri; and by seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Bernice Katherine Loux

June 12, 2008

Bernice Katherine Loux, 82, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at the Careage in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 9, at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Woolstock. Rev. Bill VanNostrand officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Bernice Katherine Jensen, was born on October 2, 1925 at Humboldt, the daughter of Martin and Dorthea (Sund) Jensen. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from the Humboldt High School in 1943. She received her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls. Bernice taught school in rural Humboldt County, southwest Iowa, Meservey and Woolstock.

On June 29, 1952, Bernice was united in marriage with Raymond C. Loux at the Danish Lutheran Church in Humboldt. The couple lived on a farm east of Eagle Grove until moving into town in November of 1987.

Bernice was a member of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Woolstock, serving as chairman of the Ladies Aide and also taught Sunday School. She helped to organize the Woolstock Senior Citizens Center and worked for Elderbridge on Aging, serving as an advocate for seniors. Bernice served as chairman for the Rotary Ann Auxiliary. She received two Governor Volunteer awards. She also found time to enjoy canning, sewing and raising chickens.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond Loux of Eagle Grove; one sister-in-law, Iva Jensen of New Port News, Virginia; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and other relatives.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marion Nelson; and one brother, Donald Jensen.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Dorothy Mae Hansen

June 12, 2008

Dorothy Mae Hansen, 97, formerly of Clarion, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2008, at the Humboldt Care Center South.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 28, at the United Church of Christ, Eagle Grove. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Dorothy Mae Hansen, was born on September 23, 1910 in rural Goldfield, the daughter of Magnus and Mabel (Paine) Hansen. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from the Goldfield High School in 1928.

On May 27, 1932, she married Forrest Slaikeu at the home of her parents, rural Goldfield. They lived in Eagle Grove where Forrest was employed by the Iowa Public Service. Forrest passed away in 1964. She remained in Eagle Grove, working as a secretary for Wooster Insurance and then Garrett Insurance.

On November 12, 1997, she married Edwin Paine. They enjoyed retirement with painting, golfing and wintering in Florida. Ed passed away in 1993. She continued to live in Eagle Grove until 2000, when she moved to the Meadows Apartments in Clarion. In January 2008, Dorothy moved to the Humboldt Care Center South in Humboldt.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Paul Slaikeu and wife, Fern of Goldfield; a daughter, Sue Zweifel and husband, Jerry of Boise, Idaho; a stepson, John Paine and wife, Jean of Yardley, Pennsylvania; a brother, Robert Hansen of Goldfield; a sister, Kathryn Hansen of Goldfield; a sister-in-law, Ellen Hansen of Dakota City; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Forrest Slaikeu and Ed Paine; two brothers, David Hansen and Glen Hansen; two sisters, Edna Nelson and Esther Hanson; and one granddaughter.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Colleen Rae DeNio

June 12, 2008

A Memorial Service for Colleen Rae DeNio will be held on Saturday, June 14, at the Presbyterian Church in Dows, at 1:30 p.m. Colleen passed away on January 13, 2008 in Arizona. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Bill Duane Schroder

June 19, 2008

Bill Duane Schroder, age 50, of Galt, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2008, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 13, at the United Methodist Church, Clarion. Pastor Brian Hacklander and Stan Watne performed the 1:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Galt Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

Bill Duane Schroder, was born on September 25, 1957, the son of Mitchell and Evelyn Meineke-Schroder. He graduated from the Clarion High School in 1976 and Central College in Pella in 1980 with a B.A. in Business. He had several courses counting towards a Masters in Business from Iowa State University.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting with his dog, fishing, and gardening. He enjoyed reading in his spare time and was an excellent writer. Bill especially loved to spend time with his family.

He is survived by his mother, Evelyn; two sisters, Becky-Jo and husband, Roger and Kay and husband, Brian; one nephew and three nieces; one great-nephew and one great-niece.

Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Darla and father, Mitch.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

John Claude Utz

June 19, 2008

John Utz, age 45, of Rowan, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2008, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 12, at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of rural Clarion. Pastor Marvin Lorenz officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Burial will take place at the Graceland Cemetery, Rowan.

James Claude Utz, was born on September 21, 1962 in Charles City, the son of James and Joan (Wolfers) Utz. He was raised and educated in the Rowan/ Belmond area, graduating from the Belmond High School in 1980. While in high school, John performed in several plays and musicals, receiving many standing ovations.

After high school, John majored in music at Drake University. He then enlisted in the Army to serve his country from Airborne to attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was also a DJ and talk show host on the base in Germany. After eight years of service and 11 years in Germany, he returned to Des Moines and later moved back to Rowan.

John was a member of the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a Wright County Republican Chairperson.

John is survived by his mother, Joan Utz of Rowan; one son, James Edward Valentine Utz; two sisters, Laura Griffith and husband, Craig of Des Moines and Debra Little and husband, Michael of Overland Park, Kansas; nephews; aunt, Gertrude Gage of Laguna Vista, Texas; and numerous cousins, family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

John Junior Govern

June 19, 2008

John Junior Govern, 79, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 13, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Eagle Grove. Father Paul Lippstock officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

John Junior Govern, was born on June 4, 1929 in Bancroft, the son of John and Ella (Trenary) Govern. He was raised and educated in the area of his birth, graduating from the St. John's School in Bancroft. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1951, receiving his B.S. in Animal Science.

John was united in marriage to Yvonne (Bonnie) Neppl on September 11, 1954, at the Saint Bernard's Church in Breda, Iowa. John worked for the Farmers Home Administration in Clarion before working for the Security Savings Bank for 28 years, serving as Executive Vice President. He retired in 1991.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Eagle Grove Chamber of Commerce, Ruffles and Spurs Square Dance Club, and served as President of the Wright County Fair for several years. He was a long time fan of the Chicago Cubs and Iowa State Cyclones. John loved to dance, play golf and spend time with his family.

John is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Eagle Grove; three children, Rick Govern and wife, Linda of Burlington, Kathy Moore and husband, Doug of Plattsburg, Missouri and Dave Govern of Eagle Grove; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Tom Govern and wife, June of New Lenox, Illinois; four sisters, Pat Mathre and husband, Roger of Nora Springs, Phyllis Krause and husband, Bob of Mason City, Jean Govern of Mason City and Priscilla DeGeeter and husband, Melvin of Champagne, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joe; and a sister, Delores.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Gladys Newcomb

June 19, 2008

Gladys Newcomb, 87, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at the Careage in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 16, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove. Pastor Paul Stone and Rev. H.W. Schiller officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. Memorials may be directed to Eagle Grove Dollars for Scholars and the Wright County 4-H.

Gladys Newcomb, was born on October 24, 1920 in Duncombe, the daughter of Lewis and Anna (Holmes) Saboe. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from the Fort Dodge High School in 1939.

On March 9, 1941, Gladys was united in marriage with Monroe Newcomb at the Badger Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on a farm southeast of Eagle Grove for 65 years and moved to the Meadows of Clarion in March of 2006, where they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Gladys moved to Careage in the spring of 2007.

Gladys was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, where she was active in church circle and taught Sunday School. She was also a member of the rural Young Married Group, Card Club and Know Your Neighbor Club. She enjoyed crafts, fishing, traveling in their RV, baking and reading.

Gladys is survived by her children, Sandra Eberhard and husband, Dave of Des Moines, Linda Weiss and husband, Tom of Clarion, Nina Cullinan and husband, Tom of Carroll, Bruce Newcomb of Eagle Grove, Renae Handley and husband, Larry of Des Moines and George Newcomb and wife, Kathy of Fort Dodge; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Monroe on January 3, 2007; a grandson, Thomas Weiss; and two brothers, Alvin and Herbert Saboe.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Charles Edward Kinison

June 19, 2008

Charles Edward Kinison, 52, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2008, at his home.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, June 19, at the First Assembly of God Church, Eagle Grove. Pastor Scott Gruening officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

Charles Edward Kinison, was born on December 22, 1955 at Sioux City, the son of Charles and Margaret DeWolf. He graduated from the Sioux City High School in 1975.

On June 9, 1981, Charlie was united in marriage to Laura Elaine Williams in Eagle Grove. Together, they made their home in Eagle Grove. He had various jobs, including working as a night watchman.

Charlie enjoyed fishing, traveling, visiting friends and attending church at First Assembly of God, where he was a member. He loved music, especially Elvis, the Crickets, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. Charlie also participated in the Special Olympics.

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Daisy Kinison of Eagle Grove.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Laura in 2000; and an infant son, Charles E. Kinison.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Nola Marjorie Smith

June 26, 2008

Nola Marjorie Smith, 76, of Goldfield, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Humboldt Care Center North.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 19, at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield. Rev. Jim Seibert officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Nola Marjorie Budding, was born on November 2, 1931 in Sully, the daughter of Joe and Anna Marie (VanEnglandburg) Budding. She was raised and educated in the Searsboro area, attending school in Searsboro and graduating with the class of 1949.

On August 10, 1950, Nola was united in marriage with Floyd M. Smith in Oskaloosa. She worked as a waitress and in a grocery store while Floyd was overseas in the military. After Floyd was discharged from the service, they made their home in the Lynnville area until 1954, when they moved to Goldfield. Nola was a housewife and they farmed in the area until their retirement in 1992, when they moved into town. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Morning Circle and Presbyterian Women.

Nola is survived by her husband, Floyd of Goldfield; four children, Diane Kraft and husband, Mike of Goldfield, Donna Smith of Clarion and friend, Bob Pooler of Boone, Sheri Nielsen and husband, Bill of Hardy and Scott Smith and wife, Deandra of Shelby; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one brother, John Budding and wife, Gwen of Cedar Rapids; a sister-in-law, Glenna Budding of Lynnville; a brother-in-law, Louis Anders of Marshalltown; and many nieces and nephews.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Ruth Elizabeth Anderson

June 26, 2008

Ruth Elizabeth Anderson, age 88, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at the Careage in Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 24, at the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. Pastor Gary Boen officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Ruth Elizabeth Sheffield, was born on September 27, 1919, the daughter of Jerome and Marguerite (Sheppler) Sheffield. Ruth was raised in the Clarion area and graduated from the Clarion High School.

Ruth met here future husband, Charles Anderson, at the Lake Cornelia skating rink. The two were united in marriage on November 18, 1939, at the Lutheran Parsonage in Eagle Grove. After they were married, Ruth and Charles made their home on a farm north of Holmes where she lived until she moved into the Meadows.

Ruth was a member of the First Lutheran Church, where she was active in Ruth Circle and the Church Sewing Ladies. She was also a member of the Friendly Neighbor Club. Ruth was an avid gardener, excellent cook and a skilled seamstress. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her children, Ron Anderson and wife, Linda of Clarion, Larry Anderson and wife, Shorty of Clarion and Jan Ryerson (Ed Acela) of Ames; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marie Sheffield of Clarion; along with several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles in 1994; a brother, Francis Sheffield; and an infant brother.
© Wright County Monitor 2008