Ryan A. Thompson

March 13, 2008

Ryan A. Thompson, age 24, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at the Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 10, at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. Rev. Mary K. Green officiated the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Cass Cemetery, Webster City.

Ryan A. Thompson was born on January 18, 1984 in Des Moines, the son of Karla (Woodall) Thompson and Barry Thompson. He was raised and educated through the 8th grade in Eagle Grove, graduating from Webster City High School in 2004. He moved to the Elm Street House in 2003 with four of his best friends.

Ryan worked at Friends Forever and performed daily community service and met with friends where they gathered together for movies and games. He loved to listen to music, especially the Back Street Boys, being outside and going for walks, boat rides, visiting Dairy Queen, shopping. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Special Olympics and the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Karla Thompson and special friend, Betsy McGlynn of Eagle Grove; father, Barry Thompson of Eagle Grove; a brother, Zachary Thompson of Eagle Grove; two sisters, Sarah McGlynn and Molly McGlynn of Cedar Rapids; Meredith McGlynn of Eagle Grove; grandmother, Dorothy (Dot) Woodall of Eagle Grove; ten uncles and aunts; one great-aunt; special friends and co-workers from the Elm Street House; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sam Woodall, Arthur and Pearl Thompson and Don and Rae Wehde.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Robert "Bob" J. Erickson

March 13, 2008

Robert "Bob" J. Erickson, age 83, of Belmond, died on Wednesday, March 5. 2008, at the Belmond Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 8, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church west of Belmond at I0:30 a.m.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Avron D. Gaulke

March 13, 2008

Avron D. Gaulke, 93, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 10, at the Clarion United Church of Christ Congregational. Pastor Dennis Secrease officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Military Graveside Services were presented by the VFW and American Legion Post. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Avron D. Gaulke, was born August 29, 1914, on the family farm near Dows, the son of Theadore W. and Sarah (Buge) Gaulke. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Dows High School in 1933. Following graduation, Avron worked on the family farm. He then moved to Sibley were he was employed as cook in his sister, Edna's and brother, Lewis' restaurant.

On February 3, 1941, Avron joined the National Guard and they ware activated one week later. Avron was captured and taken prisoner on February 14, 1943. After two years as a Prisoner of War, he was released in a Prisoners of War exchange. Following his discharge, Avron returned to Clarion where he was employed at the Sandwich Shop. Marianne Gilligan was having lunch there one day and the couple met. A romance started and they dated for four years before being married in 1951 at the Clarion United Church of Christ Congregational. The couple were the parents of four children

Avron and Marianne settled in Clarion, living in the same house for 46 years. Marianne and Avron hosted many family reunions in their home. In 2001, the couple moved to the Meadows. Through the years they took a few trips, one being to Germany. Avron was employed with the United States Postal Service for 22 years, retiring in 1978.

Avron was a member of the Clarion United Church of Christ Congregational and VFW. He served as the league secretary for the Wednesday night bowling leagues for 25 years.

Avron is survived by four children, David and wife, Kris of Indianola, Lorna Daniels and husband, Charlie of Hopewell, Virginia, Bruce and wife, Denise of Clarion and Brenda Lurie and husband, Rick of Arnold, Maryland; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; a granddaughter-in-law; a great-grandson; and a step great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marianne in 2004; five brothers and three sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Kay Ann Anderson

March 13, 2008

Kay Ann Anderson, 54, of LeMars, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2008, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 11, at St. John's Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in LeMars. Reverend Gary Landsness officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment was held at 3:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Kay Ann Marshall, was born April 25, 1953 in Clarion, the daughter of Robert and Marilyn (Lueck) Marshall. She graduated from Clarion High School in 1971, Des Moines Area Community College and the University of Northern Iowa. Kay was married to Jack Britton and to this union a son, Layne was born and they later divorced.

Kay married Allyn Anderson on November 9, 1996. She was currently employed at Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative in LeMars as Economic Development Director and was the current Chairperson of the Iowa Finance Authority. Previously, Kay had taught school in the Goldfield School District, was the Clarion Chamber of Commerce Secretary, was Executive Director of the Hamilton County SEED, was the Director of the Webster City Association of Business and Industry, and was the Director of the Spencer Area Association of Business and Industry. Kay attended St. John's Lutheran Church and had been active on church committees.

Kay enjoyed watching and following NASCAR races, especially her favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. She also enjoyed country music and had the opportunity to have her picture taken with her favorite artist, Keith Urban.

Kay is survived by her husband, Allyn Anderson of LeMars; a son, Layne Marshall Britton and his special friend, Stacey Loemaker of Carbondale, Illinois; Layne's father, Jack Britton of Clarion; three step-children, Sonja Gerstenberger and husband, Scott of Grimes, Bryce Anderson of Sanford, Florida and Dane Anderson and wife, Jenny of West Des Moines; one step-grandchild; mother, Marilyn Marshall of Clarion; a sister, Carol Kellison and husband, Roger of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; a brother, Jim Marshall and wife, Marsha of Fort Lupton, Colorado; many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, in-laws and friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her father, Robert Marshall and her grandparents.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Evelyn E. Allen

March 13, 2008

Evelyn E. Allen, 86, of Clarion, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 13, at the Clarion Church of Christ. Pastor Tim Platt officiated at the 1:30 p.m. service. Burial was held in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Ruth Weld Wesenberg

April 10, 2008

Ruth Weld Wesenberg, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at the Belmond Health Care Center.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 1:00 p.m., at the Morgan Methodist church in Dows.

Ruth Weld was born on January 28, 1920, the daughter of Carl and Grace Frizzell Weld. Ruth was the youngest of five children. She was raised in rural Wright County and graduated from the Clarion High School. In 1942, Ruth married Rodney Wesenberg at the home of her parents in Galt.

Besides being a loving wife and mother of four sons, she was active as a member and volunteer with numerous organizations, including: Morgan Methodist Church and Morgan Study Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Iowa Society of Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Dows Historical Society.

She worked tirelessly all her life, whether as a volunteer, driving truck, or 25 years at the wheel of a school bus, Ruth was always busy. She loved to travel and visit family and friends throughout the United States. Ruth was the Weld family historian, which was well-documented, as the result of years of travel and research.

Ruth lived life very well. She was always a giving person and was willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Tom Wesenberg and wife, Macia and Tim Wesenberg and wife, Mia; one sister, Zona Whitten; and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Terry and Ted; husband, Rodney; one sister, Marvel Whitten; and two brothers, Elwin and Melvin Weld.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Beth Marie Baker

March 20, 2008

Beth Marie Baker, 90, of Clarion, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2008, at the Rotary Anne Nursing Home in Eagle Grove.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 21, at the United Methodist Church in Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison will officiate at the 1:00 p.m. service. Burial will be in the Galt Cemetery.

Beth Marie LaBarr, was born on January 29, 1918, at her grandparent's homestead located southeast of Clarion, the daughter of Harry and Blanche LaBarr. After graduating from high school she studied Home Economics at Iowa State University, where she met her future husband, Maurice Frank Baker. She taught in a country school near Dows for a year before marrying Maurice on August 12, 1938.

The World War II years were difficult as she had two small boys to take care of while Maurice served as a Lieutenant J.G. in the Navy in the Pacific. Following the war they lived in Missouri and Kansas with their family that now included three active young boys. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1950 where Maurice received his Doctorate in Zoology. In 1952, the family grew one more with the birth of a daughter.

In addition to being a loving and caring wife and mother, Beth found time to develop her artistic talents in silversmithing and millinery. Later, she studied various art media, including watercolor, oil and pen and ink and has gifted all of her family's lived with many beautiful paintings.

She is survived by her children, Whitney, Steven, Sidney and Adrian and their spouses; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lois; husband, Maurice; and two children in childbirth.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Alison K. Underberg

March 20, 2008

Alison K. Underberg, 54, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center, Fort Dodge.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 21, at the First United Methodist Church. Rev. Mark Haverland will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 20, at the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, Fort Dodge. Burial will be in the North Lawn Cemetery.

Alison K. Moore, was born on September 4, 1953 in Clarion. She graduated from Clarion High School in 1971 and then attended Iowa Central Community College, graduating from the Medical Assistant Program in 1972. On September 20, 1975, she was united in marriage to Dean Underberg at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion and they established their home in Fort Dodge. She was employed as a medical assistant until her retirement of 1997.

Alison was a loving wife and mother, an avid Minnesota Twins fan and her favorite player was Bob Allison. She loved animals, supported the Humane Society, was a wonderful cook, family caretaker, loved being outdoors working on her tan, enjoyed watching soap operas, and growing many plants and flowers.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Alison is survived by her husband, Dean; daughters, Andrea Ruddy and husband, Jarret of West Des Moines and Laura Underberg of Iowa City; son, Tom and companion, Abbie Taylor of Fort Dodge; parents, James and Marjorie Moore Sr. of Clarion; a brother, James Moore, Jr. and wife, Barb of Clarion; a sister, Michelle Reif of Sperry; many nieces and nephews; her cats, Jake and Shadow.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur and Orelee Skouge and George and May Moore; father and mother-in-law, Joe and Donna Underberg; a brother-in-law, Larry Reif.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Eugene "Gene" Frederick Nicholson

March 27, 2008

Eugene "Gene" Nicholson, 93, a former resident of Clarion, died on Monday, March 17, 2008, at his home in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

A memorial service was held on Friday, March 21, at the Church Our Hope Presbyterian Church, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Rev. Scott Cook and Rev. Chris Bower officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service.

Eugene "Gene" Nicholson, was born June 11, 1914 in Little Cedar, Iowa, the only child of the late Mary Cross Nicholson and Fred Nicholson. Gene graduated from the Little Cedar High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II in General Patton's 3rd Army as a motor pool mechanic. He married Rachel Gambell, who preceded him in death in 1968.

He was employed as an auto mechanic, appliance repairman and a foreman designing lampshades and also in later years as a custodian.

In 1972, he married Doris Spitler. He lived 91 years in the State of Iowa, in Forest City, Clear Lake, Clarion and Grinnell, before moving to Wake Forest, North Carolina in 2005.

He was a much loved and well respected member of Christ Our Hope PCA Church in Wake Forest.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Doris Nicholson; two sons, Gary Nicholson of Buckeye, Arizona and Greg Nicholson of Columbus, Ohio; two daughters, Gail Wallace of LaVerne, Tennessee and Gloria Miner and husband, Ken of Grinnell; two step-daughters, Liana Anderson and husband, C. Michael of Wake Forest, North Carolina and Mary Locke and husband, Rodney of Glenwood, Iowa; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law; great-granddaughter; step-grandson; and two step-great-grandsons.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Lynnda Sorensen-Abels

March 27, 2008

Lynnda Sorensen-Abels, 56, of Altoona, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2008, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 27, at 10:00 a.m., at Hamilton's Altoona Funeral Home. A second funeral service was held on Thursday, March 27, at 2:00 p.m., the Goldfield United Methodist Church, Goldfield. Burial followed in the Goldfield Cemetery.

Lynnda Sorensen was born on March 22, 1952 in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Lynn and Shirley Sorensen. Lynnda worked at the 8th Street Childcare, first as a preschool teacher and then as the director. Lynnda loved and cared for many children over the years. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and shopping.

Lynnda is survived by her husband of 38 years, Paul; mother, Shirley Sorensen Campbell and husband, Joe of Clarion; a son, Jerome Abels and wife, Tammy of Altoona; two daughters, Leslie Soulis and husband, Steve of Altoona and Caia Abels (Marty Tittle) of Earlham; one sister, Penny Dorris and husband, Mark of Altoona; one brother, Dan Sorensen and wife, Diane of Goldfield; 11 grandchildren; and one step-grandson.

Lynnda was preceded in death by her father, Lynn and her grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, Silver Spring, Maryland.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Mary Hanson

April 3, 2008

Mary Hanson, 66, of Goldfield, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at her home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 29, at the Park Church of Christ, Goldfield. Pastor Robert Dishman officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the East Ullensvang Cemetery, Thor.

Mary Axdahl, was born on April 7, 1941 in Hardy, the daughter of Ottie and Clara (Larson) Axdahl. She was raised in Hardy until 1955, when she moved to Eagle Grove, graduating from the Eagle Grove High School with the class of 1959. On March 12, 1960, Mary was united in marriage with Arlen Hanson at the Samuel Lutheran Church, Eagle Grove.

She was a member of the Park Church of Christ. Goldfield. Mary loved to garden, work on the farm with Arlen, quilt, go bowling, and was a member of a card club. She also played the piano and organ for Sunday services, funerals and weddings for over 20 years.

Mary is survived by her husband, Arlen; two children, Aaron Hanson and wife, Kammy of Clarion and Laura Clark and husband, Jason of Thor; two grandchildren; and one sister, Charlotte Olson of Humboldt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother-in-law, Jay Olson.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Ronald Dean Skadburg

April 3, 2008

Ronald Dean Skadburg, 65, of Woodbridge, California, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, after courageously battling cancer.

A memorial service was held on Monday, March 31, at the St Paul's Lutheran Church, Lodi.

Ronald Dean Skadburg, was horn in Clarion, the son of Norris and and Esther Skadburg. Ron served his country honorably in the US Navy aboard the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War. Ronald has lived the past 22 years in Lodi and Woodbridge, California, where he was a Merry Maids franchise owner.

Ron enjoyed golfing, farming, traveling and being with people.

Ron is survived by his wife, Willa Skadburg of Woodbridge; two sons, Jason Skadburg and wife, Nicole of Galt and Jeff Skadburg of Woodbridge, California; one step-son, Gary Parker and wife, Sandra: five grandchildren; mother, Esther Skadburg of Eagle Grove; two sisters, Elaine Brasel and husband, Norm of New Hope, Minnesota and Judy Renkiewiez and husband, Denny of Grand Marais, Minnesota; one brother, Don Skadburg and wife, Suzanne of Clive.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Brigetta; and father, Norris Skadhurg.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Gladys Nora Spainhower

April 3, 2008

Gladys Nora Spainhower, 93, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2008, at Careage of Clarion.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, April 1, at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion, with Pastor Gary Boen officiating.

Gladys Nora Anderson, was born on June 25, 1914 in Wright County, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Thompson) Anderson. She grew up on a farm near Clarion with her parents, five brothers and six sisters. She attended school in the area and graduated from high school.

Gladys was united in marriage to William Minor Spainhower in 1937. The couple lived on a farm near Holmes where they raised their family. In 1953, they moved into Clarion and William passed away shortly after the move. Gladys worked at numerous jobs throughout the Clarion area to support her family. Even at the age of 84, Gladys worked to care for a close friend who needed her help.

Gladys was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. She loved to bake.

Gladys is survived by her children, Jerry Delger of Show Low, Arizona, Barbara Hanus and husband, Melvin of Webster City, Chuck Spainhower and wife, Rose of Aiea, Hawaii; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; a brother, Norvelle Anderson and wife, Nellie; three sisters, Helen Busick of Clarion, Ruth Lamfers and husband, Harold of Ina, Kansas and Arlene Smith and husband, Brad of St. Cloud, Minnesota; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, William, Jr.; a grandson, William; and four brothers and three sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Avis E. Hill

April 3, 2008

Avis E. Hill, 94, of Clarion, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

The funeral service is Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison is officiating at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial is in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Avis E. Boyington, was born on September 8, 1913 at Galt, Wright County, the daughter of Chester Daniel "John" and Hattie (Campbell) Boyington. She was raised in Wright County, where her grandparents had been pioneer settlers in the middle years of the previous century. Her parents moved to Clarion in 1918 with Avis, her two brothers and a sister. In 1931, she graduated with honors from the Clarion High School.

Avis began working in a law office in 1931. When a member of the law firm was elected State Senator, she went to the legislature to work as a committee clerk and secretary in the Senate for several sessions. She later worked for the State Board of Social Welfare in Des Moines. While so employed she enrolled in the Des Moines College of Law, which later merged with the Drake University Law School. She attended law classes at night school for three years.

On September 18, 1939, she married Dale E. Hill in Des Moines. To this union three sons were born. The couple farmed in Grant Township until 1973 when they moved into Clarion. Avis was one of the first residents of the Meadows, moving there on August 1, 1993.

Throughout her life, Avis carefully kept and catalogued the pictures, letters and other documents about her family and her husband's family. These files and albums were a priceless source of information about the contemporary members of the Hill family and their in-laws. She enjoyed genealogy and shared with all who were interested in family history. She was one of the principal organizers of the reunion that brought 108 of the extended Hill family together in Clarion in July 1994.

Avis was an active member of the First Methodist Church in Clarion in which she held many offices, including serving as President of the U.M.W., Superintendent of the Sunday School, and Sunday School teacher for 11 years. She also served on the Auxiliary of the Clarion Memorial Hospital, was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and the Lucy Standish Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Avis is survived by three sons, Steve and wife, Shirley, Mark and wife, Connie, all of Clarion and Douglas and wife, Linda of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale in 1994; one grandson, Chad Hill; one sister, Iris Lester; two brothers, Rex and Max Boyington.
© Wright County Monitor 2008