Charles H. Elberg

May 8, 2008

Charles H. Elberg, 78, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 6, at the United Church of Christ, Eagle Grove. Pastor James Cunningham officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. A private family burial was held in the Greenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Charles H. Elberg, was born on November 23, 1929 in Dayton Township, Eagle Grove, the son of Carl H. and Lula M. (Strait) Elberg. He was raised and educated in the area of his birth, graduating from the Eagle Grove High School in 1947. He also attended the Eagle Grove Junior College.

On October 29, 1950, Charles was united in marriage with Norene J. Graves, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple made their home in Eagle Grove.

Chuck worked as superintendent of building and maintenance for the Umthun Trucking Company, retiring in 1992. He also worked for Sadler Construction.

Chuck was a member of the United Church of Christ, serving as a moderator, trustee and deacon. He also served on the Eagle Grove Fire Department and the Eagle Grove City Council. Chuck was a Planning and Zoning officer for Wright County and the City of Eagle Grove. He was a Boy Scout Leader and President of the Little League Association.

Chuck enjoyed his family, fishing and woodworking.

Charles is survived by his wife, Norene of Eagle Grove; a daughter, Frannie Hansen and husband, Randy of Eagle Grove; a son, Chuck Elberg Jr. and wife, Maria of Eagle Grove; three grandchildren; two great-grandsons; a sister, Marjorie Parsons of Edina, Minnesota; a brother, Harold Elberg and wife, Jo of Eagle Grove; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Marjorie L. Sleiter

May 15, 2008

Marjorie L. Sleiter, 60, of Webster City, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2008, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 9, at the First Assembly of God/New Beginnings Christian Church. Pastor Bob Henkelman officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Marjorie L. DeMots, was born on January 13, 1948, the daughter of Andrew and Grace (Pehl) DeMots. She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from the Goldfield High School in 1966.

On July 1, 1966, Marjorie was united in marriage to LeRoy Sleiter at the Goldfield United Methodist Church. Marjorie and LeRoy lived in Webster City and Eagle Grove.

She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Webster City. Marjorie was a homemaker until 1988 when she began to work in the restaurant business until she was forced to retire due to physical difficulties. She remained active in church activities and socializing with friends. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and her dog, Molly.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, LeRoy of Webster City; two daughters, Lynne Sleiter of Webster City and Lisa Ault and husband, Michael of Eagle Grove; two sons, Jeff Sleiter of Wichita, Kansas and Dan Sleiter and wife, Jennifer of Ankeny; and ten grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Donald DeMots; and a sister, Maxine Davidson.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Wallace Elmer Carpenter

May 15, 2008

Wallace Elmer Carpenter, age 75, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, of respiratory failure.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 10, at the Dows Presbyterian Church. Pastor Paul Meierding and Mr. Stan Watne officiated at the 2:30 p.m. service. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Wallace Elmer Carpenter, was born on December 1, 1933, at the home of his parents, Elmer Wallace and Caroline Alice Bennewitz Carpenter in Dows. Wally completed all of his schooling in Clarion, graduating with the Class of 1951.

On January 23, 1954, Wally and Lila Hines were united in marriage at the Clarion Church of Christ. They moved to Dows where they raised two children, Linda and Michael. As a young man, Wally worked as a farmhand in the Dows/Galt area, then started working at Hartzell's Produce. He retired from the Farmer's Co-op where he had worked in the station, going to farms to change tractor tires and delivering propane.

Wally was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was baptized in 1961. He also served on the Board of Elders. He was a Boy Scout Webelos Leader. One of his greatest passions, however, was the Dows Fire Department, where he served for 33 years as a volunteer firefighter, 25 of those as Chief.

Wally moved to the Woodlyn Heights Health Care Center in Inver Grove Heights in 2001, after a series of health problems both he and Lila had. He continued to fish and go to casinos, worked on his puzzles, and pulled pranks on the Woodlyn Heights staff.

Wally is survived by two children, Linda Brunsvold and husband, Mark of Apple Valley, Minnesota and Mike Carpenter and wife, Dianne of Guthrie Center; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Carl Carpenter and wife, Cindy of Minburn, Karen Gaulke and husband, Lowell of Mt. Pleasant, Kathy Wearda of Hampton and Arlis Mapes of Swan; one sister-in-law, Patricia of Bonneville.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lila; one brother, Richard; two brothers-in-law, Martin Wearda and Jerry Mapes; and infant twin grandchildren.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

LaVonne Lucille Poolman

May 15, 2008

LaVonne Lucille Poolman, 93, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2008, at the Maple Manor Village, Aplington.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 13, at the United Methodist Church, Clarion. Pastor Don Morrison officiated at the 10:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

LaVonne Lucille Nelson was born on April 10, 1915 in rural Franklin County, the daughter of Oscar T. and Esther A. (Swanson) Nelson.

On August 24, 1932, LaVonne was united in marriage to George Merle Poolman at the Rowan Methodist Church Parsonage. To this union three children were born. The family made their home in the Galt area, moving to Clarion in 1973. LaVonne and Merle enjoyed traveling and spent their winters in Arizona. In the fall of 1999, LaVonne moved to the Meadows in Clarion.

While living in Galt, LaVonne made wedding cakes and arranged flowers for weddings. After moving to Clarion, she started "LaVonne's Gift and Floral Arrangements" in her home.

LaVonne was a very talented woman, did oil paintings, sewing, along with making and selling her floral arrangements. She also enjoyed her Wednesday morning coffee with friends at the Wildflower Cafe. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren and watching them in their various activities.

She was active in 4-H, a member of PEO, Navy Mothers, Wright County Farm Bureau Women's Choir, and was active in the Galt Congregational Church and the First Methodist Church in Clarion.

She is survived by one son, Harlan Poolman and wife, Judy of Clarion; one daughter, Diane Campbell and husband, Mike of Parkersburg; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; along with other family members and friends.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merle on September 29, 1989; one son, Delos; four sisters, Margaret Schwab, Frances Ellefson, Velois Anderson, Beatrice Peyton; and one brother, Clair Nelson.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Constance Carr McCutcheon

May 15, 2008

Constance Carr McCutcheon, 91, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center in Clarion.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 15, at the United Methodist Church, Goldfield. Rev. Karen Dearchs officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.

Constance Carr, was born on February 12, 1917 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Arthur and Inez (Overholt) Can.

Constance attended Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls and taught school in several cities in Iowa. During World War II, she taught school in Cedar Rapids and attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she received her Masters Degree. After the War, she taught in an Oil Company School in Venezuela for one year. She then taught at the Iowa Teachers College to fill vacancies when needed.

She started studying for her Doctorate at the University of Minnesota for one year, then moved to Washington, D.C., to work with the Association of Childhood Education, International, editing their magazine "Childhood Education". Connie then attended the Teachers College at Columbia University in new York City, where she received her Doctorate Degree.

On September 12, 1958, she married Everett McCutcheon at the Humboldt United Methodist Church. They lived in the Evergreen area. In 1966, she was a professor at Iowa Central Community College, where she taught at the Fort Dodge and Eagle Grove campuses until 1976, when she retired. In 1988, she moved to the Rotary Ann Retirement Homes.

Connie was a member of the Goldfield United Methodist Church, Equality Club in Eagle Grove and the Evergreen Women's Association. She was a tutor for children and enjoyed reading, gardening and playing in card clubs.

Constance is survived by two step-daughters, Barb Dodge and Bev Jacobson; four grandchildren; six grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Everett in 2001; a step-son, William Everett in infancy; twin brothers, Roderick and Roger; and two sons-in-law, Russell Dodge and Paul Jacobson.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Adolphe Tendall

May 15, 2008

Memorial services for Adolphe Tendall, age 96, who resided at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, were held on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel of the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone.

Adolphe died on Friday, February 29, 2008 and his body was gifted to the University of Iowa Department of Anatomy in Iowa City.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Curtis D. Olson

May 15, 2008

Curtis D. Olson, 74, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2008, at his home in Cascade, Iowa. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, at the Oakridge Golf Course, Goldfield.

The family will greet friends and family from 9:30-10:30 a.m. preceding the service and following until 4:30 p.m. Private burial will be held at the St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery, rural Belmond, at a later date.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Richard A. Carter

May 15, 2008

Richard A. Carter, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 17, at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion. Interment followed in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Richard A. Carter, was born on September 26, 1923 in Clarion, the son of Norval and Kate Carter. Richard joined the Navy at the age of 17 during World War II. Most of his working years he was a model maker, or as he would say, he "whittled for a living". His career led him to move to Minneapolis, Minnesota in the 1950's. He will be remembered for his quit wit, love of nature, and artistic design.

Richard is survived two children, Diana Ellis and husband, David and Mike Carter and wife, Kathy; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Umthun and husband, Joe; and one brother, Ronnie Carter and wife, Ann.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Mary Jane in 1963 and Florence in 1996; an infant daughter, Anita; and 11 siblings.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Benjamin Barkema

May 22, 2008

Benjamin Barkema, 94, of Belmond, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m., at the Immanuel Reformed Church, east of Belmond. Pastor David DeKuiper officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Burial was in the Immanuel Reformed Church Cemetery.

Benjamin was born on April 16, 1914, on the family farm near Belmond, the son of Dick and Minnie Pals Barkema. Ben attended country school. He was united in marriage with Mabel Klinge on February 27, 1946.

Ben loved spending his life on the Barkema family Century Farm. His passion for life was farming. Long after his time inside the tractor, he was still supervising the field work making sure all of the rows were straight north, south, east and west.

He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Reformed Church where he remained an active member.

Ben is survived by his wife, Mabel; children, Nancy Gabrielson and husband, Mick and Cindy Hunter and husband, Pete; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three siblings, Dick Jr. Arnold, Amelia Guth and Esther Dorenkamp; one sister-in-law, Genevieve Barkema; and one brother-in-law, Herman Suntken.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and spouses; Hauko Barkema and wife, Betty: Catherine Barkema; Alice Barkema; Eugene Guth; Lambert Barkema; Tena Suntken and husband, Ben; Martha Gealow and husband, Harvey; Dick Dorenkamp; Mildred Suntken; and one son, Dean Barkema.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Oviedia Michelson

June 5, 2008

Oviedia Michelson, 94, of Kanawha, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2008, at the Kanawha Community Home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 30, at the Kanawha Lutheran Church. Pastor Lee Nelson and Janelle Siffring AiM officiated. Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery, Kanawha.

Oviedia Omvig, was born the daughter of Abel and Mary (Fosen) Omvig. She attended rural school in a farming neighborhood near Kanawha. Oviedia lived her whole life in the Kanawha area.

She was united in marriage with Ernest Michelson on March 15, 1938, at the Kanawha Lutheran Church Parsonage, with the Rev. M. N. Peterson performing the ceremony. The couple made their home and farmed near Kanawha. They were blessed with one child, Lois Jean, who passed away in June of 2000.

Oviedia also worked at the Crist Drug Store and Anderson Department Store for a number of years. Oviedia and Ernie moved into the Kanawha Community Home on August 5, 2003.

She is survived by two grandchildren, Tracy Abbas Lillard and husband, Dave and Dan Abbas and wife, Monica of Kanawha; two sisters, Ceceilia Roskamp of Kanawha and Mabel Peterson of Britt; one great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernie; one daughter, Lois; four brothers, Joe, Oren, John, Arthur; and two sisters, Alice Asche and Synneva Abbas.
© Wright County Monitor 2008