Verla Boone Lundahl

September 11, 2008

Verla Boone Lundahl, 86, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 3, at the Clarion Church of Christ, with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Verla Boone, was born on March 31, 1922 on a farm south of Dows, the daughter of Luke and Alma Boone. The family later moved to Dows where she attended the Dows Public School. On December 27, 1938, she married Merlin Bobst and the couple spent their married life in the Alexander and Rowan areas. Verla liked the outdoors and all sports. She worked at the Clarion Hospital for ten years as an aide.

In 1979, Verla married John Lundahl and they moved to Mason City where she worked 16 years as a sales clerk at Lundberg's. The last eleven years she joined her sisters at Southtown in Clarion where she lived at the time of her death.

She was baptized and became a member of the Clarion Church of Christ on January 16, 1998.

Verla is survived by a daughter, Karen Hotchkiss and husband, Richard of Rowan; a son, Michael Bobst of Indianola; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; two sisters, Bess Ritter and Darlene Balsar, both of Clarion; one brother, Luke Lewellyn Boone of Maryville, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Jerry Peyton; one grandson and one great-grandson; one brother, Charles Boone; and one sister, Bonnie Osborne.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Shirley Olson

September 18, 2008

Shirley Olson, 86, of Fargo, North Dakota, formerly of Fergus Falls, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2008, at the Merit Care Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 15, at the Holmes Lutheran Church. Burial was in the Holmes Lutheran Cemetery.

Shirley Carlson, was born on March 13, 1922 in Kanawha, the daughter of Ole Andrew and Bertha Marie (Ogland) Carlson. On March 18, 1942, she married Orville T. Olson in Clarion. In 1960, they moved to the Otter Tail Lakes areas so that Orville, who had left farming in Clarion, could attend seminary at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls. She worked as a nurses aide to help put him through school. Later, after Orville was ordained and they were living in McIntosh, Minnesota, she returned to Fergus and received her LPN Degree when she was almost 50.

Shirley and Orville also served a church in Hagen, Saskatchewan one summer while Orville was still in seminary. Immediately after graduating from seminary, they set sail for Japan where they were house parents for two years. Five 50-gallon drums and two large crates were filled with their household belongings. She and Orville also served churches in Greenbush and McIntosh, Minnesota and Hatton, North Dakota.

She is survived by her husband, Orville of Fargo, North Dakota; four sons, David of Reston, Virginia, Dennis of Hastings, Minnesota, Joseph of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Jim of Fargo, North Dakota; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Clarice Thompson of Clarion, Eleanor Jacobson of Eagle Grove and Ruby McCormick of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Hilma Thompson, Tilman Carlson, Myra Birkland, Birdsall Carlson, Gordon Carlson and Robert Carlson.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Verla Mae Smith

October 2, 2008

Verla Mae (Hilpipre) Smith, 89, of Clarion, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2008, at the Wright Medical Center, Clarion.

A memorial service was held on Monday, September 22, at the United Church of Christ Congregational, Clarion. Pastor Geoffrey White officiated at the 2:00 p.m. service. Inurnment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Verla Mae Hilpipre, was born on July 3, 1919 in Wright County, the daughter of Paul and Fannie (Loux) Hilpipre. She graduated from the Clarion High School in 1938 and worked as a personal assistant and companion. On March 12, 1941, she married John G. Woodard. They had one daughter, Janeen. John was killed in action on April 14, 1945 in Germany. Verla married Gary Snitselaar on April 22, 1947. They farmed south of Clarion until his death on March 1, 1962.

Verla moved to Clarion and worked at the Fashionette and Tomke's until she married Don Smith on June 21, 1976. Don passed away on March 9, 1991.

Verla was a longtime member of the United Church of Christ Congregational. She enjoyed reading and knitting.

She is survived by one daughter, Janeen (Hans) Sitts; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson; step-son, Ron Kelling and wife, Janean; two step-granddaughters; three step-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Robert Woodard and wife, Margaret of Albert Lea, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Doris Hilpipre of Clarion; along with many nieces and nephews.

Verla was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; one step-son, Jack Smith; and one brother, Marvin.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Clarice A. Houck

September 25, 2008

Clarice A. Houck, age 90, of Dows, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2008, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 16, at the United Methodist Church in Dows, with Erling Shultz officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Dows.

Clarice Adeline Root, the daughter of Herbert and Rose Hagen Root, was born on February 20, 1918, on the family farm near Dows. She grew up in the Dows area where she attended school. Clarice graduated from the Dows High School in 1935 and attended Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls.

She was united in marriage to Faye Houck on November 23, 1937 at Eagle Grove. The couple made their home near Dows where they farmed and raised a family. Clarice was active in the family's cattle operation. She lived on the family farm until March, 2007. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, UMW and was also a member of the Blaine Vernon Social Club.

She is survived by her children, Clarissa Kasa and husband, Byron of Cedar Rapids and Raymond and wife, Marilyn of Dows; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Loraine McDougall of Los Angeles, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Faye; a son-in-law, Ted Hartzell; and a sister and a brother.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Boyd Patterson

September 25, 2008

Boyd Patterson, 90, of Galt, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 18, at the United Methodist Church in Dows. Erling Shultz officiated at the service. Burial was in the Galt Cemetery.

Boyd Levi Patterson, was born on September 18, 1917, at the home of his parents, George and Nanna Ruth Woodley Patterson near Galt. He was raised and educated in the Galt area and graduated from the Galt High School in 1937. While he was still in school he started working at the Ellsworth Stock Farm.

After graduating from high school, he continued to work at the Stock Farm where he met and then was united in marriage to Doris Crawford on February 14, 1941 at the Little Brown Church. To this union three children were born, Gary, Randy and Debby. For a short while they lived south of Dows near the Iowa River before moving to a farm just north of the Stock Farm. In 1947, he became manager of the Stock Farm and lived there until 1954 when they bought a quarter section of land where he still lived at the time of his death.

In 1957, Doris and Boyd's father, George, both lost their lives in a car accident. In 1960, Boyd and Mary Ellen Waters were united in marriage on January 17. To this union four children were born, Terry, Lanie, Lori and Dawn. Boyd continued to farm until 1995. Throughout his farming life he farrowed many hogs, fed cattle and raised laying hens.

Boyd was a Wright County Sail Commissioner for many years. He was a member of the Dows Lions Club for 50+ years and was a 4-H Leader for several years. He was also a member of the Dows United Methodist Church where he held various offices and positions.

Survivors included his wife, Mary Ellen; three sons, Gary Patterson and wife, LeAnne of Dows, Randy Patterson and wife, Joyce of Boone and Terry Patterson and wife, Kathy of Salem, Oregon; four daughters, Debby Roggow and husband, Mark of Garber, Oklahoma, Lanie Haugen and husband, Joe of Dows, Lori Norris and husband, Brian of Dows and Dawn Doran and husband, Will of Miles City, Montana; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Margaret Patterson of Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews.

Boyd was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; one sister, Lucy; four brothers, Clayton, Clive, Glen and George.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Duane Gordon Peterson

September 25, 2008

Duane Gordon Peterson, 86, of Eagle Grove, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2008, at Humboldt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 22, at the Goldfield United Methodist Church, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Duane Gordon Peterson, was born on July 23, 1922 at Holmes, the son of Ralph and Nora (Olson) Peterson. He attended grade schools at rural Goldfield and Holmes and graduated from the Clarion High School. Duane was baptized, confirmed and was always a member of the Goldfield United Methodist Church.

Duane and Dorothy Nickles were married on January 1, 1944, and they lived in Holmes until moving to Eagle Grove and cared for Duane's mother in later years. Duane farmed with his father and later was employed by Smithway Motor Xpress in Fort Dodge.

Duane enjoyed high school wrestling meets and watching sports on television, especially college wrestling. He was also devoted to AA and enjoyed visiting with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of 64 years; a daughter, Doris Wilhelm of Fort Dodge; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Anderson of Garner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Linda Portwine, Dale Peterson and Patricia Peterson and brother-in-law, Bernard; and a son-in-law, Eusilious (Ike) Wilhelm.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Burton "Bus" Bruhl

September 25, 2008

Burton "Bus" Bruhl, 95, of Fort Dodge, formerly of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, September 20, at the Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion. Pastor Gary Snook officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Burton "Bus" Lewis Bruhl, was born on August 19, 1913 in Wright County. He was the youngest of nine children (three died shortly after birth) to Amy Marie Stern and Henry John Bruhl. Burton attended school in the Clarion area, graduating from the Clarion High School in 1931.

On June 30, 1935, Burton was united in marriage with Neva V. Hilpipre. The couple was married at midnight at the orphanage in Fort Dodge. To this union two daughters were born, LeAnn and Alene. The couple had celebrated 71 years of marriage when Neva passed away in 2007.

Burton and Neva enjoyed traveling in their plane and camping. Later on they enjoyed going on bus tours. Burton and Neva lived many years on the farm and moved into Clarion in 1977. In 2005, they moved to the Bickford Cottage in Fort Dodge. Burton enjoyed woodworking and crafting things with his hands.

Burton is survived by two daughters, LeAnn Tonderum of Fort Dodge and Alene and Gary Betts of Jefferson; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Neva; son-in-law, Arlyn Tonderum; and eight brothers and sisters.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Betty Jane Ridenhour

October 2, 2008

Betty Jane Ridenhour, 82, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at the Autumn Meadows Nursing Home in Linn, Missouri.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 23, at the Pilot Knob Baptist Church in Belle, Missouri. Interment was in the Pilot Knob Church Cemetery.

Betty Jane Douglas, was born on October 8, 1925 in Clarion, the daughter of the late Samual and Lillian Douglas, Sr. Betty married Mac Ridenhour on December 2, 1972 in Clarion. Betty and Mac moved to Belle, Missouri in 1980. She was a waitress and restaurant manager.

She was a member of the Pilot Knob Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Mac John H. Ridenhour; one son, Harlan Waddell and wife, Kathy; two grandchildren; one brother, Richard Douglas of Olathe, Kansas; and two great-grandchildren.

Betty was proceeded in death by an infant daughter, Barbara Jean; her parents; and four brothers, Robert, William W., Steve and Samual Douglas Jr.; two sisters, Rosella Douglas and Helen M. Douglas.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Peggy Lee Alspach

October 2, 2008

Peggy Lee Alspach, 60, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 27, at 10:00 a.m., at the Clarion Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Dana Wendel officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Peggy Lee Knapp, was born on February 12, 1948 in Newton, the daughter of Ralph and Beulah Knapp. The family moved to Spencer in 1953, where Peggy was raised and attended school. She married John Alspach on September 24, 1971 and later retired in Clarion.

Peggy was a member of the Clarion Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed fishing, knitting, crocheting, cake decorating, hair cutting and giving perms to friends and family.

Peggy is survived by her husband, John of Clarion; four children, Troy Alspach of Olathe, Kansas, Christopher Knapp and wife, Barb of Ruthven, Aaron Alspach and wife, Terra of Breda and Amanda Morris and husband, Josh of Eagle Grove; ten grandchildren; and her mother, Beulah Knapp of Clarion.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Knapp; and one brother, Larry Knapp.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Betty Lou Knight

October 2, 2008

Betty Lou Knight, 78, of Emmetsburg, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at the Kathleen's Care Incorporated Care Facility.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, October 6, at the United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Joyce Garton-Natte officiating. Private family burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Betty Lou Knight, the daughter of Jay and Maude (Kelling) Knight, was born on May 28, 1930 in Goldfield. She attended the Thrall Country School. She moved to Pocahontas and later to Emmetsburg after her mother passed away.

Betty enjoyed helping her mother in the flower garden. She participated in Special Olympics and was extremely happy when she won a gold medal. She enjoyed working at Horizons part-time. She also attended classes at Emmetsburg College. Her least favorite class was math, but she enjoyed helping in the kitchen at the college. Betty Lou loved her nieces and nephews and kept up with what was happening in their lives.

Betty's hobby was ceramics and she enjoyed giving them away. She also enjoyed playing bingo, watching baseball and the Iowa Hawkeyes and she loved popcorn. Betty always looked forward to going to Spencer to KFC®, trips to the Dairy Queen® and going to the farm for harvest in the fall.

She is survived by her brother, James (Pete) L. Knight and his wife, Mildred of Clarion; sisters-in-law, Frances Knight of Eagle Grove and Fern Schultz of Clarion; and brother-in-law, Eugene Lewis and his wife, Phyllis of Clarion; and many nieces, nephews and her Emmetsburg family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Elizabeth Grandgeorge, Lucile Kvale and Ione Lewis; and three brothers, Richard Knight, Kenneth Knight and Lynn Knight.
© Wright County Monitor 2008

Donald Weiss

October 2, 2008

Donald Weiss, 67, of Johnston, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2008, at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston of liver cancer.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, October 1, at the Harper Cemetery near Redfield.

Donald Weiss, was born and raised in Clarion. He worked retail his whole life, retiring from Hy-Vee in 2004. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, going to casinos, playing cards, and his cats, but most of all he enjoyed being at home watching the Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Brazee on June 20, 1959 in Eagle Grove.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; two daughters, Sally Wacht of Dexter and Sandra Jorgensen and husband, Tony of Earlham; five grandchildren and one great-grandson; two brothers, David Weiss and wife, Carol of Seattle, Washington and Thomas Weiss and wife, Carol of Clarion; one sister, Virginia McBurney and husband, Richard of East Moline, Illinois; and a special cousin, Andrea Winfrey of DeSoto.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Lee Weiss; one daughter, Robin in 2002; and one granddaughter.
© Wright County Monitor 2008