Joseph ³Joe² W. Burgess, 92, a lifelong resident of the Goodell, Iowa area, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, Iowa.

Funeral services were Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002, at the United Methodist Church, Goodell, at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Interment was in the Amsterdam Cemetery, Goodell.

Joseph Burgess was born Jan. 25,1910, in Goodell, the son of Thomas Robinson Burgess and Mabel (Smith) Burgess. He attended and graduated from Goodell High School. Joe was a lifelong farmer on the Burgess homestead north of Goodell, now a Century Farm.

He was united in marriage to Aline Kilgore on March 9, 1934. Following their marriage the couple farmed and raised their children on the farm. He was a man who loved to work the land and spend time in the outdoors. His dedication to the outdoors was shown through his many years serving on the Hancock County Conservation Board. In addition to serving on the conservation board, he served for a time as treasurer of the Goodell Fire Department and was a member of the United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his wife and family, and visiting with friends and strangers. A favorite past time of his was building scale model farm wagons.

After retiring from farming, Joe and Aline made their home in the town of Goodell. They later moved to the Prairie View Housing Community in Garner, Iowa, where they lived for four years before moving to the Oakwood Care Center in May 2002.

Those left to cherish the memory of Joe¹s life include his wife of over 68 years, Aline Burgess, of the Oakwood Assisted Living Residence in Clear Lake; his son, Thomas Clay Burgess, Clear Lake; a daughter, JoAnn Burgess, Clear Lake; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Burgess, Hampton, Iowa; granddaughters Kimberly Burgess Loggins and her husband, Jeff, of Gerogia, and Lynn Marie Burgess Krupp and her husband, Johannes, of Sweden; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dean Burgess; sisters, Helma Proper, Ina Mae Halfpop, and Betty Barkema; and a brother, Richard Burgess.

Tenold Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, was in charge of the arrangements.

William ³Bill² P. Differding

William ³Bill² P. Differding, 48, of Fort Gibson, Okla., formerly of Jesup, Iowa, died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002 in Jesup of cancer.

He was born March 17, 1954, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Claude and Mavis Cordes Risse. After his father died he was adopted by Lynn Differding. He married Lois Simons July 12, 1975 in Waterloo.

Bill was production manager at the Muskogee, Okla. branch of Waterloo Industries. He had worked for Waterloo Industries for 30 years at the time of this death. He was a member of the National Rifle Associaiton.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of Fort Gibson, Okla.; his mother, Mavis, Clear Lake; two sisters, Patricia Differding of Swisher, and Diane

(Don) Lorenzen, of Swisher; two brothers-in-law, Gene (Barbara) Simons of Cedar Falls and Gary Simons, Clear Lake; one sister-in-law, Judee (Bob) Baer of Cedar Falls, Iowa; one aunt, Goldie Thomas of Waterloo; two uncles, Jim Cordes, Mesa, Ariz. And John Cordes of Waterloo; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his two fathers; paternal grandparents, Matt and Lavina Risse, and Letha Differding; and maternal grandparents, Joseph and Florence Cordes.

Services were held Monday, Sept. 2 at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, with burial in St. Athanasius Church Cemetery, both in Jesup.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Margaret Ellen Root

Margaret Ellen Root, 92, of Barrington, Ill., formerly of Mason City and Clear Lake, died Monday, Aug. 26, 2002 at Governor¹s Park Assisted Living, Barrington, Ill.

A funeral Mass was held on Saturday, August 31, at St. Patrick¹s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Monsignor Robert Hogan officiating. Interment followed at Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Margaret was born Feb. 3, 1910 in Clear Lake, the daughter of George and Jesse (Johnson) Sheridan. She graduated from Clear Lake High School and later from Clark College, Dubuque, Iowa. Margaret was united in marriage to Lael T. Root on Nov. 30, 1936 at St. Patrick¹s Catholic Church, Clear Lake. They owned and operated Root Hardware in Wesley, Iowa for many years, until retiring in 1970 and moving to Clear Lake. Margaret was active in the Democratic Party and was a member of St. Patrick¹s Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed bowling and playing bridge.

Margaret is survived by two daughters, Ellen M. Murphy and her husband, Richard, of Manchester, Mo., and Carol V. Clark and her husband, Joel, of Barrington, Ill.; two sons, Thomas L. Root and his wife, Sharon, of Pensacola, Fla. and Ronald J. Root and his wife, Marianne, of Chicago, Ill.; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Harriet Allison, of Mason City, and Neva Bertagnolli, of Las Cruces, N.M.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lael, on Jan. 10, 1988; her parents; a brother, Phillip; and one grandson.

Donald L. Mathews

Donald L. Mathews, 72, of 1500 S. Shore Dr. #50, Clear Lake, Iowa, died Friday Sept. 6, 2002 at his home.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Ed. Bard, Hospice Chaplin, officiating.  Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to the Donald L. Mathews memorial fund.

Donald was born Jan. 26, 1930 in Charles City, Iowa, the son of John and Thelma (Baker) Mathews.  He graduated from Thornton High School in 1948. 

Following high school he farmed with his father and later farmed on his own for about twenty years. He also operated heavy equipment on the building of Interstate 35.  He moved to Clear Lake in 1971.

Donald married Shirley (Aitchison) Meling on March 3, 1978 in Sioux Falls, S.D. and they made their home in Clear Lake.

Donald enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, baking, canning, golfing, dancing and especially spending time with his grandchildren and riding in the golf cart with them.  His family and friends will sadly miss him.

Donald is survived by his wife, Shirley Mathews, Clear Lake; three children, Kirk Mathews and his wife, Liz, Hampton, Iowa, Karmen (Mathews) McPherren, Clear Lake, and Jolene (Mathews) Huinker and her husband, Larry, West Union, Iowa; four step-children, Deb Cohrs and her husband, Doug, Wiota, Iowa, Vickie Meling, Clear Lake, Doug Meling, Mason City, Iowa and Scott Meling and his wife, Terese, Clear Lake; seven grandchildren, John Mathews and his wife, Michelle, Casper, Wyo., Paul Mathews, Denver, Colo., Erin (Mathews) Olson and her husband, Jerod, Greenville, Iowa, Kellie

(Bauer) Hoadley and her husband, Ross, Clear Lake, Matt Bauer, Belmond, Iowa, Amy Huinker, West Union, Iowa and  Brandon Huinker, West Union, Iowa; four step-grandchildren, Teresa Bergan, Mason City, Travis, Tiffany and Tyrelle Campbell, all of Clear Lake; three great-grandchildren, Brittany Vrchoticky, Casey Santee and Alexandra Olson; and two step-great-grandchildren, Jefferson and Joslyn Davis; and his mother-in-law, Rosetta Aitchison, Ventura, Iowa. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Marilyn Rae; and his father-in-law, Merwin Aitchison.

Gary W. Borrill

Gary W. Borrill, 55, 710 N. 9th St., Clear Lake, died Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.  Funeral services will be Thursday, 11 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jan Burnett officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday, from 4 - 8 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.  Inurnment will be held Friday, Sept. 13, 2:30 p.m. in the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Gary W. Borrill Memorial Fund. 

Gary was born Aug. 23, 1947, in Mason City, Iowa,  the son of Ray and Clarice (Bachellor) Borrill.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1966.  Following high school he worked for his grandfather, Raymond Bachellor, and uncle, Paul Bachellor, at Imperial Home Improvement.  He later became the owner of the company.  He also worked at Mason City Country Kitchen where he was a night supervisor. 

Gary was very active with the American Red Cross. He helped many years with the Band Festival and was a member of the Community Response Emergency Team.  He really enjoyed being around his family.  His family and friends will sadly miss him.

Gary is survived by his mother, Clarice Borrill, Clear Lake; sister, Nancy Germundson and her husband, Jeff, Manly, Iowa; brother, Dennis Borrill, Belmond, Iowa; nieces, Jenny Raisch, Mason City, and Jenna Germundson, Charles City, Iowa; nephews, Jesse Germundson, Nora Springs, Iowa and Andrew Germundson, Manly; a great niece, Abbey Raisch, Mason City; and by a special member to the family, Diane Lumm and her husband, Rodney, Topeka, Kas. and their children, Tiffany and Ryan.

His father; brother, Larry Borrill; grandparents; and uncles, Paul Bachellor and Harold Borrill, preceded Gary in death.

Gary was a caring and giving person. He continued that in death through the gift of organ and tissue donation through the Iowa Donor Network.

L. Esther Doolittle

L. Esther Doolittle, 88, Clear Lake, died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2002 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.  Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 14, at the United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N. Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jan Burnett officiating.  Interment was at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson¹s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.

Esther was born July 4, 1914, in Sugar Creek, Poweshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of Emery A. and Eva A. (Hockenberry) Toppin. Following high school, Esther moved to Winnebago, Minn. On Oct. 24, 1932 Esther married Raymond Doolittle.  In 1959 she and her two daughters moved to Clear Lake to be close to her family.  She worked at the Lake Café and in the 1960¹s she purchased the café, operating it until ill health forced her to retire. 

Esther loved cooking, baking, canning, and her family.  She enjoyed her big garden.  Esther was a member of the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, Navy Mother¹s, the Rebekah  Lodge #105, and the Grandmother¹s Club.

Esther is survived by seven children, R. Earl Doolittle and his wife, Shirley, Fairmont, Minn., Kathryn Clark, Yakima, Wash., Mary Helen Hopkins and her husband, Richard, Fresno, Calif., Ruth Cordes and her husband, Bob, Grove City, Minn., Richard Doolittle and his wife, Sharon, Pensacola, Fla., Karen Curry and her husband, Larry, St. James, Minn., and Judy Watson and her husband, Jerry, Clear Lake; two sisters, Ruth Toppin, Clear Lake, and Gertrude Clemons, Thornton, Iowa; one son-in-law, Ken Mortensen and his wife, Kathryn, Ventura, Iowa; 23 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Donna Mortensen; three sisters, Mildred Duncanson, Helen Wright, and an infant sister; four brothers, Harlan Toppin, Paul Toppin, Maurice Toppin and Emery Toppin.

Luceal Delpha Scott

Luceal Delpha Scott, 85, of 908 3rd Ave S., Clear Lake, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2002, at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City.  Funeral Services were held Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jan Burnett officiating.  Interment was at Clear Lake Cemetery. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center, or Critical Care  Unit, Mason City.

Luceal was born on a farm near Clear Lake, Iowa on Aug. 27, 1917, the daughter of Harry and Ada (Crozier) Spilman.  She attended school in Clear Lake and continued her education at Mason City Jr. College.  She taught at a country school until her marriage to Roy Scott on June 19, 1937. 

They farmed south of Clear Lake until their retirement and moved to Clear Lake in 1968.  She was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.  She was a charter member of the Thought and Thimble Club and was also very active in Lakeside Ladies Aid.  She was a member of the Sorosis Club and a 4-H leader for the Daughters of the Land Club. 

Luceal is survived by her husband, Roy Scott, Clear Lake; her four children, Jerry Scott and his wife, Zelda, Clear Lake, Russell Scott and his wife, Joyce, Mason City, Iowa, Sharon Petersburg  and her husband, Ray, Loveland, Colo., and Jan Lansink and her husband, George, Cedar Falls, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren, Terry Scott, Tami Cavett, Jason Scott, Joan Ziemke, Jane Bertram, Jennifer Davila, Jackie Means, Shawn Petersburg, Kimberly Wolniak, Michelle Murray, Allison Bryson, Scott Gilroy and Tim Gilroy; twenty great-grandchildren, along with a niece and nephew, relatives and friends.

Luceal was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Irene Nichols; grandson, Jerry Scott, Jr.; and great-granddaughter, Katie Jane Scott. 

Dennis James Gilbert

Dennis James Gilbert, 47, of 708 N. 3rd St., Clear Lake, Iowa, died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002 at his home.  Memorial services were Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jan Burnett officiating.  Inurnment was in the Concord Cemetery, Garner, Iowa. Family suggests memorials to United Methodist Church, Clear Lake.  Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Dennis was born Jan. 21, 1955 in Bethany, Mo., the son of Dean Alfred and Agnes Irene (Hestness) Gilbert.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1974.  Following high school he attended North Iowa Community College.  He worked in the Clear Lake area as an electrician.

Dennis is survived by his mother, Agnes I. Gilbert, Clear Lake; two sisters, Joanne Stebbins, Longwood, Fla., and Judy Schrader and her husband, Jim, Germany; two brothers, Ronald Gilbert, Clear Lake, and Dr. Michael Gilbert and his wife, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and five nieces and nephews, Todd Stebbins, James Schrader, Jesse Gilbert, Kristin Smith and Dr. Deborah Horzen.  His father preceded him in death. 

Emma Hermana Neuberger

Emma Hermana Neuberger, Klemme, Iowa, died Sept. 13, 2002. Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 16 at the United Methodist Church of Klemme with Pastor Paddy Druhl officiating. Interment was in Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Emma Christians was born March 12, 1913 on her parents farm northeast of Klemme, the daughter of John and Christina (Ennega) Christians. She attended Hancock County rural schools. Emma was united in marriage to William James Neuberger on Feb. 15, 1934, at the Reformed Church Parsonage in Klemme. Following their marriage, the couple farmed and raised their children east of Klemme. In addition to farming with her husband, Emma was a lifelong homemaker and devoted wife and mother. She received great joy in caring for the needs of her husband and children. Emma was dedicated to

providing a nurturing and comfortable home to her family. She took great

pride in teaching her children values, the importance of faith, and the significance of family. Emma enjoyed family gatherings and the holidays and various other occasions and will be remembered by family and friends for remembering the special events in their lives with a card, letter, or gift. Favorite pastimes included playing card games with her family and playing marbles with her grandchildren. She was an excellent cook. She enjoyed canning, clipping recipes, Sunday visits to relatives, and gardening. In earlier years she enjoyed old time music and square dancing.

Those left to cherish the legacy of Emma¹s life include a daughter, Marie (Paul) Jurgens, Latimer, Iowa, and grandchildren James (Jill) Miller, Robert (Pat) Miller, Kristy (Mike) Oswald, Therron (Marsha) Miller, and great-grandchildren Heidi, Josh, Stephanie, Michelle, Bobbie, Daniel, Brian, Clayton, Karter, and Blake, and a great-great-granddaughter, Kyra; a son, Bill (Madonna) Neuberger, Klemme, and grandchildren Barbara (Rusty) Murl, Wayne (Juli) Neuberger, great-grandchildren Matthew (Andie) Murl, Stacey, Ashley, Andrew, Keri, Jacob, and Jessica; a son, David (Judy) Neuberger, Garner, Iowa, and grandchildren David (Kerry) Neuberger II, Julie, Nicole, and Johan Neuberger, Melody (Bruce) Thome, Mike Stout, and great-grandchildren, David ³Dane² III, Derek, Miranda, Brody, and Megan; a daughter, Marna Ruth (Elwyn) Herman, Brownsville, Texas, and grandchildren Carol Joy (Ronny) Hearn, Michael Elwyn Herman, Deborah Marna (Todd) Schippers, and great-grandchildren, Tyler, Colby, Matthew, Rebecca, Trent, and Elaine; a daughter, Marlys (Guy) Luscombe, Des Moines, Iowa, and grandchildren, Brent (Michelle), Lana, and Ryan Luscombe, and great-grandchildren, Whitney, Brandon, Samantha, and Breanna; a daughter, Margaret Parrett, Cedar Falls, Iowa; a daughter, Marilyn Cox, Des Moines, grandson Leith Cox; a daughter, Marcia Mae (Michael) Evans, and grandchildren, Jennifer, Emily, Amanda, and Scott; sisters, Henrietta Tibbits, Ventura, Iowa, Sena (LaVern) Christensen, Clear Lake, and Elsie

(Bill) Wilson, Ventura; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Christians, Garner, and Ione Neuhring, Mason City, and many nieces and nephews.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William in 1997; half-brothers Peter, Harm, Edward, and John Christians; half-sister, Grace Merkel; brothers, Karsjens, Harold, and Duane; sister, Anna Smith; infant brothers, Elton and Adam; great-grandchildren, Holly Miller and Daniel Murl; and son-in-law, Arnold V. Miller.

Mary E. Purcell

Mary E. Purcell, 77, died Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002 at the Concord Care Center.

Her funeral was held Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner with the Rev. Jerry W. Blake officiating. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Cataldo. Pall bearers were Cynthia Kofron, Don Purcell, Jean Purcell, Richard Purcell, Derrick Gagnon and Marcia Squier. Interment was in the Clear Lake cemetery. Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Purcell, the daughter of David Sylvester and Lydia

(Schoonover) Gagnon, was born June 14, 1925 at Clear Lake. She attended school at Clear Lake where she graduated from high school in 1943. She received her R.N. degree at Mercy School of Nursing in Mason City and worked as an R.N. at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Mason City. On Nov. 8, 1950 she was married to Edward Leroy Purcell at Garner. They operated the creamery in Fertile, farmed north of Clear Lake and in 1983 moved to Mason City where they retired. In January of 1992, she moved to Concord Care Center due to health problems. Mary enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking and playing cards.

She was a member of St. Patrick¹s Catholic Church in Clear Lake and the Clear Lake VFW Auxiliary.

Mary is survived by her children, Donald Purcell and his wife, Lois, of Garner and their two children, Pamela Marie Engelking and her husband, Gene, and Patricia Kay Purcell, Cynthia Kofron and her husband, Rick, of Forest City and their two daughters, Mandi and Amy and Jean Purcell of Minneapolis, Minn.; a daughter-in-law, Teri Purcell of Minneapolis, Minn.; a son Michael E. Purcell and his wife, Marti, of Buena Park, Calif. and their two daughters, Dawn and Dena; five great-grandchildren; a brother, David Gagnon and his wife, Loreen, of Clear Lake; a sister, Margaret Squire and her husband, Ron, of Rockford; a sister-in-law, Lynette Gagnon Hild formerly of Parkersburg; and a brother-in-law, Eddy Ingham of Rochester, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Purcell, on Oct. 2, 1999; two sons, Wayne A and Steven R. Purcell; her parents; a brother, Francis Gagnon; and a sister, Lucy Ingham.

Ruth Perry

Ruth Perry, 62, of Phoenix, Az., formerly Ventura, Iowa, died Sept. 10, 2002 in Phoenix.  Memorial services will be Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

Arthur G. Bless

Arthur G. Bless, 66, of 802 N. 8th St. Unit #12, Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

No services will be held. According to Art¹s wishes, his body will be cremated.  Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of the arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to the Arthur G. Bless memorial fund C/O 802 N. 8th Street, Unit #12, Clear Lake, IA 50428.

Art was born Feb. 22, 1936 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Evelyn (Slagle) Bless. He attended schools in Ventura.

Art was in the United States Coast Guard. While on the coast, he met and married Joanne Dennison in Vermont on Aug. 25, 1970. Later on, they moved back to Iowa where Art worked for Dean Snyder Construction Co. and then for SMX Freight Lines, from which he retired.

After his retirement, Art found the time to read books, which he loved. He also fished, and fed the squirrels and birds outside his home.

Art will be missed by his wife, Joanne, of Clear Lake; three sons and their families, AJ and Debbie Bless and daughter, Tatum, of Scottsdale, Az.; Chris Bless, Clear Lake, and Ricky and Kathy Bless and sons, Blake and Tyler, of Candia, New Hampshire.

He was preceeded in death by his parents.

Arlene F. Humberg

Arlene F. Humberg, 79, of 203 N. 15th St., Clear Lake, died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002 at her home in Clear Lake.  Funeral service were Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess of Zion Lutheran Church, officiating.  Interment was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Thornton, Iowa. Family suggests memorials to the Arlene F. Humberg memorial fund.

Arlene was born July 1, 1923 in Meservey, Iowa, the daughter of John and Verna (Riekens) Dirks.  She attended school in Swaledale and Thornton. 

Arlene married Carl Humberg on Nov. 30, 1946 in Rockwell, Iowa.  They lived in Thornton until 1961 when they moved to Clear Lake.  While living in Thornton she worked for fourteen years as a seamstress for Mode-O-Day Corp. in Mason City.

Arlene enjoyed many fishing trips to Leach Lake, watching the birds feeding at her bird feeders in the back yard, bus trips to casinos, Nascar races (she was a big Jeff Gordon fan) and  especially visits from her grandchildren.  She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.

Arlene is survived by her two children, Shirley Davis and her husband, Richard, Thornton, Iowa and Robert Humberg and his wife, Linda, Clear Lake, Iowa; four grandchildren, Scott Mitchell, Boone, Iowa, Sandra Westerman, Thornton, Iowa, Laure Schott, Forest City, Iowa and Todd Humberg and his wife, Heather, Clear Lake; five great-grandchildren, Jessica Schott, Steven Westerman, ShyAnne Westerman, Dylan Humberg and Dalton Humberg; a sister-in-law, Rosella DeVries, Greene, Iowa. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; son, James; her parents; and one brother, Lester Dirks. 

updated 10/17/2008

by Jay Lehmann

trekster64@wecareia.us

Elizabeth S. Crabb, 86, of Franklin, N.J., died Thursday, Aug.8, 2002, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Aug. 17, at the First Presbyterian Church, Franklin, N.J. Inurnment will be at the Deckertown Union Cemetery, Sussex, N.J. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Franklin Historical Society, PO Box 332, Franklin, NJ 07416.

Elizabeth (Bes) was born July 22, 1916, in Rockville Centre, N.Y., the daughter of Nelson Phillips Shelley and Eleanor (Roberts) Shelley.  She graduated from Sussex High School, Sussex, N.J. in 1933, and from Douglass College, New Brunswick, N.J. in 1937 with a B.A. degree in Economics.  Bes married Arthur James Crabb on Oct. 14, 1939 in Sussex, N.J.   She began her teaching career at Sussex High School and continued at Franklin Elementary School where she taught Social Studies and French to fifth and sixth graders for 37 years, retiring in 1979. While teaching, she continued her education, obtaining her Masters degree at Montclair State College, Montclair, N.J. 

She was an avid genealogist and local historian, helping others research their families.  Bes enjoyed extensive traveling with her husband, Jim. 

Elizabeth served on the Sussex County Bicentennial Committee and was a member of the Sussex County Mental Health Board. She was an Elder and served on the Board of Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church, Franklin, N.J., where she was a member for many years. She was a Past Regent of Chinkchewunska Chapter NSDAR, several state DAR committees and assisted in the formation of the Rev. Elias Van Bunschooten Society C.A.R. She belonged to the Jean Calvin Chapter Huguenot Society of Port Charlotte, Fla., the Sussex County Historical Society, and the Minisink Historical Society.  She was past president of the Sussex County Retired Teachers Assoc. and a lifetime member of the NJEA and NEA. Bes was a Past Matron of Northern Chapter #23 O.E.S. and served as District Deputy in 1954.  She enjoyed winters in Port Charlotte, Fla., participating in many activities and organizations.  In March 2002, Bes moved to the Clear Lake area, living at The Willows in Mason City.

Elizabeth is survived by three children, Nelson P. Crabb and his wife, Darlene, Clear Lake, Jane S. Angle and her husband, John, Clear Lake, and Phillip R. Crabb and his wife, Sarah, Franklin, N.J.; six grandchildren, Christina B. Martin and her husband, Christopher, Marion, Iowa; Andrew M. Crabb, Clear Lake, Katrina J. Thedos and her husband, Shawn, Highland Park, Ill., Pauline E. Crabb, Joseph J. Crabb, and Carl P. Crabb, all of Franklin, N.J.; four step-grandchildren, John P. Angle and his wife, Dorene, Boone, Iowa, Allan Angle and his wife, Julie, Clear Lake, Cam Kline, Aurora, Colo., and Lynette Angle-Smith and her husband, Lee, Naperville, Ill.; and one great-grandchild, Andrew J. Martin, Marion, Iowa.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Arthur James Crabb.

Ronald J. Amosson

Ronald J. Amosson, 60, or West Des Moines, Iowa, died Aug. 8, 2002, at St. Mary¹s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 12 at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Iowa. Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. McLaren¹s Funeral Chapel, West Des Moines, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to Mayo Clinic Congenital Heart Research.

Ron was born in Mason City, Iowa, to Agnes and Glen Amosson. He had lived in West Des Moines for the last 32 years. He had retired in January 2002 from his employment with the State of Iowa as director of local budgets in the Department of Management. Ron was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, was chairman to the Board of Appeals, and served on various church boards. He was an avid Hawkeye fan and he loved to fish and travel.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sue Amosson, West Des Moines; one son, Aaron, of New Haven, Conn.; two brothers, Roger Amosson of Clear Lake, and Bob Amosson of Rockwell; and his mother, Agnes Amosson, Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glen Amosson.

Titus Barnabas Baxter

Titus Barnabas Baxter, infant son of the Rev. Terry and Debby Baxter, 2395 290th St., Garner, Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002 of severe genetic complications caused by Trisomy 13, at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City.  He was born Aug. 18, 2002 in Mason City and then life flighted to the University of Iowa Hospital shortly after birth. 

A funeral service was held Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Evangelical Free Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. David Wiersbe officiating.  Interment followed at the Ellington Township Cemetery, rural Garner, with the Rev. Terry Baxter and the Rev. Dwight Schmidt officiating.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapels was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Titus Baxter Memorial Fund in care of the Terry and Debby Baxter Family.

Titus is survived by his parents, the Rev. Terry and Debby (Schmidt) Baxter, rural Garner; eight brothers and sisters, Jonathan, Daniel, Bethany, Naomi, Timothy, Hannah, Melody and Rebekah, rural Garner; grandparents, the Rev. Dwight and June Schmidt, Garner, and Richard and Joyce Baxter, Cambridge, Minn.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

George O. Legge, 90, of Belmond, Iowa, formerly of the Garner and Clarion, Iowa areas, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 25, 2002 at his home in Belmond. Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Belmond United Methodist church. The Rev. Mike Druhl officiated. Private family interment will be later at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

George Oliver Legge was born May 5, 1912 on his parents¹ farm in Wright County, southwest of Clarion. He was the son of William Abner and Mary Margaret (Spencer) Legge. He attended Clarion area rural schools. George was united in marriage to Edna Mae Mason on Dec. 23, 1933 by the Rev. N.A. Wenterstein of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Clarion.

George was a farmer. His love of farming and working the land continued throughout his entire life. George was actively engaged in farming full-time until his retirement in 1972, however, his devotion and ambition of farming contined in his retirement years as he contined to assist his grandson, Mike Legge, with various farming duties including driving tractor up to age 87. He was always a farmer at heart. He and his wife lived on their farm in Liberty Township, rural Garner, from 1941-1991 when they moved to Belmond.

In his earlier years, George served as chairman of the District #5 Liberty Township Garner, Iowa School. He served as chairman and played an integral role in the development of the Klemme, Iowa Senior Citizens. He was a member of Farm Bureau and the Belmond United Methodist Church. He enjoyed ice skating. George loved playing pool and many knew him for his great pool playing skills. He was an avid card player and in recent years since moving to Belmond he looked forward to daily cribbage games with his grandson and on various other occasions with his family and friends. He and Edna traveled extensively throughout the United States and had been to Hawaii following their retirement from full-time farming in 1972. They enjoyed company and looked forward to Sunday afternoons visiting with family and friends. George loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren. In later years, George lived to share stories and family history. A favorite past time was handcrafting wooden keepsake boxes, jewelry boxes, gun cabinets, and various other items for his family and friends. He was an excellent wood worker.

George will be remembered by many for being a gentleman who had a big heart and cared about others.

Those left to cherish the memory of his life include his daughter, Pat, and her husband, Andy Oswald, Fertile, Iowa; grandchildren, Annette Oswald and her friend, Rollie O¹Donnell, and her son, Mason Oswald, all of Joice, Iowa, Randy Oswald and his wife, Patti, and their children, Josi and Cody Askvig, all of Hanlontown, Iowa, Terry Legge and his wife, Sue, and their children, David, Katie, Cris, and Charlie Legge, of Grimes, Iowa, Mike Legge and his wife, Monica, and their children, Marc, Tom, and Jimmy Legge, all of Garner, Robert Legge and his wife, Ruth, and their children, Jennifer, Andrew, and Sarah, all of Garner, and Lisa Legge and her husband,Craig Lassig, Minneapolis, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Leona and her husband, Tom Severe,Webster City, Iowa, Donna and her husband, Francis Ainger, Belmond, Lila and her husband, Richard Amundson, Clarion, Evelyn Wooten, Des Moines, Iowa, Anna Mae Mason, Amboy, Minn.; brothers-in-law Albert Claude, Clarion, and Bill Beenen, Belmond, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edna, in July 1994; son, James; great-grandson, Mathew Legge; and seven brothers and sisters.

Tenold Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.

Patrick ³Pat² N. Linahon

Patrick ³Pat² N. Linahon, 68, 5851 South Shore Dr., Clear Lake, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Derik Yarian officiating.  Interment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Military Honors will be by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be given to the Patrick N. Linahon Memorial Fund.

Pat was born Feb. 27, 1934, in Clear Lake,  the son of Fred and Grace

(Hamstreet) Linahon.  After the death of his mother, Pat was loved and raised by his stepmother, Harriet Linahon.  Pat attended Clear Lake Schools, graduating from Clear Lake High School in 1952.  He then attended Hamilton Business College.  Pat entered the Navy in August 1952 and served until March, 1955.  Pat married Joan Hieronymus on Dec. 5, 1955 in Hampton, Iowa. 

He worked in Clear Lake as an accountant and realtor .  His hobbies included golf and bowling.  His family was very special to him.  He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.

Pat is survived by one daughter, Linda Ernster and her husband, Michael, Clear Lake; one son, Michael Linahon and his wife, Lisa, Algona, Iowa; five grandchildren, Emily and Grace Ernster, and Jennifer, Lauren and Katie Linahon; and one brother, Robert Linahon and his wife, Darlene, Clear Lake.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joan, Sept. 24, 2001; and a brother, Dale Linahon.

George Henry Fountas

George Henry Fountas, 72, of 720 N. 11th St., Clear Lake, Iowa, died Tuesday Dec. 3, 2002 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.  Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 6, at St. Patrick¹s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, Iowa with Msgr. Robert Hogan officiating.  Interment was in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.  Military honors were by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.  Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.

George was born Oct. 11, 1930, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of John George and Cynthia (Schick) Fountas.  He graduated from Mason City High School in 1948.  He served in the United States Navy.

George married Barbara Paulsen on July 7, 1950 in Albert Lea, Minn.  He worked for Interstate Power for 42 years and nine months, retiring Aug. 21, 1992. At the time of his retirement he was area manager at Clear Lake, a post he took in 1985.  George started out in Mason City on a line crew and later became foreman.  A move to Clear Lake with the same job position came in 1967. Then he served as area manager at Nora Springs for two years before being transferred back to the Clear Lake area office as area manager.  

George enjoyed gardening, fishing, baking fruitcakes and bowling.  He was a member of St. Patrick¹s Catholic Church and  Mason City Veterans of Foreign Wars. He  served on the  Comprehensive Systems Board, Ave. of Saints Planning Committee, Clear Lake Economic Development Board  and several other boards.

George is survived by his eight children, Mary Fountas, Point Arena, Calif., John Fountas and his wife, Julie, Parachute, Colo.,  James Fountas and his wife, Jeanne, Adel, Iowa, Julia Pendegrass and her husband, Paul, Oronoco, Minn., Ann Polson and her husband, Keith, Bloomington, Ill., Paul Fountas and his wife, Vicki, Adel, Iowa, Theresa Seecoomar and her husband, Milton, Prairieville, La. and Philip Fountas, Mason City, Iowa; 23 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Stella Rodemeyer, Pharr, Texas, Florence Larsen and her husband, Bob, Clear Lake, and Lamona Hennigar and her husband, Jim, Ft. Madison, Iowa; and three brothers, Jim Fountas and his wife, Joyce, Mason City, Stanley Fountas and his wife, Kelli, Mason City, and Tom Fountas and his wife, Bev, Sturtevant, Wis.; sisters-in-law. Darlene Fountas, Newton, Iowa, Pauline Garcia, Clear Lake, Patsy Barnes, Sheffield, Iowa and Shirley Carroll, Mason City, and brother-in-law Don Paulsen and his wife, Helen, Mason City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Anthony; his wife, Barbara; and one brother, Nick . 

John T. Gossard

John T. Gossard, 51, of 1605 West 6th Avenue North, Clear Lake, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002 at his home after a brief battle with cancer.

His funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002 at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Pastor Judy Brutz and Chaplin Edward Bard officiating.  Interment followed at Clear Lake Cemetery.   Memorials may be directed to John Gossard Memorial Fund or to Opportunity Village.

John was born March 13, 1951 in Ames, Iowa, the son of Thomas L. and E. Pauline ³Polly² (Arney) Gossard.  He graduated from Ames High School in 1969.  While in school, he won many track medals, including third place at the Drake Relays in 1969.  John continued to participate in track at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls.  He graduated with a Liberal Arts Degree and a Human Services Certificate.  In 1973, he began an internship at Handicap Village in Clear Lake.  John was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mullen on June 8, 1974 in Waterloo, Iowa.  He held several positions at Opportunity Village over the years including Special Projects Director, Special Services Director, Transportation Coordinator, Service Training Director, Resident Admission Coordinator, Mandt Instructor and Medication Aide and Direct Care Staff.   John also served on several committees including, Intake, Quality Council Team Member and Total Quality Management Facilitator.  He was a team leader for the Communication Action Team and Continuous Quality Improvement Team.  In August 1999, he proudly received the Tom Thornblade Award.  John believed in being ³an integral part of the Village¹s total quality journey to improve services to individuals with disabilities.²  John also worked for several years at Direction Research in Mason City.  He enjoyed golf, fishing, taking care of his lawn, and burning his own CD¹s of all types of music.

John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Clear Lake; his daughter, Jennifer Gossard, a student at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls; a sister, Margaret Story and husband, Jon, of West Lafayette, Ind.; his father-in-law, Robert Mullen, of Waterloo; a brother-in-law, James Mullen and wife, Anna, of Cadiz, Ky.; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Kerr and husband, John, of Cedar Rapids and Mary ³Maggie² Majors and husband, James, of Houston, Texas; an aunt, Mary Arney of Onawa, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an uncle, Max Arney; an aunt, Patricia Arney; and his mother-in-law, Georgia Mullen.

Dale E. Hyde

Dale E. Hyde, 70, Fertile, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2002 at his home. 

Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Church of Christ, Fertile, with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer and Pastor Dennis Ganz officiating.  

Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Military Honors were presented by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Memorials may be given to the Dale E. Hyde Memorial Fund.

Dale E. Hyde, son of Lynn and Vera (Wescott) Hyde was born on Oct. 25, 1932 on a farm north of Clear Lake.  He was baptized in the Congregational Church in Clear Lake.  He attended country school and graduated from Ventura High School in 1951.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years

as a medic.  Dale was married to Sheilah Lynch in Vancouver, Canada in

1955.  They returned to Iowa in 1956 following his discharge from the Navy. They lived near Fertile, where Dale began farming.  Dale enjoyed the outdoors, particularly taking pleasure in raising livestock and hunting.  He developed an interest in buffalo and began raising them in 1976, which brought many guests to the farm with whom he enjoyed visiting.  Dale also raised Belgian horses. His family has treasured memories about some of the sleigh and wagon rides they took together.  He also enjoyed watching sports, meeting friends for coffee, and playing cards with his family and friends.

Survivors include his six children, Delia Hyde of Laguna Beach, Calif., Donna Reed and her husband, Doug, of Niceville, Fla., Pat Hyde of Fertile, June Lackore and her husband, Kevin, of Forest City, Iowa, Jeff Hyde of Alcova, Wyo., and Jamie Hyde of Forest City; seven grandchildren, Tiffany, Jennifer, and Stephanie Gisel, of Pensacola, Fla., Vanessa Valadez of Laguna Beach, Calif., Anthony and Ashley Lackore of Forest City; and Damien Hyde of Forest City; a sister, Wilma Knop and her husband, Ron, of Ventura, and several nieces and nephews.

Dale is preceded in death by a son, Michael; a daughter, Debra; three brothers, Earl Hyde, Walter Bill Hyde and Larry Hyde; a sister Linda Marshall; and his parents.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Dickie (Dick) Lynn Thada

Dickie (Dick) Lynn Thada, 61, Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002 at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.  A private graveside service was held at the Pleasantview Cemetery, Thornton, Iowa.  According to his wishes, his body has been cremated.

Dick was born Feb. 15, 1941, in Thornton, the son of Merlyn J. and Helen

(Harmon) Thada.  He attended Thornton Schools.  Dick worked for a construction company building  grain elevators.  He was involved in a car accident at the age of seventeen, which left him handicapped.  Since the accident he has lived at Kathleen¹s Care Center, Emmettsburg, Iowa, and just recently moved to Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Dick is survived by his father, Merlyn Thada, Mason City; one sister, Barbara Card, St. Louis Park, Minn.; and two nephews, Cameron Card and Kyle Card, St. Louis Park; and aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. 

Dick was preceded in death by his mother in 1998.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Douglas Charles Doss, 52, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002 at St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. after a brief illness with cancer.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 19 at Louie E. Jones Funeral home in Alpharetta, Ga.

Doug was born in Red Oak, Iowa on Oct. 10, 1949 to Charles E. and Delpha Arline (Hudson) Doss. He attended Mason City and Clear Lake schools. He graduated from Clear lake High School in 1968 and attended NIACC and the University of Iowa.

After working in the life insurance and real estate business in Mason City, he became involved in the right of way business with Price Surveying and Northern Natural Gas. This took him to Tracey, Minn. and then to Atlanta in 1984 where he worked for AT&T. Shortly thereafter he started AMS Resources, Inc., a corporate real estate company that provided right away and management services to the telecommunications industry. He then formed PSAP Data Resources, a company providing services to the 911 community.

Doug taught his daughters and believed that the best gift you could give someone is the gift of true friendship and unconditional love. He gave generously of both.

Doug was a kind and loving member of his family and will be greatly missed by his wife, Cindy, and her family of Alpharetta; daughters Kelly (Pascal) Gouteix, of Atlanta, and Jennifer (David) Loudermilk of Canton, Ga.; his parents, Dale and Arline Marsh of Clear Lake; his sister, Cheryl (Dick) Hayes and their children Cory (Elaine) Hayes, Chad (Brook) Hayes, Kimberly (Charlie) McKenna, all of Clear Lake; and the mother of his children, Christine Riekena Doss, of Dahlonega, Ga. Other family members include John (Caryll) Marsh of Clear Lake and his children; and Janice (Dean) Scheffert and their children of Indianola, Iowa.

Doug was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Charles "Gene" Doss; and his sister, Pamela Jean.
Memorials may be given in his honor to the Clear Lake Christian Church or by doing something anonymously for someone as Doug was so fond of doing.

 E. Lucile "Lucy" Ransom

E. Lucile "Lucy" Ransom, Ventura, Iowa, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at the North Iowa Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.  The funeral service was held Monday, Feb 11, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating.  Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Mason City.  Memorials may be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Lucy was born April 19, 1921 in Greencastle, Mo., the daughter of Benjamin V. and Oval C. (Scobee) Harriott.  She received schooling in Mason City.  Lucy married Donald E. Ransom in Fort Des Moines, Iowa, on March 26, 1939.  Lucy was a dental assistant for Dr. Tom Joslyn for 14 years.  She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, sang in the church choir for 38 years, was a member of Rebecca's Circle and did missionary quilting at the church. She enjoyed Blue Grass "pickers" music and was a member of Kinfolks which entertains at nursing homes and festivals.
Lucy is survived by her husband Don Ransom, Ventura; one daughter, Donita Sue Wood and her husband, Donald Keith, Pinetop, Az.; two grandsons, Mark Wood and his wife, Christy, Mesa, Az. and Jeffrey Wood, Lakeside, Az.; three great-grandsons, Mark Kelly, Andrew Quinn and Aaron Christopher Wood; three sisters, Gwen Schaer, Mason City, Karen Vaage, Mason City, and Linda Zimmerman, Mason City; two brothers, Keith Harriott, Lakeland, Fla., and Ora Clarence Stossivich, Mason City.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Maxine,  Loraine and Lois; and two brothers, Robert and Forest.

Mary Pedelty Kelley

Mary Pedelty Kelley, 91 of  Clear Lake, Iowa, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.  Funeral Mass was held Saturday, Feb. 9, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Msgr. Robert Hogan officiating.  Inurnment will be at a later time in Elmwood Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.  Family suggests memorials to St. Patrick's Catholic Church or Hospice of North Iowa.
Mary Electa Ryan was born Sept. 2, 1910 in Dougherty, Iowa the daughter of Thomas and Bridgett (McGee) Ryan.  She graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Dougherty in 1929.
Mary married Donald (Buck) Pedelty in 1932 and he preceded her in death in 1969.  In 1985 she  married Cletus Kelley.
Mary's greatest interest in life was the Virgin Mary, the church, her family and friends.  She will  always be known for her Irish wit and gentle manner.  She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake.
Mary is survived by her son, Holmes Pedelty, and his wife, Jane, Edina, Minn. and daughter-in-law, Jo Pedelty, Clear Lake; nine grandchildren, Lori Pedelty and her husband, Mark Ormond, Kevin Pedelty and his wife, Joan, Mark Pedelty and his wife, Karen Miksch, Adam Pedelty and Tanya, H J Pedelty, Kathryn Lloyd and her husband, Dan, Michael Pedelty and his wife, Kris, Donald Pedelty and his wife, Rebecca, and Victor Pedelty; and seventeen great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; two brothers, Emmett  and Justin Ryan; and two sons, J and Tom Pedelty. 

Note:  FYI  Survived by ­ one son's name was J     not J.  ( no period)

 Gladys Copas

Gladys Copas, 96, of Britt, passed away Friday, February 8, 2002, at Westview Care Center in Britt.
Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 11, at the United Methodist Church in Britt, Iowa with Pastor Robert Dodge. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. Ewing Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Gladys Marjorie (Benson) Copas, the daughter of Emma A. (Fox) and Fred D. Benson, was born March 1, 1905, on a farm northwest of Wesley, Iowa. When Gladys was a young girl, the Benson family moved to a farm south of Britt where she became her father's "hired man" doing all the outside work. Gladys attended Britt schools, graduating from Britt High School in 1923. Following high school, Gladys received her Normal Training Certificate and taught in country school for a short time.
In 1925, Mr. Benson purchased a home and the family moved from the farm into Britt. Gladys married Joseph (Joe) Copas in 1925 and they worked on the roads in many different states. To this union two sons were born, Clifton and Billie Lee.
Following her mother's passing, Gladys and her family lived with her father so Gladys could care for him. She held many jobs, wrapped meats at the old "meat market" in Britt, worked at the hemp plant during the war, worked for Dr. Denny, worked at the "Panatorium" and then worked at Westview Care Center for 17 years. Gladys would walk to work most of the time and you could see her going to work no matter what the weather rain or snow. One particular cold stormy day she donned her father's old bib overalls, scarf, mufflers and mittens and walked to work so she would not miss work. After she retired Gladys was employed by Sylvia Schutzer for a number of years until Sylvia's death. She then worked for Margaret Formanek for many years until Gladys had the misfortune of breaking a hip, which put her in need of caring for "herself" after many years of always helping others.
Gladys was a lifetime member of the Rebekah Lodge, a member of the Odd Fellows organization and the VFW for many years.
Gladys is survived by one son, Billie Lee Copas and his wife, LaVonne, of Salina, Ks., a daughter-in-law, Virginia Copas, (Clifton's widow) of Clear Lake; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; two sisters, Mrs. Howard Davis of Sheffield and Evelyn Whitehurst of Clear Lake; her husband "Joe"; her son, Clifton; and one grandson, Thomas.

Dale H. Ahrendt

Dale H. Ahrendt, age 73, of 311 19th Street W., Clear Lake, died after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002, at Galilean Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Peter Narum officiating. Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery.
Dale was born June 8, 1928 in Hardwick, Minn. to Albert and Elizabeth (Guhl) Ahrendt.  He served the Lord Jesus Christ in his everyday living.  He believed that wisdom is the art of accepting the things you cannot change and the courage to change the things you can.  He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
He helped craft a marriage that lasted for over 50 years with Ardee M. Holling, which started on Sept. 16, 1951 in Hardwick, Minn.  Together they lived and worked in many communities raising four boys.  He was a master carpenter most of his life, and said he was happiest while making sawdust.
He served on the school board in Hardwick and the city council in Luverne.  He was a fraternal insurance councilor for AAL.  Dale was in charge of Western Fireplaces a division of AR Wood Mfg. in Luverne, Minn.
He lived in Clear Lake since 1979 and served on the church council at Galilean.  He was a member of Muskies Inc., Heartland Chapter, Lions Club in Minnesota, and the Hardwick Fire Dept. He loved to fish with his best friend, Stan Harrison.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ardee, of Clear Lake; sons and spouses, Mike and Cindy of Montgomery, Ala., Greg and Teresa of Sartell, Minn., Tim and Jody of Hopkins, Minn., Tom and Amy of Foster City, Calif.; brothers Virgil Ahrendt and Lowell Ahrendt of Luverne; nine grandchildren,  Dean and Trish Ahrendt, Scott and Carol Ahrendt, David, Rachael, Laura, Elizabeth, Angela, Spencer, and Sydney Ahrendt; five great-grandchildren, Ashley, Adam, Anna, Ryan and Alex Ahrendt.
His parents and two infant daughters, Teresa and Marcey, preceded him in death.
Memorials preferred to North Iowa Hospice and Opportunity Village.
Dale and Ardee have many wonderful friendships throughout the Clear Lake community and all are valued and cherished beyond words.  The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love and support. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Timothy James Tjaden

Timothy James Tjaden, 27, of 626 18th St. W., Clear Lake, died Friday, Feb. 15, 2002 at the Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minn.  Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 18, 2002 at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Kermit Roisen officiating.  Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Family suggests memorials to Timothy James Tjaden memorial fund.
Tim was born in Mason City, Iowa the son of James and Linda (Schneider) Tjaden.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1992 and Wartburg College in 1996 with a B.A. degree in History.  He was on the varsity tennis team at Wartburg and following college he helped coach tennis in the Clear Lake School.
Tim worked for Meints Construction and then for Dean Monson Construction in Clear Lake.  He was always willing to help his friends work on their homes.  He was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast.
Tim and his fiancée, Nancy Hansen, were busy making plans for an October wedding.
Tim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.
Tim is survived by his parents, James and Linda Tjaden, Clear Lake; a brother, Jeff Tjaden, Clear Lake; his fiancée, Nancy Hansen, Mason City, Iowa; maternal grandparents Louis and Betty Lou Schneider Sr., Mason City; four aunts and uncles, William and Caryl Tjaden, Denver, Iowa, Wendell and Elaine Matthias, Denver, Iowa, Louis and Kathy Schneider, Spooner, Wis. and Ken and Sharon Schneider, Mason City, and numerous cousins. 
His paternal grandparents, Bernard and Amy Tjaden, preceded him in death.  Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Harlan Clare Toppin

Harlan Clare Toppin 93, Mesa, Az., formerly of Clear Lake, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002, at Valley Lutheran Medical Center, Mesa.  Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 15, at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Fred Lewis officiating. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Harlan was born March 28, 1908, the son of Emery and Eva (Haughinberry) Toppin in rural Montezuma, Iowa.  Harlan moved at an early age to southern Minnesota, Winnebago area. Harlan married Doris A. Scott, Feb. 4, 1928, at Winnebago, Minn. and farmed that area until 1934, moving to Clear Lake to a farm north of Clear Lake where he farmed until 1962.  Harlan then started an insurance and real estate business in 1962 and was in the business until 1977, but continued in hail crop insurance until 1991. They moved into Clear Lake in 1965.  They started enjoying their winters in Mesa.  On June 29, 1996 Harlan was united in marriage to Edith Morell. 

Harlan was a member of the United Methodist Church Clear Lake, he was a United Methodist Church trustee, member of Clear Lake Noon Lions, president of the Farm Bureau in 1959 and 1960, was on the Cerro Gordo Farmers's Co-op board, and Cooperative Hog Marketing Association Board.
Harlan is survived by his wife, Edith, of Mesa; four children, Wayne Toppin and his wife, Ardith, of Ventura, Iowa, Elvin Toppin and his wife, Joyce, of Clear Lake, James Toppin and his wife, Beverly, of Apache Junction, Az. and Verla Stapleton and her husband, Michael, of San Antonio, Texas; three sisters, Ruth Toppin and Esther Doolittle, both of Clear Lake, and Gertrude Clemons of Thornton, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife in 1995; a daughter-in-law, Donna Jean Toppin, in 1978; three brothers and two sisters. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Lon T. Ca

Mrs. Lon T. Ca, 64, of 614 W. 10th Ave N., Clear Lake, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2002, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.  Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 15, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. 

Lon was born in Vietnam, June 22, 1937, the daughter of Hay Van Ca and Fa Thi Ca.  Lon married Hom Lo, July 7, 1954 in Vietnam. In 1980, Hom and Lon moved from Vietnam to Lamoni, Iowa, and in 1982 moved to Clear Lake. Lon was a good homemaker and enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, exercise and shopping.

Lon is survived by her husband, Hom Lo; six children, Bay Luong, Tony Lo, William Lo, Sivilay Lo, and Connie Lo, all of Clear Lake, and Nolan Lo, Downingtown, Penn.; one brother, Cheum Van Ca; two sisters, Binh Thi Ca, and Chung Thi Ca,  all of Vietnam; eight grandchildren, Chan Lo, Joy Mortensen, Mark Luong, Nicholas Lo, Marcos Lo, Shane Lo, Brandon Lo, and Nathan Lo; and two great-grandchildren, Evan Mortensen, and Peyton Lo.

Lon was preceded in death by her mother and father.

Ellen M. Walker 

Ellen M. Walker, 45, of 2669 East Sheridan, Des Moines, Iowa died Feb. 11, 2002 of breast cancer. Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 15 at Evangelical Covenant Church in Des Moines. Burial was at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be made to Evangelical Covenant Church or the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Ellen was born Nov. 6, 1956 in Mason City, the daughter of George and Pearl (Klemensen) Simkins. She lived in the Clear Lake and Mason City area before moving to Des Moines.

She was united in marriage to Gerald "Jerry" Walker on Nov. 5, 1994, in Des Moines.Ellen was a lab technician at Des Moines General Hospital until her retirement in 1998.She was a member of Evangelical Covenant Church. She enjoyed flower gardening, her family, her church, and traveling.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald "Jerry" Walker of Des Moines; a son, Mike Ingersoll, of Lubock, Texas; a daughter, Sarah Ingersoll, of Des Moines; a step-daughter, Debora Todey of Newton, Iowa; two step-sons Steve Walker and Scott Walker, both of Des Moines; her grandmother, Leona Klemensen of Mason City; her parents, George and Pearl Simkins of Clear Lake; and three sisters, Sue Loucks of Des Moines, Karen Huntley of Grimes, Iowa and Tami Hersom of Huxley, Iowa; and two grandchildren.

Edith Louise Folkmann

Edith Louise Folkmann, 95, formerly of Clear Lake, died on Feb. 19, 2002 at Bethany Manor in Story City, Iowa.  Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Kermit Roisen and Chaplin Sandy Arenson of Bethany Manor officiating.  Burial was in Clear Lake Cemetery,
Louise was born March 22, 1906, Woodstock, Ill., the daughter of Pastor Jay Felts Eaker and Etta Louvena Cornelius Eaker.  Her early childhood years were spent in Alaska, Utah, Illinois and Iowa.  She was a graduate of Plymouth High School in Plymouth, Iowa, class of 1924. She received a teaching certificate at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls and taught at the Field School, Owen Grove School #3 and the public school in Conroy, Iowa.  She then attended Taylor University and the University of Iowa, graduating in 1932.  She married August E. Folkmann in June 1932 and the couple moved to Clear Lake, Iowa in 1934.

She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church where she served 40 years as a choir director and organist, along with participating in several women's groups and Bible studies.
Her community activities included Library Reading Club, Music Mothers, Women's Club and the American Guild of Organists.  She taught private piano lessons for many years in Clear Lake. She did graduate work at Drake University and taught music and English at the public schools in Kensett, Thornton and Ventura, Iowa.

Louise personally enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, music, baking and entertaining her many friends and neighbors.  She was always a supportive partner in her husband's dairy business and gun shop.

She was preceded in death by her husband. August "Gus" Folkmann; one sister, Susan; and two brothers, Gordon and Robert. 

 She is survived by two sons, Robert August and his wife, Barbara, Ames, Iowa, and Gordon Dean and his wife, Bonnie, Dallas, Texas; two daughters, Barbara Louise and her husband, Kermit Finstad, Gettysburg, Penn., and Kathryn Sue and her husband, Robert Jones, Charles City, Iowa; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Missionary Fellowship, P.O. Box 293, Brownsdale, Minn., 55918 or Lutheran World Relief.

Ruby Watson

Ruby Watson, longtime resident of rural northwest Missouri, died Feb. 13, 2002 at Parkdale Care Center in Maryville, Mo. Services were held Saturday, Feb. 16 in Maryville.

Ruby was born Jan. 2, 1902 near Clearmont, Mo. She was able to enjoy a 100th birthday party on Dec. 30, 2001 with family members and many friends and neighbors.

Among her survivors are her daughter, Shirley Gerhardt and her husband, Nick, of Algona, Iowa, and her family, Ron Gerhardt and wife, Paula, of Clear Lake, Steve Gerhardt and wife, Janese, of Omaha, Neb., Chris Gerhardt and wife, Anita, of Algona, Julia Richter and her husband, Chris, of Gladstone, Mo., and Bill Gerhardt and his wife, Amy, of Ankeny, Iowa.