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Obituaries on this page:
Lillian L. Schlei
Lillian L. Schlei,
81, of Garner, Iowa died Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at the Muse Norris Hospice
Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
Her funeral was held Saturday, May 29, at the Immanuel Reform United Church of
Christ in Klemme, Iowa with the Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Music was
provided by organist, Lynette Nuehring who accompanied soloist, Warren Torkelson
and congregational hymns. Ushers were Dixie Treinen and Beth Roths. Honorary
bearers were Tracy Marshall, Anna Skogerboe, Amy Skogerboe and Taylor Farris.
Pall bearers were Craig Meints, Cody Farris, Frank Marshall, Dave Boeset, Bill
Grange and Bob Hanson. Burial was in Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Cataldo
Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of arrangements.
Lillian Louise Schlei, the daughter of Axel and Katherine (Petersen) Juhl, was
born July 17, 1922 on a farm near Thornton, Iowa. She was raised on several
farms in the Thornton, Ventura and Clear Lake area and graduated from Ventura
High School in 1940. On April 28, 1943 she was united in marriage to Dale Schlei
at the Lutheran parsonage in Clear Lake. They lived and farmed southwest of
Klemme all of their married life. Lillian spent much of her time with her
husband, showing their Belgian horses. She had lived at Prairie View Apartments
in Garner for the past 18 years. She enjoyed playing cards, puzzle books and
spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was her
grandchildren.
She was a member of Immanuel Reform United Church of Christ in Klemme.
Lillian is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Farris and husband, Dan, of Garner;
grandchildren, Tracy Marshall and husband, Frank, of Klemme, Craig Meints and
wife, Linda, of Klemme and Cody Farris of Garner; great-granddaughter, Taylor
Farris; great grandbaby, Marshall, due in September, 2004; step-granddaughters,
Anna and Amy Skogerboe of Klemme; sister, Alice Thompson, of University City,
Wash.; sisters-in-law, Irene Juhl of Harrison, Ark., Ruth Juhl of Mason City and
Ruth Juhl of Clear Lake; brother-in-law, Elwood Pilz of Clear Lake; and many
nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, in 1975; her parents; sisters,
Elnora, Laura and Elsie "Julie"; brothers, Albert, Elmer, Leonard and Arthur;
and three infant siblings.
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William G.
(Bill) Mahone
William G. (Bill) Mahone,
78, of Clear Lake, a well-known North Iowa musician, died Friday, May 28, 2004
at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. At his request, his body was
cremated. A memorial service was held Tuesday, June 1, at Major Erickson Funeral
Home, Mason City. Inurnment was in Osage Cemetery, Osage, Iowa. Memorial
contributions may be made to the William G. Mahone memorial fund.
Bill's parents, E. Katherine (Delaney) and Leslie Mahone welcomed him to life on
Nov. 1, 1925 in Ames, Iowa, where he began his life as a musician at a young age
with piano and clarinet lessons. One of his proud moments was being asked, as a
fourth grader, to play the opening clarinet gliss of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in
Blue" with the Iowa State University Band. He started playing occasionally with
a local band at the age of 13 and from then on played with many groups until
July, 2003 when he retired.
His music studies continued through Iowa State University, the University of
Iowa, and DePaul University, after which he decided not to pursue a career in
music, but to be a professional musician as an avocation. He moved to North Iowa
in 1950 as a band instrument salesman for Carleton Stewart Music Company, and
eventually became the piano and organ salesman for the company. He started
tuning pianos in 1965, continuing until 1993. Many fans recall Bill as a member
of the Hob Mason Quartet playing at the Red Llama, The Chart House, and the
Sheraton, and also as a member of the North Iowa Jazz Ensemble, Mason City Big
Band, Raiders of the Lost Art, and Spats and Flappers. Hearing the song "Just a
Closer Walk" evolves a memory of Bill's long hold of a high note without
breathing.
One of the high points of his
musical career was the year he spent with Freddie Powers and the Power House
five in Reno, Nev. Although the clarinet and saxophone were Bill's primary
instruments, he also played organ for many local parties and clubs in the 60's
and 70's.
Bill did have interests other than music. Serving as a pilot in the U.S. Air
Force provided a strong desire to continue flying, so he appreciated the
opportunities to fly charters and for his pleasure. The annual spring Canadian
fishing trip with his brother and pheasant hunting on opening day were always
anticipated pleasures.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Katherine Karstens, and her three daughters,
Amanda, Lynn, and Sara, of Broomfield, Colo.; his brother and sister-in-law,
Lloyd and Marion Mahone, of Westport, Conn.; nephews and their families; and his
special friend, Marie Ahrens.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1985 and his mother in 1990.
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Opal Balmat
Duesenberg
Opal Balmat Duesenberg,
96, of Clear Lake, died Monday, May 31, 2004 at Hospice of North Iowa, Mason
City, Iowa. A private graveside service will be held at the Elmwood-St. Joseph
Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa or
Opportunity Village.
Opal was born March 9, 1908 in Mason City, the daughter of O.T. and Millie
(Noah) Balmat. The family moved to Clear Lake in 1923. She attended Clear Lake
High School and was a member of the basketball team. She graduated in 1926. She
graduated from Hamilton Business College six months later.
Opal married Edgar M. Duesenberg from Garner, Iowa, on Dec. 31, 1927 in Clear
Lake. After 10 years of living in different places, they moved back to Clear
Lake in 1937, where she has since resided. She and her husband were charter
members of the Clear Lake Christian Church, where she was treasurer for many
years. They were co-owners and founders of the highway construction firm of E,M.
Duesenberg, Inc. in 1935.
Opal was on the Girl Scout Council and involved in many civic, school and social
activities. She was interested in both indoor and outdoor sports, both as
participant and spectator.
Opal was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Wayne; one
grandson, Kirk Duesenberg and son-in-law, Holmes Pedelty. She is survived by two
sons; Arlen and his wife, Maxigene, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Richard and
his wife, Eunice, of Clear Lake, a daughter, Jane Pedelty, of Edina, Minn.; 13
grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
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Harold E. Shurson
Harold E. Shurson,
77, 808 1st Ave S., Clear Lake, died Thursday, June 3, 2004 at his home. A
funeral service was held Monday, June 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake,
with Lay Assistant Richard Scott officiating. Memorials may be given to Hospice
of North Iowa or Opportunity Village.
Harold was born Feb. 7, 1927 in New Richland, Minn., the son of Ben and Agnes (Loken)
Shurson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in New
Richland. Harold had eight brothers and sisters. He and his dad hauled livestock
for Shurson Bros. Trucking while his two older brothers were in the service. He
worked for a creamery in Hillsboro, N.D. from 1947 1949 and then returned to
work for Shurson Trucking. In 1957 he started driving for Freeborn Co. Coop,
hauling Midland Products and was transferred to Clear Lake, in 1963. He began
working with FS Service Coop in 1969 and retired from employment in 1988.
Harold married Shirley Keane on Sept. 30, 1950 in Waseca, Minn., and to this
union five children were born. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear
Lake.
Harold enjoyed woodworking, coin collecting, playing cards and spending time
with his family.
Harold is survived by his wife, Shirley Shurson, Clear Lake; three daughters,
Janice Anderson and her husband, Quentin, and their children Bridget and Megan,
Joice, Iowa; Julie Angle and her husband, Allan, of Clear Lake, and their
children, Ben Casebolt and Andrea Schmidt and her husband, Scott, Clear Lake,
and Jacki Lee and her husband, Jay, Mason City; one son, Joe Shurson and his
wife, Irene, and their children Ashton and Taylor, Craig and Julie, Iowa City,
Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Nathan and Emily Schmidt; one brother, George
Shurson and his wife, Phyllis, New Richland, Minn., three sisters, Marjorie
Christenson and her husband, Leo, New Richland, Virginia Peterson and her
husband, Vince, New Richland, and Joan McQuire, Eden Prairie, Minn.; two
sisters-in-law, Lorayne Shurson of New Richland and Pat Shurson of West Salem,
Wis. and many nieces and nephews.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Jeanne (13 years
old); three brothers, Merle, Charles and Virgil Shurson; and one sister,
Beatrice Largent.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
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Kathryn Marie
Harding
Kathryn Marie Harding,
88, Clear Lake, died Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Muse-Norris Hospice of North
Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. A funeral service was held Monday, June 7, at St.
Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake. Msgr. Robert Hogan officiated. Interment
was held at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to
the Kathryn Harding Memorial Fund.
Kathryn was born Dec. 22, 1915 in Rockwell, Iowa, the daughter of David and
Loretta (Lisle) McCauley. She graduated from Mason City High School. Kathryn
married Merlin Factor in 1934, and to this union was born Marilyn Kay. In 1943
Kathryn moved to Chicago where she worked at Montgomery Wards and O'Hare
International Airport while she attended Business College. After graduating she
became employed at Fairfield Savings and Loan in Chicago, Ill. She retired in
1979 as vice president of accounting. She then moved to Clear Lake to be closer
to her loving family.
Kathryn was an avid reader, loved playing cards, enjoyed being with her family
and friends and "being on the go." She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic
Church.
Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Sadler and her husband, Loren,
Clear Lake; a grandson, Scott Sadler, Clear Lake; one sister, Devita Buffinton,
Fairfield, Calif., and many nieces and nephews.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Lyle, Bill and
Francis McCauley; two sisters, Mildred Warin and Mae Merriss, and a special
friend, John Lindberg.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel,
101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake
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Patricia Burl (Neal) Bledsoe
Patricia Burl (Neal) Bledsoe,
74, of 523 10th Ave. North, Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003 at the Muse
Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa. A memorial graveside service
will be held Saturday, June 12, 2004, 11 a.m., at the Clear Lake Cemetery. The
Rev. Ed Bard will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that
memorials be made to the Hospice of North Iowa Center.
Patricia was born Jan. 31, 1929, in Clear Lake. She was the daughter of Henry
Earnest and Alvena Leone (Pedersen) Neal. She attended Kindergarten through
tenth grade at Clear Lake, and graduated from Mansfield High School, Mansfield,
Mo.
Patricia married John Junior Bledsoe, of Hartville, Mo., on Dec. 28, 1946 in
Mountain Home, Ark. She and John had five children; Roger A. Bledsoe and wife,
Nancy, of Coon Rapids, Minn., Donna S. Prescott and husband, Marvin, of Lake
Mills, Iowa, John David Bledsoe and wife, Barbara, of Galesburg, Ill., Linda M.
Dickersbach and husband, Steven, of Malvern, Iowa, and Steven D. Bledsoe and
wife, Kathy, of Clear Lake. She had ten grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sisters, Marjorie Nyhus,
Margarett Beard, and Elizabeth DeMeritt.
She is survived by her sister, Janet (Melvin) Schroeder of Seymour, Mo.
She had many interests and hobbies. Patricia and John loved to garden and grew
many varieties of flowers and produce. She enjoyed the butterflies, squirrels,
hummingbirds, wrens, cardinals and the occasional turkey that took advantage of
their gardens and feeders.
She worked at the Clear Lake Bakery for 12 years and was a waitress at several
local restaurants. Her award-winning pies, other baked goods, and candies were
much sought after at farmers markets.
She was an avid reader and skilled Scrabble player. She loved to camp and fish
with family and friends, and to play with her grandchildren. She remains greatly
loved and dearly missed.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
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Henry A.
Steenblock, Jr.
Henry A. Steenblock, Jr.,
age 91, died June 4, 2004 at the Collinwood Eldercare Center in Defordville,
Wis. Funeral services was held Monday, June 7, at the United Church of Christ
congregational in Belmond, Iowa. Interment was in Belmond Cemetery.
Henry was born Aug. 3, 1912, on a farm in the Ventura are, the son of Henry A.
Steenblock Sr. and Ada (Woodfull) Steenblock. He attended country school through
the eighth grade and left to work on the family farm. He worked with his father,
tiling farms in the Belmond and Klemme, Iowa area. He later worked as a
finishing carpenter for Ted Zook in Belmond and was also in partnership with his
brother, Murland, in a mink ranch.
He was united in marriage to Blanche S. Sharp on Nov. 19, 1939. The couple had
one son, David, born Sept. 17, 1942.
He was unable to enlist in the service during World War II due to visual
impairment, however, he did spend a period of time working on government highway
projects, such as the Alaskan Highway.
Henry and his wife, Blanche, were avid golfers. He also enjoyed fishing,
gardening and later in life he became interested in making jewelry from rocks
and gemstones he received from all over the world. he passed many hours playing
cards with Louie and Frances Mennenga and Louis Larson.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Blanche, in November, 1986; a
half-sister, Lavene, and his brother.
He is survived by his son, David, and daughter-in-law, Marsha, and
granddaughters Erin and Sarah, all of Janesville, Wis.
Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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Virginia Mae
Petersen
Virginia Mae Petersen,
94, of Clear Lake, died Tuesday, June 8, 2004. A funeral service was held
Saturday, June 12, at United Presbyterian Church, Traer, Iowa, by the Rev. Rick
Vesely. Burial was in Buckingham Cemetery, Traer.
Virginia Mae Petersen was born on April 21, 1910 at Berryville, Ark., the only
daughter of Matthew and Clara (Fay) Richmond. She later moved to Traer where she
attended the Traer Public School through the 11th grade. On Jan. 16, 1929, she
was united in marriage to Peter Iner Petersen of Reinbeck at Waterloo, Iowa.
They made their home first in rural Reinbeck before moving to Traer in 1934,
where he operated the Traer Produce Company. Following Iner's death on Dec. 16,
1979, Virginia continued to make her home in Traer for a time before moving to
Reinbeck. In later years she made her home in Clear Lake and was a resident of
the Oakwood Care Center.
She is survived by five children, Donald Petersen of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Dolores
"Dolly" Larsen and husband, Nels, of Clear Lake, Robert Petersen and wife, Lois,
of Chaska, Minn., Lois Hahn of Clear Lake and James Petersen and his wife, Mary,
of Reinbeck, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; four
great-great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Ella Staker of Reinbeck.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Iner; daughter-in-law, Juanita
Petersen; son-in-law, Carlin Hahn and four brothers, Andrew, Robert, Marvin and
Walter Richmond.
Besides being a loving mother, her children and grandchildren will remember her
for her sweet spirit, a person who rarely said a harsh word about others. She
was a great cook and many loved ones enjoyed the food she prepared. Though she
never took piano lessons, she liked playing the piano when her brothers, Marvin
and Robert (Bus) would stop by for a visit and sing, usually "How Great Thou
Art." Always attentive to others, she would tell jokes about her shortcomings
with a smile and laughter. She will be missed by all.
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Julie
Colleen Finn Cummings
Julie Colleen Finn Cummings,
52, died Monday, June 7, 2004, at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City,
Iowa. Funeral services were held Friday, June 11, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial
Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. David Beckman officiating. Interment was at
St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Belmond, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Julie
Cummings Memorial Fund.
Julie was born August 23, 1951 in Red Oak, Iowa, the daughter of Don and Helen (Crabb)
Finn. They moved to Clear Lake, where Julie graduated from High School in 1969.
She was married to Matt Ward of Mason City from 1981-1984. They resided in Clear
Lake. She was married to Steve Cummings of Garner, Iowa 1988-1998. They moved
from Clear Lake to Washington, Iowa in 1988, at which time Julie went back to
school to get her psychology and sociology degree. She graduated from the
University of Iowa in 1991 with a double major. She was employed as a counselor
with ASAC after moving to Hiawatha, Iowa from 1993-1999. Julie had a smile for
everyone she came in contact with and her greatest joy was bragging about her
granddaughter, Shyann Beach
Julie is survived by two children, a daughter, Sue Beach and her husband, Sean,
of Waterloo, Iowa; a son, Sean Cummings, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a
granddaughter, Shyann Beach of Waterloo.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
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Leon W. Kruskop
Leon W. Kruskop,
age 80, of Sac City, Iowa, formerly of Lytton, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June
6, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, following a lengthy
illness.
Funeral services for Leon were held Wednesday, June 9, at Emanuel-St. John
Lutheran Church in Lytton. Pastor Wayne Pfannkuch officiated. Interment was at
the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lytton, under the direction of the
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
Friends who wish to send condolences on-line may do so via the Farber & Otteman
Funeral Home website: www.farberotteman.com.
Leon was born March 3, 1924, on the family farm in Sac County, the son of
William A. and Adela (Wolff) Kruskop. He was baptized April 2, 1924, and
confirmed April 10, 1938, at Emanuel St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton and
graduated from Lytton High School in 1942. Leon entered the U.S. Army and served
during WWII from 1942-1945.
On Nov. 12, 1950, Leon was united in marriage to Doris P. Wilson at the
Methodist Church in Rockwell City, Iowa. He farmed for many years and worked as
manager of Lytton Farm Equipment. He also worked at the Lytton Creamery and was
bus driver for the Lytton School District for many years.
Leon loved to golf and enjoyed working at the Fonda Golf Course after he
retired. He liked to read, enjoyed watching sports on television, and was a big
fan of the Cubs. He was recently honored for 30 years helping others with
sobriety and mentoring for Alcoholics Anonymous.
Survivors include his children: Kenneth Jackson of Julian, Calif., William
Kruskop and his wife, Marie, of New Hope, Minn., Kurt Kruskop of Tulsa, Okla.,
Sharon Tarr and her husband, Keith, of Clear Lake, and Susan Knight of Boulder,
Colo.; his three grandchildren: Travis Tarr and fiance, Jennifer Awe, Anna
Kruskop, and Jane Kruskop; his brother, LeRoy Kruskop of Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
extended family members and friends.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris, on Aug. 14, 1983; a
sister, Darlene Gale; sister-in-law, Bette Kruskop; and son-in-law, Gordon
Knight.
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Maren K. Smith
Maren K. Smith,
27, died Friday, June 11, 2004 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213
N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, with the Rev. James M. Magelssen
officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given
to the Maren K. Smith Memorial Fund.
Maren was born Aug. 26, 1976 in Galesburg, Ill., the daughter of Douglas and
Kathryn L. (Hanson) Smith. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1995.
Maren worked for APEC and Ron Weber & Associates for five years. She received
her degree from NIACC in 2003 and was currently employed by Principal Financial.
In August of 2003 Maren was diagnosed with cancer. Her two children, DeArzae and
Autry, inspired her, giving Maren the strength and courage to battle her cancer.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Maren is survived by her two children, DeArzae Smith and Autry Allen of Mason
City; mother, Kathryn L. Shaffer and husband, Larry, of Ventura; father, Douglas
Smith and wife, Mary, of Madison, Wis.; brother, Joshua C. Smith of Minneapolis,
Minn.; grandmothers, Lorene A. Hanson of Mason City, Margie Smith of Santa Rosa,
Calif.; step-brother, J D. Shaffer of Minneapolis, Minn.; step-sister, Jennifer
Fasnacht and husband, Stephen, of Monticello; many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Maren's sister, Kristin L. Smith; uncle, Philip Hanson; grandfathers, the Rev.
Lavern R. Hanson, Loren Smith and uncle, Dean Smith, precede her in death.
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Kay Rae
Fitzsimmons
Kay Rae Fitzsimmons,
56, 308 N. 3rd St., Clear Lake, died Sunday, June 13, 2004 at the Mercy Medical
Center of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. A funeral service will be held Thursday,
June 17, 1:30 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear
Lake, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m.
preceding the service. Interment will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Kay R. Fitzsimmons Memorial Fund.
Kay, the daughter of Allen and Mayme (Penor) Pinkerton was born Aug. 13, 1946 in
Bison, S.D. She graduated from Centennial High School, Blaine, Minn., June 1,
1965. In her younger years she rode with the Minnesota Chapter of the Hell's
Angels. She married Lennie Fitzsimmons and they lived in Minneapolis. Minn. She
later lived with her mother in the city. In 1989 they moved to Clear Lake with
her son. She has worked at local real estate agencies in Clear Lake as a
secretary; and the last two years at McDonald's in Clear Lake, where she gained
many friends.
Kay was involved in the Reenactment and Rendezvous. She was a good cook, and
enjoyed ethnic cooking. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, romance novels,
Pepsi Cola, and riding her motorcycle.
According to Kay and her family's wishes, she is a donor to the Iowa Donor
Network, donating her organs and bone marrow.
Kay is survived by her son, Collis Fitzsimmons, and his wife, Sarah, Clear Lake;
grandson, Joaquin Fitzsimmons, Clear Lake; one brother, Tom Pinkerton, and his
wife, Renee, Columbia Hts, Minn. and several nieces and nephews.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents.
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Donald M. Ostlund
Donald M. Ostlund,
80, of 144 23rd Street SW, Mason City, Iowa, formerly of Manly, Iowa, died
Monday, June 14, 2004, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City
with his family by his side. Mr. Ostlund died after a four-year courageous
battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life service was held for him Thursday, June 17, at the Bride
Colonial Chapel, Manly, with Richard L. Scott, son-in-law, and the lay assistant
at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, officiating. Burial was at the Manly
Cemetery with full military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #733 of
Mason City.
The family of Donald M. Ostlund has requested that memorial contributions be
made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of North Iowa in his memory.
Donald Marvin Ostlund was born April 13, 1924, in Minneapolis, Minn., son of
Gertrude Ostlund. He was raised by family relatives in Minneapolis and Verndale,
Minn. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II in 1943 and
participated in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He received the American
Theater Service Medal, European African Middle Theater Service Medal, Expert
Rifleman badge, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946. In
1947 Donald started working as a railroad telegrapher at Lohrville, Iowa. There
he met Frances Lorraine, who had served in the U.S. W.A.V.E.S. during WWII.
Donald and Frances were married on April 20, 1948, at Rockwell City, Iowa. They
lived in Lohrville and had a daughter, Gaye. For a time they lived in Mason
City, Iowa, where their son, John, was born. In 1952, they moved to Manly where
their youngest daughter, Meda, was born. The Ostlunds resided in Manly for 41
years. He worked for the railroad and retired in 1984. They moved to Mason City
in 1993. For the past few years Donald drove bus for the Mason City Transit
System, a job he truly enjoyed, until health problems forced him to quit in May
of this year.
Don was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a friend to all who knew him. He
loved playing cards, riding his motorcycle, fishing, playing Monopoly and other
games, telling jokes, watching westerns on TV, and taking vacation trips with
his daughter, Meda. He was proud of his children and their professions. He was a
kind-hearted and gentle man who loved all the family dogs, especially his little
poodle, Buster Brown.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frances; daughter, Gaye (Richard) Scott
of Clear Lake, Iowa; son, John (Charlene) of Bellevue, Iowa, and daughter, Meda
Ostlund of Mason City, and many cousins.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Gertrude Nelson.
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Leroy C. Hollatz
Leroy C. Hollatz,
85, of Garner, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at the Muse Norris Hospice
Inpatient Unit, Mason City.
His funeral was held Friday, June 18, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner with
the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Music was provided by organist, Beverly
Cataldo who accompanied soloist, Doug Hayes, and congregational hymns. Ushers
were Alvin "Pete" Hansen and Earl Jaspersen. Honorary bearers were the Garner
Lions Club. Pall bearers were Dean Hollatz, Tom Boehnke, Robert Boehnke, Philip
Boehnke, Mark Boehnke, Dale Plath and David Pueggel. Burial was in St. John
Lutheran Cemetery, east of Garner. Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner, was in charge
of arrangements.
LeRoy Carl Hollatz, the son of Carl Fredrick and Emma Elizabeth (Jante) Hollatz,
was born Aug. 20, 1918 on a farm near Garner. He was baptized and confirmed at
St. John Lutheran Church, east of Garner. He attended St. John Parochial School.
On June 9, 1940 he married Agnes Pueggel at St. John Lutheran Church. They
farmed northeast of Garner. On March 13, 1964 Agnes passed away. On Feb. 5, 1966
he married Ann Severson at St. John Lutheran Church. In 1970 they moved into
Clear Lake. Ann passed away in 1988. In 1997 he moved to Prairie View Apartments
in Garner. Besides farming, LeRoy was a hail adjuster and insurance agent. He
enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, farming and golfing.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he had served as a deacon,
Sunday school superintendent, chairman of the congregation, trustee, was on the
building committee and was instrumental in setting up the perpetual care fund
for St. John Cemetery. He was a member of the Garner Lions Club, was a Hospice
Volunteer and was president of the Garner Shipping Association in the 1960's.
He is survived by his two sons, Gary (Sharon) Hollatz of Garner and Stephen
(Sophia) Hollatz of Naperville, Ill.; five grandchildren, Jon, Brian and Emily
Hollatz and her fiancé, Adam Boge, and Timothy and Allison Hollatz; a step-son,
Vern (Pat) Severson of Clear Lake; a step-daughter, Sandra (Roger) Aceto of Des
Moines, Iowa; a sister, Laura Boehnke of Ventura; two sisters-in-law, Ann
Radloff and Dorothy Hollatz, both of Garner; a brother-in-law, Arnold (Marlys)
Pueggel of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his wives, Agnes and Ann; his parents; sisters,
Verna Rankin and Lillian Boehnke; and brothers-in-law, Earl Boehnke, Norman
Rankin and Arthur Boehnke.
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David M. Duclos
David M. Duclos,
46, of Clear Lake, died Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at the Muse-Norris Hospice
Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa. A memorial service was held Friday, June 25,
at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Edward Bard
officiating. Memorials may be made in memory of David M. Duclos.
David was born on Sept. 25, 1957, the son of Lewis and Maxine (Ringgenberg)
Duclos. He attended Ventura Schools. David married Darlene Riis on Feb. 25,
1983. David lived in the Clear Lake/Ventura area all his life and was an avid
fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his
grandson, Jorden.
David is survived by his wife, Darlene, of Clear Lake; daughter, Sara and
grandson, Jorden, of Clear Lake; daughter, Rachel, Clear Lake; mother, Maxine
Duclos, Clear Lake; sisters, Debbie Sawtelle, Rockford, Ill., Diane Duclos,
Clear Lake, Doreen Pasieka, Clear Lake; and several nieces, nephews, aunts,
uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis and his maternal and paternal
grandparents.
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Charles
Brian "Chuck" Galkin
Charles Brian "Chuck" Galkin,
38, of 1420 S. Hampshire, Mason City, died Sunday, June 20, 2004 at Mercy
Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 25, at First United Methodist Church,
Mason City, with the Rev. Michael O. Stewart, officiating. Burial will be in
Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the Charles B. Galkin memorial fund.
Charles Brian Galkin was born Feb. 7, 1966 at Iowa City, Iowa, the son of
Charles Fredrick and Charlotte Marie (O'Banion) Galkin. He was united in
marriage to Carrie Ann Monahan, Aug. 22, 1998 at Clear Lake.
Chuck attended Mason City schools and was a 1984 graduate of Mason City High
School. He was looking forward to attending his 20-year class reunion this
August.
Beginning at the age of 13, Chuck cooked at various area restaurants. He worked
at Tonka Coolers, Mason City for several years. He later returned to school and
became an engineer for the IC & E Railroad.
Chuck's life was centered on his family, especially his children. He enjoyed
riding his motorcycle, fishing, stock car races, hunting and all sports -
especially the Minnesota Vikings and Iowa Hawkeyes. Chuck's final act was to
give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation
He is survived by his wife, Carrie (Monahan) Galkin, Mason City; four children,
Jessica Christine Vega Galkin, Raymore, Mo., Jennifer Lynn Galkin, Mason City,
Bailee Ann Galkin, Mason City, Brandon Charles Galkin, Mason City; his parents,
Charles F. and Charlotte M. Galkin, Mason City; two sisters, Dawn Busick, Mason
City; Brenda Reich and her husband, Steve, Quasqueton; aunts and uncle, Beverly
Tritch and her husband, Mearle Tritch, Joice; Marie Watermiller, Garner, Iowa,
Sherri Galkin Rossiter, Lake Mills; father and mother in-law, Troy, Sr. and
Sandee Monahan, Clear Lake; brothers and sisters in-law, Tonya Ristau and her
husband, Troy, Chaska, Minn., Troy Monahan Jr. and his wife, Amy, Mason City,
Greg Monahan, Clear Lake; many nieces and nephews; a great-niece and
great-nephew and a host of very good friends.
His grandparents, Fred and Inga Galkin and Charles O'Banion and Marlene O'Banion
Wallace, preceded him in death.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.
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Mena A. Reams
Mena A. Reams,
93, of 405 27th Ave. S, Clear Lake, formerly of Rudd, Iowa, died Tuesday, June
22, 2004 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services were Friday, June 25, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural
Osage, Iowa with the Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Interment was in
Evergreen Cemetery, Rudd. Family suggests memorials to Rock Creek Lutheran
Church or Hospice of North Iowa.
Mena was born June 12, 1911 in Meroa, Iowa rural Mitchell County, the daughter
of John and Clara Olava (Winnor) Staff. She graduated from Osage High School.
She worked for many years at Fox River Mills while also taking care of her
parents. Mena married Henry "Hank" Reams, April 6, 1969 at the Rock Creek
Lutheran Church. They lived in Rudd. She moved to Clear Lake in 2003.
She was well known for kindness and compassion for other people. Mena enjoyed
gardening, raising flowers, canning, cooking and most of all, her daily
excursions with Willie P.
She was a member of Rock Creek Lutheran Church and the ladies' circle.
Mena is survived by her brother, Jean Staff and his wife, Millie, Grafton, Iowa;
sisters-in-law, Hildegard Staff, Osage, and Bethel Durby, Lake Mills, Iowa;
step-son, Terry Reams and his wife, Jackie, Osage; five grandchildren, Terry
Reams Jr., Jason Reams, Joseph Reams, Melissa Mayer and Tanya Kirschbaum; nine
great-grandchildren; special friend, Wilma LaCoste, Rudd, and several nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death by her
parents; husband, Hank; three brothers, Olaf, Hans and Lloyd Staff;
step-daughter, Mary Coburn and step-son, Jim Reams.
Sheckler Colonial Chapel, Nora Springs, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.
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LaVonne L. Wass
LaVonne L. Wass,
of the Denver Sunset Home in Denver, Iowa, and formerly of Clear Lake, died on
Sunday, June 27, 2004, of natural causes.
Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, 1 p.m. on
Wednesday, June 30. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.
Visitation will be held for two hours before the service at Zion Lutheran Church
in Clear Lake on Wednesday. Memorials may be directed to the family.
LaVonne was born on April 20, 1925, in Britt, Iowa, the daughter of Harry H. and
Elsie (Butts) Weiland. LaVonne attended the Clear Lake School System and
graduated from the Clear Lake High School in 1942. Following her schooling, she
went to work as a secretary for the Mason City Tent and Awning. On Sept. 28,
1947, she was united in marriage to Donald R. Wass at the United Methodist
Church in Clear Lake. The couple made their home in Mason City, Iowa. In 1960,
the couple moved to Clear Lake, and on June 3, 1965, Don died. LaVonne continued
to make her home in Clear Lake, and began working full time as a secretary for
the Clear Lake Community School System. LaVonne later worked as a secretary for
the City of Clear Lake, and also for the Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. She
retired in February of 1989, and in 1992, LaVonne moved to Denver, Iowa.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, where she was also a
member of a church circle. She was also a member of the WA-TAN-YE group.
LaVonne is survived by her three children and their spouses, Roger C. and Sumrit
Wass, Goldsboro, N.C., Gerald A. and Deb Wass, Denver, Iowa, and Julie L. and
Paul Roberts of rural Iowa City, Iowa; five grandchildren, Julienne (Aaron)
Yager of Misawa, Japan, Allyson (David) Ovitt of Buxton, N.C., Jared Wass, Ames,
Iowa, Ian (Jessica) Wass, Denver, Iowa, and Jamin Wass, Denver, Iowa; two
great-grandchildren, Michael Ovitt and Jahlen Yager; and one sister, Blanche,
and her husband, Kenneth Lincicum, Clear Lake, and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; and two brothers,
Norman and Cletus Weiland.
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