|
Obituaries on this page:
Paul Austin
Laura M. Grell
Patricia "Pat"
A. McGowan
Leroy F. "Slim"
Smith
Mary
Louise (Gragert) Christensen
Marian I. Morisky
Darren S. Dickerson
Thomas E. Lehmann
Brenda Faye Buck
Tilman Sears
Marian Irene
Morisky
Allan Vincent Wind
Raymond "Ray" Houdek
Chris Eric Murray
Alice Rose Graves
Yvonne Green
Paul Austin
Paul Austin, 77, of Clear Lake, died Friday,
Dec. 31, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m,. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at St. Patrick's
Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave. South, Clear Lake, with Msgr. Robert Hogan
officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with
military honors conducted by members of the Clear Lake V.F.W. Post # 4868.
Memorials may be directed to Paul Austin Memorial Fund.
Paul was born June 2, 1927 in Madison, Wis., the son of Nathaniel and Doretta (Strohmenger)
Austin. He attended school at Sun Prairie High School and Platteville State
Teachers College. Paul enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. serving in
WWII, he was called back to serve in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably
discharged in 1951. He was united in marriage to Eunice (Wilke) Austin on Nov.
24, 1951. To this union three children were born. He moved to California and
worked for Kellogg Company as a salesman. He moved to Wisconsin in 1964 and
worked for Land O' Lakes, he also worked for A.M.P.I. In 1975 he started the
American Cheesemen Inc., retiring in 2000. In 1952 Paul tried out for the St.
Louis Browns baseball team and worked very hard trying out to be a pitcher,
after a month Rogers Hornsby called him into the office and said, "Austin, the
best advice I can give you ais to get a real job!"!
Paul enjoyed golfing, fishing, baseball, boxing, and playing pool. His greatest
love was his family. He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear
Lake.
He is survived by his wife Eunice Austin, of Clear Lake; two children, Deborah
Austin, of Clear Lake, Jeffry and his wife, Denice Austin, of Clear Lake;
grandchildren, Jacob Austin, of Clear Lake, and Amber Austin, of Ankeny, Iowa;
daughter-in-law, Lorene Austin-Bennett and her husband, Mark Bennett, of Ankeny,
along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by parents; son, Joseph Austin, and one sister,
Margaret.
Return
Laura M. Grell
Laura M. Grell, 78, of 1125 1st St. S.E., Mason
City, Iowa, formerly of Clear Lake, died Friday, Dec. 31, 2004 at St. Mary's
Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 4, at
Galilean Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jeff Ungs officiating.
Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Family suggests memorials
to the Laura M. Grell Memorial fund.
Laura was born Oct. 16, 1926 in Green Bay, Wis. the daughter of George and Laura
(Martin) Munn. She moved to Mason City in 1930.
Laura married Roger Grell Nov. 10, 1945 in Mason City. They moved to Clear Lake
in 1950. She worked at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City, and later at E.F.
Johnson's, Unisys and then for Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Home Health
Care. She was a very caring person and really enjoyed working for home health
care. She also enjoyed flowers, crafts and listening to country music. She was
a member of Galilean Lutheran Church.
Laura is survived by four children, Judy Arnold and her husband, Sam, Clear
Lake, Ray Grell and his wife, Bev, Clear Lake, Terry Grell and his wife, Lori,
Mason City, and Maurene Schimmel and her husband, Bruce, Ankeny, Iowa; 20
grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mabel Knitter, Milwaukee,
Wis. and Florence Glosen, Kansas City, Kansas and four brothers, Charles Munn,
San Diego, Calif., Robert Munn, Albuquerque, N.M., George Munn Jr., Cal Juna,
Calif. and John Munn, San Diego.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Elmer; husband, Roger;
granddaughter, Laura Marie; half brother, and one brother, Daniel Munn.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Patricia
"Pat" A. McGowan
Patricia "Pat" A. McGowan, 80, 1105 5th Ave S.,
Clear Lake, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2005 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit,
Mason City, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m., at St.
Patrick's Catholic Church, 1001 8th Ave S., Clear Lake, with Msgr. Robert Hogan
officiating. Visitation will be Friday, from 5 - 7 p.m. with a Scripture Wake
service at 6 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. Interment will be held at
the Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Patricia A. McGowan
Memorial Fund.
Pat was born March 1, 1924, in Mitchell, S.D., the daughter of E.W. and Clara (Balrud)
Justin. She graduated from Mason City High School and Mason City Junior
College. Pat married Raymond McGowan June 21, 1944 and they lived in Clear
Lake. She worked for the Welcome Wagon in Clear Lake and was a paraprofessional
for Mason City High School.
Pat enjoyed playing cribbage and fishing with her husband and playing bridge
with the girls. She loved to play golf at All Vets and always told people that
she was going to her office. Pat thoroughly enjoyed watching her grandchildren
and great-grandchildren grow up. She enjoyed many weekends in the fall sharing
the weekend with the duckhunters, Mike and Patrick. She was a member of St.
Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake.
Pat is survived by two children, Michael McGowan and his wife, Pamela, Edina,
Minn. and Kathy Olson and her husband, Lance, Spirit Lake, Iowa; five
grandchildren, Daniel McGowan, Anchorage, AK, Peter McGowan and his wife, Misty,
Minneapolis, Minn., Patrick McGowan, Pequot Lakes, Minn., Lisa Vander Woude and
her husband, Rick, Spirit Lake, Iowa and Brent Olson, Spirit Lake; three
great-grandchildren, Corri, Ryker and Jossi Vander Woude; one sister, Elizabeth
Siesseger, Muscatine, Iowa, and one brother, Robert Justin, Davenport, Iowa.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Raymond, on Oct. 15,
1991.
Return
Leroy F. "Slim"
Smith
Leroy F. "Slim" Smith, 83, of Mason City, Iowa
died Monday, Jan. 3, 2005 at Willow Pointe Assisted Living. Funeral services
were held Friday, Jan. 7, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, Mason City, with the
Rev. Jim Stiles, First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was in
Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to the Leroy F. Smith
Memorial Fund. Leroy was born May 5, 1921 in rural Bradford, Iowa the son of
Franklin C. and Gertie B. (Smith) Smith. He graduated from West Fork #5. Leroy
moved to Mason City in 1945. He married Betty L. Pusch Dec. 12, 1954. Leroy
worked as an automobile mechanic for Zenor Motors and Blinder Olds Honda for 40
years. He retired in 1985. Leroy was a member of the First United Methodist
Church, a 50-year member of Highland Golf Course and he enjoyed bowling for over
40 years.
Leroy is survived by a special friend, Bernice I. Carmody, of Mason City;
step-children, Mary Borrill and husband, Ken, of Clear Lake, Sharon Carmody of
Mason City, Denny Carmody and wife, Mary, of Clear Lake, Pastor Mike Carmody and
wife, Janis, of Fort Dodge; sister-in-law, Ednabelle Smith of Sheffield, Iowa;
several nieces and nephews.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; brothers, Howard,
Walter and Boyd; sisters, Margaret, Phyllis and Genevieve.
Return
Mary Louise (Gragert) Christensen
Mary Louise (Gragert) Christensen, 77, of
Ventura, died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason
City. Funeral Services were held Friday, Jan. 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear
Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Interment was at Clear Lake
Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to the Mary Louise Christensen memorial
fund.
Mary was born on Sept. 8, 1927 in Steamboat Rock, Iowa to Frank ElRoy and Nettie
May (Bishop) Gragert. Mary grew up around Dows, Iowa and lived much of her life
on Iowa farms. She worked for many years selling school supplies throughout
Iowa. She then worked at Carlton Stewart Music Company in Mason City selling
pianos, organs and music supplies. She worked at Mason City KFC and was known as
the buffet hostess. She was honored as employee of the year in 1996 by the Iowa
Restaurant Association. She loved gardening and canning, and sharing the fruits
of her labor for her own enjoyment and that of her family. Mary was known for
putting smiles on her customer's faces and everyone loved Mary for her
ever-present positive outlook, in spite of life's adversities. She was baptized
in the Lutheran Church near Ankeny. Mary was a member of Zion Lutheran Church,
Clear Lake.
Mary is survived by her husband of 39 years, Max Christensen, of Ventura; her
two children, Ron Gunderson and his wife, Beth, of Eagle River, Alaska, and
Shirley Baker and her husband, Alan, of Ventura. She was grandmother to six
grandchildren, Rhonda Gildersleeve and her husband, Drew, Allan Gunderson and
his fiancée, Shannon, Wendy Jackson, Murry Gunderson, Angie Oehlert and Ashley
Baker. She also had six great-grandchildren, Corey Martin, Shay Martin, Alexis
Gildersleeve, Cameron Gunderson, Hunter Jackson and Carson Jackson. Mary has
one living sister, Ruth Osborn and her husband, Paul, of Baxter, Minn. and many
nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her family, friends and the many
whose lives she deeply touched.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Vera, Amy and
Charlotte and one brother, Roy.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Marian I. Morisky
Marian I. Morisky, 88, Clear Lake, died
Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005 at Muse-Norris Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m., at the United
Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jan Burnett
officiating.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, is in charge of arrangements.
Return
Darren S.
Dickerson
Darren S. Dickerson, 45, 706 10th Ave N., Clear
Lake, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason
City, Iowa. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1 p.m. at the
United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N., Clear Lake, with the Rev. Jan Burnett
officiating. Interment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Memorials may be directed to the Darren S. Dickerson Memorial Fund.
Darren was born March 28, 1959, in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Gary and Susan (Aman)
Dickerson. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1977. Darren married
Lori Post on July 2, 1977. Darren graduated from Hawkeye Tech School in 1979
with a degree in police science. They moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1980
where he worked at Fleming Foods as warehouse manager. He transferred to
Portland, Ore. in 1993. They returned to Clear Lake in 1995 to raise their
family. He worked for Fieldstone Cabinetry in Northwood, Iowa and later for
Kelly Temps. Darren started working for the Cerro Gordo Treasurer as deputy
treasurer June 21, 1999. Over the last year he has been on the UAT team. He
was one of 17 statewide Iowa county treasurer staff members selected to test
and critique the new motor vehicle system as it was being developed by the IDOT
and Archon Technologist. He has spent three days a month for a year proudly
working on this project. Darren was the current President of the Mercy-City
LeHigh Family Credit Union.
Ben, Alex and Brianne were the most important part of his life. He loved
spending his time and energy with them and was very proud of each one of them.
He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, Lord of the Rings, reading and, when living
in Salt Lake City, skiing and hiking in the desert.
Darren is survived by his three children, Ben Dickerson and his fiancé, Amber
Hanson, Iowa City, Iowa, Alex Dickerson and Brianne Dickerson, Clear Lake; his
parents, Gary and Susan Dickerson, Eldora, Iowa; one brother, Don Dickerson and
his wife, Jodi, Albert Lea, Minn. and one sister, Debra Dickerson, Des Moines,
Iowa.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Thomas E. Lehmann
Thomas E. Lehmann, 65, 2400 South Shore Dr.,
Clear Lake, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa,
Mason City, Iowa. A memorial service was held Thursday, Jan. 13, at Zion
Lutheran Church, Clear Lake. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Memorial
Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to the Thomas E. Lehmann
Memorial Fund.
Tom was born Oct. 17, 1939 in Mason City, the son of Kenneth E. and Dorothy
(Potter) Lehmann. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1958. Tom served
in the United States Army. After the service he came back to Mason City. He
married Lois Gillerman on Aug. 24, 1963 in Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural
Osage, Iowa. They moved to Minneapolis where he worked as a welder. They moved
back to Clear Lake in 1972. Here he worked for Iowa Mold and Tooling, the Clear
Lake Bakery and Fieldstone Cabinetry. Tom later drove Winnebago Motor Homes and
worked for G.R.P. & Associates. He did custodial work at Econo Foods.
Tom loved listening to country and polka music. He was a founding member of the
Muddy Pond CB Club. His handle was "Broomstick." He was a former member of the
Moose Lodge.
Tom is survived by his wife, Lois Lehmann, Clear Lake; son, Jay Lehmann, Clear
Lake; daughter, LaDonna Hansen and her husband, Terry, Clear Lake;
grandchildren, Gary and Devin Hansen; sister, Carolyn Hubbard and her husband,
Max, Mason City; brother, Frederick Lehmann and his fiancé, Ruth Davis, Mason
City, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, Kevin; his in-laws,
Lloyd and Nora Gillerman and sister-in-law, Ruth Abrahams.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Brenda Faye Buck
Brenda Faye Buck, 39, 609 N. 3rd St., Clear
Lake, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason
City, Iowa. A funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 17, at Zion Lutheran
Church, Clear Lake, with Lay Assistant Richard Scott officiating. Interment was
held Tuesday, 10 a.m., at Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the
Brenda F. Buck Memorial Fund.
Brenda was born July 26, 1965, in Mason City, the daughter of Rogar and Marilyn
(Urbatch) Cooper. She graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School in 1984.
Brenda worked at the Mile Post 194 Truck Stop in Clear Lake as a waitress.
Brenda married Joseph Buck May 18, 1990 at the Lakeside Church, Clear Lake.
She worked at Opportunity Village and was currently working for AEA 267 at
Educare and Gerard of Iowa as a paraeducator. She also worked part time at
Players in Clear Lake.
Brenda was always there for her friends and was known as a social butterfly.
She loved crafts and fishing with her husband. She treasured every moment with
her family and friends. She helped with Toys for Tots and was a bell ringer for
the Salvation Army. Brenda was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Joe Buck, Clear Lake; two sons, Benjamin and
Brody Buck, Clear Lake; her mother, Marilyn Cooper, Kensett, Iowa; sister,
Annette Cooper "Net", Clear Lake; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; a special
angel friend, Kathy Toye Prins, Rock Falls, Iowa and a host of other special
friends.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Rogar Cooper; mother-in-law, Carole
Buck; paternal grandparents, Emery and Velma Cooper, and maternal grandparents,
Eldred and Lucille Urbatch.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Tilman Sears
Tilman Sears, 92, of 1106 1st Avenue South,
Clear Lake, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005 at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit,
Mason City, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan.
19, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jan Burnett
officiating. Burial will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery with military
honors being performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.
Tilman was born July 25, 1912 in a sod hut in near Hardesty, Okla. He was the
son of Clement H. and Emma Susan (Stokes) Sears. His parents traveled by
covered wagon from Missouri to Oklahoma in 1909, which was still an Indian
Territory. Tilman attended schools in Plymouth, Burchinal, and Mason City.
Tilman was an accomplished musician; he played the guitar and sang. He loved
country music and big band music. In 1933 he joined the band the Coldz Hawaiian
and played with them for several years. He wanted to pursue a career in music
but couldn't make a living of it. He then went to work with his brother, T.L.
Sears, and worked for Sears Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator.
Tilman was inducted in the Army in April 1942. He was with the Army Corps of
Engineers and served in the Aleutian Islands for thirty-three months before he
was honorably discharged as a sergeant in November 1945.
He returned to Iowa and worked for E.M. Duesenberg Construction Company until
his retirement.
Tilman met Lucille Thomsen at the Surf Ballroom. They were married on Sept. 8,
1946 at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.
Tilman enjoyed his family, being outdoors, music, horses, reading, and dancing
at the Surf Ballroom. He was a lifetime member of the Mason City V.F.W.,
I.O.O.F., Masonic Lodge, and the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake.
Tilman is survived by his wife, Lucille Sears, Clear Lake; two daughters,
Beverly (Denny) Currier, Clear Lake; Marilyn (Paul) Schoneman, Garner, Iowa;
five grandchildren, Jennifer Currier, Clear Lake, Jason (Jenny) Currier, Clear
Lake; Yvette (Joshua) Egland, Ames, Iowa, Raquel and Theodore Schoneman, Garner;
two great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Maxwell Currier, Clear Lake; and many
nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by one brother, Guymon Sears,
Mason City; and one brother-in-law, Viva Dyre, Mason City.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and T.L Sears; three
sisters, Opal Sears, Lovelle Huber, and Beatrice Dyre.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Marian Irene
Morisky
Marian Irene Morisky, 88, of Clear Lake, Iowa,
passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at
Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at
the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, with
Pastor Jan Burnett officiating the service. The Ward-Van Slyke Funeral Home will
assist with the church memorial, but there will be no visitation before the
memorial service. Marian will be interred at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason
City, alongside her husband. Memorials will be presented to Hospice of North
Iowa, The USO, and Meals on Wheels.
Marian was born in Marble Rock, Iowa on Jan. 29, 1916, to Harry and Forest (Losee)
Ackley, who also were born and grew up there. Marian graduated from high school
in Marble Rock and furthered her education by attending Iowa State Teachers
College (UNI) in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she graduated with a teaching
certificate. After college she taught in Randalia, St. Ansgar, Clear Lake,
Ottumwa, and Mason City, Iowa. It was while teaching in Clear Lake that she met
and eventually married William L. (Bill) Morisky in Mason City, on Nov. 7,
1943. Marian and Bill had two sons, Bill J. and Mark. In 1969, Marian was hired
as the executive director to help organize the "Charlie Brown Community Day
Care," a new community childcare center located in the First Christian Church in
Mason City. She worked there for 11 years until retiring to enjoy her many
interests, including attending plays, concerts and sporting events, and
traveling at home and abroad with friends. Marian loved music, was an
accomplished pianist, and was proud of her two sons' music careers. Marian also
loved to bird watch, play cards (especially bridge), read, cook, entertain
friends, spend time on Clear Lake watching the beautiful sunsets, and dote on
her granddaughter, Kendra. She also enjoyed the business world and was active in
managing her family's Century Farm outside of Marble Rock.
Marian became an active member of P.E.O. while in college and strongly supported
this organization because she felt this was a wonderful way to become better
acquainted with her sisters. In 2004, Marian received recognition for 50 years
as a P.E.O. member. Locally she was a Chapter EA sister. She was also active as
a hospice volunteer, belonged to TTT, book clubs, church groups, Progress Club,
and volunteered her time to others whenever there was a need. Through these
associations Marian had many wonderful, endearing, and fulfilling friendships
that lasted throughout her life.
Marian is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 1972; her brother, Warren,
in 1989; Peggy, Warren's wife who was like a sister to Marian, and Marian's
mother, Forest, in 1974.
Survivors include her son, Bill; his wife, Deborah, and granddaughter, Kendra of
Prescott, Az. and son, Mark, of Omaha, Neb.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Allan Vincent
Wind
Allan Vincent Wind, 80, of Clear Lake, died
Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, at Zion
Lutheran Church, Clear Lake. Lay Assistant Richard L. Scott, of Zion Lutheran
Church and the Rev. Jeff Ungs, of Galilean Lutheran Church in Clear Lake will be
officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Saturday at
the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Clear Lake
Cemetery. According to his wishes his body was cremated.
The family of Allan Vincent Wind have requested that memorial contributions be
made to the Galilean Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Church, Hospice of North
Iowa, Lutheran World Relief, Clear Lake Arts Council, or the charity of one's
choice in his memory.
Allan Vincent Wind was born on Dec. 2, 1924, in Clear Lake, the son of Jens and
Gladys (Axelsen) Wind. He was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism
through confirmation at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. He attended and
received his education in the Clear Lake School system, graduating as president
of the class of 1942. Allan also graduated from the Mason City Junior College.
Allan was inducted in the U.S. Army on June 2, 1943, at Camp Dodge, Iowa, and
graduated from officer's school at Ft. Benning, Ga. and also served in World War
II in the infantry in the Philippine Theater during the war. He was honorably
discharged as First Lieutenant on Oct. 25, 1946, at Fort Sheridan, Ill. After
his honorable discharge he attended Iowa State College and graduated with a B.S.
degree in engineering. After graduating from Iowa State he worked for the City
of Clear Lake as Assistant City Engineer. In 1950 he was called again to serve
his country in the Army during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged
as Captain. He returned to Clear Lake and worked as City Engineer until 1960.
In the fall of 1960, the family moved to Prairie Village, Kan. where Allan
worked for Armco Steel until his retirement in 1986. A few years after
retirement Allan and his wife, Betty, moved back to their "roots" in Clear Lake
to be closer to family and life long friends.
Allan enjoyed golfing, feeding the birds, the companionship of his dogs,
watching sports and sharing a good joke with friends at the Senior Citizen
Center. But his great love and enjoyment was his family and grandchildren.
He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mission Hills, Kan. and attended
services at Galilean and Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. He was actively
involved in scouting for many years and was a former Scout Master and Eagle
Scout. Allan taught Sunday school for several years. He was a member of
Veterans of Foreign Wars and was active in the engineering associations of APWA
and ASCE.
Left to cherish his memory are wife, Betty Wind, of Clear Lake; his children,
Peter Wind and his wife, Stephanie, of LaGrange, Ill., Melissa Wilson and her
husband, Ron, of Englewood, Colo. and Kristi Greven and her husband, Jerry, of
Anthem, Az.; three grandchildren, Christian, Evan and Seth Wind; a
sister-in-law, Nancy Harvey and her fiancée, Herbert Shevins, of Clear Lake;
nephew, Jon Harvey and wife, Lori, of Aurora, Colo.; niece, Dee Harvey and
daughter, Christina, of Palisade, Colo. and Peggy Axelsen of Nampa, Idaho as
well as other relatives and many friends.
His parents and an infant son, Thomas Allan Wind, preceded him in death.
Return
Raymond "Ray"
Houdek
Raymond "Ray" Houdek, 81, of 1005 5th Avenue
South, Clear Lake, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, at Mercy Medical Center North
Iowa. A funeral Mass was held Thursday, Jan. 20, at St. Patrick's Catholic
Church, Clear Lake, with Monsignor Robert Hogan officiating. Burial was held at
the St. Boniface Cemetery, Garner, Iowa with military honors being conducted by
the Garner Veteran Ceremonial Unit.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Raymond
Houdek Memorial Fund, which will go towards several various charities.
Raymond "Ray" Francis Houdek was born on April 8, 1923 in Garner. He was the
son of Antone and Christina (Konst) Houdek. Raymond attended school in Garner.
Later in life he received his GED. Raymond served in the US Army during WWII
with the 323rd Infantry Division, Anti Tank Co. They were referred to as the
"Wildcat Division."
Ray Houdek married Anna Marie Sauer in May of 1944. She passed away in December
of 1969.
Ray worked at the Oliver Implement Plant and DX Gas Station, Klemme, Iowa and
Nonweiler Construction, Clear Lake, and Clear Lake Public Schools.
Ray was united in marriage to Lenita Berding on Jan. 16, 1971. They just
celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary.
Ray's favorite pastimes include fishing, hunting, gardening, square and polka
dancing, and flying airplanes. He was a licensed private pilot. Ray was a
loving and caring husband, devoted father, and a good neighbor.
Ray belonged to the PO.L.K of A, of which he was a former prince in the Iowa
polka club. He was also a member of the Garner American Legion, Rainbow Swingers
Square Dance Club, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Clear Lake.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lenita Houdek, Clear Lake; eight children, Patricia
(Emil) Bratten, Lake Mills, Iowa, Mary (Paul) Jacobson, Thompson, Iowa, Cathy
(Dennis) Nannenga, Garner, Deb (Randy) Tritch, Des Moines, Iowa, Deanna (Jim)
Pandolfi, Wheaton, Ill., Allan Berding, Kennewick, Wash., JoAnn (Spiro) Comis,
Durham, N.C. and Barbara (John) Stewart, Dorchester, Ontario, Canada; 23
grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; a special kitty, Sasha and many good
friends, neighbors, and square dancing friends.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Anna Marie; four
brothers, and two sisters.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
Chris Eric Murray
Chris Eric Murray, 55, 12 Country Club, Clear
Lake, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 20, at the First United Methodist
Church, Mason City, Iowa with the Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Burial was in
the Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Chris Murray Memorial
Fund.
Chris Eric Murray was born May 17, 1949 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Charles
E. Murray and Indus (Wiley) Murray.
Chris graduated from Iowa State University in 1971 majoring in farm operations.
He was currently working as the Nutrient Management Specialist detailed to the
Iowa NRCS State Office in Des Moines. In that capacity, he was responsible for
training, policy development and promotion of Nutrient Management practices
needed for various USDA- NRCS programs. Chris came to NRCS following 32 years
of experience in the fertilizer and crop protection chemical sectors of Midwest
agricultural crop production, serving on numerous task forces, committees and
working groups in soil conservation and water quality issues. He was a past
president of Agribusiness Association of Iowa, as well as the Vice President of
Membership Development for that organization.
He enjoyed fishing, cooking, watching his sons play football, and spending time
with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Becky Murray, of Clear Lake; children, Chad E.
Murray, of Detroit, Mich., Jon Murray, of Richmond, Va.; parents, Charles E. and
Indus Murray, of Mason City; father-in-law and mother-in-law Cort and Velva
Peterson, of Mason City; brothers, Rick (Karel) Murray, of Waterloo, Iowa, Bill
(Terri) Murray, of Mason City, Scott (Rhonda) Murray, of Mason City, Marc
(Michelle), of Mason City; brother-in-law, Brent (Pam) Peterson, of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, nieces and nephews, Ben Murray, Matt (Tara) Murray, Paul Murray,
Caitlin Murray, Steve Murray, Ashley Murray, Nicolas Murray, Noah Murray; aunt,
Pat Parker, of Davenport Iowa, along with other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clay E. and Betty Murray;
maternal grandparents, Paul and Margaret Wiley, and sister, Lyn Ellen Murray.
Return
Alice Rose Graves
Alice Rose Graves, 79, 10431 275th St., Mason
City, Iowa, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit,
Mason City. A funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 24, at Ward-Van Slyke
Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Greg Nicholas officiating. Inurnment will be
held at the Rockwell Cemetery, Rockwell, Iowa at a later date. In lieu of
flowers, please give memorials to the Mason City Senior Citizens Center in
memory of Alice Graves.
Alice was born Jan. 30, 1925 the daughter of Herbert and Ella (Frenz) Zirbel in
Mason City. Alice attended Mason City and Plymouth schools and graduated from
Plymouth High School. Alice worked as a nurse's aide at Mercy Medical Center,
Armour, and was a loyal employee of Nicholas farms for 41 years, retiring at age
77 in 2002 and she continued to work on the farm which she loved. Alice was a
devoted mother and a friend to everyone and she always had a warm greeting and
compassion for all. She was especially happy when her children and grandchildren
visited. Her desires were simple, asking for nothing but instead always giving
to others. Alice's fun time was at the local bingo parlors, where she visited
and enjoyed her favorite game. She was also well known for her countless rugs
and anything else she could crochet. She was known for her love and devotion to
her family.
Alice is survived by eight children, Ron (Rosemary) Graves of Coventry, RI.,
Nadine (Dave) Tice of Charles City, Iowa, Curtis (Susan) Graves of Hawthorne,
N.J., Mark (Mava) Graves of Clear Lake, Dona (Dean) Wood of Clear Lake, Lloyd
(Cindy) Graves of Mason City, Jodie (Shelby) Britt of Chula Vista, Calif. and
Jon Graves of Sioux Falls, S.D.; 16 grandchildren, Darcy (Rick) Bramley, Rondi
Graves, Adam Russell, Wendy Russell, Bonita Streich, Brian (ChaSim) Tice, Miriam
Kreske, Kevin (Antonia) Graves, Curtis Graves Jr., Angela (Gary) Downs, Janell
(Keith) Arndt, Christopher Wood, Alicia (Robert) Hartfield, Cory Wood, Ashley
Graves, and Spencer Graves; 16 great-grandchildren, Anna, Alexandra, Zachery,
Caleb, Cynthia, Claudia, Kyle, Ariel, Joel, Katherine, Gina-Marie, Dillon,
Cacharel, Drake, Brittney, and Brecken; a sister, Shirley Rice of Scottsdale,
Az.; best friend, Vernita Nichols and special friends, Janice Tiano, Robert and
Marian Nichols, and the W.L. Nicholas family.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Ella (Frenz) Zirbel;
brothers Lyle and Herman Zirbel and her special friend, Harriet Bushman.
Return
Yvonne Green
Yvonne Green, 71, of Clear Lake died Monday,
Jan. 17, 2005 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.
A funeral Mass was held Monday, Jan. 24, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Clear
Lake, with Msgr. Robert Hogan officiating. Burial was in St. Peter's Catholic
Cemetery, New Haven, Iowa.
Yvonne M. Green was born Dec. 9, 1933 in New Haven the daughter of Leon and Edna
(Wagner) Green.
She graduated from Holy Family High School in 1953. She enjoyed coloring,
watching the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and spending time with her
friends at Opportunity Village and Oakwood Care Center. Her greatest enjoyment
was spending time with her family. Yvonne was a member of St. Patrick's
Catholic Church, Clear Lake.
She is survived by her brothers, Gervin Green, of Mason City, Willy and his
wife, Pam Green, of Mason City, John and his wife, Tony Green, of Clear Lake;
nieces and nephews, Jude, Joe, Tom, Chris, Mary, Teresa, Amy, Mindy, Matt, Lee
and Scott, along with many great-nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Georgene Green.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Return
|
