May 2008

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Lillian Kay “Lilly” Cannon

    Lillian Kay “Lilly” Cannon, daughter of Alan and Amanda Cannon, and belonging to God, was born May 1, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. She stayed long enough to touch our hearts before she died at 10:35 p.m. at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. A graveside service was held Monday, May 5, at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to Lilly Cannon Memorial Fund..
     Lilly is survived by her parents, Alan and Amanda Barnett Cannon, Charles City, Iowa; brother, Samuel Cannon, Charles City; maternal grandparents, Pam and Dave Grill, Clear Lake; maternal great-grandmother, Florence Russell, Clear Lake; paternal grandparents, Rod and Verlene Dunlavey, Traer, Iowa; paternal great-grandparents, Veronica Goodale, Manly, Iowa and Clairice Cannon, Mason City, and JoAnne Dunlavey, Traer; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
     Lilly was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandfather, Daren Russell; great-grandparents, Esther and Leonard Grill; paternal grandfather, Michael Cannon; paternal great-grandfathers, William Goodale, Earl Cannon and Wayne Dunlavey.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Friday, May 2, 2008

Betty Jean Schroeder

    Betty Jean Schroeder, 84, Clear Lake, died Friday, May 2, 2008 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
   A funeral service for Betty was held Monday, May 5, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess and Rev. Thomas Healey officiating.
   The family of Betty Jean Schroeder has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Opportunity Village in Clear Lake in her memory.
   Betty Jean Schroeder was born on Oct. 4, 1923, in rural Holland, Neb., the daughter of Berend and Theresa (Drent) Lefferdink. She attended rural country school and graduated from Panama High School. Betty also attended Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb. Betty began her working career for the State of Nebraska as an IBM operator. She was united in marriage to Ralph Schroeder on May 12, 1945, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After their marriage, Betty taught high school in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Betty was a supportive wife while her husband earned his masters degree in science by working for the University of Nebraska. She was also a supportive wife, mother, and grandmother, and also a partner with her husband in the social service work.
   Betty enjoyed cooking, traveling, entertaining, was passionate about music, enjoyed sending birthday greetings for people over the age of 65 at Zion Lutheran Church, and was quick to help others in their distress, but her greatest love and enjoyment was her family and grandchildren.
   Betty was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, a church organist for 13 years in Rockford, Ill. and Holland, Neb., and also was a member of the Tri T Club, and Bridge Club.
   Betty and Ralph chose to retire in Clear Lake, and have lived here for 33 years.
   Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Ralph Schroeder of Clear Lake; three children, Ralph (Deborah) Schroeder of Holland, Mich., Reg (Kathy) Schroeder of Omaha, Neb., and Randy (Jean) Schroeder of Holland; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Shahna) Schroeder of Washington, D.C., Joanna Schroeder-Stoilkovich and her husband Ivan of Malibu, Calif., Ryan (Jacci) Schroeder of Louisville, Ky., Amanda Schroeder of Denver, Colo., Cory (Tracey) Schroeder of Hudsonville, Mich., Kelly Schroeder and her fiancé, Justin Wendzel, of Richland, Mich., and Maude and Madeline Ashley of Holland; great-grandchildren, Amira Schroeder, Izac and Boden Stoilkovich, Emma and Nora Schroeder, and Owen Nienhuis; three sisters, Gladys DeVries of Aurora, Colo., Crystal Sterk and Evelyn Lefferdink of Denver, Colo.; a sister-in-law, Bernice Lefferdink of Ft. Collins, Colo.; many extended family members and friends.
   She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Glen and Vernon Lefferdink.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

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Sunday, May 4, 2008

LaDonna J. Gorman

    LaDonna J. Gorman, 72, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
   A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, Mason City, with the Rev. Jon M. Seda officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
   Visitation will be held Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. with a scriptural wake service at 6:30 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street N.E., Mason City.
   In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to LaDonna Gorman Memorial Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.
   LaDonna J. Trudeau was born July 6, 1935, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard and Goldie (Erickson) Trudeau. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1953.
   After school she worked for the North Western Bell Telephone Company. LaDonna was united in marriage to Donald Ruby. A couple of years into their marriage he was killed in a car accident. LaDonna was united in marriage to John Bakkum. To this union four children were born. In 1958, they moved and made their home in California. There she raised her family and worked as a certified nursing assistant for various hospitals and worked at an answering service. Later LaDonna was united in marriage to Frank Gorman. After his death she moved back to Mason City to take care of her family.
   LaDonna’s greatest love was spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid reader she greatly enjoyed shopping and loved animals. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
   LaDonna is survived by her children Debra (Paul) Velardi, Palm Desert, Calif., Donna (Jeff) Rench, Manly, Iowa, Mark Gorman, Mason City and Bonnie (Billy) Nalley, Boaz, Ky.; grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan, Stanley (Kelly), Nichole (Johnny) Angela (Matt) Jennifer, and Jossie; great-grandchildren, Ariel, Haley, Justina, Bailee, Ashley, Skylar, Kaitlynn, Sydney, Jesse, JJ, and Lorin; brother, Douglas Trudeau, Albuquerque, N.M.; sister, Bonnie Bernemann, Clear Lake; aunt and uncle, Clifford “Kip” and Ruth Trudo; special family friend, Marilyn Bakkum, Mason City; her beloved and faithful companion dog, Buddy, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
   LaDonna is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Donald Ruby, John Bakkum, and Frank Gorman, and one infant brother.

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Monday, May 5, 2008

Geneva “Jimmie” Henningsen

    Geneva “Jimmie” Henningsen, 83, died Monday, May 5, 2008, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.
   Memorial services will be held Friday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North 4th Street, Clear Lake. A private family inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.
   Memorials may be made to the local First Church of Christ Scientist in Clear Lake.
   Jimmie was born Sept. 2, 1924, the daughter of Lauritz Lorenz and Etneta (Reeder) Predmore Henningsen in Grundy County, Dike, Iowa. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1942, and then attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and Webber College, in Babson Park, Fla. where she graduated in 1949. She then worked as a part owner, secretary, bookkeeper, and livery manager at the Touristville Boat Company from 1937 to 1953. After that she worked as an office secretary for 17 years at several local insurance companies.
   Aunt Jimmie was an aunt to more than just her own nieces and nephews. She was actively involved in the lives of the Stanton and Davis children, in addition to the Haddy and Henningsen children. She had a passion for knitting and every birthday and Christmas would create unique sweaters for all of her nieces and nephews. Aunt Jimmie loved spending time tending to her enormous flower garden, and caring for her pets.
   She is survived by her niece, Lauralee (Gary) Calgaard, Clear Lake; nephew, Michael (Lisa) Haddy, Houston, Texas; nieces, Tryal Jane (David) Spencer, Rogers, Ark., and Celeste (Norman) Knights, Sheridan, Ill.; many great-nieces and nephews, several cousins, and her special caregivers and friends, Deb Frampton, Willie Grimm and Lisa Fox.
   Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Juanita and Frank “Speck” Haddy; and brother and sister-in-law, Argel and Adalou Henningsen

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Monday, May 5, 2008

Florence L. Paltzer

    Florence L. Paltzer, daughter of John and Hattie Vos Brummel, was born in rural Mahaska County, Iowa. She passed away on Monday evening, May 5, 2008 at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa at the age of 82 years.
   Florence grew up and received her education in the Tracy, Iowa area and graduated from Tracy High School.
   Florence was united in marriage with Minnekus “Mick” Paltzer on March 10, 1948 in Pella, Iowa. To this union two sons were born, Thomas and William.
   Florence worked as a secretary at Pella Corporation for many years. She also assisted her husband in the jewelry business, Paltzer’s Jewelry in Pella. Later she volunteered at Work of Our Hands in Pella which was near and dear to her heart. Her favorite hobbies were baking, sewing, and reading.
   She was a member of the Pella Third Reformed Church, where she was active in the women’s organization.
   Those left to cherish her memory are her two sons and their wives, Tom and Linda Paltzer of Rochester, Minn. and Bill and Nancy Paltzer of Clear Lake; three grandchildhren, Chloe Paltzer and Daniel and Seth Paltzer; three sisters, Mae Van Zante of Monroe, Iowa, Mary Steenhoek of Pella, and Betty Bensink of Pleasantville, Iowa; nieces, newphews, and many dear friends.
          Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Mick, on Feb. 25, 1999 after celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1998; and her parents-in-law, Tunie and Willem Paltzer.
          Funeral services were held Friday at the Third Reformed Church in Pella with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery near Leighton, Iowa.      The Pella Garden Chapel Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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Monday, May 5, 2008

Dr. Darrel (Dick) Arnold

    Dr. Darrel (Dick) Arnold was born on Nov. 29, 1924 in Stockport, Iowa to John and Hazel (Miller) Arnold. Dick passed away May 5, 2008 at the home of his daughter, Patricia, in Des Moines, Iowa.
   Dick grew up on a farm in the Stockport area where he graduated high school. After graduation he joined the Army and returned to the farm for a brief period before becoming a radio announcer in Creston and Mason City, Iowa. He spoke fondly about showing prize steer in Chicago. Dick married Ruth (Penney) Arnold in 1952 and moved to Sioux Falls, S.D. Dick and his wife moved again in 1954 to Minneapolis, Minn. where he attended and graduated from Northwestern College a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine in 1957. He opened his first private practice in 1958 in Algona, Iowa. During his career he also had satellite offices in Mason City, Clear Lake and Garner. He retired and closed his Algona practice in 2001 after 43 years of service.
   Darrel is survived by his five children, Timothy of Charleston, S.C., Patricia Fankell and her husband, Bill of Des Moines, Penny of Des Moines, Mark of Spokane, Wash., and David and his wife, Sara of Denison, Iowa. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Joshua and Jessica; and one brother, Verle of Bloomfield, Iowa.
   A graveside memorial service will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery Friday, May 16, at 1 p.m.

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Monday, May 5, 2008

Stanley (Stan) Ray Grell

    Stanley (Stan) Ray Grell, 61, of 13391 Grouse Ave., Clear Lake died at his home May 5, 2008.
   Memorial services will be Thursday, May 8, 1:30 p.m.at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Rev. Carl Hedberg of St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Garner, Iowa officiating. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa. Visitation will be Thursday from noon until time of service. Family suggests memorials to Stanley Ray Grell Memorial Fund.
   Stan was born Aug. 19, 1946 in Mason City, the son of Raymond and Ruby (Hagerud) Grell.
   He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church Sept. 22, 1946 and confirmed on April 10, 1960. He graduated from Ventura High School.
   Following high school he farmed in the Ventura area. In the early ‘70s he started Stan’s Hunting and Fishing Agency. He later became a professional hunting and fishing guide in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and the Northwest Territories, where he owned and operated the northern most fishing camp in the world, Artic Char Lodge from 1976-1982. He built a lot of furniture for businesses and residents in the Jackson Hole, Wyo. area. He moved back to Iowa in 1988, where he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, family, friends and doing woodwork.
   He is survived by his three daughters, Gina Welp and her husband, Greg, Ventura, Iowa, Abbie White, Clear Lake, and Misti Thoe and her husband, Lance, Ventura; nine grandchildren, McCayla Welp, Morgan Welp of Ventura, Gage White, Brekkin White, Duchovny White, Clear Lake, Seth Carolus, Nicole Thoe, Ventura, and Steven Thoe; two great-grandchildren, Cayla Colby and Edan Thoe; three sisters, Ardella Enoch and her husband, Duard, Sun City West, Az., Dolores Boehnke and her husband, Carrol, Garner, Iowa and Virginia Monroe and her husband, Don, Sun City West, and several nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, baby Grell and a grandson, Dustin Colby.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Edna Sopia Engebretson

    Edna Sopia (Thompson) Engebretson, 89, 216 7th Ave N., Clear Lake, died Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. A funeral service was held Monday, May 12, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Dean Hess officiating. This will be a Celebration of her Life, as it would have been her 90th birthday. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the Edna Engebretson Memorial Fund.
     Edna was born May 12, 1918, in Ridgeway, Iowa, the daughter of Sander and Ellen Matilda (Guttormson) Thompson. She graduated from Cresco High School in 1936. She worked for a grocery store in Ridgeway where she met Clifford Engebretson. They married Feb. 21, 1950 in Decorah, Iowa. They moved to Clear Lake, where she worked for Ted’s Super Value, Jensen’s Grocery Store and other grocery stores in the area.
   Edna worked for Clear Lake Bank and Trust as a bookkeeper for 15 years following her retirement, she then worked part-time at the Clear Lake Variety Store on Main Street.
   Edna enjoyed doing crafts and sewing. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was a member of ladies circle. She was also a member of Rebeka Lodge 105.
     Edna is survived by her four children, Gary Engebretson and his wife, Lára, Shepherds Town, Va., Tom Tuttle and his wife, Mary, Alameda, Calif., Robert Engebretson and his wife, Sarah, Clear Lake, and Dennis Engebretson, Garner, Iowa; 15 grandchildren, Allen (Lon) Engebretson, Janet (Bruce) Law, David Engebretson, Margie (Steve) Sabine, Denise (Kevin) O’Donnel, Bobbie Jo Engebretson, Michael (Sheri) Voortmann, James (Tammie) Voortmann, Robert (Sarah) Engebretson Jr., Ryan Engebretson, Dennis Engebretson Jr., Michael (Tina) Engebretson, Shanda Malek, Derrick (Katie) Halvorsen and Trisha Engebretson; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Katie Thompson, Ridgeway, Iowa and an aunt, Ruth Vlekeberg, Decorah.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford on Nov.16, 1988; one brother, Marvin Thompson and sister, Junice Cassom.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Friday, May 9, 2008

Samuel Vincent Booth Sr.

    Samuel Vincent Booth Sr., 75, died Friday, May 9, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
   Funeral services were held Monday, May 12, at the First United Methodist Church, Mason City, with the Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or Ventura United Methodist Church.
   Samuel Vincent Booth was born May 24, 1932, in Mason City, the son of Vincent and Laura (Wanless) Booth. He attended Mason City Schools. Samuel was united in marriage to Marjorie Wilkerson on June 10, 1950; to this union four children were born.
   Samuel worked at Mason City Iron and Metal, retiring after 47 years of service. Later Samuel was the consultant for Behr Scrap Yard, where he was currently working until the time of his illness.
   Samuel’s passion was fishing and taking many fishing trips to their cabin in South Dakota. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren teaching them how to fish. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Samuel also enjoyed watching professional boxing. He was a well respected and well liked man with a great sense of humor. Samuel was a member of the Ventura United Methodist Church and the Clear Lake Fishing Club.
   Samuel is survived by his wife, Marjorie Booth, Ventura; children, Glen Booth and very special friend, Connie Terrazas, Elkhart, Ind., Wendy Christenson, Owensville, Mo., Lori (Ted) Lawyer, Manly, Iowa; daughter-in-law Barb (Richard) Weiner, Nora Springs, Iowa; grandchildren, Jamie (Jareese) Williams, Mason City, Derek Trca and Jill Register, Albert Lea, Minn., Vincent Bohl, Owensville, Heather Christenson, Willmar, Minn., Nathan Hendrickson, Owensville, Samuel Vincent Booth III and Tiffani McWilliams, Mason City, Dustin (Andrea) Weiner, Ankeny, Iowa, Bobby (Katie) Weiner, Mason City, Kelli Jo Weiner and fiancé, Jake Heimer, Nora Springs, Iowa, Charlie Weiner, Nora Springs, Brittany Coolican and Cole Kiburz, of Phoenix, Az., Remington Lawyer, Johnston, Iowa, Ericka Coolican, Manly; great-grandchildren, Jareese Jr., Jada, Adriana, Marquis, Quiana, Qiara and Aleesia; sisters, Laura Davis, Independence, Iowa and Dixie (Irwin) Holstad, Chandler, Az.; best friend, Oscar Crawford, Mason City, along with nieces, nephews and friends.
   He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Samuel Vincent Booth Jr.; grandson, Samuel Guy Christenson and brother, Gerald Booth.
   Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.

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Saturday, May 10, 2008

Norman R. Shaffer

    Norman R. Shaffer, 49, of 309 S. 8th Street, Clear Lake, died Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa.
   A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m., at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street Northeast, Mason City, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Ganz officiating. Military honors will be conducted by members of the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel.
   Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Norman.
   Norman was born April 16, 1959, the son of Robert H. and Helen M. (Peterson) Shaffer in St. Paul, Minn. He operated his own landscaping business out of Iowa City, Iowa.
   Norman was a member of the V.F.W. in Clear Lake. He was an outdoorsman who loved to do yard work and landscape. In his spare time he also played drums and wrote poetry. In his earlier years, Norman was a state weightlifter.
   Norman is survived by his two sisters, Susan (Bob) Lucas, Clear Lake, Suzanne (Mark) Haxton, Mason City; his brother, Henry (Ella) Shaffer, Redding, Calif.; half-sister, Sharon Mathey, Sterling, Va.; half-brothers, Robert (Linda) Anderson, Clear Lake, Dale (Mary) Anderson, Clear Lake, and Keith Anderson, Sacramento, Calif.; his aunt, LaVine Peterson, Clear Lake; nephews, Troy Kline, Chicago, Ill., Travis (Andrea) Kline, Mason City, Robbie Lucas and his special friend, Nicole, Mason City, and Jamie (Nicole) Lucas, Mason City, and his best friend, Marv Lumbeck, Clear Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Russ Mathey.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Joyce L. Amstutz

    Joyce L. Amstutz, 71, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit after battling breast cancer for nine years.
   Funeral services were held Monday, May 19, at the Mount Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Kansas City, Kanas. Family suggests memorials to Hospice of North Iowa, 232 2nd St. S.E., Mason City, IA. 50401 or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy., Stuite 250, Dallas, TX 75244.
    Joyce was born Feb. 2, 1937 the daughter of John and Catherine (Ledington) Picknick at Kansas City, Kansas. Joyce graduated from Wyandotte High School, Kansas City in 1955.
   Joyce married William Amstutz Dec. 1, 1956, in Kansas City. Joyce was executive secretary for Armour Meat Packing Plant in Kansas City. In 1968 they moved to West Des Moines, Iowa, where she was executive secretary for Meredith Publishing Printing in West Des Moines. They moved to Clear Lake in 1973. She was office manager for D. K. Distributing for 14 years in Mason City.
   Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a devoted daughter. She loved her dog Co Co and her companionship. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
   Joyce is survived by her husband, Bill Amstutz, Clear Lake; a son, Steve Amstutz, Clear Lake; three grandchildren, Sadie Perry of Norwalk, Iowa, Cole Amstutz of West Des Moines and Lindsay Amstutz of Garner, Iowa; one great-grandchild, Taylor Perry of Norwalk.
   She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Catherine Picknick and an infant sister, Darlene.

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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Luella G. Low

    Luella G. Low, 97, Fertile, Iowa, died Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. A funeral service was held Monday, May 19, at the Church of Christ, Fertile, Iowa, with Dan Miller and the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to the Luella G. Low Memorial Fund.
   Luella was born Jan. 24, 1911 in Glenville (Freeborn County), Minn., the daughter of William and Minnie (Perkins) Freeman. They moved to Northwood, Iowa when she was two years old. When Luella was five years old they moved to Glenville, Minn. She attended school in Glenville and Albert Lea, Minn. On June 16, 1928 she was united in marriage to Clarence Low of rural Glenville. Luella and her husband farmed in Glenville, Northwood, Manly, Iowa and Fertile. In 1978 they moved to a farm at Fertile. For the past five years she has been living at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, where she enjoyed playing cards.
   Survivors include her children, Clarence Low Jr., Fertile, Beverly Smith and her husband, Ralph, McIntire, Iowa, Donna Miller and her husband, Earl, Clear Lake, and Eugene Low and his wife, Lois, Fertile; 13 grandchildren, Christy Bredeson and her husband, Randy, Mike Ball and his wife, Sheila, Dan Miller and his wife, Penny, all of Fertile, Jeanette Oliver and her husband, Steve, Plano, Texas, Carole Haston, Edgewood, Texas, Derrick Gagon and his wife, Lori, Lakeville, Minn., LuAnn Paulson and her husband, Dick, Clear Lake, Arlyn Miller and his wife, Claudia, Cedar Park, Texas, Julie Siemonsma and her husband, Jerry, Ridgeway, Ill., Kenneth Smith, and his fiancée, Judy, Northwood, Joan Heinzerling and her husband, Bill, St. Charles, Ill., Owen Smith and his wife, Chris, Craig, Iowa, Rita DeGroot and her husband, Dan, Clarinda, Iowa; 31 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren.
   Luella was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; a son, Leonard (Buddy); her parents; four brothers, Milan, LeRoy, Perry and Mark; two sisters, Elsie and an infant sister; three grandsons, David Smith, Mark Smith and Mark Haston and three great-grandchildren, Jesica Heinzerling, Stephen Oliver and Jacob Putney.

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Friday, May 16, 2008

William “Bill” Calvin Brower

    William “Bill” Calvin Brower, 81, died Friday, May 16, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
   Memorial service was held Monday, May 19, 2008, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Mark Doebel officiating. Military honors were conducted by members of the Clear Lake V.F.W. A private family graveside will be held at a later date in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.
   Memorials may be directed to the William Brower Memorial Fund.
   Bill was born Aug. 22, 1926, in Crystal Lake, Iowa the son of Henry and Johannah (Folkerts) Brower. He was baptized in the Methodist Episcopal Church on April 17, 1927. Bill served his country with the Army entering into active service on Dec. 5, 1944, at Fort Snelling Minnesota, and served as a light truck driver with the 17th Infantry. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). He was honorably discharged on Nov. 16, 1946, from Fort Sheridan, Ill.
   Bill was united in marriage to Marie Klaassen on Feb. 4, 1950, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They presented the world with four children, six grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters.
   Bill worked for Woodford Wheeler Lumber Company in the early years and then went to work at Northern Natural Gas in Ventura retiring after 30 years. He loved to do cross word puzzles and word searches and playing his video poker games. Bill enjoyed riding around the lake and sitting up at the seawall; where he would sometimes do his puzzles. He also enjoyed playing cards and cribbage with his family and friends.
   Bill is survived by his children, Steve (Cathy) Brower, Sue (Harry) Hakes, Sandy (Roger) Baker, and Shari Haugen; grandchildren, Mike (Stephanie) and great-granddaughter Abigail Hakes, Tom Hakes and great-granddaughters MacKenzie and Alexis Hakes, Andrew, Alex and Anthony Brower and Shana Haugen; siblings, Marlys Hutzell, Betty Dorenkamp and brother-in-law, Dan Spilman; sisters-in-law, Lora Proctor and Loretta Lande.
   He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie on Feb. 11, 2006; brother, Henry “Hank” Brower; sisters, Anna Isebrand, Hylene Nonnweiler, and Phyllis Spilman; sisters and brothers-in-law Evelyn Brower, John Isebrand, Layton Nonnweiler, Howard Hutzell, Cort Dorenkamp, John Proctor and Ardean Lande.

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Saturday, May 17, 2008

Doris Marie Alexander

    Doris Marie Alexander, 79, 1500 South Shore Drive, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.
   Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial Mass celebrating Dory’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave South, Clear Lake, with Fr. John Tilp officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. to continue until the time of services at 10:30 a.m. A celebration open house for all friends and family will continue at the Clear Lake V.F.W. Hall, 219 Main Ave., from noon to 3 p.m. Private committal services will take place at a later date.
   Dory was born on Feb. 21, 1929, in Pomeroy, Iowa, the daughter of Wilhelm and Gertrude (Klein) Becker. She married Gene Alexander, of Pocahontas, Iowa, on May 21, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa. Dory was retired from Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, where she had been a secretary for over 15 years. Dory and Gene retired to Clear Lake where she was active in the Clear Lake Women’s Club, several card clubs, and arts and craft groups. She was also active in her Des Moines bridge group for over 40 years. Dory was an avid fan of her grandchildren’s activities both in Clear Lake and Des Moines.
   She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 59 years, Gene Alexander; daughters, Mary Kay (Bill) Bartine, Linda (Tom) Moore, Susy (Gregg) Polzin, all of Des Moines; and Tom (Mary) Alexander of Clear Lake. Her grandchildren include Bryan Moore, Bradley Moore, Jennifer Moore, Molly Polzin and Jack Polzin, all of Des Moines, Nick Bartine of Ann Arbor, Mich., Michael Bartine and David Bartine of Mount Vernon, Iowa, Abby Bartine, Caitlin Alexander, Patrick Alexander, Alex Polzin and Ben Polzin, all of Iowa City, Iowa. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine Sill of Ottumwa, Iowa.
   Dory was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert (Bob) Becker, of De Witt, Iowa; and her sisters, Evelyn Clark of Des Moines, and Jeannie Korf of Pomeroy.
   Memorials may be contributed to the Clear Lake Public Library or Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines.
   Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Rick Eugene Poole

    Rick Eugene Poole, “Pooh Bear”, 49, of 304 7th Avenue North, Clear Lake, passed away suddenly Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa.
   Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 21, at 1 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with Pastor Dennis Ganz officiating. Burial will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery immediately following services.
   Memorials may be made out to the family in honor of Rick.
   Rick was born July 13, 1958, the son of Eugene and Donna (Leigh) Poole in Mason City, Iowa. On July 24, 2004, he married Christine Johnson at the Carman Garden in Clear Lake. Upon completion of his associate degree, he was employed with Curries/Graham in Mason City.
   Rick was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. Rick caught his first Muskie last Friday, May 16. He enjoyed camping and trapshooting as well and had just recently begun to black powder hunt. At the age of 16 Rick bought his first motorcycle, and from then on all he would ride was a Harley. He was also a Twins and Vikings fan. Rick was very proud of his two daughters, Jacque and Amanda, and was actively involved in all of their sports and school events. He was a member of the Ventura Gun Club, ABATE Chapter 7, Ducks Unlimited.
   Rick is survived by his mother, Donna Poole, Clear Lake; his “stepfather” Jack Russel, Clear Lake; his wife, Christine Poole, Clear Lake; his two daughters, Jacqueline Poole and Amanda Poole, Clear Lake; his stepson, Stephen Johnson and his two children, Alli and Kaylee Johnson, Clear Lake; his sister, Terry (Paul) Carman, Clear Lake; his mother-in-law, Rosalea Johnson, Bloomington, Ind.; his extended family, Steven Russel, Mason City, Jeanne (Ron) Bergdale, Mason City, Amy Bergdale, Mason City, Lisa (Tony) Johnson, and their three children, Huxley, Iowa, Scott (Barb) Russel, and their three children, Chespeake, Va.; several cousins, and many, many friends.
   He is preceded in death by his father, and his grandparents, both maternal and paternal.

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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Erma E. Strube

Erma E. Strube, age 91, of Clear Lake, mother of Marcia Preston, Sandra Holland, and Susan Shriner, died Sunday, May 18, 2008, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North 4th Street, Clear Lake.

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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Richard C. Dunn

    Richard C. Dunn, 77, of Clear Lake, died May 18, 2008, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa, following a short but brave battle with cancer.  Funeral services will be Thursday, May 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Msgr. Joseph Slepicka officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. with a scriptural prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. The family of Richard C. Dunn kindly requests those wishing to give a memorial direct them to the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit or to the Richard C. Dunn Memorial Fund in care of his family.
   Dick was born Sept. 21, 1930, in Marshalltown, Iowa, and lived near St. Anthony. He attended various schools in Marshall County, graduating in 1948 from St. Mary’s High School in Marshalltown. He continued his education at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, and the University of Iowa and in 1952 was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served in Korea as a Sgt. 1st Class with the 25th Tropic Fighting Division. Upon discharge, he worked for GMAC and for many years as a district manager for Allis Chalmers. He later owned his own insurance agency until his retirement in 1994.  In his retirement years he ran his own bail bonding business.
   Richard served on the Clear Lake All Vets golf board for 21 years, six of them as president. He was a life member of the V.F.W., and a long-time member and past president of the Clear Lake Noon Lions. While a Lion, he was honored with the Warren Coleman fellowship for community service. He always looked forward to serving as the Lions “bean chairman” at their annual summer barbeque.
   Dick enjoyed many things in his life including boating on Clear Lake, his daily golf game with his buddies, “making the rounds” about town on his scooter, Friday nights at the V.F.W. “The Club” and traveling to Orange Beach, Ala. during the winter months. He loved to travel and he and Shirley took many wonderful trips around the world in addition to the family vacations that created many lasting memories.  One of his favorite pastimes was reading and he was found many evenings relaxing in his favorite easy chair with a book in one hand while he listened to his favorite Broadway music show tunes playing in the background.
   He was blessed with 51 years of marriage to his hometown sweetheart, Shirley, who was the love of his life. He is survived by her and their six daughters and their husbands: Pam (Mark) Floy, Le Mars, Iowa, and their three children, Ryan, Andrew and Samantha; Sue (Tom) Hendricks, Clear Lake, and their children, James and Megan; Lori (Stephen) Williams, Sierra Madre, Calif., and Kelton and Bennett; Le Ann (Mark) Hewitt, Clear Lake, and their children, Rachel, Libby and Lauren; Sara (John) Barten, West Des Moines, Iowa and their children, Claire, Max and Luke; and Amy (John) Finstad, West Des Moines, and their children, Will, Jack and Lily.  Dick is survived by one brother, Denny (Mary Fran) Dunn, Burbank, Calif., two sisters, Pat (Russ) King, Little Rock, Ark., and Mary Jo Becker, New Prague, Minn., and a brother-in-law, Denny Carroll, Frederick, Md.
   Dick was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Monica Carroll; a brother, David, in infancy; and a brother-in-law, Paul Becker.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Rick Eugene Poole

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Vivian Flora Nelson

    Vivian Flora Nelson, 97, of Clear Lake, was called to heaven on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Oakwood Care Center.
    Funeral Services were held Tuesday, May 27, at The Regular Baptist Church, Clear Lake with Pastor Steven Cox officiating. Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
   Vivian was born Jan. 9, 1911, in Bowman, ND, the daughter of John Norman and Bernice (Luetiahil) Turner. She attended rural school at Clemons, Iowa, and graduated from Liberty Consolidated School in 1929. She came to Clear Lake in 1937 to live with her Aunt and Uncle. She met and married Thomas E. Nelson Sr. Aug. 5, 1945 in Colo, Iowa.
    Vivian loved to do jigsaw puzzles and read her Bible. She was a member of the Regular Baptist Church were she was in the same Bible study group since 1964. She taught Sunday School for many years and had all neighbor children in her classes. She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and baking cookies for the neighbor children.
    Vivian is survived by her sons, Roger (Dawn) Nelson, Clear Lake, and Russel (Beth) Nelson, Fort Mill, SC; one stepson, Tom (Janice) Nelson, Clear Lake; her sister, Helen Phares, Cambridge, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, her parents, two brothers, Forest and Arthur Turner, one sister, Isabelle Gerke, step-daughter, Vernelda Gummeson and one granddaughter, Emily Nelson.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel,   Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Friday, May 23, 2008

Glen Henry Lekwa

    Glen Henry Lekwa, 87, of 2501 West State St, Mason City and formerly of Clear Lake, died Friday, May 23, 2008 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services were held Sunday, May 25 at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment was held Tuesday, May 27, at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.
   Glen was born Feb. 5, 1921 in Dows, Iowa, the son of Henry and Ella (Johnson) Lekwa. Glen was a 1939 graduate of the Popejoy High School and then attended Hamilton Business College. He worked construction in the Popejoy, Iowa area.
   Glen married Betty Hurd, June 24, 1945 in Popejoy. In 1955 they moved to Clear Lake and he continued to do construction work. He also worked for Northern Natural Gas for a couple of years but continued construction until he retired.
   Glen married Lila Hopkey on Sept.17, 1990. He enjoyed doing wood carving and woodworking until he moved to Homestead, Iowa in January 2008. He enjoyed playing games and emailing family and friends. He was a member of the Clear Lake Methodist Church.
   Glen is survived by his four children, Kay Carolla, Fayetteville, Ark., Rande (Vicki) Lekwa, Mason City, Monte (Cheryl) Lekwa, Spencer, Iowa, and Jean (Roy) Groven, Mason City; brother, Arnold (Jenny) Lekwa, Urbandale, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Heather (Charles) Kremers, Sara (Jim) Widmer, Amanda Ramsey, Megan (Rene) Cuevas, Michelle (Martin) Padilla, Shane Lekwa, Stephan (Melanie) Lekwa, Emerald Groven and Ford Groven; seven great-grandchildren, Andrew, Samuel, Logan, Bianca, Zach, Olivia and Sandra.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty in 1986, and second wife, Lila in 2004.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Friday, May 30, 2008

Thelma Knutson

A celebration honoring Thelma Knutson’s life will take place at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake on Friday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m.
   Born to Severin and Betsy Hovey in Badger, Iowa, Thelma was the youngest of six children. Her siblings were Edgar, Amy, Clara, Lyla and Mildred. She was baptized and confirmed at the Badger Lutheran Church, which was built by her grandfather, Erick Hovey.
   Thelma graduated with honors from Ft. Dodge High School; attended St. Olaf College; graduated from Drake University with a degree in teaching, and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She taught school in Iowa from 1933-1938.
   She married Howard Knutson of Thor, Iowa in 1938. They had one daughter, Susan.
   The family moved to Clear Lake in 1949, where Thelma was very active at Zion Lutheran for 49 years, and especially enjoyed visitation. She volunteered many years at Opportunity Village and Red Cross; belonged to PTA; Library Reading Club; Women’s Club; TTT Society; and Breakfast Club. Thelma shared many memorable trips with Howard, as well as special trips with her sisters. A highlight was a trip to Norway to trace her heritage.
   Thelma moved to Wayzata, Minn. in 1998 to be near her family, and in 2004, followed her daughter, Susan and son-in-law, Jim, to Scottsdale, Az., where she and Howard spent their winters for many years. At 97 years of age, Thelma was still very active at her residence’s daily exercise class; book club; and Bible study.
   Thelma loved, and was loved by, her family and friends. Her presence will be greatly missed by her daughter, Susan (Jim O’Radnik); her grandchildren, Amy (Bob Pfefferle), Andy (Marne Berkvam), Kristi (Mike Stratton), Jill (Kevin Argall), and her great-grandchildren, Otto, Ingrid, Anna, Tallie, Rachel, Cassie, Elizabeth, Grace, Lyla, and Charlie, along with many nieces and nephews.
   The celebration of life will be at Zion Lutheran Church at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be held at Clear Lake Cemetery. A time for refreshments and memories will follow at Zion’s fellowship hall.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Betty J. McKinnon

    Betty J. McKinnon, 80, of 10586 Balsam Ave., Ventura, died Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
   Services will be Friday, June 6, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Ventura, with Rev. Rhoda Preston officiating. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake. Visitation will be Thursday, 4 – 7 p.m. at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake and then one hour before the service at the church. Family suggests memorials to the Betty Jane McKinnon Memorial Fund.
   Betty was born April 5, 1928 on her grandfather’s farm in rural Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Irene (DeSpain) Pollock.
   She graduated from New London High School in 1946. In 1950 she married Lloyd McKinnon. They lived in the New London area, until 1957, they then moved to rural Ventura, Iowa where they farmed.
   Betty enjoyed gardening, cooking - especially baking pies, playing games and spending time with her grandchildren, shopping, puzzles, decorating her home for the holidays, the wind farm, visiting with her neighbors and her dogs.
   She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Ventura.
   Betty is survived by her daughter, Tina Ford and her husband, Roy, Cedar Falls, Iowa; four grandchildren, Joy Winkowitsch and her husband, Todd, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Angie Arthur and her husband, Jammie, Kalona, Iowa, Scott Davis, Cedar Falls, and Nathan McKinnon and his wife, Jess, Virginia Beach, Va.; five great-grandchildren, Amity, Jacey, Kyleigh, Trenni and Wyatt; and two brothers, Raymond Pollock and his wife, Harriett, San Jose, Calif. and Richard Pollock and his wife, Sandy, New London.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd; son, Kim; brother, Roger Pollock and two sisters, Shirley Pence and Dorothy Pollock.
   Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

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updated Jul-10
by Jay Lehmann
jay@ncigs.org