Obituary Archive Cresco Times-Plain Dealer  214 North Elm Street Cresco Iowa 52136-1522 563 547-3601	First Citizens National Bank, Mason City, is honored to participate as a corporate underwriter of this important north central Iowa community project. Keystroke Ctrl F is a page search tool The Times Plain Dealer archive

Funeral services for Raymond "Ray" J. Vokaty of Cresco, IA were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Friends were to call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening and one hour prior to services. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Raymond, 76, died Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI.

Raymond Joseph Vokaty was born on May 7, 1929 in Howard County the son of Joseph and Mary (Ludwig) Vokaty. He was one of five children. When Ray was 17 years old he joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea.

On November 16, 1949, Ray married Loretta M. Vopava at Lourdes, IA. To this marriage two children were born.

Ray owned and operated his own auto body repair shop for many years. During this time he restored antique cars and tractors; always particular to detail. After selling the shop, he was employed by Southern Classic Trailers of Sumner, IA.

Ray had a passion for hunting, fishing, and stock car racing. He enjoyed sharing these hobbies with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Ray was a member of the Assumption Church, V.F.W., American Legion, and Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife Loretta; daughter: Carmen Heying; son: Alan (Roxann) Vokaty; grandchildren: Stacey (Kenneth) Monteith, Stephanie Heying, and Shane Vokaty; great-grandchildren: Logan and Nathan Monteith; sisters: Joan (Arkie) Kleve, Geraldine Bilidt, and many neices and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers: Joseph and Arnold.

Funeral services for Josephine O. Marik were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco.

The pall was placed on the casket at the entrance of the church by Jeannie Nelson, Brenda Anding, Terry Stephenson and Tricia Rinken. Joe Hensley was lector, Suzanne Ollendick played the organ accompanying the congregation and Joe Wacha sining, "How Great thou Art", "Amazing Grace", "On Eagle's Wings", "Song of Farewell" and "Let There Be Peace On Earth". Gifts were carried by the same granddaughters who placed the pall. Honorary bearers were: Donald Johnson, Danny Thompson, Larry Thompson, James Johnson, Gary Johnson, Michael Stephenson, Jacob Anding, Bennett Nelson, and Hayley Linderman. Pallbearers were: John Rinken, Wayne Johnson, Brett Nelson, Richard Stephenson, Tom Thompson, and Chuck Johnson.

Visitation was held at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and again from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Interment was in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at Lourdes.

Conway Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Josephine, 93, died Monday, November 21, 2005 at Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Josephine Oretta Marik was born October 25, 1912 in Howard County, east of Elma, Iowa, the daughter of Joe and Carrie (Northness) Johnson. She graduated from Elma High School and attended Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls, IA to receive her teaching certificate. She taught school in the rural schools of Howard County until the late 1950's and then became a clerk at Harrison's Dept. Store in Cresco for 24 years.

On June 28, 1937 she married Clarence Marik in Cedar Rapids, IA. They became the parents of five children. Following their marriage, they lived between Lourdes and Jerico, then moved to a home near Protivin and in 1947, they moved into Cresco. Clarence died in 1981.

Being a school teacher, Josephine loved to read, crochet afghans, and attend all of the school activities of her children and grandchildren. She was a good hearted person who was always good to other people. She was especially fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Assumption Worship Center and the Circles of Faith. In earlier years, she belonged to the teacher organizations.

Josephine is survived by three daughters: Mary Ann (Marty) Thompson of Santa Maria, CA, Betty Linderman of Cresco, IA, and Shirley (Ken) Rinken of Rochester, MN; eight grandchildren: Tom, Larry and Danny Thompson, Brenda Anding, Jeannie Nelson, Terri Stephenson, and John and Tricia Rinken; 10 great-grandchildren: Katie, Patrick, Trevor and Brianna Thompson, Hayley Linderman and Jacob Anding, Michael Stephenson, Mariah, Jenna and Bennett Nelson; and one brother: Lester (Marlys) Johnson of New Hampton, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Joe and Carrie Johnson; her husband: Clarence; one son: Gerald in infancy; one daughter: Catherine at the age of two; one sister: Alice (Carlton) Landswerk; and two brothers: Alvie (Gertrude) Johnson and Olaf (Marjorie) Johnson.

Funeral services for Bernice A. Joerger of Cresco, IA were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2005 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco.

Friends were to call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening with a 6:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Visitation was to continue one hour prior to services at the church. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Bernice, 92, died Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, IA.

Bernice Alice Joerger was born on December 12, 1912 in Plymouth, Iowa. Her parents were Matt and Anna (Kvasnicka) Hoeldt. She attended Assumption grade school and graduated from Assumption High School in 1931 in Cresco.

On November 22, 1932 she married Raymond Joerger at Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. They had one daughter, Marlene Quinn of Cresco.

Together with her husband they owned and operated the Tower Club in Cresco and the Cresco Caf/ from 1951-1976. They also owned and operated Ray's Ambulance Service, and from 1982-1985 they managed the Cresco Theatre.

Bernice had a great love for her family, friends, and neighbors. The more people she had to cook for the happier she was. She also babysat two of her great-grandsons when they were babies and was a second mother to a lot of people. She was a very devout Catholic and if you had some hard times, Bernice was always there with her Rosary and said countless Novenas. To the people who were fortunate enough to know her and share in the blessings of her life, she was a Saint before her time. We will miss you Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and the Rock of our Family, and we know that you will continue to watch over us until we can all be together again!

Bernice is survived by one daughter: Marlene Quinn of Cresco, IA; three grandchildren: Mark (Judy) Hulke of Richland, WA, Michael (Sheila) Quinn of Murrietta, CA, and Melanie (Gale) Erion of Cresco, IA; five great-grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ray in 1986; one brother: James Hoeldt; and three sisters: Harriet Thompson, Eunice Pentico, and Louise Ernst.

Funeral services for Howard H. Hoisington of Orchard will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, November 30 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage.

Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage is handling the arrangements.

Howard, 65, died Sunday, November 27, 2005.

Funeral services for James "Jim" E. Gansen of Elma, IA will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2005 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Rev. Ray Atwood officiating.

Friends may call from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma, where there will be a 4:00 p.m. Rosary and 7:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Pallbearers are: Jim O'Donnell, Mike Zeimetz, Kenneth Gebel, LeRoy Mohrfeld, Greg Gardner, and Russ Murphy.

Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in Elma is handling the arrangements.

James, 69, died Friday, November 25, 2005 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN after a four-year battle with heart failure.

James E. Gansen was born on November 25, 1936, the son of Elmer and Rosella (Frank) Gansen. After graduating from Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma, he worked at the Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa. He then served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Following his Army service, Jim worked for the United States Post Office, first in Waterloo, then in Elma, Ionia, Alta Vista, Charles City, and New Hampton, retiring as Postmaster.

Throughout his life, Jim stressed the primary importance of family and friends to his children. A strong believer in serving his community, he was elected as a two-term mayor of Elma, a school board member and president of the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District, and served as a volunteer firefighter. He also helped spearhead the effort to bring the Colonial Manor Nursing Home to Elma.

Jim enjoyed shooting the breeze with neighbor Mort; discussing his latest vehicle purchase with neighbor Clara; displaying cat-like reflexes as a third baseman and a basketball-palming prowess that earned him the nickname "Gummy" at I.C. Academy; tinkering with his 1960 Allis Chalmers WD tractor; reminiscing about his '58 Chevy-the slickest wheels in the tri-county area (and, according to Dad, the reason Mom married him); reaching deep into the recesses of mailboxes for "postage due"; wrestling in the living room with his sons (and tearing up Mom's carpet); doting on his favorite daughter Ann; talking politics with his father-in-law Ed over the Sunday paper; wintering in Arizona with his lovely wife and hiking the mountains; and playing the occasional non-competitive round of golf with friends.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sharon (Beecher), and his five children: Eddie (Christi) of Janesville, Wisconsin, Bill (Sherri), Ann (Patrick) Loftus, and Dave (Kim) of Cedar Rapids, and Steve (Sondra) of Minneapolis; two brothers: Tom (Diane) of New Hampton and Norb (Mary) of Fredericksburg; his mother-in-law Peggy Beecher of Elma; and his nine grandsons and two granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Ed Beecher.

A memorial service for Donald E. Thurlow of Chester was held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Lime Springs.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Lime Springs handled the arrangements.

Donald died Friday, November 25, 2005.

Funeral services for James E. Goetch of Cresco will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 9 at the United Methodist Church in Cresco.

Friends may call at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, December 8 and one hour prior to services at the church.

Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in rural Cresco.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco is handling the arrangements.

James, 75, died Sunday, December 4, 2005 at Northwest Community Healthcare in Wheeling, IL.

Funeral services for John E. Barrett of Loveland, CO were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 5 at the Nativity Catholic Church in Harmony, MN.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony, MN handled the arrangements.

John, 53, died Saturday, November 26, 2005 at his home.

Funeral services for Violette M. Reinhart of Cresco will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2005 at Cresco United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Carey officiating.

Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco, IA. Interment will be in New Oregon Cemetery in Cresco.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco is handling the arrangements.

Violette, 85, died Monday, December 5 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, IA.

Violette M. Reinhart was born on February 7, 1920, the daughter of William and Ada (Fox) Krueger. She attended Nichols Country School completing the eighth grade.

On September 18, 1940 she married Lyle Reinhart at her parent's home in Howard County. To this marriage six children were born. She and Lyle also raised their granddaughter Teri (Neubauer) Vagts after her mother Beverly passed away.

Violette lived in and around the Cresco area her entire life enjoying being a homemaker, mother, grandmother and child care provider. Her hobbies consisted of gardening, flowers, puzzles and solitaire.

She is survived by four daughters: Karen (Larry) Hamand of Rochester, MN, Dalene (Ken) Ollendieck of Buckingham, IA, Sandra (Rick) Sebastian of Cresco, and Debra Yu (Larry Hart) of Lime Springs; one son: Randy (Maureen) Reinhart of Cresco; 13 grandchildren; 25 great- grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister: Lenora Lingbeck of Rochester, MN; one brother: Merlyn (Pearl) Krueger of Waterloo, IA; and one brother-in-law: Alvin Sommer of Cresco.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lyle; daughter Beverly; a granddaughter in infancy; five sisters: Florence (Clifford) Melcher, Myrtle (Edwin) Smith, Vilda (Carl) Mandelko, Inez (Carl) Gunnelson, Naomi Sommer; one brother: Eldon (Ella) Krueger; and one brother-in-law Jack Lingbeck.

Funeral services for Niels L. Hvitved of Nashua were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 29 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Interment was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua with military rites by Nashua V.F.W. Post #6792.

Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua handled the arrangements.

Niels, 88, died Sunday morning, November 27, 2005 at Bartels Lutheran Home in Waverly.

Niels Lindhardt Hvitved was born April 27, 1917 near Humboldt, Iowa, the son of Niels and Christine (Lindhardtsen) Hvitved. The family moved to several farms in Minnesota before settling in Nashua in 1934. Niels graduated from Nashua High School in 1936. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Memphis being discharged in 1940. In 1942, Niels enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard as a chief watertender and served until September 18, 1945.

Niels married Christine Haag on January 5, 1942, while Niels was in the service. Following his discharge Niels and Christine came back to Nashua where he joined his father in the hardware business. He bought the business in 1951 and later built a new Gamble's Store and expanded the business.

He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, he served on the church council, served as usher and one term as president of the congregation. Niels and Christine enjoyed fishing at their cabin on Lake Vermillion in Minnesota. He enjoyed boating and water skiing on the Cedar River. But flying was his true passion, he first owned a four-seater plane and later a two-seater that was smaller, harder to fly, and was licensed for "unrestricted aerobatics" and, yes, he did do a few tricks with that plane. One flight every year was to the air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it includes over 8,000 planes and 300 acres of displays. Niels flew until he was 80.

Niels moved to Linden Place Assisted Living in Waverly July 22, 2004, to be nearer his wife and sister.

Niels is survived by his wife Christine; one daughter: Sandra (Tom) Kolodziej of Nashua; one son: Linn (Connie) Hvitved of Cresco; two grandchildren: Angela Hvitved and Aaron Hvitved; and one sister: Genevieve Hanson of Waverly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Leonard Hvitved; and one sister: Lillian Hvitved.

Funeral services for Donald R. "Don" Burr of Cresco were held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at United Methodist Church in Cresco with Pastor Mike Carey officiating.

Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in Cresco.

Visitation was held at the United Methodist Church in Cresco from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29.

Conway Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Don, 77, died Friday, November 25, 2005 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI after a short illness.

Donald Roy Burr was born on January 27, 1928 in Lime Springs, IA, the son of Roy and Esther (Sheppard) Burr. He graduated from Cresco High School, and farmed most of his life in the Cresco area.

Don entered the U.S. Army on June 8, 1954 serving a tour of duty in Korea. He was discharged on March 7, 1956. Following his discharge, Don returned to farm at Cresco.

On September 4, 1957 he married Lucille Bechtel at Waukon, IA. Don was a hard working dairy farmer, who also raised some pigs. He farmed up until he was 65, and even then continued helping Rick with some of the field work.

In earlier years, Don enjoyed dancing, it was going to a dance that he met Lucy and decided that she was the one that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. In later years, he enjoyed watching football on television. He also started reading and liked the western sagas.

Don spent many years working with 4-H and was on the Howard County Fair Board.

Don is survived by his wife, Lucy of Cresco, IA; one daughter: Donna Burr of Minneapolis, MN; five sons: Richard Burr of Cresco, IA, David Burr of Chester, VA, Larry (Bonnie) Burr of Cresco, IA, Jerry Burr of Gold Hill, OR, and Danny Burr of Golden, CO; one granddaughter: Katie; one brother: Robert (Jean) Burr of Cedar Falls, IA; and three sisters: Marjorie (Raymond) McGee of Cresco, IA, Reva Shafovaloff of Pensacola, FL, and Lois Powell of New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services for Donald Bigalk of Cedar Crest Apartments in Cresco will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Eastern - Central - Western Iowa.

Donald, 80, died Sunday, November 27, 2005 at Regional Health Center in Cresco.

Funeral services for Mildred A. Beery of Riceville were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 3 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.

Conway Funeral Home in Riceville handled the arrangements.

Mildred, 88, died Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at the Riceville Community Rest Home.

Funeral services for James Greeley of Riceville were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 2 at the Conway Funeral Home.

Interment was in Wayne Cemetery at McIntire.

Conway Funeral Home in Riceville handled the arrangements.

James, 65, died Monday, November 28, 2005 at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage.

Posted on 12/08/2005 by Gene Manning

Funeral services for Carl E. Shimek of Fredericksburg will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, December 14 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in rural Elma.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Schley.

Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton is handling the arrangements.

Carl, 69 died Friday, December 9, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Funeral services for Margaret S. Jestrab of Protivin were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin.

Interment was in St. Mary's Cemetery at Little Turkey.

Conway Funeral Home in Protivin handled the arrangements.

Margaret, 88, died Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco.

Funeral services for Harry "Bud" J. Nolan of Preston, MN, formerly of Granger, MN were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.

Conway Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Harry, 84, died Friday, December 2, 2005 at the Good Samaritan Center in Preston.

Funeral services for James E. Goetch of Cresco, IA were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2005 at the United Methodist Church in Cresco, IA with Rev. Michael Carey officiating.

Interment was in Cedar Hill Cemetery in rural Cresco, IA.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

James, 75, died Sunday, December 4, 2005 at Northwest Community Healthcare in Wheeling, IL.

James was born October 18, 1930 to Dr. Edwin Goetch and Pearl (Evans) Goetch. James earned his Eagle Scout award, was a member of the National

Guard, earned his master's degree and taught driver's education and shop in Cresco. James then moved to the Chicagoland area and worked for All-State for 17 years and served as a trustee for Wheeling Township. James also worked for Jack Martin's Company as an automotive engineer before retiring.

James enjoyed fishing, camping, whittling and traveling.

James is survived by his wife of 33 years, Wilma; son: James Edward Goetch, Jr. of Eau Claire, WI, his wife Alisa, and their sons, Tyrel and Aaron; and daughter: Diane Dee Rieken of Brookings, S.D. her husband George, and their

children, Justin and Jamie. James will be sorely missed as well by his extended family from Missouri and Texas; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Edwin and Pearl (Evans) Goetch of Cedar Falls, IA.

Funeral services for Madeline Duneman of Cresco are pending at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Madeline, 82, died Monday, December 12, 2005 at her home.

Posted on 12/16/2005 by Gene Manning

Services for Lillian Nichols of Cresco were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Lillian Nichols died December 16, 2005 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.

Lillian was born the daughter of Ralph W. and Hazel (Stevens) Peckham near Cresco on October 16, 1917. She graduated from Cresco High School in 1935 and from Iowa State College of Home Economics in 1939. After graduation she worked as a Home Services Advisor for a gas company in Kansas and Oklahoma. During World War II she was employed by the Iowa State Extension Service as a County Home Economist. She resigned that position after several years and directed "Home Talent" shows, mostly in the eastern United States.

She married Jean Nichols in 1947. They were blessed with two children, JeanAnne and Jerome C. During their childhood Lillian was active in their school activities, Sunday school, 4-H, and Cub Scouts. She was also involved in Methodist Church activities, where she had been baptized and a member, Federated Women's Clubs, American Legion Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary, as well as other community activities and clubs. Later she served as Cresco Public Librarian for 20 years.

Jean and Lillian enjoyed camping and traveling. They camped over much of the United States and Canada and traveled to Alaska and Europe. After Jean's death in 1987, she continued to travel: to Peru, Egypt, Russia, Central America, Scandinavia, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and many U.S. locales on tours.

During later years she enjoyed the Methodist Church, exercise class, card playing, and crossword puzzles.

She is survived by: JeanAnne Nichols of Elgin, IL, Jerry and Kathy (Vagts) Nichols of Magnolia, TX; Ashley Nichols of Columbus, OH; and sister-in-law, Geneva Peckham.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother: Arthur Peckham; and granddaughter: Sally Nichols Thompson.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Linus W. "Slim" Mihm of St. Lucas was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20 at St. Luke's Catholic Church in St. Lucas.

Interment was in St. Luke's Cemetery.

Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Linus, 83, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at his home.

Funeral services for Harold F. Harstad of Harmony, MN were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 19 at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, MN.

Interment was in Greenfield Cemetery.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony handled the arrangements.

Harold, 74, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Memorial services for Louis G. Howe, Jr. of rural Lawler will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, December 21 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Lawler.

Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton is handling the arrangements.

Louis, 62, died Saturday, December 17, 2005 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Funeral services for Madeline Duneman of Cresco, IA were held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, IA with Rev. Michael Massa officiating.

Interment was in New Oregon Cemetery in rural Cresco, IA.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Madeline, 82, died Monday, December 12, 2005 at her home.

Madeline Duneman was born in Cresco, IA on February 2, 1923 the daughter of Mike and Leone (Lewis) Slifka. She attended Cresco Schools and graduated from Cresco High School in 1941.

She married Alfred Hass in 1942 and to this union two children were born; Lavada and Richard who passed away in infancy. Her husband Al passed away on October 15, 1965. She then married Raymond Duneman in November of 1970. They made their home just outside Cresco, IA. Ray passed away in May 1996.

Madeline worked for many years for the U-Save and Red Owl Grocery Stores. She was also a bookkeeper for the Huntting Elevator working there until her retirement. In their early retirement, Ray and Madeline liked to travel and go camping. She enjoyed playing cards, going on the bus to gamble, going to movies, watching Jeopardy, feeding the birds, and visiting with friends.

She was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were so special to her. She will be lovingly remembered for her kindness and generous spirit.

She is survived by her daughter Lavada (Butch) Houdek; her grandchildren: Todd (Rachel) Houdek, and Teri Sue (Jason) Gassmann; her great-grandchildren: Taylor Madeline and Hunter Houdek; her sisters: Helen Henkes of Cresco, IA, Edith Miller of Elkader, IA, and Grace Jerdee of Charles City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son: Richard Dean; her husband: Alfred Hass; her husband: Raymond Duneman; her great-granddaughter: Allie Houdek; sister: Margaret Schoenfeld; and brothers: Mike Slifka, Don Slifka, and William Slifka.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Leonard L. Cervenka of Fort Atkinson, IA were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at St. John's Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, IA with Rev. David Beckman officiating.

Organist was Jeannette Dietzenbach. St. John's choir sang, "Here I Am, Lord," "Prayer of St. Francis," "Taste and See," and "On Eagle's Wings." Lector was Jill Clark. Eucharistic ministers were: Patricia Cervenka, Ron Cervenka, and Randy Kuennen. Mass servers were Ray and Dick Nienhaus and Melissa, Amanda and Jeff carried the offertory gifts. Pallbearers were: Robert Cervenka, Larry Jirak, Dave Jirak, Bob Havel, Randy Svoboda, and Jim Kuennen. Interment was in St. John's Catholic Church Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

Friends were to call on Monday, December 19, 2005 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson, IA. There was a rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson handled the arrangements.

Leonard, 87, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at the Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah, IA, following a short illness.

Leonard L. Cervenka was born on November 2, 1918 the son of Phillip and Elizabeth (Kovar) Cervenka on the family farm west of Fort Atkinson, Iowa. Leonard attended country school and St. John's Catholic school in Fort Atkinson.

He farmed with his father on the family farm and married Irene Svoboda on June 7, 1943 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, IA. Together they farmed the farm for many years, retiring in 1984, when Kevin took over the farm.

Leonard enjoyed playing cards, watching the Minnesota Twins, driving tractors but he especially loved to farm.

Leonard was a member of St. John's Catholic Church.

Leonard's survivors include his wife, Irene of Fort Atkinson, IA; two daughters: Patricia Cervenka of Greendale, WI and Lorene Cervenka of Cedar Rapids, IA; two sons: Ron (Kathy) Cervenka of Waukesha, WI and Kevin Cervenka of Fort Atkinson, IA; four grandchildren: Melissa, Jamie, Amanda and Jeff; several sisters and brothers-in-law: Helen (Arnold) Havel of Calmar, IA, Ray (Mary) Svoboda of Cresco, IA, Gertrude "Gertie" Boddicker of Blairstown, IA, James "Jim" Svoboda of Santa Monica, CA, Mary (Bob) Bader of Protivin, IA, and Agnes (Ron) Dostal of Protivin, IA.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Jerome and one brother in infancy; and one sister: Viola Jirak.

Funeral services for Lola Church of Cresco, IA were held on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at the United Methodist Church in Cresco, IA with Rev. Michael Carey officiating.

Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco handled the arrangements.

Lola, 80, died Monday, December 5, 2005 at her home.

Lola was born on a farm near Little Cedar, IA the daughter of Oscar and Ethel (Slagel) Witzel on May 8, 1925. She attended county school near Little Cedar and graduated from Little Cedar High School in 1943. Her love of basketball started as a five-year varsity player for the high school team.

Prior to her marriage to John H. Church on May 6, 1947, she worked at Rex Lockers in Riceville and Osage. Following John's discharge from the U.S. Navy, the couple began farming near Riceville. In 1952, they bought a farm near Davis Corners, afterward moving to the Kendallville area in 1968. She loved helping John on the farm-driving tractor when ever she could.

She was employed at Puritan Locker in Cresco for 28 years. She worked at Donaldson Company until her retirement in 1989. Ten years later, the couple moved from the farm to Cresco.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Ladies Afternoon Circle, and the Local UAW 120 Union.

Survivors include her husband, John; daughter: Sandra (Fran) Donny; son: Craig (Gladie) Church; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lois Church; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters: Cleo Weber and Lillian Garden; and brother-in-law: William Church.

Donald, 80, died Sunday evening, November 27, 2005 at Regional Health Center in Cresco after a short illness.

Donald Bigalk was born December 27, 1924, the son of Frank and Marie (Kyseth) Bigalk.

He is survived by one brother: Clarence Bigalk and wife Ada of Charlotte, NC; one sister: Audrey and husband Glenn Lein of Evergreen, CO; and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Judy; and one brother: Roger.

The Celebration of Life of Florence M. Albertson of Spillville, IA were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at the Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar with Pastor Norman Bauer officiating.

Organist was Al Sensor. Hymns sung were "Beautiful Savior", "Amazing Grace", "In The Garden", "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", and "Just as I Am". Pallbearers were all of Florence's grandchildren. Interment was in Calmar Lutheran Cemetery in Calmar.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah handled the arrangements.

Florence, 97, died Saturday, December 10, 2005 at the Oneota Riverview Care Facility in Decorah, IA from complications of a stroke.

Florence Margaret (Wangsness) Albertson was born on January 9, 1908 the daughter of Lasse and Hansina (Hermanson) Wangsness at their home between Calmar and Ossian. She was baptized by Pastor Paul Koren on January 16, 1908 and confirmed on June 15, 1924 at the Calmar Lutheran Church. Florence attended the Lee country school near Ossian and then went to Calmar Public School thru ninth grade.

She married Orlando Albertson on January 18, 1928 at the Calmar Lutheran Church and they were married for sixty-one years. They purchased their farm near Spillville in 1938. Florence and Orlando enjoyed their farm by the Turkey River, where they milked cows and raised beef cattle. She raised many chickens and sold eggs to help get by during the Depression.

Her hobbies were baking, crocheting, embroidery, sewing and having big gardens. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and going dancing with Orlando, "the love of her life".

After Orlando passed away in 1989, Florence continued to live on the farm. In September 2003, she moved into an apartment in Ridgeway, which she enjoyed so much. After having a stroke in June 2004, she moved to the Oneota Riverview Care Facility.

She treasured her family and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Florence was a member of the Calmar Lutheran Church all of her life. She taught Sunday school and was a member of WELCA and ladies circle.

Florence is survived by her three sons: Louis (Norma) Albertson of Calmar, IA, Roger Albertson of Port Charlotte, FL, and Ronald (Nita) Albertson of Calmar, IA; one daughter-in-law: Jane Albertson, Calmar, IA; one daughter: Deborah (Tom) Lensch of Decorah, IA; 12 grandchildren: Nancy (Larry) Gallagher, Elaine (Wally) Korth, Ed (Lois) Albertson, David (Norma) Albertson, Michael (Theresa) Albertson, Paul (Jackie) Albertson, Daniel (Tammy) Albertson, Duane (Beth) Albertson, Aaron Albertson, Brent Albertson, Brian (Elly) Lensch, Angela (Sern Olson) Lensch; 18 great-grandchildren: Shelby and Jason Gallagher, Kimberly and Laura Korth, Brandon and Kala Albertson, Katie Engelhardt, David (Melinda) Engelhardt, Andrew and J Albertson, Alex Albertson, Katelyn and Josh Albertson, Rachel, Sara and Eric Albertson, Annika Lensch and Leif Olson; one great-great-grandchild: Alexia Engelhardt; three sisters-in-law: Ruth Ryan of Cresco, IA; Ella Albertson of Cresco, IA, and Nina Wangsness of Mabel, MN.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orlando on October 24, 1989; one son: Parnell Albertson on April 12, 1992; one daughter-in-law: Betty Albertson on August 4, 1993; seven sisters: Ida Stromme, Elvina Oliver, Josie Schemmel, Christine Wangsness at the age of two, Christine Ernst, Theresa Clasen, and Norma Anderson; and one brother: Elvin Wangsness.

Posted on 12/27/2005 by Gene Manning