Vera H. Blumer, 1926-2001

March 21, 2001

Vera H. Blumer, of LuVerne, died on Thursday, March 15, 2001, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. She was 74.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 19, at the Zion Lutheran Church in LuVerne. The Rev. Bruce Boyce officiated. Music was provided by organists, David Blumer and Dennis Holmes who accompanied several congregational hymns.

Burial was in the LuVerne Cemetery. Casket bearers were David Blumer, Gary Ernst, John Boeckholt, Tim Blumer, Jeff Wilcox and Anthony Boeckholt. The Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona was in charge of arrangements.

Vera Helena Blumer, was born on July 10, 1926 at Lone Rock. She was the daughter of John and Meta Marie (Tietz) Gifford. She received her education at Burt.

On April 3, 1949, Vera Gifford and Delain "Pete" Blumer were married at the St. John Lutheran Church, Burt. The couple lived in Bradgate for a time and moved to LuVerne in 1958. Mrs. Blumer was a teacher's aid for 13 years at the LuVerne School and was a babysitter for many families in LuVerne.

She was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for 26 years. Mrs. Blumer enjoyed doing embroidery and counted cross stitch. Her greatest enjoyment in life was her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Dennis Blumer, Larry Blumer and his wife, Jenny, all of Algona; Thomas Blumer and his wife, Betty of Meservey and Tracy Weber and her husband, Jeff of Irvington, Iowa; four grandchildren, Jim Blumer and Eric, Nicole and Ean Weber; and a great-grandson.

Also surviving are her sisters and brothers, Rosetta Blumer of LuVerne, Leona Larson and husband, Gene of Fenton, Delores Boecholt and husband, Elvin of Titonka, Lucille Faber and husband, Melvin and Diane Bunkofske and husband, Larry, all of Burt, Karen Wubben and her husband, Neal of Osage, Richard Gifford and wife, Liz of Slater, Gary Gifford and wife, Elaine of Burt and Donald Gifford and his wife, Bobbi of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete on May 16, 1974; her parents; a grandson, Brandon Blumer; brothers, Gordon, Jack and Jerry Gifford; and sisters, Gladys Boecholt, Darlene Gross and an infant sister, Maxine.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Myrth A. Anderson, 1916-2001

March 21, 2001

Myrth A. Anderson, 84, of Woden, died on Thursday, March 15, 2001, at the I.O.O.F. Home, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 19, at the Grant Lutheran Church, rural Woden. The Rev. Arlen Lloyd officiated. Music was provided by organist, Tammy Johnson who accompanied soloist, Judy Junkermeier and congregational hymns. Ushers were Tom Larson and Jim Steffen.

Interment will be in the spring in the Grant Township Cemetery. Casket bearers were Pete Hjelmstad, T.J. Richardson, Brian Lewerke, Kyle Anderson, Karsten Anderson and Doug Swingen. Honorary bearers were Dick Lewerke and David Simpson. Cataldo Funeral Home of Woden was in charge of the arrangements.

Myrth Adelaine Anderson, the daughter of Gus and Clara (Holland) Swingen, was born on July 10, 1916, on a farm near Woden. She was baptized and confirmed at the Grant Lutheran Church. She attended the rural schools of Grant Township and graduated from the Buffalo Center High School. She taught in the rural schools of Grant Township.

On June 10, 1938, she was married to Oliver T. Anderson at Elmore, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Woden where they raised their family. Mrs. Anderson also helped her husband at the Woden Produce, which they owned and operated until retiring.

Due to ill health she moved to the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City in July of 2000. She enjoyed her family, friends, gardening and music. Mrs. Anderson was a life time member of the Grant Lutheran Church, where she was active in Ladies Aid and was the church organist for many years. She was also a Gold Star Mother.

Survivors include three children, Bonnie Lewerke and her husband, Dick of Mason City, Karen Simpson and her husband, David of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Jim Anderson and his wife, Marcy of Dell Rapids, South Dakota; seven grandchildren, Kim Richardson and her husband, T.J., Brian Lewerke and his wife, Jan, Sherry Hjelmstad and her husband, Pete, Sara Simpson and Kyle, Karsten and Kiira Anderson; three great-grandchildren, Taylor Richardson and Brianna and Branden Lewerke.

Also surviving are two brothers, Harvey Swingen of Woden and Gussie Swingen and his wife, Verlaine of Woden; a sister, Theo Callies and her husband, Ed of New Brighton, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver on March 31, 1981; her son, Larry on March 9, 1965; and her parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Frank J. Hrubes, 1909-2001

March 21, 2001

Frank J. Hrubes, 91, of Garner, died on Friday, March 16, 2001, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 19, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. The Rev. Fr. Michael Schueller and Msgr. John Chihak officiated. Donna Hrubes was the lector. Altar servers were Cody Liska, Greg Studer and Troy Studer.

Music was provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who accompanied the church choir and a duet by Diane and Deb Hrubes.  Ushers were Dennis and Dean Hrubes. Honorary bearers were Gerald Nedved, Bernard Nedved, Michael Hrubes, Ron Trca, Francis Vavrik, Gay Hrubes, Dr. Clarence Johnanns, Ron Hrubes and Gerry Hrubes. 

Casket bearers were Daniel Hrubes, David Hrubes, Wayne Kudej, Tom Hrubes, Al Trca and Rick Hartman. Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Duncan. A trumpet solo by Bob Malek followed the committal service. The Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner was in charge of the arrangements.

Frank J. Hrubes, the eldest son of 11 children of Jilji and Rose (Hejlik) Hrubes, was born on August 12, 1909, on a farm south of Duncan. He attended the rural school of Liberty Township.

On June 9, 1936, he married Alice Rokos at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan.  The couple made their home south of Duncan where they raised their family and farmed.  After celebrating their 50th anniversary, they retired from farming and moved into Garner after 43 years on the farm. 

Mr. Hrubes enjoyed farming and had a great love of music. He played the violin or trumpet in many contests and was a regular player in the family bands and the Hobo Band in parades. Most of all, his interest was with his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards and visiting with his family and friends.

He was a life time member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Workman Lodge, where he received a 70-year pin in 1997.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Alice of Garner; two children, Don Hrubes and his wife, Donna of Spencer and their children, Deb, Diane, and Daniel Hrubes and Sister Janet Hrubes of Chicago, Illinois; six brothers and sisters, Rose Johanns of Osage, Helen Malek of Garner, Elsie Vavrik of Garner, Mary Trca of Britt, Joseph Hrubes and wife, Leona of Britt and Clarence Hrubes and his wife, Joan of Garner; sister-in-law, Margaret Hrubes of Garner; brother-in-law, Vincent Nedved of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Emily Trca and Agnes Nedved; and two brothers, Raymond and John Hrubes.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Catherine Lemke, 1916-2001

April 4, 2001

Catherine L. Lemke, of Klemme, died on Thursday, March 22, 2001. She was found in her car near 150th St. and Jackson Ave., in Wright County. She was 84.

Memorial services were held at the Klemme United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 29. The Rev. Curtis DeVance conducted the service. Music was provided by organist, Muriel Schulz who accompanied congregational hymns.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lemke were held on Friday, March 30, in Texas.

Catherine Lenore Lemke, was born on December 8, 1916. She attended school in Clarion and attended her 60th class reunion last year.

On February 12, 1937, she was married to Wayne Rubin Lemke. The couple made their home in several locales. They operated a U-Totem convenience store while living in Texas. In addition to helping with the convenience store business, Mrs. Lemke was a housewife who enjoyed gardening and traveling.

Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Lemke made her home in Klemme. She was a member of the Naomi Circle of the United Methodist Church Women in Klemme and a member of various clubs.

Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Canning and a son, Larry Lemke, both of Texas.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Anna Marie Goetz, 1894-2001

April 4, 2001

Anna Marie Goetz, 106, died on Friday, March 23, 2001, at the Algona Manor Care Center, where she had been a resident since October of 1993.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Tim Johnson and Father Dan Greving at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 27, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial was in the St. Joseph Cemetery, with the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of Wesley in charge of the arrangements. Casket bearers were Earl Goetz, Dan Trenary, Michael Goetz, Brent Harms, Dennis Day, Mark Goetz, Dean Trenary, Scott Goetz, Larry Day and David Trenary.

Anna Marie Schrauth, the eldest of six children of Michael and Barbara Schmidt Schrauth, was born on October 30, 1894 at Compton, Illinois. She was baptized in the Catholic Church at Sublette, Illinois. In 1900, the family moved to a farm in the Wesley, Iowa area and Anna attended country school and the St. Joseph Catholic School.

She was united in marriage to Michael Philip Goetz on January 14, 1914, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley. They farmed north of Wesley before moving to a farm near Sargeant, Minnesota in 1952. Michael died July 22, 1967, and in 1978, Anna moved back to Wesley where she lived until becoming a resident of the Algona Manor.

Anna was a homemaker her entire life. She was a member of the St. Joseph Church, St. Joseph Guild, the CD of A. Wesley Homemakers, Senior Citizens and the Wesley American Legion Auxiliary of which she was a Gold Star Mother. She enjoyed gardening, raising house plants, crocheting and visiting with family and friends.

Surviving are her children, Philip and Lorrine Goetz of Wesley, Gladys Elbert of Fort Dodge, Irene and Lee Day of LeHigh Acres, Florida, Bernice Goetz of Brea, California; a daughter-in-law, Donna Goetz and son-in-law, Martin Harms; 21 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, Lawrence and Clarence; a daughter, Shirley Harms; her parents; brothers, Anthony, Victor, Bernard and Cornelius; sister, Adelaide Marr; sons-in-law, Robert Trenary and Clem Elbert; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Edna M. Hovey, 1923-2001

April 4, 2001

Edna Mae Hovey, 77, died on Saturday, March 24, 2001, in the Hancock County Memorial Hospital at Britt.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 28, at the Regular Baptist Church, with Pastor Stan Manus officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Wesley.

Honorary bearers were Jerod Hovey, Chad Teachout, Michele Arndorfer, Natasha Hovey, Renee Steenhard, Gina Darling, Scott Hovey, Jimmy Teachout, Mindy Haack, Sheena Hovey, Tina Steenhard and Joel Simpson. Casket bearers were Steven Teachout, Jeffrey Hovey, Cari Davis, Malcolm Teachout, Shawn Hovey and Tonya Hovey. The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral home was in charge of the arrangements.

Edna Mae Johnson, daughter of Clarence Albert and Hattie Christine Silver Johnson, was born on August 26, 1923 at Colfax, North Dakota. She received her education in the county school near Ottosen, Iowa and the DMT School near Rolfe.

Edna was married to Harold Elsworth Hovey on September 20, 1940, at Plover, Iowa. She lived on a farm south of West Bend while Harold was in the service during World War II. After he returned from the military, they farmed near Bradgate.

In the mid 1950s until 1963, Harold and Edna farmed north of Wesley. She also worked in the Wesley Creamery during that time. They moved into Wesley in 1963 and Edna worked as a CNA in the Hancock County Memorial Hospital at Britt for 20 years, retiring in 1985.

Edna was a member of the Regular Baptist Church at Algona and the American Legion Auxiliary at Wesley. She enjoyed reading, doing embroidery and quilting. She also liked to collect salt and pepper shakers and shoes.

Harold Hovey died on January 2, 2000 and Edna moved to Algona following his death.

She is survived by her children, Claire and Sarah Hovey, DeWayne and Helen Hovey all of Algona, Marlene and David Haack of Bancroft, Darwin and Carol Hovey of New Hampton, Larry and Deb Hovey of Garner and Karlene and Craig Steenhard of Corwith; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Maxine McIntosh of Salem, Oregon.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Earl, Les, Albert and Johnny Johnson; and sisters, Lois Nelson and Mildred Edwards.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Dale R. Holt, 1922-2001

April 4, 2001

Dale R. Holt, 78, of rural Sheffield, died on Monday, March 26, 2001, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, following a brief illness.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 29, at the Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf-Grarup Funeral Home, Sheffield, with the Rev. Arthur Zewert of the Zion Reformed Church officiating. Burial followed at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. In lieu of flowers his memorials may be directed to purchase trees for Lake Frances.

Dale Richard Holt, was born on July 15, 1922, in rural Swaledale, to Noah C. and Esther (Brouwer) Holt. At a young age his family moved to Mason City where he attended and graduated from the Mason City High School in 1940. After high school he moved out west where he worked at several jobs including spending over a year working on the Alaskan Highway.

He returned to the Garner area and met Frances Irene Harmon at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were united in marriage on April 25, 1948, at the Richland Lutheran Church in Thornton. They farmed with family in the Sheffield area until taking over the family farm, eventually earning a Century Farm designation.

Dale loved to travel, each year included a family trip to either California or Florida and they visited most of the 50 states. After retiring from farming, Dale and Frances delivered Winnebagos for a few years continuing their traveling and camping which they loved.

Dale was a member of the Zion Reformed Church of rural Sheffield.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Beverly Moore and husband, Larry of Thornton; son, Curt Holt of Thornton; five grandchildren, Travis Fischer, Chance and Lauren Moore all of Thornton, Jessica Holt and Jeremiah Daniel Holt, both of Brantford, Ontario, Canada; one brother, Glenn Holt and wife, Beth of Corsicana, Texas; sister-in-law, Jessie Oelkers of Thornton; niece and nephew, David and Linda Holt of Texas; several cousins and special friends, Peg Peter and Eldon and Marilyn Grarup all of Sheffield.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Frances in 1997.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Myrtle M. Brown 1905-2001

April 4, 2001

Former Britt resident, Myrtle M. (Peterson) Brown, 95, of Lake Delton, Wisconsin, died on Monday, March 26, 2001, at her daughter's home in Wisconsin.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 3, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. The Rev. Peter Schmidlkofer officiated. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. The Ewing Funeral Chapel of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Myrtle Marie Brown, was born on October 17, 1905, to Edward and Karen (Olson) Peterson. She attended the rural schools of Crystal Township and nursing school in Algona.

On March 12, 1929, she was married to John W. Brown at the Britt Congregational Church. The couple lived in Algona, moving to Britt in 1936 where Mrs. Brown did private duty nursing. They also operated a grocery store and fruit market.

In May of 1942, the family moved to Lake Delton, Wisconsin, where they worked at the Badger Ordnance Works. Upon retirement, they moved to Orlando, Florida, and spent their summers in Wisconsin.

Survivors include three children, Mrs. Phyllis Koebke Hoffman of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Mrs. Dorothy (Carl) Steinhorst Brahmsted of Baraboo, Wisconsin and John E. (Phyllis) Brown of Orlando, Florida; 21 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is one brother, Emmanuel Peterson of Britt; one sister-in-law, Ruth Stiles of Kansas; her companion, Sharon Forbes of Baraboo, Wisconsin and other relatives

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; two infant children; a great-grandson; three sisters; five brothers; and three sons-in-law.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Bernice Eisenman, 1913-2001

April 4, 2001

Bernice J. Eisenman, of Britt, died on Wednesday, March 28, 2001, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital, Britt. She was 88.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 31, at the Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt. Lenora Kiley gave reflections on Mrs. Eisenman's life and a closing prayer was given by Ann Wilson. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Bernice Jennie Eisenman, the daughter of Fred and Jennie (Manuel) Riehm, was born on March 1, 1913, on a farm south of Duncan. She grew up in the Duncan area and attended country school. She attended the Britt High School where she received her Normal Training Teaching Certificate. She furthered her education by taking summer sessions at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She taught in country schools and later obtained her cosmetology license.

On October 24, 1936, Bernice Riehm and Willard Eisenman were married at Rock Island, Illinois. The couple made their home and farmed north of Britt and in 1957 on a farm northwest of Crystal Lake. Following their retirement in 1985, they moved to Britt.

Mrs. Eisenman's interests included playing the violin, crocheting, spending time with friends and neighbors and in later years, using the Internet. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Mrs. Eisenman was a 68-year member of the Charity Rebekah Lodge #334 and a member of a neighborhood birthday club.

Survivors include one daughter, Cynthia Jane Eisenman of Papillion, Nebraska; one son, Harold W. Eisenman of Mason City; four grandchildren, Julie and Ed Duran of Cedar Rapids, Pam and Al Winter of Clarion, Monica and Jeff Oetker of Marshalltown and Andrew Eisenman of Mason City; and seven great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include two sisters-in-law, Florine Riehm of Garner and Mildred Nall of Scottsdale, Arizona; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard in 1988; her parents; and five brothers, Paul, Fred, Harold, Curtis and James.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Richard Arends, 1914-2001

April 4, 2001

Richard L. Arends, of Kanawha, died on Thursday, March 29, 2001, at the Belmond Medical Center in Belmond. He was 87.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 2, at the United Methodist Church, Kanawha. The Rev. Susan Detwiler officiated. Music was provided by organist, Louise Smith Hoelscher who accompanied the congregation in hymns. LeRoy Cooper and Ron Pringnitz ushered.

Burial was in the Amsterdam Township Cemetery. Casket bearers were Todd Candor, Jay Pogge, Danny Zeigler, Jeffrey Jones, Dennis Zeiger, Ron Olmstead and Doug Zeigler. Honorary bearers were Raymond Burras, Herbert Schreur, Lori Jones, Barbara Zeigler, Jake DeWaard, Delos Smith, Katherine Olmstead, Jan Zeigler, Pam Zeigler, Eldon Harson, Lyn Candor and Daphne Pogge. The Ewing Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Richard, the son of John Casper (J.C.) and Anna Bode Arends, was born on January 27, 1914 near Alexander, Iowa. He grew up in the Alexander area and attended Alexander Schools. He was baptized at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church by his grandfather, the Rev. Cornelius Bode.

On August 25, 1935, Richard Arends and Jennie Veldhouse were married at the Methodist Parsonage in Kanawha. The couple made their home south of Kanawha where Richard farmed. Mr. Arends lived on this farm from the time he was 19 years old. He farmed until the age of 80.

A member of the United Methodist Church in Kanawha, Mr. Arends served on the church board, taught Sunday School, was an MYF leader, a member of Methodist Men, served as Treasurer for the building fund and was a Trustee for many years. He served on the board of directors for the Kanawha Co-op Oil and of the Norway Rural Schools. He was a member of the Wright County A.S.C.S. and County Cousins. He enjoyed his family, church, bowling and golf.

Survivors include his wife, Jennie; two daughters, Dawn Marlene Zeigler and husband, Lyle and Joyce Elaine Pogge and husband, Kenneth, all of Kanawha; seven grandchildren, Katherine Olmstead and husband, Ron, Dennis Zeigler and wife, Barbara, Doug Zeigler and wife, Jan, Lori Jones and husband, Jeffery, Danny Zeigler and wife, Pam, Jay Pogge and wife, Daphne and Lyn Candor and husband, Todd; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lena VanDusseldorp of Sheffield; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild, Robin Lynn Pogge; a great-grandchild, Nicholas Jay Pogge; two sisters, Edna Tucker and Hazel Benson; and three brothers, Orville, Henry and an infant brother, John.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Mary K. Jensen, 1901-2001

April 4, 2001

Mary K. Jensen, 99, of Sheffield, died on Thursday, March 29, 2001, at the Sheffield Care Center.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 31, at the Zion-St. John Lutheran Church in Sheffield, with Pastor Kent Mechler officiating. Interment was in the Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield.

Mary K. Jensen, was born on September 27, 1901, at Teestrup Enghave, Denmark, to Hans and Anna Elizabeth Petersen Hansen. Mary was baptized on November 28, 1901, in the Lutheran Faith and confirmed on September 26, 1915.

She came to the United States on June 20, 1920, and was married to Lars C. Jensen on March 5, 1921, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, southwest of Hampton. Mary had lived in Sheffield since 1923 and became a resident of the Sheffield Care Center six years ago.

Mary was a four-generation member of the Zion St. John Lutheran Church and of the American Legion Auxiliary in Sheffield. In the past years, she was active with the Senior Citizens and was a member of the Sheffield Cemetery Society for many years.

Her favorite hobbies have been embroidering, yard work and caring for her flowers. Her real enjoyment was her grandchildren. Everyone enjoyed Mary's sense of humor.

Survivors include her children, Nelsine Schroeder and her husband, Leo of Sheffield, Petrea Beebe of Hampton and Elizabeth Crawford of Austin, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lars on June 10, 1958; five sisters; five brothers; and one granddaughter.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Edna Mathis, 1920-2001

April 4, 2001

Former Garner resident, L. Edna Mathis, of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, died on Thursday, March 29, 2001, at her home. She was 80.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 3, at the United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. Services will also be held 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 5, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner. The Rev. Kermit Roisen of the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake will officiate.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in the family plot in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Edna Mathis, the daughter of Eilef S. and Nettie (Olsen) Viken, was born on October 24, 1920 at Garner. She attended school at Garner where she graduated from high school in 1937. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in textiles.

In 1942, she was married to Dr. Paul Mathis at the United Presbyterian Church, Garner. The couple made their home in South Dakota where her husband taught economics at McCook College and later at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

Mrs. Mathis owned and operated a department store in Vermillion for many years. In 1962, they moved to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, where Paul taught at Central Michigan University and was chairman of the Economics Department.

Mrs. Mathis was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. She was active in her sorority, Chi Omega, which she helped establish at CMU, and in many civic and university groups.

Survivors include four children, Karen M. Travis of Cocoa, Florida, William J. Mathis III of Anandale, Virginia, John E. Mathis of Ormond Beach, Florida and William J. Mathis of Vincent, Iowa; and seven grandchildren, Nell Travis Campbell, Robert Travis, Veronika Edna Travis, Amy Mathis, Paul C. Mathis IV, Nicholas Mathis and Carson Fisher.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul on July 28, 1986; and her parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001

Ollie L. Stoll, 1907-2001

April 4, 2001

Ollie L. Stoll, of LuVerne, died on Friday, March 30, 2001, at the Rotary Ann Homes in Eagle Grove. She was 93.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 2, at the United Methodist Church, LuVerne. The Rev. Dale A. Reisner officiated. Music was provided by Dennis Holmes. Burial was in the LuVerne Cemetery. The Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Home of LuVerne was in charge of the arrangements.

Ollie Lucille Evelyn Stoll, was born on May 9, 1907 in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Joe and Edna Mae (Rose) Johnson. At the age of 3, her family moved to a farm near Wesley.

On February 16, 1931, Ollie Johnson and Ralph Stoll were married at Titonka. The couple farmed in the Wesley and LuVerne areas until 1960, when they moved into LuVerne. They served as custodians at the LuVerne United Methodist Church for many years until retiring.

Mrs. Stoll was a past member of the Doan Community Church, where she was a charter member of the Doan Women's Society. She was an active member of the LuVerne United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one son, Dennis Stoll and his wife, Edna of Eagle Grove; three grandchildren, Darrel Stoll and his wife, Cindy of Spencer, Darin Stoll and his wife, Susan of Boone and DeEtta Rosa and her husband, Jack of Grimes; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maudie Hutchinson of Eagle Grove and Fay Freese of Alden; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband on March 4, 1999; her parents; an infant grandson, Darwin Stoll; ten sisters; and eight brothers.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2001