Ruby (Noehren) Brafford, 84, of Des Moines, died on Thursday, January 8, 2004, at the Polk City Care Facility.

Visitation was held on Sunday, January 11, at the Westover Funeral Home, Des Moines. Graveside services were held on Monday at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby.

Ruby Brafl'ord, was born near Tennant. She enjoyed working in her garden, caring for her cat, playing cards, collecting glassware and visiting with family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Al (Melba) Noehren of Garner and Wayne (Bev) Noehren of Olathe, Kansas; three grandchildren, Jill M. Noehren of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Chad W. (Aimee) Noehren of Cedar Rapids and Christine A. (Joel) Sandersfeld of Olathe; step-grandchildren, Bradley A. (Lori) Tilden of Cedar Rapids, Darcy J. Tilden of Sac City and Kimberly S. Bogs of Cedar Rapids; three great-grandchildren, Jacob R. Sandersfeld, Noah W. Sandersfeld and Laura K. Noehren; and a cousin, Leona Knorr of West Des Moines.

Naomi DeWaard, of Britt, died on Friday, January 9, 2004, at the Westview Center in Britt. She was 87.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 12, at the Britt Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. Joel DeBoer officiated. Music was provided by pianist, Peg Eisenman who accompanied soloist, Joyce DeWaard and congregational hymns.

Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. Bill Eckels and Harlan Eekhoff ushered. Casket bearers were David DeWaard, Alex DeWaard, Kevin Stroup, Scott Wilson, Kent Lemon and Chad DeWaard. The Ewing Dugger Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Naomi Ruth (Zuehl) DeWaard, was born on February 12, 1916, to Fred Otto and Clara Isabella (Fillenworth) Zuehl at their family farm home near Stilson in Boone Township. She attended the Stilson Country School through eighth grade. She graduated from the Britt High School in 1933 and Britt Junior College in 1935. She received her Registered Nursing Degree from the Kahler Nursing School in Rochester, Minnesota in 1938. Her first nursing job was in New Mexico for two years.

On February 11, 1942, she was united in marriage to Clarence DeWaard at the United Brethren Church in Stilson, and they were blessed with six children. The couple farmed first near Corwith, then Stilson, and Pease, Minnesota. In 1952, they moved back to Iowa to a farm south of Hutchins and in 1956 they moved to Britt.

In 1954, Naomi began nursing at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, where she worked for 28 years. She loved her work and her family. She was very active in her church, the Britt Christian Reformed Church, where she and Clarence were founding members. She loved gardening, canning, making quilts, visiting with friends and neighbors, and family gatherings.

She is survived by six children, Jerry (and Pat) DeWaard of Britt, Armin (and Joyce) DeWaard of Britt, Marv (and Cheri) DeWaard of Waterloo, Eileen (and Joe) Wilson of Cedar Falls, Donna (and Tom) Stroup of Mason City and Carl (and Kathy) DeWaard of Byron, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren, Eve (and Kent) Lemon, Rose (and Randy) Wangen, Shelly and (Garrett) Crandall, Alex DeWaard, Lori (and Greg) Krause, Kristi (and Chris) Wendland, David DeWaard, Chad DeWaard, Alisa (and Noah) Young, Scott (and Jennifer) Wilson, Sarah (and Cory) Levendusky, Amanda (and Chad) Eldridge, Kevin Stroup, Amy (and Coy) Borgstrom, Jill (and Ken) Boyum, Mackenzie DeWaard, Rachel DeWaard and Miranda DeWaard; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are one sister, Emma (and Ellis) Fischer of Ankeny; five sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Helena Zuehl, Ann and Harm Uken, Lucille DeWaard, Cyrena Kinseth and Nellie Eliason.

Wilbur H. Sorenson, of Rochester, Minnesota, formerly of Crystal Lake, died on Friday, January 9, 2004, at the Samaritan Bethany Heights Care Center in Rochester. He was 85.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 13, at the United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake. The Rev. Gary Marzolf officiated. Music was provided by Barb Larson who accompanied soloist, Teresa Wald. Roger Leerer and Bruce Wubben ushered.

Burial was in the Crystal Lake Cemetery. Military graveside services were provided by the James Rasmussen American Legion Post 409. Casket bearers were Dennis Swalve, Doug Swalve, James Sorenson, Keith Sorenson, Ed Hlllenga and Brad Sorenson. The Ewing Dugger Funeral Home of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Wilbur Hans 5orenson, was born on June 14, 1918, on the family farm southwest of Crystal Lake. He was the first son of Albert and Carrie (King) Sorenson. He graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in May 1936. Wilbur and his brother, Maynard took over the family farming operation following their father's illness in 1936.

In June 1942, Wilbur was inducted into the Armed Forces of the United States. He was stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, from July 1942 until February 1944. During this period, Wilbur finished his basic training and was Driving Instructor of Tanks and Wheeled Vehicles. He attained the rank of Corporal there.

In February 1944, he transferred to Ft. Ord, California. There, the battalion he was in formed the 727th Amphibian Tractor Battalion. This unit was shipped to the Pacific Theater of action during World War II. Wilbur was awarded four Bronze Battle Stars representing his involvement in four different invasions, which were, the battles of East Indies, New Guinea, Leyte Island in the Southern Philippines, and Luzon Island, Philippine Islands. He also received a Bronze Arrowhead representing the first wave invasion of the island of Brunei, off the northeast coast of Borneo in the South Pacific. He received an honorable discharge in December of 1945 and returned to the family farm in Iowa.

On December 21, 1947, Wilbur and Arleen Zingg were married in the West Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Leland. They lived on the family farm near Crystal Lake. In the summer of 1978, the State of Iowa designated Wilbur and Arleen's farm as a Century Farm. Besides farming, Wilbur delivered motor homes for Winnebago Industries, Inc., Forest City from February 1972 until February of 1990.

He was a life long member of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake and a 55 year member of the James Rasmussen American Legion Post 409 of Crystal Lake.

Survivors include his wife, Arleen L. Sorenson of Rochester, Minnesota; two sons, Dean A. Sorenson of Dallas, Texas and Terry L. Sorenson of Rochester; five grandchildren, Sheila Verts and her husband, Drew of Las Vegas, Nevada, Linda Anderson of Oceanside, California, Katie and Stephanie Sorenson of Seattle, Washington and Nathan Sorenson of Rochester; a son-In-law Jerry Anderson of Britt, sister-In-law, Ellen Sorenson of Woden; brothers-In-law, Dale and Arlin Zingg of Leland; sisters-In-law, Ruth Charlson of Golden Valley, Minnesota and Mavis Holt of Cottage Grove, Oregon; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services and interment for Jacob Brian Seffer, infant son of Brian and Dana Seiler of Sioux City, will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 14, at the Mount Washington Chapel and Cemetery in Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.

Jacob Brian Seiler was born on Wednesday, January 7, 2004.

He is survived by his parents; maternal grandparents, Curt and Dianna McDaniels of Omaha; paternal grandparents, Herbert and Dawn Seiler of Garner; and his maternal great-grandparents, Anna Smith of Oak Grove, Missouri and Ruby McDaniels of St, Joseph, Missouri.

Former Garner resident, Walter H. Schlichting, 84, of Clear Lake, died on Tuesday, January 13, 2004, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake. The Rev. Dean Hess officiated. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery with military honors by the Garner V.F.W Post #5515. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake was in charge of the arrangements.

Walter Schlichting, was born on March 15, 1919 in Goodell. He was the son of Adolf and Martha (Watermiller) Schlichting. He graduated from the Klemme High School in 1938. He farmed with his father and then entered the armed service in May 1941. He served in the Army Medical Corps with the 34th division. He served with a collecting company and gave first aid at the hospital. His battalion received a citation for caring for more wounded than any other unit. He was awarded the good conduct medal. He received an honorable discharge in July of 1945 under the point system at Sheridan, Illinois having 120 points.

Walter married Marcele Hoeft on July 25, 1945, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garner. They farmed in rural Garner for five years, then moved southeast of Clear Lake in 1950 where he farmed. In 1975 they moved into the town of Clear Lake, but continued to farm with his sons until the age of 80. Walter enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada, with Marcele, being "snowbirds" in the winter, going to both Texas and Arizona and fixing up his 1930 John Deere GP tractor.

He served on the Clear Lake Farmers Coop Board for many years and was a 4-H Leader. Walter was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the Garner V.F.W.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Marcele Schlichting of Clear Lake; four children, Ronald Schlichting and his wife, Sandi of Clear Lake, Duane 5chlichting and his wife, Roberta of Clear Lake, Jan Eichers and her husband, Bob of San Diego, California and Linda Mishak of Clear Lake; five grandchildren, Tara Schlichting of Clear Lake, Shannon and her husband, Michael Quigley-Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, Teresa Baumann and her husband, Matt of North Liberty, Casey Schlichting and his wife, Teresa of Mason City and Sawyer Mishak of Clear Lake; one great-grandchild, Anne Baumann; five step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Clarence A. Boehnke, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Ventura, died on Wednesday, January 14, 2004, at the Hospice of the Valley, Eckstein Center, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 20, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Garner with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating. Interment was in the St. John's Cemetery. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake was in charge of the arrangements.

Clarence Boehnke, was born on June 20, 1930, to Charles and Elsie (Berghoefer) Boehnke on the family farm north of Ventura. He attended the St John's Parochial School and graduated from the Ventura High School in 1948.

He is survived by his children, Gary Boehnke (Katherine Hawker) and Cindy (John) Wood; his grandchildren, Josh, Chad, Sarah, Winona and Micah; brothers, Armand (Marjule), Eldon (Alphia) and Walter (Betty); and sisters-in-law, Doris and Louise.

Former Garner resident, Palmer J. Olson of Marshalltown, died on Thursday, January 15, 2004, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. He was 85.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, January 20, at the Iowa Veterans Home Chapel. Interment was in the Iowa Veterans Home Cemetery, Marshalltown. The Vogel Family of Funeral Homes was in charge of the arrangements.

Palmer Olson, was born on August 1, 1918 in Lake Mills, the son of Hans and Adena (Frost) Olson. He lived in Lake Mills until he was in the sixth grade at which time the family moved to Garner. He graduated from the Garner High School and was drafted into the Army on October 15, 1941, and went to Camp Wallis, Texas.

Palmer was united in marriage with Vera Hedgecock on March 22, 1943, in Silverdale, Washington. After his military service ended he moved to Mason City in 1947, where he started plastering houses.

He moved back to Garner to work with his father's company, Hans Olson and Son Plastering. He was known for plastering many houses in the Garner area and for his talent in textured plastering. When the plastering business ended and dry wall started, he started working for Mercy Hospital in Mason City as their plaster and painter. He retired from Mercy Hospital in 1980 after losing his eyesight to macular degeneration. He lived in Mason City until he moved to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown due to ill health.

Survivors include his son, John (Bobbie) Olson of Marshalltown; daughter, Jo (Jeff) Bantz of Mason city; son, Hans Olson of Fairfield; daughter, Kristine Olson of Ventura, California; grandchildren, Jonathan and Eric Olson, Lyndsee and Jaime Bantz, Rama and Hans Eric Jr.; step-grandchildren, Jeanne Wolken and Heather Loney; great-grandchildren, Shaylyn and Treyton Bantz and step-great-grandchildren, Dakota Wolken and Alyxs Loney.

Verner E. Lau, of Garner, died on Friday, January 16, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt. He was 83.

His funeral was held on Tuesday, January 20, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Etherington who accompanied soloist, Gloria Molencamp and congregational hymns.

Casket bearers were Dennis Lau, Ron Happel, Graydon Lau, Mark Lau, Doug Lau and Rob Lau. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme, with military rites by the Klemme Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Verner Emil Lau, the son of Emil and Alma Ella (Haberkamp) Lau, was born on October 15, 1920, on a farm south of Klemme. He was confirmed at the Immanuel Reformed Church in Klemme and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1938. After high school he farmed with his father.

From 1944 to 1946, Verner served his country in the U.S. Army during and after WW II. During this time he was in the 822nd Military Police, which was charged with maintaining law and order in occupied Berlin. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Klemme to farm with his father and brother.

On June 4, 1958, he married Velma Larsen at the Titonka Methodist Church. To this union two daughters were born, Barbara and Debra. Verner and Velma continued to farm the home place near Klemme until retiring from farming and moving into Garner in 1988. In August of 2002, they moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner.

His great joy in life was his three grandchildren. Verner's love of children was always evident as he played ball with his nieces and nephews and gave them rides on his horse.

He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, the Adam-Schaefer American Legion Post No. 625 in Klemme and the Klemme Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Velma, of Garner; two daughters, Barbara Burket and husband, Greg of Minburn and Debra Dunn and husband, Jess of Grimes; grandchildren, Mikaela Sue Dunn, Blake Ronald Dunn and Heidi Marie Burket; a brother, Paul Lau and wife, Phyllis of Garner; a brother-in-law, Richard Happel of Alexander; a sister-in-law, Ramona Lau Schmidt and husband, Marvin of Ventura; six nephews and four nieces.

Phil Dvorak, 42, of Ventura, died on Saturday, January 17, 2004.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 27, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura. The Rev. Daird Korth officiated. Interment was in the Ventura Cemetery. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of the arrangements.

Phil Dvorak, was born on November 14, 1961, in David City, Nebraska, the son of Eugene L. and Lucille (Vanous) Dvorak. He graduated from the Odebolt-Arthur High School, Odebolt, in 1980. He worked for 3M in Forest City since 1981.

Phil married Cindy Meyer on July 26, 1989, in Forest City. They lived in Crystal Lake and then in 1993 moved to Ventura, Iowa.

Phil was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting, camping, canoeing, kayaking, biking, mushroom hunting, radio-control airplanes, woodworking, remodeling and especially spending time with his family. He was a member of the Ventura Fire Department since 1994.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy, and their two children, Laura and Jenny of Ventura; his father, Eugene and his wife, Pauline Dvorak of Brainard, Nebraska; his mother, Lucille Dvorak of Vero Beach, Florida; his brother, Robert Dvorak and his wife, Veniece of Papillion, Nebraska; four sisters, Lynn Dvorak and Pam Hawley and her husband, Bob all of Vero Beach, Florida, Roxanne LaRussa and her husband, Nick of McKinney, Texas and Susie Wilson and her husband, Mike of Marysville, Kansas; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alvin and Frances Meyer, Ventura; his brothers-in-law, Jeff Meyer of Garner and Rick Meyer and his wife, Michelle of Iowa Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed traveling and visited all 48 contiguous states, England, Germany, the Holy Land and Mexico. She entered the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center in July of 2002 and moved to the Westview Care Center in Britt in August of 2003.

Clara was an active life time member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Woden, where she was superintendent and taught beginners Sunday School for almost 50 years. She was also the Junior Mission Band Leader for many years. She was an active member of the Hancock County Historical Society, Hancock County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Women's Federated Club in Woden, holding many offices in the local and county club. She belonged to the Woden Senior Citizens, holding many offices including president and was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year for her volunteer work.

She played a very active part in planning the Woden Diamond Jubilee in 1974. She was always interested in the betterment of Woden.

Survivors include two sisters, Leora Ree of Buffalo Center and Esther Denney and husband, Don of St. Louis, Missouri; a brother-in-law, Eddie Nauman of George; five nieces and nephews and their families; and her extended family, Gladys Helstad and husband, Lowell of Minneapolis, Robert Field and wife, Beverly of Albert Lea and Lois Pearson of Minneapolis.

Wilma F. Erdman, 79, of Garner, died on Tuesday, January 20, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Her funeral was held on Friday, January 23, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Jim Jass and Burke Haberkamp.

Casket bearers were Tom Deibler, Joe Deibler, Kim Gilbert, Philip Erdman, Lynn Peterson and Caroline Menke. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Wilma Faye Erdman, the daughter of James and Clara (Martinson) Gambell, was born on October 19, 1924 at Forest City. She attended school at Forest City.

On October 4, 1941, she was married to Virgil Gordon at Benson, Minnesota. They lived in the Garner area where they raised their family and Wilma worked as a cook in restaurants in the area. In 1975, she was married to Harold Erdman. They made their home in Belmond.

Wilma returned to Garner in 1981 and continued to work as a cook at several restaurants in Garner. She entered the Concord Care Center in August of 2001. She enjoyed visiting with people and cooking. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner and the Garner VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include her two daughters, Twyla Erdmann of Garner and Diane Gilbert and husband, Rick of Garner; three grandchildren, Angie Schllling and husband, Jeff and their two children, Chase and Morgan all of Garner, Brad Erdmann of Ames and Ann Wenthold and husband, Chuck of Jefferson; and two step-grandsons, David Blanshan of Buffalo Center and Doug Blanshan of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Mabel, F. Rensink, 96, of Garner, formerly of Hayfield, died on Saturday, January 24, 2004, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, January 30, at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake. The Rev. Gary Marzolf will officiate. Music will be provided by organist, Sara Rensink who will accompany congregational hymns. Special music will be provided by Marvin Lackore, Sally Bergman, Jill Schott and Nancy Kaduce.

Honorary bearers will be Nathan Earp, David Earp, Mary Rennells, Arnold VanDenHull, Marlo VanDenHull, Marilyn Meendering, Carol Claggett and Thomas Rensink. Casket bearers will be Marvin Lackore, Pete Lewerke, Bob Malek, Dick Formanek, David Nedved and Stephen Earp.

Burial will be in the Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., Garner and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Mabel Fern Rensink, the daughter of James Otis and Gertrude Independence (Price) Earp, was born on September 9, 1907 at Galesburg, Iowa. She moved with her family to South Dakota, Thief River Falls, Minnesota and in 1916 to Crystal Lake. She graduated from the Crystal Lake High School in 1926. She received her associate of arts degree from the Mason City Junior College and her bachelor of arts degree in public school music at MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis. She continued her education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette and Drake University in Des Moines.

Mabel taught kindergarten and lower elementary school at the Hayfield Consolidated School and the Garner-Hayfield Community Schools from 1932 to 1971.

On April 10, 1941, she was married to Arnold "Jeff'" Rensink at the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake. They made their home in Hayfield all of their married life.

She became a resident of the Concord Care Center in the spring of 2002. She enjoyed serving Jesus by teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and playing piano or organ for services.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake, UMW, Methodist Builder's Club, Iowa Teacher's Association, Crystal Lake Senior Citizens, the American Legion Auxiliary in Crystal Lake and the Hayfield coffee group.

She is survived by three nieces; six nephews; and many close friends.

Word has been received of the death of Robert P. Van Tries, of Bloomington, Minnesota. Mr. Van Tries died on Monday, January 26, 2004, at his home.

Burial was in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Robert Van Tries, graduated from the Garner High School in 1936. He moved to North Dakota with his family, where he attended college and became an industrial arts teacher. He taught at New London, Bensen, and Albert Lea, Minnesota, before joining the Department of Education, Vocational Education Division at St. Paul, Minnesota.

He served in the United States Navy during W.W. II, from 1942-1946. He was a member of the Earl C. Hill American Legion Post #550, was a Master Mason of the Cataract Lodge #2 A.F. & A.M., Order of the Eastern Star of Richfield Chapter #293 and various educational organizations.

Survivors include his wife, Alta and many friends.