Robert Nelson Bradwell, 72, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, died on Friday, September 1, 2006, in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Memorial services were held on Friday, September 8, at the Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, Arkansas, with Dr. Carol Goddard officiating. Moore's Jackson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

He was born on March 24, 1934, to Edward and Winifred Nelson Bradwell of Garner. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Lion's Club, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the Snowmobile Club of Iowa.

Survivors include his wife, Marrian, of the home; two daughters, Linsley Bradwell and Jodi Black and her husband, Lance, all of Jacksonville, Arkansas; one sister, Nancy Housh and her husband, Raymond of Red Oak; one grandchild, Makenzi Black and a loving companion, "Lil Bit."

Agnes "Ma" Formanek, 90, of Hayfield, died on Tuesday, September 5, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 9, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Don Trca and Henry Rayhons. Casket bearers were her grandsons. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Agnes Marie Formanek, the oldest of eight children of Martin and Anna (Hrubes) Stupka, was born on April 24, 1916 at Livermore. At the age of 2 she moved with her family to a farm north of Britt and in 1920 to a farm north of Garner. She attended the Hayfield Consolidated School.

On January 30, 1934 she was married to James Formanek at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They farmed northeast of Britt until 1940, when they moved to a farm south of Hayfield.

On May 30, 1959, Jim passed away while fishing at Crystal Lake. Following his death, Agnes continued to live on the farm. In 1963 her son established a bar restaurant, "Dick's Country Inn," next to her farm home. Agnes helped operate the business for 43 years. In her later years she liked to travel with her family to Alaska, Hawaii, Japan and Europe. She was a "Bohemian Hobo" at heart and loved the old things from her travels.

Agnes enjoyed baking all types of rolls, rosettes and noodles. She made each grandchild and great-grandchild a quilt which became their special "blankie." She collected license plates from all over the world and had a special arrangement of crystal miniatures on the dash of her car given to her from Dick. Agnes greatly enjoyed life with her family and friends.

She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, Rosary Society and the Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51. She also belonged to the Garner VFW Auxiliary, Hayfield Neighbors Club, Hobby Club and Birthday Club.

Agnes is survived by her children, Richard (Marcia) Formanek of Clear Lake, Evelyn (Jerald) Mohrfeld of Austin, Minnesota, Eileen Moen of Mounds View, Minnesota and Douglas (Patricia) Formanek of Forest City; 12 grandchildren and their families, Rich (Becky) Formanek and children, Britney and Nick, Lori (Greg) Johnson and children, Clay and Leah, Mat (Lisa) Formanek and children, Mariah, Jacob and Ciera, Mike (Hilary) Formanek and son, Mick, Mike (Michelle) Mohrfeld and children, Kasey and Zachary, Joe (Kim) Mohrfeld and children, Stephanie and Joey, Jan Mohrfeld, Sue Mohrfeld and children, Chase, Logan and Alayna, Chuck Mohrfeld and Angie Le-Vasseur and son, Jackson, James (Maria) Moen and children, Jessica, Bryan and David, Tammy Fox and children, McKenna and Rachel and James (Traci) Formanek and children, Mikena and Josie; two sisters, Anna (William) Tlach of Britt and Mildred Schaefer of Garner; a brother, Clarence (Marlene) Stupka of Ankeny; sisters-in-law, Elsie Formanek of Garner, Vivian Formanek of Britt, Ruth Stupka of Milton, Florida and Mary Ann Stupka of Garner; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Wayne E. Taylor, 79, of Garner, died on Saturday, September 9, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, at 10:30 a.m., at the Faith Lutheran Church in Miller, with Rev. Rose Viser officiating. Burial will be in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Wayne Elwyn Taylor, the son of Howard Claude and Hazel Laura (Halverson) Taylor, was born on February 11, 1927, at Garner. He was baptized and confirmed in the Miller Lutheran Church. Wayne graduated from the Hayfield Consolidated School in 1944.

On July 30, 1944, he married Ruby Mae Gates on the family farm near Garner. Wayne and Ruby lived on the farm with his parents until 1948, when they moved to a farm near Ventura. In 1953, they moved to a farm south of Clear Lake where they continued farming and raised their children, Howard, Kathy, Pat and Cindy. In 1966, they moved back to the home farm north of Garner where a cattle operation had been built.

Farming and family were his life long passions. In 1992, they retired from farming and in 2002 moved into Garner. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking, leaving many cherished treasures to his family and friends.

He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Miller.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruby, of Garner; four children, Howard Taylor and wife, Marcia of Armstrong, Kathy Yager and husband, Joe of Woodward, Pat Haes and husband, Bill of Garner and Cindy Taylor and husband, Paul Sperrazza of Oceanside, California; 12 grandchildren and their families, Paul (Jena) Taylor and daughter, Erika; Joel (Peg) Taylor and children, Spencer, Andria and Paige; Ryan (Katie) Taylor and son, Levi; Dawn (Alex) Mather and children, Chance and Cadynce; Brent (Julie) Achenbach and children, Jordyn, Bryce and Jenna; Sara Achenbach; Josh Yager; Aimee (Chad) Noehren and children, Laura and Jack; Thad (Renae) Haes and children, Lilly and Logan; Amanda Haes; Beau Haes; Tina (Travis) Benson and children, Darian, Jordan, Dalton and Jalen Lupton, and Alyssa and Ashley Benson; two sisters, Marjorie (Richard) Hopper of Ventura and Arlis (Eugene) Bertelsen of Thornton and many nieces and nephews.

Fred A. Kadera

September 27, 2006

Fred A. Kadera, formerly of Hayfield, passed away at his home in Annandale, Virginia, on Sunday, September 17, 2006, after suffering a heart attack.

Fred left Hayfield in 1952 to serve in the Marine Corps for four years. He then joined the Diplomatic Service of the United States Department of State where, as a Foreign Service Officer, he served in many posts both at home and abroad.

After retiring from the Diplomatic Service in 1982, Fred joined the staff of Nomadic Display, Inc. until he finally retired in 1992 to spend time with his family.

Msgr. John P. Chihak, 1911-2006

September 27, 2006

Rev. Msgr. John P. Chihak, 95, of Garner, died on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Archbishop Jerome Hanus, O.S.B. officiating. Readers were Judi Weiland and Phil Garland. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied the Holy Name Choir. Ushers were Dean Ricke, Gerald Nedved, Kenneth Paca and Tom Wellik.

Burial was in the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery in Lourdes. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Newman Catholic School or Loras College.

Rev. Msgr. John Peter Chihak, the youngest of nine children of Frank and Mary (Filippi) Chihak, was born on March 1, 1911, on a farm near Elma. He was educated in country and parochial schools in Lourdes and Elma.

Msgr. Chihak graduated from Columbia College (now Loras College) in Dubuque in 1933. Msgr. Chihak took his seminary training at the Sulpician Seminary of Theological College at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. He was ordained a priest on June 6, 1936, by Archbishop Francis J.L. Beckman at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque.

Msgr. Chihak served in many parish assignments in the Archdiocese of Dubuque including, St. Ludmila in Cedar Rapids (1936-1940), St. Wenceslaus in Spillville (1940-1944 and 1946-1968), Holy Trinity Mission at Vining (1944-1946), and St. Wenceslaus in Duncan (1968-1986).

In 1972, Msgr. Chihak was appointed Dean of the Mason City Deanery and in 1974 received the honorary title of Monsignor. In the last years of Msgr. Chihak's life he resided at Cardinal Grove in Garner where he continued to minister to the residents of the facility. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, reading and gardening. Msgr. Chihak was a wonderful story teller and enjoyed visiting with anyone who would come by.

Msgr. Chihak is survived by two sisters-in-law, Vincentia Chihak and Mary Ellen Chihak; several nieces and nephews; and his brother priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque with whom he shared 70 years of ministry.

Msgr. Chihak was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Ludwig; seven brothers, Frank, Jr., Joe, Charlie, Adolph, Rudy, Msgr. Tony and William Chihak; and his housekeeper of 52 years, Mary Kucera.

Ruby E. Stromer, 1908-2006

October 4, 2006

Ruby E. Stromer, 97, of Garner, died on Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 29, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner with the Rev. Tim Diehl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass and pianist, Mary Etherington. Special music was provided by a vocal quartet of Joleen Rolland, Gary Moore Dorothy DeVary and David Stromer. Ushers were Virgil DeVary, Byron Stromer and Willis Davison.

Family casket bearers were Terry Stromer, Kent Bovenmyer, David Stromer, Richard Stromer, Jon DeWitt, Russell Stromer, Doug Upmeyer, Bob Birkenholz, Ken Knight and William Adkins. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ruby Evelyn Stromer, the daughter of John and Viola (Robbins) Goll, was born on September 29, 1908, on a farm southwest of Garner. She attended the rural schools of Liberty Township and graduated from the Garner High School in 1926. She received her teaching certificate and taught in the rural schools of Hancock County.

On February 13, 1929, she was married to Aaron Stromer at the Peace Reformed Church parsonage south of Garner. They made their home on a farm south of Garner. Ruby enjoyed gardening, crafts, playing cards and wintering in Texas.

She was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church where she was active in the Women's Fellowship, Adult Bible Study and was a Sunday School Teacher. She belonged to the Liberty Belles and Sunshine Club, was a 4-H Leader for many years and served on the Hancock County Extension Council.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Vivian Bovenmyer of Garner and Marian (Allan) DeWitt of Garner; daughters-in-law, Harriet Stromer of West Des Moines and Thelma (Robert) Gates of Lake Tahoe, Nevada; 12 grandchildren, Linda (Doug) Upmeyer, Michelle (Joel) Doble, Pam (Robert) Birkenholz, David (Kim) Stromer, Terry (Julie) Stromer, Carol (Ken) Knight, Annette Lowe, Richard (Nibal) Stromer, Russell (Kristen) Stromer, Kent (Rebecca) Bovenmyer, Joleen (Steve) Rolland, Jon (Glynis) DeWitt and Vicki (William) Adkins; 34 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lola Goll and Mildred Bredlow, both of Garner; and many nieces and nephews.

Carl M. Little, 83, of Mason City, formerly of Ames and Garner, died on Wednesday, September 27, 2006, at The Manor in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 3, at the First Presbyterian Church in Mason City with Rev. John Butler officiating. Burial was in the Ames Municipal Cemetery with military rites by the Ames Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Carl Marcus Little, the son of George Joseph and Gladys Lucile (Comstock) Little, was born on June 23, 1923, at Aberdeen, South Dakota. He graduated from the Bath High School in 1942 and attended one year of college at South Dakota State College. He served his country during WW II in both theaters as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy.

On December 27, 1946, he married Lois Jean Hawthorne of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They lived in South Dakota where Carl farmed and finished his bachelor's degree at South Dakota State College. After a brief time working in livestock sales in Billings, Montana, he began his career as a County Agricultural Extension Agent working for both Purdue University and Iowa State University. While in Indiana he earned his Master's degree from Purdue. Carl served Hancock County for 11 years from 1970 to 1981. He then sold real estate for Gibbs Realty in Garner for a few years before retiring. Carl had been a Mason City resident for a year having lived previously in Ames for 13 years and in Garner for 22 years.

He was a member of the Northminster Presbyterian Church in Ames and Bethel Masonic Lodge in Garner.

Carl is survived by two sons, Dennis (Cathy Jo) Little of Ellijay, Georgia and David (Laura) Little of Mason City; a daughter, Beth Ann Little of Naperville, Illinois; three grandchildren; and two sisters, Alice Johnson of Aberdeen, South Dakota and Phyllis Gillies of Watertown, South Dakota.

Ruth V. Brown, 95, of Garner, died on Thursday, September 28, 2006, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 2, at the United Methodist Church in Garner with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied soloists, Bill Renner, Jane Bauman and Julie Stupka. Ushers were Maynard and Marvin Schoneman.

Casket bearers were Michael Jones, Jeff Jones, David Jones, Matt Jones, Tim Stupka, Steven Stupka, Nathan Stupka, Jane Bauman, Carrie Coons, Aaron Brown and Ryan Brown.

Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Garner United Methodist Church or Hospice of North Iowa.

Ruth Veronica Brown, the daughter of Ferdnand and Amelia (Stiehl) Gelner, was born on September 13, 1911, on a farm south of Forest City. She attended school at Madison Township No. 6.

On October 3, 1933, she was married to Emery M. Brown at the United Methodist parsonage in Garner. To this union three children were born, Rachel, Marlene and Alan.

They made their home on the family farm west of Garner. Ruth continued to live on the farm after Emery passed away in 1998. Ruth was active throughout her life. She loved being a farmer's wife, raising chickens, milking cows and gardening. She was very active in 4-H as a young girl and later as a 4-H Leader. She also was selected as a 4-H Queen of Iowa in her youth. Ruth loved to whistle. She whistled on WHO Radio and several other stations around the state. She enjoyed making afghans for all her grandchildren, quilting with the Methodist Quilters and, especially, oil painting.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW and taught Sunday School. She belonged to the Hancock County Historical Society, Armstrong House, HCMH Auxiliary, Garfield Homemakers Club and Madison County Federated Club.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Rachel Jones and companion, Ron Fontana of Ankeny and Marlene Stupka and husband, Clarence of Ankeny; daughter-in-law, Cathy Brown of Garner; 11 grandchildren, Michael Jones, Jeff (Diane) Jones and children, Joe, Jessica and Jimmy, David (Melissa) Jones and children, Blair, Cole and Jenna, Matt (Amber) Jones and children, Kienan, Ryle, Santiago and Jacy, Tim (Julie) Stupka and children, Molly, Staci and Joey, Jane (Dave) Bauman and children, Brittany and Austin, Steven (Kam) Stupka and children, Jordan, Ashley, Steven and Kendrick, Carrie Coons and children, Amanda and Bryan, Nathan (Amy) Stupka and twin sons, Dylan and Nickolas, Aaron Brown and Ryan (Shaunte) Brown and daughter, Aleah; a sister, Doris Isaacson of Northwood; sisters-in-law, Blanche Gelner of Britt and Bertha Brown of Garner; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Harley D. Nuehring, 1945-2006

October 4, 2006

Harley D. Nuehring, 61, a lifelong resident and farmer in rural Kanawha, died on Thursday, September 28, 2006, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 2, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. The Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements.

Harley Dean Nuehring, the son of Earl and Marie (Meinders) Nuehring, was born on February 16, 1945, at Mason City. He was raised on the family farm in rural Kanawha where he spent nearly everyday of his entire 61 plus years of life. Harley attended Klemme Schools and graduated with the Klemme High School Class of 1963.

Following high school, Harley attended college classes in the engineering program at Iowa State University, before enrolling in the Winter Farm Operations Program at ISU in 1964. He then returned to the family farm operations which became his life long passion and vocation.

Harley was united in marriage to Lynette Buseman on April 6, 1968, at the Immanuel Reformed UCC Church, Klemme. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Corey and Brian.

Throughout his entire life, Harley was a farmer who loved to work the earth and care for the various livestock he and his family had raised. This year the family farm had reached it's 100th Anniversary in the Nuehring family ownership.

Those who knew Harley will remember him as a man who thought things through before beginning a project or task. He researched nearly everything he did whether it was the purchase of a car, a piece of machinery, or seed corn. His knowledge and understanding of how things function and his ability to formulate a solution for accomplishing the task at hand netted him a patent from the U.S. Patent Office for the development of a Combination Combine and Hay Head. He had also invented a hog gate for farming operations.

He served stateside in the United States Army Reserves from 1967-73. Harley was active in the Immanuel Reformed UCC Church, Klemme, throughout his entire life. He had served in numerous roles and on several pastoral search committees, as well as on the consistory, as an elder, and a deacon. He and Lynette were also very active in their church home where they wintered in Texas. Harley had also been involved in building homes for the needy on various missionary trips into Mexico.

Harley was active in the Hancock County Historical Society and the Klemme Lions Club for many years. He served on the Klemme Centennial Committee. He loved old collector tractors including his JD 4020 and Farmall 4050. His passion for tractors saw him participate in many area tractor rides and he rode on the WHO Tractor Ride for nine years. Harley also was proud of his 1967 Corvette.

Harley was very much a family man who enjoyed anything that included spending time with his family. He looked forward to family reunions, holiday celebrations, and just being with his family. His grandchildren will remember going on tractor, combine and gator rides with grandpa. His family will also remember his youthfulness during his recent waterslide adventures on a family get away

Harley was an avid Iowa State Fair enthusiast for the past several years. He and Lynette would work at the fairgrounds where Harley could be found laying out the camping areas, assisting with camper parking, and just enjoying the conversations with new and old acquaintances. He was a man who truly never met a stranger. Harley made friends with nearly everyone he met from the first handshake, a hello, or just the twinkle in his eye and friendly warm smile on his face. Harley and Lynette enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship over the many years they spent in Texas and the wonderful friendships shared with them in Iowa. Their neighbors in the park in Texas will fondly remember him as the man who was always there to assist when a hand was needed. Harley was a man who carried dignity throughout his entire life even in the twilight of his illness.

Harley's family wants to express their sincerest appreciation and thanks for the many cards, prayers, and other thoughtful deeds that were shown to them since his cancer diagnosis in April. Harley truly appreciated all the support and thoughtfulness.

Rita I. Young, 85, of Garner, died on Friday, September 29, 2006, at the Concord Care Center, Garner.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., today (Wednesday, October 4) at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Fr. Michael Schueller officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Carolyn Kumsher who will accompany the church choir. Ushers will be Robert Kral and Lawrence Engstler.

Casket bearers will be Jim Reising, Marvin Young, Dennis Best, Randy Schleusner, Bob Gerdes and Scott Young. Burial will be in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel. A Rosary Society rosary was held at 4:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake service was held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Rita I. Young, the daughter of Alphonse and Isabelle (Haverly) Studer, was born on April 24, 1921, at Wesley. She attended St. Joseph's Parochial School in Wesley.

On August 16, 1939, she was married to Leo F. Young at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner. They lived and farmed west of Garner all of their married life. Rita volunteered at the Clothing Closet in Garner for many years and helped Leo with his Black Angus cattle on the farm. After Leo passed away in 1997, she moved into Garner. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, playing cards and visiting with people.

She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society and a Homemakers Club.

Rita is survived by her four daughters, Judy (Jerry) Priessendoerfer of Denver, Colorado, Janice (Norman) Daily of Duncombe, Jeanine (Dale) Albrecht of Garner and Jacalyn Young of Runnels; five grandchildren, Chris (Corie) Albrecht, Jon Albrecht, Daniel (Lisa) Albrecht, Sarah Albrecht and Kayta (Ron) Torres; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mae (Dick) Haiden of Mason City, Julie Jarvis of Derby, Kansas and Rose Gerdes of Britt; a brother, Bud (Marlene) Studer of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.