Paul J. Ostwinkle, 1914-2007

August 8, 2007

Paul J. Ostwinkle, 93, of Algona, died on Sunday July 1, 2007, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 11, at the Wilson-Lentz Funeral Home in Algona, with a Celebration of Life from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Algona VFW Post 2451 and the Haag-Turner American Legion Post 90 of Algona.

Paul Joseph Ostwinkle, was born on May 21, 1914 in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Charles Henry and Mary Ann (Kramer) Ostwinkle. He went to school in Bancroft and in 1932 graduated from the St. Cecelia Academy in Algona.

Paul served in the Army during WW II. He was a member of the 34th Division known as the Red Bull Division and was a gunner in the 185 Field Artillery Regiment. He did tours in Ireland, England, North Africa, Anzio and Salerno.

Paul was a self employed carpenter. He was instrumental in building the St. Ann's Hospital, St. Cecelia Church, the Algona Country Club, along with other numerous buildings in Algona. He was in business for 65 years. He was a lifetime member of the Algona VFW Post 2451. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, reading and walking. He loved his work and spending time with his family.

Mr. Ostwinkle is survived by three daughters, Paula Hutchinson and her husband, Duane of Garner, Marianne Williams of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Rebecca Fickbohm and her husband, Pete of Whittemore; two sons, Paul J. Ostwinkle, Jr. of Algona and MSG Stephen J. Ostwinkle of St. Paul, Minnesota; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Margariete Logan of Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Carl, LeRoy, Claude, Robert and Joseph Ostwinkle; and two sisters, Helen Daily and Octavia Ormsby.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

William J. Tlach, 1920-2007

July 11, 2007

William J. Tlach, 87, of Britt, died on Friday, July 6, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, July 9, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Lector was Frank Wellik. Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek who accompanied cantor, Mallory Young. Ushers were Frank Wellik and Louis Hawe.

Casket bearers were Doug Weiland, Don Tlach, Dick Formanek, Doug Formanek, Rich Formanek, Greg Schaefer, Chet Eisenman and Kevin Eisenman. Burial was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

William John Tlach, the son of Frank E. and Frances (Kudej) Tlach, was born on January 17, 1920, on a farm in Britt Township, Hancock County. In 1925, he moved with his parents to a farm east of Duncan and attended the Garfield Township No. 8 Country School. At the age of 14 his father, Frank, passed away. Bill and his brother, Paul, then took over farming the land and caring for their mother. Bill also worked as a carpenter.

On June 18, 1941, he married Anna Stupka at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They farmed in the Duncan, Thompson and Garner areas until 1957, when they purchased the West Side Grocery in Garner. In 1959, they moved to a farm northeast of Britt, where they farmed until retiring in 1985. In December of 2001, they moved into Britt.

He enjoyed his family, grandchildren, woodworking and fixing things for people. He was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch W51.

Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anna of Britt; a daughter, Kathy (Art) Linden of Golden Valley, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jessica Linden, Amanda Linden, Jacque Weiland, Doug Weiland and Brenda (Nicolas) Whitaker; a great-grandson, Nicolas William Whitaker; a niece, Sr. Carol Tlach; and a nephew, Don Tlach.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Betty in 1977 and Patricia in 1995; and a brother, Paul (Emma) Tlach.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Col. (Ret.) Donald McCullough, 1934-2007

July 25, 2007

Col. (Ret.) Donald J. McCullough, was called by his Lord Jesus on Monday, July 9, 2007, at his residence in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 73.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, July 14, 2007, at the St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Lubbock. Most Rev. Placido Rodriguez was the Celebrant. Military honors were performed by the honor guard from Cannon Air Force Base. Interment took place on Wednesday, July 18, in the Post Cemetery at West Point, New York, with military honors by West Point. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Resthaven Funeral Home, Lubbock.

Don was born on April 25, 1934 in Emmetsburg, to Camilla L. and Hollis C. McCullough. He graduated from the Garner High School in 1952 and was a 1958 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. On June 5, 1958, in Highland Falls, New York, he was married to Margaret Mary Davis. Later, in 1972, he received an M.B.A. Degree from Arizona State University.

During his 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he served in many capacities, from flying combat missions in Vietnam to serving as the Deputy Commander of Resource at Reese Air Force Base. Donald retired from the USAF with the rank of Colonel.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Margaret Mary McCullough of Lubbock; two sons, Michael J. McCullough of Texas and James D. McCullough of North Carolina; three daughters, Theresa S. Merz of California, Michelle M. M. Demarest of Florida and Pamela A. Appell of Maryland; sister, Bonnie D. Mayhew of Maryland; brother, Robert C. McCullough of Colorado; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Richard Pinheiro, 1968-2007

July 25, 2007

Richard "Ricky" Pinheiro, 38, of Clear Lake, died on Sunday, July 15, 2007, at the State Park in Clear Lake.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 20, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. A private family inurnment service will be held at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City at a later date. The Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake was in charge of the arrangements.

Richard Davis Pinheiro, was born on August 20, 1968 in Garden Grove, California, the son of Richard and Gabriella (Silva) Pinheiro. Ricky grew up in California where he attended the Yucca Valley High School. As a young man Ricky enjoyed dirt biking in the sand dunes near his home in Yucca Valley, California.

He met his wife Monique "Moey" Garrington in California, and they were married in Clear Lake on May 25, 1991. For the first seven years of marriage, Monique and Ricky lived in Marshalltown where Ricky worked for Monford. Adjusting to the Iowa winter weather and climate was a challenge for Ricky. After moving to Clear Lake, Ricky worked at the Serta Mattress Company, and then he worked for Stellar in Garner for the past 10 years. Working hard and providing for his family was a priority of his.

Describing Ricky as a sports fan would be an understatement. Ricky loved watching football and basketball, and he was an enthusiastic San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Lakers fan. Whenever the 49ers played, Ricky would hang the 49ers flag with confidence and pride. However, he cheered on his own kids the most and loved watching them participate in all of their extra curricular activities.

Spending time on the lake was a favorite hobby for Ricky. Ricky spent a lot of time fishing and boating with his family and friends. He would spend the night on his boat if "Moey" would have let him. Ricky also enjoyed boating at night. Going to concerts at the Surf Ballroom, spending time with his family and friends around the fire, and grilling out were some of his favorite activities. Ricky cherished family vacations to California, where he spent time near the ocean, and at Disneyland while visiting his family there.

Ricky had a personality that was larger than life. He made friends easily and was a true, loyal friend to all. Ricky embraced life with a smile, a joke, a laugh, and a voice that was al-ways heard, he shared himself. He will be remembered and loved by all who knew him. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Monique Pinheiro of Clear Lake; his mother, Gabriella Madris and stepfather, Bly Madris of Huntington Beach, California; father, Richard Pinheiro of Yucca Valley, California; one daughter, Chantel Pinheiro of Clear Lake; two sons, Zachary and Levi Pinheiro, both of Clear Lake; three sisters, Belinda (Paul) Pereira of Huntington Beach, California, Loni Pinheiro and Harley Pinheiro, both of Yucca Valley, California; three brothers, Joey (Alynn) Pinheiro of Huntington Beach, California and Austin and Cole Pinheiro, both of Yucca Valley, California; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tony and Linda Silva and Joseph and Noveita Addison.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Alfred L. Merten, 1917-2007

July 25, 2007

Alfred L. Merten, 90, of Garner, died on Monday, July 16, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 19, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Doreen Johnson who accompanied the church choir. Ushers were Marvin and Maynard Schoneman.

Casket bearers were Ted Hovda, Jim Gatchel, Dr. Peter Vidal, Doug Suntken, Pete Gouge and Don Kammrad. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Alfred Leland Merten, the son of Clarence and Lucy (Hesley) Merten was born on January 30, 1917, on a farm near Monticello, Minnesota. He attended rural school and the Monticello High School. In 1935, he moved with his family to the Garner area. After the death of his father in 1936, he worked as a farm hand for two years, then farmed by himself for six years. Alfred attended Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls for four years and then returned to Garner where he continued to farm. Alfred worked for 17 years at the Klemme Co-op Grain Company, retiring in 1980.

He enjoyed traveling, singing in the church choir and doing volunteer work.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church where he became a lay speaker in 1990. He was a longtime member of the Garner Masonic Lodge, Bethel Lodge No. 319, and a Scottish Rite Shriner.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Alfred was preceded in death by his father, Clarence in November of 1936; his mother, Lucy in October of 1974; and his adopted brother, Clyde Merten in 1974.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Asa E. Gibbs, 1914-2007

July 25, 2007

Asa E. Gibbs, 92, of Garner, died on Monday, July 16, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 18, at the United Methodist Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Wagner officiating. Music was provided by organist, Doreen Johnson who accompanied soloist, Bill Renner and congregational hymns. Ushers were Maynard Schoneman and Jim Gatchel.

Casket bearers were Joe Gibbs, Jr., Dan Hrubes, Bob Oborny, Jerry Myers, Ray Ryerson and Marlin Stadtlander. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme, with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Asa Ernest Gibbs, the son of Harry and Esther (Lenz) Gibbs, was born on December 6, 1914 at Klemme. Asa was named after his grandfather Gibbs. There had been many in the Gibbs family with this first name. With Asa's passing, there are no more. He graduated from the Klemme High School in 1934 and farmed with his father. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. During WW II, his service time was spent in Canada and Alaska in constructing the Alaskan Highway. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

On November 14, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Fay Neuberger at the Methodist Church in Klemme. To this union a son, Jotham "Joe" was born. The family moved to Garner where Asa started working for Bock Oil Company. In 1948, Asa and Bill Schoneman acquired the DX gas station and were business partners for several years. Asa became known as "Ace" to his many customers and friends over the years. For awhile Asa ran the business as the Ace DX Service without a partner and then in 1962, Gary Schisel joined him as Ace and Gary's DX. They had a very good relationship and enjoyed their successful business together very much. After awhile they closed the DX station and ran Ace and Gary's Phillips 66, before Ace retired in 1975.

Although a very hard working businessperson, Asa developed many varied interests outside his work. He enjoyed gardening and even had a year-round greenhouse built in his backyard. He polished rocks which he made into key chains and bracelets. He also had a natural talent for sketching and painting. In eartier years he spent many hours fishing and canoeing with his family in Clear Lake and the Iowa River. Asa enjoyed cooking and baking, sharing his iced cookies and fruitcakes with family and friends. He always liked to visit about the past and the "good old days" in Garner and Klemme. During retirement Asa became the care giver for his wife, Fay, who had developed Parkinson's disease. He lovingly cared for her until her passing in 1991.

In April of 1994, he and Dewie Schultz were married. They enjoyed family gatherings and traveling which included trips to Texas. They moved to the Cardinal Grove Assisted Living Apartments in 2004.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Garner, United Methodist Men and the Garner VFW and American Legion. He served on the Garner City Council in the 1950s and 1960's and was on the board of Meals on Wheels for several years.

He is survived by his son, Jotham "Joe" (Kathy) Gibbs of Garner; step-children, Judy (Ray Ryerson) Wetterling of Garner, Susan (John) Strange of Azle, Texas and Tom (Julia) Schultz of Garner; grandchildren, Joe Gibbs, Jr., Pam Hrubes, Dan (Carol) Hrubes and Melissa (Bob) Oborny; step-grandchildren, Jim Wetterling, Debra (Brian) Morel, Kim Gibson, Ron (Ellen) Wetterling, Tracy (Justin) Klimisch, Angie (Scott) Van Dusseldorp, Joe Schultz, Tara Schultz, Heather Ross and Marisa Gibson; five great-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Harriet Bridgeford of Mason City and Isabelle Gibbs of Mason City; and a brother, Ronald Gibbs of Garner.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Fay in 1991 and Dewie in 2005.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

James A. Lundy Standley, 1942-2007

July 25, 2007

James Allen Lundy Standley, 65, died on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, in Navarre, Florida, from cancer. His body was cremated and no services were held.

Jim was born in Klemme on May 19, 1942. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service as a helicopter mechanic. After retirement he worked in the civil service as a helicopter mechanic.

He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda; two daughters, Fay of Navarre and Lori of Altamont, Illinois; four grandchildren, Christy of Florida, Whitney, Brandon and Andrew of Illinois.

Survivors also include three sisters, Donnitta Hayungs of Garner, Cindy Koelm of Altamont, Illinois and Kathy Kimbrough of Mount Pleasant; a brother, Donald Standley of Garner; two step-children, Melody and Craig; and four step-grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Donald and Bernadine Standley; his grandparents, Orris and Nona Lundy; grandmother, Goldie Standley; and many uncles and aunts.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Curtis B. Upmeyer, 1917-2007

July 25, 2007

Curtis B. Upmeyer, 90, of Garner, died on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 21, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Graham officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Allan DeWitt and Alan Jass.

Casket bearers were his grandsons. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Curtis Benjamin Upmeyer, the son of Arthur and Mary (Goll) Upmeyer, was born on July 17, 1917, on a farm southwest of Garner. He attended the Liberty No. 2 country school until the 8th grade and graduated from the Garner High School in 1934.

On October 10, 1944, he married Anna Mae Hall at the Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church near Miller. They farmed southwest of Garner until 1963, when they moved to a farm north of Garner. In 1998, Curtis and Anna Mae moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner. In 2002, Curtis became a resident of the Concord Care Center.

He enjoyed his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, playing cards, square dancing and farming.

He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, where he sang in the church choir and served on the church consistory. Curtis was a co-executor of the estate of William Henschen and an initial permanent board member of the Henschen Scholarship Fund. He also served as a board member of the Farmer's Co-op Society, Garner Co-op Creamery and belonged to the North Garner Community Club.

He is survived by his children, Allen (Jeanette) Upmeyer of Clinton, Daryl (Kathy) Upmeyer of Garner and Dale (Linda) Upmeyer of Garner; ten grandchildren, Cory (Jennifer) Upmeyer and children, James and Hannah, of Aurora, Illinois, Shane (Jennifer) Upmeyer and sons, Joshua and Matthew, of Warrrenton, Virginia, Darci (Jason) Reis and daughter, Emelia, of Omaha, Nebraska, Ryan (Abby) Upmeyer and children, Jane and George and Lucy Mae, of St. Louis, Missouri, Justin (Maggie) Upmeyer of Fruita, Colorado, Angela (Cyrus) Balsara and children, Azita and Elliott, of Seattle, Washington, Kristi (Derrick) Meyer of Albia, Nicholas Upmeyer (fiancée, Kim Jass) of Garner, Bradley Upmeyer of Garner and Lori Upmeyer and daughter, Anna Renae of Garner; sisters-in-law, Faye Upmeyer of Hemet, California and Ruth Greimann of Garner; brothers-in-law, Orville Hall of Garner, Clarence Schroeder of Garner and Dick Hollaway of Long Beach, California; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae on April 27, 2005; an infant son, Dorance (twin of Dale); his parents; brothers, Gordon and Alton Upmeyer; brother-in-law, Curtis Greimann; and sisters-in-law, Josephine Hall, Marguerite Upmeyer, Alice Schroeder and Olive Hollaway.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Muriel L. Schulz, 1926-2007

July 25, 2007

Muriel L. Schulz, 81, of Klemme, died on Friday, July 20, 2007, at the Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 23, at the United Methodist Church in Klemme, with the Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Music was provided by an organ and piano duet of Margaret Tue and Madelyn Priebe, who accompanied congregational hymns along with trumpeter, Seth Priebe. Special music was provided by Becky Thada and Adam Thada. Ushers were Wayne Neuberger and Bob Hadacek.

Casket bearers were her nine grandchildren. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme. The Cataldo Funeral Home in Garner was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa, Heifer Project International or the Klemme UMC Missions.

Muriel Leorene Schulz, the daughter of Chester Ray and Leorene Anona (Lipka) Stille, was born on April 25, 1926, at Mason City. She graduated from the Garner High School in 1944 and then went to Washington D.C., where she worked in the U.S. Department of the Navy. She later studied fine arts and music at a junior college in Boise, Idaho, then returned to Garner and worked for the R.E.C.

On August 25, 1948, she was united in marriage to Robert F. Schulz at the Methodist Church in Garner. They made their home east of Klemme where they farmed until retiring in 1985. Muriel also taught piano in the Klemme area. They continued to live on the farm until 2002, when they moved into the Klemme Apartments. She enjoyed camping, square dancing, sewing, quilting, painting and reading.

She was an active member of the Klemme United Methodist Church, where she served as the choir director for 26 years, church organist for about 50 years, and was a Sunday school Teacher and Superintendent. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, serving in many offices, including District President. Muriel, along with her husband, Bob, also participated in many mission trips with County Cousins.

She is survived by her children, Glenn (Donna) Schulz of Storm Lake, Carol (Terry) Tedder of Glenwood and Karen (Byron) Thada of Crawfordsville, Indiana; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Val Anderson of Garner; a brother-in-law, Donald Funk of Gold Canyon, Arizona; and a sister-in-law, Frances Neuberger of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob on September 17, 2002; her parents; and a sister, June Funk.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Merlyn E. Upmeyer, 1920-2007

August 1, 2007

Merlyn E. Upmeyer, 86, of Garner, died on Sunday, July 22, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, July 25, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. David Graham officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass who accompanied soloist, Warren Torkelson, and congregational hymns. Ushers were Allan DeWitt and Alan Jass.

Casket bearers were Alan Spencer, Mike Redig, David Wages, Scott Devens, Brian Abele and Steve Abele. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery in Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Merlyn Ernest Upmeyer, the son of Ralph and Alice (Griffin) Upmeyer, was born on December 29, 1920, on a farm southwest of Garner. He attended the rural schools of Liberty Township and graduated from the Garner High School in 1940. He continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames.

On June 2, 1946, he married Maxine Stokesbary at the Methodist Church in Garner. They lived on the home place southwest of Garner where Merlyn farmed. Merlyn also worked at Iowa Mold Tooling in Garner for 18 years, retiring in 1987.

In November of 2005, Merlyn and Maxine moved into Garner. Merlyn loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed photography, singing in the church choir, playing his tuba in the Old Timers Band in Garner and working in his shop.

He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, Gideon's Society and served on the Garner Creamery Board for a number of years.

Merlyn is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maxine of Garner; four children, Rebecca (Darrell) Lucht of Hulbert, Oklahoma, Daniel (Susie) Upmeyer of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Linda (Bob) Wages of Bixby, Oklahoma and Jill (Marc) Dean of Mason City; five grandchildren, Heather (Javier) Lopez of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dylan (Kristi) Lucht of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Jade (Brian) Winfrey of Orlando, Florida, Daniella (Donnie) Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma and David Wages of Corpus Christi, Texas; 12 great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, L.C. Spencer of Clarion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Delwyn; and two sisters, Arlene Trail and Ruth Spencer.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Mildred I. Ax, 1909-2007

August 1, 2007

Mildred I. Ax, 97, of Garner, died on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, July 30, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with Pastor Donna Buckman officiating. Music was provided by organist, Margaret Jass who accompanied congregational hymns. Special music was provided by flutist, Susan Ax. Ushers were Allan DeWitt and Alan Jass.

Casket bearers were Bill Hampel, Bill Foster, Mike Pritchard, Tom Hyde, Tanner Kinsella and Ethan Brown. Burial was in the Concord Township Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Mildred Irene Ax, the daughter of William John and Bess (Hoyt) Hampel, was born on August 29, 1909, on a farm near Blairstown in Benton County, Iowa. She moved with her family to South Dakota and, at the age of six, returned with them to Iowa settling in Hancock County. She attended rural schools and graduated from the Garner High School in 1927 with a Normal Training Teaching Certificate. Mildred taught in the rural schools of Hancock County for five years. During her summer breaks she continued her education at Iowa State University in Ames.

On October 16, 1931, she was married to Richard T. Ax at her parent's farm near Garner. They farmed in the Garner and Klemme areas, until moving to a farm south of Ventura in March of 1942. In 1954, they moved into Ventura. After retirement they traveled all over the U.S. and to many foreign countries.

In 2003, she moved to the Concord Care Center in Garner. She enjoyed her family, nature and gardening. Her love of nature led her to become a Master Gardener and master floral judge, with many years of experience judging horticulture at the Iowa State Fair and numerous county fairs.

Mildred was a member of Zion Evangelical and Zion Women's Fellowship. She belonged to the Lake View Study Club, Ventura Garden Club and was a charter member of the Federated Garden Club in Ventura. 4-H was an important part of Mildred's life from the time she was a teenager. She was a charter member of the first girls' 4-H Club in Ell Township and served as a state 4-H officer in 1927. As an adult, she was a 4-H Leader and had served as a member of the Hancock and Cerro Gordo County 4-H Boards. In 2002, she became the first member from Hancock County to be selected for the new Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.

Mildred is survived by her three children, Eunice Kinsella of Garner, Richard (Yesenia) Ax of Ventura and Susan (James Van Wert) Ax of Hayward, California; three grandchildren, Kathryn Kinsella, Kirk Kinsella and Annalisa Poirel; seven great-grandchildren, Tanner Kinsella, Caleb Brown, Tori Kinsella, Ethan Brown and Anders, Solveig and Isolde Poirel; one great-great-grandchild, Raygen Kinsella; two sisters, Winifred Pritchard of Osage and Shirley Heuberger of Reno, Nevada; as well as many nieces and nephews who have always been very special to their "Aunt Mid".

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard in February of 1986; her parents; son-in-law, Mike Kinsella; grandchildren, Karen Kinsella and Thomas Kinsella; sisters, Beverly Hyde and Dorothy Foster; and brothers, Earl and Arnold "Bub" Hampel.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007

Maynard Swaney, 1920-2007

August 8, 2007

Maynard Swaney, passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2007, in San Antonio, Texas.

Graveside services and interment were held on Friday, August 3, 2007, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full military honors. The Mission Park Funeral Chapel North of San Antonio was in charge of the arrangements.

Maynard Swaney, was born on June 8, 1920 in Britt, to Mattison Lee and Florence McGruder. He was raised in Garner and joined the U.S. Navy in 1940. He was stationed aboard the USS Dunlap at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

On May 25, 1946, he married Eunice Donohue in Forest City. He was called back into the Navy during the Korean War and also served in Vietnam. He retired from the Navy in 1968. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1988.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1987; his parents; his twin brother, Merle; his sons, Patrick and Timothy Brian; and his great-grandson, Robby Bushey.

He is survived by daughters, Kathy Thompson and husband, Brock of Midland, Texas and Lori Marie Swaney of New Braunfels, Texas; sons, J. Michael Swaney and wife, Mary, Kevin Joseph Swaney and Greg Sean Swaney and wife, Cheryl all of San Antonio; sister, Doris Hammon of Burnsville, Minnesota; 10 grand-children; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Meridian Care Center and the Vista Care Hospice for their kindness and care of their father.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2007