C. Rosella Daniels, 1922-2009

September 9, 2009

C. Rosella Daniels, 86, of Britt, died on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, at the Cardinal Grove Assisted Living in Garner.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 4, at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt, with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Britt.

C. Rosella Daniels, the daughter of Joseph and Ella (Buckley) Chizek, was born on November 26, 1922, on a farm near Garner. She attended rural school near Britt and graduated from the Britt High School in 1940. On August 6, 1946, she was united in marriage to Lester Daniels at Britt. They made their home on a farm north of Duncan where they raised their family.

Rosella enjoyed her chickens, sewing, reading, flowers, gardening and bird watching. Visiting with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews brought her great joy and Rosella looked forward to her regular gatherings with her sisters. She was a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt, was a 25-year member of Catholic Daughters of American, Court 284 St. Catherine of Siena and belonged to the Britt American Legion Auxiliary.

Rosella is survived by her children, Don (Denise) Daniels of Forest City, Mary (Dave) Millis of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Jim Daniels of Britt and DiAnn (Terry) Jass of Garner; eight grandchildren, Christopher Daniels of Burlingame, California, Meghan Daniels and Patrick Daniels, both of San Francisco, California, Eric Millis of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Nathan Millis of Chicago, Illinois, Kim (Nick) Upmeyer of Garner and Kelli and Kami Jass of Garner; sisters, Kay (Leonard) Pistek of Britt, Irene Hiscocks of Garner, Rita Stevenson of Mason City, Veronica (Bill) Lawlor of Clear Lake and Marge (Steve) Jano of Berlin, Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Chizek of Mason City; a brother-in-law, Richard (Gladys) Daniels of Houston, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester on February 23, 1988; brother, Virgil Chizek; brothers-in-law, John Stevenson, Bill Hiscocks, Clarence Daniels, Lawrence Daniels and Lawrence Spieker; sisters-in-law, Hattie Spieker and Irene Daniels; and a nephew, Michael Stevenson.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Delores Hill, 1928-2009

September 16, 2009

Delores "Dee" Hill, age 81, beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2009, to reunite with her husband, Tom and daughter, Nona Holm.

To honor her request, there will not be a service, but donations may be made in her honor to the TMC Hospice, Tucson, Arizona.

Dee was born on January 14, 1928 in Miller, Iowa, to Oscar and Fern Erickson and grew up in Garner, where she graduated from the Garner High School in 1945. She lived and worked all of her adult life in Omaha, Nebraska, until she and Tom retired to Tucson, Arizona in 1984.

She is survived by her daughter, Micki Shafer and husband, Gary; her son, Bill Hill and wife, Cathy; her brothers, Dean and Arlo Erickson; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Bernice R. Koerner, 1909-2009

August 9, 2009

Bernice Rule Koerner, March 22, 1909 to March 7, 2009. A memorial open house will be held on Sunday, September 13, at 1:00 p.m., at Klemme, in the home her beloved husband built for her.

Bernice passed from this life 2 weeks before her 100th birthday. She was born in Dow City, Iowa and after graduation from high school, took a job as a telephone operator at Storm Lake. There she met Gerald Koerner of Klemme, who became her husband of 69 years. During their married life they lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, California and Klemme.

While living in Klemme, Bernice was involved in UMC circle and choir. Grandmothers Club, school activities and other town activities. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing and left a legacy of needlework and crotched pieces. After retirement to Klemme. the Koerners' became snowbirds and spent winters with their daughter and grandson in California.

Among Bernice's most memorable qualities was her sense of humor. She was always ready to lighten any situation with a quip and brought laughter to friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary.

Bernice is survived by her son, Terry Koerner of New Hampshire; daughter, Kathleen Sandoval of California; and grandson, Michael Sandoval of Nevada.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Lucille Bridges, 1917-2009

September 16, 2009

THORNTON–Lucille LuVergne Stille Bridges, of Thornton, died on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. She was 91 years old.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 15, at the United Methodist Church, Thornton. Interment was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme. The Retz Funeral Home. Thornton, was responsible for the arrangements.

Lucille was born on October 4, 1917, on the family farm west of Klernme, the daughter of John J. and Clara (Gast) Stille. She attended rural school in Hancock County and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1935. After graduation she earned a teaching certificate from the Cedar Falls Teacher's College and taught in rural schools around Klemme for several years. Lucille married Cecil Bridges on May 21, 1938, at the Methodist Parsonage in Northwood. Lucille and Cecil farmed for 31 years SE of Thornton. In 1980, they retired and moved into Thornton.

She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Thornton, where she served on many committees and was very active in the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed writing skits and poems for various programs in the community. She took great pride in her garden, flowers and yard. Everyone who knew Lucille enjoyed her wit and sense of humor. She liked helping people, playing cards and spending time with her family.

Lucille is survived by her three sons, Stanley and wife, Marie of Hampton, Rock and wife, Suzanne of Lake Mills and Chad and wife, Sherry of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; sister, Fern Carlson of Clear Lake; sister-in-law, Grace Stille of Klemme; seven grandchildren, LeeAnn Wickwire, Sally Stanbrough, Barry Bridges, Brian Bridges, Gail Bridges, Laurie Bridges and Amy Teixeira; two step-grandchildren, Michele Holt and Clint Fielding; 14 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; special niece, Carol Carlson; and other special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil in 2006; her parents; a sister, Gertrude Beier; four brothers, Quentin, Kermit, George and Virgil; and one step-grandchild, Vince Fielding.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

James "Jim" D. Hilton, 1928-2009

September 16, 2009

BRITT–James "Jim" D. Hilton, 81, of Britt, died on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, with Rev. Lee Nelson officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

James Donald Hilton, the son of George and Evalyn (Weisenberger) Hilton, was born on June 11, 1928 at Jesup. He grew up in LaPorte City where he attended high school. Jim entered the U.S. Navy in 1944 serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during WW II. Following his honorable discharge in 1948 he returned to LaPorte City where he began his truck driving career. On May 10, 1959, he married Jane Tegtmeyer at the First Lutheran Church in Britt. They lived in LaPorte City before moving to California in 1963, where Jim was employed as a truck driver for the Sheldon Oil Company. In 1967, they returned to Iowa and made their home in Britt. Jim continued his involvement in trucking working for Stan Ziesmer in Garner. In 1970, he began trucking on his own being leased by Warren Transportation in Waterloo, where he transported John Deere equipment nationwide. Jim also worked with his daughter, Deb, operating a craft business "D & J Creations" for a time in the 1990's.

Due to ill health, Jim retired in 2001 after driving a few years for Winnebago Industries in Forest City and Stellar Industries in Garner.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, fishing, playing cards at family gatherings and especially, attending his grandsons' sporting events. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church where he had served as a trustee.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jane of Britt; daughters, Debra Schulz of Garner and Cindy (Robert) Denzer of St. Chares, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Trista (Adam) Rowland of Chatfield, Minnesota and their two children, McKenzi and Carson, Dustin Schulz and his special friend, Hannah Deibler of Rockwell and her daughter, Jada and Cody Schulz of Garner; a sister, Carole (Charles) Van Horn of Traer; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Hilton, Darlene Thimmesch and Anne Hilton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Victor, George, Jr. and Harold Hilton; and sisters, Arlyne Bauer and Regina Harrell.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Dr. Jay Pronk, 1978-2009

September 23, 2009

NORTH LIBERTY-Dr. Jay T. Pronk, 31, of North Liberty, died on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, of complications from a transplant for treatment of leukemia.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Iowa City with Rev. Tim Zimmermann officiating. Burial was in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Jay Thomas Pronk, was born on March 19, 1978 in Mason City. He attended the Garner-Hayfield Schools and graduated in 1997. During his junior year he was a Rotary Exchange student in Newcastle, England. Jay attended The University of Iowa for undergraduate studies and then graduated from the College of Dentistry in 2004. Jay continued his education with an internship at The UI College of Dentistry Oral Surgery Department, where he discovered his passion and gift for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He began a four-year oral surgery program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2005, until he became ill in 2006 with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Continued chemotherapy treatments made finishing residency difficult.

Jay and his family relocated to North Liberty, Iowa in 2008, where Jay served as Assistant Professor of Oral Surgery at The UI College of Dentistry. He had the honor of being selected the 2008-2009 Instructor of the Year by the class of 2010. Jay enjoyed his surgical and teaching responsibilities as well as the friendship of the many fine instructors and staff at the dental school.

Jay was an accomplished classical and jazz pianist, saxophonist and also played electric bass. He enjoyed family fishing trips, pheasant hunting, cycling and cheering on the Hawkeyes. His greatest joy came from playing with his boys. On December 29, 2001, Jay married the love of his life, Amy Kieschnick. Her love and support of Jay in times of both health and illness were an amazing source of strength for him and helped him fight the good fight and keep the faith. They became the proud parents of Aiden and Ethan on July 10, 2007. Jay was a loving father and adored his two sons. Jay was a kind man of great character, intelligence and faith. He never once complained of anything he had to endure, but went through life with enthusiasm, drive and a thankful heart. He was a strong man with an infectious smile and the very best sense of humor.

Those left to cherish Jay’s memory include his beloved wife, Amy and sons, Aiden and Ethan of North Liberty; his parents, Tom and Barb Pronk of Garner; sister, Kate Pronk of Chicago, Illinois; brother, Matthew Pronk and wife, Katie of North Liberty; maternal grandparents, John and Jean Merano of Springfield, Illinois; parents-in-law, Reverend Clyde and Ellen Kieschnick of Abilene, Texas; brothers-in-law, Brian Kieschnick and wife, Sarah and Darren Kieschnick of Abilene, Texas; and his uncles and aunts, cousins and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Nick and Myrl Pronk.

We thank the Lord for the precious time we had with Jay.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Gerald D. Asche, 1939-2009

September 23, 2009

Gerald Dean Asche, 70, of Klemme, died on Friday, Sepember 18, 2009, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, September 25, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be conducted by members of the Clear Lake V.F.W. at the church. Inurnment will be in the Kanawha Cemetery at 1:00 p.m., on Friday. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Gerald was born on April 28, 1939, on a farm in Wright County, Iowa, the son of Klaus and Alvina (Pals) Asche. He attended the Amsterdam #7 Country School through grade 8 and then attended the Kanawha Community High School, graduating in 1957. Gerald served in the U.S. Army from November 1958 to February 1962, which included 27 months stationed in France. After military service, Gerald moved to California where he was employed with California Computer Products, Inc. for over 12 years, as an electronic technician and then into management. In 1975, he moved to Clear Lake where he was employed with the R.F. Johnson Company and with Unisys Corp.

Gerald was united in marriage to Barbara Collen at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church in 1982. Gerald's two sons, Gregory and Jeffrey were very important parts of his life. He greatly enjoyed spending time with them. He was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

Gerald is survived by his sons, Gregory Asche and special friend, Jen Pierce of Garner and Jeffrey Asche of Clear Lake; a granddaughter, Daniela Milan of Garner; one brother, Clarence and his wife, Connie of Fridley, Minnesota; one sister, Doris and her husband, Tim Meyer of Urbandale; nieces and nephews, Steven Asche, Craig Asche and Ann Ascheall of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Amanda Meyer of Urbandale; along with other relatives and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; and one nephew, Michael William Meyer.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Emma M. Johnson, 1913-2009

September 30, 2009

Emma M. (Goll) Johnson, age 95, most recently of Onalaska, Wisconsin, a native of Klemme, died on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at the Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, under hospice care.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 29, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, in Klemme. The Rev. Donna Buckman officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery. The Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements.

The family suggests those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Emma's name, consider the Immanuel Reformed UCC Church in Klemme, the Klemme Library, Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, or to their own choice.

Emma Meta Goll, the daughter of Gottlob and Augusta (Schlawin) Goll, was born on December 22, 1913, on the family farm in Avery Township, Hancock County, six miles east of Klemme. Emma was baptized at the UCC Church in Klemme in 1914, where she was also confirmed. Emma's mother died on January 30, 1921, when Emma was 7 years old. In 1922, her father married Sarah Thiemann. In her early childhood, Emma attended Hancock County rural schools. During this time of her life, one of Emma's favorite outings was to spend time at "stone hill," where she would enjoy the solitude, flowers and birds.

In 1924, her father moved the family into Klemme. Gottlob was employed as the janitor at the church and Emma would often assist him in his cleaning and maintenance duties. Emma attended the Klemme Schools and graduated from the Klemme High School with the class of 1932. Emma was active in her church and 4-H and participated in a State Fair competition.

After graduating, Emma studied at Iowa State Teacher's College and then taught rural school for 4 1/2 years east of Klemme. On February 14, 1937, Edna was united in marriage to Leroy C. Johnson at the parsonage in Klernme. Following the couple's marriage, they farmed and raised their family east of Klemme. Their union was blessed with a son, Gordon in 1940 and two daughters, Maurine in 1942 and Melva in 1943. Emma and her husband and children moved into town in 1956.  After their move to Klemme, Leroy was employed as a livestock buyer for 20 years. Emma resumed her education through the Mason City Junior College, where she received her Associate of Arts Degree in 1959. Emma continued her career as a teacher in the 4th and 5th grades at the Klemme Schools, where she taught until her retirement in 1974. She received her BA Degree from Drake University in 1970.

In addition to her love of teaching young people, Emma was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She relished times spent with her family. Emma enjoyed family trips, excursions to the county fair, fishing outings with her husband, Leroy, holiday gatherings and family picnics. Emma also enjoyed caring for the livestock in their years on the farm, her pets and gardening. She was an excellent cook and her children and grandkids fondly remember "Grandma Emma's" delicious homemade apple pies, chocolate chip bars and her "roast beef" dinners.

Emma knew local history well and loved sharing the story of Klemme with her family and friends. She was a meticulous writer and rarely missed sending a card with a personal note for the special events in her family's lives. She was an avid Bible reader and had been active in church throughout her life. Emma was a loving caregiver during the 5 1/2 years of Leroy's illness prior to his death in 1989.

Emma was a dedicated supporter of the Klemme community. She served for many years on the Klemme Library Board, various church committees and in the Garden Club. After Leroy's death, she traveled with her family throughout the country. She experienced her first plane ride at the age of 72. Emma moved to the Prairie View Apartments in 1998, where she resided until 2007. At that time, due to health issues, she moved to Onalaska, Wisconsin, to be near family where she lived until her death.

Those left to cherish the memory of her life include her son, Dr. Gordon (Joan) Johnson of La Crosse, Wisconsin; her daughters, Maurine (Don) Kramer of Sun Lakes, Arizona and Melva Johnson of Cedar Falls; a sister, Elizabeth Hinrichsen of Rock Falls; nine grandchildren, Sonia Kramer (Steve) Cvitanovich, Darla Kramer, Kara Kramer (Gregg) Hudson, Susan Johnson (Dan) Leifer, Sara Johnson, Kristin Johnson (Joe) Hoeth, Scott (Heidi) Dorr, Michelle Dorr (Randy) Carris and Shawn Dorr (Mike) Krenz; 12 great-grandchildren, Megan, David, Peter, Katherine, William, Joey, Kody, Zachary, Jackson, Sophie, Emma and Zach; five nieces, Lillian (Willie) Blau, Beulah (Goll) Hummel, Arlene (Willie) Kaduce, Dee (Hinrichsen) Pearce and Sandy (Hinrichsen) Wyborny; and numerous other extended family and friends.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy; father, Gottlob and mother, Augusta; her step-mother, Sarah Theimann; brothers, Paul and Alvin Goll; sister, Edna Willie; brothers-in-law, Carl Willie and Don Hinrichsen; sisters-in-law, Erma and Golda Goll; and nephews, Jay Hinrichsen and Lyle Goll.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Helen Townsend, 1924-2009

October 7, 2009

Helen Townsend, 84, of Garner, died on Sunday, September 27, 2009, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 2, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with the Rev. Fr. Brian Dellaert as celebrant. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Garner. The Cataldo Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Helen Lorraine Townsend, the daughter of Lewis F. and Clara (Jakoubek) Formanek, was born on December 15, 1924, on a farm in Garfield Township in Hancock County. In 1942, she graduated from the Hayfield High School, where she was active in band, school plays, yearbook production and 4-H, where she served as an officer. After graduating, Helen worked at the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for six years.

On September 18, 1950, she was married to Robert Paul Townsend at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. In 1952, they began working for Tony and Martha Rasmussen on their farm north of Garner; later moving into Garner in 1986. Helen had worked at the Garner Ben Franklin store, at Roe's Super Value and as a cook at Russ' Drive-In for 17 years. Due to ill health, she had resided at the Concord Care Center since December 12, 2006. She enjoyed her family, family dinners, baking and was noted for her "Secret Recipe" for potato salad.

She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society and had taught CCD classes, sang in the choir and served on the Parish Council. She was also a member and past president of the VFW Auxiliary, W.S. Homemakers, the North Garner Community Club and the "Red Hats."

Helen is survived by her son, Thomas P. Townsend of Garner and his three children, Matthew Townsend, Raechelle Gruis and her husband, Brandon and Christopher Townsend; her son, Joseph M. Townsend and his wife, Karen of Garner and their two sons, Seth Townsend and Jaron Townsend; a great-granddaughter, Alexandra; two brothers, Lewis Formanek and his wife, Mary Ann of Phoenix, Arizona and Allan Formanek and his wife, Patty of Clear Lake; and many relatives and friends, including special friends, Bob and Mary Waite of Goodell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Townsend on January 14, 1990; her parents; two sisters, Mina Rensink and Mercedes Nowak; a sister-in-law, Barbara Formanek; and two brothers-in-law, Roy Rensink and Ray Nowak.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009

Sandra "Sandy" L. Welsh, 1949-2009

October 7, 2009

KLEMME-Sandra L. Welsh, 60, of Klemme, Iowa, died on Wednesday September 30, 2009, at her home in Klemme.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery near Garner.

Sandra Lee Welsh, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Jencks) Kretchmer, was born on August 9, 1949 at Huron, South Dakota. She graduated from the Bancroft High School in 1967 and continued her education at Huron College in South Dakota. On April 20, 1968, she was married to David Welsh at Iroquois, South Dakota. They lived on the family farm near Bancroft for several years. Career transfers moved them to different locations before settling in Garner in 1977. Sandy was very active raising their children, as well as operating a day care out of her home.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, baking, sewing and reading. She found greatest joy spending time with her grandchildren. This past August, Sandy celebrated her 60th birthday surrounded by her family. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

She was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rosary Society and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

Sandy is survived by her husband, David of Klemme; four children, Tammy (David) Maire of Cambridge, Ryan (Annie) Welsh of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Marcy (Mike) Barkema of Garner and Rich (Clarissa) Welsh of Klemme; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Lucas and Madison Maire, Brook and Blake Barkema and Alayna, Valarie and Evan Welsh; her father, John (Esther) Kretchmer of Rapid City, South Dakota; a sister, Connie (Rich) Ziegeldorf of Aurora, South Dakota; brothers, Jim (Susan) Kretchmer of Bancroft, South Dakota, Rod (Joann) Kretchmer of Cavour, South Dakota, Mike (Karla) Kretchmer of Bancroft, South Dakota and Steve (Kathy) Kretchmer of Avoca, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy; and sister, Donna Zell.
©The Garner Leader & Signal 2009