Violet Pickerell Funeral October 24

Published November 2, 2002

Funeral services for Mrs. Frank (Violet) Pickerell, 87, of Wellsville, Missouri, who died Tuesday, October 22, were held on Thursday, October 24 at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery, Missouri, with Rev. Thomas Smith officiating.

Violet Marie Pickerell was born May 8, 1915 to Harry John and Fern (Mulford) Allison in Bradford, Iowa.

Violet attended school in Sheffield. On September 25, 1943 she married Frank H. Pickerell of Shamrock, Missouri. They made their home in Shamrock, Missouri and Coulter, Iowa before moving to Wellsville, Missouri in 1975. Frank died in March, 1991.

Violet is survived by two sisters, Helen Blood of Carpenter, and Irene Buss of Crosby, Minnesota; a niece, Nancy Ackels and husband Jim of Mesa, Arizona; nephews Steve Blood and wife Dolores of Carpenter; a nephew Ralph Pickerell of Fulton, Missouri; many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank; two brothers, A. I. Allison, killed in World War II, and Ray Allison.

Burial was in the Auxvasse, Missouri Cemetery.

Ida Emilie Groth Funeral October 29

Published November 2, 2002

Funeral services for Ida Groth, 101, St. Ansgar, who died Saturday, October 26, 2002 at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center, were held on Tuesday, October 29 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Byron Northwick officiating.

Ida Emilie Groth was born June 13, 1901 in Barton Township, Worth County, to George and    Martha (Ruehlow) Belz. She was baptized by Rev. Johnnes Becker July 7, 1901. She was confirmed by Rev. John Landdeck April 16, 1916 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton. She attended country school in Barton Township. Ida married Henry Groth on February 24, 1924, at her parents’ home by Rev. John Landdeck. This union was blessed with four children. They lived on a farm northeast of St. Ansgar until 1954. Ida moved to St. Ansgar in 1959, entering the Good Samaritan Center July 9, 1990. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar and a member of the Ladies Aid and circle.

Ida is survived by a daughter, Dorothy and husband Harlan Sponheim of St. Ansgar; two sons, Arnold and wife Gladys Groth of St. Ansgar, and Paul and wife Barbara Groth of St. Ansgar; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry in 1954, a daughter Arlene, two sisters and one brother.

Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar.

Albin Nerad Funeral November 5

Published November 9, 2002

Funeral services for Albin Nerad, 96, of St. Ansgar, who died November 1, 2002, at the St. Ansgar Good Samaritan Center, were held on Tuesday. November 5 at the St. Ansgar Catholic Church with Father Mark Reasoncr officiating.

Albin Nerad was born on September 15, 1906 in Freeborn County, Minnesota, the son of August and Anna (Jilek) Nerad.

October 4, 1929 he was united in marriage to Clara Jean Kerckhove in Osage. In 1930 they moved to a farm east of St. Ansgar where they farmed until 1972 when they retired and moved to St. Ansgar. In 1992 Albin and Clara observed their 63rd wedding anniversary and later that year Clara passed away.

Albin enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards with friends and his family, especially his grandchildren. He also picked black walnuts, crack and clean them and sell them to many customers.

In the fall of 2000 he moved to the Food Samaritan Center.

Albin is survived by sons and wives, Victor and Linda of St. Ansgar; Richard and Marilyn of. Osage; Kenneth and Harriet of Walker, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; five step grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren, and four step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Clara; brothers, Frank, Louis and Ed; sisters, Frances Eklund, Bessie Kerckhove; his parents August and Anna Nerad.

Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Vera Katherine Gutman Funeral

Published November 9, 2002

Funeral services for Vera Katherine (Kay) Gutman, 77, of Austin, Minnesota, who died on November 4, 2002, were held on Wednesday, November 6 at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, with Rev. Paul Phillips| officiating.

Kay was born on July 11, 1925 in Mitchell, Iowa to William Daniel and Vera (Tesch) Robertson. The family moved to Osage where she completed her education and later became a teacher. She taught country school in Grafton, Iowa, and in March of 1944 she married Rudy Gutman of St. Ansgar. To this union were born three sons, Michael, Verne and David, who died shortly after birth.

Vera is survived by her sons, Michael and wife Annett of Christmas, Florida; Verne and wife Vicky of Greene; daughter, Mary Rosenthal and husband Bob of Austin, Minnesota; sisters, Ann Atchley of Ed Derado Springs, Missouri, and Ruth Collette of Austin, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son and one brother, Gene Robertson.

Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Marjorie Bruggeman Funeral November 6

Published November 9, 2002

Funeral services for G. Marjorie Bruggeman, 84, who died Monday, November 4, 2002, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, were held on Wednesday, November 6 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, with the Rev. Elaine Siemson officiating.

G. Marjorie Bruggeman was born November 16, 1917, the daughter of Henry K. and Bertha Hovland Nelson in Scarville, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and remained a faithful member until her death November 4.

Marge was married to Frederick Bruggeman on March 22, 1942 and they were parents of Frederic, David, Ruth Ann, Mark and Mary.

Her 84 years of life were packed with wonderful memories of her days as a teacher in rural schools, wonderful mother to five children, co-partner in the grocery store with her husband, assistant to Dr. Blonz and Dr. Smith, and then back to just being the best mom and grandma one could hope for. She is well known for her quick wit and willingness to come to the aid of anyone in need, being a friend to all.

Marge is survived by her children: Fredric and wife Glory of Yuba City, California; David and wife Vickie of Toeterville; Ruth Ann of lnver Grove Heights, Minnesota; Mark and wife Dawn of Edina, Minnesota; Mary and husband John Muller of Carrpenter; eight grandchildren: Scott and Greg, Tammy and Stacy and her fiancé Chad Huhn, Laurie and Jay and his wife Jenna, Meghan and Katie, brother Kenneth Nelson and wife Agnes, sister-in-law Darlene Kittleson and husband Galen; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Gladys Purrinton, bothers Harry and Conrad, and husband Fred.

Burial was in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Toeterville.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Kirsten Boerjan Born November 1

Published November 9, 2002

Donna and Paul Boerjan of St. Ansgar are parents of a daughter, Kirsten Dorothy, born Friday, November 1, weighing seven pounds and 11 ounces. Kirsten joins two brothers, Jacob and Benjamin, and a sister Emily.

Grandparents are Jon and Sharon Sayles, and John and Marie Boerjan, all of St. Ansgar. Great grandmother is Dorothy Simpson, St. Ansgar.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Jon Robert Kerckhove Funeral November 15

Published November 16, 2002

Funeral services for Jon Robert Kerckhove, 39, of St. Louis, Missouri, and formerly of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, who died Monday, November 11, 2002, in St. Louis, will lie held Friday, November 15 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, with the Rev. Duane Baardseth officiating.

Jon was born on December 9, 1962 in LaCrosse to George II and Bette M. (Davis) Kerckhove. He attended LaCrosse schools, graduating from Central High School in 1981. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Music Degree. Jon worked as a senior Library Technical Assistant on computer database system support for Washington University Libraries for 13 years. He enjoyed creative music composition and singing in various choral groups in St. Louis. Jon was a member of the Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis where he served on .the Outreach Program committee. He enjoyed mental gaming challenges with friends.

Jon is survived by his mother, Bette M. (Davis) Kerckhove of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; George II (Sharon) Kerckhove of Onalaska, Wisconsin; brothers, Michael G. (Renee) Kerckhove and daughter Clara of Richmond, Virginia; James Davis Kerckhove of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Curt B. (Johanna) Huggins and their children, Leah, David, Rachel, and Bryan of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Brent B. (Shari) Huggins and their children, Carly and Luke of Madison, Wisconsin; sisters. Peri Anne (Mark) Olson and their children, Benjamin, Lucas and Taylor of LaCrescent, Minnesota; and Jennifer K. Huggins of Ridgeway, Colorado; maternal grandmother, Tressa (Cole) Davis of Bloomer, Wisconsin.

His paternal grandparents, Robert B. and Bessie Kerckhove; maternal grandfather, Clifford Davis, preceded him in death.

Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Justin James Horgen Born October 28
Published November 16, 2002

Ryan and Renee Horgen of Lakeville, Minnesota, are the parents of a son, Justin James Horgen, born Monday, October 28, 2002, weighing seven pounds and two ounces, and was 21 inches in length.

The paternal grandparents are Diane and Jim Horgen; maternal grandmother is Gayle Christianson, great grandparents are Lucille Machin of St. Ansgar; Letha Christianson of Charles City, and LaVern and June Leidall of Lyle, Minnesota.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Morgan Feldt Born October 23

Published November 16, 2002

Gabe and Jack Feldt are announcing the birth of their sister, Morgan Judith Feldt, born on Wednesday, October 23, 2002, weighing eight pounds and 12 ounces and was 19 inches in length. Parents are Spencer and Laurel Feldt of Osccola, Wisconsin.

Grandparents are Barb and Dean Feldt of Milford, Iowa, and David Low of Osage, and the later Judith Low. Great grandparents are Kenneth and Shirley Duenow and Wayne and Ellen Bork, all of St. Ansgar.

Abigail Pierce Born October 28

Published November 16, 2002

Jill Carroll Lafferty and Alan Pierce of Golden Valley, Minnesota, announce the birth of a daughter, Abigail Carroll, on October 28, 2002, weighing seven pounds and nine ounces.

Grandparents are Dr. John and Rebecca Lafferty of St. Ansgar.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Delores Thompson Funeral November 16
Published November 23, 2002

Funeral services for Delores Elaine Thompson, 76, of Toeterville, who died Wednesday, November 13, 2002, at her home, were held on Saturday, November 16, 2002, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, with the Rev. Dr. Elaine Siemson officiating.

Delores Elaine Thompson was born August 25, 1926, the daughter of Edwin and Mary Johnson Pike in Otranto Township. She was baptized at Deer Creek Lutheran Church and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar.

On November 10, 1946, she married M. Dean Thompson. To this union were born Mavis, Vickie, Geraldine and David.

Delores was a bookkeeper until her retirement, first at Northwood Lumber Co. and then at the Stacyville Lumber Co. Her interest included gardening, word puzzles, bingo, embroidery and baking. She enjoyed giving to others.

Delores is survived by three daughters, Mavis and husband Harvey Fischer of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Vickie and husband Dave of Toeterville; Geraldine (Jerry) of Marion; a son David of Marion; four grandchildren, Tammy and Stacy and finance Chad Huhn; Lucas and Connor Burr; two sisters, Edna Knutson of Riverside, California; and Chrystal and husband Everett Braun of Grafton; sisters-in-law, Bernice Pike, Marion and husband Howard Bless; brother-in-law Harvey and wife Betty Thompson; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dean, her parents, three sisters, Laura Hendrikson, Evelyn Nelson and Diane Pike; six brothers, Earl, Anton, Erwin, Lawrence, Warren and Pearl.

Burial was in the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Toeterville.

Mildred Borchert Funeral November 16

Published November 23, 2002

Funeral services for Mildred J. Borchert, 78, of Grafton, who died Wednesday, November 13, 2002, at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, were held on Saturday, November 16 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton with the Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating.

Mildred was born on August 11, 1924 in Lake Mills to Andrew and Otilda (Breckson) Chose. She married Warren Borchert on October 24, 1942 at the Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills. They farmed near Grafton.

Mildred is survived by one son, Stanley Borchert and wife Kathy of Urbandale, Wisconsin; two daughters, Charlotte Cole and husband Gary of Plymouth; Linda Patterson and husband Virgil of St. Ansgar; seven grandchildren, Michael Cole and wife Nichole; Michelle Hill and husband Andy; Nathan Borchert; Kyli Borchert and finance Jeremy Brown; Adam Borchert and wife Tracy; Mackenzie Patterson and Corey Patterson; two great grandchildren, Mitchell Cole and Hannah Hill.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Warren, sons Steve and Larry; and daughter-in-law Barb; seven sisters and two brothers.

Burial was in the Grafton Cemetery.

Eugene E. Hannam Funeral November 16

Published November 23, 2002

Funeral services for Eugene E. Hannam, 69, who died Wednesday, November 13, 2002, were held at the LeRoy Lutheran Church in LeRoy, Minnesota, with the Rev. Thomas Kolden officiating.

Eugene (Gene-Bud) Hannam was born in Mona, Iowa, on May 28, 1933 to Herbert and Lavina (Beyer) Hannam. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and was a member of the LeRoy Lutheran Church.

Gene graduated in 1951 from St. Ansgar High School. He served in the US Army 82nd Airborne division for six years from 1951 - 1957. He fought on the front lines in the Korean War when the war ended. He was honorably discharged in 1957 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He had 63 jumps credited to him.

Gene was united in marriage to Shirley "Sal" Aulwes on April 15, 1953 in Mason City. To this union three chil­dren were born, Bret, Brenda and Beth. The family lived on an acreage west of LeRoy, Minnesota. Gene enjoyed his garden and country home. He worked for Interstate (Alliant) Power Co. for 30 years as a lineman and crew foreman, retiring in 1995.

Gene is survived by his wife, Shirley of LeRoy; a son, Bret Hammam of LeRoy; two daughters, Brenda (Jeff) Grundstrom of Lakeville; and Beth (Tim) Slapnicher of Montgomery, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Chalsea, Ashlee and Dane; two brothers, Herb (Trudy) Hannam of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; and Harlan "Butch" (Arlys) Hannam of Coralville; a sister Darlene (Bob) Anderson of Wichita, Kansas; sister-in-law Norma Hannam of St. Ansgar; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lavina Hannam; father, Herbert J. Hannam; brother, Duane (Nick) Hannam.

Burial will be in the LeRoy Cemetery at a later date.

Lorraine Gonnerman Funeral November 16

Published November 23, 2002

Funeral services for Lorraine Carolyn Gonnerman, 63, of Camp of the Woods, Dinorwic, Ontario, Canada, who died Wednesday, November 13. 2002, in Mason City, were held on Saturday, November 16, 2002, at St. Ansgar Baptist Church here with Pastor David Moore of Waterloo officiating.

Lorraine received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in October 1953, after seeing Billy Graham's film, "Piltown U.S.A." Lorraine graduated from Dysart High School and later from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She worked as a secretary at Back to the Bible Broadcast; Lincoln, Nebraska, and as a secretary at Normandy Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida. On July 3, 1975 she began her ministry as a missionary at Camp of the Woods, Ontario, Canada, and served the Lord there until she had to leave because of cancer on Friday, November 8, 2002.

Lorraine is survived by four sisters, Angelene of Elkader; Virginia of Toledo; Maydine of St. Ansgar; and Vir Jean of Union Grove, Wisconsin; five brothers, Burnell of Ankeny; Dean and wife Eunice of Portland, Oregon; LaVerne and wife Esther of Bondurant; Gary and wife Sheryl of St. Ansgar; and Alien and wife Jan of Montgomery, Illinois; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Beverly, and two brothers-in-law, William Dwyer and Wentzel Kern; a sister-in-law, Nita Gonnerman.

Burial was in the St. Ansgar Cemetery.

Betty J. Kruse Funeral November 19

Published November 23, 2002

Funeral services for Mrs. Betty J. Kruse, 72, of Dewitt, Iowa, who died Friday, November 15, were held on Tuesday, November 19, 2002, at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, with the Rev. Keith Speaks officiating.

Betty was born January 11, 1930 in DeWitt, the daughter of Henry A. and Clara M. (Gade) Petersen. She married Harold H. Kruse June 4, 1950 at Grand Mound, Iowa. He preceded her in death on October 25, 1971.

Betty graduated salutatorian from Grand Mound High School in 1946 and worked at Iowa Mutual Insurance Co. of DeWitt until she married. She was a homemaker and returned to Iowa Mutual in 1974 until retirement in 1998, and was a member of the Iowa Mutual 20 year club. She was a devout member of Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, and the LWML. Betty enjoyed her family and visiting with friends.

She is survived by six children: Marilyn Mundt and husband, Robert of DeWitt; Alan Kruse and wife Janice of DeWitt; Bill G. Kruse and wife Susan of DeWitt; Nancy Spain and husband Larry of Delmar; Janet Ham and husband Jim of Osage; Jolene Kruse of Davenport; 13 grandchildren, one great granddaughter; two step grandsons; five step great grandchildren; a sister, Mary E. (Mrs. Henry) Scott, Maquoketa; three sisters-in-law, Lola Petersen of Davenport; June Petersen, DeWitt; and Edeline Schmidt, Davenport.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Howard and Robert, a sister, Margaret Moeller, an infant sister, Dorothy Lucille.

Pallbearers were Michael Peters, Mark Peters, Todd Kruse, Chad Kruse, Brian Kruse. Jason Spain, Jesse Spain, Jeremy Spain, Joey Spain and Corey Neuhring. Honorary pallbearers were Michelle Neuhring, Julia Ham, Jenna Ham, Karolyn Kruse.

Internment will be at Davenport Memorial Park.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Kuntz and Henke Exchange Vows

Published November 23, 2002

Brandy Nichole Kuntz and Kasey Dean Henke were married September 14, 2002, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton. Parents are Corrie and Kim Kuntz of Grafton, and William and Julie Henke of Earlham.

Brandy and Kasey are both graduates of Des Moines Area Community College Culinary Arts program in Ankeny. Both are employed by Bon Appetit Management Co. in the Twin Cities.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Richard Callow Funeral November 27

Published November 30, 2002

Funeral services for Richard O. Callow, 63, of Nora Springs, who died Sunday, November 24, 2002, Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, were held on Wednesday, November 27, 2002, at First United Methodist Church, Nora Springs, with Rev. Lisa L. Locoh officiating.

Richard was born June 18, 1939 in Mason City, the son of Orrin and Pearl (Foglesong) Callow, He graduated from Mason City High School in 1957.

He married Carol Leegard December 21, 1968, in St. Ansgar. Richard worked for C &W Railroad for many years as well at Mason City Glass where he delivered and installed windows and countertops. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Nora Springs, and enjoyed racecars and racing with his son, Brian. He liked fishing, working in his garage, and spending time with his family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol of Nora Springs; a son Brian of Nora Springs; foster children, Cherry Hutzel and husband Rick of Nora Springs; Patty ReCupido of Rockford; Charmin Leegard of Mason City, mother Pear May of Mason City; brothers, Raymond Callow and wife Gloria of Eagle Grove; Ron Callow and wife Sheila of Mason City; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, one brother Robert, and his grandparents.

Burial was in the Park Cemetery.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003

Olivia Pierce Born November 13

Published November 30, 2002

Jacob and Clay Pierce would like to announce the birth of their sister, Olivia Lynn, born on November 13, 2002, weighing seven pounds three ounces and 20 inches in length. Parents are Tom and Kerri Pierce of St. Ansgar. Grandparents are Charlie and Ramona Pierce of St. Ansgar, and Roger and Sharon Clarke of Spencer.

Updated by Chuck Prickett 6/29/2003