Obituaries

Erwin (Bud) Jass, age 88 of Alden, died on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Tuesday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Erwin “Bud” William Jass was born on May 11, 1925 near Alden, IA. The son of John and Martha (Bahr) Jass. He attended country school thru the 8th grade. On July 7, 1945 Bud was united in marriage to Zona Gail Cook in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church parsonage in Alden, IA. To this union four children were born Thomas, Lyle, Patricia, and Dale. He and Zona farmed north of Alden until Zona passed away. He enjoyed raising ponies and going to pony sales and his dairy cows. He married Marlys (Lehmann) Barz on July 25, 1981 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alden, IA and farmed until a few years ago but continued to live on the farm. He was a life time member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church and served as trustee for many years there. His greatest accomplishments and enjoyments were his family, farm, faith, and friendships. Bud is survived by his wife Marlys of Alden, IA; sons Thomas (Linda) Jass of Brandon, SD, Lyle (Barb) Jass of Alden, IA, Dale (Jackie) Jass of Alden, IA and daughter Patricia Rishel and friend Paul Wood of Gladbrook, IA; step-children Kevin (Julia) Barz of Hampton, IA, Cyndee Roskens of Ackley, IA, and Janelle (Kevin) McCloskey of Chandler, AZ; one sister-inlaw Deone Knox of Anahauc, TX along with many other step-brothers and sisters thru marriage. Bud is the grandfather of 10 grandchildren Luke Jass, Leah (Rob) May, Maria (Devin) Coughlin, Jacob (Cindy) Jass, Ben (Morgan) Jass, Betsy Jass and friend Brandon Willing, Leigh (Nicki) Jass, Philip (Cassandra) Jass, Thaine (Whitney) Jass, Justin (Andrea) Rishel; 8 step-grandchildren Chelsea (Josh) Petersen, Taryn, Coleton, & Trey Barz, Kelanie & Kolton Claude, Colin & Kylie McCloskey along with 15 great-grandchildren Thatcher & Owen May, Parker, Jerricho & Lincoln Coughlin, Braden Dierickx, Laney Jass, Jag & Tyce Jass, Jadyn & Tate Jass, Alexandra Jass, Tristan Zoffka, Taylor & Laci Rishel, and 2 more soon to be greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Zona, son-in-law Gary Rishel, brother-inlaw Wilton Knox, stepson Kendall Barz, step-grandson Andrew Barz, and step-granddaughter Sara Smuck. Emery Neymeyer, age 84 of Greene, died on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the Waverly Health Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, June18th at the West Friesland Presbyterian Church, rural Ackley with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1-3 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene and also 8-10 A.M. Tuesday before services at the West Friesland Presbyterian Church, rural Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley is in charge of arrangements. Emery Dale Neymeyer was born on August 28, 1928 on the family farm in German Twsp., Grundy Co., Iowa. He was the fourth child of John J. and Elizabeth (Harken) Neymeyer. In 1937 Emery moved with his family to the "big farm" three miles SW of Austinville. The family remained there until after the war was over. Emery then moved to Ackley with his parents. Emery attended Island Grove country school. He then graduated from the Aplington High School as class president of the class of 1947. Following graduation Emery worked for Frudden Lumber in Ackley. On April 7, 1949, Emery was united in marriage to Norma Lee Freese of Ackley. Their marriage took place in the West Friesland Presbyterian Church in Grundy Co., Iowa. This is the same church Emery's family had attended since before he was born. Emery farmed with his father-in-law Christian Freese for two years following their marriage. In 1951 Emery and Norma moved their family to their current farm in Floyd, Co., Iowa. Emery worked for White Farm Equipment, formerly Oliver Tractor Works, in Charles City for 25 years until the plant closed. Emery and Norma farmed together until he was 80 years old. Emery and Norma are the parents of two children, Cheryl A. of rural Greene and Loren J. of Ackley. They have two grandchildren, Nik and his wife, Katie of Marion and Kimberlyn Burlage and her husband, Matt of Cedar Rapids; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Knock. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lester and Wayne Neymeyer; and a sister, Irene Estrada. G. Clifton Nelsen, age 92 of Alden, died on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 17th at the Immanuel Memorial U.C.C. in Alden. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-4 at the Surls Funeral Home in Alden. George Clifton Nelsen was born on October 8, 1920 to George and Tillie (Evans) Nelsen in Alden, Iowa. After high school, Clifton joined the United States Navy. On March 7, 1941, Clifton was united in marriage to Eva Catlin in Estherville until she later passed away. He later married Joan A. Green on April 6, 2002 in the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parkersburg. Clifton was a member of the Collins Dunning American Legion Post 201 of Alden. Clifton is survived by his wife, Joan of Alden; his daughter, Susan Nelsen of Milwaukee; his step children, Barb (David) Keninger, Wayne (LuAnn) Green, Michael Green and friend Anna Stamat, Glenda (Bob) Schmitz, Margaret (Brett) Dix, Mary (Russ) Meyer, Martha (Dan) Karsjens, Paul (Lonna) Green and Peter (Angelie) Green; 23 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a sister Leona Muller of Iowa City. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Eva and his sister, Dorothy. Harold Lindaman, age 82 of Wellsburg, died on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 3, 2013 at the Wellsburg Reformed Church. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at the Wellsburg Reformed Church. Harold was born April 21, 1931 in rural Wellsburg son of William and Cornelia (Engelke) Lindaman. Harold grew up on the farm, attended German No. 5 through 8th grade, and then attended Ackley High School where he graduated in 1950. He was drafted in 1952 during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Germany for 18 months, being discharged in 1954 as Corporal. On June 20, 1957 Harold was united in marriage to Katherine Gross at the Wellsburg Reformed Church. Following their marriage they made their home on the farm where Harold was born. Harold worked for the Grundy County Road Department for 39 years retiring in 1993. He loved plowing snow and helping his many friends in German Township along the route. Harold was a member of the Wellsburg Reformed Church where he served as deacon, elder and various other jobs. He enjoyed the mission trips and being camp counselor at Camp Hantesa. Singing was his joy, he sang with the Friends Quartet, the Interfaith Men's Chorus and loved singing at nursing homes. He had a special passion for ministering to the boys of the Eldora Training School. Orange AC tractors were a special hobby, especially when he could use them to transport his friends. He was a 35 year member of the Ackley Geneva Lions and a long standing member of Elliott- Keninger Post #252 of Ackley. For Harold there was no such thing as a stranger. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Katherine of rural Wellsburg and his family Vince and Roxanne Lindaman with Lindsay and Valerie of Ackley, Bill and Nancy Levesque with Blake and Madison of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Tim and Lisa Lindaman with Mason, Paige and Seth of Hubbard. He is also survived by his step grandchildren, Chris and Tara Levesque with Olivia, Ella and Ledger of Greenville, Wisconsin and Christopher and Devon Thornberry with Nathan, Ryan and Connor of Bolton, Massachusetts, foreign exchange student Mario Cimmino and family from Italy. He is also survived by his brother Don(Carol) and sister Ruth(Terry) Burris both of Gold Canyon, AZ and sister-in-law Grace Lindaman of Texas. Preceding him in death are his parents, brother Robert, sister Rosemary, sister-in-law Ada Mae Lindaman, nephew David and many special friends along life's path. A memorial has been established. Robert Kappel, 83, of Ackley, died on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday May 29th, 2013 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour before services. Robert Kappel was born on January 22, 1930 in Ackley, Iowa to John and Anna (Oelman) Kappel. Robert worked for Farmland Foods until he retired in 1999. On June 10th, 1965, Robert was united in marriage to Beverly Thomas in Rockport, Missouri. He traveled around the area and played for dances and other events for 36 years with his band, Bob and the Country Playboys. He is survived by his wife Beverly of Ackley; his 6 children Mike (Rose) Kappel of Iowa Falls, Linda (John) Butler of Gifford, Gale Kappel and her fiancé Todd Lindaman of Bradford, Cindy Lienen of Albert Lea, MN, Brad (Susie) Kappel of Ackley and Tammy Kappel of Ackley; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Barry; five sisters and three brothers. Russell Norem, age 57, of Urbandale, died on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services are pending with the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Florence G. Doss, 80, of Williams, died on Monday, May 20, 2013 at Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City. Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. Friday May 24, 2013 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with burial in the Williams Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour before services. Florence G. Doss was born on June 6, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois. She attended school in Harvard, IL. On September 19, 1953, Florence was united in marriage to Everette Doss in Vincent, IA. She worked at Electro Lux in Webster City for 25 years. She was a member of the UAW. Florence worked hard on the farm and had three gardens. She canned everything and even made her own ketchup. The family favorite that she made was her homemade Strawberry Jelly. Florence is survived by her husband Everette of Williams; her children Mike Doss of Des Moines, Robert and Shari Vermett of Webster City and Sandy and Frank Cearley of Alden; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James. Bernard Pelleymounter, 88, of Ackley, died on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday May 18, 2013 at Our Saviour's Lutheran church in Ackley with burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday May 17, 2013 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Bernard John Pelleymounter was born in rural Mitchell County near Osage, Iowa on November 17, 1924. He was the son of Robin and Mary (Popp) Pelleymounter. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. He attended school in Osage and graduated from Osage High School in 1943. In 1943 he enlisted in the service and served as a Sargent with the 101st Airborne Division in the European Theater during WWII. Following his discharge in 1946 he attended Iowa State Teachers College and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelors Degree. He received his Masters Degree in 1953 from the Colorado State College of Education and a Specialist Degree from State College of Iowa in 1963. After teaching at Waterville and New Hartford he accepted a job as principle with the Ackley School System in 1956. He became Superintendent of Schools in 1960 and he held that position until retirement in 1985. On August 13th, 1950 he was married to Frances Altman of Osage. They later divorced. On May 3rd, 1974 he was married to Merna Lund at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Ackley. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #252 of Ackley, a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the National Education Association, a past president of the Ackley Rotary Club, a church council member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, and served 6 years as the secretary of the board of directors of the Presbyterian Nursing Home in Ackley. He is survived by son Douglas (Evelyn) Pelleymounter of Northfield, MN, son Steven Pelleymounter of Grand Rapids, MN, step-son Paul (Harriet) Lund of Lakeville, MN, step-son John (Deb) Lund of Forest City, IA, step-daughter Karen (Dan) Gerdes of Warrensburg, MO, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Merna, siblings Kenneth, Richard, Robert, Kathryn, Austie and Roman and his parents, Robin and Mary. Richard Rauscher, age 65, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday, April 29th, 2013 at his home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Thursday with an Elk's service at 7PM at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Richard John Rauscher was born on June 21, 1947 to Richard and Helen (Freitag) in Oak Park, IL. Richard graduated from Oak Park High School and Drake University. On January 25, 1969, Richard was united in marriage to Kathy Bown in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Richard worked as a high school counselor in Mallard, IA from 1971-1973. After that, he became the counselor for Riverbend Middle School in Iowa Falls from 1973-2005. He returned to Riverbend Middle School as a library aide in 2008. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 1674 in Iowa Falls. Richard is survived by his wife Kathy of Iowa Falls; his daughter Suzie (Tony) Davis and their children Katie and Tyler of Urbandale and a brother-in-law Mike (Jody) Bown and their children Rob and Kelsey of Elkader. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mary O'Brien, age 62, of Geneva , died at her home on Thursday, April 25, 2013. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday April 30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. There will be a visitation on Monday from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary Service to follow at 7 p.m. at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa. Mary Elaine O'Brien was born on July 29, 1950 in Iowa Falls to Charles and Sylvia (Janssen) Kreimeyer. Mary graduated from Ackley-Geneva High School, Ellsworth Community College and then Northwest Missouri State. On July 1, 1972, Mary was united in marriage to Michael O'Brien at St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley, Iowa. Mary was the Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice of North Iowa. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mary is survived by her husband Michael; two daughters Kelly O'Brien of St. Paul, MN and Jill (Rudy) Acevedo of San Antonio, TX; two sons John O'Brien of Ames and Matthew O'Brien of Chanhassen, MN; two sisters Charleen (Robert) Richtsmeier of Ackley and their children Renee Evans, Dawn Santiago, Aaron (Anne) Jones and Bobby Jo Garza and Kathy (William) Nolte of Dumont and their children Angela, Henry, Abby and Katelyn Nolte and two sisters-in-law Mary Pat Cole of Mason City and her son Tom (Laurie) Gilles and Marianne O'Brien and her children Micki O'Brien and Danielle (Fred) Burton. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Randy Kreimeyer; her aunt Edith Harms; her mother and father-in-law William and Kathleen O'Brien and her brother-in-law Colonel Maurice O'Brien. Harold Dale Murra, age 82, of Ackley, died on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital under hospice care. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday at the St. John's U.C.C. in Ackley with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Visitation will be 3-5 P.M. Sunday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Harold Dale Murra was born on June 10, 1930 in Ackley, Iowa, the son of Ben and Anna (Okones) Murra. Harold had served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 and had been a farmer and was a mechanic with Eichmeier Motors in Ackley. He was a member of the St. John's U.C.C. in which he was a very active member and he enjoyed tractor pulls. He spent the last few years in the Presbyterian Village. Harold is survived by his brother, Bernard Murra and his wife Barb of Ackley; a sister, Lois Murra Harms of Iowa Falls; 3 nieces, Cheryl Rankin and her husband, Jack of Iowa Falls, Cathi Perlenfein and her husband, Tom of Eagan, MN, and Judy Murra of Ackley; 4 nephews, Robert Harms of Alden, Jeff Inks and his wife, Marla of Polk City, and Scott Inks and his wife, Rachael of Eldora and Jim Inks of Madrid; and a special family friend, Helen Benning. He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Troy Murra; a niece, Sharon Inks; and a sister, Velma Inks. Saturday, April 27th at 10:30 there will be a " Celebration of Life" for Russell Beving. It will be held at East Friesland Presbyterian Church located 4 miles south of Ackley on S56 and 2 1/4 miles east on 150th St. Inurnment will be following the service in the church cemetery. Russell passed away January 28th of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. There will be a luncheon and time of visiting following the service. Velma L Willms, 87 of Ackley passed away at Ellsworth Hospital on April 20, 2013. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Ackley, Iowa on Thursday April 25 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation with family will be held from 5-7 PM Wednesday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Burial will be in North Lawn Cemetary, Iowa Falls, Iowa. Velma Lois (Lord) Willms was born April 17, 1926, to Hazel Adams Lord and Nelson D Lord of Bradford, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa Falls High School and Ellsworth College with a teaching certificate. On June 1, 1946, she was united in marriage to Vernon Willms at her parent's home in Bradford, Iowa. They were married for 63 years and became parents to 5 children. Velma was a 50 year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ackley, where she served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School & Bible School teacher, was involved in the Presbyterian Women and a faithful member of the choir. On Sunday mornings after Church, family would gather at Velma's kitchen table. A feast could be put on the table in a minute's notice. Spending time with and taking care of her family was Velma's life. She also enjoyed having coffee with neighbors and friends. If you ever stopped for coffee, you never left without a piece of cake, 3 cookies or a piece of banana bread. She is survived by her children Vicki Harken & Husband Arlen of Ackley, Vaughn Willms & Wife Elaine of Ackley, Vince Willms & wife Cathy of Belmond, Van Willms & wife Deb of Ackley. Four sisters-in-law, Christine Tripp, Evelyn Murra, LaVelle Richman, LaVonne Off & husband Herman, nineteen grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one son Verlynn, one daughter-in-law Lynda, and 3 brothers in law. Calvin Max Brizzi, age 96, of Ackley died on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. Friday, April 19th at the First Presbyterian Church in Ackley with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church on Friday. The Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Calvin Max Brizzi was born on October 16, 1916 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Carl Albert Brizzi, Sr. and Wilda Irene Johnston. He graduated from South High School in Omaha, Nebraska. On December 6, 1941—the day before Pearl Harbor Day—Calvin was married to Agnes Ilene Cleeton at the First Christian Church in Omaha, NE. He was inducted into the Medics on Jan. 5, 1942 and was assigned to OCS at Camp Lee, VA, and was commissioned 2nd Lt. QMC and assigned to the Army Air Force. He was owner-manager of the Farmers Elevator Co. in Ackley, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Ackley Rotary Club, Ackley Heritage Center and Elliott-Keninger American Legion Post #252 of Ackley. He enjoyed golf, fishing, bridge, and chess, and was an avid coin collector. Calvin is survived by his son Paul, and his wife Karla of Ankeny; a daughter, Gwen Schroder and her husband Jerry of Powell, MO; a grandson, Jason Brizzi of Des Moines; three granddaughters, Erica Marsh and her husband, Eric of Falls Church, VA, Brooke Wamsley of Bloomington, IL, and Brie Wamsley of Brooklyn, NY; three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Brandon, and Ava Marsh all of Falls Church, VA; and a brother, Carl A. Brizzi, Jr.. of San Jose, CA. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Agnes. Marvin Hirth, age 88, of Ackley, died on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday April 16th at St. John’s UCC in Ackley with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Marvin Charles Hirth was born on November 17, 1924 in Geneva, Iowa to Charles and Edith (Rabe) Hirth. Marvin joined the United States Army where he served as a M.P. in Italy. On September 4th, 1948, Marvin was united in marriage to Jane Harned at the Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls. Marvin liked to travel; they wintered in Florida. He also enjoyed being around his family and spending times with his grandchildren following their activities. Marvin was still active on the farm and he was very proud of his 64 year marriage. Marvin is survived by his wife Jane; a son Mike Hirth; a daughter Connie (Roger) Maifeld; four grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Darlene Johnson and Esther Hirth; brothers-in-law Lynn (Marge) Harned, Hayes (LuAnn) Harned and David Laurie. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond; his daughter-in-law Jean Hirth; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Roberta (John) Lakin; sister-in-law Jackie Laurie and a brother-in-law DeWayne Johnson Addie Tripp, age 101, of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday April 15th at the Morgan United Methodist Church in Dows with burial in the Morgan Center Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Surls Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Addie Marie Tripp was born on December 22, 1911 in Grant Township to Fred and Gertrude (Knipfel) Burkley. On March 10, 1937, Addie was united in marriage to Harold Frederick Tripp. She was a member of the Morgan United Methodist Church. Addie was a hard worker; had a huge vegetable and flower garden on the farm. She was known for being a good cook and was most known by her family for her homemade rolls, peach cream pie, and kringla. She would always have something ready for lunch when company stopped. She also had a good sense of humor. She was very contented and took life in stride. Addie is survived by her daughter Marilyn (George) Disney of Clarion, IA; two sons Marlyn (Karen) Tripp of Hampton, IA and Gordon (Carol) Tripp from Indianola, IA; a daughter-in-law Norma Tripp of Coulter, IA; her sister Evelyn Stratmann of Hampton, IA; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law Christine Tripp. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold, her sons Darwin and Arlin Tripp and her brothers Carl and Luvern Burkley A sweet little old lady blew her last kiss good-bye. Norma Hassig, 85, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013, surrounded by family at Heritage Care Center, Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Norma was born Oct. 13, 1927, at Knoxville, Iowa, the daughter of Everett and Mona Conley. She graduated from the Knoxville Community School. On Nov. 10, 1945, she was united in marriage to Paul Hassig at Knoxville. They were married for almost 65 years before his passing in 2011. In 1953 they moved to Iowa Falls and opened Hassig OK Tire, which stayed in business for more than 50 years. Norma enjoyed bowling, golf and gardening in her younger days. She was also a long-time member of the United Methodist Church where she enjoyed volunteering her time. Her sweet, sweet smile and gentle disposition will be missed at the care center and by those who knew her. Norma is survived by her children: Roger Dwight (Mary) Hassig of Highland Ranch, Colo., Mike (Mary Weeks) Hassig of Iowa Falls, Kevin Hassig of Iowa Falls, and Mary (Todd) Blohm of Iowa Falls; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one soon-to-be great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Mona; her husband, Paul; a daughter, Jane Ann Modlin; and a grandson, Dustin Hassig. Terry Louise Aldinger, 83, passed away at her home Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Visitation for Terry will be at Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls, on Sunday, April 14, from 2-4 p.m. Services will be Monday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Terry was born to Bernie and Juanita O'Malia on May 16, 1929, in Iowa Falls. She was married to Merle Aldinger on July 10, 1947. Together they raised five children. Terry loved spending time with her large family and many friends. She enjoyed going to the Iowa Falls Senior Center for exercise and a game of dominoes every week. She was a charter member of the Iowa Falls Historical Society and served on its board for many years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Joy Circle of the Ladies Aide and was also a member of the Mary Lane Club, the Iowa Falls Women's Club and Craft Club. She served on the Cemetery Board and enjoyed the book club at Barlow Library. She loved to travel on the Iowa Falls State Bank Millennium Club trips and going to visit family in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Minnesota. She enjoyed baking and trying out the Times Citizen Recipes to Share, her stitchery projects, sewing and writing letters to her family and friends. Terry was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her children: Carol (Joe) Rios of Globe, Ariz., Connie (Larry) Neubauer of Alto, N.M., Michael (Donna) Aldinger of Iowa Falls, Wendy (Kirk) Lyman of Iowa Falls and Deb Aldinger of Marshalltown. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry (Jean) O'Malia of Iowa Falls; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Iowa, 232 Second St. SE, Mason City, IA 50401, or to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 313 Lee Lane, Iowa Falls, IA 50126. Martha Hartkopp, 78, of Popejoy, died on Sunday, April 7th, 2013 at the Eldora Nursing & Rehab Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday April 11th at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 10th from 5-7 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Martha Darlene Hartkopp was born on September 2, 1934 to John and Violet (Hoisington) Bennett in Alden, Iowa. She graduated from Alden High School in 1953 where she was a band majorette. On May 7, 1955, Martha was united in marriage to Merle L. Hartkopp. She babysat and worked on the line production at Boyt’s. Martha was a member of the Red Hat Club and the First Lutheran Church of Dows. Martha is survived by her children; Matthew J. (Robin) Hartkopp of Iowa Falls, Marcia (Alicia Ross) Hartkopp of Teaneck, NJ, and Monte J. (Tracey) Hartkopp of Popejoy; three brothers Dean Bennett of Iowa Falls, Jerry Bennett of Alden, and Dennis Bennett of Iowa Falls; her sister Doris Henderson of Wilkinson, WV; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Merle, a son Michael L. Hartkopp, a brother Johnny Bennett and two sisters Vera Brass and Katie Smuck. Georgia Ann Lawler Tyler, age 67, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. A Prayer Vigil will be held at 6:30 P.M. Monday, April 8, 2013 at the Surl's Funeral Home by Father Paul Baldwin of St. Mark Catholic Church.Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. Memorials may be directed to the Greenbelt Humane Society and the Scenic City Civic Foundation/Iowa Falls Dog Park, P.O. Box 21, Iowa Falls, IA 50126. Georgia was the daughter of Lois and Ed Lawler, and was born in Iowa Falls, on September 11, 1945. She graduated from Iowa Falls High School and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Iowa in 1967, majoring in Political Science and Psychology. Upon graduating Georgia worked in Chicago before accepting a position in Washington, D.C. She worked for former Governor Herschel Loveless, as special assistant at Chromolloy Corp, and moved on to join Jack Beaty and Associates. She married Thomas P. Tyler in 1977 and moved to Miami, Florida in 1980. She returned to the Washington DC area where she worked for Senator Paul Trible of Virginia and then as a special events coordinator for Susan B. Davis Events Group. Georgia moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico 1990 as director of Member Services for New Mexico Bankers Association and then Director of Human Resources for Rio Grande Credit Union. Georgia was fun-loving, had a mind of her own and was an avid dog lover, particularly her Scotty dogs. She was a member of the Scenic City Chapter of Questers. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Beth Lawler and Glo Lawler Reber (Richard). She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and T. Edward Lawler, a sister, Kathleen, and a half-brother, Robert. Amelda Schilling, age 78, of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls. Funeral services are pending with the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Harriett Moore, age 94, of Iowa Falls, died on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Services are 10:00 AM Saturday March 30, 2013 at the First Congregational U.C.C. in Iowa Falls with burial at Friends Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7PM Friday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed in the 1st Congregational United Church of Christ. Harriett H. Moore was born on November 1, 1918 in Gillette, WY, the daughter of John and Mary (Campbell) Moore. On April 26, 1941 Harriett was united in marriage to William Moore in Iowa Falls. Harriett was an Administrative Assistant for the Hardin Co. ASCS. Harriett is survived by her daughter, Mary Jensen and her husband, Dave of Iowa Falls; a son, Bert Moore and his wife, Millie of Omaha, NE; two grandsons, John D. Jensen and his wife, Shannon of Iowa Falls and William Jensen and his wife, Katy of Iowa Falls; four granddaughters, Sondra Mulford and her husband, Brett of Bloomington, IL, Julie Rau and her husband, Keith of Iowa Falls, Jodie Jensen of Iowa Falls, and Angi Moore of Hugo, MN; thirteen great-grandchildren; ten honorary great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; a grandson, Paul James Moore; and two brothers. Lois Mae Daum age 87, of Iowa Falls, formerly of rural Buckeye, died on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 5 at the Immanuel Memorial UCC in Alden. Family will receive friends from 5-7 P.M. Thursday, April 4 at Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. The body has been cremated. Inurnment of the ashes will be at the family gravesite in the Buckeye Cemetery. Memorials will go to the Immanuel Memorial UCC or can be directed to Ellsworth Municipal Hospital Foundation. Lois was born May 18, 1925 in Latimer, Iowa. She was the first of 6 children born to Lawrence and Gwendolyn Jensen. They were a hardworking family that focused on togetherness. She graduated from Woolstock High School at the young age of 16. She immediately struck out on her own and held many jobs in eastern Iowa while living with her beloved Aunt Irma. This journey led her to Western Union Manager's School in Indiana. This was during World War II when jobs traditionally held by men were being filled by women because so many of the men were away to war. Lois was appointed as manager of the Western Union Office in Iowa Falls. Her very first night in Iowa Falls she met a handsome young man from rural Buckeye. Following a period of courtship she married Henry (Bud) Daum on Christmas Eve in 1944. It was towards the end of WWII and Henry had been drafted by the Army. Upon Henry's discharge from the Army, Lois and Bud began operating the family farm just southwest of Buckeye. Their farm operation included row crops and a herd of Black Angus cows. As was common during that time, the also had feeder cattle, farrowed sows and raised feeder pigs and had a flock of chickens that were raised from baby chicks for fryers and layers. The eggs were sold to Schager's Produce in Alden. Lois enjoyed tending to her garden. The family meals often included ingredients directly from the family farm, fresh vegetables, eggs, beef, pork and chicken. Lois taught herself to be an excellent cook and won "first place" for her pies in the Pork Producer's Best Pie contest. Lois was a very active community member. She was active in the Buckeye SCB (School & Community Boosters). She performed in many of the talent shows. She served on the Buckeye School Board. Following school reorganization, she was active in the Radcliffe PTA (Parent Teacher's Association). She discovered politics and was very involved in Hardin County Republican activities. At the center of the family was the Peace Church in Buckeye, now Immanuel Memorial UCC in Alden. Lois was the pianist and organist for the church for many years. Lois and Henry had two daughters, Josette Kay born in 1947 and Jeanine Lee born in 1950. In the early 1970's they replaced the original farm house with a Ranch style house. Following retirement from farming in 1986, they continued to live on the farm. They were fortunate to spend 15 winters in Arizona. They took up golfing and were the Couples League Champions in 1986 at the Radcliffe Friendly Fairways. Lois recently resided at Ashbrook Assisted Living Apartments in Iowa Falls. Lois was preceded in death by her husband Henry in 2009, her daughter Jeanine (Mrs. Stewart Iverson, Jr.) in 1999, her parents, her sisters Barbara and Esther and her brother Bill. Lois, is survived by her daughter, Josette and her husband, Charles Schamp of Urbandale; son-in-law, Stewart Iverson, Jr of Clarion; granddaughter, Shelley Finnel and family of Waunakee, WI; grandson, Stewart Iverson III and family of Indianapolis, IN. In addition to the two grandchildren are five great grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and eight step-great grandchildren. Also left to celebrate Lois' life are her 2 brothers, Don Jensen of Oelwein and Larry Jensen of Hampton, 3 sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. Condolences can be mailed to Surls Funeral Home or daughter, Josette Daum, 4712 71st St, Urbandale IA 50322. Merle W. Hunt, age 91, of Ackley, died on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Ackley with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Merle W. Hunt was born May 1, 1921 to parents John and Lena Ukro Hunt, ¾ mile east of Ackley on the family farmstead. His childhood was spent enjoying his many pets and being involved in 4-H and Boy Scouts. Photography was a hobby of his; he enjoyed developing his own pictures. He graduated from Ackley High School in 1939. He participated in class plays and literary contests, worked on many facets of the school paper the Argus, was involved in FFA (Future Farmers of America), and earned the Iowa Farmer Degree. Music was a very intrical part of his high school years, singing in the choirs and quartets and playing in the Ackley High School Band. He played cello in the band until a vacancy became available in the tuba section. He went on to win first place in National competition in Minneapolis, playing a sousaphone solo, Barbiosa. In 1941, he enrolled at Iowa State after staying out a year. He immediately became enrolled in activities on campus. He wrote for the Ag Journalism paper and became their sales manager. He was pledged to Farm House Fraternity during his freshman year after maintaining a high grade point average. His association with Farm House has given him a host of life-long friends. He became involved in the music department, singing in Prof. Tolbert McRay's choirs and quartets, the YMCA Quartet, and playing in the Iowa State Band under the direction of Alvin Edgar. In 1943, he enlisted in the Army, was transferred to the Air Force, and stationed in Shepard Field, Texas. While waiting for further orders, he played in the 24th Air Force Band. They determined he had a real aptitude of radio and code so he taught in radio school at Sioux Falls, SD and Shepard Field, TX where he was discharged in 1945. He was united in marriage to Leona M.K. Oelmann on September 23, 1944 at the Evangelical Church with Rev. Henning, Rev. Rumbaugh, and Leona's uncle Van Kampman. Leona joined Merle in Sioux Falls, SD and Shepard Field, TX. After being discharged from Service, he returned to Iowa to continue his college education at Iowa State. He graduated with a BS degree in Agronomy and was elected to honorary Alpha Zeta. Following graduation, he became involved in the hybrid seed corn business started by his father, John M. Hunt, who was a pioneer in open-pollinated seed corn. They became a part of the 25-member P.A.G organization. They had 75 farmer dealer salesmen in the five-county area. J.M. Hunt & Son Inc. planted, detasseled, harvested, graded, and bagged the corn in their seed house. In 1952, Merle's father passed away and Merle continued the seed business. In 1953, Merle was a pioneer in introducing anhydrous ammonia to the area, using it on their seed fields and having others apply strips to see the results. Merle put in a bulk plant and that was the beginning of Ackley Fertilizer Sales, now owned and operated by grandson Jason Hunt. Over the 65 years in business, they employed many local students and adults and served many customers. He had fond memories of all of them. During these years in business, Merle became involved in the seed trade and fertilizer trade organizations. He served many years on the Board of the Iowa and National organizations of each, representing small business. Merle was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Ackley for 75 years, serving as Elder for many, many terms, Trustee, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and Chairman of the Finance Committee for the new church. He served on many Presbytery committees and was a member of the choir for over 70 years, starting in high school singing bass with Sherman Rath and Bob Humke. He was a member of Rotary for over 65 years, a member of the Ackley Country Club, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce for many years. Merle served on the AG School Board for 8-12 years, serving as President for many of those years. He served on the Presbyterian Home Administrative Board and Foundation Board as a member and President for many years. He was committed to serving his community. Family was very important to him. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Traveling and camping with family were favorites of his, as were reading and golfing. Music has always been a part of Merle's life and he continued for many years playing in the Iowa State University Alumni Band and the Ackley German Band for 19 years. Merle leaves behind his wife, Leona of 68 years, son Jim Hunt of Ackley, daughter Jean (Rod) Kolthoff of Wellsburg, grandchildren Jason (Michelle) Hunt of Ackley, Joe (Misty) Hunt of Ackley, and Jamie (Jeff) Rae of Wellsburg, great-grandchildren Carrinton and Alayna Hunt, Courtney, Isabella, MaryAnn, Jaxon, and Jordyn Hunt, and Jadyn and Jenika Rae, and foreign exchange daughter Nasrin (Salim) Hakimi and their children Shinkai and Seidahl Hakimi. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ruth in infancy. Ernest H. Kruse passed away on Monday, March 18, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley after a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 22, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley. Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, at Sietsema Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. The family has established a memorial fund to be designated at a later date. Ernest H. Kruse was born July 10, 1927 in Sheffield, Iowa, son of Tom and Kate (Folkerts) Kruse. The family later moved south of Ackley to Abbott. At the age of 9 he went to live with his paternal aunt and uncle, Okko and Stena Jaspers in rural Hardin County where he attended country school and assisted with the care of his disabled cousin. He graduated from Steamboat Rock High School and when he turned 18 years old he enlisted in the Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Chicago in the Pacific with time in Hawaii, Japan and China. After discharge he attended one semester at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, where he met his future bride, Eileen Kruetzmann, in English class. He went on to graduate from CCC, a business college, in Des Moines. After a brief time at the Bondurant Elevator he returned home to help his father manage Kruse Grain Company in Cleves, Iowa. Over the years Ernie enjoyed success marketing grain and customizing feeds for local farmers. He was the unofficial "Mayor of Cleves" and the elevator office was known as a place to have a cup of coffee and catch up on all the local news. He conducted much of his business with local farmers speaking Plat, or Low German. On April 29, 1951, Ernie and Eileen where married in the United Church of Christ in Hubbard by Eileen's father, Rev. Arthur Kruetzmann. They had two children, Ellen and Edwin. Ernie has been a long time member of St. John's United Church of Christ. He enjoyed being involved in church life, serving on the church council, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and board of directors of the Mayflower Home. He was also active in the American Legion, Lions, Iowa Feed and Grain Association, and Iowa Friendship Force. He served 9 years on the Ackley - Geneva School Board, one term as President. He was one of the original founders of United Suppliers and served on the Board of Directors. In 2004 Ernie and Eileen were honored to be Grand Marshalls of the Annual Sauerkraut Parade in Ackley. Ernie loved his family and enjoyed special relationships with all of them. He also had a passion for trout fishing. Nothing made him happier than walking along a stream in NE Iowa casting for that illusive fish. Ernie and Eileen enjoyed traveling by plane, train, and ship to many countries where they always made new friends. He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Eileen of Ackley; a son Edwin (Yoko) of San Diego, California; a daughter Ellen (Dr. Lance) Vanderloo of Waterloo; grandsons Chad (Allison) Weber of Marshall, Illinois and Dr. Rich Vanderloo, Portland, Oregon; granddaughters Brooke (Tyler) Knowles of Waunakee, Wisconsin and Aya Kruse of San Diego, California. He has four great grandsons, Thomas and Jacob Weber and Carter and Reid Knowles. Other survivors include a brother, Arnold (Beulah) Kruse of Jamestown, North Dakota and 3 sisters, Irene Espe of Cedar Rapids; Ruth Bleeker of Steamboat Rock; and Shirley (Al) Meester of Dike; sisters-in-law Lavonne Kruse, of Iowa Falls; Evelyn (Mervin) Reifschnieder of Hubbard and Edith (Royce) Fichtner of Ankeny and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, and infant son, Earl David, his brothers Ronald, Donald and Tom, brothers-in-law Darrell Bleeker and Arnold Espe and niece Suzanne Kruse. He was a much-loved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will always be remembered for his generosity and love of people. Harold Danger, age 84, of Alden, died on Monday, March 18, 2013 at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls. Services will 10:30 AM Thursday March 21, 2013 at the U.C.C. Church in Alden with Burial at the Buckeye Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 Wednesday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Harold Henry Danger was born on July 10, 1928 in Alden, Iowa to Ira and Francis (Bonine) Danger. After school, Harold enlisted in the United States Army. On October 22, 1955, Harold was united in marriage to Lavonne Louise Brandt at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Harold is survived by two sons Tim Danger of Radcliffe and Tom Danger of Alden; a daughter Teresa Wagoner of Iowa Falls; 13 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife LaVonne; his parents; a son Mike; six brothers and three sisters. Marjorie Warren, age 94, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, March 8, 2013 at Scenic Manor Nursing Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday at the St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with burial at St. Mark's Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 with a 5:00 p.m. Rosary Service at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. A memorial fund has been established. Marjorie F. Warren was born on August 5, 1918 in Union, Iowa, the daughter of Solon and Allie (Fail) Rash. She was a 1935 graduate of the Union High School. On January 10, 1944 Marjorie was united in marriage to Wilbur Warren in Iowa Falls. Marjorie had been a homemaker and was a member of the St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls. Marjorie is survived by her two daughters, Ann Brown and her husband, Larry, of Iowa Falls and Jane Warren and her husband, Jerry Quinnell, of Pleasanton, CA; a son, John Warren and his wife, Jean, of Coralville; five granddaughters, Lorri Milewski and her husband, Mark, of Grosse Ile, MI, Allison Warren of Coralville, Elizabeth Warren of Coralville, Susan Winter, and Jennifer Warren; a grandson, Steven Brown and his wife, Nancy, of Papillion, NE; and three great-grandchildren, Alia Brown of Papillion NE, Colin Brown of Papillion, NE, and Aaron Amaya of Grosse Ile, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilbur in Feb. of 1999; a son, Richard in Oct. of 1999; a daughter, Mary in June of 1956; two brothers, Ed and Wade Rash; and a sister, Lena Rowen. Audrey Harms, age 81, of Ackley, died on Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ackley with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. A memorial fund has been established. Audrey Jean Harms was born on June 22, 1931 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Jennie (Beving) Flessner. She graduated from the Ackley High School and Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. Audrey was united in marriage to Ben A. Harms on September 15, 1951 in Ackley, Iowa. She had been a homemaker and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ackley. She was involved with bridge clubs, UPW (United Presbyterian Women) and her neighborhood coffee club. Audrey's other activities throughout the years included sewing, crafts, painting, baking, and attending grandchildren's activities. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and going on picnics. Audrey is survived by her son, Dennis Harms and his wife, Laura of Sioux City; a daughter, Cathy Bucklin of Ankeny; a daughter-in-law, Sue Harms of Iowa City; five grandchildren, Matt, Kristin, Brandon, Shanna, and Nick. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a son, Howard Harms; and a brother, Irvin Flessner. Lois White, age 95, of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Services will be held at a later date. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of arrangements. Lois Evelyn White was born on July 20, 1917 in Hines, MN, the daughter of Ralph and Anita (Chapman) Lovering. Lois was united in marriage to O. Jack White on May 14, 1942 in Sisston, S.D. The family resided in Greene, Iowa for over 24 years and later retired to California. Lois is survived by her three daughters, Janice Wyant of Buford, GA, Jolayne Blanchard of Iowa Falls and Venita Cannaday of Peoria, AZ; one stepson John White of Atwood, IL; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Mae Dickinson of Sun Prairie, WI; and a sister-in-law Emily Lovering of Bemidji, MN. Lois was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents, one stepdaughter Lois Smith from Mississippi, and one brother Steve Lovering of Bemidji, MN. Terry Nassen, age 67, of Story City, died on Friday, March 1, 2013 at his home in Story City. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the U.C.C. in Alden with burial in the Sherman Township Cemetery, rural Buckeye. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Tuesday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Terry Duane Nassen was born on May 21, 1945 in Iowa Falls, Iowa, the son of Hardin and Florence Nassen. He attended school in Buckeye and Alden. He was married to Jodi Wilson for a short time and later divorced. He was united in marriage to Laura (Mott) Smith on August 24, 1996 in Buckeye. He helped farm in the Buckeye, Radcliffe, and Hubbard areas. He drove a livestock truck for a number of years hauling cattle. He then drove a dump truck for Vierkandt Trucking. He had owned the Dairy Sweet Drive-In on the west side of Iowa Falls for a few years. Then he was a cook at Trump's for 15 years and was a prep-cook at Camp David until he retired due to heart health issues. On December 24, 2012 Terry was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma Cancer. Terry enjoyed Nascar, dirt track races, old tractors and going to Pulls of all types, Rodeo's, going to the Clay County Fair in Spencer, camping and being with his friends and family. Terry is survived by his wife, Laura Nassen; four step-brothers, Kevin and Donna Vierkandt, Mervin and Jill Vierkandt, Richard and Debbie Vierkandt, and Don and Jill Fraser; two step-sons, Jeremy Smith of Iowa Falls and James Smith of Eldora; three sisters-in-law, Martha Mott, Sara Hunt-Levine, and Donna Mott; two grandchildren, Heather Smith and Corey Richtsmeier; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; step-mother, Elnora Nassen; step-sister, Judith Fraser; and two grandsons. Betty Brown, age 78, of Eldora, died on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. A memorial service will be held 2 PM Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley is in charge of arrangements. Betty Ann Brown was born on February 24, 1935 in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of John and Emilia Ewerth, Jr. She graduated from the Tillsonburg High School in 1951. She was a beautician until 1980. Then an Old West Museum guide until 1997. She was an Olympic quality equestrian, and loved the Phoenix Suns basketball and the Arizona Diamond Backs baseball. Betty is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, June Burns and Vern Simpson of Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; daughter and son-in-law, Bonni (Brown) Holiday and Kenneth Holiday of Steamboat Rock; granddaughter, Tara Huey of Steamboat Rock, great-granddaughter, Arianna Huey of Steamboat Rock. She was preceded in death by her parents Marlyn Olson, age 85, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday, February 18, 2013 at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls with burial at Union Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-5 PM Saturday with a Masonic service at 5PM at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Falls First United Methodist Church or Hospice of North Iowa. Marlyn E. Olson was born on December 17, 1927 to Elmer and Hazel (Walton) Olson in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Marlyn graduated from the Popejoy High School and then he was drafted into the United States Army and was a World War II veteran stationed in Korea. On June 8, 1952, Marlyn was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ann Hamilton. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, American Legion and a former member of the Lion's Club. Marlyn was one of the board directors for Farmers Mutual Insurance of 24 years and served 15 years on the Alden Elevator Board. Marlyn is survived by his wife Elizabeth; a son Jeff (Donna) Olson of Colleyville, TX; two daughters Becky (Kelly) Rice of Jefferson, IA and Andrea (John) Dickkut of Phoenix, AZ; six grandchildren Nick Collogan of Grand Junction, IA, Marshall (Karen) Olson of Houston, TX, Chelsea Dickkut of Westminster, CO, Katie and Kurtis Rice of Jefferson, IA and John A. Dickkut of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Roberta Garland. Melva M. Waite, 95, passed away Feb. 18, 2013 at Park Centre Health Care. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, Moday, February 25, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The family will greet family and friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, IA, First United Methodist Church, Newton, IA or Good Samaritan Fund at Park Centre in Newton, IA. Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of arrangments. Melva was born in Laurens, IA January 18, 1918. Melva was a long time resident of Iowa Falls moving to Park Centre, Newton, in 2007 to be near her daughter, Jane Hollander and husband Tom, of Newton. Melva was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, Ladies' Elks, Highland Country Club, Ellsworth Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered at the church, Goodwill, and Meals on Wheels. In 1955 Melva started her employment at Ellsworth Community College as financial secretary to the Dean, retiring in 1975. She and Al were longtime Iowa State Cyclone fans. After retiring their winters were spent in Santa Barbara, CA. Melva was a loving and devoted wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Melva is survived by her daughter Jane Hollander (Tom) of Newton and son, Jack (Donna) of Lompoc, CA., grand-daughter, Sara Van Manen (Todd) of Newton, grand-sons, Marc Hollander (Mandy) of West Des Moines, Major Adam Waite (Eve) of McGuire AFB, NJ, and Andrew Waite of Santa Clarita, CA, great grand-children Kathryn, Lauren, and Ashlyn Van Manen of Newton, Madeline and Malcolm Hollander of West Des Moines, Isaac Waite of McGuire AFB, NJ, and sisters, Ethel Locke, Ames, Doris Ringham, Burlington, and Joyce Sanders, Waukee, sisters-in-law Eunice Davis, Olympia, WA., Edna Davis, Humboldt, Rose Waite, Chester, VA and Nellie Gray, Colorado Springs, CO, and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by, husband Al, parents Joseph and Eva Davis, a daughter-in-law Sue Waite, two brothers, and three brothers-in-law. Dorothy Chaplin, age 95, of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Roxy Ann Memory Center in Medford, Oregon. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the St. Marks Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with burial at Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 5-7 with a 7:00 rosary service at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Dorothy Leona Chaplin was born Oct. 13, 1917, to Carl and Jennie (Kessler) Fischer in Dunlap, Iowa. In 1928, Dorothy and her family moved to Iowa Falls. Dorothy graduated from Iowa Falls High School and received her teaching degree at Ellsworth Community College. On July 12, 1938, Dorothy was united in marriage to Leo G. Chaplin in Iowa Falls. After farming many years with Leo, who died in 1960, Dorothy started the Mode O'Day store at 508 Washington St., Iowa Falls, in June 1962 and later expanded the store into Dorothy's Fashions. Dorothy owned Dorothy's Fashions, a woman's clothing store, for 45 years and retired at the age of 90 and one half years. She was an active member of the community and was involved with St. Mark's Catholic Church, the Iowa Falls Chamber of Commerce, BPW (Business Professional Woman's Club), Mary Lane Club, Birthday Club as well as a former librarian at the Ellsworth Community College for 17 years. Dorothy is survived by daughter Karen McLaughlin of Central Point, Ore.; son James Chaplin of Gold Hill, Ore.; son Marion Chaplin of Central Point, Ore.; son-in-law Steve Ball of Iowa Falls; sister Lois Donegan of Custer Park, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; daughter, Janice Ball; sister, Mary Ann Donars; brother, Mike Fischer; brother, Ed Fischer; and her parents. Dorothy will be greatly missed by her family and friends; however, we are sure that she has gone on to be in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. Gloria Remhof, age 88, of Ackley died on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday February 15, 2013 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Waterloo with burial at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley is in charge of the arrangments. Gloria Alma (Brandt) Remhof, daughter of Carl H. and Elsie (Rieks) Brandt, was born March 18, 1924, at her parents' home near Hubbard, Iowa, in Hardin County. She was baptized on August 9, 1924, and confirmed on April 10, 1938, at Zion Evangelical Church, Hubbard. Gloria was re-baptized in the Jordan River at the Sea of Galilee on October 25, 1984. Gloria attended country school at Hardin County Grant #9 through 8th grade. She graduated from Alden High School in 1941 where she was a member of the girls' basketball and volleyball teams and the band. Gloria was united in marriage to Fred G. Remhof on June 24, 1946, in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Gloria retired from Northwestern Bell Telephone Company on January 1, 1984, after over 35 years of service. She began her career in the Iowa Falls office where she was an operator and held several clerical positions before becoming chief operator. She was promoted to District Traffic Staff Supervisor and moved to Mason City. She finished her career in the Waterloo office as a group manager. She was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Waterloo, Iowa, where she served as secretary of the Church Council, as a member of the Finance Committee, and was a long-time member and organizer of the Quiltmakers. Gloria was a member of the Waterloo chapter of Business and Professional Women, serving as president in 1988 and, in 1989, was named the chapter's Woman of the Year. She was a life member of Telephone Pioneers of America and served as president of the Waterloo chapter in 1990-91. She was also a contributing member of the Covenant Medical Center Auxiliary in Waterloo. Gloria is survived by her son Jerry (Elaine) Remhof of Urbandale, Iowa, and granddaughter Melissa (Sam) Saluri of Windsor Heights, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred, twin daughters Jane and Judy, and her brother Gene Brandt. Elizabeth Spieker, age 96, of Ackley died on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday February 11, 2013 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley with burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation Will be 3-6 Sunday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Elizabeth Christeen Toomsen was born on August 6, 1916 to Jennie & Ubbe Toomsen on their farm near Bradford, IA. She attended Sunnyside Country School. As the 2nd of 13 children she spent her youth helping her dad on the farm, which she loved, and once said, “You can never take the farmer out of me.” On January 20, 1937 she married Fred Spieker and for 43 years they farmed north of Ackley and raised four children. In 1980 they retired to Ackley. Elizabeth was a member of the Washington Reformed Church for over 75 years and served in various capacities, including their Ladies Aid till the age of 95. She will be remembered for her cheerful smile, positive attitude, and as “a good neighbor” who would drop anything she was doing to go and help a friend in need. She loved being with people, family reunions, music, and going places! She was gifted at quilting and baking. Her energy and stamina amazed all who knew her along with her ability to remember to send birthday and other greeting cards to family & friends near and far. Elizabeth is survived by three daughters: Beverly (Larry) McCurry of Dallas, TX; Lavola Diane (Rick) Chynoweth of Minneapolis; Arsetta (Mike) Branson also of Dallas; three grandchildren, Bryan McCurry, Tamara Shirley, & Christina (Salvador) Chyerez as well as three great grandsons, Austin, Justin, & Caleb. A special “4th daughter” was her niece, Janice Rinnels. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Elsa; four sisters: Henrietta Miller, Christine Schurman, Berdene (Ray) See, Marian (Merlyn) Witte, & one brother, John (Grace) Toomsen. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Fred; son, Duane; sisters: Grace Roske, Johanna Daniels, & Florence Schultz; and brothers: Clarence, Delbert, Melvin & Norman Toomsen. Florence Harms, 91, of Ackley, died on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Sartori Hospital in Cedar Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday February 6th, 2013 at Our Saviour's Lutheran church in Ackley with burial at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Wellsburg. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Tuesday February 5th, 2013 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Marlyn Miller, age 81, of Alden, died on Monday, January 28, 2013 at his home in Alden. Services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Alden with inurnment in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church on Friday. The Surls Funeral Home of Alden is in charge of arrangements. Marlyn L. Miller was born on June 23, 1931 in Bradford, the son of Robert and Violet (Fraser) Miller. He graduated from the Hampton High School. He was in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Marlyn was united in marriage to Charlotte Huse at the Alden United Methodist Church. Marlyn had worked at Cargill, retiring in 1998. He occupied his time gardening and repairing machinery. Marlyn is survived by his wife, Charlotte; three sons, Robert of Ames, Gary of Pella, and Dennis of Savannah, GA; a daughter, DeeAnna Zauala of Aurora, CO; five grandchildren; and two sisters, Rose Kissinger of Melcher and Gladys Boyington of Salem, OR. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Grace Bullard and Wilma Crandall and a brother, John Miller. Darlene Feikes, age 82, of Ackley died on Monday, January 28, 2013 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the St. Peter's Country Church in rural Wellsburg with inurnment at the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Darlene June Feikes was born on June 13, 1930 in Wellsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Jerry and Tillie (Boelman) DeVries. She was united in marriage to Henry Feikes on December 29, 1950 at the East Friesland Parsonage. She was a homemaker and was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ at rural Wellsburg. Darlene is survived by her husband, Henry; a daughter, Diane (Calvin) Werkman of Wellsburg; a son, Dean (Janet) Feikes of Ackley; two granddaughters, Lindsey Feikes of Rochester, MN and Tara Feikes of Cedar Falls; and a brother, Leo (Jo) DeVries of Ackley. She was preceded in death by her parents. Russell Beving, age 79, of Ackley died on Monday, January 28, 2013 at his home. Visitation will be 4-7 Thursday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley with a memorial service at a later date. Russell A. Beving, 79, of Ackley passed away Monday, January 28, 2013 at his home in Ackley. He was born September 10, 1933 to Arthur and Evelyn (Schultz) Beving on a family farm. He graduated from Ackley High School with the class of 1951. He served in the US Navy, then returned home to farm in Grundy County and then retired in 1995. He married and later divorced Beth Drew. He then married Betty Furrow Lyman on December 20, 1975 in Iowa Falls. Russell was a member of the Elliot Keninger Post #252 American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, the Ackley Recreation Club and East Friesland Church. He was an avid hunter and golfer, a Hawkeye fan, and he loved to attend his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting events. Russell is survived by his wife; two daughters Denise (Chris) Richtsmeier of Ackley and Cindy Beving of Keller, TX; four step children; Rick (Kathy) Lyman of Iowa Falls, Cindy (Ron) Ellingson of Wellsburg, Randy (Edna) Lyman of Iowa Falls and Rob (Robin) Lyman of Iowa Falls; 12 grandchildren Liz (Adam) Brannick, Ashley (John Bisenius) Richtsmeier, Casi Richtsmeier, Kyle (Kelli) Lyman, Casey (Laura) Lyman, Trent (Lynn) Lyman, Chad Ellingson, Ryan (Kelly) Ellingson, Josh Lyman, Jessica (Adam Swarts) Lyman, Brandy (Chris) Goedken, Kalli Lyman and 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters Ethel Ann Koch and Neva Mae Erpelding and a sister-in-law Adriana Beving. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Duane Beving and nephews Kirk Koch, Warren Erpelding and John Beving. Ruth Murra, age 88, of Iowa Falls, died on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls. A gathering of friends will be held Friday January 18, 2013 from 4-7 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Ruth is survived by her daughters-Nancy Moree of Iowa Falls, Mary Gaston of Beamon IA, Judy Murra of Arizona, Cindy (Jeff) Dolan of Iowa Falls, Becky (Chuck) Dayton of Goldfield, IA, Sons- Randy Murra of Iowa Falls, Rick Murra of Iowa Falls. Grandchildren- Laci (Jason) McDonald, Lindsay (Dustin) Barber, Alison Manship, Kim Turner (Alex), Amanda Turner, Matt Gaston, Sara Gaston, Bryan and Shannon Dayton, Jeremy Dayton. GreatGrandchildren- Danielle, Soon-to-be-born Grandson Landon, Brycen, Madisyn, Jaelyn, Derek, and Kaden. She was a wonderful, sweet person, and we will miss her dearly. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or Heritage Care Center. Frederick Schachterle, age 88, of Ackley, died on Friday, January 4th, 2013 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 7th, 2013 at the Washington Reformed Church in rural Ackley with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, January 6th at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Frederick Schachterle was born on August 23, 1924 in Franklin County to Fred and Mattie Schachterle. He attended country school by Faulkner and graduated from Ackley High School in 1942. Frederick married Phyllis Burma on March 29, 1946. He worked in the bakery and creamery in Ackley and then started farming in 1949. In 1978, he lost his right arm in a farm accident. He retired from full-time farming in 1979, at which time Frederick and Phyllis moved to their current home in Ackley. He continued to help with farming for several years. He loved and cared for his wife, Phyllis of 66 years. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He also loved to cook, especially making beef jerky and sausage both with and for his grandchildren. He leaves to mourn; his wife, Phyllis; four children, Jim (Ingram) Schachterle of Dallas, TX, Steven (Connie) Schachterle of Marcus, David (Linda) Schachterle of Cedar Falls, and Sheryl (Bob) Arends of Ackley, 9 grandchildren, Renee (Mike) Sash of Frisco, TX, James Schachterle of Brooklyn, NY, Heidi (Jerome) Holmes of Marcus, , Kelli (Chad) Carey of Cherokee, Jessica (Jeff) Jones of St. Paul, MN, Liz Schachterle of Minneapolis, MN, Tim Arends (and special friend, Jenny) of Ames, Ben Arends and Emily Arends of Ackley; 8 great-grandchildren, Alex and Nic Sash, Jerome and Mya Holmes, Devyn, Reegen, and Reese Carey and Cora Jones; one brother, Bill Schachterle (Donna) of Geneva, three sisters-in-law, Emily Schachterle of Oscoda, MI, Avonelle Bohner of Ackley, and Peggy Wintz of Waterloo; and two brothers-in-law, Bill Koop of Ackley and Harold Burma of Ackley. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joan; brothers, Bob, Harry, Donald, and Dickie; sisters-in-law, Joan Kramer, Anna Mae Koop, and Dorothy Schachterle; and brothers-in-law, John Kramer, Bert Wintz, and George Bohner. Wayne Boss, age 84 of Williams, died on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 3rd at the United Methodist Church in Williams with burial in the Williams Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Wednesday at the Surls Funeral Chapel in Williams. There will be an Elk's Service following visitation at 7. Wayne L. Boss was born on November 12, 1928 in Menlow, Iowa to Martin and Carrie (Ward) Boss. On August 17, 1947, Wayne was united in marriage to Maribelle Lee Vey at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They were married for 62 years before she preceded him in death two years ago. Wayne was a long time resident of Williams and owned and operated Mary & Wayne's Café & Lounge for almost 30 years. Wayne loved fishing, talking with people and never knew a stranger. He worked with the Williams Rescue Unit and Fire Department. He was a 55 year member of the Elk's Club. Wayne is survived by his children; Barry (Sheryl) and Carol (Vane); grandchildren, Tiffany, Wade, Jess and J.D.; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Luke, Carter, Cimbry; nieces, Kay (Neil) Anderson and Kathy (Don) Myers; and a brother, Earl (Thelma). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; his sister, Violet; and his parents, Martin and Carrie Boss. Marvin Dorenkamp, age 89, of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. Services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with burial at a later date. Visitation will be 2-4 P.M. Sunday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Marvin Jacob Dorenkamp was born on November 26, 1923 in Thornton, Iowa to Carl and Lena (Groen) Dorenkamp. Marvin graduated from Thornton High School. Marvin worked as a farmer, and for Farmland foods. He was united in marriage to Darleen Perkins on November 26, 1955 and then to Barbara Clark in 2001. He was a member of the Bradford Methodist Church and attended 1st Baptist Church in Iowa Falls. Marvin is survived by his wife, Barbara; three sons, Todd and Kevin (Calista) of Iowa Falls and Brad (Karin) of Palmento, Florida; a daughter, Karla Turner of Ladson, South Carolina; three grandchildren, AJ, Brandon (Suzanne) and Dustin Turner; two great-grandchildren, Gracie and Natalie Turner; and a sister, Marie Bolman (Bud) of Belmond. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Darleen; daughter-in-law, Sue; and a brother, Elmer. Jennie A. Heitland, age 82, of Ackley, died on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at her home in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday at the Austinville Christian Reformed Church with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Jennie Ann Heitland was born on May 10, 1930 in Popejoy, Iowa to Eppo and Gertrude (Schweenrtmann) Bulten. Jennie graduated from Iowa Falls High School and Ellsworth Community College. Jennie worked as a teacher, at the 65 Junction Truck Shop, Shugar's and Waldorf's grocery stores and as a greeter at Walmart. On February 22, 1952, Jennie was united in marriage to Wallace Heitland in Iowa Falls. She enjoyed her grandchildren's sports and events and was a member of the Austinville Christian Reformed Church. Jennie Ann is survived by her husband Wallace; a daughter Cynthia (Robert) Burns of Iowa Falls; two sons Jerald Heitland of Iowa Falls and Shawn (Amy) Heitland of Aplington; grandchildren Adam (Shahna) Janssen, Alex (Danita) Janssen, Melonie (Paul) Lanceley, Melissa (Chad)Norenberg, Michael Burns, Sarah and Erik Heitland, Samantha, Austin, Sawyer and Aiden Heitland; great-grandchildren Zackary, Abby, Brady, Charlotte, Levi, Blake, Ella, Suzette, Bonnie, Beau, Cole, Abby and Isabelle; andtwo sisters-in-law Kathy Bulten of Garden City and Esther Hirth of Ackley. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son Jeffrey and her brother Larry Bulten. Eleanor Kramer, age 85, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, December 19th 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ackley with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley with a 7:00 P.M. Scripture Service. Eleanor Gertrude Kramer was born on July 4, 1927 in Staceyville, Iowa to Andrew and Anna (Merten) Hackenmiller. Eleanor was united in marriage to Elmo "Doc" Kramer on August 12, 1947. Eleanor enjoyed golf and was a member of the Ackley Recreation Club, Bridge Club, Red Hat Ladies and also the St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Eleanor is survived by five sons Tom (Eileen) Kramer of Aplington, IA, Keith Kramer of Ackley, IA, Larry (Pam) Kramer of Oconomowoc, WI, Mike (Kelley) Kramer of Urbandale, IA, Brian (Dana) Kramer of Urbandale, IA, a daughter Mary Ann (Tom) Wood of Iowa Falls, IA, a sister Sister MaryAnn Hackenmiller, 13 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers Ray, Clarence and Hubert and two sisters Isabel and Magdalen. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Presbyterian Village in Eleanor's name. Scott R. Crotty was born on November 16, 1962 in Chicago, Illinois to James and Susan (Bennett) Crotty. Scott graduated from Little Rock Central High School and then went on to attend the University of Arkansas. Scott is survived by a very special friend Shalane Tso of Iowa Falls; mother Susan B. Crotty of Iowa Falls; brother Stephen (Laura) Crotty and their children Bridget and Celeste of Atlanta, Georgia and a sister Elise (Bruce) James and their children Emma and Ethan of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his father, and his grandparents Jim and Anne Crotty and Richard and Mildred (Foster) Bennett. John Holcomb, 78, of Ackley, died on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Covenant Medical Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday December 12, 2012 at Our Saviour's Lutheran church in Ackley with burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Tuesday December 11, 2012 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. John Holcomb was born on December 7, 1934 in Ackley Iowa to John and Lottie (Blossie) Holcomb. He was united in marriage to Dorothy (Ridder) on June 16, 1956. John retired from Weaver's Construction where he worked for 46 years. John enjoyed going to visit his wife at the Presbyterian Village and going down to Kum & Go in Ackley to pick on the girls. John is survived by his wife Dorothy; four granddaughters Megan and Cassandra Wiederkehr of Ackley, Stacey Porter of Geneva and Jessica Saleh of Ackley; a sister Velma Clark of Waterloo and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Leslie Leroy and Stanley and a sister Mary Jane. Howard Thomas Hinton, 97, of Iowa Falls, died Monday, December 3, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral Services are Friday, December 7th at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls with burial at Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, December 6th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home. Howard Thomas Hinton was born on April 24, 1915 in Bradford, Iowa to Delbert and Edith (Stockdale) Hinton. Howard graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1933. After high school, Howard joined the United States Army for four years. On October 23, 1945, Howard was united in marriage to Opal Burdick at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Buckeye. He retired from the United State Postal Service where he worked as a mail carrier. Howard enjoyed shooting trap, motorcycles and repairing guns. Howard is survived by his wife Opal of Iowa Falls; a son Donald (Phyllis) Hinton of Des Moines; two grandsons Michael (Debbie) Hinton of Vacaville, CA and Jeffry Hinton of Chicago, IL and a brother Robert (Dorothy) Hinton of Spencer, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Dennis, and two brothers William and James. Mildred Burkley, age 95, of Ackley, died on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 1st at the Methodist Church in Ackley with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Visitation will be 5:30 -7:00 P.M. Friday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Mildred Burkley's earthly life~~ Mildred Kathryn Clawson was born February 25, 1917 in her parents home in Butler County, Iowa. Her parents were George and Mary Clawson. The family moved to a farm north of Ackley and Mildred graduated from Geneva High School in 1932. She married Carl Frederick Burkley on December 2, 1937. To this union were born three daughters: Judith Burris of Ames, Iowa, Janet Johnson (William) of Altus, Oklahoma and Beverly Greiner (Steven) of Ackley, Iowa. Mildred was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, 416 Hardin Street, Ackley, Iowa, serving her Lord in various areas. She was a member of Ruth Circle. Mildred spent most of her life on the farm with Carl. Sewing, quilting, art work, and card clubs brought her much enjoyment. Mildred moved to Genesis Place in 1997. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers, Willard and Newton Clawson. Survivors include: Three daughters Judith, Janet (William) and Beverly (Steven); Nine grandchildren Jeffrey Burris (Natalie) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, John Burris (Verushka) of Niwot, Colorado, Jennifer Garn (Gregg) of Norman, Oklahoma, Jason Burris of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Jacinda Johnson (Eric Leuschner) of Hays, Kansas, Jeremy Johnson (Emily) of Columbia, Missouri, Jodana Borden (William Lee III) of Norman, Oklahoma, Matthew Greiner (Natasha) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Michael Greiner of Dubuque, Iowa; Fourteen great-grandchildren Nathan and Joel Burris, Morgan and Kevin Burris, Kathryn, Dylan and Allison Garn, Emmaline and Edison Leuschner, Finley, Lydia and Reid Johnson and William Lee IV and Elinor Borden; and one brother Glenn Clawson of Clovis, California. James Oakley Lewer, age 80, of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday at the St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. on Monday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with a 4:00 P.M. Rosary Service and a 7:00 P.M. Vigil Service. James Oakley Lewer was born on March 30, 1932 in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of George and Mary (Stangl) Lewer. He graduated from the Atlantic High School in 1950. On April 16, 1955 James was united in marriage to LaDonna Thiessen in Atlantic. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. He owned Sunrise Housing, retiring in 1999. James was a member of the St. Mark Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Iowa Falls Elks Club B.P.O.E. Lodge #1674. James is survived by his wife, LaDonna; three sons, James O. Lewer, II of Merritt Island, FL, Mike H. Lewer of Garland, TX, and Jack P. Lewer of Iowa Falls, IA; two daughters, JoBeth Lewer of Fairfield, IA, Angela Lewer Shane of Clear Lake, IA; eight grandchildren; a sister, Catherine Lewer of Kansas City, MO; a brother, John Lewer of San Diego, CA; and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Burkley J. Shane; and a sister, Lucille Wittwer. Michael A. Bessman, age 58, of Alden, died on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. Monday at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ in Alden with inurnment in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Michael Arnold Bessman was born on November 19, 1954 in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Arnold and Marjorie (Denekas) Bessman. He went to Buckeye grade school, graduated from the Alden High School in 1973 and graduated from Ellsworth Community College and I.S.U. Michael was united in marriage to Peggy Keller on August 1, 1974 at the United Methodist Church in Popejoy. He drove a truck that he owned and operated for 13 years. He was a member of the Immanuel Memorial U.C.C. in Alden. Michael is survived by his wife, Peggy; a son, Chris and his wife, Monica of Hubbard and their son, Rafe; two daughters, Allison Beadle and her husband, Dennis of Iowa Falls and their children, Jacob, Baylie, and James and Jennifer Bessman of Des Moines; two sisters, Susan Hoppen of Iowa Falls and Karen Varrelman and her husband, Butch of Chapin; and nieces and nephews, Angie, Danny, Becky, Jody, Felicia, Tiffany, Amy, and Brad. He was preceded in death by his parents. Florence Rigbers, age 86, of Ackley, died on Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday November 29, 2012 at St. Johns U.C.C. with burial at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 PM at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Florence Louise Hofmeister Rigbers was born March 2, 1926 in Franklin County, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Julia Klein Hofmeister. She attended rural school through the 8th grade and was baptized and confirmed at St. Peters United Church of Christ, Geneva, Iowa. Florence was united in marriage to Edwin Rigbers on November 4, 1951 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Ed passed away September 11, 2000. Florence, with her husband Ed owned and operated Ed’s Appliance and Service for 28 years. She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where she was active in the Willing Workers Society and enjoyed quilting with the quilters. She was a member of Chapter BN, PEO, a past member of the Eastern Star and the Ackley Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading and watching sports on TV. Florence is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Schultz of Webster City, Iowa and Gladys Drew of Ackley, Iowa; a sister-in-law Dorothy Shugar of Ackley, Iowa; many nieces and nephews and her devoted Godchild, Sue Roberts of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Helena Enslin; brother Harold Hofmeister; brothers-in-law Albert Enslin, Raymond Schultz, Lyle Drew and Bill Shugar; and sister-in-law Ruth Hofmeister. Vera L. Higgins, age 101 of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, November 16, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Memorial services will be 3:00 P.M. Sunday, November 18th at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with visitation one hour before services. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Barlow Memorial Library in Iowa Falls to be used for large print books. Vera Lillian Higgins was born on April 22, 1911 in Spragueville, Iowa, the daughter of Amasa and Almeda (Dubbert) Nabb. Vera was united in marriage to Tyler Higgins on March 1, 1928 in Maquoketa, Iowa. She had been a House Mother at the Epworth Village in York, NE; a Counselor with the Job Corps; a House Mother at Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, MO. and she owned the Red House Ceramics in Hampton. Reading was Vera's passion, often reading ten books a week. She enjoyed nature, arts, music, drama, writing, traveling, and being Democrat. Vera is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Rodriguez and her husband, Tito of Denver, Colorado, Patricia Weeks and her husband, Philip of Washington DC; and Jan Mulford and her husband, Ben of Bradford; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tyler; six siblings; and two sons, Stanley and Harold Higgins. Eunice Chaplin, age 93, of Iowa Falls, died on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Alden. Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements. Eunice E. Chaplin was born on July 21, 1919 in rural Hardin County, the daughter of Wesley L. and Lucille Needham Wilkie. She attended rural schools graduating from Iowa Falls High School in 1937. In 1952, Eunice was united in marriage to G. Keith Wilson in Waterloo, Iowa. He died April 6, 1967. On June 14th, 1968, Eunice and LaVere Chaplin were married in Menominee, MI. LaVere died June 11, 1991. Eunice lived on the same farm for 41 year where she actively participated in the farming operations. She served as secretary for two years and treasurer for three years for the United Methodist UMW. Eunice was a member of the Elks Lodge in Iowa Falls and also enjoyed playing Bridge. She is survived by two sisters Beverly Chaplin of Hubbard, IA and Marlys Hansen of Story City, IA, and a sister-in-law Charlene Wilkie of Alden, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, and two brothers Leonard Wilkie and Merle Wilkie. She is also survived by Paul and Darlene Hatcher and their family. Funeral services for David Walther Thronson, 78, Ackley, Iowa, will be held on November 14, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Ackley, with Rev. Kris Snyder officiating. Internment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, Aplington, Iowa, following the service. David died on November 10, 2012, at home after a six-year struggle with interstitial lung fibrosis. Visitation will be held on November 13, 2012, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley. David Walther Thronson was born on June 17, 1934, in Glasgow, Montana, to Carmen P. and Borghild (Ottoson) Thronson. David was united in marriage to Betty Jean Mehmen at First Reformed Church in Aplington, Iowa, on June 1, 1960. David is survived by his wife, Betty, of Ackley, Iowa, and three children, Mary (Daniel) Stawniak of Papillion, Nebraska; David Brent (Veronica) Thronson of Okemos, Michigan; and Rebecca (Scot) Idstrom of Decorah, Iowa; six grandchildren, Tim (Ashley and daughter Alaya) Stawniak; Mike Stawniak (Jacki); Jacob, Claudia, and Johanna Idstrom; and Emma Thronson; one great grandchild, Madison Stawniak; one sister, Solveig (Kenneth) Engh of West Fargo, North Dakota; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. David was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carmen O. Thronson; and grandson, Matthew David Stawniak. David graduated from Osakis (Minnesota) High School in 1952, Luther College in 1956, and the University of Northern Iowa in 1963. He completed additional graduate study at the University of Kansas and North Texas State University. David’s career started as a teacher of mathematics in Monona, Iowa. In 1958–59, he served in the U.S. Army as a statistician. David was a teacher at Iowa Central Community College, a principal in Monona, a math consultant for the State of Iowa, and he completed his career as a teacher of mathematics at Westside Community Schools, Omaha, Nebraska. He spent seven summers at Boston College teaching a course in discrete mathematics to secondary teachers. David was recognized for his work as a teacher, receiving a 1993 Nebraska Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and the 1994 Outstanding Teacher Award, Westside Community Schools. During most of David’s years as a public school teacher, he coached football. His enthusiasm and skill for teaching math was an inspiration to many students and fellow teachers. David published two books. The first, My Love is Always Yours, is a compilation of his uncle’s World War II letters. His second, The Fine Art of Mathematical Magic, is a collection of magic tricks explained and proven for amateurs and experts. David was active in the Lutheran Church and a member of Lions. He enjoyed tutoring students, was a collector of old math texts, and looked forward to football season every year. He especially loved time with family and friends. Donna Mae Roberts, age 85, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday October 22, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday October 27, 2012 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with a Private family burial. Visitation will be from 9:30-11AM the morning of the service Saturday at the Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls. Donna Mae Roberts, 85, of Iowa Falls, died Monday, October 22, at Mercy Hospital in Mason City. She was born on October 3, 1927 to Frank and Ethel ( Houghton) Modlin in Eldora. She grew up on a farm south of town and graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1944 as she received an attendance honor for not missing a single day of school in four years. The next four years she worked as a secretary for Purina Mills. She then met Darrah Lewis Roberts at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were wed on September 18, 1948 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. In 1951 daughter Linda was born in Murphysboro, Tenn. while she was there with Darrah as he served in the United States Air Force. In 1953 she helped buy and they moved to their farm three miles East of Iowa Falls at Farmland Corner where she lived for the next fifty-nine years being a housewife and wonderful mother. In 1955 daughter Deborah was added and in 1959 son John. Donna Mae was affiliated with many area organizations where she performed her duties whole-heartedly. The American Legion Auxiliary Hyman-Peavey Post #188 in Iowa Falls where she served as President, Third District President, Department Historian and on many other committees. She was also a member if Iowa Falls Women's Club where she acted as Treasurer, the local Bureau of Professional Women and was a devoted member of the Hardin County Democratic Committee where she acted as Secretary for many years. She will be sorely missed in every life she touched. She is survived by: her son John Darrah Roberts and his adopted son Cody Garret Brus of Iowa Falls; daughter, Linda Joyce (Liam) Forristal and grandsons Brian, Robert and Brendan of Greenbelt, MD; a son-in-law Richard Arp and granddaughter Amanda of Clutier and grandson Christopher of Charles City; a nephew Frank Hensing of Iowa Falls and niece Kate Lyon of Muscatine. Proceeded in death by: her father and mother, her sister, Dorothy (Modlin) Hensing, husband, Darrah L. Roberts and her daughter, Deborah Roberts Arp. Arnold Otto Braunschweig, 84, of Iowa Falls, died Sunday, October 21 at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. Funeral Services are Friday, October 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Visitation will be Thursday, October 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Surls Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Arnold Otto Braunschweig was born May 30, 1928 to Rev. Otto and Lisette (Gerike) Braunschweig at Aurelia, Iowa. He was the ninth of 14 children. He enlisted in the Army in 1951 and served in active duty in the Korean Conflict and was stationed in England. He returned in Dec. of 1952. He married Betty Johnson on April 5, 1957 at Aurelia, Iowa. To this union two sons and two daughters were born. They farmed and had dairy cattle west of Larabee, Iowa and then in the Storm Lake area. In 1967, they moved to the Iowa Falls area where Arnold did carpentry and construction work. After retirement Arnold kept busy with woodworking projects, bowling, and fishing. He enjoyed playing cards, watching old movies, and playing checkers with the grandchildren. Arnold is survived by his wife, Betty. Children - Paul (Pegi) Braunschweig of Highlands, CO, Lola (Doug) DeWall of Pocahontas, IA, Dean (Jacqueline) Braunschweig of Loveland, CO, and Lynn (Mike) Egesdal of Milford, IA, ten grandchildren, Lindsey (Gary)Marsh, Jennifer (John)Stephenson, Jeff DeWall Jennifer( Alex) Cross, Jessica DeWall, Ryan and Megan Braunschweig, Joshua, Cayla, Niomie Egesdal, and 3 great-grandchildren. Three sisters and two brothers, Anna (Herb) Huseman of Rice Lake, Cornelia Warkentien of Roseville, MN, Annette Braunschweig of Tavares, FL, Robert (Sharon) of Donahue, IA, and Victor (Okie) of Mustang, OK. He is also survived by four sister-in-laws, Evelyn Braunschweig of Alta, IA, Nelda Carney of Rolla, MO, Beverly Braunschweig of Wall Lake, and Diana Braunschweig of Golden, CO, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, and six brothers, Theodore, Ottomar, Gerhardt, Carl, Bernard, Reinhold and two sisters, Elenora Honsbruch and Verona Fosdick. Elena A. Ites, age 96, of Alden, died on Monday, October 15, 2012 at Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Thursday at the church. Surls Funeral Home of Alden is in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established. Elena A. Ites was born September 19, 1916 to Gerald and Katie Meyer at their farm home northeast of Iowa Falls. She graduated from Iowa Falls High School on May, 1933, at age 16. She married Leonard H. Ites on February 23, 1941, at her parents' home. This date was also the 30th wedding anniversary of her parents and the 35th anniversary of his parents. They moved to the Fletcher farm 2 ½ miles south of Alden, where they farmed for 28 years. Elena and Leonard moved to Alden in 1977 to a new home which was built by Leonard and son, Dean. They started "Crafts by Ites" and continued the business for almost 20 years. Elena was well known for her baking, especially her cinnamon rolls, and also for sewing and making homemade gifts for family and friends. She is survived by her son Robert (Dee) Ites of Alden, their children: Scott (Danae) Ites and children Saje and Jace of Alden , Lisa (Pat) Reynolds of New Virginia, and Justin of Alden; daughter Pat (Rick) Bennett of Twin Lakes, their children: Chad (Aaryn) Bennett and children Lydia and Camden of West Des Moines, Kim (Eric)Lund and children Connor and Bennett of Stillwater, MN, Lyndsey of Fort Dodge; daughter-in-law Cathy Ites of Alden, children Kelly (Jerry) Hartema and children: Mackenzie, Morgan, Rachel, and Scott of Alden, Kristie (David) Forgy and children Colton, Blake, Mallorie, and Miranda of Alden, Christina (Trent) Michalski and children Aidan and Caleb of Van Meter, Andrea (Mike) Petro and children Dante and Vincenzo of New Castle, DE; and her sister-in-law, Charlotte Meyer of Wellsburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; son, Dean; sister, Ruth Ites and her husband, Robert; brother, Alvin Meyer. Lena Gerzema , age 89, of Ackley, died on Sunday, Ocotber 14, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley .Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the St. Peter's UCC rural Geneva with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Tuesday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Lena Anna Gerzema was born on December 8, 1922 to Ebbel and Johanna (Ennen) Gerzema in Grant Township. Lena attended school at Grant Center. Lena helped out on the farm where she also cooked good food and cared for her brothers. Lena is survived by her brother Harvey Gerzema of Iowa Falls; a sister-in-law, Vera (George) Gerzema of Iowa Falls; and 11 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Claus, John, Fred, Matt, George, Ebbel and Arthur; sisters, Hattie (Albert) Heins, Johanna (LaVern) Lemke, Mattie (Sam) Green and Grace (Ewald) Poley; and two nieces, Darlene Bucholz and Nancy Kornfeld. Donald H. Lawton, age 82, of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday October 16, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls with burial at a later date.. Visitation will be an hour before services on Tuesday. Donald Harry Lawton, son of Harry and Golda (Lieser) Lawton was born on a farm north of Alden, Iowa on Nov 2, 1929. He grew up in rural Iowa Falls and graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1946 and then attended Ellsworth College. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean Conflict. On July 30, 1954 Don was united in marriage to Joyce Schoeneman at the home of her parents. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Jan and Jill. Donald was a member of the Iowa Falls United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, and American Legion Post #188. He served on the Alden Hilltop Board of Directors for many years. Don farmed in rural Iowa Falls until 1993 when he and Joyce moved into town. He also drove a school bus for forty years for the Alden Community School District. Don died on Saturday Oct. 13, 2012 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Thais Wilson (Herbert) and Annabel Pruyn (Murray), nephew Ronald Wilson, several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws and a niece. Don is survived by his wife, Joyce of 58 years, two daughters, Jan Riker (Jim) of Gilbert, Iowa and Jill Cretsinger (Jeff) of North Liberty Iowa, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and several nephews and a niece. Donald was a man of integrity and possessed a great sense of humor. His faith in his Savior was strong and simple…I John 5:12 "Whoever has God's Son has life." The Lord was his Shepherd---and that was enough! Evelyn Rewoldt, age 92, of Cedar Falls, died on Tuesday September 25, 2012 at Cedar Falls Lutheran Home in Cedar Falls. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Friday September 28, 2012 at the New Aldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls. Evelyn Ida Rewoldt was born on March 20, 1920 in Elbow Lake, Minnesota to Frederick and Sophie (Louise) Volker. On July 24, 1940, Evelyn was united in marriage to Elston Rewoldt in Sumner, Iowa. Evelyn is survived by her daughter Phyllis (Jack) Payne of Lake Stevens, Washington; three sons Ron (Mary Lou) Rewoldt of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Don Rewoldt of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Dan (Nancie) of Independence, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren and two sisters-in-law Arlene Moeller of Cloverdale, California and Maxine Volker of Cresco, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband; four brothers Williams, James, Frederick and Roy and two sisters Sophie Mueller and Lucille Buckendah. Alice Modlin, age 94, of Iowa Falls, died on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with burial in the Union Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Alice Emily Modlin was born on February 3, 1918 in Riceville, Iowa to Clark and Effie (Ford) Jennison. Alice graduated high school from Clarion, Iowa. On January 25, 1939, Alice was united in marriage to Ralph Modlin at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She was involved with the Pak-N-Go-Campers and also card clubs. Alice is survived by four children Donald Modlin and his significant other Diane of Parkersburg, IA, Gary (Barb) Modlin of Maple Grove, MN, Karen (Clark) Tufte of Hastings, MN and Janis (Kent) Chaplin of Iowa Falls, IA; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and one sister Margaret Schuffleman of Corwith, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, an infant daughter Dorothy and a daughter-in-law Jane Modlin. Anna Mae Cook, age 78, of Alden, died on Saturday September 22, 2012 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Monday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. The heavens shine brighter since Anna's departure on Saturday, September 22, 2012. She fought a brave and courageous battle with diabetes and kidney failure. She approached the end of her life the same way she did her entire life, with determination and humor. Anna Mae was born on October 23, 1933 to Emil & Dorothy Mae (Whipple) Ulrich, in a small farm south of Alden. She was the second of seven children. Anna married Leonard Owen Cook on August 10, 1950 and traveled with him to El Paso, TX where Leonard (Shorty) was assigned to duty at the Army base there. Their years together involved travels across the United States to visit friends and family. While Leonard was busy with his job as Supt. of Iowa Limestone, Anna was kept busy as a wife and mother. When their two daughters' Debborah Mae and Karla Jean had graduated from the Alden Schools, she went to work at Schultz Department Store. She quickly rose through the ranks and became Department head manager. She worked at Schultz for 15 years until the store was closed. This was followed by a short 1 year employment with Boyt Manufacturing. When Leonard became disabled and was diagnosed with cancer, Anna retired to stay at home and care for him. Anna has been a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran church in Alden since her baptism 78 years ago. Survivors include: her two daughters, Deb (Cook) Meyer and husband Lee Meyer, Fairfax, IA Karla Cook and fiancé, Richard Christensen, Balsam Lake, WS, 5 grandchildren, Lucas Meyer, Aurora, CO, Terra Turner, Denver, CO, Melissa (Meyer) Carlson and husband Coltrane Carlson, Roland, IA, Andrea Turner, St. Cloud, MN, Justin Christensen, Balsam Lake, WS, and one great grandson, Owen D. Meyer, Johnston, IA. One brother Leowen Ulrich and wife, Grace, Iowa Falls, IA, and three sisters, all living the Iowa Falls area: Karen (Ulrich) Crosser, Carol (Ulrich) Banner & husband Bob, Kathy (Ulrich) Dougan and husband, Bill. One sister-in-law, Bev Ulrich, Iowa Falls, IA. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins that have played a very loving part of her life. Anna was preceded in death by: her husband, Leonard, Cook and 3 children that were born premature, her parents, Emil and Dorothy (Whipple) Ulrich, two brothers, David Ulrich and Walter Ulrich, one brother-in-law, Gary Crosser Sr. and one great grandson, Robert Lee Meyer. Anna's wonderful sense of humor and kind, generous nature will be missed by many. Rest in peace Anna, we will look forward to being with you again. Gordon Rabe, age 83, of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday September 20, 2012 at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM Monday September 24, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls with burial in the Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. Gordon John Rabe was born on June 16, 1929 in Alta Vista, Iowa, the son of Emil and Jeannette (Schoeneman) Rabe. Gordon then moved to Iowa Falls when he was two years old. Gordon attended Ellis No. 2 Country School until he and Ken Wood were bigger than the teacher. He then went to Owasa and then Iowa Falls High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. Following graduation, Gordon joined the National Guard Red Bull Division and served seven years thru WWII where he was Sgt. 1st Class and drove armed tanks. On March 4, 1951 Gordon was united in marriage to Gretchen Tjaden at the Congregational Church in Iowa Falls. Together they lived in town for one year, then lived in Lee Center for five years and then moved to Ellis where they started their family of seven children. Gordon enjoyed fishing, family vacations each year after the county fair and watching his kids and grandkids in activities. Gordon had farmed all of his life. He was a member of the Ellis United Methodist Church, was on the School Board for 12 years as President, helped start the Hardin County Pork Producers and was President and Master Pork Producer, Cattle Producers, Ellsworth Community College, he was a member of the Iowa Falls Elks Club B.P.O.E. #1674, he was a 4-H Leader and was on the council. Gordon sold Badger Equipment and Calumet, a salesman for Funks G corn, he was on the Buckeye coop, the ECC Foundation Board was on the Ellis Township Drainage Committee, he was a church chairman for the Ellis Church and an Ellis Township Trustee. Gordon is survived by his wife, Gretchen; seven children, Sue Taylor and her husband, Mike, Jane Hansen, Nancy Lathrop and her husband, Jeff, Joe Rabe and his wife, Lari, Mary Rabe, Gary Rabe, and Judy Adams and her husband, Shawn all of Iowa Falls; a brother, Jim Rabe of Lebanon, MO; his grandchildren Evan, Ryan, Braden (Courtney), Caitlyn and Quinn Taylor, Brian (Samantha), Sarah and Nick Hansen, Eston and Kiley Lathrop, Tara (Andy) Reinders, Matt (Kassi) and Julie Rabe, Emily (Dave) England and Eric Meyer, John and David Rabe and Amanda, Hannah and Nate Adams; his great-grandchildren Brody Taylor, Tyne and Elody England, Hailey Reinders and Daxon Hansen. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Stan, Robert, and Donald Rabe; and a granddaughter, Kristin Taylor. Brent W. Loring, age 55 of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, September 14, 2012 at his home. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Wednesday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Brent W. Loring was born on November 6, 1956 in Webster City, Iowa, the son of Thomas and Norma (Matthews) Loring. He graduated from the Webster City High School in 1975 and also graduated from U.N.I. On August 24, 1985, Brent was united in marriage to Elaine Boe in Durango, CO. He was a farmer and also worked for the TSA at the Waterloo Airport. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Brent is survived by his wife, Elaine; three sons, Miles Thomas Loring of North Liberty, Brian Robert Loring of Denver, CO, and Colin Beecher Loring of Iowa Falls; two brothers, Brian K. Loring of Iowa City and Bryce T. Loring of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bradley J. Loring. Bonnie Jaeger, age 50, of Alden, died on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-7 P.M. Sunday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Bonnie Jaeger was born June 11, 1962 to Glenn and Nila Butzke of Campbellsport, WI. She was granted eternal life through the waters of Holy Baptism on July 1, 1962 and confirmed her faith in Jesus on April 25, 1976. She was united in marriage to Jay Jaeger of Campbellsport on May 16, 1981. To this union, the Lord blessed them with two children, Jennifer and Derek. Bonnie held various occupations with the most recent as the head cook at Heritage Care Center. Bonnie loved the Lord and showed her love by being a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, helping to teach Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Bonnie loved her family very much and touched many lives with her love and kindness as she treated everyone as the Lord's Child. Bonnie enjoyed her Packers and working on cross stitching. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Jay; her daughter, Jennifer of Portland, OR; her son Derek (Janet) of Alden, IA and grandchildren Haylie, Quinton, Devin and Jacen; her sisters Gail (Tim) Kougl of Campbellsport, WI; Shirley (Greg) Bokelman of Lomira, WI; and Donna (Mark) Ertel of Mayville, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents. Ruth Miller , age 91, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday at the St. John's U.C.C. with burial at the Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Ruth L. Miller of Ackley, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at The Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Ruth was born August 29, 1921 to Kurt and Ella (Poley) Kloetzer. She was raised on farms in the Ackley and Geneva area and attended Franklin County schools and Ackley High School. She was married to John (Jack) Miller on October 10, 1938. They lived near Ackley where they raised their two sons. They moved to Dike, Iowa in 1968. She loved working in her flower garden and reading. She was active in the Dike United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Ruth moved to The Presbyterian Village in 2002 where she enjoyed many visits from her loved ones. Ruth is survived by her son, Larry G. Miller (Mavis) of Granger; grandson, Lawny D. Miller (Janis) of Rochester, MN; granddaughter, Wendy G. Wiedner (Michael) of Granger and granddaughter, Lorna G. Miller of Grimes; her son, Thomas E. Miller (Jolene) of Cedar Falls and granddaughter, Melanie A. Miller of Cedar Falls; her great grandchildren, Tyler and Dylan Wiedner and Caryn and Jaden Miller; her sister, Elfrieda Miller; brothers, Edward and Raymond Kloetzer of Ackley and Donald Kloetzer of Iowa Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her sisters, Lillian Lehr, Clara Ploeger and Erna Roelfs; and her brothers, Frank and Robert Kloetzer. Jerry L. Jones, age 73 of Bellevue, NE and formerly of Iowa Falls, died Saturday, August 25, 2012 at his home. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday August 30th at the First Christian Church Iowa Falls. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Surls Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Jerry Jones Memorial Fund in care of Green Belt Bank & Trust, 616 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126. Jerry L. Jones was born on March 27, 1939 in Iowa Falls, Iowa to Marion and Bonnie (Brown) Jones. Jerry graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1957 and then went on to attend Ellsworth Community College. He was united in marriage to Linda Lange on November 11, 1960 at the First Christian Church in Iowa Falls. The following year, Jerry enlisted with the United States Air Force, which he served for 25 years until retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. Jerry received the award for NCO of the year in 1978. After retirement, Jerry and his wife Linda enjoyed coming back to Iowa Falls to spend time on the farm. While not in Iowa Falls, they enjoyed spending time with family and going to the grandchildren's sporting events. Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda of Bellevue, NE; his son Bryan (Connie) Jones and their daughter Haley of Bellevue, NE; his daughter Brenda (Rob) Larsen and their children Kelsey and Jacob of Bellevue, NE; his brother Don (Dinah) Jones of Iowa Falls; his sister-in-law Marianne Jones of Iowa Falls; and his many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ron Jones. Donna Spencer Wagner, age 60, of Ames and formerly of Ackley died on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Graveside services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday at the East Friesland Cemetery, rural Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley is in charge of arrangements. Donna Spencer Wagner was born on March 14, 1952 in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Lucas and Leona (Huisman) Spencer. She attended school in Ackley. She did housekeeping and was a member of the Ames Baptist Church and helped in the nursery at church. Donna is survived by her son, David Wagner of Minnesota; a daughter, Carrie Baakan of Mason City; two grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Spencer of Faulkner and Donald Spencer of Aplington; and a sister, Bev Spencer of Iowa Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leonard. Dawn Schwieger, age 53 of Williams, died on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg with inurnment in the Oak Hill Cemetery, rural Popejoy. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Tuesday at the church. The Surls Funeral Home of Williams is in charge of arrangements. Dawn Susanne Schwieger was born on May 20, 1959 in Webster City, Iowa, the daughter of Kenneth and Carolyn (Hillman) Hoelscher. She graduated from the Alden High School in 1977 and Ellsworth Community College. On June 8, 1984 Dawn was united in marriage to Brad Schwieger in Popejoy. She was Manager of the Carolyn's Hallmark Store in Webster City and a member of the Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg. Dawn is survived by her husband, Bradley of Williams; two daughters, Amanda Keller and her husband, Andy and their children, Eliza and Wyatt of Orange City and Maile Schwieger of Williams; a son, Caleb Schwieger of Williams; mother, Carolyn Hoelscher of Popejoy; four sisters, Jackie (Phil) Shriner of Des Moines, Debbie (Mike) Harvey of Colorado Springs, CO, Diane (Rocco) Husted of Alden, and Colleen (Jon) Ross of Popejoy; and a brother, Bruce (Karen) Hoelscher of Iowa Falls. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Hoelscher and a brother, Wayne Hoelscher. Nora (Peg) Oppold age 93, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, August 17, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Monday at the St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with burial in the church cemetery. On Sunday there will be a 3 P.M. Rosary at the St. Mark Catholic Church with visitation to follow until 6 P.M. when there will be a Scripture Service and a Time of Remembrance. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family for a future tribute to both Peg and Francis. Nora (Peg) Kathryn O'Reilly Oppold was born August 21, 1918 in Owasa to Philip and Mary Smyth O'Reilly. She was raised in the Owasa area, graduated in 1936, attended Ellsworth Jr College and later taught school locally. She married Francis Oppold Sr October 24, 1943 in Berkeley, California when he was stationed there during WWII. Following the war they returned to the Ackley area in 1945 and farmed the Oppold home place until 1954 when they purchased a farm in the Lee Center area. She was a lifelong Catholic and always very proud of her faith and church and was always active in all phases of the church teaching catechism, taking Communion to the shut ins and participating in small group faith activities. She was an avid bridge player and participated in the Ellsworth Hospital bridge marathon for many years. In 1977 she and Francis purchased a home in Florida where they made their winter home for 6 months every year. They were members of St Charles Borromeo Church in Port Charlotte, FL. Peg loved to care for others and was a great hostess who loved to set a pretty table and welcome all guests. They especially enjoyed family and friends from up north trying to escape the winter in Florida. In addition to her own large family, she opened her home to numerous foster children over the years. She is survived by 8 children--Patricia (Glenn) Knust of Grand Island, NE; Tom (Kate) of Toledo, OH; Mary (Joe) Bruzdzinski of Naperville, IL; Mark (Kathi Anderson) of Overland Park, KS; Frank (Fran Pierce) of Ames, IA; Phil (Lois Mills) of Iowa Falls; Nora A'Bell of Denver, CO; and Joan (Jack) Gray of Johnston, IA, 28 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 66 years, Francis in 2010, sisters Mary Margaret O'Reilly and Ann Nelson, brother Sylvester O'Reilly and her grandson, Andrew Oppold. Norman Boyd Roegner, 79, of Ackley, passed away peacefully in the Hospice House of North Iowa at Mason City surrounded by family on Sunday, August 5, 2012. Funeral services will be in the Geneva Methodist Church at 10:30am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012. His visitation will be at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, Iowa from 4-8pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. He will be laid to rest in the Hampton Cemetery with Reverend Harry Imlay officiating. Norman was born on September 24, 1932 in Geneva, Iowa to Karl and Virginia (Boyd) Roegner. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1950. Norman was united in marriage to Donna Mae Dodd on September 16, 1951 at the Geneva Methodist Church and to this union four daughters were born. The lived and farmed in the Geneva area before moving to Ackley in 1984. Norman continued working as a manager at the Geneva Elevator until his retirement in January 1994. Norman was a very loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather all of his life. He was a lifetime member and decision maker of the Geneva Methodist Church and served as trustee for 40 years, treasurer for 50 years, and was the building coordinator for the UMC Fellowship Hall. Norman served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 in the 91st Military Police Battalion. He played softball (pitcher and 1st base) for the Geneva Town Team for 20 years. He was active in the Geneva Community Club, Geneva Fire Department, member of the American Legion 252 and served on the Ackley-Geneva School Board for 9 years and serving as President for 3 of those years. He was instrumental in bringing women's sports into the Ackley-Geneva school system. He loved golfing, bowling, cards and games of any kind, camping, traveling and vacationing. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren's activities along with following any sport that he could find on TV. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with family and friends. Norman is survived by four daughters, Carol (Mike) Van Hove of Ackley, Iowa, Nancy (Steve) Mikelson of St. Peter, Minnesota, Karen (Steve) Bruns of Alexander, Iowa, Tracy Roegner of Waverly, Iowa, one brother, Leland (Mary Ann) Roegner of Nevada, Iowa, two brother-in-laws Ralph (Bud) Dodd of Geneva, Iowa, Danny (Carolyn) Dodd of Bella Vista, Arkansas, sister-in-law Teresa Dodd of Gladstone Missouri, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Norman was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Donna, his parents Karl and Virginia Roegner, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Veneta and Darwin (Toad) Norman, his sister-in-law Bonnie Dodd, his brother-in-law Don Dodd, and his grandson Andrew Barz. Vera Groenhoff, age 96, of Iowa Falls, died on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the Bethel Baptist Church in Iowa Falls with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Monday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Vera Henrietta Groenhoff was born on January 7, 1916 in Alden, Iowa, the daughter of Claus and Henrietta (Van Gerpen) Groenhoff. She went to Alden country school and graduated from the Iowa Falls High School. Vera is survived by her niece, Ramona Groenhoff of Des Moines; a great-nephew, David Groenhoff (Beth) of Des Moines; a great-niece, Ginger Peterson (Paul) of Scottsdale, AZ; two great-great-nephews, David Groenhoff, III of Des Moines and Jacob Peterson of Huntington Beach, CA; and a great-great-niece, Shelby Groenhoff of Des Moines. Vera was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Dan and Fred Groenhoff; and two nephews, Edwin and David Groenhoff. Norman Roegner, age 79 of Ackley, died on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services are pending with the Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley. Patricia Loraine Baldwin, age 74, formerly residing in Culloden, WV and now of Iowa Falls, IA, died on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Eldora IA Nursing and Rehab Center. Interment will be on August 6 in a private service for family members at Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls; Surls Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service celebrating Pat's life will be held at the Iowa Falls United Methodist Church sometime in October. Her many friends will be invited. Pat was born on April 4, 1938 in Washington, PA, The daughter of Charles and Sarah (Enlow) Scott. She graduated from East Washington High School, and had a 25-year career as a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines, now Delta Airlines. On June 4, 1983 Pat was united in marriage with Richard L. Baldwin at the Methodist Church in Bethel, CT. Following Mr. Baldwin's retirement, the couple spent a number of years traveling extensively throughout the United States in their motor home and made lots of friends in several states in which they resided. Patricia was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church. She was also a lifelong lover of animals and, in addition to having numerous dogs and cats of her own, was active in various local organizations that rescued, sheltered and adopted out dogs and cats. Pat was an avid supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers and enthusiastic follower of the NFL. She and her husband watched the Steelers play every game they could and, at last count, had watched them play via satellite in at least six states. Pat is survived by her Husband Richard of Iowa Falls; two Step-Sons, Richard L. Baldwin Jr. of Honolulu, HI and James E. Baldwin of Tamuning, Guam; and two Step-Grandsons, Curtiss and Conor Baldwin of Honolulu, HI. She was preceded in death by her parents and three Brothers, Chuck, Tom, and Bob Scott. Friends who wish to do so can contribute to memorials established in her name at Care Initiatives Hospice, 6915 Chancellor Drive, Suite A, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Martha Meyer, age 96 of Iowa Falls, died on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 28th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls with burial at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Garner. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls . Martha Meyer was born June 20, 1916, to Henry K. Anderson and Marie (Nelson) Anderson in their home in Hanlontown, IA. She was baptized on July 16, 1916, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown where she was later confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Martha's confirmation verse was Matthew 5:16. Martha attended a one room school before transferring to Hanlontown Public for the remainder of her elementary and high school years. She attended Waldorf College in Forest City on a scholarship and by washing dishes. Martha graduated with an Associate degree in 1935 and as a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She taught for a year in a one room school in Cerro Gordo County, one year in a one room school in Danville Township in Worth County, and two years as the 6th grade homeroom, math, geography, and PT teacher in the Terril, IA., schools. Martha completed summer work at Iowa State Teacher's College. Martha met Rev. Clarence G. Meyer in Walther League and they were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown on June 18, 1939. They lived in Sanborn until 1942 when they moved to Ulmer. During WWII, Rev. Meyer served the Lake View congregation. In 1946, the family moved to Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Van Meter where he served until 1958. That year, he was called to St. John Lutheran in Reinbeck where he served until his retirement in 1971. So that Martha might care for her parents, they moved to Clear Lake. In 2004, after her husband's death, Martha moved to Cedar Ridge in Iowa Falls where she was closer to family. Her final earthly home was Heritage Care Center. Martha was an active member of Women's Club, Ladies Aid, LWML, library reading club, Walther League as a young adult, and Camp Okoboji. It was Martha's husband who helped purchase and start the Lutheran church camp where he served as secretary. What mattered most to Martha Meyer? Her faith. This faith was lived out in her daily life. Martha helped with VBS, Sunday school, Christmas programs, the mission work of the LWML, weddings, and Bible class. She rarely missed a day of worship until her health prevented her from attending. The Great Commission of Jesus Christ - to take the Gospel into all lands - motivated Martha her entire earthly life. Martha's family mattered. She encouraged her two sons and daughters - Roberta, Don, Ruth, and Ted - and many grandchildren as they all pursued higher education. She was their cheerleader, proud of their accomplishments, and as involved in their lives as she could be. Martha was fond of family gatherings and celebrations. Phone calls kept her connected to extended family and their activities. She recorded the family news in her own unique style for each Christmas letter. Martha was an avid reader. She stayed in touch with what was happening in the world. She greatly enjoyed every opportunity to travel. As her children moved around the country, Martha would journey wherever she needed in order to visit. Her special trip was to Norway in May of 2004. There, she visited relatives and saw family landmarks in Bergen, Norway, from where her parents and ancestors came. Many lives were touched by Martha's. But, more so, they were influenced by the faith which Martha confessed. It is because of Jesus Christ that Martha could sing, "I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home. Earth is a desert drear, heaven is my home. Danger and sorrow stand round me on every hand; heaven is my fatherland, heaven is my home." Even in Martha's aging years, she could sing, "Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to your God to order and provide; in every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul; your best, your heavenly Friend, through thorny ways leads to a grateful end." Martha trusted that mercy for all of us as sinful people can only come from Jesus Christ and, for that reason, encouraged all around her: "If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus, you can say He died for all. If you cannot rouse the wicked with the judgment's dread alarms, you can lead the little children to the Savior's waiting arms." (All hymns from Lutheran Service Book, CPH.) Martha leaves a legacy of faith to her children Roberta (Gary) Minish of Plano, TX.; Don (Jeannie) Meyer of Stanford, CA.; Ruth Krueger of Spring, TX.; and Ted (Jackie) Meyer of Falcon Heights, MN. She leaves a legacy of faith to her grandchildren: (Don's family) Jeff and Mary Angela of Houston, TX, and daughters Clare and Mary Grace; John and Jan Meyer and their children D'Mitri and Roxanne of Dana Pointe, CA., Ted of Los Angeles, CA.; and Andrew and Edward Meyer of Stanford, CA. (Ruth's family) Andy and Jackie Krueger of Houston, TX., and daughter Jessica; Katie Krueger of Fort Calhoun, NE., and son Drew; April Krueger of Cypress, TX., and sons Conner and Daniel, Jr.; Becky Krueger of Ankeny, IA., and Sarah and Brad Untiedt of Austin, TX. (Ted's family) Julia and Justin Stanley of Iowa City and children Callie and Tyson; Ben Meyer of Falcon Heights, MN. Martha's family remembers with gratefulness her dear friend and caretaker, Vicki Hoversten. Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Clarence G. Meyer; her parents, Henry K. and Marie (Nelson) Anderson; two brothers, Robert and Harry; and one grandson, Dan. To God be the glory for all that He has done through His daughter in Christ, Martha Meyer. John Owen Whipple, age 80, of Iowa Falls, Iowa passed away at the Presbyterian Village Care Center on July 21, 2012. He had suffered for a number of years from Parkinson's disease and complications. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Dows, Iowa on Wednesday July 25, 2012, with burial in the Mount Hope Cemetery near Dows where six generations of the Whipple family are interned. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 24, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. The Surls Funeral Homes are in charge of the arrangements. John was born at his parent's home in rural Hardin County, Iowa on November 2, 1931 and was the oldest of Donald and Clarice Waldee Whipple's seven children. He attended school in Wright, Franklin and Hardin counties. After a stint in the Marine Corps he returned to Dows and was employed at the Lambert Lumber Yard. On September 27, 1953 John married VaDonna Schroder at the Methodist Church in Dows. The couple was blessed with six children. John and VaDonna began farming west of Popejoy, Iowa in 1954. In 1964 he quit farming and went to work as an agricultural supply salesman for Farm Service (FS) out of Hampton, Iowa. They purchased an acreage on the west edge of Popejoy in March 1965, where they remained for the next 44 years. John retired from FS in 1994. After the sale of their Popejoy property they bought a house in Iowa Falls, Iowa in November of 2008. John was a member of First Lutheran Church at Dows, the Franklin County Republican Party, Elks Club, Farm Bureau and American Legion. John and VaDonna enjoyed camping and traveling in their camper. They visited a great deal of the United States. For a number of years after John's retirement they enjoyed "snow birding" in the south and south west until John's health became an issue. John was a family man who loved camping, traveling, fishing and especially loved and enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family. John leaves behind his wife VaDonna, five children, and thirteen grandchildren: John L. (Belinda) Whipple of Des Moines, Iowa, and family Timothy (Anna) Whipple, Amber (Steve) Kaiser, and Elizabeth (John) Reddell; Valerie (Dale) Maas of Popejoy, Iowa, and family Daniel (Libby) Maas and Lisa (Tom Mortice) Maas; Wade (Debra) Whipple of Wentzville, Missouri, and family Chad (Kelly) Whipple, Ryan (Leah)Whipple and Brooke Whipple; Neil (Jan) Whipple of St. Charles, Missouri, and family Amanda, Trevor, and Blake Whipple; and Rob (Kay) Whipple of Indianola, Iowa, and family Cameron and Deidre Whipple. John and VaDonna also have eight great grandchildren. John is survived by six siblings: Chester (Shirley) Whipple, Gene (Sheilia) Whipple, Dennis (Beverly) Whipple, Janice (Chuck) Eckstein, Pam (John) Jass and Sherri Klein. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and one infant son, Wayne. Marilyn Leigh Prescott, age 79, of Ackley, formerly of Popejoy, died on Monday, July 9, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday July 13, 2012 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery in Alden. Marilyn Leigh Prescott was born on December 27, 1932 to Ferol and Ruth (Long) Neely in New Hampton, Iowa. Marilyn attended Oakland Township schools and graduated from Popejoy High School. Marilyn was united in marriage to Alfred Prescott on June 19, 1952 at Camp Roberts, California. She was a member of the Popejoy United Methodist Women and the Flying Farmers of Iowa. Marilyn is survived by her husband Alfred; her son Ron (Deb) Prescott of Ames, IA; her daughter Carol (Mark) Hilz of Argyle, TX; her brother Larry (Lois) Neely of Iowa Falls and her sister Sheryl (Richard) Orr of Warrensburg, MO. 7 Grandchildren and 11 Great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Lynn Neely. Patti A. Ites, age 71, of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Tuesday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Patti A. Ites was born March 17, 1941 in Ames to Kenneth and Peggy Johnson. She graduated from the Des Moines Roosevelt High School in 1959. She married Larry D. Ites on January 1, 1996 and they moved to Alden where they currently reside south of Alden. She loved life on the farm and her animals. She especially enjoyed celebrating family birthdays and holidays. She is survived by her husband; her son Shawn R. (Colleen) Ites of Dexter; her son Shawn D.(Monique) Ites of McCloud, CA; her grandchildren Madison Paige Ites and Melanie Ruth Ites; her father, Kenneth (Judy) Johnson; her brother John (Jenny) Johnson and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother. The family asks that memorials be directed to the Animal & Rescue League of Iowa. The family would like to thank you for your many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy and invite you to a time of fellowship at church following services at the cemetery. Ronald Dean Jones, age 69, of Iowa Falls, died on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa, surrounded by his family. He died from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) after a long battle with this physically debilitating neurological disease. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M Friday at St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with burial in the Union Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Thursday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with a 4:00 P.M. Vigil Service. Ron was born on January 29, 1943, in Iowa Falls, Iowa to Marion and Bonnie (Brown) Jones. He graduated from Iowa Falls High School and then Iowa State University. He wrestled for both schools and achieved a great deal of individual and team success. Ron was united in marriage to Marianne Burton on August 6, 1966 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls. They enjoyed 46 great years together having many laughs and good times with family and friends. Ron was a math teacher, guidance counselor, and wrestling coach at the Iowa Falls High School. During his time as a teacher and coach, he made a tremendous impact on students and athletes, instilling in them that success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. Ron's wrestling teams were known not only for their toughness and work ethic but also for competing with class. In recognition for his achievements as a wrestler and coach, he was inducted into the Iowa High School Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame and National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the B.P.O.E Lodge #1674, St. Knights of Columbus and the Iowa State Letter Winners Club. Ron is survived by his wife Marianne of Iowa Falls; his son, Darron (Julie) Jones of Clear Lake, Iowa and their children Sam and Gretchen; his daughter, Darci (Tim) Carver of Urbandale, Iowa and their children Katie and Gabriel; his twin brother, Don (Dinah) Jones of Iowa Falls and his brother, Jerry (Linda) Jones of Bellevue, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Bonnie Jones. Memorials may be directed to the Ron Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Green Belt Bank & Trust, 616 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126. The scholarship will be given annually to an Iowa Falls - Alden High School student. Debra Ibeling, age 53, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday June 16, 2012 at the Ackley High School with burial in the Washington Reformed Cemetery, rural Ackley. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Friday at the Ackley High School. Debra Sue Ibeling, 53, of Ackley, Iowa, died Wednesday, June 13, 2012. She was born August 18, 1958 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Donald (Bill) and Marjorie (Lindaman) Laipple. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School and later the University of Northern Iowa. Debra married David Ibeling on August 6, 1982 at Washington Reformed Church in rural Ackley. She taught for Ackley-Geneva and later the AGWSR school district, recently completing 30 years as a special education teacher. She cherished her students and co-workers. She enjoyed life on the family farm north of Ackley where she was a loving and supportive wife and mother. She was a member of the Washington Reformed Church where she was involved in teaching Sunday School and Bible School, as well as women’s groups and the Couples Club. Her faithful commitment to Christ was the foundation of her love for people in the schools, church, and community. She enjoyed time spent with family and friends, gardening, refinishing furniture, keeping photo albums and keepsakes, her kitties, and taking trips with her family. Debra is survived by her husband, David of Ackley; son Lance and fiancée Lindy, of Kansas City, MO; daughter Lindsay and friend Jon, of Marshalltown; mother Marjorie (Lindaman) Laipple of Cedar Falls, sister Pam Laipple of Waterloo, brother Brad Laipple of St. Charles, MO, and sister Michele (Mike) Casey of Cedar Rapids; father- and mother-in-law John and Pat Ibeling of Ackley, and brother- and sister-in-laws Scott (Cathy) Ibeling of Aplington, Kurt (Mary) Ibeling of Slater, and Cindy (Tom) Juhl of Norwalk; as well as many uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews. Debra was proceded in death by her father, Donald (Bill) Laipple. Memorials may be directed to Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Wayne M. Fisher, age 93, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday, May 28, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 4th at the First Congregational U.C.C. in Iowa Falls with inurnment in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 P.M. Sunday, June 3rd at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Wayne Martin Fisher was born on April 12, 1919 in Bradshaw, NE, the son of Manley and Mabel (Porter) Fisher. Wayne graduated from the Polk High School in 1936. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941-45 with the 492 Bomb Group based in England. As a crew member on a B-24 he flew 33 missions as a ball turret gunner (belly gunner) including 25 high altitude and 8 night missions to targets in France and Germany. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. On March 24, 1946 Wayne was united in marriage to Beverly McBride in Blair, NE. He attended Iowa State College (Iowa State University) from Dec 1945-Dec 1948 graduating with a major in Agronomy. Wayne worked for three years in Denison and Eldora for the Soil Conservation Service before starting farming north of Radcliffe in 1952. He moved to Buckeye in 1957 to continue farming until 1978 when they retired and moved to Arkansas until 2000. Wayne served on the Hardin County Fair Board, he was Director and Chairman of Farmers Mutual Insurance, Director of Hardin Co. Farmers Home Administration and the Hardin County Extension Council. He also had been a 4-H Leader. Wayne is survived by his three sons, Bruce of Ames, Mark and his wife, Jackie of Clear Lake, and Paul and his wife, Sherry of St. Peter, MN; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Billie Jean Flynn of Blair, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; a brother, Paul; and a sister, Mary Margaret Virginia Elizabeth Brauchle age 106, of Iowa Falls, died on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, July 6th at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. There will be no visitation. Virginia was born on January 31, 1906 in Retsof, NY, the daughter of Joseph and Elvira Torcello. She graduated from the Irvington High School in New Jersey. She received her R.N. from Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT in 1928. Virginia graduated from Seton Hall University in 1950 with a B.S. degree. She had worked at Irvington General Hospital for many years. She worked for the Irvington Health Dept. as a school nurse, and was the Director of Nursing at a nursing home in Maplewood, NJ. On June 6, 1931 Virginia was united in marriage to Rudolph Brauchle in Irvington, NJ. Their daughter, Virginia Marie was born on April 1, 1933. Upon Rudolph's death on February 19, 1972 she moved to Iowa Falls, and in August of 1999 she moved to Scenic Manor. Virginia was a member of the Iowa Falls Women's Club and the Iowa Falls Garden Club. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Virginia Beckman (Verle) of Iowa Falls; granddaughter, Diane Wyman (David) of Elmhurst, IL; a grandson, Steven Carlson (Marianne) of Western Springs, IL; three great-grandsons, Andrew Wyman of Iowa City, Matthew Wyman of Nashville, TN, and Evan Wyman of Elmhurst, IL; two great-granddaughters, Lauren Carlson of Western Springs, IL and Kathryn Carlson of Western Springs, IL; nieces, Linda Reitz, Carol Galiano, Lorraine Angelotti; and nephews, Raymond Lindquist and Anthony Saporito. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rudolph; 6 sisters, Naomie, Helen, Clara, Elvira, Ada, and Lydia; and three brothers, William, Mario, and Joseph Torcello; and a son-in-law, Dean Carlson. Myron "Maize" Boger, age 77, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Ackley with burial in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Ackley. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Friday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Myron "Maize" Boger was born on February 6, 1935 in Swett, South Dakota, the son of Henry and Hazel (Hein) Boger. On March 25, 1961 he was united in marriage to Georgia Green at the Washington Reformed Church in Ackley. Maize had been a member of the U.S. Army. He worked at John Deere in Waterloo as a Senior Sub-Assembly man. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ackley; had a love for animals; and enjoyed working at Shenanigans in Ackley. Maize is survived by his wife, Georgia; a son, Jeff of Ackley; a daughter, Deb Dutler of Iowa City; a granddaughter; two brothers, Dick Boger (Wilma) of Aplington and Don Boger (Dee) of Denver; and three sisters, Norma Ehrig (Zip) of Ames, Virginia Skow (Rich) of Gilmore City, and Sharon Luppen (Gerald) of Moline, IL.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Greg; and a brother, Virgil Boger. Anna Mae Koop, age 85, of Ackley, died on Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 24th, at East Friesland Presbyterian Church with burial at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. A memorial fund has been established. Anna Mae Koop was born on March 29, 1927 to Everett and Grace (Brouwer) Burma at their home near Austinville. Anna Mae attended school at Washington Township #3 in Butler County and the Dumont High School. On April 10, 1947, she was united in marriage to William Koop at her parents' home. Anna Mae enjoyed bowling, square dancing, card games, traveling and spending time with her family. Anna Mae is survived by her husband William; two daughters Eileen (Tom) Kramer of Aplington, IA and Karen (Randy) Dodd of Dike, IA; three sisters Avonelle Bohner of Ackley, IA, Phyllis (Frederick) Schachterle of Ackley, IA and Peg Wintz of Waterloo, IA; a brother Harold Burma of Ackley, IA; three sisters-in-law Elsie DeVries of Ackley, IA, Jeanette Koop of Ackley, IA, and Agnes Ackerman of Ackley, IA; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Joan Kramer; brothers-in-law Bert Wintz, George Bohner, John Kramer, Corneal DeVries, Richard Rykena, Raymond Ackerman, Edward Koop and Walter Koop; sisters-in-law Augusta Rykena and Dorothy Koop. Howard Lambert Duncan, age 85, of Alden, died on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Sunday May 20, 2012 at the Surls Funeral Home in Alden. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alden with burial in the Alden Cemetery in Alden. Howard Lambert Duncan was born on April 24, 1927 to William Preston and Edith (Godfrey) Duncan at their Alden Township farm home south of Alden. He attended rural school Alden #10 in Alden Township through the eighth grade. Howard graduated from the Alden High School in 1944. He joined and served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1947 with 16 months overseas at Eniwetok Island. He remained active in the Navy Reserve until 1950. Howard was a graduate of the Reisch Auctioneering College in Mason City. He farmed south of Alden. He also fed cattle on the home farm as well as in Nebraska and South Dakota. On June 7, 1950 Howard was united in marriage to Vera Lavonne Kasischke of Radcliffe. To this union were born three children. Howard was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Alden where he held many offices. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #201 of Alden. There were many other organizations in which Howard was active. Howard is survived by his three children, Reva (Greg) Merchant of Little Elm, TX; Royle (Jo) Duncan of Alden; Ruth (Brian) Braymen of New Providence, IA; five grandchildren, Jim Merchant of Little Elm, TX, Jill Merchant of Little Elm, TX, Bethany (Craig) Crile of Des Moines, Jay Duncan of Ames, Ben Braymen of Ames; one sister, Florence Hinderaker of Story City; one brother, Marlyn (Kathy) Duncan of Vinton; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vera; a brother, John Duncan; sisters, Iowa Grubb and Alice Carpenter; sisters-in-law, LaDonna Duncan and Marie Grubb; brothers-in-law, Robert W. Carpenter, Grant Vold, Richard Hinderaker, and Joel Grubb; and a nephew, Douglas Vold. Rita McGreevy of Huntington Beach, CA and formerly of Ackley, IA. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ackley with burial in the church cemetery. Sietsema Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Eugene U. Beving, age 76, of Ackley, died on Friday, May 11, 2012 at the Cedar Valley Hospice in Waterloo. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the Faith Presbyterian Church in Ackley with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Monday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Eugene U. Beving was born on February 16, 1936 in Ackley, Iowa to Harry and Pauline (Fritz) Beving. Eugene graduated from Ackley High School in 1954. On June 14, 1955, Eugene was united in marriage to JoAnn Rops at the Austinville Christian Reformed Church. Eugene was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Minnesota Vikings. Gene served several terms as Elder and was presently on the Board of Trustees at church. He also enjoyed the AARP gang picnic group, Don, Vergean and Marie, Bob and Carol, and Don and Lil. He farmed all his life and enjoyed spending time with his family. Eugene is survived by his wife, JoAnn of Ackley, Iowa; a son, Mike (Lisa) Beving of Ankeny, Iowa and their children Megan (Nick) Parker of Ankeny, Iowa and Sara Beving of West Des Moines, IA; a daughter, Julie (Rodney) Carolus of Ackley, Iowa and their children Ryan and Justin Carolus of Cedar Falls; a brother, Virgil (Sylvia) Beving of Ackley, IA; a sister, Paulette (Darryl) Courtney of Waterloo, IA; two brothers-in-law, Marvin (Jeannette) Rops and Dennis (LaDonna) Rops; and three sisters-in-law, Betty (Don) Harken, Mary Ascher, and Frances (Floyd) Hook. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, LaVonne Aldinger; sister and brother-in-law, Valda and Arlo Dougan, sister-in-law, Verla Rops, and brother-in-law, Junior Ascher. Edna Mae Williams, age 76, of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls with a 1:00 P.M. graveside service at the Rowan Cemetery in Rowan. Visitation will be 2-4 P.M. Sunday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Rowan Community Endowment Inc. Scholarship at 2011 Thompson Ave., Rowan, Iowa, 50470 or the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Edna Mae Williams was born on June 18, 1935 in Wright County, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Jennie (Nolte) Retleff, Sr. She graduated from the Rowan High School and attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. On August 18, 1962 Edna was united in marriage to Charles Williams at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Edna had worked as a Health Aide for Hardin County Homemakers, retiring in 2002. In her over 24 years as a Health Aide she was able to be a part of many families and develop lasting relationships with them. It was a great job for a person with a big heart. Edna was a faithful, loving, caring, and positive person. Even when times were tough she took life without complaint. Edna was a den mother for the Cub Scouts, a member of the Hardin County Extension, and as member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, she participated as a Sunday School Teacher and a committee member for worship and music. Some of Edna's favorite quotes were "Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings", "It takes a long time to grow old friends", and "A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has." Edna's four grandchildren were the light of her life and a great source of pride for her. Their names came up frequently in conversations with friends. Edna is survived by her son, Scott and his wife, Sandy of Eldora; a daughter, Lori Krause and her husband, Kent of Iowa Falls; and three grandchildren, Parker Krause, Katherine Williams, and Charles Williams. Edna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother; and her grandson, Hunter Krause. Troy Murra, 50, of Weston, Missouri, died on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday April 30, 2012 at Our Saviour's Lutheran church in Ackley with burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in rural Iowa Falls . Visitation will be 5-8 P.M. Sunday April 29, 2012 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Troy Eldon Murra was born on December 19, 1961 in Hampton, Iowa to Bernard and Barbara (Lehmann) Murra. He was baptized at Grant Center Lutheran Church and confirmed at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Troy graduated from Ackley-Geneva High School in 1980, attended Ellsworth Community College, and went on to graduate from West Texas State University, Canyon, Texas with a Bachelor's degree of Science in Chemistry. On August 4, 1990, Troy was united in marriage to Cheryl Ann Linder in Slaton, Texas. His career in microbiology included rabies production, virology, filtration applications, and independent consultant work. Troy enjoyed pulling his tractor, "The Beast", refereeing basketball, motor sports and singing in the choir at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, Missouri. Troy is survived by his wife Cheryl of Weston, Missouri, his parents Bernard and Barbara Murra of Ackley, Iowa, and a sister, Judy Kay, of Marshalltown, Iowa. Troy was preceded in death by his four grandparents. Clarence Oskvig, age 95, of Alden died on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 27 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with burial in the Radcliffe Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour before services. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of arrangements. Clarence was born on January 1, 1917 on a farm in Hamilton County, Iowa, Rose Grove Township to Ordin and Isabelle (Welland) Oskvig. Clarence was baptized in the Lanstad Lutheran Church on July 1, 1917 two miles southwest of the farm house he was born. Clarence attended schools in Williams and a country school 1/2 mile west of the farm. Clarence was a veteran of WWII Pacific Theater based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He participated in the battles of Tarawa, Tinian, Makin, Saipan, and Iwo Jima. He was a Staff Sergeant in Company B. Signal Battalion Construction Aviation. On February 24, 1952 Clarence was united in marriage to Doris Olson of Radcliffe at the Salem Lutheran Church. They lived in Williams for seven years, gave birth to their two sons, Carroll and Paul, then moved to their current home in 1959 which became a Century Farm in 2009 under their ownership. Clarence enjoyed picking corn by hand, driving teams of horses, walking soybeans, painting his farm buildings, watching Lawrence Welk on TV with Doris, 4-H calf showing with his boys, making pancakes for his grandchildren, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Doris of 59 years; parents, Ordin and Isabelle; four sisters and five brothers. Survivors include two sons, Paul on the Century Farm southwest of Alden and Carroll and wife, Martha of Milford; three grandsons, Jason and wife, Sarah of Ankeny, Kyle of Iowa City, and Keith of Milford; and a granddaughter, Kay of Iowa City. Betty (Becky) Tjaden, age 81, of Iowa Falls died on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at her home. Mass of the Resurrection will be 10:00 A.M. Friday at the St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with inurnment in the St. Mark Cemetery. There will be a 4:45 P.M. Rosary on Thursday with visitation from 5-7 P.M. and a Vigil service at 7:00 P.M. This will all be at St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls. The Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa and other charities as wished. Betty (Becky) Tjaden was born on January 8, 1931 in Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Al and Johanna (Mohrfeld) Holtkamp. She moved to Williams with her parents in 1941. She graduated from the Williams High School, attended Ellsworth College, and received a degree in Elementary Education from Drake University. Becky was united in marriage to George Tjaden on May 31, 1952 in Williams, Iowa. She taught for 40 years, majority of that time at the Eldora Elementary School, before retiring in 1993. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, served as a board member and volunteered at the Thrift Store, a member of St. Mark Catholic Church, was a Eucharistic minister and took communion to the shut-ins at Cedar Ridge and Ashbrook and was a member of the Highland Golf Club. Becky enjoyed biking, golfing, reading, and playing bridge. Becky is survived by her husband, George; a son, Rick of Iowa Falls; two granddaughters, Nicole Tjaden and her fiancé, Chris Buhr of Grimes and Natalie Tjaden and her fiancé, Jed Cox of Grimes; siblings, Laverna Larson of Ames; Corine Kelly of Waterloo; Richard Holtkamp and close companion, Cindy of Omaha, AR; Mary Lou (Don) Dailey of Mitchell, SD; Dan (Pam) Holtkamp of Newton; Larry (Janet) Holtkamp of Dows; Jerry (Jan) Holtkamp of Williams; 32 nieces and nephews; an exchange student-son, Uwe of Koediz, Germany and through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) sponsored and corresponded with Nainar from India. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Holtkamp; and a sister, Gloria Evenson. Norma Krueger, age 97, After an abundant, fulfilled life, Norma Krueger died peacefully on Friday, April 13, 2012 at Crestview Nursing Center in West Branch, IA. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, April 16 at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, IA. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 PM on Sunday at Surl's Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Norma (Winters) Krueger was born on May 9, 1914 in New Providence, IA. She was the second of fifteen children. She met her future husband at the Surf Ballroom, where they loved to waltz. She married Martin Carl Krueger on June 27, 1942 at Ft. Leonard, Missouri just prior to him leaving for World War II. From this union, two children were born, Larry and Sheri. Her talents were numerous, but cooking and sewing were her passions. She relished family reunions to be with her loved ones and to try a new recipe! She welcomed all new neighbors by baking & sharing her homemade "snail" rolls. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls and volunteered in her special church circle. She embodied the Golden Rule and exemplified to others a life of unselfish acts, constant encouragement, and limitless gifts of helping hands. Her Christian faith and these values are her legacy. Even during the final week of her life, she was reaching out to family and more concerned for our well-being. We will remember how Norma loved her family unconditionally. Her devotion set the best example ever possible. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her two children: Larry Krueger (Joan) of Summerville, SC; Sheri Swartzendruber (Duane) of Iowa City; six grandchildren: Deborah Krueger of Goose Creek SC, Lisa Krueger of Martin TN, Jason Powers (Jamie) of Iowa City, IA, Jessica Off (Andy) of Iowa Falls, IA, Jason (Kelly) Swartzendruber of Denver, CO, Scott Swartzendruber (Tara) of Fort Collins, CO; eight great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Martin Powers, Jacob and Samuel Off, Ruby and Iris Swartzendruber, and Nicholas and Kate Swartzendruber; four brothers and one sister, Stan Winters, Don Winters, Lawrence Winters, Millard Winters and Kay Wood. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years, Martin Krueger; three sisters, Hazel Anderson, Ferne Winters, Jeanette Payne; six brothers, Wallace Winters (infancy), Floyd Winters, Kenny Winters, Merle Winters, Willard Winters, and Lester Winters. Warren Kurth, age 85, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at his home. Private family services will be held at a later date. The Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley is in charge of arrangements. Warren Henry Kurth was born on November 4, 1926 in Lindsey, WI, the son of Reno and Gertrude (Johnson) Kurth. Warren was united in marriage to Ritta Randolph on February 22, 1952 in Grinnell, Iowa. He had served in the U.S. Navy and had been a Guidance Counselor at the Ackley-Geneva High School. Warren is survived by his wife, Ritta of Ackley; two daughters, Linda Thomas and her husband, Paul of Eldora and LouAnn Hurd and her husband, Rob of Indianola; two sons, Ron Kurth and his wife, Kathy of Madison, WI and Roger Kurth and his wife, Jessica of Iowa Falls; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother; and a sister. Jane Ford, age 73, of Alden, died on Friday April 6, 2012 at Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls . Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday April 10th at The First Lutheran Church in Dows with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8:00 P.M. at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Sarah Jane (Sparrow) Ford was born on June 11, 1938 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Ora and Agnes (Austin) Sparrow. She attended school in Clemons and Jewell and then after graduating Jane went to the Iowa State Teachers College now known as UNI in Cedar Falls. On August 19, 1960, Jane was united in marriage to Kenneth Ford in Jewell, Iowa. Jane worked as a Home Economics teacher for 1 year in Alden and 2 years in Aplington, was a Dietitian at Schoitz Hospital in Waterloo, was a substitute teacher for many years at local schools, and restored furniture. Jane was involved in the Eastern Star-Rebeccas Club, the Alden Garden Club, Hardin County Home Economists, and was a 4-H leader. Jane was a member of First Lutheran Church in Dows where she taught Sunday School, involved with the Ladies Aide and Church Circle. Jane enjoyed working in her flower gardens, vegetable gardens, sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, and spending a lot of time with her family. Jane also enjoyed attending UNI football games with her husband, Ken and their grandchildren and going on trips to Brandson, MO with her husband, Ken. Jane is survived by her husband Kenneth, two daughters Jill (Steve) Trusty of Iowa Falls, IA and Peggy (Michael) Swope of Alden, IA; two sons Rex (Ann) Ford of Iowa Falls, IA and Terry (Rachel) Ford of Knoxville, TN; her grandchildren Brianna Brady, Shawna Butler, Christopher Brady, Savannah Trusty, Andrea Buss, Alison Hackney, Emily Ford and Jonathan Ford; great-grandchildren Olivia Hackney and Amari Butler; two sisters Mary (Art) Sandvig of Memphis, TN and Rosalie Ingeldue of Clemons, IA and a brother Austin Sparrow of Webster City, IA. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Martha Suzanne Olson, a brother-in-law Richard Olson an infant brother and an infant sister. Arthur Boyd Fuller, 84, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sunday April 1st, 2012, at Sterling House in La Crosse, WI, with family at his side after a valiant fight against renal failure and lung cancer. Art Fuller, the firstborn son of Louis and Edna (Hoag) Fuller, was born at home on October 27, 1927, in Reasnor, IA, where his father managed the coop elevator. The family moved to Kennedy Station, IA, before settling on a farm in 1929 near Owasa, IA, where Art began his education. The family later moved to another farm near Owasa before moving, in the spring of 1941, to a farm just northeast of McCallsburg, IA. Art graduated from McCallsburg Consolidated High School in 1945. He began to further his education at Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls, IA. However, during the winter of his first year he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he volunteered to become a paratrooper. He participated in the Occupation of Japan in the aftermath of WWII as a member of the 11th Airborne. After his discharge as a Sergeant from the U.S. Army, Art returned to the states and to his high school sweetheart from the farm down the road. Art proposed to Sybil Britson at Younkers' Tea Room in Des Moines, IA, while Roger Williams played "Autumn Leaves" on the piano especially for them. They were married days later on July 20, 1947, in Des Moines. Following their wedding, Art and Sybil followed Art's father to Boulder, CO, where he was trying his hand at chicken farming. After seeing that it would not be a profitable venture, Art worked construction and then started driving a truck, delivering meat to area markets. It was at one of the markets that Art was offered a job with a meat manager who brought him into the world of meat cutting which would remain his career. Art took meat manager positions throughout the United States bringing his family with him as his career advanced. The Fuller family moved to Casper, WY, before returning to Iowa, living in Grinnell, Ottumwa, and Des Moines. Art took a position as Director of Meat Sales in Fargo, N.D. Then the family moved to Columbus, WI, where Art went into business with his brother, co-owning a grocery store. It wasn't long, though, before Art moved his family to Appleton, WI, while he worked in nearby Little Chute as the Regional Meat Director for United Grocers. Art next ventured to Plant City, FL, to work in stores owned by a friend. He was courted by Farmland Foods, who eventually convinced him to move to Denison, IA, in 1976. He took on the position of Retail Meat Specialist, traveling the country offering training and giving seminars dressed in his spotless tuxedo. Farmland relocated Art and Sybil to Lilburn, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. After retiring from Farmland in 1989, Art took a position with Excel Meats, a division of Cargill, as Pork Merchandiser and Meat Consultant. In 1993 Art and Sybil moved to Russellville, KY, where they could be close to their youngest daughter and only grandson, and the commute to Nashville's airport was only an hour. Art retired from Excel on January 1, 1997, and enjoyed his retirement in Russellville. In 2011 Art and Sybil moved to Chandler Assisted Living in Bowling Green, KY, where they enjoyed friendships, card playing, and other activities with fellow residents and staff alike. In February of 2012, when health issues became more complicated for both of them, they moved to Sterling House Assisted Living in La Crosse, WI, to be closer to more family. Art had many interests, but his family was the highlight of his life. He got a kick out of teaching his grandchildren how to play pool, golf and various card games. Many of his younger male relatives will fondly, albeit painfully, remember being schooled in karate by Art. Art and Sybil put hundreds and hundreds of miles on their cars and in the air to attend weddings, graduations, and baptisms. If family was visiting them, one could bet the evening would be spent at the dining room table playing Uno or Dominoes. Art was never shy about taking Sybil out on a dance floor and could often be caught with his granddaughters and other young relatives standing on his feet as he twirled them around for their turn. During his retirement, if Art wasn't traveling, he could typically be found in one of three places. He would be at his computer playing either Mahjong or Solitaire or emailing his enormous contact list of friends and family. Or on nice days he would be found at the local country club taking in 18 holes or socializing. If the weather wasn't cooperating, he would be in his favorite recliner enjoying old western movies starring John Wayne or watching Kentucky basketball, golf tournaments, or really any sporting event. He was a member of Southern Heights Baptist Church, Russellville, KY. Art was also a 50-Year Master Mason of Acanthus Lodge #632 in Des Moines, IA, and a Noble of the Rizpah Shrine, Madisonville, KY. He truly enjoyed all the work he did with children through those organizations and proudly supported the Shriners Children Hospitals. Art was a member of the Legion and supported various Veterans groups. He was also a member of the local country club wherever he lived. Survivors include his wife, Sybil; three daughters: Diane (John) Landro of La Crosse, WI; Sally (Arlen) Harmoning of Eagan, MN; and Nancy Coursey of Russellville, KY. He was blessed with a large, loving family, including six granddaughters: Jennifer (Brad) Kooistra of Mount Horeb, WI; Aimee Derra of La Crosse, WI; Elizabeth (Ben) Leuenberger of Holmen, WI; Nicole (Bill) Grundel of Ocean Springs, MS; Korie DeBruin of Minneapolis, MN; and Stacey (Carl Bartell) Wilson of Minneapolis, MN; one grandson: Lee (Amanda) Coursey of Russellville, KY; five step-grandchildren: Kathy (Kerry) Shannon; Kim (Tom) Garrison; Jeff (Candie) Landro; Jason (Alicia) Landro; and Matt Harmoning; nine great grandchildren: Theo and Arthur Kooistra; Cody Derra; Ben Singleton and Ethan Grundel; Maddie and Birk DeBruin; and Reagan and Lauren Coursey; eleven step great grandchildren: Kevin and Adam Shannon; Hannah and Joe Garrison; Ethan and Owen Landro; Levi, Logan, and Lauren Grundel; Gabriella and Zelda Harmoning; three brothers and their families: Louis "Keith" (Marge) Fuller of Waukesha, WI; Michael (Jeanine) Fuller of Crest Hill, IL; and Charles (Lynne) Fuller of Round Lake, IL; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Wallace Fuller; and his grandson-in-law Mike DeBruin. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14th, at the Alden United Methodist Church in Alden, IA, with a gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church with committal at the Jackson Township Cemetery (aka the Berlin Cemetery) near Owasa, IA. The family is being assisted by Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse, WI, and by Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls, IA. In lieu of plants or flowers memorials can be made to The Minnie Pearl Foundation or the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Alvin Meyer, age 83, of Ackley, died on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Washington Reformed Church in rural Ackley with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 18 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Alvin William Meyer was born on January 4, 1929 at home in Butler County to Albert and Lillian (Meinders) Meyer. Alvin attended The Crooked School in Butler County. Alvin farmed at his parents' home place north of Austinville for 4 years, worked for Jason Manufacturing in Hampton for 11 years and for Ackley Food Processors and Stokely USA for 25 years until retirement. Alvin was united in marriage to Fern Evelyn Huesman on September 7, 1954 at the West Friesland Presbyterian Church in Ackley. Alvin was involved with the Kesley Amvets and he was a Washington Reformed Church Elder. Alvin is survived by his wife Fern, his children Kevin (Tjode Cooper) of Steamboat Rock, Kent (Wanda Dillard) of Ackley, Sheri (Jeff) Schnell of Grimes, Kurt (Jaci Buseman) of Ackley, Shonda (Tim) Ryken of Iowa City, Shelly (Thad) Wunder of Iowa City, and Kyle (Amy Chaney) of Iowa Falls; his grandchildren Tarah (Nick) Slifer, Trent, Garrett Cooper, Drew Cooper, Kendall (Mandy Lodge), Kaci (Wes Elkin), Chuck Ryken, Katie Ryken, Joe Ryken, Samantha Ryken, Brendan Chaney, Kaden and Tenli; and his great-grandchildren Kaylee Elkin and Kaesyn Slifer; two sisters Marion Kramer of Aplington and Arlene Meyer of Aplington and a sister-in-law Marlene Meyer of Ackley. Alvin was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents, his brother LeRoy, two grandsons Connor John Schnell and Trayton Kurtis Meyer, his brother-in-law Harmon Kramer and his sister-in-law Lois Meyer. Memorials may be directed to the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa and the Iowa Heart Center, Mercy Foundation, Des Moines, Iowa. Donna Hoversten, age 68, of Alden, died on Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday at the Alden Cemetery in Alden. Donna Rae Hoversten was born on December 13, 1943 to Howard and Dorthy (Johnson) Short in Webster City, Iowa. Donna graduated from Webster City High School in 1962. Donna is survived by three daughters Roberta (Jerry) Weide of Alden, Iowa, Rhonda (Greg) Bice of Pendleton, Indiana, and Rebecca (Brenton) Schwab of Dows, Iowa; two sons Richard (Tammy) Hoversten of Lee Summit, Missouri and Robert (Marcela) Hoversten of Alden, Iowa, a sister Judy (Phil) Frakes of Sioux City, Iowa and a brother-in-law Merle Wing of Webster City, Iowa. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Janice Wing. Nancy Schwebke, age 73, of Iowa Falls, died at her home on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Mass of the Resurrection will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls with a 2:30 P.M. graveside service at the Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, MN. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Fall with a 7:00 P.M. Vigil Service. Nancy Katherine Schwebke was born on December 4, 1938 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Lavalle and Gladys (Kennelly) Apland. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School and was united in marriage to Kenneth Schwebke on June 11, 1957 in Parkersburg. She had worked as a Consultant for Ellsworth Municipal Hospital. Nancy was a member of the St. Mark Catholic Church, St. Mark Sanctuary Society, Bible Study Class and the Garden Club. Nancy is survived by her two sons, Curtis Schwebke of Boulder Creek, CA and Stephen Schwebke (Karla) of Fairmont, MN; two daughters, Susan Waldee (Richard) of Austin, MN and Lori Mortensen of Faribault, MN; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Judy Swartz (John) of Iowa Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Kenneth. Myrtle Rose, age 91, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls with a 2:00 P.M. graveside service at the Crystal Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Tuesday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, Iowa Falls Garden Club or to the family at Mary Miller, 2512 Knollway Dr., Marshalltown, IA 50158. Myrtle Arlene Rose was born on November 25, 1920 in Ventura, Iowa, the daughter of Wilson and Mary (Skovgarrd) White. She graduated from the Garner High School and attended Hamilton's College. On May 18, 1949 Myrtle was united in marriage to Richard Rose at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Myrtle had worked at the Hancock County Courthouse, Purina, and cafeteria at the Iowa Falls High School. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over fifty years. She was a member of UMW and the Iowa Falls Garden Club. She enjoyed sewing, baking and gardening. Myrtle is survived by her daughter, Mary Miller and her husband, Meredith of Marshalltown; a son, Doug Rose and his wife, Anne of Waterloo; 2 grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Fogle and her husband, Ben and Mary Christina Lowry and her husband, Nate; three great-grandchildren, Landen and Garrett Fogle and Morgan Lowry; and a brother, Robert White and his wife, Joanne of Ventura. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; and a sister Ruth in infancy. Donald Tresemer, age 76, of Council Bluffs, died on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 in Council Bluffs. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday March 3, 2012 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Donald William Tresemer was born on February 16, 1936 and passed away on February, 29, 2012 at Regency Rehabilitation Facility after many health challenges. He was a resident of Council Bluffs, IA and lived with daughter Randie Kunkle and family. Don was born in Iowa Falls, IA to the parents of Dorothy and William Tresemer. Don graduated high school from Iowa Falls, and then went on to obtain a civil engineering degree from Iowa State University. Don married Harriet Lucille Tresemer on January 28, 1962 and they were married for 49 years before Harriet's death in 2010. Don enjoyed his work at Welden Brothers in Iowa Falls for 35 years, before moving to Denton, TX where he acted as an independent consultant. Donald and Harriet moved back to southwest Iowa in 1990 where he worked as the county engineer for Montgomery County, IA as well as Adair County, IA. Don's passion for engineering was obvious as he was always seen carrying a tablet of paper and calculator constantly designing. Donald had several hobbies he was involved in such as studying American history, reading mysteries, and watching numerous sporting events. Don was survived by children: Ray and Patty Tresemer of Centerville, Roxane and Gary Rolph of Steamboat Rock, Rowene Barber and Ed Eischen of Eldora, and Randie and Jim Kunkle of Council Bluffs. His grandchildren are Megan Tresemer Phillips, Tom Tresemer, Kasey and Korey Rullestad, Ryan Rolph, Katie Rolph Drum, Brandon Barber, Charles Barber, Jessica Barber Peters, and Jennifer, Samantha, and James Kunkle Jr. Great-grandchildren are Lauren and Lucas Phillips; Palmer, Gracie, and Lily Drum; Rhonda Rullestad; Chance Tamminga and Legend Rolph, Tyler, Bea, and Mikey Barber, and Joey and Becca Barber. Also left to cherish his memory is his sister Pat Keough. Don was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and William Tresemer, wife Harriet Tresemer, and daughter Rhonda Rullestad. Memorials may be made out to the Family of Donald Tresemer in lieu of flowers. Joan Reagan, age 81, of Alden, died on Monday, February 13, 2012 at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls. Memorial services will be 1:30 P.M. Monday at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ in Alden with inurnment in the Rowan Cemetery. There will be no visitation. The Surls Funeral Home in Alden is in charge of arrangements. Joan Marilee Reagan was born on April 20, 1930 in Galt, Iowa to Shirley and Mildred (Duffy) Ketchum. Joan attended various country schools and graduated from Alden High School in 1947. Joan was united in marriage to Merlyn H. Reagan in 1958 at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ in Alden, Iowa. Joan is survived by her husband Merlyn, a daughter Renee Opperud, a brother Richard (Isabelle) Ketchum, an uncle Robert Duffy, three sisters-in-law and several grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Irene Lucille Hackbarth, age 98, of Iowa Falls, and formerly of Dows, died at Heritage Care Center on Thursday, February 9, 2012. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls with burial in the Northlawn Memory Gardens, rural Iowa Falls. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Monday at the Surls Funeral Home of Iowa Falls. Irene was born on June 28, 1913 in rural Alden, Iowa, the daughter of Alfred and Sylvia (Coy) Langesen. Irene went to school at Oakland Valley District 8, graduated from Popejoy High School, and the State Teachers College now known as UNI in Cedar Falls. She had taught 3 years country school (Sunny Corner) at Oakland No. 9 for $50 a month, taught 3 years at Popejoy Junior High School, and taught 1 year at Alexander Junior High. Irene was united in marriage to Dale Hackbarth on December 20, 1941 in Kansas City, MO. She was a member of the Morgan United Methodist Church in Dows, Morgan UMW, the Morgan Study Club, Franklin Co. Conservation Board member, Franklin Co. Extension Council Member, Franklin Co. 4-H Council member, 4-H Leader, Girl Scout Leader, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother. Irene is survived by her daughter, Sandy Harris and her husband, Bruce of Iowa Falls; a son, Kevin Hackbarth of Muncie, IN; a grandson, Shane Harris and his wife, Laurie of Altoona; a granddaughter, Shelby Phippen and her husband, Chuck of Exira; and two great-grandsons, Spencer Harris and Lucas Harris of Altoona. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; a brother, Glen Langesen; and a sister, Velma Mae. Mark Duane Swart, age 44, of Steamboat Rock died on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at his home. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Wednesday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. A memorial fund has been established for his children and may be directed to his wife, Michele. Mark was born on November 22, 1967 in Iowa Falls, Iowa, the son of Duane and Susan (Kurth) Swart. He graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1986 and Ellsworth Community College in 1987. He went to the University of Iowa in 1995 and then went on to Iowa State in 1996, graduating in 1997 with a degree in Agriculture Management. Mark was united in marriage to Michele Hendrickson on February 8, 2002 in Key Largo, Florida. Mark was passionate about farming, deer hunting, the outdoors, and spending time with his family at the home he built on the Iowa River. He is loved and will be missed by many. Mark is survived by his wife, Michele of Steamboat Rock; his son, Jake Swart at home; his daughter, Cheyenne Swart at home; his parents, Duane and Susan Swart of Iowa Falls; and two brothers, John Swart and his wife, Tina and their children, Nathan and Eric of Gilbert; and Dale Swart and his daughter, Brenna of Iowa Falls. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents. Arthur Gerzema, age 86, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 6, 2012 at St. Peters UCC in rural Geneva with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 5 at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Arthur E. Gerzema was born on October 2, 1925 on the family farm at Ackley, the son of Ebbel and Johanna (Ennen) Gerzema. Arthur went to school at Grant Center and was affiliated with St. Peter's U.C.C. in rural Geneva. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, auctions, garage sales, bicycles and guns. Arthur is survived by his sister, Lena Gerzema of Ackley; his brother Harvey Gerzema of Iowa Falls; a sister-in-law, Vera (George) Gerzema of Iowa Falls; and 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Claus, John, Fred, Matt, George and Ebbel; sisters, Hattie (Albert) Heins, Johanna (LaVern) Lemke, Mattie (Sam) Green and Grace (Ewald) Poley; and two nieces, Darlene Bucholz and Nancy Kornfeld. Ruth Ites, age 87, of Alden, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 Wednesday February 1, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Alden with burial at the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Ruth Geraldine Ites was born February 24, 1924 at her parent's home, north of Iowa Falls, to Gerald and Katie Meyer. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1942. She married Robert G. Ites on February 3, 1944. They farmed south of Alden all of their life until moving to Alden in 1996. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Alden. She loved baking, dancing, and playing cards. She is survived by a daughter, Karen Lykam and husband, Jack of Davenport; a son, Larry Ites and wife Patti of Alden, grandchildren, Shawn and Colleen Ites of Dexter, Shawn and Monique Ites of McCloud, CA, Jerry and Deb Brown of Bettendorf, Dee Lykam of Davenport; great-grandchildren, Madison Paige Ites and Melanie Ruth Ites, Jason and John Brown, a sister, Elena Ites, and her Shih Tzu, "Honey". She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; her parents; and one brother, Alvin Meyer. The family asks that memorials be directed to Lynn Bollinger for the Veterans Memorial Fund at the Alden Cemetery Elwood Geiken, age 84, of Ackley, died on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab. Memorial services will be 2:30 P.M. Saturday, January 28th at the Elliott Keninger American Legion Post #252 in Ackley with private family inurnment. Family will receive friends from 1-2:30 P.M. on Saturday before services at the American Legion. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley is in charge of arrangements. Elwood Geiken was born on January 3, 1928 in rural Grundy County, Iowa, the son of Martin and Anna (Miller) Geiken. He attended country school in Grundy County. On October 23, 1954 Elwood was united in marriage to Tillie Muller at the Dumont Reformed Church. Elwood had served in the U.S. Army. He had been a carpenter, worked as a milkman for 17 years with A.E., owned Geik's Bar in Ackley for approximately 10 years, and did various other jobs. Elwood enjoyed sitting outside, fishing, camping, being with his family, and the American Legion. Elwood is survived by his wife, Tillie; a son, Myron and his wife, LaVon Geiken of Ackley; a daughter, Joyce Geiken of Ackley; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter, Katharine Campbell; a brother, Jake Geiken; and four sisters, Hilda Eckhoff, Katie Geisking, Jennie Christenson, and Marian Funnel. Oscar Webber, age 70, from Marshalltown, and formerly of Iowa Falls, died on Monday January 23, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. A celebration of life will be 1 PM Saturday January 28, 2012 at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls. Oscar J. Webber was born June 22nd, 1941 in the former Webber family home located at 222 Washington Ave, in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was the younger of two children born to Doctor Scott I. and Eva Elizabeth Hogan Webber. Upon Graduating from Iowa Falls High School, May 26th, 1959, he joined the United States Navy, after 22 years faithful and honorable service to his Country; he retired a Hospital Corpsman 1st Class, with a Certification in X-Ray Technology. In his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling with his sister Olive to most of the lower 48 States and Canada. Oscar's one true passion was his ancestry and discovering his heritage that he was very proud of. He also loved animals and had several K-9 companions thru the years. He was a very compassionate and giving person as he volunteered much of his time to the Iowa River Hospice and the House of Compassion, both located in Marshalltown. He loved to play cribbage and upwords with his family and friends, more accurately he love to beat them at the games and over the years has proven to be very good at it. He is survived by his 5 nieces and nephews, of which he was a father figure and mentor for many years: Russell S. Norem of Des Moines, Kathy McDonald of Bondurant, Marie (Mark) Oakley of Ackworth, Thomas A. (Lori) of Des Moines, and Anthony T. (Karen) Norem of Centerville, Ohio. His 6 great nieces and nephews: Heather (Tramayne) Purser of Huxley, Ashley and Eli Norem of Des Moines, Andrew McDonald of Indianola, Christopher (Ashley) Foster of Ankeny, Iowa and Kristy of Centerville, Ohio and four great, great niece and nephews, Chloe and Dierks Purser of Huxley and Levi Ryan and Caisen Scott Foster of Ankeny and two favorite cousins, Jolene Thompson and Linda Manske of Iowa Falls. Oscar was preceded in death and will be reunited with his sister, Olive M. Webber Norem, his father Dr. Scott I. Webber, his mother, Eva Elizabeth Hogan Webber, his grandparents and many other relatives, friends and his loyal companions Cope and Spring. In lieu of flowers the families ask that donations be made to the House of Compassion in Marshalltown, Iowa. Wilma Klemme, age 88, of Ackley, died on Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Maple Manor Village in Aplington. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday at the St. John's UCC in Ackley with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Visitation will be 3-5 P.M. Sunday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Wilma Irene Schultz Klemme was born on October 2, 1923 in Ackley, Iowa, the daughter of Herman and Fannie (Janssen) Schultz. Wilma attended country school German #3 through the 8th grade. She graduated from Ackley High School in 1941. She graduated from Ellsworth College and received a lifetime teaching license. Wilma was an Elementary teacher in Clemons and Hubbard Community Schools. On September 15, 1954 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Klemme of Hubbard. They farmed on the home farm in Hubbard. February 25, 1960 they moved to a farm two miles west and four miles south of Aplington. Wilma was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ where she was a Sunday School teacher and Sunshine Circle member from many years. They retired from farming in 1993. Kenneth passed away in February 1995. Wilma then moved to Ackley the fall of 1995. Wilma is survived by her three daughters, Janet (David) Kehm of LeMars, Diane Klemme of Menomonie, WI, and Karen (Rick) Hayes of Urbandale; two grandchildren, Sarah and Brian; and a brother, Dale Schultz of Aplington. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Kenneth Carl F. Richtsmeier, age 92, of Iowa Falls and formerly of Hampton died at his home on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Hampton with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Friday at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls and one hour before services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Carl passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Doris, and their four children. Carl was born on September 21, 1919 in Robertson, Iowa, the son of Herman H. and Mazie (Bowers) Richtsmeier. He was the eldest son in Herman and Mazie's family of seven children. He graduated from the Geneva High School in 1938. On October 6, 1940 Carl was united in marriage with Doris Boyenga at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. Carl was very proud to have served during WWII in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. He served as a Motor Machinist Mate and .50 caliber machinegun gunner on an LSM in the Pacific Theatre. Carl was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of American Legion Post #183 in Hampton. Shortly after WWII started, Doris and Carl moved to Seattle, WA where they were employed at the Seattle-Tacoma shipyards for about two years. After Carl came home from the war, he and his wife rolled up their sleeves and with the help of Doris’s father William Boyenga built their home in Hampton,where they lived for the next 64 years. Carl and his wife Doris built and ran Richie's Drive-In on the south edge of Hampton from 1947-1953. Carl worked in the Hampton Post Office for 33 years, retiring as Postmaster in 1977. Carl was a member of the United Methodist Church in Hampton. In 2007 Carl and Doris moved to Oak Terrace in Iowa Falls. Carl enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and traveling to visit his children. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing vegetables, fruits and flowers to share with friends and family. Carl had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease and laugh. He was a devoted husband and father. He dearly loved his family and was very proud of them. They all loved him very much. He will be missed profoundly. Carl is survived by his wife, Doris; his son, Ron Richtsmeier and his wife, Judie of New Braunfels, TX; three daughters, Judy Schwab and her husband, Mike of Colorado Springs, CO, Rhonda Richtsmeier and her fiancé, Sam Johnson of Eagle River, AK, and Debbie Sietsema and her husband, Randy of Iowa Falls; 6 grandchildren, Chad Schwab (Sarah) of Highlands Ranch, CO, Cory Schwab (Rachael) of Denver, CO, Stacy Dreessen (Joel) of Houston, TX, Scott Sietsema (Blake Peck) of Iowa Falls, Todd Sietsema (Adriane Gehl) of Iowa Falls, and Brooke Sietsema of Iowa Falls; 4 great-grandchildren, Collin, Aiden, and Talon Schwab and Dylan Dreessen; and two sisters, Leola Chaney and her husband, Jim of Hampton and Marian Johnson of Hampton. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Virgil (Dutch) Richtsmeier; three sisters, Merna Ites, Vera Claude, and Fern, who died as a child and 3 brothers-in-law. Donna Mae (Dodd) Roegner, 79, of Ackley, passed away peacefully in the Hospice of North Iowa at Mason City surrounded by family on Sunday January 8, 2012. Funeral services will be in the Geneva Methodist Church at 10:30a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. Her visitation will be at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, Iowa from 4-8p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. She will be laid to rest in the Hampton Cemetery with Reverend Harry Imlay officiating. Donna was born on December 8, 1932 in Hampton, Iowa to Victor and Marie (Taylor) Dodd. She graduated from the Geneva High School in 1951. Donna was united in marriage to Norman Roegner on September 16, 1951 at the Geneva Methodist Church and to this union four daughters were born. They lived and farmed in the Geneva area before moving to Ackley in 1984. Donna was a very loving and devoted wife and mother all her life. She was very active in the Geneva Methodist Church and a member of the Abigail Circle. She was very involved with the planning and decorating of the UMC fellowship hall. Donna was a wonderful cook and one of her favorite things was helping out with serving and preparing the many meals that were served at the church over the years. Donna was very active her whole life. She loved sewing, cooking, reading, shopping, gardening, putting together puzzles, decorating, golfing, and going to all of her children's and grandchildren's activities. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her family and friends. Donna is survived by her husband, Norman, her four daughters, Carol (Mike) Van Hove of Ackley, Iowa, Nancy (Steve) Mikelson of St. Peter, Minnesota, Karen (Steve) Bruns of Alexander, Iowa, Tracy Roegner of Waverly, Iowa, two brothers, Danny (Carolyn) Dodd of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Bud Dodd of Geneva, Iowa, and sister-in-law Teresa Dodd of Gladstone, Missouri, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Marie Dodd, her sister and brother-in-law, Veneta and Darwin Norman, her brother, Don Dodd, sister-in-law Bonnie Dodd, and grandson, Andrew Barz. Bertha (Bert) Blome, age 95, of Iowa Falls and formerly of Alden, died on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday January 10th, 2012 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Buckeye with burial in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7:30 at the Surls Funeral Home in Alden. Bertha (Bert) Gertrude Lettow Blome was born on October 11, 1916, the daughter of Emil Lettow and Marie Margaret Sielaff Lettow. She grew up on a farm near Buckeye. Bert graduated from the Buckeye High School in 1935. She then attended Ellsworth College and received her degree and teaching certificate on May 26, 1938. She taught at the country school near Buckeye for two years. Bert married Vernon R. Blome at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Buckeye on June 19, 1940. They lived on a farm west of Buckeye for several years before moving to their farm southwest of Alden. They moved to the farm across the road in 1961 where she resided until moving to Ashbrook Assisted Living in Iowa Falls and most recently residing at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. Bert and Vernon were blessed with four children; William, Thomas, Michael and Kathryn. Bert is survived by three of her children, Thomas (Judy) of Jackson, MO, Michael (Kathy) of Alden and Kathryn Thompson of Ames; a daughter-in-law, Judith Blome of Ankeny; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Bert was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; a son, William; one sister; and six brothers. Bert was baptized and confirmed at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Buckeye where she was a lifetime member. She was very active in the Ladies Aid and the church activities. Bert loved to garden, raising her vegetables and providing countless flower bouquets for the church. She was also well known for the many violets that she grew and gave away. Bert was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed making many quilts for her family. She helped the church ladies make many quilts which were donated to World Refief. She enjoyed baking, reading, playing cards, and especially her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends. She is now with Jesus and all of her loved ones who preceded her; therefore, we rejoice with her.