Obituaries
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 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. Pauls 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. Pauls 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 Pauls 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,
1941the day before Pearl Harbor DayCalvin 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. Johns 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 Boyts. 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.
Pauls 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 Eds Appliance and Service for 28 years. She was a member of St.
Johns 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
Saviours 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.
Davids career started as a teacher of
mathematics in Monona, Iowa. In 195859, 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 Davids 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 uncles 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
womens 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. Pauls 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 Doriss 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.
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