Harold Frick

Harold Albert Frick, 96, of Elkader died peacefully at his sons’ home, Monday, July 3, 2017, in Manchester, Iowa.

He was born August 27, 1920 in Plain, WI to Alfred and Rose (Nachreiner) Frick.

Harold was united in marriage to Letha Marie McManus on May 18, 1946, in Pontiac, MI. The couple was married for 62 years and blessed with four children. They spent their winters in Winter Haven, FL. for over 25 years.

He proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August of 1942 and wounded in action on the 8^th day of the Battle of Iwo Jima on Feb. 26, 1945. He was discharged as a Private First Class in August 1945 after recovering from his wounds. Harold was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a local member of the VFW Post 106 and American Legion Posts: Elkader, IA Post #0106 and Sebastopol, CA Post #3919. 

His family was his proudest accomplishment, and he especially cherished the time spent with his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. 

His legacy of storytelling left a lasting impression of his fun and adventurous life.

Harold was a champion golfer and bowler. He enjoyed fly-fishing in Pony Creek and hunting, but trapping was viewed as his “No.1 Sport by far!” He was a meat man and known far and wide for his famous “Raw Dawg,” or Steak Tartare, as some call it. 

He was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church and Elkader Golf & Country Club. 

He grew up in Milwaukee, WI, but spent his summers with his grandparents in Plain, WI, where he learned to love the farming life. 

He is a lifelong Badger and Packer fan.  

Harold is survived by his children, James (Carolyn) Frick of White Bear Lake, MN, Judy (Michael) Tuhtan of Sebastopol, CA, Susan (Michael) Garrels of Laurel, IA and Thomas (Julie) Frick of Manchester, IA; 14 grandchildren, Harold Frick (Mya Bohan, fiancé), Mary Jane (Dan) Marier, Christine (Will) Anderson, Melissa (Tom) Lorang, Mendy (Dominic) Cerniglio, Josh Tuhtan (Gail Friedman), Jeff (Asya) Tuhtan, Nick (Melissa) Tuhtan, Dr. Kathryn (Seth) Williams, Andrew (Kyla) Garrels, Jenna (Levi) Roseland, Nathan Frick, Carter Frick and Bryce Frick; 19 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ray and Rose Maxwell and Alfred Frick; his wife, Letha in 2008; and one brother, Alfred R. Frick

Memorials may be directed to The Quilts of Valor, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #106, or the Fisher House Foundation in Harold’s name.

Visitation: 2 to 5 pm on Sunday July 23, 2017, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home, Elkader, IA with a Time of Remembering and Scripture from 4:30 to 5 pm

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 am on Monday July 24, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elkader, IA

Celebrant: Rev. John S. Haugen 

Inurnment with Military Honors: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader, IA

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader is assi

Linda Becker

Linda L. Becker, 68, of Sumner, died Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, following a sudden and unexpected illness.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. Cheryl Szabo officiating. Burial will follow at Union Mound Cemetery in Sumner. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 18^th at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be given to the family for designation at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Linda Lou, daughter of Alvin and Alice Mae Rude Gald, was born February 26, 1949, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed at Westby-Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby, Wisconsin. She attended rural country school and graduated as the class valedictorian from Westby High School in 1967. She then graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1971, and began teaching elementary school at Galesville, Wisconsin. She then taught for several years in the Marion, Iowa School District. On June 18, 1977, she was united in marriage with Bob Becker at her home church in Westby. In 1980, she, her husband and their daughter, Leigh Ann moved to Sumner. Two more children, Erin Marie and Robert Jay would join the family, and Linda would live out her life’s dream of rearing her children and watching them grow to adulthood. As the grandchildren started to arrive, Madi, Ben, Owen, and Jack, her joy only increased as she spent time with them. In the last several years, she returned to the classroom and substitute taught in several area school districts, and she also assisted her husband over the years in his work. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, where she of course, taught Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. She also enjoyed being a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the more than thirty-five years she played bridge with essentially the same women. Of all her many pleasures, all pale in comparison to the time she spent with her family.

In addition to her husband, Bob of Sumner, she is survived by her children, Leigh Ann (Brady) Wachter of West Des Moines, Erin (Ryan) Sawyer of Waukee, and Jay (Beth) Becker of Sumner; her grandchildren, Madilyn Duhrkopf, Ben and Owen Wachter, and Jack Becker; her mother, Alice Nelson of Viroqua, Wisconsin; three siblings, Mary Ann McDonald of Ontario, Wisconsin, Robin (Brian) Kenyon of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and Kent Nelson of Westby, Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews; aunt Lucille Weidner of Westby, Wisconsin; and her dear friend, Louise Kutz of Columbus, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alvin Gald; step-father, Kenneth Nelson; and special uncle, Art Rude, who made his home on the family farm where Linda grew up.

Dorothea Odekirk

Dorothea M. Odekirk, 89, of Fayette died Monday, July 10, 2017 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017, at the United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Mee Kang officiating. Interment will follow at Dunham Grove Cemetery rural, Randalia.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 14^th at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be made in her name to the United Methodist Church in Fayette or Palmer Lutheran Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Dorothea Maude, daughter of Jens and Grace (Follmer) Olsen was born August 10, 1927, at home in rural Winthrop, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Hazelton. Dorothea received her education in the Hazelton Schools graduating from Hazelton High School. Following high school, she received her teaching certificate from Upper Iowa University in Fayette. On July 10, 1944, Dorothea was united in marriage with Burton Odekirk at the United Methodist Church in Fayette. To this union two children were born, Warren and Anita. She taught in the Randalia, Sumner, and Fayette Schools for many years and in addition to teaching completed her Bachelor’s Degree from Upper Iowa University. Dorothea retired from teaching in 1986. She was a long time member of the United Methodist Church in Fayette, A.A.U.W., and Delta Kappa Gamma where she served as an officer for many years. Dorothea loved playing cards.

In addition to her husband, Burton of Fayette, she is survived by her two children, Warren (Carol) Odekirk of Bloomington, Illinois, and Pastor Anita Bane of Rockewell City; two grandchildren, Aaron (Paula) Odekirk, and Laura (Dan) Sinkgraven; one brother, Norman (Roberta) Olsen of Latimer; one sister, Marie Eisenman of Grinnell.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Olsen.

Willys Fritz

Willys “Willie” Fritz, 83, of West Union, Iowa died Monday, July 17, 2017 in West Union, Iowa from injuries sustained in a car accident. 

He was born on Father’s Day on a farm near Alpha, Iowa to Alfred and Elsie (Borcherding) Fritz on June 17, 1934. He was the oldest of two children. 

He was baptized at St. Peter (Richfield) on July 8, 1934 in Sumner, Iowa and confirmed on March 21, 1948 at St John Lutheran Church in Sumner. 

Willie learned the value of hard work at the young age of 13, when he lost his father. His first job was at the Sumner Bakery. He also worked for Sumner Tire where he fixed a tire for 75 cents and cleaned a car inside and out for $1.50. 

He graduated from Sumner High School in 1952. 

He met the love of his life on a blind date in 1954 while attending the Dairy Days celebration in Fredericksburg, Iowa. While on a carnival ride, he lost his change, causing him to ask his grandpa for more money. 

He married his soul mate, Leanne Schultz on March 3, 1957 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sumner, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Susan (Kevin) Lueder, Katheryn (Richard) Anderson, and Daniel (Tina) Fritz. 

Willie was a successful self-taught businessman and in 1972, Willie and Leanne moved their family from Sumner to West Union where he owned and operated West Union Tire. In 1985, he sold the business to Don Fauser and worked as a salesman for Fauser Oil until he retired in 2012.

Their children blessed them with five grandchildren. Willie and Leanne shared wonderful memories attending the many various activities their grandchildren were involved in. Whether it was watching them show their 4-H projects and cattle at the county fair, attending school band concerts or enjoying their baseball and sporting events.  

He was a proud supporter of the local high school events. Rain or shine you could find him and daughter Sue at the High School Football games where they haven’t missed a single game in 12 years.  

He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Willie especially loved to follow the football team, attending his first game in 1947. For several years he was a season ticket holder and loved to take his children and grandchildren to the games. He enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Vikings as well.   

Willie and Leanne enjoyed traveling together. Over the years he attended two World Series games and the Westminster Dog Show in NYC. He also enjoyed trips to Switzerland, Germany, and Alaska.

As a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church he was an active member who has held every lay position possible. For many years he was counted on to open the church every Sunday morning and make sure the coffee was started. He truly lived his faith every single day.  Willie was a longtime member of the Lions Club and enjoyed being actively involved with all the club activities.

Along with his wife they collected antiques, graniteware, toy tractors, and a collection of 20 old clocks which he wound every Saturday night. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family. 

Willie was known for his love of animals and especially dogs. He could often been seen around town with their two French Bull Dogs, Abbie and Sammy, which were fondly referred to as bowling balls with legs by family members.

He will always be remembered as a loving man with a heart of gold whose biggest pride and joy was his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather; brother, Darwin, and daughter Katheryn as well as many four legged companions. 

He is survived by the love of his life, Leanne; daughter Sue (Kevin) Lueder of West Union, Iowa, son Daniel (Tina) Fritz of Johnston, Iowa; grandchildren Christopher, Kayla (Ben Guthrie), Gabrielle, Jack and Logan and four-legged children, Abbie and Sammy, as well as many relatives and many special friends.    

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

Memorial Service was held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the Officiant.

Burial will be at a later date at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements. 30u30 

Michael Fielding

Michael “Mike” Fielding, 77, died peacefully on Monday, July 17, 2017 in Royal Blackburn Hospital. 

Much loved husband of Val and father to Andrea and Louise, granddad to Jack, Ben, Emma and Mattias, Fielding was a former teacher for over 30 years at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 28, 2017, at Accrington Crematorium, followed by cremation. 

Memorials, if so desired, in memory of Mike may be given to: The Alzheimer's Society and/or British Heart Foundation, c/o Clitheroe Funeral Service, 10/12 Whalley Road, Clitheroe, BB7 1AW. 01200 443045.

Mike Fielding was instrumental in establishing the British Exchange program at North Fayette High School. 

In 1985, Steve Story, principal of North Fayette High School, visited Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, northeast of Manchester, England, in the Ribble Valley. Clitheroe is located along the Lancashire-Yorkshire border. He met with Mike Fielding, Eddie Murphy (both teachers) and Clive Darley (headmaster). Arrangements were made for North Fayette students to travel to Clitheroe in the summer of 1986 and Clitheroe students to arrive in West Union in March-April 1987. 

Mike and his wife, Val, accompanied Clitheroe students to West Union on many exchanges and will be remembered fondly by North Fayette students and their parents.  

If interested in contacting Val Fielding, her mailing address may be obtained from United Methodist Church, West Union.  30u30

Duane Wander

Duane Wander of Springfield, Ore., died Wednesday evening, July 19, 2017, at his home.

He is the brother of Linda (Jerry) Anderson and Keith Wander of Clermont.

No funeral services have been set at this time.

Townsend Mills "Ted" Cass

Townsend Mills “Ted” Cass, born in Waterloo Iowa in 1934, died peacefully July 30 at a health care facility in Brewer, Maine.  

He spent part of his childhood in Tulsa OK, and   was for many years a resident of Sumner IA where the family owned the Cass Family dairy and crop farm.

He and his former wife Nuna moved to Sullivan ME in 1986 from Clermont, Iowa.

Ted was a remarkable individual who left a strong impression on everyone who knew him. He spent at least one college summer as a merchant mariner (oiler and wiper,) working as a deckhand on a Texaco oil tanker, little knowing that a coasting trip from Texas, which included jumping into Portland Harbor on a dare, (and getting out of the water as fast as possible) and a stop at Brewer, would be first glimpses of his last home state.

A Spanish teacher by training, with a degree from Trinity College in Hartford CT, and a Masters degree at the Middlebury Language Schools in VT, he traveled widely in Spain whenever he could. 

Ted taught at the Minnesota School for the Blind in Faribault, MN, the Mount Hermon School in MA, at the Pomfret School in CT., the White Mountain School in NH and at St. Marks School in MA. 

He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Chile, later agricultural program manager in Uruguay, a crew member on the Antarctic research vessel “Hero,” a philosopher, a traveler, a talker, and a vegetable gardener (“I’m going down to talk to the cabbages.”) He was an ardent fan of the Iowa NCAA Hawkeye wrestling team.  

Locally, he worked at Sorrento’s Blink Bonnie golf course, and for Clayton Nowell Plumbing and Heating in Hancock. He and Nuna also ran Green Hill Farm B&B for ten years.

Ted read widely, was a history buff, and had a fascination for people’s’ stories from all walks of life, with good tales of spending one summer working with a Basque shepherd out west. A relative once said, “Ted could hold an intelligent conversation with a fencepost.” He was a good correspondent, who wrote by hand with a fountain pen on yellow paper, or clacked away on an ancient upright typewriter.  He was known for his strong convictions and fully-engaged friendships.

A series of strokes forced a move to the Brewer Center for Health and Rehabilitation, where Ted lived courageously for 13  years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Richard S. Cass and Jane Pratt Cass of Sumner IA and Tulsa OK, his sister Lee Cass Carter, and his brother Richard S. Cass Jr. 

He is survived by his sister-in-law Sandra Cass, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also remembered by many friends locally and abroad. He will be missed.

Bragdon-Kelley will host a memorial gathering (informal) for friends to be held from 5pm-7pm on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 215 Main Street Ellsworth, Maine. 

Interment will be in the Cass family plot in the Union Mound Cemetery, Sumner Iowa, at Ted’s request.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Sumner Public Library 206 N. Railroad Street Sumner, IA 50674; email: library@sumner.lib.ia.  32u32

Lydia Murphy

Lydia Murphy, 88, of Clermont, Iowa died Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Stoney Brook Village in West Union, Iowa. Lydia Crystal was born December 4, 1928 to Clarence and Lydia (Anderson) Thorson at the family home in Clermont, Iowa. She graduated from Clermont High School in 1947.

Lydia was united in marriage with Gerald Schneider on February 27, 1949, six children were born to this union, and they later divorced. She was then united in marriage with Eugene Murphy on March 1, 1975.

While young, Lydia worked for Baechlers Dry Goods. Lydia was always busy on the farm and would haul can milk. Throughout the years she worked as a CNA at Methwick Nursing Home in Cedar Rapids, Home Health in Cedar Rapids, for Nordec, in Waukon, Iowa and Good Samaritan Society in Postville, Iowa. She enjoyed writing in her journals, making comforters for her grandchildren and traveling, especially her trip to Turkey. 

Lydia is survived by her six children, Dave(Joanne) Schneider of Postville, Iowa, Ed Schneider of Clermont, Iowa, Karen (Dave) Roberts of Palo, Iowa, LuAnn (Jeff) Alber of Ossian, Iowa, Gary (Lisa) Schneider of Elgin, Iowa and Melinda (Brian) Schroeder of Clermont, Iowa; four step-children, twins Debbie and Danny Murphy and twins, Dennis and Donny Murphy; sixteen grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren; thirteen step grand-children; sister, Elaine (Enis) Elagoz of Izmir, Turkey; and one brother, Roger Thorson of Elgin, Iowa.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Murphy; grandchildren, Layne Schneider, Dustin Roberts and Chad Roberts; two step-children, twins Patty and Tim Murphy; her parents, Lydia Thorson and Clarence Thorson; step-mother Lillian; and her brother Jerry Thorson.

  Visitation was held from 4-6 pm on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at East Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa. There was also a one hour visitation at the church before services on Monday.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am, Monday, August 7, 2017 at East Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Ron Roberts as the officiant.

Burial followed at East Clermont Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa.

Kathleen (Huinker) Timp

Kathleen Marie Timp, 48, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2017 at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 7, at Resurrection Catholic Church. 

Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery. 

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. was in charge of the arrangements.

Kathleen was born on March 28, 1969 in Decorah, Iowa the daughter of Dennis and Elberta (Moellers) Huinker. 

She graduated as a Four-Year Fine Art Scholar at Coe College in 1991 and earned her Bachelors in Communications from Clarke College in 1999.

On June 19, 1993, she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Timp at St. Aloysius Church in Calmar, Iowa.

In 1991 she accepted a position in Dubuque as an Art Editor at Wm. C. Brown Publishing (present day McGraw-Hill Education).  

In 1997, Kathleen began freelancing art, editorial development, design and sales services for McGraw-Hill Education as well as area businesses and organizations from a home office while working full-time as a stay-at-home parent caring for her four beautiful children from infancy to present.  

Kathleen also spent 12 years “decorating women” as a Silpada Designs Sales Representative.

Kathleen viewed art everywhere, whether it was an everyday object, in shapes and spaces, in architecture, in nature, in faces, in colors and patterns.  Her instinct was to create where ideas flowed into producing her own work.  Kathleen’s lifelong love of art culminated in a gallery showing of her photography in a local Dubuque gallery this summer.  It was a “dream come true” for this accomplished artist.

Kathleen had incredibly strong faith. She was involved in several church activities including Ministry of Mom’s Sharing and participated in several Christian Experience Weekends. She was a Eucharistic Minister at the Church of the Resurrection and a confirmation leader. Her Resurrection Bible study group was very dear to her.

Kathleen was a fierce competitor!  She was an all-state softball player, enjoyed playing tennis, board games and practicing yoga. She also coached her daughter Sydney’s Silver Sluggers softball team in the DGIL.  Some of Kathleen’s most cherished time was spent with her family watching her children participate in athletic events. 

Surviving is her husband, Thomas; children, Nolan, Alexander, Sydney and Samuel; her parents, Dennis and Elberta Huinker; siblings, Wayne (Roxanne) Huinker, John (Ruth) Huinker, Mike (Kim) Huinker, Ann (Dennis) Tressel, Ed Huinker, Jean (Jim) Kircher and Becky Huinker; mother-in-law Serena Timp; brothers and sisters-in-law, Renee Timp, Lori Franz (Brian), Rae Lynne Timp, Andre Timp and Jennifer Oltman (Troy) and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents.

For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

In lieu of flowers a Kathleen Timp Memorial Fund has been established.

Dennis Moritz

Dennis Michael “Moritzy” Moritz, 76, of Elgin, Iowa died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa.  

Dennis Michael was born June 10, 1941 to Milo and Jean (Gager) Moritz in Luana, Iowa. 

He attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from North High School, West Union, Iowa.

Dennis was united in marriage with Karolyn Kerr on Jan. 16, 1961, they later divorced. 

He farmed most of his life in the West Union and Elgin area. Dennis also owned and operated Moritz Stump Removal for many years. He also worked for John Deere for a time. After retirement, Dennis worked for Nick Polfer as the “general manager”. 

Dennis was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting, gardening and spending time with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Dennis is survived by his three children, Tammie (Dan Becker) Crandall of Elgin, Iowa, Terrie (Kevin) Musland of Elgin, Iowa and Jane (Mark) Gamm of West Union, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two sisters, Judy (Bob) Williams of Palo, Iowa and Nancy (Gail) Pontenberg of New Hampton, Iowa; two brothers, Larry (Chris) Moritz of West Union, Iowa and Terry (Kelly) Moritz of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Jean Moritz; son, Dennis Michael Moritz Jr.; grandson, Brandon Moritz; and a son-in-law, Matt Sigmon.

Funeral Service was held at 7 pm, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Ginny Olson as the Officiant.

Burial was at 9 am, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 at God’s Acres Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa. Casual attire requested.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.

    33u33

Ethel Flack

Ethel Murein Flack, 88, of Postville, Iowa died Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Good Samaritan Society, Postville, Iowa. Ethel Murein was born, February 24, 1929 to Gottfried and Clara (Knutson) Kurth in Gunder, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa. Ethel graduated from Postville High School in 1946.

Ethel was united in marriage with Wayne Flack on September 28, 1946 at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa. She was a farm wife and also worked at Iowa Turkey Products. Ethel worked as a clerk for the S & S Foodliner and Moores IGA for twenty-six years, retiring in 1994.  After retirement, Ethel worked part time at the Valley C-Store in Clermont. Ethel was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women, Clermont American Legion Auxiliary and Business Professional Women of Clermont. She enjoyed playing cards and belonged to a few card clubs. She enjoyed embroidery and cooking.  Ethel loved to spend time with her family and friends.

In an interview for the Postville Herald, Ethel related her rewarding career at the grocery store saying, “I worked there for 26 years, retiring in 1994. I loved my years at the store.  Getting to know people and their families was great.  I saw kids grow up, get married and have a family of their own.  I held babies while mothers wrote their checks for groceries.  I always memorized the sale items as they weren’t keyed into the register at that time.  I always knew exactly how many Tootie Rolls to send for the kids in each family. It was a wonderful place to work.  We were family at the store.” 

Ethel is survived by her two children; David (Pauline) Flack of Postville, Iowa and LuAnn (Allen) Friederich of Luana, Iowa; five grandchildren, Travis (Missy) Flack, Casey (Kristi) Flack, Nicole (Drew) Duerling, Heather (Dan) Buhrmann and Derek (Anne) Friederich; eleven great grandchildren, Kelly Buhrmann, Joe Buhrmann, John Buhrmann, Tyler Duerling, Colton Duerling, Spencer Schuchmann, Trenten Matti, Dylan Matti, Jeff Flack, Lucy Flack and Riley Brockway; one sister, Ruby Koehn of Elkader, Iowa; any several nieces and nephews.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Flack; son, Larry Flack; her parents, Gottfried and Clara Kurth; and one brother, Milton Kurth.

Visitation will be 3-6 pm, Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Community Presbyterian Church, Postville, Iowa with a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Monday, August 14, 2017 at Community Presbyterian Church, Postville, Iowa with Rev. Gary Catterson as the officiant.

Burial will follow at Gods Acres, Clermont, Iowa.

Schutte- Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.

John Svendsen

John E. Svendsen, 85, of Castalia, Iowa died Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota.  John Edward, the son of Johannes “John” and Anna (Mikkelson) Svendsen, was born September 25, 1931 at his home in Winneshiek County, Iowa. He was baptized at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia, Iowa.  He went to school at Bloomfield Township School #8 and graduated from Postville High School in 1949.  While in high school he lettered in track and instrumental music.  John helped his dad with the family farm and worked for Kneeskern’s Mink Farm after graduation.  He entered the United States Navy in March of 1956 and was honorably discharged in October of 1957. He then worked for Anundsen Publishing Company in Decorah, Iowa from 1958 until his retirement in the early 2000’s.

John was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia. He enjoyed dancing, was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and enjoyed socializing with family and friends.  In his younger days, John was a pitcher on the Castalia Softball Team.

John is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Svendsen of Castalia; many nieces and nephews; many great nieces and great nephews; and many great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; four brothers, John, who died in infancy, Arthur, Norman, and Reuben Svendsen; and five sisters, Mildred Breitsprecher, Esther Svendsen, Lillie Zweibohmer, Arlette Bachelder, and Ellen Thompson; plus other family members.

Visitation will be 9-11 am, Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Castalia, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Castalia, Iowa with Rev. Alan Wicks as the officiant.

Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery, Castalia, Iowa with military rites.

Schutte- Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.

Marita Schiller

Marita J. “Rita” Schiller, 79, of Cedar Falls died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2017 at Stoney Brook Village in West Union.

She was born April 22, 1938 in Nyssa, Ore., daughter of John and Verna (Miner) Points.  

She married Marvin Ray Schiller on Nov. 11, 1961 in Miami, Okla. He died Feb. 2, 2005.

She worked as a CNA prior to retiring.

Survived by: a son, Jim (Sara Jane) Schiller of West Union; six grandchildren: Gavin Schiller, Payton Schiller, Maddy Martin, Thomas Schiller, Michael Schiller and Ashley Neelens; a sister, Janie (Gerald) Berg of Cascadia, OR; and a brother, Charles (Sharon) Points of Winona, MO.

Preceded in death by: her parents; two children at birth, Jack and Eva LaRose; a daughter, Teri Schiller; two sisters, Betty Rice and Alice Points; and a brother, John Points.

Memorial Services were held Monday, Aug. 28, at First Presbyterian Church with inurnment in Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, both in Cedar Falls. 

Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls assisted the family. 

Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.

Virgil Meinert

Virgil John Meinert, 78, of St. Lucas, Iowa died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa.

Virgil was born June 11, 1939 to John and Cathryn (Dietzenbach) Meinert in Decorah, Iowa. 

He attended St. Luke Catholic School through the eighth grade. 

Virgil was united in marriage with Elizabeth “Betty” Riehle on Sept. 21, 1968 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Spillville, Iowa. 

Virgil farmed his entire life near St. Lucas, Iowa. 

He enjoyed playing softball on the Bushwacher Team, riding his four-wheeler and motorcycle. Virgil was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He loved spending time with his family.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Meinert of St. Lucas, Iowa; his god-child, Deborah (Jon) Cleveland; one brother-in-law, Robert (Bev) Riehle and a sister-in-law, Patricia (Charles) Humpal.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cathryn Meinert; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at St. Luke Catholic Church, St. Lucas, Iowa with Rev. Kyle Digmann as the Celebrant.

Burial followed at St. Luke Catholic Cemetery, St. Lucas, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.     35nc35

David Tope

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of David Loyd Tope: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather.

A service will be held on Sept. 1, 2017 at 11 am at St. Cecilia Church in Ames, IA.  

There will be a brief visitation preceding the service and a luncheon following.

  Dave was born to Loyd and Thelma Tope on July 5, 1932 in West Union, Fayette County, Iowa. 

Dave attended West Union Public Schools and then West Union High School as a teenager, gradating in 1950.  

In 1952, he joined the United States Air Force and went on to train at Parks Air Force Base outside of Oakland, Calif., and later served his country in the Korean War.

Dave was honorably discharged in 1956 and moved back home to West Union where he got a job with Hansen Engineering as a draftsman.  

Dave would frequent Loftus Restaurant where he met a beautiful waitress, Darlene Holder. Dave would go there just to see her. After a while they began to date and on Nov. 24, 1962 they were married alongside Darlene's twin sister, Diane, and her husband, Don.

Dave and Darlene had their first son, Dean, on Nov. 12, 1963.  

They moved when Dave got a job as a civil engineer for the City of Waterloo.  

Not long after, they had their second son, Don, on Nov. 23, 1966.  

They moved around a couple more times for Dave's job but would eventually settle on the city of Ames in 1971. 

Shortly after, he decided to join the Army Reserves to be closer to home, retiring in 1992 with honors. He would retire from the City a couple years later. But with Dave's need to be active and working, he picked up another job transporting railroad engineers and crew across Iowa, and sometimes even out of state. Dave loved to drive and it was the perfect fit for him, but he would eventually have to leave it.

After his retirement from all his random jobs, he spent a lot of time at the American Legions in Ames and Nevada where all of his friends grew fond of seeing him regularly.

  Dave was known very well throughout the Ames community.

Dave passed away on Aug. 20, 2017 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA.  He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Loyd and Thelma; brother and sister, Harold Tope and Margaret Foxwell.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his two sons, Dean and Don; his four grandchildren, Tiffany, Calyn, Tanya, and Derrick; and his two great-grandchildren, Koressa Rae Tope and Donovan Hayden Klampe.

  Memorials may be directed to the family.

  Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.      35u35

Roger Chensvold

Roger Allen Chensvold, 67, of West Union, Iowa died Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Evans Memorial Home for the Aged in Cresco, Iowa. 

Roger Allen was born Jan. 5, 1950 to Curtis and Delores (Cowles) Chensvold in West Union, Iowa. 

He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa. 

Roger graduated from North High School in 1968 and earned his electrician degree from NICC.

Roger was united in marriage with Vicki Mannion on Nov. 11, 1972. Three children were born to this union. 

Roger worked as a parts manager for NAPA Auto Parts for 43 years, retiring in 2015.

He was a member of the Mayflower Society, and enjoyed restoring pedal-cars, going to Arizona with his brother, Don, gambling in Marquette and Arizona, riding in his Corvette and grilling out for his family. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

Roger is survived by his three children, Shari (Brett) Knapp of Waukon, Iowa, Cary Chensvold of West Union, Iowa and Terry (Steffani Otto) Chensvold of West Union, Iowa; two grandchildren, Kayla Knapp and Sabrina Knapp; two special little buddies, Jackson Zywiec and Carter Otto; two brothers, Ron Chensvold of Alabama and Don Chensvold of Marion, Iowa; and one sister, Connie (Mike Worke) Fox of St. Charles, Minnesota.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki on March 28, 2006; and his parents, Curtis and Delores Chensvold.

Funeral Services were held at 10 am on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Marshall Nessa as the officiant. 

Graveside Services were held at 12:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa. 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation, West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.         36u36

Bryce Biederman

Bryce J. Biedermann, age 32, of Decorah, IA, died Tuesday, August 29, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado with his fiancée Joy, at his side. 

Memorial Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, IA with Pastor Nancy Solomonson officiating. 

Honorary Casket Bearers were Karin Martin-Hiner, Andrew Rowland, Claire Thompson, Seth Rowland, Bridget Berns, Kirstin Lerch, Nathan Rowland, and Chad Nelson.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah assisted the family.

  Online condolences may be made at www.fjelstul.com.

  Bryce James Biedermann was born in Decorah, Iowa to James and Laurie (Nelson) Biedermann on Nov. 24, 1984.  

He was baptized at Glenwood Lutheran Church, Decorah, IA and confirmed in the Christian faith at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO.  

He attended school in Indianola, IA, Fort Collins, CO, Sydney, NE and graduated from Decorah High School in 2003.  He then attended NICC for auto mechanics and DMACC in Des Moines to get a class A CDL for trucking.

A common theme has followed Bryce through the years – his love of all things moving and mechanical.  Bryce lived out this passion during the 12 years he professionally drove truck across the roads of this country.  In 2012 he started his own business of B&N Trucking.  His years of experience and his mechanical intuition allowed Bryce to manage all aspects of his trucking business.  Bryce’s fascination for all things on wheels continues through his children as they have grown up exploring the mechanics of automobiles and trucks at their dad’s side.

Above all, Bryce cared most for his family – his family by blood, his family by friendship, and his family by faith.  A recent extended vacation allowed Bryce and his fiancée, Joy, to explore Colorado and Arizona with his four children.  Bryce extended their family vacation to help his grandparents during a time of sudden and grave illness.  This type of selfless act exemplifies a core pillar of Bryce – his commitment and love for others.

Faith also defined Bryce and guided his path forward.  He listened to the entire Bible many times in his truck while driving through God’s country.  Bryce was also an active and faithful member of Hauge Lutheran Church in Decorah, where he served on the Church Council.  His presence and the inclusion of his children in the church community not only enriched their lives, but also the lives of those he touched.

  Though his body is gone, Bryce’s spirit will live on in heaven and he will watch over us always until we meet him again. 

  He is survived by his fiancée, Jhoannalyng (Joy) Gamboa; his four children: Alexis, Victor, Osro and Royal; his father and mother, James and Laurie Biedermann; his sister Carie (Cory) Fisher and their children Ellie and Kate; his brother Scott (Mary) Biedermann and their children William, Benjamin and Adeline; four grandparents, Millard and LaVonne Nelson and William and Darlene Biedermann; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.     36u36

Ronald Bengford

Ronald “Grog” Virgil Bengfort age 62 of Postville, IA, formerly of St. Lucas, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at his home of natural causes.

A Funeral Mass was held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas with Rev. Kyle Digmann celebrating the Mass. Inurnment was held following the Mass at the church cemetery.  

Online condolences for Ronnie's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Ronald “Grog” Virgil Bengfort was born Jan. 5, 1955 in West Union, Iowa, the son of Virgil and Linda (Wichman) Bengfort. 

He attended Turkey Valley Schools and was a 1973 graduate from Turkey Valley High School. It was in high school that Ronnie’s love for sports began. He was a remarkable athlete and excelled in football and basketball during his high school years. 

Outside of sports he enjoyed working on the farm. While in high school, Ronnie’s help was needed on the farm full time and he was ready to drop out of football, when his coach showed up on his doorstep begging him to stay on the team, which he did.

Following high school, he began driving truck for multiple area trucking companies, Lowe’s, Lynch’s and Mihm’s. Ronnie always enjoyed driving truck. He later started to work at Agriprocessors in Postville. Working hard and never missing work were two very important qualities to Ronnie.  

Sports remained important to Ronnie. While living in Postville he followed all the local area sports teams. It didn’t matter if it was football, basketball or even soccer, Ronnie enjoyed following the teams. He always knew the stats of the players, and people often wondered how he could keep all those stats and players straight. Along with following local sports teams, Ronnie enjoyed going to the YMCA to exercise.

Ronnie’s nieces and nephews were very important to him. He always kept in touch with them and followed their lives intently.

Ronnie was also a huge Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Ronnie is survived by one brother, Darrell (Pat) Bengfort of Weldon Spring, MO; four sisters, Joan (Pete) Parker of Auburn, NE, Jean Czerny of Englewood, FL, Lois (Tom) Kuennen of Decorah, IA, Mary Kay (Ron Larson) Stee of New Hampton, IA; 11 nieces and nephews, Lisa (Noble) Scoville, Tim (Leah) Bengfort, Linda (Casey) Thurman, Jeff (Lisa Katherine) Parker, Jill (Ryan) Scanlon, Michele (Cliff) Davis, Daniele (Lewis) Taylor, Ted (Nicholle) Kuennen, Bobby (Ellie) Kuennen, Natasha (Kevin Schmitt) Rausch, Nathan (Sarah Leidahl) Stee; many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one nephew, Steven Bengfort on Feb. 4, 2001; two brother-in-laws, Larry Evans and Howard “Buckey” Czerny.    36u36

Justin "Skip" Baker

Justin “Skip” Duane Baker, 79, of Clermont, Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa.

Skip was born on May 18, 1938, to Joe and Alvira (Amundson) Baker in the Postville hospital. 

He was confirmed at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa. 

In the late 1950s, he served in the Army National Guard for three years.

Skip was united in marriage with Beverly Bennett on Feb. 17, 1957, at West Clermont Lutheran Church.

He was very active in community ventures. He served on many community boards and committees. He was a member of the Clermont Development Corporation, A&J Retrieval Service, Clermont City Council (12 years), Community Club (president), Pleasant Valley Golf Course (president), Marion Cemetery Board (treasurer), Marion Church Council (treasurer), and Marion Sunday School (superintendent).

Skip was a true entrepreneur. Skip and Bev built a Ruby Direct Distributorship in Ada, Michigan. In 1986, he followed his dream of building and developing a weekend getaway everyone wanted to visit, Skip-A-Way RV Park & Campground, and expanded every year after. 

Upon retirement in January 2006, Skip and Bev moved to their development across the lake – Quarry Heights Village.

Skip is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bev; his four children, Steve (Terri) Baker of Clermont, IA, Vicki Baker
of Springfield, MO, Cindi (Bill) Thias of Clermont, IA, and Mike (Diane) Baker of Elgin, IA; nine grandchildren, Carie (Cory) Fisher, Stephanie (CJ) Sissel, Chris (Jessica) Walmsley, Shawn (Shelsea) Baker, Blake (Jane) Baker, J.R. Baker, Ashley (Matt) Brainard, Chelsi Baker and Morgan Thias; 12 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Dr. Dan (Vicky), Warren, and Cornal.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alvira; two grandsons, Justin Thias and Shayne Baker; one brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Mary Baker. 

        36u36

Karen Hemesath

Karen Ann Hemesath, 73, of Castalia, Iowa passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Ossian Senior Hospice surrounded by her loving family, after suffering a series of strokes. Karen Ann was born on August 27, 1944 to Philip A. Schmitz and Florence A. Miller in Decorah, Iowa.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where she remained a member her entire life.  Karen attended De Sales Catholic High School and graduated in 1962.  Following her education, she attended the Paris Academy of Cosmetology in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  After receiving her cosmetology license, Karen was employed at Althea’s Beauty Salon in Waukon, Iowa and then Brannon’s Beauty Salon in Ossian, Iowa.

     Karen was united in marriage on June 2, 1964 to Frederick John (Jack) Hemesath at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa.  Six children were born to this union.  After their marriage, they purchased a farm southwest of Castalia and engaged in dairy farming.

     Karen raised her children and assisted Jack with bookkeeping.  She was involved with the Schmitz family funeral home up until her illness.  One of Karen and Jack’s favorite past times was dancing.  They could be spotted at every community dance, enjoying everything from polkas to waltzes.  Karen enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, camping, time with friends, raising Maltese dogs, and BINGO!

     Karen was a member of the De Sales Rosary Society, served her church as Eucharistic Minister and Liturgy Committee Member, and was a member of Ossian Crown Club, Tuesday Club, and Craft Club.  Karen poured her heart into every project that she was part of, including the Bingo program at De Sales for over 17 years. Karen will be remembered as a “social butterfly” who loved people and her home town of Ossian.  Her passion, generosity, and spirit to support her church and local community will be missed.

     Karen is survived by her two sons;  Russell (Mary) Hemesath of Clermont, IA and Douglas (Jenny) Hemesath of Waterloo, IA; three daughters; Renee (Rick) Matt of Castalia, IA, Naomi (Jeff) Harm of Fairfield, CA, and Natalie (Dave) Knutson of Ossian, IA; fifteen grandchildren; Becca, Ben, Belle, Brian, Damien, Jesse, Sage, Ryan, Darin, Jacob, Dustin, Evan, Tanner, Colin, Josie and four three great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister; Mary Lou Uhlenhake of Ossian, IA and one brother; Kenneth (Jane) Schmitz of Arkadelphia, AR; Sisters-in-law Sharon Schmitz of Clinton, Sr. Tekakwitha (Germaine) Hemesath of Waltham, MA, and Colette McVaney of Omaha, NE; brothers-in-law Carl (Jeanne) Hemesath of Bonita, CA and Greg Hemesath of Lousiville, KY, and numerous nieces and nephews.
     Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Hemesath in 2008, her two sons, one in infancy, and Darren at birth; her parents: Philip and Florence; parents-in-law; John and Iola Hemesath;  one brother, Karl Schmitz; sisters-and-brothers-in-law; Ivan Uhlenhake, William and Elsie Dessel, Don and Irma Hanken, Mark and Bernice Tressel, and Donald McVaney; and one granddaughter, Beth Hemesath.

Visitation will be Friday, September 1, 2017 from 4-9 pm at Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa and one hour before Mass at the church on Saturday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Robert Gross as the Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.