Rubert Petersen
Memorial services for Rubert "Bob" Petersen, 75, Blairstown, were Sunday, November 12, 2000 at the Presbyterian Church, Blairstown. Burial of cremains was at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, with graveside military rites conducted by M.J. Kirby American Legion Post #170. Petersen died at his residence Wednesday, November 8, 2000, following a lengthy illness. Rubert "Bob" Petersen was born May 23, 1925 in Viborg, SD to Arne and Astrid Lauritsen Petersen. He was raised in Viborg, attending country school and graduating from Viborg High School. He furthered his education at Grand View College and S.D. State University. He spent two years in the Navy during WWII, serving on active duty in the Pacific. On March 24, 1949 he married Evelyn Sorensen in Chicago IL. The couple lived in Viborg and Brookings, SD before moving to Blairstown in 1957. Bob was in sales for over 30 years, and for a few years before retiring in 1991, the couple owned and operated Bob and Ev's Cafe in Blairstown. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and fishing. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Blairstown and was a 44-year member of the M.J. Kirby American Legion Post #170, Blairstown. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, Blairstown; two sons, Paul Petersen and his wife Pat, Durango, CO. and Ross Petersen and his wife Christine, Van Horne; two daughters, Peggy Pickering and her husband Derrick, Van Horne, and Nancy Petersen, Apple Valley, MN.; two brothers, Horace Petersen and wife Jane, Alexis IL. and Wayne Petersen and his wife Ardene, Viborg, SD.; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial has been established. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider giving the "gift of life" and donate blood. Arrangements were by Overton Family Funeral Home, Blairstown.

Bernard F. Musel
Bernard (Bernie) F. Musel, 76, Belle Plaine, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2000, in Mercy Hospital from a very recently discovered malignant brain tumor. Arrangements are with Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine. A rosary was led by the Knights of Columbus Monday, along with a memorial wake. The funeral was Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Belle Plaine, with Deacon J.C. Otto officiating. Burial was at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Chelsea. Organist and cantor was Mrs. Tracy Novak. Lectors were David Musel and Mike Musel. Casket bearers were Nick Musel, Bret Petersen, Eric Shilhanek, Alex Musel, Brad Petersen and Brian Petersen. Honorary pall bearers were Adam Kurriger and Ian Gustafson. Bernard F. Musel is survived by his wife of 55 years, Arlene (Rebik), and their children: Mike, Des Moines; Ann Shilhanek, Loveland, CO; Carol Petersen, Conrad; Doug, Vinton; Phylis Kurriger, Belle Plaine; Mary Hunzinger, Lee's Summit, MO; Jane Gustafson, Colorado Springs, CO; and David of Arlington, VA; along with 16 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by a brother, Don, Toledo; two sisters, Beaty Dvorak and Sharlene (Skip) Ledvina, Chelsea; and a brother, Bob, San Antonio, TX. Bernard F. Musel was born Jan. 10, 1924, in Chelsea to Fred and Anna Musel. He was raised on the family farm near Chelsea, Iowa. He took over the farm operation from his father in 1945 and farmed until 1974 and was a field reporter for Tama County ASCS for over 10 years. After leaving farming, he worked for Palco, Inc., in Belle Plaine, Iowa, driving long-distance delivering farm equipment from 1974 to 1980. Thereafter, he retired, but continued to drive, off and on, for local agri-business companies. He was an active member of the St. Michael's Catholic Parish in Belle Plaine and former member of St. Joseph's Catholic Parish in Chelsea. Bernie served on the parish councils of both Saint Joseph and Michael's for six years each. He was a member, and Grand Knight, of the Knights of Columbus, Council #8479 of St. Michael's and a past member of the Catholic Order of Foresters Court #610 of St. Joseph's. Bernie was a member of the Belle Plaine Community School Board from 1969 to 1974. He was an assistant leader of the local 4-H club for several years as well as a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Milvoy J. Cibula
A funeral liturgy was held for Milvoy J. Cibula, 84, Grandview Acres, Toledo, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Tama, with Rev. Keith Birch officiating. Burial was in Holy Trinity Cemetery, rural Toledo. Cibula died Sunday, Nov. 12, 2000, at the Marshalltown Medical Surgical Center, after a brief illness. Milvoy J. Cibula was born February 24, 1916, near Chelsea, the son of Joseph and Agnes Chamra Cibula. He attended country schools near the area of his birth. He was employed as a taxi cab driver in Cedar Rapids, and had also worked for LA Plante Schote Company in Cedar Rapids for several years. He had also been a watchman for the Tama Papermill when he took retirement over 20 years ago. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Tama. He is survived by a nephew, James Kaplan and wife, Carol, Chelsea; and distant relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Mayme (Mrs. Edward A. Kaplan) on March 10, 1994. Hand Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, was in charge of arrangements.

Dwayne 'Brownie' Schmuecker
A Mass of Resurrection was held for Dwayne William Schmuecker, 67, Blairstown, on Friday, Nov. 10, 2000, at St. John's Catholic Church, Blairstown, with Rev. Gerald Condon as celebrant. Interment was in St. Patrick's and St. Paul's Cemetery, Walford. Schmuecker died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2000, at his home of cancer. Casket bearers were Dustan Andrew, Adam Kaiser, Lance Ehrman, Damian Andrew, Aric Kaiser and Matt Corpman. Music was provided by organist, Mrs. Faye Nolan, and vocalist, Mr. Kevin Becker. Dwayne William Schmuecker was born October 19, 1933, on the family farm near Watkins, the son of Leo and Blanche Rotter Schmuecker. Brownie, as he was known to family and friends, was raised in the Watkins area, attended country school and graduated from Norway High School in 1952. On Sept. 14, 1953, he was united in marriage to Adeline Schulte at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Watkins. They lived in Watkins for a few years before moving to a farm outside of Luzerne, farming for many years, which he truly enjoyed. In 1981, they retired to live in Blairstown. He worked for Funk's Seed Corn in Belle Plaine and later for Stoney Creek Diversified Composite in Blairstown. In his spare time he loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, Blairstown and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is survived by his wife, Adeline; six sons, Randy (Linda) and Mark, both of Blairstown; Rick (Kristie), Walford; Dwayne Jr. and Terry (Angie), both of Fairfax; and Jerry, China, IN; four daughters, Cindi (Duane) Andrew, Blairstown; Sandy (Larry) Kaiser, Van Horne; Sue (Allen) Ehrman, Blairstown; and Teresa (Eric) Hopton, Lake Helen, FL; 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Marvin (Helen), Watkins, and Gerald "Butch", Vinton; and a sister, Nadine (Orville) Schulte, Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald; and a sister, Delores Fee. Overton Family Funeral Home, Blairstown, was in charge of arrangements.

Marcella M. Kuen Musser
A memorial mass was held for Marcella M. Kuen Musser, 82, Cedar Rapids, and a former Norway resident on Friday, Nov. 3, 2000, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Private committal services were held at St. Michael's Cemetery, Norway. Her body was cremated. Musser died Monday, Oct. 30, 2000, in Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, after a brief illness. Marcella M. Kuen Musser was born Sept. 2, 1918, in Amana, the daughter of Otto and Ann Hlavacek Kuen. She graduated with the Norway High School Class of 1936. On Oct. 18, 1941, she married Donald Musser, at Norway. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church for more than 50 years, the National Catholic Society of Foresters No. 727, and the Altar and Rosary Society. She is survived by her husband, Don; three daughters, Patricia Van Sickel and husband, John, and Connie Musser, all of Cedar Rapids; and Lisa Wing, and husband, Randy, Rose Hill, KS; a son, Gary Musser, Cedar Rapids; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Vernon Kuen. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3741 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, 52402.

Lynn Portzline
VAN HORNE­Lynn A. Portzline, age 80, died Saturday, July 14, 2001 at the Hallmar Care Center in Cedar Rapids, following an extended illness. Lynn was born on April 9, 1921 in Van Horne. In addition to his interest in weather, he had extraordinary knowledge of antique automobiles and tractors. He had an amazing memory for license plate numbers and the 99 counties of Iowa. Survivors include a sister Sarah Foster and husband Tom, Cedar Rapids; two nieces, Carrie DeVries and husband Mark, Waterloo, and Emily Velnosky and husband Todd, Davenport; and his uncle, Gilbert Schlarbaum and wife Ferne, Van Horne. He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Edward and Cora Portzline; his mother Hester Kahler and two sisters, Shirley Crocker and Edith Lake and his aunt, Alice Donels, Vinton Funeral services were Tuesday, July 17, 2001 at Salem United Methodist Church in Van Horne with the Rev. Steve and Cheri Whisler officiating. Interment was held at Salem Cemetery, rural Van Horne. Phillips Funeral Home, Keystone is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Hallmar, Rock Ridge Care Center or the Cedar Valley Ranch.

Eileen Josephine Gatrelle
Funeral services for Eileen Josephine Gatrelle, 79, Belle Plaine, were Monday, July 2, 2001, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Belle Plaine, with Rev. John (Jack) M. Kissling officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Mrs. Gatrelle died June 29, 2001, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, following a lingering illness. Pallbearers were Michael Hendrickson, Gary Hendrickson, Jill Elfgren, Paul Elfgren, Eileen Hardman, Richard Gatrelle, Alexis Gatrelle, Danielle Culbertson. Music was provided by organist, Kathryn Musel, and guitars and choir from St. Ludmillas Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Eileen Josephine Gatrelle was born March 19, 1922, at Marshalltown, the daughter of Milton and Amelia Herman Jackson. She received her education at St. Mary's Catholic School, Marshalltown. She married Richard Gatrelle at Marshalltown. He preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1972. She was a priest housekeeper and a homemaker. She had resided in Ratcliff following her marriage and Eastgate Apartments, Belle Plaine, for 25 years, and moved to Belle Plaine Nursing & Rehab Center in March 2001. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Belle Plaine. She enjoyed quilting and taking walks with Fr. Kissling's dog, Coyote. She loved music and sang with St. Michael's Church Choir. She is survived by two sons, John Gatrelle and wife, Chris, Sinton, TX, and Gary Gatrelle and wife, Laurita, Ely; two daughters, Benita Miner and husband, Glenn, Pittsburgh, TX, and Debra Gatrelle, Marion; one sister, Marie Bowman, Brainerd, MN; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, was in charge of arrangements.

John James Kaloupek
Graveside services for John James Kaloupek, 88, McPherson, KS, and formerly a resident of Chelsea and Belle Plaine for 87 years, was Monday, July 16, 2001, at Rector Cemetery, Chelsea, with Rev. David Crow officiating. Mr. Kaloupek died Wednesday, July 11, 2001, at Infinia Health Care Center, McPherson, KS, following a sudden illness. Casket bearers were Terry Ulch, Matt Kaloupek, Richard Hrabak, Joe Kaloupek, Robert Kaloupek and John Kaloupek II. John James Kaloupek was born Feb. 18, 1913, at Chelsea, the son of Frank and Julia Hach Kaloupek. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1931 as valedictorian of his class. He attended Coe College for one semester to obtain a teaching certificate. He taught country school for 12 years. In 1934 he started selling insurance on the side, later adding real estate and income tax services. After World War II he was exclusively in the insurance business, which he operated for 60 years along with his wife, Mabel, before selling the business to Elizabeth Balvin. He married Mabel Elston of Toledo on Feb. 12, 1938, at St. Joseph, MO, and enjoyed 62 years together. They were great fans of Iowa Hawkeye sports in the 1950s and attended many games, both home and away, for as long as they were physically able. He is survived by his sister, Esther Hrabak Matthews, Fort Dodge; children, Kay Long, Riverside, CA, Leighton, McPherson, KS, Mahlon, Maroa, IL, Andrea McBeth, Wayland, and Elizabeth Balvin, Belle Plaine; six grandchildren and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard; and his wife, Mabel. Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

David L. Gosse
Funeral services for David L. Gosse, 66, Vinton, were Thursday, July 12, 2001, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Rev. Mark C. Urlaub officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Mr. Gosse died Monday, July 9, 2001, at Virginia Gay Hospital Emergency Room from a sudden illness. David Lee Gosse was born October 31, 1934, at Aurora, the son of William and Mable Koob Gosse. He grew up in Dunkerton and was a graduate of Dunkerton High School. After high school he joined the National Guard and served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957, stationed in Greenland. On April 25, 1959, he married Doris Leaven in Cedar Falls. In 1962 the couple moved to Vinton. For 29 years he worked for the East Central Iowa REC, retiring in 1998 as a staking engineer. He was a member of the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church and the George C. Luckey American Legion Post No. 57, Vinton. An avid fisherman, he also enjoyed hunting, gardening and collecting Massey Harris tractors. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Doris; three daughters, Kathy Flaucher and husband, Mike, and Kay Blommer and husband, Matt, all of Independence, and Karen Uthoff and husband, Kevin, Vinton; one son, Jim Gosse and wife, Michele, Vinton; a sister, Carol Hemsath and husband, Donald, Rowley; five grandsons and one granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Dale Gosse Sr. Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home, Vinton, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Elsie Mehlhouse
Funeral services for Elsie (Mrs. Vernie) Mehlhouse, 92, Vinton and formerly of Dysart, were Monday, July 16, 2001, at United Methodist Church, Dysart, with Pastor Sara Akre officiating. Burial was in Dysart Cemetery, Dysart. Mrs. Mehlhouse died Friday, July 13, 2001, at Virginia Gay Annex, Vinton, following an extended illness. Elsie Katherine Mehlhouse was born Jan. 17, 1909, in Benton County near Keystone, the daughter of John and Ida Schwalling Peters. She attended country school and then worked as a housekeeper for area families. On Dec. 5, 1934, she married Vernie Mehlhouse and they farmed for many years in the Dysart area. In 1963, they moved to make their home in Dysart. She worked for Evergreen Hatchery, Mary Ellen Nursing Home and Sunnycrest Nursing Home, Dysart, and later Cafe' 218, Vinton, baking all of their pies. Her husband preceded her in death on June 18, 1988, and she continued to live in their home. She became a resident of Virginia Gay Annex, Vinton, in Dec. 1994. She was known for her ability to bake, especially yeast baking. All enjoyed her pies, rolls and the family Sunday pizza nights at her home. She was a member of the Dysart United Methodist Church, the former Merry Makers Club and the neighborhood area "Coffee Klatch". She is survived by two daughters, Janice Lyons and husband, Donald, Dysart, and Karen Gessner and husband, Gerald, Newhall; seven grandsons, eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Laura Bender, Keystone. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Minnie Havran; and two brothers, John and Hugo Peters. Overton Funeral Home, Dysart, was in charge of arrangements.

Paul Lewis Rupp
Funeral services for Paul Lewis Rupp, 76, Belle Plaine, were Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, with Rev. Jack Andrews officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Mr. Rupp died Nov. 18, 2002, at Belle Plaine Nursing and Rehab Center, Belle Plaine, following a lengthy illness. Pallbearers were Randy Wright, Ryan Rupp, Patrick Rupp, Russ Stambaugh, Jason Rupp and Al McCammat. Special music was provided by Wayne Mussman. Paul Lewis Rupp was born Feb. 22, 1926, at Brooklyn, the son of Ora L. and Wilma Ealy Rupp. He received his education through the eighth grade at Belle Plaine. He did lawn care and was a member of the Christian Fellowship Church, where he attended church faithfully and especially liked to sing and read the Bible. He liked to go fishing and to clean his fish. He also enjoyed taking care of his younger siblings and mowed 10-12 yards a week. He is survived by his mother, Wilma Rupp; six brothers, Rick and wife, Jackie, Luzerne, Nathan and wife, Marty, and LeRoy Rupp, all of Cedar Rapids, Dennis and wife, Kathy, Cottonwood, CA, Leslie and wife, Jane, Lodi, CA, and Greg and wife, Linda, Marengo; five sisters, Lola Kasal, Marengo, Joyce Wright, Spring Hill, FL, Charlotte McCammat, North English, Margaret Stambaugh and husband, Marvin, Cedar Rapids, and Diane Bair and husband, Kenneth, Belle Plaine. He was preceded in death by his father; and one brother, Stan Rupp. Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, was in charge of arrangements.

Melvin L. Showalter
Funeral services for Melvin L. Showalter, 66, Shellsburg, were Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002, at Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home, Vinton, with Pastor Larry Rodgers officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Mr. Showalter died Sat. Nov. 23, 2002, at his residence following a lingering illness. He is survived by his wife, Judy Showalter, Shellsburg; a son, Melvin John Showalter, Winona, MN; a daughter, Georgeann Tatro, Iowa City; a sister, Arlene Barta, Cedar Rapids; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Gladys McQueen Showalter; two daughters, Jessica and Roxann; and three brothers, Gail, Wayne and Darwin. Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home, Vinton, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Raymond F. Stramer
Services were Monday for Raymond F. Stramer, 77, who died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, in Mercy Medical Center following a sudden illness. Services were at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Watkins, with the Rev. Walter Kleinfehn officiating. Visitation was Sunday at the church. Burial was at St. Patrick's and Paul's Catholic Cemetery, Watkins. Raymond Stramer was born Feb. 9, 1925, in Tyler, MN to Mary and Charles Stramer. He married Lois Schmidt on Oct. 25, 1949, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Watkins. He is survived by five children Marietta (Rick) Wilson, Dallas Center; Anita (Jerry) Ellingson, Marshalltown; Bill (Sue) Stramer, Lexington, KY; Steve Stramer, Amana; and Dan (Alice) Stramer, Watkins; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Lois, his parents and five brothers, August, Francis, Ervin, Clarence and Robert. Raymond was employed at Nissen Universal for 31 years, retiring in 1988. Arrangements were by Brosh Funeral Service, Norway.

Rose M. McClain McKnight
Private family graveside services for Rose M. McClain McKnight, 67, Vinton, were held at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Mrs. Knight died Feb. 6, 2003, at Virginia Gay Hospital, Vinton, following a lengthy illness. She is survived by a son, David (JoAnne) Carpenter, Rochester, MN; a daughter, Wendy Foss, Grinnell; one brother, Dale (Shirley) McClain, Vinton; one sister, Juanita (Bob) Becker, Des Moines; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her spiritual daughter, niece and best friend, Jodi (Bruce) Mehlert, Mt. Auburn. She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Jeannie. Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home, Vinton, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to: Rose M. McClain Fund, 3230 Marion Road, SE No. 1, Rochester, MN 55904.

Joan Kathryn Stanek
A Catholic memorial service was held for Joan Kathryn Stanek, 77, Littleton, CO. Funeral services will be held at a later date at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelsea. She died Feb. 4, 2003, at the Swedish Hospital in Englewood, CO, from heart failure caused by lung failure and pancreatic cancer. Joan Kathryn Stanek was born May 19, 1926, the daughter of Emil A. and Tillie Apollena Chmelik Stanek. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School, from Kansas State University in 1954 with a BS degree, and received advanced degrees from the University of Denver, Denver, CO, in 1965. She attended the University of Iowa, the University of California at Berkely, CA, and the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. She was a teacher. In 1955 she moved to the Denver Metro Area. She was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority, Belle Plaine Historical Society, and the Czech Geneology Society. She is survived by numerous cousins from Iowa and out of state. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Eldon Emil Stanek. Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel Reardon
NEWHALL­Services are Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. for Hazel Alice Reardon, 93, Newhall. Hazel Reardon, died Friday, February 7, 2003, in the Keystone Care Center after an extended illness. Mass of Christian burial was 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, St. Michael's Catholic Church, Norway, by the Rev. Walter Kleinfehn. Interment was at St. Patrick and St. Paul Cemetery, Watkins. Hazel Reardon was born March 1, 1909, in Van Horne to Mary and Joseph Pieper. She married James Reardon on February 4, 1933, at St. Patrick's Church in Watkins. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 55 years, Jim; a daughter, Marlene Warner and a son, Dr. Jim Reardon; a grandson, David Erger and great-granddaughter, Kristen Brecht; her parents and four brothers: Eldon, Joe, Louis, and George Pieper. Survivors include four children: Joan Erger, Newport Beach, CA; Karen (Bob) Harder, Arvada, CO; Elaine (Marlyn) Brecht, Norway; Judy (Dick) Hupfeld, Iowa City; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Rozella Duncalf, Lucille Werning, Louise Donelly and one brother, Fred Pieper. Hazel was an over 50-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Tara Hills Card Club. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She enjoyed a good card game, gardening, was an expert seamstress and was well known for her chocolate angel food cake. A memorial fund has been established. Brosh Funeral Service, Norway, was in charge of arrangements.

Carrie Margaret Hilligas Kriva
Funeral services for Carrie Margaret Hilligas Kriva, 97, Tama, formerly of Chelsea, were Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, with Rev. David Crow of Christ United Methodist Church, Belle Plaine, officiating. Burial was in Rector Cemetery, rural Chelsea. Mrs. Kriva died Jan. 29, 2003, at Sunny Hill Care Center, Tama, from heart failure. Pallbearers were Emmet Frese, Dorothy Frese, Robert McFatridge, Dick Prusha, David Blomme and John Villers. Carrie Margaret Hilligas Kriva was born August 29, 1905, at Adams, KS, the daughter of Herman and Alice Travernicht Loschen. She attended school through the eighth grade in Westphalia, KS. She married John Floyd Hilligas on October 21, 1922 in Garnet, KS. He preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 1965. She married Joseph Kriva on June 18, 1973, at Toledo. He also preceded her in death. She was a homemaker. She had resided in Kansas until 1936, and then farmed near Brooklyn and moved to the Chelsea area in 1942. She lived at Washington Manor for 10 years and moved to Sunny Hill Care Center, Tama, on June 16, 2002. She is survived by her children, John Hilligas, Lavonia, MI; Virginia McFatridge, Chelsea; Merle Hilligas, Garnet, KS; Earl Hilligas, Bauxite, AR; Calvin Hilligas, Waterloo; Elsie Blomme, Belle Plaine; Dorothy Prusha, Chelsea; Nancy Masterson, Belle Plaine; Doris Frese, Chelsea; and Frances Kaufman, Traer; her step-children, Patricia A. Boyd, Beatrice A. Gordon, JoAnn Van Weelden, Merrie A. Hanzelka, Ann K. Johnson, and Judith A. Kenner; three sisters, Gertrude Detter, Albertha Carl and Julia Hendricks, all of Hastings, NE; 58 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren, 63 great-great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers; five sisters; one step-son, Joseph F. Kriva on July 14, 1977; three grandchildren; three sons-in-law; two daughters-in-law; and one great-grandchild. Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, was in charge of arrangements.

Ernest Grimm
Ernest D. "Jack" Grimm, 72, Marengo, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, from complications of cancer. Funeral services were Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, with Rev. Douglas Morton officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown with military honors conducted by Marengo American Legion Post #76 A memorial fund has been established. Grimm is survived by his wife, Vera; two sons, Ernest "Ernie" Jr. and wife Debbie and Roger and wife Teresa, Marengo; a daughter, Mary McDonald and husband Dennis, Marengo; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; five brothers, Wayne and wife Betty, Central City; Lloyd "Dick" and wife Berdena, Bennie and wife Donna, Cedar Rapids; Ronald, Cedar Rapids; and Delbert and companion Nettie, Hiawatha; two sisters, Margie Ballard and husband Robert, Marengo; and Beverly Ballard and companion Bill, Cedar Rapids; and a sister-in-law, Marlus Grimm, Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Glenn and a grandson, Jason McDonald. Ernest Dean Grimm was born January 9, 1931 in Keystone, the son of Harold W. and Edith M. Gringrich Grimm. He attended the Van Horne and Dysart schools and he married Vera Schultz on May 28,1952 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, rural Marengo. He was employed at Western Grocery until he entered the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, serving during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, he was involved in farming and also worked at Kwikway, Cedar Rapids for 23 years. He retired in 1986. The couple wintered in Arizona with their motor home for the last 16 years. Ernest was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Marengo. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hunting mushrooms, playing cards and working in the garden and the lawn. Casket bearers are Daren Grimm, James McDonald, Phil Grimm, John Vogt, Ray Schulte, and Mike Von Ahsen.

Floyd A. Moore
Funeral services for Floyd A. Moore, 75, Blairstown, were Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at the Presbyterian Church, Blairstown, with Rev. George Bishop officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown. Mr. Moore died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, from complications of COPD. Floyd Arthur Moore was born on May 28, 1927, in LeRoy Township in Benton County the son of Oren K. and Grace Haines Moore. He received his education in Blairstown school and began working as a hired hand for area farmers. On August 24, 1945, he entered the United States Army, serving in Japan during World War II. He served his country until his honorable discharge on Feb. 5, 1947. On May 28, 1949, he married Donna M. Kubite in Belle Plaine. They made their home in Blairstown all their married life. He started his career as a mechanic at Shaull and Ullerich Chevrolet for many years before owning and operating Floyd's Auto Service for over 30 years, retiring in 1989. In his spare time he enjoyed keeping busy with woodworking and loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the Blairstown American Legion and a 33 year member of the Blairstown Fire Department. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna; a daughter, Linda McClean, Blairstown; two grandsons, Robb (Kathleen) Koster, and Jaymes (Kimberly) McClean; five great-grandchildren, Jesse, Krystal and Johnathan Koster and Shelby and Madison McClean; one brother, Orville "Bud" (Bette) Moore, Blairstown; and two sisters, Elva Ledger, Belle Plaine, and Lydia Cox, Bettendorf. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lester, Earl and Ora; and two sisters, Alice Yaisli and Edith Bartusek. Overton Family Funeral Home, Blairstown, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Forrest M. Burkey
Funeral services for Forrest M. Burkey, 90, Vinton, were Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at the Presbyterian Church, Vinton, with Rev. James Blair officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. Burkey died April 12, 2003, at the Vinton Lutheran Home following an extended illness. He is survived by nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Brallier Burkey; his wife, Leona, on July 25, 2002; three brothers, Lloyd, Melvin and Verlan in infancy; and three sisters, Goldie Criswell, Marcella Grimm and Jennie in infancy. Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home, Vinton, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Vinton Lutheran Home or Presbyterian Church, Vinton.