Dolores Broesder, 77
Sibley, Iowa
May 23, 2003
Dolores Broesder, 77, of Little Rock died Friday, May 23, 2003, at Osceola Community Hospital, Sibley. Services were May 27 at Salem Reformed Church, Little Rock, with interment in Pleasant View Cemetery. Dolores Behrens was born Aug. 23, 1925, at Hull, the daughter of Fred and Anna (Ludwig) Behrens. She grew up and attended country school at Edna and St. John's Lutheran Parochial School. After her education, she worked on the family farm. On Feb. 20, 1946, she married Alvin Broesder near George. They lived northeast of Little Rock from 1946-49 and southeast of Rock Rapids from 1949-53. They then farmed north of Little Rock until retiring in 1990 and moving into Little Rock. She was a nurse's aide at George Good Samaritan Center 25 years. She was active in the ladies' church circle at Salem Reformed Church. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Verlyn and Merle, both of Little Rock; one daughter, Mrs. Earl (Marlette) Janshen of Clements, Minn.; eight grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren and nine stepgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Raymond and Roland.

Donald Thiesse, 80
Rock Rapids, Iowa
May 24, 2003
Donald Thiesse, 80, of George died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital, Rock Rapids. Memorial services were Wednesday at Salem Reformed Church, Little Rock, with interment in Pleasant View Cemetery. Mr. Thiesse was born Aug. 6, 1922, near Little Rock, the son of William and Hannah (Christians) Thiesse. He attended country schools near Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1940. He attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake in 1941, then joined the navy in 1946. On Feb. 18, 1947, he married Frances Schaa at Little Rock. They farmed near Little Rock 55 years. He became a resident of George Good Samaritan Center in September 2002. His wife died June 2, 2001. Survivors include one son, Ronald of Yankton, S.D.; three daughters, Mrs. Harlan (Twyla) Kannegieter of Gillette, Wyo., Mrs. David (Carol) Groen of Rock Rapids and Mary Lou Thiesse of Houston, Texas; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Dale, and two sisters, Mrs. Henry (Lois) Mahlman and Jenne Van Briesen. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Robert Olson, 79
Sioux Falls, S.D.
May 24, 2003
Robert Olson, 79, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at Avera McKennan Hospital. Memorial services were May 27 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. Survivors include his wife, two daughters including Mrs. Michael (Bridget) Dickmann of George, one granddaughter and a twin brother.

Marvin Hoogeveen, 78
Rock Rapids, Iowa
May 25, 2003
Marvin Hoogeveen, 78, of Rock Rapids died Sunday, May 25, 2003, at his home following a battle with cancer. Services were Wednesday at Lester Community Center with interment in Hillside Cemetery. Mr. Hoogeveen was born May 17, 1925, near Lester, the son of Harry and Rhoda (Jongerius) Hoogeveen. He grew up near Lester and graduated from Lester Public School in 1943. He farmed with his father before becoming an electrician. On Jan. 15, 1948, he married Wilma Knobloch in Lester. They farmed with Bill Haegele until 1964 when they began farming on their own. In November 1988, they retired and moved to Rock Rapids. He was a catcher and umpire for fastpitch softball. At Bethel Reformed Church in Lester, he served as elder, deacon and on the CDB committee, and was a Sunday School and catechsim teacher and a general synod delegate. Survivors include his wife; one son, Dale of Minneapolis, Minn.; two daughters, Mrs. Lowell (Connie) TenClay of Green Bay, Wis., and Cathy Graves of Lester; three grandchildren; three brothers, Roy of Lester, Jay of Griswold and Robert of Sheldon, and one sister, Mrs. Ed (Arlo) Weerheim of Rock Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Henrietta.

H. Lenette Matzen, 83
Sioux Falls, S.D.
May 27, 2003
H. Lenette Matzen, 83, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at Prince of Peace Nursing Home. Services were Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tea, S.D., with interment in Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Fairview, S.D. Lenette Whitehead was born Feb. 16, 1920, in Lyon County, the daughter of Stella and Walter Whitehead. On Sept. 26, 1938, she married Albert Matzen in Fairview. She was employed at Crippled Children's School until retiring in 1984 and was a Senior Companion over 15 years. Survivors include one son, Terry of Lennox, S.D.; three daughters, Jan Bosler of Rock Rapids, Mrs. Larry (Margaret) Long of Valley Springs, S.D., and Mrs. Ken (Rallys) Kahl of Sioux Falls; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Shirley Matzen of Rapid City, S.D., and Billie Anderson of Rock Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother and one sister.

Tony Van Hill, 88
Rock Rapids, Iowa
May 28, 2003
Tony Van Hill, 88, of Alvord died Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital, Rock Rapids. Memorial services were Saturday at Netherlands Reformed Church, Rock Valley, with interment in Valley View Cemetery. Mr. Van Hill was born Jan. 4, 1915, near Alvord, the son of Gilbert and Christina (Wallenburg) Van Hill. On Nov. 17, 1938, he married Henrietta Roskam in Larchwood. They farmed near Larchwood 14 years, then farmed near Alvord and operated Alvord Service in the early 1960s. He later worked at Niessink Implement in Rock Rapids and Farmers Elevator in Alvord. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Gilbert and Kenneth, both of Alvord; one daughter, Mrs. Dean (Shirley) Domeyer of Ellsworth, Minn.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Al and Joe, both of Rock Rapids, and Bud of Inwood, and one sister, Christina Kroon of Rock Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Daryl Ray Oltmans; two brothers, Donald and Gilbert, and three sisters, Gertrude Ackkerman, Gertie Timmerman and Marie Van Hill.

John Peterson, 82
Marquette, Kan.
May 29, 2003
John Peterson, 82, of Marquette, Kan., formerly of Rock Rapids, died Thursday, May 29, 2003, at Riverview Estates Nursing Home, Marquette. Services were Tuesday at United Methodist Church, Rock Rapids, with interment in Riverview Cemetery. Mr. Peterson was born March 11, 1921, in Avirl, Minn., the son of Clarence and Katie (Hughes) Peterson. He served in the navy during World War II. On Feb. 6, 1949, he married Roberta Ford. He was a self-employed contractor. He moved to Riverview Estates from Iowa Nov. 8, 2002. Survivors include his wife; one son Greg or Sitka, Alaska; one daughter, Mrs. Michael (Susan) Anderson of Geneseo, Kan.; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Delmar Groen, 80
George, Iowa
May 31, 2003
Delmar Groen, 80, died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at George Good Samaritan Center. Services were Tuesday at Bethel Reformed Church, Ellsworth, Minn., with interment in the church cemetery. Mr. Groen was born Oct. 29, 1922, near Ellsworth, the son of John and Aemlia (Boomgaarden) Groen. He grew up in the Ellsworth and Little Rock areas, attending country school up to the eighth grade. On Jan. 17, 1944, he married Engelina Gronewold. They farmed in the George area. He also drove truck for other farmers by hauling grain and also worked as a butcher. They retired from farming in 1983 and moved into George where he continued working as a butcher and also drove school bus. Survivors include his wife; three sons, James of Sibley and Larry and Donald, both of George; four daughters, Janice Broesder and Mrs. Marlin (Marlys) Stellinga, both of Sheldon, Mrs. Tony (Karen) Wright of Topeka, Kan., and Mrs. Jeff (Ellyn) Johnson of Little Rock; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur of Rock Rapids, and one sister, Helene Kruger of George. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ella Halma, 72
Inwood, Iowa
May 31, 2003
Ella Mae Halma, 72, of Inwood died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at Fellowship Village, Inwood. Services were Tuesday at New Life Assembly of God Church, Inwood, with interment in Richland Cemetery. Ella Kuyper was born Aug. 19, 1930, near Carmel, the daughter of Walter and Etta (Remmerde) Kuyper. The family moved to the Inwood area and she graduated from Inwood High School in 1947. On June 29, 1948, she married John Halma at Inwood. They farmed northeast of Inwood until moving to a new home in Inwood in March 2003. She played piano and taught Sunday School and catechism at First Reformed Church before becoming a charter member of New Life Assembly of God Church. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Merlin of Inwood and Bruce of Sioux Falls, S.D.; five grandchildren and one sister, Herberdena Ter Wee of Sioux Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, David; stillborn daughter, Suzanne, and two brothers Guywood and Marvin.

Leonard Wulf, 77
Morris, Minn.
July 26, 2003
Leonard Wulf, 77, of Morris, Minn., died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at Stevens Community Medical Center. Services were Thursday at Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Center, Morris, with interment in the church cemetery. Mr. Wulf was born March 25, 1926, near Larchwood, the son of Albert and Maria (Knobloch) Wulf. He attended country school near Larchwood through eighth grade. On Feb. 3, 1949, he married Violet Luthi in Morris. They farmed and raised cattle near Morris. He had leadership positions with North American Limousin Foundation, Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, Minnesota Beef Council, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Beef Improvement Federation. Survivors include his wife; six sons, Dennis, Douglas and Jeral, all of Hancock, Minn., Davis and James, both of Morris, and Duane of Brookings, S.D.; five daughters, Cynthia Schmidgall of Elgin, Ill., Mrs. Steven (Catherine) Backman and Mrs. Christopher (Patricia) Wente, both of Morris, Mrs. Randy (Shirley) Koehl of Hancock and Mrs. Nathan (LeAnn) Gerber of Bluffton, Ind.; 47 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bill and Jacob, both of Lester, and Lawrence of Larchwood, and four sisters, Karoline Doorneweerd of Hills, Minn., Amelia Roeman of Inwood, Mrs. Virgil (Mildred) Sauder of Morris and Mrs. Dick (Leah) Doorneweerd of Beaver Creek, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Emil; one sister, Marilyn Luthi, and an infant sister, Emma.

Clyde Bird, 89
Waterloo, Iowa
July 26, 2003
Clyde Bird, 89, of Waterloo died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at a nursing home in Waterloo. Services were Wednesday in Waterloo. Mr. Bird was born and grew up in Rock Rapids, graduating from Rock Rapids High School in 1932. He is survived by his wife, Irene, one son and grandchildren.

Carolyn Larson, 47
Sioux Falls, S.D.
July 27, 2003
Carolyn Larson, 47, of rural Harrisburg, S.D., died Sunday, July 27, 2003, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor, Sioux Falls, S.D. Services were Thursday at Shalom Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, with interment in Canton Lutheran Cemetery, Canton, S.D. Survivors include her parents, one brother and two sisters including Mrs. Greg (Cheryl) Twedt of Larchwood.

Faye Grotewold, 80
McAllen, Texas
July 27, 2003
Faye Grotewold, 80, of Alamo, Texas, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, at McAllen Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Faye was born in Valley Springs, S.D. She lived in Lester most of her life and was in the gas station business with her husband 30 years. After retiring, she became a resident of Alamo. Survivors includ her husband, Shorty.

Jeanne Connor, 83
Sioux Falls, S.D.
July 29, 2003
Jeanne Connor, 83, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died July 29, 2003, at Dow-Rummel Retirement Village. Funeral Mass was Friday at Dow-Rummel Retirement Village. Jeanne Swenson was born May 8, 1920, in Inwood, the daughter of Selmer and Pearl Swenson. She graduated from Canton (S.D.) High School in 1937 and attended Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls. She was employed as a secretary for an insurance firm. On Aug. 21, 1943, she married Charles Connor in Sioux Falls. While he served overseas during World War II, she lived in Rock Rapids where she worked as the secretary for the high school principal. After the war, the couple lived in Sioux Falls. They retired in Mesa, Ariz., 20 years. At St. Mary's in Sioux Falls, she was a member of the Ladies' Altar Society. She was also a member of PEO-BC Chapter and LaSertoma Club. Survivors include her husband, one son, one daughter, four grandchildren, one brother and one sister.

Bertha Lohman, 91
Rock Rapids, Iowa
July 30, 2003
Bertha Lohman, 91, of Rock Rapids died Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital, Rock Rapids. Services were Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Rapids, with interment in Riverview Cemetery. Bertha Richters was born Nov. 17, 1911, in New York, N.Y., the daughter of Diedrich and Bertha (Rudloff) Richters. The family moved to Rock Rapids when she was young. She grew up and attended country school near Rock Rapids. On April 9, 1939, she married Melvin Lohman. They farmed in the Rock Rapids area until retiring and moving into town in 1974. Her husband died in 1990. At Immanuel Lutheran Church, she was a member of the ladies' circle. Survivors include one son, Richard of Madras, Ore., and one daughter, Loriann Lohman of Boone, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two infant sons, David and Robert; two sisters and one brother.

John Post, 84
Rock Valley, Iowa
Aug. 1, 2003
John Post, 84, of Rock Valley died Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at Valley Manor. Services were Monday at Netherlands Reformed Church, Rock Valley, with interment in Valley View Cemetery. Survivors include four sons including Arlin of Doon, 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one brother and one sister.

Ed Driesen, 80
Remsen, Iowa
Aug. 1, 2003
Ed Driesen, 80, formerly of Rock Valley and Alton died Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at Happy Siesta Nursing Home, Remsen. Services were Monday at Oolman Funeral Home, Orange City, with interment in Valley View Cemetery, Rock Valley. Survivors include nine children including Harlan of Doon, 29 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and two sisters.

Grace Gronewold, 98
Ellsworth, Minn.
March 20, 2004
Grace Gronewold, 98, of Ellsworth, Minn., died Saturday, March 20, 2004, at Parkview Manor Nursing Home, Ellsworth. Services were Wednesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Worthington, Minn., with interment in Worthington Cemetery. Grace Donker was born June 19, 1905, in George, the daughter of John and Angeline (Ackerman) Donker. She grew up and attended school near George. On June 4, 1921, she married Peter Gronewold in Sibley. They farmed near Reading and Magnolia, Minn., before moving to Adrian, Minn. In 1937, they moved to Worthington where she was a cook at General Hospital and Clark's Cafe. She then worked at Campbell Soup Co. 25 years. Her husband died in 1963. Survivors include one son, Peter of Ellsworth, 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

George Groen, 82
Rock Rapids, Iowa
March 21, 2004
George Groen, 82, of Rock Rapids died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital, Rock Rapids. Services were Thursday at Bethel Reformed Church, rural Ellsworth, Minn., with interment in the church cemetery. Mr. Groen was born Sept. 20, 1921, rural Rock Rapids, the son of Diedrich and Aleida (Meyer) Groen. He grew up and attended country school northeast of Rock Rapids. On Oct. 1, 1942, he married Arlene Heikes in Ellsworth. They farmed the family farm, raised livestock and horses and participated in a threshing ring. At Bethel Reformed Church, he served as an elder and deacon and parked cars for funerals over 30 years. Survivors include his wife; one son, Gene of Rock Rapids; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Orvel of Ellsworth, and three sisters, Grace Walters of Hills, Minn., Ida DeBeer of Ellsworth and Sadena Nagel of Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Alan; four brothers, John, Benhard, Dick and Carl, and five sisters, Aalke Dreesen, Hattie Frey, Zena Hoting, Gertie Groen and Marie Van Anken.

Julie Hansmann, 35
Sioux Falls, S.D.
March 21, 2004
Julie Hansmann, 35, of George died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D. Services were Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, George. Julie Gesink was born March 17, 1969, in Orange City, the daughter of Harvey and Dona Gesink. She graduated from Floyd Valley High School, then worked as a certified nurse aide at nursing homes in northwest Iowa. On June 21, 1997, she married Chad Hansmann in George. They resided north of George where she operated a tanning business and helped at George pre-school. Survivors include her husband; one son, Christopher of George; her parents of Alton and two brothers, Randy of Alton and Gary of Hospers.

Cheryl Faber, 63
Sioux City, Iowa
March 22, 2004
Cheryl Faber, 63, of Sioux City died Monday, March 22, 2004, at her home. Services were Thursday at Sioux City Baptist Church with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery. Cheryl Coy was born Oct. 9, 1940, in Arlington, S.D., the son of Delbert and Evelyn (Haug) Coy. The family resided in Worthington and Minneapolis, Minn., and Irwin, S.D., before moving to Rock Rapids. She graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1958. On March 20, 1960, she married Allen Faber in Rock Rapids. They lived in Rock Rapids until 1964 when they moved to California. In 1971, they moved to Sioux City where she was employed at American Optical. In 1976, she went to work for Sioux City Stationary until 1986 when she began working for Health Plus. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Michael and Rick, both of Sioux City; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Conley of Fremont, Neb., and three sisters, Mrs. Donald (Charlene) DeYong of Rock Rapids, Mrs. Darrel (Sheila) Steenblock of Fremont, and Pamela Coy of Sioux City. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jane Burgers, 92
Rock Valley, Iowa
March 23, 2004
Jane (Van Oort) Burgers, 92, of Rock Valley died Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at Valley Manor. Services were Friday at First Reformed Church, Rock Valley, with interment in Valley View Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, two sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, three brothers including Hank Van Oort of Rock Rapids and one sister.

Bette Hinkhouse, 74
Sioux City, Iowa
March 23, 2004
Bette Hinkhouse, 74, of Pierson died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at a Sioux City hospital. Services were Friday at Salem Lutheran Church, rural Correctionville, with interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Pierson. Survivors include her husband, one son, Bill of Larchwood, two daughters, eight grandchildren and one brother.

David Dreesman, 53
Davenport, Iowa
March 24, 2004
David Dreesman, 53, of Davenport died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at his home. Services were Monday at Central Baptist Church, George, with interment in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery. Mr. Dreesman was born Aug. 1, 1950, at George, the son of Carl and Etta (Lutterman) Dreesman. He graduated from George High School in 1968 and attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville. He served in the army national guard two years. He married Karen Feldman of George. They owned and operated the George Bakery several years, then moved to Rock Rapids where they owned and operated Golden Crust Bakery. In 1993, he moved to Spirit Lake where he owned a bakery. He then moved to Davenport where he baked for Hy Vee Food Stores. Survivors include two sons, Duston of Rock Rapids and Ben of Rochester, Minn.; his mother of George and one sister, Mrs. Carroll (Sandra) Gray of Severna Park, Md. He was preceded in death by his father.

Kenneth Wallace, 97
Rock Rapids, Iowa
March 24, 2004
Kenneth Wallace, 97, of Rock Rapids died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Rock Rapids Health Centre. Services were Tuesday at Congregational United Church of Christ, Rock Rapids, with interment in Riverview Cemetery. Mr. Wallace was born April 1, 1906, in Ambridge, Pa., the son of Burton and Julie (Marsh) Wallace. He grew up and attended school in Ames, obtaining a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Iowa State College in 1931. He worked for the engineering experiment station in Ames, U.S. Engineers at Rock Island, Ill., and Massman Construction Co. of Kansas City, Mo. He served as Lyon County Engineer 36 years, retiring Dec. 31, 1981. He then did private engineering services 10 years. On June 22, 1934, he married Elva Reimers in Rock Rapids. They moved 12 times during the next 11 years while he was employed as a civil engineer on government construction projects. They moved to Rock Rapids in 1945, later moving to Premier Estates in Rock Rapids. His wife died March 1, 2001. He was a member of Northwest Iowa Engineeering Society, Lyon County Historical Society and Golden Age Club. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Dick (Audrey) Putney of Estes Park, Colo., and Mrs. Bob (Margo) Conrad of Aguanga, Calif., and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one brother, Robert.

Marvin Altena, 76
Pipestone, Minn.
March 25, 2004
Marvin "Mike" Altena, 76, of Pipestone, Minn., died at his home Thursday, March 25, 2004. Services were Monday at Christian Reformed Church, Pipestone, with interment in New Woodlawn Cemetery. Mr. Altena was born Feb. 16, 1928, in Ireton, the son of Henry and Effie (Broek) Altena. He grew up and attended country school near Alvord. On Sept. 7, 1951, he married Marian Postma in Rock Valley. They farmed near Rock Valley five years, then farmed near Larchwood one year. In 1958, they moved to a farm near Pipestone. They sold that farm Dec. 13, 1989. In April 2000, they moved into Pipestone. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Harlan of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Rodney of Pipestone; two daughters, Mrs. Chris (Clare) Veldhuizen of Edgerton, Minn., and Mrs. Richard (Evonne) Kas of Woodstock, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; three brothers, Sam of George, Dick of Ireton and Louis of Rock Valley, and two sisters, Mrs. James (Julia) Blankespoor of Chicago, Ill., and Marlene TeSlaa of Rock Valley.

Juliana Van Beek, 87
Sioux Center, Iowa
March 25, 2004
Juliana Van Beek, 87, of Sioux Center died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at her home. Services were Monday at Netherlands Reformed Church, Sioux Center, with interment in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Survivors include six sons including Albert and Gerald, both of Inwood, four daughters including Mrs. Harlan (Priscilla) Driesen of Doon, 37 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and one sister.