Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
JIRD MALVIN FIDLER
Celebration of Life Services for Jird Malvin Fidler 74 of Villisca will be held 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 11th at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca, IA. At a later date Jird's ashes will be scattered at sea with full military honors, by an active duty naval vessel. Memorials may be directed to Aid Military Families.
Jird Malvin Fidler was born in Taylor County, Iowa, on April 13, 1932, the son of Charlie Bluford and Permelia (Mauderly) Fidler. After a long and valiant fight with cancer Jird passed away at his home in Villisca on August 5, 2006.
During his early childhood he lived in Iowa, Colorado and Nebraska. His family returned to Villisca where he completed high school in 1952.
Jird joined the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Recruit after graduation, and went to live in San Diego, California. He married Shirley Guss there in the Navy Chapel, at the Naval Air Station, North Island, on October 28, 1954. Four beloved daughters were born to this union. Whenever he was teased about having all girls, Jird was fond of saying "If the Lord thought I needed another man in the house, he'd have sent us one."
During his early service years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jird received official recognition for designing specialized camera pods and nuclear protection shields for pilots in Special Weapons Aircraft. While serving with the Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 2, aboard the U.S.S. Hornet, Jird invented seven different modifications on Sikorky Helicopters. These inventions were patented by the Navy and have been implemented on all SH-3A helicopters. During the course of his naval career, Jird advanced to the rank of Chief Warrant officer II and made four cruises on various aircraft carriers to the Far East, Korea and North Vietnam.
Naval retirement came in 1973 after 20 years of active duty. During his last year of naval service he was approached by the United States Treasury Department, Bureau of Customs to lead the maintenance division of the Narcotics Air Interdiction Unit. He was in charge of procuring all their aircraft and the implementation of maintenance sites along the Mexican border. Jird was very proud of being on the front lines of our nation's War on Drugs for 10 years.
Jird and his wife Shirley returned to their hometown of Villisca in 1084. Where he owned and operated Fidler's Small Engine Clinic for the next 15 years. In 2000, Jird finally retired permanently, enjoying the free time to go fishing, travel and spend time with family and close friends.
Jird was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Junior and Joe Fidler, sisters; Deo Marie and Cleo.
Jird is survived by his wife Shirley and their four daughters: Cheryl and special companion, Ronald Classen; Pamela Cass, Trina Johnson and husband Tracy and Janeen Hall and husband Vernon, all of Villisca, IA. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Kristine Benton of Cleveland, OH, Abigail Cass of Richlands, VA, Benjamin Jird Cass of Warrenton, VA, Sonja Govig and husband Travis of Clarinda, IA, Katie Wagaman and husband Kaleb of Red Oak, IA, Nichole Wesbrook and husband George of Villisca, Jesse O'Briant and wife Crystal of Villisca, IA, Jeremiah Burton of Maryville, MO and Kirstin Hall of Villisca, IA. Five great grandchildren; Annie, Drake, Dakota Jird, Maxamas and Piper. He is also survived by one sister Ida Auxier of Auburn, NE, an Uncle Kenneth Fidler and wife Annabell of Villisca, IA and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Jird Fidler was a member of the Class of 1952. Condolences can be sent to his wife Shirley at 119 North 3rd Ave. Villisca, IA 50864 or at write2jird.netins.net
VERNA NELSON
Verna Nelson, age 93, of Clarinda, Iowa, died Wednesday, August 09, 2006, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 12, 2006 at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, Bethesda, Iowa with Pastor Julius Peterson officiating. Visitation with the family will be 7-8 p.m., Friday, August 11, 2006 at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial will be in the Bethesda Lutheran Church Cemetery, Bethesda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Verna Nelson Memorial Fund which will support the Bethesda Lutheran Church and the Stanton Care Center. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.walker-merrick-wolfe-barr.com.
Verna Beatrice Schantz Nelson was born May 31, 1913 to Theodore and Amanda (Nelson) Schantz. She grew up on a farm near North Page which she cherished all of her life. Verna was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and later married. As a young child and throughout her adult life, Verna was very active in the church. Later in life she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and sang in the church choir for many years. She was very active in the ELCA women's organization, serving in various leadership capacities. Verna was a teacher at Johnson, Cramer and North Page country schools for several years.
On August 27, 1941, she was united in marriage to Carroll Vincent Nelson. Shortly after their marriage they moved to a farm near Bethesda where they lived for 58 years. During this time, God blessed them with two children, a son, Vincent and a daughter, Miriam. After the death of her husband, Carroll, Verna remained on the farm for three years, later moving to Clarinda, then most recently residing at the Stanton Care Center.
Verna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carroll; and a brother, LaVon Schantz.
Verna's remaining family includes a son, Vince Nelson and daughter-in-law, Pam of Iowa City, Iowa; a daughter, Miriam Nehe and son-in-law, Bob of Omaha, Nebraska; three grandchildren, Jeffrey, Alissa and Lauren Nehe of Omaha, Nebraska. In addition, her brother, Gerald Schantz of Baltimore, Maryland also survives.
Hallene Farlin Mattson
Graveside memorial services for Hallene Farlin Mattson 96, of Camarillo, California will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2006, at the Villisca Cemetery, with lunch following at the United Methodist Church in Villisca. Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca are in charge of arrangements.
Hallene Farlin Mattson was born in Villisca, Iowa, May 7, 1910, the daughter of Thomas Claude Farlin and Marguerite (Maggie) Almira Wainwright. She died June 3, 2006, at her home in Camarillo, California, with her son by her side. She lived most of her life in Iowa and helped her Dad with the farming where she learned to love gardening and did so all her life. She played the ukulele and sang as a young girl. Hallene raised Gerald and was a loving mother. She was a wonderful dancer and attended dances from her teens until her death.
She married Edward (Pete) Mattson also of Villisca in 1936. They had a loving marriage for 68 years. They had many hobbies together: they bowled, grew beautiful flowers, canned and traveled together. Hallene was a beautiful seamstress and made many dresses and dance costumes for her granddaughters. She quilted and made exquisite quilts. Her dream was to go to Hawaii. They finally went with their son and family, which was her first airplane flight. She was a Methodist all her life and belonged to the Methodist Federated Women's Club and Pacific Junction Iowa Bridge Club. She worked at the Iowa State Institution in Glenwood, IA.
Hallene is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Pete who died in 2002.
She is survived by her son Gerald Hollis and wife Dawn of Camarillo, CA five grandchildren: Starr Hollis Gotzen of Alice Springs, Australia, Cathy Hollis Wandell of Somis, CA, Kelli Hollis Maki of Agoura, CA, Michelle Hollis McCarty of Camarillo, CA and Mark Hollis of Gilchrist, OR. Nine great grandchildren and two great great grandsons in Australia. Two sisters: Mabel Mings of Grove, OK and Evie Ellis of Clarinda, IA. She leaves many nephews, nieces other relatives and friends. She was loved and will remain in our hearts forever.
Dencil Keith Brenton
Memorial services for Dencil Keith Brenton were held August 8, 2006 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Sherwood, OR.
Dencil Keith Brenton was born June 25, 1916 in Villisca to Oliver and Goldie Brenton, and died August 2, 2006 in the Veteran's Hospital, Reno, NV.
He was one of nine children. He married Vera Henry on August 5, 1941 in Marksville, LA. He served with Villisca's Company F in World War II from 1941 to 1945 in Northern Africa, Italy and Ireland. The Brentons moved to Sherwood, OR in 1953. Living on his farm for more than forty years, and also working at Pitti Bone Mercury as a welder and machinist.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers, John and Lyle Brenton; and four sisters, Darleen Hays, Agnes Mitchell, Carol Scott and Lucille King.
Survivors include his son Rennie Brenton of Jacksonville, FL; his daughter Loretta Jane Brenton of Reno, NV; two granddaughters, Abigal Brenton of Milwaukee, WI and Tyler Brenton of Titusville, PA; two sisters, Kathryn Olson of Corning, IA and Fern Gutherie of Oakdale, CA; sister-in-law Marjorie Henry Dale of Osage Beach, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
Cards and remembrances can be sent in care of Loretta Brenton, 12 Riesling Loop, Reno, NV 89512.
Memorials may be directed to the Villisca American Legion, 321 East 4th Street, Villisca, IA 50864.
Frances Louise Gray
Frances L. Gray, 88, of Villisca died on Friday, July 28, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Villisca, IA where she had been a resident for almost two years.
Frances Louise (Penwell) Gray was born May 1918 to the late Clarence (Bud) Aaron Penwell and Helen (Watt) Penwell near Hepburn, Iowa. Frances attended country schools and graduated as valedictorian from Nodaway Consolidated School. She attended Grinnell College and transferred to Aurora College in Aurora, IL, graduating in 1939. She returned to Villisca and married her hometown love, Neal A. Gray, on June 29, 1940.
They are survived by their two sons: Dr. Richard Allen Gray of Austin, TX and Douglas Kent Gray and wife Bonny; and Frances and Neal's only grandson Alexander Tice Gray also of Austin, TX. In addition, Frances is survived by sisters: Carol Penwell Eichelberger of Aurora, IL, Marjorie Penwell Rucker and husband Chuck of Burlington, IA and Patricia Penwell Lopp and husband Gary of Chapel Hill, N.C. Sisters in law: Violet Gray Taylor of Oakdale, CA, Sharon Gray Ayers of Houston, TX area, and Elizabeth Gray of Villisca, IA, plus many loving nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents and husband Neal.
Giving to the community was the hallmark of Frances' rich life. She taught elementary school in Villisca for 35 years, touching the lives of generations of children. She was a lifetime member of the Villisca Advent Christian Church, serving in many leadership capacities and playing both the piano and organ for over 60 years. She also played for many weddings, funerals and other occasions in the community. She and Neal supported and attended the community school activities and sporting events as long as they were able. Frances was a member of the Inter-Church Council for many years. She was a member of the Chapter CH of the P.E.O Sisterhood for 54 years, a long-time member of Progress Club, the Literary Club, Retired Teachers Group and Christian Women's Club.
Frances was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud of her sons and their achievements, but the light of her life (and of Neal's) was her grandson Alex. Frances and Neal spent the winter months for several years in New Braunfels, TX to be near their family and enjoy Alex's activities, especially soccer.
We will also remember Frances as a loving sister, aunt, friend, educator, church member and community leader. We are thankful for our many memories.
The Family would like to thank friends in the community for their thoughtfulness and support, for the loving care of the staff at the Villisca Good Samaritan Center and especially cousins Vince and Judy Else for their continued care and communication on behalf of Frances.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at the Advent Christian Church in Villisca with Pastor Chris Hall officiating. Tina Anderson, a special friend and Jeff Rucker, a nephew are soloists. Burial will be in the Villisca Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca. Memorials may be made to the Advent Christian Church or to the Inter-Church Scholarship Fund 407 East 1st Street, Villisca, IA 50864.
THOMAS SHAPCOTT
Thomas Shapcott, age 72, of Villisca, Iowa, died Tuesday evening, July 25, 2006, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2006 at the Wolfe Funeral Home, Villisca, Iowa with Rev. Gordon Scott officiating. Visitation with the family will be 7-8 p.m., Friday evening, July 28, 2006 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, Iowa with military rites by American Legion Ker-A-Vor Post 251. Memorials may be directed to American Diabetes Association or the Villisca EMT. Wolfe Funeral Home, Villisca, Iowa is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.walker-merrick-wolfe-barr.com.
Thomas Marion Shapcott was born at Emerson, Iowa, December 25, 1933 to Calvin and Irma (Shook) Shapcott. He went to school and was raised in Emerson, Iowa and was a big part of his Dad's farming and machinery business. In January, 1952, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in Korea. He spent 2 years at sea and 2 years stationed in Pearl Harbor. Tom was discharged December 21, 1955 and was in the United States Navy Reserves until January 6, 1960. While he was in the service his Mom and Dad moved to Villisca and when he was discharged, he went to be with them and help his Dad in the machinery business. From 1960 on, he went into the buying and selling of farm machinery and tractors. He partnered with Cal to form Shapcott Implement Company of Villisca. The business grew to become the largest short line farm implement dealership in Southwest Iowa. In 1975, Tom bought the business from Cal. Tom was united in marriage September 2, 1956, to Phyllis Marie Anderson. To this union two children were born, Chris Allen Shapcott, October 18, 1957 and Brenda Lea Ingersoll, December 31, 1959. They raised their children in Villisca.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; Cal and Irma Shapcott.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years on September 2, Phyllis Shapcott of Villisca, Iowa; son, Chris Shapcott and his wife Juli of Underwood, Iowa; daughter, Brenda Ingersoll and husband Bill of Villisca, Iowa; four grandchildren, Skylar Winterstien, Erin Shapcott, twins, Lauren Shapcott, Kyle Shapcott; step grandchildren, Ben and Beth Ingersoll; brother, Bill Shapcott of Murfeesboro, Tennessee; sister, Madeline Burmeister of St. Petersburg, Florida; niece, Calla Acree and nephew, Ked Burmeister.
LYLE G. SEDERBURG
Lyle G. Sederburg, age 96 of Stanton, Iowa
Lyle Gustaf LeRoy Sederburg, the son of Edward W. and Hilma (Wenstrand) Sederburg, was born August 13, 1909 in Frankfort Township of Montgomery County, Iowa. He died on Monday, July 17, 2006 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 96 years, 11 months and 4 days.
Lyle was born and raised on a farm in Frankfort Township. He started working on the farm at age 10. He later worked for a time, in the construction of building roads. In the 1930's, he helped build old Highway 34.
Lyle was united in marriage to Helen Marie Crowe on August 27, 1930 in Red Oak, Iowa. He loved farming and farmed most of his life. In 1978, Lyle and Helen moved to their farm northwest of Stanton. He was a member of the Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton. Lyle was an avid story teller and jokester.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen on February 7, 1999, a daughter Lila Russell, grandson, Steve Downing, 3 sisters, Nora, Doris, Myrtle and 5 brothers, Edward, Hilmer, Ervin, Harry and Marion.
Lyle is survived by his children, Harold Sederburg of Stanton, Iowa, Richard Sederburg and wife Janet of Blair, Nebraska and Hilma Downing and husband Richard of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; a son-in-law, Paul Russell of Corning, Iowa; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild; brother, Milo Sederburg and wife Blanche of Red Oak, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton, Iowa. Burial in the Mamre Cemetery, Stanton. Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli, officiating. Visitation with the family present on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home
Memorials to Mamrelund Lutheran Church or Stanton Fire & Rescue. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com. Services entrusted to Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home.
