Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Mark L. Niedermann
Services: Visitation is on Friday, Jan. 4, 2002 from 2-6 pm at the Overton Funeral Home in Traer. The funeral service is on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002 at 10:30 am at the Clutier Community Church in Clutier. Burial is at Waltham Cemetery in Elberon. A lunch will follow back at the church fellowship hall.
Memorial Fund: May be directed to the family.
Mark Loran Niedermann was born May 22, 1950 at Cedar Falls, Iowa the son of Loran and Doris (Mason) Niedermann. Mark received his education in Clutier and Traer where he graduated from North Tama High School in 1968. Mark then began farming and also drove truck for Funks Seed Corn. On September 19, 1981 he was united in marriage to Judy Casey at the Clutier Community Church. They then made their home farming all their married life in near Clutier. Since March of 1988 Mark has been fighting a battle with Multiple Sclerosis and recently had been admitted to the Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo where his death came on Wednesday, January 02, 2002 at the age of 51 years. He was a member of the Clutier Community Church and in his free time enjoyed stock car and drag racing. He was preceded in death by his father, one brother Dean and one son Patrick. He is survived by his wife Judy of Clutier, his mother Doris Niedermann of Clutier, and one-step son Michael Casey of Cedar Rapids.
Ruth Anne Owens
Services: Visitation is on Sun., Dec. 16, 2001 from 10am-6pm. The funeral service is on Mon., Dec. 17, 2001 at 10:30 am at the Ripley United Church of Christ in Traer. A lunch will follow at the Traer Memorial Building. There will be a private family burial at a later date at Buckingham Cemetery in Traer..
Memorial Fund: May be directed to the family.
Ruth Anne Owens was born at Traer, Iowa on December 7, 1926, the daughter of William and Agnes (Cherveny) Danker. Ruth Anne attended school in Traer and graduated from Traer High School. She then continued her education at Coe College and Iowa State Teachers College receiving a Teachers Certificate. Ruth Anne was married to Leland Owens on June 12, 1948 at Traer, Iowa. They made their home in Huxley where she taught school. In 1951 Ruth Anne and Leland returned to make their home at Traer and Ruth Anne began teaching 8th grade and served as Jr. High Principal at Dysart Schools. She later taught for many years in the North Tama School system. In free moments Ruth Anne was an active member of her church and community. For thirty years she was church clerk of the Ripley United Church of Christ, and a member of the Women’s Fellowship. She was a Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Past President of Legion Auxiliary and served as its’ treasurer for 17 years. She served on the Election Board, and was a member of the Iowana Club, Daughter of the Nile, many card clubs, Shrine Auxiliary, Christian Women’s Club, Chapter E.C. of PEO and was an Elkette. With all that involvement, Ruth Anne was also an involved Grandmother, a crossing guard at the North Tama School and help out part time in the family insurance business. In 1977 Ruth Anne retired from teaching after 20 years. Ruth Anne was returning home this past Tuesday from Australia with her husband when she became ill suddenly at the Los Angeles Airport. Her death came that day, Dec. 11, 2001 at the age of 75 years. Her parents and one brother William Jr. preceded her in death. Ruth Anne is survived by her husband Leland of Traer, two sons and their wives, James George & Sharon Owens and Jay William & Connie Owens all of Traer, one brother Wayne Danker of Sun City West, Arizona as well as five grandchildren.
William J. Peterzalek
Services: Visitation is on Tues., June 26, 2001 from 4-7pm at Overton Funeral Home in Traer. The funeral service is on Wed., June 27, 2001 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clutier, IA. Burial is at Oneida Cemetery, Clutier followed by a lunch at the church fellowship hall.
Memorial Fund: May be directed to the family.
William John Peterzalek was born January 3, 1903 at Chelsea, Iowa, the son of Vincent J. and Mary (Stanek) Peterzalek. He received his education in country school and then began working as a mechanic. Bill was an automotive and engine specialist as well as an accomplished welder and machinist. In Bill’s younger days he built batteries to be used for lighting on farms and for uses in light plants. He later operated bulk oil plants for oil companies around the state of Iowa. On August 14, 1928 he was united in marriage to Agnes Wobeter at Clutier, IA. Bill and Agnes owned and operated an automotive garage in Clutier for over 40 years. He was also a volunteer fireman at Clutier. In 1999 Bill and Agnes moved to Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer where Bill continued to live following Agnes’ death on December 2, 1999. He had been in failing health and his death came at the care center on Monday, June 25, 2001 at the age of 98 years. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, wife Agnes, a brother and 3 sisters. He is survived by a nephew: Charles (Mary) Peterzalek of Marion, IA, 4 nieces: Leona Kenner of Belle Plaine, IA, Bernice (Mrs. Ray) Vaughn of Cedar Rapids, IA, Nadine (Mrs. Joe) Vanous also of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Joyce (Mrs. Dean) Nosbish of Monticello, IA.
Robert J. Podhajsky
Services: Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 pm on Thurs., Nov. 22, 2001. The funeral service is on Friday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer. Burial is at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Traer followed by a lunch at the Traer Memorial Building.
Memorial Fund: In lieu of flowers the family has requested the memorials be directed to the Cedar Valley Hospice Home.
Robert Joseph Podhajsky was born July 3, 1931 at Toledo, Iowa, the son of William and Mayme (Valenta) Podhajsky Sr.. Bob received his education in country school before attending high school in Traer, graduating in the Class of 1949. He then farmed with his father until he entered the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. Following his discharge he attended Iowa State University in Ames before returning to farming. On February 20, 1971 Bob was united in marriage to Cecilia Svoboda at St. Vaclav Catholic Church in rural Clutier. They made their home in Traer and Bob continued to farm. Bob was an active member of the community serving on the Board of Directors of Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, the Garwin Lumber Co. and the Traer Memorial Building Board. He was also a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, past Commander of the Traer American Legion and a member of the Knights of Columbus and the K.D. Lodge. Bob recently became ill and was a patient at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home where his death came on Monday, November 19, 2001 at the age of 70 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Maria, a child by miscarriage, and a brother Bill. Bob is survived by his wife Cecilia of Traer, 5 sons: Father Christopher Podhajsky of Mason City, IA, Nicholas and his wife Joey of Traer, Jeffrey of State Center, IA, Michael of Washington, DC, and Richard of Traer, a daughter Theresa of Sageville, IA and a brother Stanley of Iowa City, IA.
Harry B. Risvold
Services: Visitation is on Tuesday, May 8, 2001 from 5-8pm at Overton Funeral Home in Traer. The funeral service is to be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2001 at 10:30 am at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Traer. Burial is at Buckingham Cemetery in Traer, followed by a luncheon at the Lutheran Church fellowship hall.
Memorial Fund: May be directed to Huntington's Disease Society of America..
Harry Bernard Risvold was born at Linn Grove, Iowa on Jan. 10,1932, the son of C. Bernard and E. Lucille (Cortright) Risvold. Harry moved to live with his family at Souix Rapids, Iowa before they came to Traer to make their home. Harry attended Traer, High School and graduated in the Class of 1949. Harry continued his education at Monmouth College in Illinois. He also was an accomplished drummer and played in various local bands and traveled with Del Clayton Band for three years. Harry took an interest in watch making and attended the Elgin Watchmaker College in Elgin, Illinois. Harry’s training was interrupted when he served his country during the Korean War. Following his discharge from the service he returned to complete his courses. On Sept. 15, 1955 Harry married Carol Matthias at Pine City Minnesota. Harry and Carol made their home at Marquette, Michigan where Harry worked at Jean’s Jewelry Store for three years. In 1958 they returned to Traer where the owned and operated Risvold’s Jewelry Store for over 26 years. Over the years Harry continued his interest in music and played in area bands or the years as well as a Jazz Trio. Harry was an avid sports fan, enjoyed children and boating. Many residents will remember Harry for his love of motorcycles, scooters and cars. In recent years Harry’s health had failed and he found enjoyment spending some time at the Casino. More recently Harry was a resident of Sunrise Hill Care Center at Traer, where his death came on Saturday, May 5, 2001 at the age of 69 years. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife Carol or Traer, his son Larry and his wife Sheri of Elgin, SC, his daughter Laura and her husband Tony Abbott of Savanna, GA, and six grandchildren.
Rose Ella Rittgers
Services: Services will be held on Monday, April 16, 2001 at 10:30 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Reinbeck, Iowa with Pastor Randy McGrady-Beach officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Hill Cemetery, rural Gladbrook, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2001 from 4-8 pm. at the Overton Funeral Home in Traer.
Memorial Fund: May be directed to the family.
Rose Ella Mae Rittgers was born May 19, 1936 at Garwin, Iowa, the daughter of Ervol and Edna (Tiffany) Fink. Rose Ella was raised in Lincoln, Iowa and attended school in Lincoln and Reinbeck, graduating the Class of 1954. On February 26, 1955 she was united in marriage to Merle Rittgers at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa and since 1961 they have made their home in Lincoln. During that time Rose Ella was employed at Ritchie Industries of Conrad for 15 years and at A.F. Ross Gift and Craft store in Marshalltown. Rose Ella’s death came at her home on Thursday, April 12, 2001 at the age of 64 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Reinbeck. Rose Ella is preceded in death by her mother and is survived by her husband Merle of Lincoln, her father Ervol Fink of Gladbrook, IA, a son, Laine and Kristy Rittgers of Liscomb, IA, five daughters: Lori Hout of Lincoln, IA, Carla (Mrs. Ken) Smith of Lincoln, IA, Caryn (Mrs. Paul) Strohbehn of Reinbeck, IA, Marla (Mrs. Bill) Hout of Indianola, IA and Judy (Mrs. Bryan) Brown of Marshalltown, IA, a brother, Roland Fink of Lincoln, IA, a sister, Sharol Hopes of Gladbrook, IA, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Dale H. Ross
Services: Visitation is on Sunday, April 22, 2001 from 4-6pm and from 1pm until service time on Monday. The funeral service is on Monday, April 23, 2001 at 2:00pm at the Ripley United Church of Christ in Traer, IA. Burial is at Buckingham Cemetery in Traer.
Memorial Fund: May be directed to the family.
Dale Harvey Ross was born January 31, 1907, in Belle Plaine, Iowa, son of Harry George Ross and Edna Maude (Harvey) Ross. In 1909, the family moved to Traer, IA and in 1917 to Buckingham, IA. Dale was a graduate of Traer High School in 1924 and graduated with a BA degree from the now University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA in 1928. He taught and coached for seven years at the high school at Riceville, IA. In 1935, he attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, for advanced work in the educational field. Dale returned to Iowa to Charles City where he was a science and geography instructor for the next six years at the high school. He was also the men’s athletic director and a swimming instructor at the Charles City YMCA. On November 24, 1937, he married Jean Lorraine Maxson, formerly of Marble Rock, IA at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They resided in Charles City before moving to Chicago, IL in 1941 where Dale was employed in liaison work with Hannifin Mfg. Company. In 1957 he was appointed by the 100-year old Daisy Air Rifle Company to the position of District Sales Manager for five midwestern states, retiring in 1980. The family returned to Buckingham, IA, until October 1992 when Dale and Jean moved to Sunrise Terrace in Traer. More recently Dale had been ill and his death came at his home on Thursday, April 19, 2001, at the age of 94 years. He was a member of Ripley United Church of Christ, the Masonic Lodge and he was a well-known historian for the Buckingham and Traer areas. Dale is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Dorothy Jensen. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Ross, three children and their spouses: Judy & Larry Martin of Eureka Springs, AR, Jill & Ken Rinkenberger of Marion, IA and Jack & Joan Ross of Jacksonville, FL, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
John "Jack" Russell
Services: 10:30 am on Saturday, April 21, 2001 at the Overton Funeral Home in Traer, with burial at the Geneseo Cemetery rural Buckingham with Military Rites by the Dysart American Legion. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday.
Minister: Rev. Marshall Monthei
Memorial Fund: May be directed to the family.
John Russell, known as Jack to his family and friends, was born on March 20, 1920 in Fairfax, Iowa, the son of John, Sr. & Emily (Zabokrtsky) Russell. After receiving his education Jack worked for area farmers in Benton and Linn Counties, he then entered the United States Army Air Corps to serve during WW II. Jack was a decorated soldier, earning the Soldier’s Medal for Bravery, a Presidential Citation, 15 Battles Stars and 5 Bronze Stars. He fought in the European and African Theatres of Combat. Jack was discharged as a Staff Sgt in September of 1945. Jack was united in marriage to Margaret Buchanan and they made their home in the Buckingham and Traer area before Margaret preceded him in death on October 28, 1971. Jack continued to make his home in the area and worked for area farmers. In his spare time Jack enjoyed the camaraderie of a good game of cards. Recently Jack has made his home at the Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer, and it was there that his death came on Tuesday, April 17, 2001. He was 81 years of age. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 3 brothers; Dale, Donald & Earl, and 1 sister; Vera Sanders. He is survived by 1 brother and his wife; Bill & Marlene Russell of Traer, 3 sisters and their spouses; Marion Olson of Eldora, Ann & Dick Prohaska of Solon and Marvel & Claude Dononhoe of Cedar Rapids. Jack is also survived by his friend and companion of many years, Lois Pressley.
Isabell Shirley
Services: 11:00 am on Thursday, February 22, 2001 at the Ripley United Church of Christ in Traer, Iowa.
Memorial Fund: A memorial fund has been established.
Isabell Shirley was born June 12, 1901 near Buckingham, Iowa, the daughter of John Clinton and Florence (Jaqua) Owens. Isabell received her education in country school near Buckingham and later attended Traer High School. On December 23, 1918 she was united in marriage to Paul W. Shirley and they made their home in Missouri for 17 years before returning to Iowa. Isabell and Paul made their home in the Ottumwa and Blakesburg area before making their home near Hartwick. After Paul’s death in November of 1972 she continued to reside in Hartwick until December of 1994 when she moved to make her home at the Belle Plaine Care Center. In March of 1999 she moved to the St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. Isabell’s death came at the care center on Sunday, February 18, 2001 at the age of 99 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul, three children, Lawrence, Lucretia and Benjamin Stone III, five sisters, four brothers and one grandson Danny. She is survived by four sons, Robert (Shirley) Shirley of Eldora, Iowa, Keith (Gene) Shirley of Wyoming, Illinois, John (LaVonne) Shirley of Corning, Iowa, and Charles (Trudy) Shirley of Mingo, Iowa, six daughters, Laura Nelson of Ottumwa, Iowa, Jean (Donald) Reinert of Oelwein, Iowa, Esther (Max) Fisher of Blakesburg, Iowa, Ruth (Henry) Roemerman of Camdenton, Missouri, Stella Burras of Renwick, Iowa and Joyce (Marvin) Brooks of Des Moines, Iowa, 47 grandchildren, 91 great grandchildren and 25 great great grandchildren.
Louise Sieh
Services: To be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 2:00pm at Overton Family Funeral Home in Traer, Iowa
Memorial Fund: May be directed to the family.
Louise Sieh was born December 10, 1903 on a farm east of Traer, Iowa, the daughter of Ferdinand and Anna (Gosau) Sieh. Louise graduated from Traer High School and later attended Iowa State College and received a degree in Home Economics from Coe College. Following her education she taught school in Rockford, Iowa for 14 years. At the time she moved to Chicago, Illinois to work in the book department at Marshall Fields. She later returned to Traer to care for her parents and her brother who was injured in an accident and in later years made her own home at the North Tama Housing. Louise enjoyed her collection of Hummel’s and entertaining. She was a wonderful cook and gracious hostess. She also had the opportunity to make many trips throughout the United States and Canada with her sister Elsie. A favorite pastime was playing bridge, which she continued to enjoy even after it was necessary to become a resident at the Sunrise Hill Care Center. Louise’s death came at the care center early Friday, March 16, 2001 at the age of 97 years. She was a member of the Ripley United Church of Christ and the Traer Chapter of P.E.O., She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Ann Sieh and Elsie Elmore and a brother Henry. She is survived by a niece Ann (Robert) Stephenson of Traer and two nephews William (Anita) Elmore of Gladbrook and Richard Elmore of Beaman and two great nieces and 3 great nephews.
