Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Walter Nees
Walter Joseph Nees, age 82, of Early, Iowa, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2004, at the Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa, following a short illness.
Walter was born May 5, 1922, in Carroll, Iowa, the son of Carl and Josephine (Reiff) Nees. He received his education through the eighth grade by attending school in Mt. Carmel.
On January 27, 1945, Walter entered the U.S. Army at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota. He served his country during WWII in the Pacific, Philippines, and Japan and was honorably discharged on November 17, 1946, holding the rank of Sergeant.
Walter was united in marriage to Dolores Eischeid Baumhover on April 3, 1951 in Carroll, Iowa.
Walter and Dolores farmed and raised their family in the Sac City area, retiring from farming in the mid 1980’s. Walter never lost his interest in farming and enjoyed tinkering with older models of John Deere tractors. He also enjoyed dancing, playing cards and having coffee with friends every day.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City for over 50 years, where he helped usher at Sunday morning Mass. His other memberships included the Early American Legion and the Sac City V.F.W.
Survivors include his children: Gary Nees and his wife Candace of Storm Lake, Randy Nees and his wife Pam of Rockwell City, Linda Petersen and her husband Steven of Carroll, and Renae Babcock and her husband Randy of Odebolt; nine grandchildren: Lisa Sailer and her husband Jason of Bismarck, N.D., Tammy Dennison and her husband Timothy of Twenty Nine Palms, CA, Laurie Babcock and Tracy Babcock both of Des Moines, Kimberly Stehr and her husband Michael of Correctionville, Matthew and Nathan Nees of Storm Lake, and Amanda and Jessica Nees of Rockwell City; four great grandchildren: Kali Babcock, Owen Sailer, and Hunter and Denver Dennison; a brother Richard Nees and his wife Janet of Nemaha; and a sister Isabelle Schmit of Cushing.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dolores, on January 14, 2000; great granddaughter Aaliyah Babcock; and three sisters: Dorothy and Esther Nees, and Viola Bruder.
Mass of the Christian Burial for Walter will be Monday, June 7, 2004, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City. Father Larry McCarty and Father Dale Reiff will officiate. Charles Schulte will play the organ and Steve Goecke, soloist, will provide special music. Honorary pallbearers include: Lisa Sailer, Tammy Dennison, Laurie Babcock, Tracy Babcock, Kimberly Stehr, Amanda Nees, and Jessica Nees. Pallbearers are the following: Matthew Nees, Nathan Nees, David Nees, Michael Stehr, Ronald Kolbe, and Wayne Henrich. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, Iowa, under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
Visitation is Sunday, June 6th, 2:00-8:00 p.m., at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.
Violet Vohs
Funeral services for Violet Vohs will be held Saturday, October 2nd, 2:00 p.m., at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City with Reverend James Travis officiating; Frank Pontious will be the soloist; and Phyllis Pontious, organist. Pallbearers include the following: Carl Vohs, Bob Lane, Kenneth Ohrtman, Joshua Remick, Rod Remick, and Randy Johnson. Burial will be at the Galva Township Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 1st, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.
Violet Mae (Hollingshead) Vohs, age 74, of Early, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday September 29, 2004, at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, Iowa.
Violet was born on April 27, 1930, in Quimby, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Iola (Jackson) Hollingshead. She was baptized as a baby at a church in Quimby and was of the Lutheran faith. She lived in the Quimby and Washta area while growing up and attended the Quimby Public School through the eighth grade.
On November 21, 1951, Violet was united in marriage to Charles William Vohs at Camp Carsten, Colorado. They returned to Iowa and lived in the Galva-Holstein area, moving to Sac City in 1961. Three children were born to this union: Douglas, Barbara, and Debra.
Violet was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved being home with the children and attending their activities. She enjoyed country music, playing BINGO, and caring for her dogs.
She is survived by her husband Charles; son Douglas Vohs and his wife Joanie of Lake View, IA; two daughters: Barbara Romick and her husband Rod of Alta, IA, and Debra Ohrtman and her husband Kenneth of Storm Lake, IA; five grandchildren: Becky Wilkerson, Carl Vohs, Douglas “D.J.” Vohs, Jr., Jamie Tadlock, and Joshua Romick; three great-grandchildren: Riley, Holly, and Maxwell Romick, and extended family members.
Violet was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Iola Hollingshead; brothers Robert and Elmer; and sister Bertha Jors.
Valaria M. Meister
Valaria M. Meister, age 81, of Wall Lake, Iowa, passed away on April 3, 2006, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 6th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wall Lake. Burial will be at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Visitation is from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with a vigil service beginning at 7:00, at Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Wall Lake.
Valaria was born on July 4, 1924, in Dedham, Iowa, the daughter of Anthony and Christina (Tiefenthaler) Pittman. She was baptized and confirmed in the catholic faith and a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wall Lake. Valaria attended country school through the eighth grade.
On February 29, 1960, Valaria was united in marriage to Melvin F. Meister at St. Joseph’s in Wall Lake.
Valaria was a loving housewife and homemaker. She enjoyed dancing at Lakewood, visiting with friends, dining out, and just being with people. In January of 2003 she went to live at Twilight Acres Nursing Home due to failing health.
Survivors include her daughter, Marvel Lampe and husband Jim of Carroll, Iowa; two grandchildren: Amber and Nicole Lampe of Carroll; brother, Virtus Pittman and wife Betty of Wall Lake; sister, Vivalee Pickhinke and husband Ed of Sac City, IA; brother-in-law, Orville Meister and wife Norma of Wall Lake; sisters-in-law: Margaret Lampe and husband Albert of Mosinee, WI, Linda Pittman of Watertown, SD, and Gretchen Schmeling and husband Marlin of Emmetsburg, IA; and many extended family members.
Valaria was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin in 1990; and brothers: Virgil, Verial, and Verlin.
Tyler J. Wunschel
Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M., Tuesday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. Friends may call at the church from 4 to 8 on Monday where there will be a parish wake services at 7:00 PM Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Sac City is in charge of arrangements.
Tyler Jay Wunschel, age 31, of Omaha, Nebraska formerly of Early, Iowa passed away on June 4, 2005, at Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska following a brave battle with cancer.
“T.J.” was born on April 11, 1974 in Sac City, Iowa the son of Jim and Sharon (Lenz) Wunschel. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and remained a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. He attended Early schools, graduating from the Schaller-Crestland High School in 1992. He went on to attend Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska graduating in 1997 with a degree in political science.
He was employed as a manager with Ameratrade in Omaha for the past six years.
“T.J” always enjoyed a good party, golf and playing cards. He loved family gatherings and just hanging out with his friends.
He is survived by his parents; Sharon Wunschel of Early, IA and Jim and Jean Wunschel of Ogallalala, NE.; one sister and her husband, Steph and Joe Kucera of Sergeant Bluff, IA.: three brothers, Chris Wunschel and wife Denise of Nemaha, IA, John Wunschel and wife Lynn of Schaller, IA and Travis Wunschel of Polk City, IA and his half brother Kelly Wunschel of Anchorage, Alaska and half sister, McLaine Wunschel at home in Ogallalala and his nine nieces and nephews. Other survivors include his two grandmothers, Maxine Lenz of Storm Lake, IA and Katherine Wunschel of Lake View, IA.; several aunts and uncles and his many friends and extended family.
His two grandfathers, John Lenz and Gail Wunschel, preceded him in death.
Thelma Beck
Thelma Ann Birkhofer Beck, age 77, of Lake View, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2006, at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 17th, at the Lakes United Methodist Church in Lake View with Rev. Rick Johnson officiating. Burial will be at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday.
Thelma was born on February 26, 1929, in Crawford County, Iowa to Elmer Birkhofer and Pearl Bramley, granddaughter of Johannes Birkhofer of Switzerland and Charles Henry Bramley of Worlaby, England.
She attended rural schools in Sac County, Iowa, graduated from High School in Schaller, Iowa.
After graduation from high school she went to Seattle, WA and lived with her sister there, then in Walla Walla, WA. While in Walla Walla she married Stanley Beck, who has preceded her in death. Two children were born to this union: Judy who died at birth, and Steven, who is now living and working in Alaska.
Two brothers, David and Donald, preceded her in death. Thelma is survived by her sister, Bethine Bowen and her husband, Claude, of Bloomington, IL; and a brother, Denver Birkhofer and his wife Sally, of Sioux City, Iowa. Other survivors include her grandchildren, Stephanie Davenport of Burien, WA, and Justin Beck stationed in Alaska; great-granddaughter, Samantha Davenport; sister-in-law, Jean Birkhofer of Wall Lake; several nieces and nephews, Orma Birkhofer Bowen of Cheyney, PA, Kenneth Birkhofer of Florida, James (Jane) Bowen of Arizona, Claudia (Leonard) Sigler and Deanna (Richard) Bilyeu of Normal, IL, Ricky and Vicky Birkhofer of Sioux City, IA, Cathy Birkhofer of Sioux Falls, SD, and Segna Birkhofer of Sac City, IA.
Thelma was a member of Lakes United Methodist Church in Lake View. Her hobbies were gardening, she was very proud of her endeavors with roses and other flowers, reading, and spending time with here grandchildren. Thelma was very generous, compassionate, and devoted her time and assets to others.
Although her last few years were spent in the Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, she will be remembered and missed by many.
Ralph Werkmeister
Ralph James Werkmeister, age 84, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2006, at his home in Sac City.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30, Friday, April 7th, at the First Christian Church in Sac City with burial at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 6th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.
Ralph was born on December 26, 1921, in Odebolt, Iowa, the son of Fred and Lena (Rippel) Werkmeister. He attended country school and graduated from Early High School.
On October 28, 1945, Ralph was united in marriage to Violet Lamaak. Five children were born to this union: Judie, Peggy, James, Linda, and Marlys.
Ralph farmed east of Early where he raised his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, tending the livestock, crops, and harvesting in the fall.
On December 26, 1981, Ralph and Elnora Streed were married at Faith Lutheran Church in Early. They made their home in Sac City. Ralph was a member of Peace Lutheran in Wall Lake and Faith Lutheran in Early prior to joining the First Christian Church in Sac City.
He retired from farming in 1987 and started working for the Howard Center as a maintenance man and transit driver, retiring in 2005. He also helped Elnora with paper deliveries in Storm Lake.
Survivors include his children: Judie Marsh and husband Dale of Wall Lake, IA, Peggy Parker and husband Bob of Cherokee, IA, James Werkmeister and wife Peggy of Denison, IA, Linda Werkmeister of Early, IA, and Marlys Werkmeister of Sioux City, IA; four step children: David and Suzan Streed of Lafayette, CO, Dr. Esther Streed of Urbandale, IA, Mark and Candy Streed of Lafayette, CO; and Mary Streed of Parker, CO; seven grandchildren; 13 step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and 27 step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Stout of Sac City; brother-in-law, Harlan Stout of Minneapolis, MN, extended family members, and many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife Elnora on March 31, 2006; three brothers: Orie, Clifford, and Raymond; and a sister, Christina Sampers.
Raymond H. Raasch
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 15, 2004, at 10:30 a.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Odebolt with Reverend Charles Bulger officiating. Bells will be played by Janice Rupert. Pallbearers include all of Raymond's grandchildren: Mark, Greg, Scott, Jeff, Matt, Marla, and Megan Raasch. Burial will be at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 14th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt.
Raymond H. Raasch, age 87, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2004, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove.
Raymond was born on January 21, 1917, the son of Irvin and Elizabeth (Konradi) Raasch, on the family farm northeast of Odebolt, where he lived all his life, until he moved to Odebolt in February of 2002. He attended country school near Odebolt.
On January 3, 1942, Raymond was united in marriage to Margaret Elizabeth “Betty” Shirk in Des Moines, Iowa. They were the parents of two sons: Curtis and Bruce.
Ray loved the farm life. He continued to help on the farm until moving into Odebolt in 2002. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and working in his garden.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Odebolt and served as trustee, ruling elder, and ushered.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his two sons: Curtis (Carol) Raasch and Bruce (Polly) Raasch, all of Odebolt; seven grandchildren: Mark (Cyndi) Raasch of Odebolt, Greg (Melissa) Raasch of Lake View; Scott Raasch of Odebolt, Jeff (Laurel) Raasch of Ames, Matt Raasch of Odebolt; Marla Raasch of Charter Oak, and Megan Raasch of Carroll; a sister-in-law, Hazel Raasch of Sioux City; and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Willard; sisters and brothers-in-law: Dorothy (Emmett) Buehler, and Marjorie (Raymond) Timmerman; and a granddaughter, Michelle Marie Raasch.
Ruth A. Boisen
Ruth Ann Boisen, 65, of Early, Iowa, died Friday, March 23, 2007, at Buena Vista Manor in Storm Lake following a brief illness.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 28th, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller with Pastor David Lyons officiating.
Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 27th, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.
Ruth was born on July 17, 1941, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Scott and Hazel (McMullin) Harman. She graduated from the Early High School in 1959.
On June 18, 1961, Ruth was united in marriage to Verdeen Boisen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, Iowa, with Kay Remmington as her bridesmaid and Hank Luchtel as Verdeen’s best-man. They farmed in the Schaller and Early area until retiring and moving into Early in 1991.
Ruth was a perfectionist and had an eye for detail. For many years she baked and decorated cakes for family, friends, and people in the surrounding communities. In the early eighties she and her husband began to make wooden toys and crafts, attending various craft shows around the area.
She was a kind hearted loving person, who was involved in the church and loved to share her strong faith in Jesus Christ.
Ruth enjoyed good conversation, family, and friends, but mostly her goal was to bring joy and happiness to others.
She is survived by her husband, Verdeen Boisen; and two sons: Terry Boisen and his wife Robin of Cherokee, Iowa, Martin Boisen and his wife Jacquie of Grain Valley, Missouri; grandsons Eric and Aaron of Cherokee and Jake, Connor, and Kyle of Grain Valley; a brother Howard Harman and his wife Norma of Indianola, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Opal I. Barnhill
Opal Irene Barnhill, age 93, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2006, at Blackhawk Life Care Center in Lake View.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 17th, at the First Baptist Church in Sac City with Reverend Ross Craig officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 16th at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.
Opal Irene Martin was born on September 16, 1912, in Sac City, Iowa, the daughter of Guy and Irma (Curtis) Martin. She attended Sac City schools through the eleventh grade and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sac City.
On November 27, 1930, Opal was united in marriage to Delmar E. Barnhill in Sac City. Five children were born to this union: Gloria, Dorothy, Harold, James, and Judy. She worked as a waitress at Wiseman Café, the Soda Grill, and White’s Drive Inn, worked on farm machinery at Nobel Manufacturing in Sac City, retiring in 1974, then worked at Lakewood until the early 90’s, and during that time managed to keep an immaculate house, and cared for her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many and enjoyed gardening, canning, fishing, camping, and embroidering.
Survivors include her children: Gloria Olerich and husband Louis of Lake View, Dorothy Carnine and husband Dale of Parkville, MO, Harold Barnhill and wife Sherry of Lake Dallas, TX, James Barnhill of Euless, TX, and Judy Lamaak and husband Russell of Wall Lake, IA; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; her brother Harold Martin of Lansing, MI; her sister Betty Wieben and husband Don of Faribault, MN; sister-in-law, Mildred Barnhill of Sac City; many extended family members and friends.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband Delmar on February 22, 1995, and brothers Russell and Gail Martin.
Marie Bettin
Funeral services for Marie Bettin will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27th, at Peace Lutheran Church, Wall Lake, Iowa, with Reverend Roger Carlisle officiating. Burial will be at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 26th, 4:00-8:00 p.m., at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Wall Lake.
Marie Christine (Claussen) Bettin, age 90, of Lake View, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2005, at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, Iowa. Marie was born on November 25, 1914, the daughter of Hans and Dora (Namanny) Claussen, at home in rural Denison, Iowa, Crawford County. She was baptized on January 11, 1915, and confirmed April 1, 1928, by Pastor Frehse at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. She attended country school in Crawford County through the eighth grade.
On February 16, 1938, Marie was united in marriage to Lawrence Bettin at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cook Township, in Odebolt, Iowa. They were blessed with two children: Charles and Janet.
Marie dedicated her life to the support and care of her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and “partner” with her husband on the family farm. She enjoyed yard work, gardening, and liked to visit with friends and neighbors. She was an active member of the Peace Lutheran Church of Wall Lake, Iowa. She held numerous offices in the Ladies Aid.
Survivors include her son, Rev. Charles Bettin and his wife Linda of Lake View; three grandchildren: Todd (Teresa) Bettin of Lake View, Lori (Dan) Bettin of Hopkins, MN, and Christopher Bettin of Dallas, TX; four great-grandchildren: April and Michaela Bettin (Lori’s) and Natasha and Katelyn Bettin (Todd’s); son-in-law Charles Curb of Clarksville, AR; sister-in-law Ione Claussen of Denison, IA; extended family members; and many friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lawrence in 2003; daughter Janet Curb in 1998; grandson Jason in 1968; brothers: Henry and Peter Claussen; and sisters: Elsie Frehse, Hilda Lindstrom, and Emma Hausman.
Mary Wicker
Mary Lucile (Mann) Wicker was born October 3, 1901, in Lyons, Nebraska, to Henry and Sarah (Peck) Mann, Mary passed away at Twilight Acres Nursing Home, Wall Lake, Iowa, after a long illness, on Wednesday, September 8, 2004.
Mary graduated from Wall Lake High School in 1920. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church where she remained an active member until failing health made it necessary for her to enter the nursing home at Wall Lake where she remained until her death. She was a member of Eastern Star and also belonged to several social clubs.
On July 8, 1939, Mary was united in marriage to John Wicker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Henry and Sarah Mann; brothers: John, Clarence, Russell “Jake”, William, and Lyle; and her sisters: Margaret, Helen, Mabel, and Nellie.
She leaves to mourn her passing a niece, Norma Cunningham and husband Elmer of Morro Bay, California; a nephew, Warren Frerichs of Newell, Iowa, and his daughter Mary Marler and husband Daniel of Hansville, Washington; and other relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 11th, 10:30 a.m., under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home, at the Wall Lake Cemetery, with Reverend Donald Gibson officiating.
Visitation is from 9:00-10:00 am, prior to the graveside service on Saturday, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Wall Lake.
