Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Alvira Thada, 74, of 1704 N 24th St. in Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2007 at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City following a long battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Thornton, Iowa with Pastor Milton D. Johnson officiating. Internment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Thornton. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to W.E.L.C.A. (St. Paul's Lutheran Women's Group) in Thornton or to the American Cancer Society.
Alvira Violet Thada, daughter of Alfred and Leona (Steenblock) Meinders, was born March 5, 1933 in rural Belmond, Iowa. Her parents farmed in the Thornton area and she graduated from Thornton High School in 1950. She was confirmed at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, Iowa. She worked a short while as a telephone operator in Mason City.
On October 29, 1950, Alvira was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Dean Thada, at the First Reformed Church in Meservey by Pastor E. Kempmann. After their marriage she joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Thornton and has been a member ever since.
They started farming near Thornton where Alvira worked side by side with Dean. They later moved to a farm in the Meservey area. In 1996 they retired and moved to Clear Lake.
Yard work and gardening were favorite hobbies of Alvira and Dean, and she enjoyed the many hours spent in her beautiful flowerbeds. They spent many years in Texas and Arizona in the winter months and summer months in Minnesota. They were also active in the Garner Rainbow Swingers square dance club for many years
Alvira is survived by her husband, Dean; children, Byron (Karen) Thada, Crawfordsville, IN, Diane (Dan) Schultz, Council Bluffs, IA., Daryl (Bobbi) Thada, Cissna Park, IL; grandchildren, Amy Schultz, Robin (Joshua) Fowler, Adam (Becky) Thada, and Brad Thada; step-grandchildren Erica (Jason) Rayfield and Mike (Joey) Fischer; four step-great grandchildren, Jack, Kayla, Jamie, and Justin; brother, Duane (Cheryl) Meinders; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear lake, was in charge of arrangements.
DuWayne L. Bitker, 72, died Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at the Heritage Care Center, Mason City, Iowa. A memorial service was held Monday, June 18, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Tom Healey officiating. Inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, at a later date. Memorials may be given to the DuWayne L. Bitker Memorial Fund.
DuWayne was born Nov. 15, 1934 in rural Garner, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Goldie (Pitkin) Bitker. He attended school in Ventura. He married
Neva Bouline on July 30, 1953 in Yankton, S.D. They lived in Albert Lea, Minn. for over seven years where he worked at Rilco. They moved back to the family farm north of Ventura and farmed for 32 years. They moved to Mason City in 1993.
DuWayne obtained his pilot certificate in 1967 and enjoyed flying, farming, hunting and going for rides. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1985.
DuWayne was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Mason City. He was a former member of Experimental Air Craft Association and the National Farmer's Organization.
DuWayne is survived by his wife, Neva Bitker, Mason City; three children, Daniel Bitker and his wife, Sally, Garner, Iowa, Randy Bitker and his wife, Jayne, Clear Lake, and Ronald Bitker, Clear Lake; four grandchildren, Toni Gonnerman and her husband, Shaun, Kelly Weigel, Krista Bitker and Adam Palmer; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Phyllis Rosendahl, Mason City, and Sharon Kramer, Clear Lake; four brothers, Larry Bitker, Mason City, Donald Bitker, Burbank, Calif., Loren Bitker, Mason City, and Doug Bitker and his wife, Cali, Mason City.
DuWayne was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Dustin Palmer.
Edna May Juel Klaassen, 105, previously of 2605 South Shore Drive, Clear Lake, died Saturday, June 23, 2007 at the Oakwood Care Facility where she has resided for the previous two years.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 26, at the Ward-Van-Slyke Funeral Home in Clear Lake with Lay Leader Jan Tjaden officiating. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service and memorials directed to the Edna J. Klaassen Memorial Fund.
Edna May Juel Klaassen was born May 13, 1902 in Thompson, Iowa, the daughter of James Peter and Clara Johnson Juel of Forest City. She was raised on the home farm in Forest City with her three sisters and two brothers where the Forest City Memorial Hospital is located today. She attended Forest City country schools and later attended teachers college in Cedar Falls, Iowa to start the first love of her life, "teaching." She taught in various rural schools in central Iowa. There are many who will always be blessed in having her for a teacher and this continued throughout her lifetime.
On July 12 of 1927 she and the other "love of her life" George J. Klaassen were united in marriage at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa and resided together on their farm in Thompson.
The couple soon moved to follow Edna's teaching career to Clear Lake and became part of Clear Lake's development history. She and George owned and operated Klaassen's Cabana Resort on South Shore Drive for 12 years.
During her amazing 105 years she and her husband took every opportunity to give to others. Thirty-five years ago they were founders of the Clear Lake Beautification Program involving flower beds and tree planting which continue on today. They continued on with this through the Kinney-Lindstrom Foundation. Edna finally turned over the responsibilities at the age of 98.
In 1969 they founded the Rosebud Sioux Indian Mission in South Dakota and each year journeyed there with food and hospital supplies. Their support helped to provide scholarships and educational opportunities for the Indians. Edna made her last trip at 100 years of age with the help of many and the companionship of Barb Dwyer.
For 43 years she was a part of the American Cancer Society and every fund raiser that was held. She had a notorious knack for salesmanship as all will vividly recall.
In 1989 she was installed into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame by Gov. Branstad.
Edna received her masters in teaching degree in the early nineties from the University of Northern Iowa.
She was a long time member of the Clear Lake Lioness Club and she and George both were deeply involved with the International Lions Club which took them to many, many places on the globe. She always brought something cultural back to "teach" all who would listen about her great travels and adventures. They received the International President's Award in 1979-80.
For some 25 years she served with her husband as a Commodore for the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, welcoming new business and congratulating others on business achievements. In 1984 the Klaassens were selected by the Chamber to serve as Grand Marshalls for the Fourth of July parade.
The Klaassens were also past recipients of the Harmony of Living Award presented by the River City Barber Ship Chorus annually to Iowans serving others. They dedicated their lives to the betterment of others and will always be remembered for their gracious volunteering and "salesmanship" of tickets and baked goods.
She was a long time member of the Clear Lake Congregational Church and had a great faith in God.
She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Alice Edminster, Tucson Az., Mabel Francis, Clear Lake, and Ruth Kramer, Garner, Iowa; two brothers, Lawrence Juel and Ernest Juel, Maryland.
Edna was the last of her siblings to pass away. Excluding one brother they all lived into their late 80's to early 90's. Two sisters lived to 100 years of age.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Pauline Delores (Kline Ausborn) Ulrich, 86, of Klemme, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 19, 2007, at the Belmond Medical Center, Belmond, Iowa, surrouned by family and loved ones.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 22, at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme, with the Rev. Donna Buckman officiating. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Pauline's name may wish to consider the American Heart Association or to the donor's choice.
Pauline, the daughter of John and Anna Julia Alvina (Ausborn) Kline, was born Jan. 31, 1921, in Erin Township, Hancock County, Iowa. She went to live with her grandparents, Richard and Anna (Nieman) Ausborn, on a farm southeast of Britt, Iowa, when she was six months old, taking the Ausborn name while living with her grandparents.
Pauline attended the local area schools. She met her husband, Richard, when they were both working at the Clear Lake Bakery in Clear Lake. They were united in marriage on Oct. 19, 1942, at Glenville, Minn. To this union three children were born, Larry Ulrich, Patricia (Robert) Lee, Donna (Lynn) Katter.
Her passions were her family, cooking, dancing, gardening, camping, geneology and laughter.
Those who will cherish the memory of her life include her husband and life partner of nearly 65 years, Richard Ulrich, Klemme; her daughters, Patricia (the late Robert) Lee, Mason City, Iowa and Donna (Lynn) Katter, Rochester, N.Y.; and her 10 grandchildren, Wendell, Richard, Lynetta, Denise, Dawn, Michael, Kathryn, Paul, Melissa and Allison; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She was proceeded in death by her son, Larry; grandson, Richard; son-in-law, Robert and good friend, Lorraine Woiwood.
Andrews Funeral Home, Klemme, was in charge of arrangements.
Clarke Junior Beard, 77, of 1102 8th Ave Court So., Clear Lake, died Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. According to his wishes his body has been cremated. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., June 30, at the Clear Lake Christian Church. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services. Memorials may be directed to the Clarke Beard Memorial Fund.
Clarke was born March 19, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Clarke Briar and Lois (Willett) Beard. He attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines and was a graduate with the class of 1948. On Aug. 25, 1950 he was united in marriage to Jane Snook. The two of them raised three children, Julie, Clarke, and Chris. Clarke attended the University of Iowa until being inducted into the Army on March 8, 1951. Clarke was stationed in Yokusuka, Japan until his honorable discharge on Feb. 25, 1953. On Feb. 12, 1984 he was united in marriage to Elaine Hagen in Las Vegas, Nev.
Throughout his life Clarke owned the North Iowa Stone Center. He worked many sales positions and most recently worked for Arnold Motor Supply in Garner, Iowa, retiring in 2002.
Clarke enjoyed playing pool, golfing, fishing, reading, watching television, playing piano, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Clarke is survived by his wife, Elaine, Clear Lake; three children, Julie (Ken) Konicek of Pinedale, Wyo., Clarke Beard of Marion, Iowa, Christopher (Michiko) Beard of Clear Lake; eight grandchildren, Jordan, Karly, Kathryn, Connor, Jensen, Rachel, Grace, and Clarke; one brother, Bill (Nancy) Beard of Clear Lake, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Clarke was preceded in death by his parents.
Max L. Stephens, 77, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday, June 20, 2007. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 23, with Pastor Jim Allard, hospice chaplain, officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Garden of Memory, Waterloo, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of North Iowa.
Max was born Sept. 10, 1929 the son of Roy and Edna (Kaster) Stephens at Mount Ayre, Iowa. Max graduated from Orange Township High School, Waterloo, in 1946.
Max married
Lois Scott on July 1, 1950 in Waterloo. He was the owner/operator of Stephens Appliance Service for over 30 years in both Waterloo and Clear Lake. After his retirement in 1981 he worked for Clear Lake and Ventura school districts as a bus driver and as a custodian at Ventura Schools. He also drove coach bus for Huffman Transportation and the Newman bus route in Clear Lake.
Max enjoyed gardening, planting trees, Lionel trains, his tractors, spending time with his dogs, grandchildren and great-granddaughters and helping his son with his business. He was a member of the Clear Lake Evening Lions.
Max is survived by his wife, Lois, of Clear Lake; daughter, Carol (Brad) Morris of Waterloo; son, Gary (Shelly) Stephens of Clear Lake; three grandchildren, Amy (Matt) Nemmers of Saginaw, Texas, Joshua Morris of Winona Lake, Ind. and Cody Stephens of Clear Lake; two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Gracie Nemmers; and a sister, JoAnn (Robert) Ragsdale of Waterloo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Kenneth and Melvin Stephens.
Rodney Wayne Olson, 50, of Altoona, Iowa, died July 3, 2007. Funeral Services were held Saturday, July 7, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Reverend Dean Hess of Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake officiating. Visitation was held Friday, July 6 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. Interment will be at Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Rodney Olson Memorial Fund.
Rodney was born July 14, 1956, to Carl and Dollis (Babcock) Olson in Forest City. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1974, and from North Iowa Area Community College in 1976.
On Sept. 5, 1981, Rodney married
Sandra Ouderkirk at the United Methodist Church in Atlantic, Iowa. The couple settled in Iowa City, Iowa, where they were blessed with two children, Jason Christopher, 21 and Laura LeAnn, 15. The family moved to Knoxville, Iowa, in 1994 and then to Altoona in 2004. Rodney worked as a Pharmacy Technician in Des Moines prior to his early retirement in 2003, due to health reasons.
Rodney enjoyed spending time with his family quietly at home and enjoyed his hobbies of chess, coin collecting, and tropical fish.
Rodney is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sandra Olson of Altoona; his son, Jason; daughter, Laura; parents, Carl and Dollis Olson of Clear Lake; brothers, Randy (Jo) Olson of Richmond, VA and Ronald (Darla) Olson of Lu Verne, Iowa. He is also survived by twenty nieces and nephews, three great-nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Rodney was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Ronald Wayne, who died in infancy, and his grandparents, Abe and Gert Olson and Willis and Elna Babcock.
Venita E. Rohrbach, 91, of New Hope, Minn. passed away at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake on July 10, 2007. Private services were held at the St. Patricks Catholic Church, Clear Lake. The family requests memorials be directed to your local Hospice. Remember cards should be directed to Carol Berge at 1013 5th Avenue South, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.
Venita was born to Frank and Susan (Hilkin) Noel in Dubuque, Iowa on Jan. 15, 1916.
Venita grew up in Dubuque where she met and married
her husband Ralph Rohrbach in March of 1943. She raised her three children there and in 1965 moved to the Cedar Rapids/Marion, Iowa area. In 1977 they retired and moved to Bradenton, Fla. where they lived until Ralph died in 1996. A year later she moved closer to her family in the Minneapolis area where she lived until moving to Clear Lake shortly before her death.
Venita is survived by her three children, Barb (Rohrbach) and her husband, Jim Halverson, of Roseville, Minn., Carol (Rohrbach) and her husband, Al Berge of Clear Lake, and Steven Rohrbach and his wife, Debbie, of Iowa City, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Brad Ruhberg, Chris Ruhberg and his wife, Jen, Leslie (Berge) Walston and her husband, Dean, Alex Berge, Morgan Rohrbach, Amanda Rohrbach and Bryan Rohrbach.
Venita is preceded in death by two sisters, Lorraine (Mike) Kemp and Luella (Merlin) Apel; one brother, Arnold (Juanita) Noel; her husband and her parents.
N. Aileen Griffith, 85, 304 3rd St. NE, Mason City, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at the Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City. A memorial service was held Friday, July 13, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Rev. John R. Tilp officiating. Inurnment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery. According to her wishes, her body has been cremated. Memorials may be given to the Nancy Aileen Griffith Memorial Fund.
Aileen was born Jan. 14, 1922 in Mason City, the daughter of Eugene Walding and Kittie Lora (Holland) Wilkinson. She graduated from Mason City High School. She married
Arnold Paul Griffith Sr. in 1942, in Clear Lake. Aileen worked at the Clear Lake Bakery, did maid work at the Blue Horizon and cleaned houses. She did volunteer work at the Good Shepherd.
Aileen enjoyed going on trips to Tucson, Az., playing cards, shuffleboard, word puzzles and helping at church. She was a lifelong member of St. Patricks Catholic Church, later moving to Mason City where she joined St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Aileen is survived by her son, Arnold Griffith Jr. and his wife, Linda, Northwood, Iowa; three grandchildren, Gail Hakes, St. Charles, Minn., Paul Griffith and Kari Griffith, Northwood; two great-grandchildren, Alex Griffith, Northwood, and Erica Hakes, St. Charles; one sister, Maxine Ziemann, Mason City; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Bird, Winona, Minn.; special friend, Harold Tremble and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Aileen was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Kittie; her husband Arnold in 1970; her mother-in-law, Jennie Griffith, in 1975; two sisters, Darlene and Josephine; one brother, Eugene, and longtime friend, Harold Vanness.
