Eleanor Houdek
Eleanor Houdek died at her home in Protivin, Iowa, on Sunday, October 26, 2003. She was 88 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John A. Moser presiding. Lector will be Kim Vander Heiden. Gifts will be carried by Michell and Brenda Croell, and Eucharistic minister will be Barb Croell. Music will be provided by Marlene Pecinovsky at the piano and the Czech choir.
Eleanor Houdek was born in August of 1915 in Festina, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard J and Theresa (Hanken) Kleve. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church in Festina. She attended school through the eighth grade in Festina and worked out helping other farm wives keep house.
On May 3, 1938 she was united in marriage to William Houdek in the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. They were the parents of one daughter.
Eleanor worked for many years feeding the children of Holy Trinity School. She liked to garden, raise flowers, bake, and play bingo. When she and Bill were younger, they were avid fisherman and she liked spending time on the river. Most of all, she enjoyed having her grandchildren stop to visit.
She is survived by her daughter: Betty Reichart of Pinehurst, NC, five grandchildren: Joseph, Greg, Bill, and Kurt Croell and Kim Vander Heiden; ten great grandchildren: Jeremy, Josh, Shelby, Haley, Whitney, Brenda, Michelle, Luke, Morgan, and Connor Croell; and one sister: Julitta Bushman of Festina, IA.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, her husband on February 17, 1997, four brothers: Hugo, Ray, Arnold and Edward Kleve; three sisters: Felicia Schmitz, Margaret Wenthold and Hilda Schmitz.
Elsie Regina Murphy
Elsie Murphy died Monday, June 23, 2003 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, Iowa, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 87 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 27, 2003 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Chester, with burial in Calvary Cemetery at Cresco, IA. Rev. Ray E. Atwood officiating. Lector will be Roger Lepa, gifts to be carried by Carol Hoverman and Billie Jo Lucas, pall will be placed by the family, and casket bearers will be Luke Hoverman, Joe Wacha, Lee Gooder, Martin Slifka, Matt Hoverman and Greg Murphy.
There will be a rosary at 4:45 P.M. Thursday at the Conway Funeral Home where visitation will start at 5:00 P.M. until 8 P.M. Thursday, and there will be a scripture service at 7 P.M. Visitation will also be one hour prior to services on Friday at the church.
Elsie Regina Murphy was born on June 11, 1916 to Mary A (Schneider) and William Joseph Slifka south of Cresco, IA at Vernon Springs. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cresco, attended elementary school at St. Joseph’s School and graduated from Cresco High School as an honor student in 1934.
Elsie was united in marriage to Kenneth Joseph Murphy on May 3, 1938 at St. Joseph Church in Cresco by the Rev. J. P. Wagoner. They lived and farmed south of Chester on the Murphy farm all their married life. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Elsie was a member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Chester, its Altar and Rosary Society, the A. C. C. W. , and she worked hard for the MN #662 TOPS Club. Through the years she did volunteer work for the Democratic Central Committee, working on general election committees and school elections.
Elsie carried on a love for gardening and flower beds. She enjoyed writing poetry, reading and doing family history research.
She is survived by her husband, three children: Sharon Murphy Hovermanof Redding CT, Neil (Kathleen) Murphy of Des Moines, IA, and Mark (Ellen) Murphy of Cresco, IA; three grandchildren: Carol, Matthew and Luke Hoverman all of New York; one sister: Loretta Armstrong of Springdale, AR.
Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Alois and Leonard Slifka; and two sisters: Lucy Slifka in infancy and Ruth Gooder.
Erwin Willard Marshall
Erwin W. Marshall, age 89, died Tuesday, July 23, 2002, at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home in Cedar Falls, IA.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, July 25, 2002 at the Conway Funeral Home with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco, IA. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. Thursday until time of services. Rev . Gary Olson, chaplain of Lutheran Home will officiate.
Erwin Willard Marshall was born February 5, 1913 in Howard County, near Alta Vista, IA, the son of Frederick and Janet (Lockie) Marshall. He attended the Cresco schools and graduated from Cresco High School in 1930. He worked on the family farm outside of Cresco until he started working for Howard County Road Maintenance in 1940. Erwin was appointed maintenance supervisor in 1958 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1978. He also owned and operated the Cresco Dairy Queen with his family from 1958 until 1977.
On November 23, 1940, he was united in marriage to Irene Barthelme in Cresco, Iowa.
They became the parents of seven children.
Erwin was active in the Cresco Community after his retirement. He served on the Park Board of the City of Cresco. The Train restoration was one of his major projects. He also was past president of the Howard County Historical Society.
He is survived by his seven children: twins: Janet (Norris) Langan and Jean (Larry) Beaton, both of Wateloo, IA, David (Bess) and John (Kay) both of Olympia, WA, Linda (Richard) Jensen of St. Charles, MO, Marilyn (Sam) Bailey of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Sharon (Jerald) Storkeof Wisconsin Rapids, WI; 16 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife on April 20, 2000, two sisters: Lois River and Elizabeth Martin and one brother Harold Marshall.
Eugene Joseph Blong
Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 P.M. on Thursday, June 8, 2006 at the Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center, with inurnment in Calvary Cemetery both in Cresco. Rev. Richard Ament and Rev. Kenneth Gehling will officiate. Friends may call from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Wednesday at the Conway Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to services on Thursday. There will be a Scripture Service at 7 p m on Wednesday.
Eugene Blong died Friday, June 2, 2006 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. He was 69 years of age.
Eugene Joseph Blong was born on January 10, 1937 in West Union, Iowa, the son of Philip and Florence (Wilhelm) Blong. As a small boy, the family moved to Cresco, where Eugene was educated through the tenth grade at Notre Dame High School. His father died and Eugene willingly helped at home. During school, Gene worked at West End Grocery, and later started working for DECO at Decorah and at Donaldson’s.
On August 7, 1967, he was united in marriage in Waverly, Iowa to Rosemary Bloeser of Denver, IA, whom he met at a dance. They made their home in the Cresco area on the farm they rented from his mother and then purchased the farm 3 miles north of that one, and farmed together with his wife until age 58. He was a salesman for Jacques Seed Corn Company becoming a county supervisor. He also used a roto tiller for farming and became known as the “Rotovater man”. He worked for a period for the Co-op and enjoyed driving for the Amish. Gene and Rosemary worked briefly at Wheel Inn and LeRoy Products. They moved into Cresco two years ago. He was a member of Notre Dame Parish, belonged to the Wildlife Club, and in his spare time enjoyed his family, dancing, playing pool and cards, and hunting pheasants and deer. Whatever Gene did, he did well.
Gene is survived by his wife, Rosemary; children: Renee (Greg) Romig of Sioux City, IA, Raymond of Cresco, IA, Regina Blong of Preston, MN and Rinetta (Ron) Fravel of Cresco, IA; three grandchildren: Anastasa and Blake Blong and Randy Fravel; his mother, Florence Blong of Rochester, MN; one brother: Don (Martha) Blong of Panama City, FL; three nephews, Mark, Philip and Nathan Blong.
He was preceded in death by his father, Philip and one brother, Dennis in infancy.
Eva Mary Nargang
Eva M. Nargang, 78, of New Hampton, died Monday, March 26, 2001 at the Colonial Manor in Elma of natural causes.
A private family inurnment will be held Wednesday at Riverside Cemetery in Riceville.
Memorials may be directed to the Colonial Manor in Elma or Hospice of North Iowa.
Eva Mary Nargang was born April 5, 1922 in Riceville the daughter of Charles James & Myrtle (Patterson) Koehler. She attended school in Riceville. She resided in Texas for 25 years. In 1975 she returned to Iowa and resided in New Hampton. She was united in marriage to Ed Nargang on December 21, 1978. She worked as a nurses aid at the Health Care Manor now the New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
She is survived by:
3 daughters-Paula Richardson of Richmond, TX
-Roberta Stanwood of Houston, TX
-Linda Sheridan of Marion, IA
1 son-Thomas Smith of Houston, TX
1 brother-Walter Koehler of Toano, VA
She was preceded in death by her:
parents
husband-Ed Nargang
1 daughter-Arlene Holschlag
2 brothers
Evaline Mary Fulcher
Evaline Fulcher, age 91, of Cresco, Iowa died Saturday, November 5, 2005 in Winneshiek County, Iowa from injuries received in an auto accident.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at the Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday. There will be a rosary at 4:30 P.M. and a Scripture Service at 6:00 P.M. Monday. There will also be visitation for one hour prior to services at the Church on Tuesday.
Evaline Mary Fulcher was born on August 5, 1914 near Lake City, Minnesota, the daughter of Fred and Jenny (Hall) Schmauss. She attended school in the rural schools of Minnesota. As a young girl, the family moved and she finished her education in the rural schools of Iowa. As the times demanded, all young ladies needed to work, and Evaline helped families in the Lime Springs and Cresco area with all of their household and farm chores.
In 1933, she was united in marriage to Albert C Taylor at her mother’s home near Lime Springs, IA. They started farming as a young couple until Albert’s untimely death in 1947. On November 17, 1954, she was united in marriage to Raymond Fulcher in Cresco. They made their home on the farm until 1959 when she and Ray moved into Cresco. Evaline continued to keep herself busy even after moving to town. She continued papering and painting, just as she helped her mother in earlier years.
Evaline was a member of the Assumption Worship Center and the Family Circles of Faith. She enjoyed fishing and going to garage sales and auctions.
She is survived by her children: Betty (Kenneth) Shea of Lime Springs, IA, Patrick (Connie) Taylor of Cresco, Elenor (Jerry) Wubben of Clear Lake, IA, and Tom (Doris) Taylor of Stevens Point, WI; 18 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren; two brothers: Frederick (Fern) Schmauss and Arnold (Dorothy) Schmauss, both of Cresco; one daughter-in-law, Elinor Taylor of Ionia, IA, and sister-in-law, Bernice Schmauss of Cresco.
Evaline was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Albert Taylor in 1947, her husband, Ray Fulcher in 1999, a son, Rodney Taylor, a daughter Shirley Mae, two sisters, Harriet Hertges and her twin, Evangeline McIntire; two brothers, Lester and Francis Schmauss.
Evangeline Marie Fujioka
Evangeline Fujioka died on April 12, 2003 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. She was 84 years of age.
Evangeline Marie Fujioka was born on a farm southwest of Cresco, Iowa on December 6, 1918, the daughter of Page Swain Minear and Kathryn (Daley) Minear. On the day of her birth, the weather was so cold that the doctor came to the house in a small sleigh. She was named Evangeline from the poem “The Tale of Acadia” by Longfellow. She was baptized at home the day of her birth and confirmed at the Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. She attended the country school, came into the Assumption junior high and Cresco High School. She had mentioned that Gertrude Wilson was her favorite country school teacher, Sister Florette her parish school teacher, and Ella Mae Knopp her favorite high school teacher. Her favorite subjects were English, spelling, and psychology. After participating in choir, plays and other activities, she graduated near the top of her class of 77 students in 1938. Following her education, she moved to Washington, D. C. and worked at the Pentagon during WWII. She then moved to California and later attended Los Angeles City College where she learned paralegal skills.
On February 15, 1950, Evangeline was united in marriage to Shunro Fujioka before a judge in Glendale, CA. She worked as a paralegal in her sister’s law firm, she sold real estate, and managed apartment buildings.
In 1990, she returned to Cresco for a reunion and became sick, moved into the Cresco Care Center to get well, and has since made her home there. Eva was well liked by the residents of Cresco and the Care Center. She enjoyed visiting and she even became resident of the month. Her hobbies and special interests included reading, watching TV, writing letters, visiting with friends, going out to eat Chinese food, and playing cards.
She is survived by one son, Michael (Christine) Fujioka of Coto de Caza, CA; one granddaughter, Dawn Michelle Fujioka; one brother, Irvin (Bernice) Minear of Cresco, IA; and one sister, Marjorie (Charles) Jacobson of Houston, TX.
Evangeline was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, John Minear and Robert Minear; three sisters, Mary Cooney, Virginia Strasser, and Clare Poindexter.
Evelyn Margaret Wenthold
Evelyn Margaret Wenthold, of Ossian, died Friday, December 30, 2005 at the Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Winneshiek County, Iowa. She was 96 years of age.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 2, 2005 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Msgr. Cletus J. Hawes will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Sunday at the Schmitz Funeral Home. Visitation will again be held from 10 A.M. until time of service at the Funeral home on Monday.
Evelyn was born on July 28, 1909, in Winneshiek County, near Festina, IA, the daughter of Henry and Christine (Spalla). Evelyn was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church in Festina. She received her education at St. Mary’s School in Festina.
On November 5, 1929, she was united in marriage to Albert Wenthold at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church by the late Rev. A. J. Rubly. They became the parents of five children. Mr. and Mrs. Wenthold farmed five miles southwest of Ossian for 39 years. In 1968, they retired and moved to Ossian. For the last 8 years, she has been a resident of the Ossian Senior Hospice.
Evelyn was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church and the Rosary Society, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Senior Citizens’ Club. In earlier days, Evelyn enjoyed gardening, flowers, cooking, sewing, embroidery, and crocheting and playing cards.
Survivors include her children: Gerald of Rushford, MN, Arlene (Joseph) Thuente of Ackley, IA, Helen Hoefer of Fairbank,IA, Germaine (Orville) Hanken of Maple Grove, MN and James (Mary Jane) Wenthold; 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren; and one sister: Eleanor Jennings, Austin, MN.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Albert in 1991, one grandson, Allan Hoefer, seven brothers: Florian, Charles, Frank, Hubert, Henry, Edwin, and Gregory Rothmeyer, one son-in-law, Daniel Hoefer and one daughter-in-law. Barbara Wenthold.
Evelyn Hannah Zipse
Evelyn Zipse, 83, of New Hampton, died Sunday, July 08, 2001 at her home in New Hampton of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, July 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Reverend David Bergstrom & Reverend Kevin Frey officiating. Edith Kolthoff will be organist and will accompany those in attendance singing “Faith Of Our Fathers,” “My Faith Looks Up To Thee,” “Jesus Still Lead On,” & “What A Friend We Have In Jesus. ”
Burial will be in the New Hampton Cemetery with Jerry Zipse, John Sheehy, Jim Zipse, Rick Schnoebelen, Rick Drewelow, Joe Rochford, and Randy Zipse serving as casket bearers.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Tuesday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton and also an hour prior to services at the church.
Evelyn Hannah Zipse was born December 4, 1917, near Boyd, IA, the daughter of Albert Carl & Martha (Boeckmann) Drewelow. She attended the Boyd School. After her schooling Evelyn helped area families with their housekeeping and cooking. On May 14, 1940 she was united in marriage to Fay Zipse at the Boyd Church. After their marriage the couple lived in New Hampton for a couple of years before moving to a farm northeast of New Hampton where they farmed until retirement. The couple remained on the farm after retirement. Fay died in 1979. In 1982, Evelyn moved to New Hampton. Evelyn enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed going to the Senior Center, music, dancing, fishing, flowers, and birds.
She is survived by:
2 sons-Dennis (Marge) Zipse of New Hampton
-Merlyn (Jeanne) Zipse of New Hampton
2 daughters-Sue North of Nevada, Ia
-Julie (Bruce) Keller of Lakewood, CO
11 grandchildren-Randy Zipse of Ashland, MA
-Brenda Schnoebelen of New Hampton
-Jim Zipse of Mantorville, MN
-Amy Zipse of Cedar Falls
-Lori Sheehy of Mosinee, WI
-Jerry Zipse of Fredericka
-Heather Freidhof of Waverly
-Malissa Freidhof of Ames
Jennifer Keller of Lakewood, CO
Bethany Keller of Lakewood, CO
Sarah Keller of Lakewood, CO
8 great grandchildren
1 sister-in-law-Geneva Drewelow of Ionia
2 nephews
She was preceded in death by her parents
husband-Fay (1979)
1 brother-Gerald Drewelow
2 sisters-Lillian Rochford
-Caroline in infancy
Evelyn M. Zotika
Evelyn M. Zotika, 84, of Marshalltown, formerly of Cresco, died Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at Grandview Heights in Marshalltown of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Friday, July 19, 2002 at the Assumption Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco.
Friends may call from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Thursday at Conway Funeral Home in Cresco, where there will be a 6:30 pm scripture service.
Evelyn was born on April 12, 1918, in Saratoga, IA, the daughter of Albert J. and Clara (Ranc) Haskovec. On May 23, 1939 she was united in marriage to John J. Zotika in Cresco. They farmed in the Lime Springs area, retiring in 1973. He died in 1996.
She is survived by her two daughters Sharon Witty of Melbourne, IA and Judith (Ken) Emde of Lawrence, KS; 3 grandchildren:Sara Emde, Tara Witty and Cory Witty and 2 great grandchildren:Hailee Witty and Blake Witty.
Evelyn was preceded in death by two brothers Leonard and Clarence.
Florence Alta Duneman
Florence Duneman died on Monday, March 27, 2006 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco, IA
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 30, 2006 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with inurnment at a later date in New Oregon Cemetery. Rev. Michael Massa officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home in Cresco and at the church for one hour prior to services on Thursday. Judy Strike will play the organ and accompany the congregation in song. Honorary bearers will be Phyllis Rix, Grace Lienhard, Suzanne Frank, Nicole DeHoet, Karla Pisarik and Lynn Harmening. Casket bearers will be Scott Busta, David Frank, Jeff Knutson, Eric Knutson, Philip Snider and Greg Snider.
Florence Alta Duneman was born on March 16, 1926, in Spencer, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Mildred (Hines) Aebly. She graduated from high school and trained to be a teacher. She taught grades K – 8 in country school northwest of Davis Corners.
On March 16, 1946, she was united in marriage to Arnold Duneman at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, Iowa. To this union, four daughters were born:Sandy, Connie, Pat and Deb. After living in Spencer, Kansas City, MO and Lime Springs, she lived in Cresco for 60 years. After her marriage, she worked at the Black & White Café, Montgomery Wards, Cresco Bowling Lanes, the Tower Club, and was an Avon Lady. Florence was a Blue Bird/Campfire leader, a 4-H leader, a member of the Farm Bureau, and the Abigail church circle. She enjoyed crafts, traveling with her husband, family and special friends, taking pictures, and crocheting an afghan for each of her grandchildren.
Florence always thought a lot of her family, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a kind hearted person who worked hard during her life. She helped Arnie tear down houses and buildings (she pulled a lot of nails). She loved to write and draw and she always told the girls, “We will find a way, we will manage somehow. ”
She is survived by her husband: Arnold; four daughters:Sandy (Arnie) Busta of Lawler, IA; Connie (Larry) Frank of Cresco, IA; Pat (Keith) Snider of Bay City, WI; and Deb (Bruce) Ratzlaff of Manchester, IA; ten grandchildren:Suzanne Frank, David Frank, and Nicole DeHoet; Scott Busta and Karla Pisarik; Philip Snider, Lynn Harmening and Greg Snider; Jeff Knutson and Eric Knutson; 12 great grandchildren:Jacob, Anika, and Brayden Pisarik, Brianna Busta, Devon Frank, Serenna and Kaylee Snider, Nickolas Harmening, Cade Snider, Austin, Casey, and Derek Freiburger; one sister:Mildred Peters Meier of Cedar Rapids, IA and several nieces and nephews.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters:Jen Lattin, Maude Matz, Esther Myers, and Cecile Fellers; three brothers:Jessie, Frank, and George Aebly.
Frances Urban
Frances Urban died Sunday, July 25, 2004, at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco, Iowa where she has lived since November of 2003. She was 82 years of age.
Frances Urban was born on April 17, 1922 in Howard County, Iowa near Cresco, the daughter of Frank and Emma (Blazek) Stepan. She attended the rural school. As many young girls her age, she started working at home. She eventually received her GED.
On September 22, 1943, she was united in marriage to Louis Urban at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. They made their home in the Cresco area and retired to Cresco after the farm. Frances worked at the Howard County Hospital for over 20 years and retired from the laundry department.
She was a member of the Notre Dame Parish, the Altar and Rosary Society, and liked to play cards, garden, crochet and quilt, and especially liked to have the children and grandchildren stop to visit.
Frances is survived by her children: Angie (Leonard) Kappes of Ridgeway, IA, Larry (Shirley) Urban of Charles City, IA, Al Urban of Kansas City, MO, and David (Linda) Urban of Sioux City, IA; eight grandchildren: Mark Kappes, Mary Schwamman, Irene Bjergum, Vince Kappes, Nikole Urban, Michelle Urban, Greg Urban, and Susan Urban; eight great grandchildren.
Her parents, her husband, Louis, on January 26, 1981, and one sister, Lillian Chihak preceded her in death.
Funeral Services were held Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center with burial in Calvary Cemtery both in Cresco, Iowa. Rev. John A. Moser officiated. Deb Moellers was organist. Joe Wacha was cantor. Lectors were Casey Birkieht and Calsey Schwamman. Eucharistic Minister was Betty McGrane. Casket Bearers were her grandchildren. Visitation was held Monday, July 26, 2004 from 4 PM until 8 PM with a 7 PM Scripture Service. There was also a visitation one hour prior at the church on Tuesday.
Francis James Ryan
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 9, 2004 at the Notre Dame Parish-St. Joseph’s Worship Center in Cresco, with burial in St. Agnes Cemetery at Plymouth Rock. Rev. Henry Charipar presiding with Whitney Shindelar as the lector. Loretta Ryan will sing “How Great Thou Art” , the gifts will be carried by two of the grandchildren, casket bearers will be grandchildren: Mike and James Shindelar, Shawn and Robbie Ryan, and Lisa Thompson and Angela Shanahan.
Francis James Ryan was born on the Ryan farm in Winneshiek County, Iowa, on November 4, 1915, the son of George and Anastasia (Dougherty) Ryan. He attended the rural school near his home and stayed on the farm to make farming his life long occupation and hobby.
On November 3, 1937, he was united in marriage to June Hauber at St. Agnes Catholic Church at Plymouth Rock. They made their home on the farm until health forced them to move to Cresco to retire. They became the parents of four children.
Francis loved farming and along with raising Hereford cattle this became his passion. The only things he liked better was his wife and family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to have his family come to visit and bring the grandchildren along.
Francis is survived by his wife, June,of 66 years, one son: George (Loretta) of Galesville, WI, two daughters: Fran (Al) Shindelar of Greenfield, IA and Virginia (Michael) Shanahan of Rochester, MN;nine grandchildren: Shawn and Robbie (Aurora) Ryan; Mike (Linda) and James (Angie) Shindelar, Dianna (Martin) Mitchell, and Nicole Borchardt; Lisa (Tim) Thompson and Angela Shanahan; 14 great grandchildren: Whitney and Dillon Shindelar; Kolton and Kallen Shindelar; Isabelle and Gunner Borchardt; Ross, Rita and Roxanne Ryan; Natalie Ryan; Nolan and Reed Henderson; and Tyler and Hannah Thompson.
Preceding Francis in death were his parents, one daughter: Sister Adelia Marie Ryan; five brothers: Gerald, Floyd, Clement, Clarence, and Philip Ryan; and four sisters: Leone Conrad, Gladys McCabe, Angeline McGee and Madelyn Ryan.
Frank A. Vsetecka
Frank A. Vsetecka, age 81, of Lawler, IA, died at his home on Wednesday, October 3, 2001 of congestive heart failure.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 6, 2001 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with burial in the Holy Trinity Cemetery. Rev. John Moser will officiate, with the Conway Funeral Home assisting with arrangements. Visitation will be held from 3 P.M. until 8 P.M. Friday at the Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton, and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. There will be a Scripture Service at 5 P.M. on Friday. Casket Bearers will be Quentin Vsetecka, James Vsetecka, Joe Vsetecka, Gary Gorman, Gene Winter, and Roger Dreckman. Lector will be: Jerry Winter; gift bearers will be Angie Ewalt and Michael Vsetecka; Cross bearer will be: Greg Meirick, and mass servers Eric Pecinovsky and Ryan Pecinovsky. Grandchildren: Jamie Vsetecka, Ashley Vsetecka, Danny Fuller, Jason Howe, Eric and Ryan Vsetecka will place the pall on the casket. Verda Mikota will play the organ and accompany Harlan Mikota and Colleen Busta who provide the singing.
Frank was born May 1, 1920 in Spillville, Iowa, the son of Frank and Stella (Klima) Vsetecka. He attended the rural school and also St. Wenceslaus School in Spillville.
On April 15, 1947, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Sabelka at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Jerico, IA. The couple farmed near Jerico and retired from farming in 1981. They have continued to live on their farm until the present time.
Survivors include his wife Phyllis and seven children: Larry of Frederika, IA, Diane (Denny) Howe of Mason City, IA, Leon (Barb) of Ft. Atkinson, IA, Karen (Steve) Maricle of Shell Rock, IA, Keith, Rick and Dave (Robyn) Vsetecka of rural Lawler, IA; 14 grandchildren, one great granddaughter; two brothers: Ray (Delores) of Cresco, IA, and Alvin (Patricia) of Lawler, IA; two sisters: Marcella and Gertrude Vsetecka, both of Decorah, IA; three sister-in-laws: Mary Lou Winter of Lawler, IA, Wilma Vsetecka and Edith Loberg, both of Cresco, IA.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a granddaughter Jean Ann Fuller, daughter-in-law Carleen Vsetecka, three brothers: James, Cletus and an infant brother, Marcelline; two sisters: Margaret Panos and Elsie Chihak; two brother-in-laws, Melvin Winter and Leonard Chihak.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Fred Albert Hubka
Fred Hubka, age 84, died Monday, July 22, 2002 at the Evans Memorial Home of complications of pneumonia.
Fred Albert Hubka was born on April 23, 1918, in Howard County, near Protivin, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Anna (Tupy) Hubka. He attended the rural school and returned home to work on the farm.
On January 30, 1952, he was united in marriage to Doris Rice at the St. Joseph’s Rectory by the Rev. Roman A. Schares. They made their home on the farm near Cresco until they retired and moved into Cresco
Fred was a former member of the Farm Bureau, and the Wildlife Club. He was a life time member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He loved his family and the simple things. He got untold pleasure out of a game of cards or watching Tiger Woods or fresh strawberries or sweet corn. He loved retelling the story of seeing Two World Series;both George Brett and his Kansas City Royals and Kirby Puckett and his Minnesota Twins.
Fred is survived by his wife of Cresco,IA; two daughters: Joyce (Jed) Becker of rural Cresco, IA, Ruth (Fred) Hopkins of Prairie Village, KS and a son David (Janela) Hubka ofRochester, MN; six grandchildren:Kyle, Anna and Mary Ruth Hopkins, Lendra, Irissa and Callum Hubka;two brothers:Joseph Hubka of ruralCresco and Edward of Protivin, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, HelenProchaska and two brothers: Leonard and Brother Anthony (Clarence).
Galen Henry “Bub” Conrad
Galen Henry “Bub” Conrad, 63, of Riceville, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2004 at the Riceville Rest Home after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 26, 2004, at 2:00 PM, at the United Methodist Church in Riceville. Interment
will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25 at Conway Funeral Home in Riceville, Iowa.
Bub was born on April 4, 1940, the son of Carl and Dora (Bird) Conrad. He attended school in Little Cedar and graduated in 1958.
On August 17, 1973 he was united in marriage to Frances (Ray) Armstrong. The couple resided in Little Cedar until 1976 when they moved to Riceville. Bub was a very dedicated, hardworking man. When he wasn’t fixing / clearing roads for Mitchell County or taking time off work to farm for Pearson’s, he was spending time with his friends and family doing what he will always be remembered for - his love of cooking. Bub also enjoyed camping, fishing, touring the countryside, and who could forget his love of gardening, and planting his dear petunias in any container he could fit in the yard.
He is survived by his wife, Fran, of 30 years, three children: Steven (Judy) Armstrong of Ft. Worth, Texas, Teresa (Mark) Klein of Riceville, Iowa, and Barbra Hoglan of Ft. Worth, Texas; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters: Maryann (Roger) Schnell of Osage, Iowa and Sandy (Dan) Vitek of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; one brother: Dennis (Deb) Conrad of Little Cedar, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Gary Ronald Breitsprecher
Gary Ronald Breitsprecher, of Ossian, son of Lyle and Mildred (Svendsen) Breitsprecher was born April 1, 1944 in Decorah, Iowa. He passed away quietly in his home Friday, December 16, 2005.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at the Ossian Lutheran Church, with burial in the Hillside Cemetery, both in Ossian. Pastor Dave L. Lenth will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Schmitz Funeral Home in Ossian from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday and at the church one hour prior to services on Tuesday.
The Breitsprecher family lived in various locations in Winneshiek County until they settled SW of Castalia when Gary was about 10 years old. He was a confirmed member of Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia. Gary attended country school near Frankville and elementary school in Castalia. He finished his remaining elementary education in Ossian and graduated from South Winneshiek High School in Calmar in 1962.
After graduation, he worked in partnership with his father on the farm, and purchased the farm in 1980. He met Marilyn Russett in High School and they were married June 27, 1964, and from this union they were blessed with five children.
For years, Gary was a member of the Castalia Fire department as a volunteer fire fighter. Later in life, Gary started a second career as a seed corn salesman, for Pioneer Hybrid and Garst Seeds. In 1994, Gary and Marilyn moved to their present home in Ossian.
Throughout his years, Gary liked dancing, playing cards, bowling in a couple’s league and golfing at Silver Springs Golf Course. He also enjoyed driving around checking crops and meeting with his customers. What Gary loved most though was spending time with family, friends and his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.
Surviving him are his wife, Marilyn of Ossian, four sons: Grant (Amy) of Castalia, Chad (Andrea) of Ossian, Wade (Gina) of Des Moines, Clay (Michelle) of Castalia; his mother Mildred Breitsprecher of Ossian; two brothers: Dave (Pam) of Ossian and Lee of St. Cloud, MN; two sisters: JoAnn Ott of Ossian, and Mary Ellen (Herb) Hageman of Ossian; twelve grandchildren: Blake, Lane, Logan, and Austin Breitsprecher; Noah, Lucas, and Leah Breitsprecher; Samantha, Savannah, Sawyer, and Sierra Breitsprecher; and Dakota Voves. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-laws as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Joy, his father, Lyle, and one sister, Wanda Wettleson. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Dorothy and Dan Russett, brother-in-laws, Robert Wettleson, Darrell Ott and Donald Russett, and sister in law, Janice Schultz.
Gary Vincent Bruening
Gary Bruening, 57, of Cresco, died Monday, September 13, 2004 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco, Iowa.
Funeral Services are held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 17, 2004 at the Conway Funeral Home with burial in New Oregon Cemetery, both at Cresco. Pastor Lewis Flanigan is presiding. Suzanne Ollendick is organist accompanying Marcia Murray who is singing “How Great Thou Art”, “In The Garden”, and “Amazing Grace. ”Casket bearers are Gary Wilkinson, Rich Ator, Bob Fitzgerald, Dale Vrba, Jerry Palmersheim and Bill Walker.
Gary Vincent Bruening was born on October 4, 1946 at Cresco, Iowa, the son of Vincent and Evelyn (Schultz) Bruening. He received his education in Cresco and graduated from Notre Dame High School.
On April 27, 1968 he was united in marriage to Sandra Lucas at St. Joseph’s Church in Cresco, Iowa. They made their home in Cresco his entire life. Gary worked at the Farmers Co-op Creamery from 1967 until 1977 when he was employed in maintenance at Crestwood High School until his health forced him to retire in 2003.
He enjoyed camping, fishing and bowling. These were things that he could do with his wife Sandy whom he enjoyed spending all of his spare time with.
Gary is survived by his wife Sandra, two brothers: Doug (Donna) Bruening and Richard (Diane) Bruening, all of Cresco.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
