James Michael Simpson
James Michael "Mike" Simpson, age 41, of Cresco, Iowa, died Saturday, June 22, 2002 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, of an apparent heart attack.
James Michael Simpson was born on April 28, 1961 in Houston, Texas, the son of Merle Bruce and Ella (McVay) Simpson. He attended school in Houston and worked at various jobs. Mike had married and later divorced. A daughter, Tabatha, was born to this marriage. In 1990, he relocated to Iowa, where two of his brothers had already moved. He loved this area because of its great hunting and fishing. Taking Josh hunting, fishing and camping was his greatest love.
He worked for a short period of time at Featherlite Trailers and about seven years ago, he started working as a mechanic at Rick's Repair in Cresco.
He is survived by his special friend and companion Lori Patterson, and her children, Jesse and Joshua, of whom he has been a very important part of their lives for the past eight years: one daughter: Tabatha; his father: Merle Simpson of Pasadena, TX. ; three brothers: his twin, Kenneth R and his wife, Laurie of Charles City, IA. , Joe Dennis and his friend, Tina Gaubatz of Mason City, IA. , Bruce Allen of Houston, TX. ; one sister: Monica Lynn Simpson of Phoenix, AZ. ; eleven nieces and five nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother: Ella Modine Simpson.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 26, 2002 at the Conway Funeral Home, with burial in the Calvary Cemetery both in Cresco, IA. Rev. Linda Johnson-Prestholt will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Tuesday.
James Joseph Opat
James Opat, 90, of Elma, died Thursday, November 22, 2001 at Colonial Manor in Elma of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Monday, November 26 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, rural Elma with Reverend John Hemann presiding. Organist was Theresa Burke and she accompanied the Our Lady of Lourdes church choir singing “Here I Am Lord,” “How Great Thou Art,” “& “Be Not Afraid. ”Lawrence link was the lector. The Vince Link family presented the offertory gifts. James’ nieces & nephews place the pall.
Interment
will be in the church cemetery with Paul Sir, Chuck Stevenson, Leslie Opat, Jim Opat, Norb Burke, Nate Dockendorf, and Don Ludwig.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 pm Sunday at Conway Funeral Home in Elma where there will be a 6:30 pm scripture service to be followed by a rosary. Friends may also call an hour prior to services at the church.
James Joseph Opat was born July 13, 1911 near Lourdes, IA on the farm home of his parents James J. & Mary Elizabeth (Kobliska) Opat. He attended the rural school and spent his working years on the Opat Family Farm. He was joined in the farm operation by his brother Joseph. James loved to play cards and enjoyed dancing.
He is survived by nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters- Mary Lenk, Cecelia Suits, and Adeline Humpreys, and 2 brothers-Joseph & Edward Opat.
Jay J. Hayek
(1958 – 2002)
Cresco:Jay J. Hayek, age 44, died Sunday, August 18, 2002 at his home in Strandquist, Minnesota of cancer.
He was born May 29, 1958 in Cresco, Iowa, the son of Adolph and Delores (Hosting) Hayek. He graduated from Crestwood High School.
He was united in marriage to Shirley Hurst on August 6, 1977 in Cresco, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife: Shirley of Strandquist, MN. , his children:Phillip (Ginny) Hayek of Rochester, MN; Jessica (Zachery) Harm of Rochester, MN. , and Jason Hayek of Strandquist, MN; six brothers:Adolph Jr. of Lake Tropicana, FL. , Jim of Hoodsport, WA. ,Joe , Jerome, and Julius all of Cresco, IA, and Jean (Alicia) of Covington, WA; six sisters:JoAnn (Jerry) Andera of Manley, IA. , Jaci (Mike) Tipton of Winterset, IA. , Joyce (Gene) Kapler of Cresco, IA. , Jane (Cal) Steffen of Decorah, IA. , Janet (Rodney) Hodges of Harmony, MN. , and Julie of Southfield, MI.
He was preceded in death by his Parents; and one brother Johnny Hayek.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A. M on Friday, August 23, 2002, at the First United Methodist Church in Cresco, IA. , with inurnment at a later date. Friends may call from 7 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at the Conway Funeral Home on Thursday, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.
John W. Wilson
John W. Wilson died on Thursday, April 6, 2006, at the farm while working with his son at the job he loved the most.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 10, 2006 at the Congregational Church in Cresco, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Pastor Tim Sir along with Pastors Phil and Ginny Olson will officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home in Cresco from 3 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Sunday, April 9, and one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.
John was born on January 19, 1941, in Cresco, Iowa, the son of Earl W. and Caroline B. (Kapler) Wilson. He attended rural school until finishing the 8th grade and graduated from Cresco High School. He farmed his whole life, milking cows, training horses, and crop farming. He was a dealer for Wilson Seeds and thus was able to have the sign that graces the driveway at the farm. He also was a representative for Archer Oil. In the fall, he loved to drag the thrashing machine out of the shed and thrash oats. For a short time back in the early sixty’s he worked for Donaldson’s, but could not stand to be closed in. He quit to go back farming, because of his great love for animals and the farm life.
John was united in marriage to Linda Cenek on September 18, 1970 in Cresco, Iowa. To this union a son, Patrick, was born. Linda died on October 16, 1995. John married Rheta Gunderson Miller on April 19, 1998 at Orleans Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway and it was like heaven all over again.
John was a member of the First Congregational Church, where he was a Moderator at church for many years. He was active in the Farm Service Agency for 32 years, serving as a Field Reporter starting in 1965, and serving on the farmer elected Community Committee and County Committee starting in 1973. He was currently the Chairperson on the Howard County FSA Committee. He was a member of UAW Retirees of Donaldson Company, and was a long time member of the Royal Neighbors.
John loved animals and antique machinery. He loved to dance and hardly missed a dance when he got there. He especially liked to dance to “Waltz Across Texas”. He was a great friend to the Amish, especially the family milking for him in Granger. Many considered John their friend, but John considered everyone his friend. He enjoyed going to the Sale Barn every Monday, to have coffee, have lunch, and also to attend the sales. He loved to visit with the many friends that came to the sales, so this would mean going sometimes three times on one day. John enjoyed life, always smiled and had a humerous little story to tell most he met.
He is survived by his wife, Rheta; one son, Pat; Rheta’s children: Becky (Pat) Gooder, Michael (Donna) Miller and Steve Miller, all of Cresco; 5 grandchildren; one brother, Henry “Hank” (Phyllis) of Tucson, AZ, and one sister, Bonnie Kukral of Waverly, IA; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
His parents, first wife, Linda, and one brother, Dr. Tom Wilson, preceded him in death.
Joseph J. Vopava
Joseph J. Vopava was born on July 31, 1924, in Sumner Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Anna (Swehla) Vopava. He attended country school and Spillville andRidgeway schools. Following hiseducation, he continued working on the family farm.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 11, 2003 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, Iowa. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Bohemian National Cemetery, rural Ridgeway, IA. Rev. Phillip Olson and Rev. Ginny Olson presided over the services. Martha Olson was organist.
On June 27, 1949 he was united in marriage to Rosemary Hovden at the Madison Lutheran Church nearRidgeway, Iowa. After their marriage, they moved to a farm one mile north of Joe’s parents and proceeded to make this their family’s home. After retirement, they moved into the town of Ridgeway on November 21, 1998.
Joe was very active in his church and his community. On March 19, 1950 he was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran parsonage in thepresence of the deacons. He was the first lay president of the Lincoln Lutheran Church, and was on the building committee at the time when Peace Lutheran Church was built. He was on the board of the Ridgeway Telephone Company for over 40 years, a member of the Bohemian National Cemetery, on the county election board, and served on the town council for the city of Ridgeway for the last three years.
Joe farmed, did custom work from 1962 until the mid 70’s, sold seed corn and made time for hunting, fishing, playing cards, huntingmushrooms and reading. What he cherished most was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Joe loved all kids and was loved by them. He liked to travel, drove school bus, and was a great fan of the “Cubs” and “Bears”.
Joe died at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, Iowa on January 7, 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, his children: Judy Vopava (Roger Johanson) of Lisbon, IA, Vickie Larson of Waukon, IA, Rhonda Vopava Geyette of Minneapolis, MN, Joseph K (Titia) of Ridgeway, IA, Bruce (Vicki) of Marshalltown, IA, and Deb Keefe (special friend Tim Esler) of Cresco, IA; 18 grandchildren: Bruce and Kira Johanson; Jeremy (Dawn) Larson, Jessie (Matt) Emerson, and Chris Larson; Neil and Nicholas Geyette; Chanda (Jody) Kies, and Joseph R. Vopava; Kylee, Tyler, Jaleesa, Jeff, Jessie, Kelly, DarC, and Kade Vopava; and Katy Keefe; two great grandsons: Jayden Joseph Kies and Jacob Larson; and one sister: Elaine Murray of Cresco, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Robert Vopava and one sister, June Bachmann.
Joseph John Schemmel
Joe Schemmel died Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at the Cresco Care Center in Cresco, Iowa where he has lived since May of 2005.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 7, 2005 at Notre Dame Parish-St. Joseph’s Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Rev. Richard Ament and Rev. Dave Lusson will preside. Family will place the pall on the casket, gift bearers will be Sadie and Spencer Bohr and Regan Conlan. The casket bearers will be the grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. Sunday until 7 P. M and on Monday at the church an hour prior to services. There will be a Scripture Service at 6 P.M. on Sunday. Joseph John Schemmel was born in Howard County, Iowa on January 24, 1924, the son of Edward and Anna (Lusson) Schemmel. He attended school at St. Joseph’s Grade School and stayed on the farm to help his father farm.
On January 24, 1946, Joe was united in marriage to Imogene Hayes in the Assumption Church in Canton, Minnesota. They set up farming on Joe’s home farm and raised their five children.
Joe was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, (now Notre Dame Parish), a former member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Howard County Farm Bureau. At one time, Joe was very active in all of the memberships he held, he was on the finance committee when St. Josephs Elementary School was built. Joe spent his life farming, but his real life was his family. He thoroughly loved his grandchildren and waited patiently for their next visit. Joe raised White Park Cattle, was also a dairyman, milking cows until his stroke and saw best to participate in the dairy buy-out.
Joe didn’t spend all of his time working, he enjoyed playing euchre and five hundred, and he enjoyed playing a dice game called “Zilch”. In earlier years, he and Imogene liked to go dancing, he enjoyed polka music and he was a sports fan as long as one of the teams were the Hawkeyes, the Packers or the Cincinnati Reds. Joe liked to eat, and one of his favorite meals was fresh catfish. And in later years, he had his dog “Bullet” with him by his side. Joe will be missed by all.
Joe is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, two sons: Kenneth of Savannah, GA, Robert of Woodbine, GA; three daughters: Sheri (Mike) Conlan of Cresco and Cindy (Larry) Kostohryz of Cresco and Carol Bohr of St. Paul, MN; 13 grandchildren: Michael (Mia) and Brian (Vicky) Schemmel, Derek, Garrett, Nicholas and Tyler Schemmel, Pat, Regan and Ryan Conlan, Scott and Chad Kostohryz, and Sadie and Spencer Bohr; three step grandchildren: Randy, Robby and Ryan Enger; two great grandchildren: Clayton and Landon Schemmel and one step great grandchild: Logan Enger; two sisters: Mary Ann (Bud) Billmyer of Cresco and Agnes (Robert) Rima of Decorah, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, Heidi Schemmel; one brother, Kenneth and one sister, Dorothy Dusheck.
Josephine Oretta Marik
Josephine Marik, age 93, of Cresco, died Monday, November 21, 2005 at Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 26, 2005 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center in Cresco, with burial in the Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, at Lourdes. Visitation will be held at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco from 3 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Friday, and again from 9:30 until 10:30 on Saturday. There will be a rosary at 4:30 P.M. and a Scripture Service at 6 P.M. on Friday. Jeannie Nelson, Brenda Anding, Terri Stephenson and Tricia Rinken will place the Pall on the casket at the entrance of the church. Joe Hensley will be lector, honorary bearers will be: Donald Johnson, Danny Thompson, Larry Thompson, James Johnson, Gary Johnson, Michael Stephenson, Jacob Anding, Bennett Nelson, and Hayley Linderman; casket bearers will be: John Rinken, Wayne Johnson, Brett Nelson, Tom Thompson, Richard Stephenson and Chuck Johnson.
Josephine Oretta Marik was born on October 25, 1912in Howard County, east of Elma, Iowa, the daughter of Joe and Carrie (Northness) Johnson. She graduated from Elma High School and attended Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls, IA to receive her teaching certificate. She taught school in the rural schools of Howard County until the late 1950’s and then became a clerk at Harrison’s Dept. Store in Cresco for 24 years.
On June 28, 1937 she was united in marriage to Clarence Marik in Cedar Rapids, IA. They became the parents of five children. Following their marriage, they lived between Lourdes and Jerico, then moved to a home near Protivin and in 1947, they moved into the town of Cresco. Clarence died in 1981. Being a school teacher, Josephine loved to read, crochet afghans, and attend all of the school activities of her children and grandchildren. She was a good hearted person who was always good to other people. She was especially fond of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of the Assumption Worship Center and the Circles of Faith. In earlier years, she belonged to the teacher organizations.
Josephine is survived by three daughters: Mary Ann (Marty) Thompson of Santa Maria, CA, Betty Linderman of Cresco, IA, and Shirley (Ken) Rinken of Rochester, MN; eight grandchildren: Tom, Larry and Danny Thompson; Brenda Anding, Jeannie Nelson, Terri Stephenson, John and Tricia Rinken; 10 great grandchildren: Katie, Patrick, Trevor and Brianna Thompson; Hayley Linderman and Jacob Anding; Michael Stephenson, Mariah, Jenna and Bennett Nelson; and one brother, Lester (Marlys) Johnson of New Hampton, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Carrie Johnson; her husband, Clarence; one son Gerald in infancy, one daughter Catherine at the age of 2; one sister, Alice (Carlton) Landswerk, and two brothers, Alvie (Gertrude) Johnson and Olaf (Marjorie) Johnson.
Judith Irene Hosek
Funeral Services for Judy Hosek, age 60, of rural Lime Springs, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at the Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Rev. Richard Ament officiating, Don Hosek will be cross bearer, gifts will be carried by, Clem and Betty Kofron, readers will be Kathy Smith and Deb Gaul and eucharist minister will be Kay Barnes. Organist Judy Strike will accompany Kim Becker-Lehmkuhl singing, "Be Not Afraid", "Prayer of St. Francis", "On Eagle's Wings", "Gentle Woman" and "Let There Be Peace On Earth". Honorary Bearers will be Paula Growden, Betty Sullivan, Charlene Ryan, Mary Nehl, Kay Barnes and Patricia Svestka. Casket Bearers will be, Steve, Mel, Bill, Jack, Joe, and Jerry Smith. Friends may call at the funeral home in Cresco from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday and at the church one hour prior to services on Tuesday. There will be a Scripture Service at 6;00 P.M. on Monday.
Judy Hosek died Saturday, March 11, 2006 at her home in rural Lime Springs, Iowa. She was 60 years of age.
Judith Irene Hosek was born on April 26, 1945, in Cresco, Iowa, the daughter of Francis P. and Irene (Rethamel) Smith. She attended grade school in Lourdes and Notre Dame High School in Cresco. Following her education, she worked in the kitchen at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Cresco.
On October 7, 1963, Judy was united in marriage to Gene Hosek at the Assumption Church in Cresco. Judy and Gene began farming, and Judy worked for Brewer Produce and eventually went to work at what is now Howard Residential Care. For a period while the kids were growing up, she stayed at home and helped with the farming. They lived on a couple of different farms and finally started farming with Gene’s father and they lived on this was the farm they called home. They became the parents of three children: Connie, Bob and Julie.
Judy was a member of Notre Dame Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society . She enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafting, woodworking and even fishing. She liked to dance, when she could talk Gene into going, enjoyed camping with the family and playing cards. Her biggest enjoyment was her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Gene; two daughters: Connie (Bob) Hackenmiller of Ventura, IA and Julie (David) Wilkes of Cresco, IA; one son: Bob (Dee) Hosek of Cresco, IA; nine grandchildren: Andrew, Amanda, Stacy and Ryan Hackenmiller; Kayla and Lucas Hosek; Megan, Miranda and Ethan Wilkes; six brothers: William (Pat), Joe (Jeanne), Jerry, all of Elma, IA, Jack (Norma) of Schley, IA, Melvin (Kathy) of Harpers Ferry, IA, and Steven of Gailsville, WI; five sisters: Pat (Paul) Svestka, and Kay (Larry) Barnes both of Cresco, IA, Mary (William) Nehl, Charlene (Mike) Ryan and Paula (Skip) Growden, all of Hazelton, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law, Donna Smith, and her father-in-law, Vince Hosek on December 24, 2005.
Julia “Judy” Ollendieck
Julia Ollendieck died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospitalin Decorah, Iowa, after a long battle with cancer, at the age of 63.
Julia “Judy” Ollendieck was born at the Winneshiek County Hospital in Decorah, Iowa on July 17, 1940, the daughter of Frank and Bertha (Scheidel) Hemesath. She was baptized by Msgr. Michael Tiltgen, and confirmed in her faith at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. Judy attained her education and graduated from St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic High School in 1958. In 1960, she graduated from the Rochester School of Vocational Nursing. She continued to work at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester until she was married.
On July 31, 1961, she was united in marriage to Gerald Ollendieck at St Francis de Sales in Ossian, Iowa. To this union five children were born, Rodney, Terry, Glenda, Brian and Michael. After they were married, they lived a short time in Cresco. Then they moved to Calmar and started a Laundromat. Judy worked for several years at the Winneshiek County Hospital and the Decorah Medical Associates. Jerry and Judy purchased their farm located east of Ridgeway in 1970. While farming, Judy also worked for Rockwell-Collins for 20 ½ years. The Ollendieck’s began th! e housing development,“Plantation Country View” in 1995. In January 2000, Judy retired from Rockwell-Collins to begin a business, “Plantation Vinyl Products”, which sells vinyl fences, decks, and accessories. This business was sold to sons, Rodney, Terry, and Mike in 2002.
Judy was a member of the Notre Dame Rosary Society. Judy received much pride and enjoyment from her grandchildren, friends, family, traveling, and her flowers. She also collected angels.
Judy is survived by her husband, Jerry of Ridgeway, her daughter, Glenda (Tom) Bodensteiner of Decorah, her sons, Rodney of Ridgeway, Terry (Ann) of Ridgeway, Brian of Mason City, and Michael of Ridgeway, her grandchildren, Amanda and Ashley Whiteman, Logen, Austin and Hannah Ollendieck and Kody Bodensteiner, two brothers:Francis (Vivian) Hemesath of Ossian and James (Pat) Hemesath of Chicago, IL, two sisters:Lucy Hageman of Ossian and Donna (Jim) Kuennen of Cresco, a brother-in-law: Wayne (Sharon) Ollendieck of Cresco, five sisters-in-law:Betty (Louie) Wenthold of Cresco, Doreen (Butch) Burnikel of Lime Springs, Alma Hemesath of Ossian, Germaine Hemesath of Ossian and Alvina Hemesath of Lawler.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister:Therese Hemesath, and five brothers:Robert, Edmund, Charles, Mark and Benedict Hemesath and her father and mother-in-law, Ray and Lucille Ollendieck.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 13, 2004 at the Notre Dame Parish – St. Joseph’s Worship Center in Cresco with burial in Calvary Cemetery, in Cresco. Visitation will be from 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. Friday at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco, and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Julia Pecka
Julia Pecka, 100, died Monday, July 15, 2002 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco where she made her home since 1990.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday, July 18 at Assumption Worship Center in Cresco.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 pm Wednesday at Conway Funeral Home in Cresco.
Julia Pecka was born September 13, 1901, in Czechoslovakia, the daughter of John and Rosa Vlk. She attended school in the old country school and came to the United States in 1923 and was united in marriage to Joseph Marhoul at Gridley, KS. They lived in Kansas for a few years and in 1941, they moved back to Windshakes County between Ridgeway and Cresco. Joseph died in 1958 and she later married Frank Pecka in 1960 at Cresco and moved back to Kansas. They lived there about three years and Frank died. Julia then returned to the Cresco area to make her home. Julia liked to travel and had been to Hawaii, and had returned to her home country three times. She liked to bake, crochet, and take care of the flowering plants in her home. She also had belonged to a garden club.
She is survived by a son George Marhoul of Cresco, IA, one step daughter Alice Hess of Burlington, KS, 13 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, 22 great great grandchildren, 17 step great grandchildren and numerous step great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, on son Joseph Marhoul, Jr. ; on daughter Helen Pecinovsky; one step son Frank Pecka Jr. ; one step daughter Irene Hess, and two sisters from Czechoslovakia.
Katherine May Drtina
Katherine Drtina died Saturday, August 28, 2004 at the University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City from respiratory failure. She was 90 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Friday, September 3, 2004 at Notre Dame Parish – Assumption Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco. Friends may call at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Thursday and at the church an hour prior to services on Friday. There will be a rosary at 5 P.M. and Scripture at 7 P.M. on Thursday. Casket Bearers will be the grandsons: Jeff Tonn, David, Dean, Daniel, and Douglas Armstrong, Scott and Kelly Quam.
Katherine May Drtina was born on March 26, 1914, in Forest City Twsp. , Howard County, Iowa, the daughter of Louis and Anna (Horejsi) Zobeck. She attended the rural schools, and as most young women of that period, she had to leave school and stay home to work.
On November 24, 1931, she was united in marriage to George Francis Drtina in the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at Lourdes, Iowa. They started farming in Howard County and remained there until they retired and moved into Cresco in 1970. Katherine loved the farm and enjoyed working. She continued working after she moved to town by clerking at the cleaners and a meat market. She loved her flowers and her cats. Katherine was a loving mother and grandmother and loved to have them visit so that she could share her life with them.
She was a member of Notre Dame Parish, the Assumption Worship Center and belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society.
Katherine is survived by her children: Delores (Francis) Tonn of Cedar Rapids, IA, Patricia (Terry) Armstrong of Minneapolis, MN, Linda Quam of Cresco, IA and Diane (Robert) Allen ofIowa City, IA; eleven grandchildren: Kimberly Oldridge and Jeff Tonn; David, Dean, Daniel, and Douglas Armstrong, and Diana Och; Scott and Kelly Quam; Jessica Allen and Whitney Wehymeyer; ten great grandchildren; one brother, John Zobeck of New Hampton, IA, and two sisters: Lucille Wolfe of Chester, IA and Dorothy (Reuben) Bartels of Rochester, MN, sister-in-law Shirley Zobeck Lime Springs, and brother-in-law Art Drtina from Marion, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George on July 15, 1986, four infant daughters, one great granddaughter, Angel; and two brothers: Charles and Dale Zobeck.
Katherine Frances Geerts
Katherine Geerts, 87, of New Hampton, died Thursday, March 7, 2002 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Wednesday, March 13 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton with Reverend Carl Schmitt officiating. Sr. Lorraine Loecher will be the organist and will accompany the cantor, Joyce Shatek, and the St. Joseph Resurrection Choir singing “Be Not Afraid,” “Prayer Of St. Francis,” “Blest Are They,” & “On Eagles Wings. ” The lector will be Gladys Christoph. Christie Milbrandt, Katie & Jacob Willits will present the offertory gifts. The pall will be place by her husband and children. Eucharistic ministers will be Dan Geerts, Monica Marvin, and Mary Ann Trask.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, also in New Hampton with Frank Geerts, Leo Kruth, Dennis Marvin, David Geerts, Leon Geerts, and Leonard Geerts.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Tuesday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton, where there will be a 4 pm combined CDA & Rosary society rosary and a 7 pm scripture service. Visitation will also be an hour prior to services at the church.
Katherine Frances Geerts was born in Kirksville, MO on August 17, 1914, and was raised in New Hampton by her parents Albert & Molly (Tierney) Smith. She received her schooling at St. Joseph & St. Mary Catholic School in New Hampton, and went on to graduate from New Hampton High School. After graduation she received her teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Katherine taught country school for 10 years at a country school west of New Hampton and Boyd. She also taught Religious Education at St. Joseph for many years. On June 24, 1943 she was united in marriage to Louis B. Geerts at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton. Following their marriage the couple resided in the home where she had lived since 1919. The couple resided there all their married life. Katherine baby-sat for many families in the New Hampton area as well as housekeeping for many families in the area. She was a life long member of St. Joseph Church, Rosary Society, and was a 50 year member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Joan of Arc # 388. She enjoyed crossword puzzles.
Katherine is survived by her husband Louis of New Hampton; a daughter Margaret (Joe) Harn of Waterloo; 5 sons Ted (Veronica) of New Hampton, Tom (Helen) of North Washington, Mike (Anita) of New Hampton, John (Rita) of North Washington, Steve (Nita) of New Hampton; 30 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son Bernard; a great grandson Austin; a brother.
Kenneth J. Novotny
(1960 - 2003)
CRESCO:Kenneth J. Novotny, age 42, of Decorah was pronounced dead on Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital after a lengthly illness.
Kenneth Novotny was born on September 1, 1960 in Cresco, Iowa the son of Donald and Mary Ann (Kalishek) Novotny.
On March 4, 1989 he was united in marriage to Shelly Peters in Ridgeway. They later divorced.
He is survived by his children: Ethan, Emily, and Mitchell of Ridgeway, IA; his mother: Mary Ann of Protivin, IA; four brothers: Neal (Robin) of Cupertino, CA, Duane (Jackie) of Fort Atkinson, IA, Jeffrey (Beth) of Ridgeway, IA, and Gary of Decorah, IA; and three sisters: Wanda Hulbert (Frank) of St. Charles, IA, Dorene Lyke (Jim) of Rochester, MN, and Diane Kipp (Dan) of New Hampton, IA.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 22, 2003 at the Holy Trinity Church with burial in the church Cemetery, both in Protivin, Iowa. Friends may call from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Friday at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. There will be a Scripture Service at 7 P.M. on Friday.
Laurel Lee Lamka
Laurel Lamka, 76, of Fredericksburg, died Monday, March 26, 2001 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Thursday, March 29 at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg with Gene Scroggins, Bill Schmidt, Don Pett, Randy Lamka, David Lamka, Neil Kahn, Jr. serving as casket bearers.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Wednesday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton and also an hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Laurel Lee Lamka was born May 16, 1924 on the family farm near Fredericksburg, the son of Fred & Louise (Schmidt) Lamka. He graduated from Frederika High School. After his schooling he moved to Waterloo and worked at Rath Packing Company and later John Deere. He was united in marriage to Gertrude (Forbes) at Waterloo on September 30, 1945. Shortly after their marriage the couple move to the Williamstown area where they farmed. He resided in the Williamstown area until his death. Laurel retired from farming when he was 52. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and family.
He is survived by 2 sons Gregory (Mary) Lamka of Polk City, Gary (Mavis) Lamka of Hector, MN, 1 daughter Carol (Francis) Kuehn of Cabot, AR; 8 grandchildren Kathryn Lamka, Brian (Michelle) Lamka, Rebecca Lamka, Dean (Anita) Edwards, Dawn (Jim) Taylor, Derik Edwards, Lesha Kuehn, Corey Kuehn; 5 great grandchildren Jada and Kobe Lamka, Tanner and Dylan Edwards, Kelsey Taylor; 1 brother Clarence (Wilma) Lamka of Fredericksburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gertrude, son Darryl Lamka, a daughter in law Jackie.
Lawrence Balk Sr.
Lawrence Balk Sr. , 83, of New Hampton, died Friday, February 1, 2002 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton with Reverend John Harpel presiding.
Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waucoma with Cyril Blong, Lawrence Blong, James Balk, Richard Balk, Joe Balk, and Jack Lynch serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be his grandchildren:Katie & David Balk; Eric & Sarah Balk; Bryan, Kyle, & Troy Bentz; Matthew & Joseph Balk.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Sunday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton, where there will be a 4 pm combined Catholic Order of Foresters & Knights of Columbus Rosary and a 7 pm scripture service. Visitation will also be an hour prior to services at the church.
Lawrence Balk Sr. was born August 24, 1918 at Waucoma, IA, the son of Joseph & Barbara (Rausch) Balk. He was united in marriage to Margaret Sabelka on November 7, 1939 at Reilly Ridge. They farmed in the Waucoma area until their retirement to New Hampton in 1981. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma and New Hampton, Knights of Columbus Council #1697 in New Hampton, and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus (Davis Assembly), and the Catholic Order of Foresters Court #2100 of St. Lucas. Lawrence was very active in the Senior Citizens Centers in Waucoma and New Hampton.
Lawrence is survived by 4 sons Lawrence Jr. of New Hampton, Gary (Mary) of Minneapolis, MN, Terry (Sharon) of Waucoma, Ken (Julie) of West Union; a daughter Sue Balk Bentz of Burnsville, MN; 9 grandchildren; and a sister Eleanor Lynch of New Hampton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Margaret; a son Charles; a grandson Michael Balk; 3 brothers Herman, Hugo, and Leo Balk; 3 sisters Elizabeth Blong, Margaret Blong, and Theresa Balk.
Leland Francis Panoch
Leland Panoch, 73, of New Hampton, died Monday, November 26, 2001 at the New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in New Hampton of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Friday, November 30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton with Reverend Carl Schmitt officiating.
Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, also in New Hampton.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Thursday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton, where there will be a 4:30 pm rosary & 7 pm scripture service. Visitation will also be an hour prior to services at the church.
Leland Francis Panoch was born August 10, 1928 in Howard County, the eldest son of W. Joseph & Rose (Bilek) Panoch. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He attended country school near his home. Leland worked for the Rath Packing Plant in Waterloo, Oliver-White Farm Equipment in Charles City, and also building contruction work. He resided in the New Hampton area for most of his life. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton. In his final days, Leland enjoyed his family, grandchildren, and friends and found comfort in the love from family and friends.
He is survived by:
2 sons-Lee and his wife Michelle of Cresco, IA
Larry of Cresco
2 grandchildren-Adam & Abby (Children of Lee)
4 brothers-Joe and his wife Jane of Castalia
-Ray and his wife Carol of New Hampton
-Don of Fredericksburg
-Ron and his wife Nancy of Punta Gorda, FL
2 sisters-Lorraine Scholbrock and her husband Marvin of New Hampton
-Gigi Wollenberg of Rochester, MN
several nieces & nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Rose Marie Blong.
Leland Joseph Truka
Leland Truka, 78, of rural Lime Springs, IA, died Friday, December 30, 2005 at his home after a short illness.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 2, 2006 at St. Stephen’s Oratory in Chester, IA. Rev. Ray E. Atwood will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco from 4 P. M until 8 P.M. on Sunday, January 1, 2006 and at the church for one hour prior to services on Monday.
Leland Joseph Truka was born in Howard County, Iowa, on July 25, 1927, the son of Joseph and Genevieve (Stevenson) Truka. He attended the rural school near his home. Following his education, he helped his father on the farm.
On October 29, 1951, Leland was united in marriage to Evelyn Beck at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. They became the parents of six children.
Leland and Evelyn farmed in Howard County, continuing to farm a quarter section of land and raising a herd of beef cattle after his semi-retirement. Leland enjoyed the farm life and field work. He also enjoyed dancing, took pride in his Christmas decorations and his lawn. In his spare time, he enjoyed doing small woodworking projects.
Leland was involved in local, church and community activities. He was a member of the Lime Springs Commercial Club, he was a parish council memberof St. Stephens Catholic Church in Chester until closing, and he was active as a Trustee of the St. Stephens Oratory of Chester.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, two daughters: Christina Truka of Superior, CO and Roxanne (Charles) Kraft of Cresco, IA; four sons: Joseph (Jane), James (Lori), both of Lime Springs, IA, Kenneth (Dawn) of Mason City, IA and David (Brenda) of North Liberty, IA; fourteen grandchildren: Cindy(Andy) Goodner, Vicky, Stacy, Michelle and Scott Truka; Melissa, Chuck (Amy), Amanda and Danny Kraft; Aaron and Sarah Tomkins, Samantha, Seth and Alicia Truka; two sisters: Margaret Baker of Rochester, MN and Gladys (Raymond) Bieri of Cresco, IA.
Leona Evelyn Havel
Leona Havel, age 100, of Protivin, Iowa, died Friday, September 20, 2002, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Elma, Iowa, where she has made her home since 1995.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 23, 2002 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, IA, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John Moser presiding. Reader will be Sue Panos, altar servers will be, Kyle and Mark Panos, gifts will be carried by the great grandchildren, the organist will be Marlene Pecinovsky and the singing will be by the Holy Trinity Choir and the congregation. Casket bearers will be Stephen, Sheldon, Shawn and Gerald Praska, Alan, Bryan and Kevin Havel.
Leona Evelyn Havel was born in Howard County, Iowa, on February 11, 1902, the daughter of Joseph J. and Caroline (Svestka) Moravetz. She was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she was a life long member. She attended rural New Oregon #5 school and helped do housework at various neighboring homes.
On October 2, 1923, she was united in marriage to Lewis J. Havel at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin, Iowa. They made their home on the farm near Protivin, until they retired and moved into town in 1963. On December 6, 1964, Lewis died and Leona continued living in Protivin until she entered Colonial Manor.
Leona enjoyed crocheting, making doilies and other handiwork. She also did sewing for other people. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. She was a life long member of the Holy Trinity Rosary Society.
She is survived by her children:Celesta (Richard) Praska of Cresco, IA and Donald Havel of Protivin, IA; nine grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; one brother: Roman Moravetz of Cresco, IA and one sister, Otilda Larkin of New Hampton, IA.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers: Leonard, Reuben and Clarence; one sister, Clara M. Voves.
Lillian C. Gutenkauf
Lillian C. Gutenkauf, 87, of New Hampton, died Saturday, July 14, 2001 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, July 17 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton with Reverend John Barnes officiating. Sr. Lorraine Loecher will be the organist and will accompany, the cantor Rose Baltes and the St. Joseph Resurrection Choir singing “How Great Thou Art,” “Be Not Afraid,” “On Eagles Wings,” & “Amazing Grace. ”Lectors will be Robyn Dietz and Lori Knebel. Gift bearers will be Colleen, Terri, Cathy, and Elisabeth Rosonke. John & Mary Rosonke will be Eucharistic ministers and will place the pall.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, also in New Hampton with Mike Rosonke, Paul Rosonke, Keith Rosonke, Steve Dietz, Craig Knebel, & Jacob Rosonke serving as casket bearers.
Friends may call from 3 to 8 pm Monday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton, where there will be a 5 pm Rosary and 7:30 pm Scripture service. Visitation will also be an hour prior to services at the church.
Lillian C. Gutenkauf was born January 25, 1914 at Oelwein, IA, the daughter of Claude & Arlington (Powell) Cole. She graduated from Oelwein High School. After her schooling, Lillian worked for City Laundry in Oelwein. On October 16, 1937 she was united in marriage to Harold Gutenkauf at Sacred Heart Church in Oelwein. After their marriage Harold spent two years in the service. After her husband returned from the service the couple moved to West Union, before moving New Hampton in 1949. The couple owned and operated an egg candling operation in New Hampton. Years later the couple managed the Legion and Lillian helped her husband bartending. She was a 5 star (50) year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Oelwein, St. Joseph Church and the rosary society.
She is survived by:
1 daughter-Mary (John) Rosonke of New Hampton
5 grandchildren
8 great grandchildren
a half sister-Mary Evelyn Trotter of Oelwein
a sister-in-law Elaine Cole of Missouri
She was preceded in death by her:
parents
husband Harold (1980)
3 brothers-Claude Jr. during WWII
Dale Cole
Jamie-in infancy
