Sarah Elouise Roberson
S. Elouise Roberson, 85, of Jerico, died Thursday, November 22, 2001 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, November 25, 2001 at Jerico Lutheran Church in Jerico with Reverend Kent Dethlefsen officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Saturday at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton and an hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the Jerico Lutheran Church.
Sarah Elouise Roberson was born November 11, 1916, in Ruthven, IA, the daughter of Daniel & Myrtle (Brott) Walters. She was raised in the New Hampton area and graduated from New Hampton High School. She was united in marriage with Harvey Raymond Roberson on October 14, 1937 at the Jerico/Saude Lutheran Parsonage. Following their marriage the couple farmed north of Jerico and resided there for their entire married life. During that time Elouise worked at J. C. Penny’s. Elouise was a skilled painter and had paintings exhibited throughout Iowa and the surrounding states. She was a member of the Jerico Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid, the County Liners Card Club for over 40 years, and was a 4-H club leader for many years. She enjoyed flower arranging.
She is survived by her husband Harvey of Jerico, 6 children Diane (Donald) Burch of Galena, Il,Jean Cutsforth of Cedar Falls, Betty (Bob) Arndt of Des Moines, Suzanne (Stewart) Stover of Rockford, IL, Robert (Marcia) Roberson of New Hampton, Sara (Wayne) Haskovec of Reinbeck. 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; a brother Robert Walters of Grundy Center; a sister Donna Zeien of Hastings, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters Ruth Stapher, Betty Fliger and a brother Arthur Walters.
Selma Theodora Brannon
Selma Brannon, formerly of Ossian, died Saturday, December 31, 2005 at the Plano Medical Center in Plano, Texas. She was 91 years old.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 7, 2006 at the Stavanger Lutheran Church of Ossian with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Kris Snyder officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service at the church.
Selma Theodora Brannon was born on the family farm in rural Ossian, Winneshiek County, Iowa on January 28, 1914, the daughter of Chestie and Ole H. Johnson. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Stavanger Lutheran Church. She attended grade school at Military District Number 6, Nesvik School that was three miles south of the farm and graduated from High School in Ossian, which was three miles north of the farm. Therefore she did a lot of walking to get her education.
Following her education in Ossian, Selma attended Cedar Falls Teachers College for one year, and then worked as a clerk at the Gunderson Department Store in Ossian. She then moved to Rockford, Illinois to work at National Lock during World War II.
She and Frank Brannon were married on January 6, 1946 at the Salem Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois, and traveled to Chicago for a honeymoon. They didn’t think about whether or not they should have a reservation for a place to stay. To their surprise “there was no room in the inn” in Selma’s words, because there was a large convention in Chicago at the time and all hotels were full. However they found a nice and very helpful policeman on the street. Since Frank was in the military, he referred them to a hotel for servicemen. They stayed free for seven nights in a room with a view of Buckingham fountain, three beds and six cribs.
They moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Selma worked at the Timkins Factory and later moved to North Park, Illinois, where Frank worked as superintendent of the Water Department. Frank served in the North Park Volunteer Fire Department, and Selma was active in the Ladies Auxiliary. Subsequently, work related moves took them to live in Crystal Lake and later to Naperville, Illinois. In the 1980’s they moved to Indianola, Iowa, where their hobby was raising bees. They won first prize for their honey at the Iowa State Fair.
When Frank retired, they moved to the Johnson family farm in rural Ossian, Iowa. They bought a Laundromat in Ossian, which they operated for twelve years. They also started popping and selling popcorn on the street (Uncle Frank’s Popcorn) because they thought the young people of Ossian needed it. Both young and old enjoyed these outings and the polka music that livened up the streets of Ossian and later included Postville. Selma was an avid gardener and her passion was growing flowers, trees and shrubs. She was a lifelong participant and supporter of activities at Stavanger Lutheran Church. One of her most cherished achievements was gathering the family history and publishing the “Larson-Tinderholt Family History 1844-1994” for their family reunion in 1994.
After Frank died in June 2000, Selma moved to Cedar Court in West Union, Iowa, where she made many new friends. With all of the walking she did as a child she was well equipped to follow the Doctor’s advice-“keep walking”-so she did, but around the Cedar Court vicinity. During the two years she lived there, she thoroughly enjoyed the friendships established with the other residents and the wonderful staff.
Selma and Frank were blessed with two daughters, Joyce born in 1947 and Janet born in 1948. While both daughters moved to other parts of the country after completing their education, they all remained a very close family, regularly in touch with each other. After Joyce’s untimely death in 2002, Janet and her husband Joseph convinced Selma to move to Texas and live with them. Through the local Senior Center she took flower-arranging classes and got much pleasure from this activity. She then started taking pencil-drawing lessons and found she had a natural artistic talent. Over the next few years she created numerous drawings of landscapes, flowers, birds and portraits all of which drew acclaim from her instructor and fellow students.
Selma is survived by her daughter, Janet and husband Joseph Bunch, four grandchildren: Jon and wife Athena Steinway, David Bunch, Cheryl Hankinson and Diane and husband Richard Basinger; 12 great grandchildren: Gareth Frank and Annika Steinway; Allison Harrington; Gregory, Holly, Christopher and Michael Basinger; Elizabeth and husband Brian Hartger, Emily and Sarah Hankinson; Kyle and Kathryn Bunch; sister-in-law Ann Brannon; nieces and nephews; Kathryn Brannon and Diana Laine, John and Lee Brannon.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her daughter Joyce, her brother Myron and sister Viola Johnson.
Stanley Edward Kovarik
Funeral Services for Stanley Kovarik, age 69, who died Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at Regional Health Services Hospital will be held at 12:30 P.M. on Friday, May 26, 2006 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco. Rev. Richard Ament will officiate. The family will place the pall, Nick and Ann Kovarik will be the readers. Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Thursday at the Funeral Home and at the Church on Friday one hour prior to services.
Stanley Kovarik died Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, IA, where he had been fighting bravely since May 2nd. He was 69 years of age.
Stanley Edward Kovarik was born on July 17, 1936 in Protivin, Iowa to Edward and Viola (Lukes) Kovarik. He attended school up until the eighth grade and then stayed at home to help out on the farm.
On June 15, 1960, Stan was united in marriage to Marcella Berka at the Holy Trinity Church in Protivin. He held various jobs before starting at Spahn and Rose where he worked for 16 years. He and Marcie ran the Kozy Dorner and Sunnyside Taverns in Ridgeway for five years. Then moved back to Cresco where he started working at the Cresco Union Savings Bank doing maintenance/custodial work for 15 years until he retired in 2001.
Stan enjoyed many things inhis free time. He enjoyed doing woodwork and could always be found out in the garden or working outside. He could always be found at his grandchildren’s school and sporting events cheering them on. He also enjoyed going to the Fitness Center.
He is survived by his wife, Marcella, his children: Dale (Linda) of Goshen, IN, Diane (Steve) of Cresco, IA, Dennis (Carol) of Monona, IA, David (Connie) of Cresco, IA and Donna (Steve) of Des Moines, IA; 10grandchildren, one sister, Mary Stika of Catoosa, OK, one brother Larry (Sharon) Kovarik of Elma, IA, four nephews and three nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, Gerald Stika and one nephew Steven Kovarik.
Sylvia Gladys Dunt
Sylvia Dunt died Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at the Health Care Center in Oelwein, Iowa where she has been living since July of 2003. She was 81 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 25, 2005 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Riceville, with burial in the Lutheran Cemetery. Pastor Michael Parris officiating. Anna Mae Roethler will be organist who will accompany the congregation in singing "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and " How Great Thou Art". She will also accompany Gordon Jensson who will sing "Take My Hand and Lead Me". Casket bearers will be Shawn Holt, Justin Holt, Ed Bormann, Dean Bormann and Rick Bormann.
Sylvia Gladys Dunt was born near Riceville, Iowa on March 10, 1923, the daughter of Albert and Bertha (Bohneman) Vollbrecht. She attended school in Riceville and graduated from High School in 1941. Following her education, war broke out, and Sylvia did her part, by working in a defense plant in Des Moines.
On September 29, 1956, Sylvia was united in marriage to Dennis J. Dunt at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Riceville. During their married life, they lived for about 2 ½ years in Doherty, six years in Elma and the balance in the Riceville area. Sylvia spent her time outside of raising her two daughters, working as a grocery clerk. She loved this job and was very good at it. It also gave her time to visit with the many people she considered her friends. She continued this visiting and graciousness even in the nursing home where she thanked everyone for what they did for her.
In Sylvia’s early years she loved to dance, enjoyed music and even reportedly played some musical instruments. As she had gotten older, she liked to read, crochet and continued her cooking skills.
Sylvia is survived by her children: Patricia “Trish” Holt of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Florence “Flo” and her husband Lee Bormann of Oelwein, Iowa; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dennis on November 22, 1997, one sister, Eunice at the age of 2, and three brothers: Merlin and Ivan in infancy and Gaylord at the age of 62.
Thelma Bryan
Thelma Bryan, 93, of New Hampton, died Saturday, February 2, 2002 at the New Hampton Care Center of natural causes.
Funeral services will 10:30 am Tuesday, February 5 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton.
Burial will be in the Howard Cemetery in Elma.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 pm Monday at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton, and an hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Theresa Ann Combs
Theresa A. ”Terrie” Combs died Tuesday, November 29, 2005, at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa. She was 77 years old.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 2, 2005 at the Assumption Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco. Rev. Richard J. Ament is officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Theresa Ann Combs was born on June 6, 1928, at Hopkins, Minnesota, the daughter of Anton and Marie T. (Skorpik) Sidla. She was the youngest of 13 children. Terrie graduated from Hopkins High School and attended the University of Minnesota.
On September 8, 1951, she was united in marriage to Florian “Bud” Combs at St. Joseph’s Church in Hopkins, Minnesota. To this union, six children were born: Colleen, Sharon, Jeffery, Thomas, Michelle, and David.
Terrie was the “Ultimate Mother!”She and Bud owned and operated Combs Shoe Store for over 20 years in Cresco, retiring in 1987. She was active in church serving as Altar and Rosary Society President for St. Mary’s of the Lake, Plymouth, MN, a member of the Notre Dame Circle of Faith, and of Friends in Council Study Club. She loved playing Bridge and singing with the Elm Street Singers.
She is survived by her children:Colleen, and her husband, Don Crow of Peoria, IL; Sharon, and her husband, Tom Burman of Hampton, IA; Jeffrey Combs, and his wife, Vicky, of Plano, TX; Thomas Combs of Nashua, IA; Michelle Reed of Clinton, IA; and David Combs and his wife, Nyra Phillips of Aiea, HI; 13 grandchildren:Jacqueline and Shannon Crow; Jennifer (Tom) Wilhelmi, Thomas, Bridget, Katherine, and John Burman; Zachary (Karla) and Andrew Combs; Nicole and Miranda Combs; Matthew Reed; and Leilani Combs; three great grandchildren:Aiden Burman, Jacob and Samuel Wilhelmi, three sisters:Mary Stodola and Celine Sidla, and Martha Krawzak, all of Hopkins, MN, one brother: George Sidla of St. Louis Park, MN and one sister-in- law, Barbara Sidla of Hopkins, MN.
Terrie was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Marie Sidla, her husband, Bud on April 5, 2004, five brothers:Adolf, Albert, Tony, Frank and Stanley Sidla, three sisters:Helen Romportl, Agnes Mashek, and Lillian Merrill.
Timothy Gerald Esler
Tim “Trapper” Esler died Friday, February 24, 2006 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, IA with his loving family by his side. He died of cancer at the age of 52.
Timothy Gerald Esler was born on May 26, 1953 at Clintonville, Wisconsin, the son of Gerald and June (McDermott) Esler. He attended school in Clintonville and entered the U. S. Army right out of school. On January 18, 1973, he was united in marriage to Barb Brockhaus in Clintonville and they moved to Colorado, where they lived until 1985. They moved back to the Decorah Cresco area where he enjoyed the hunting and fishing the area had to offer. Tim and Barb were later divorced.
Tim worked as a drywaller in the construction business, but he enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and playing his drums. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his three children: Tim (Jeanne) Esler Jr. of Ridgeway, IA, Amy (Tom) Thompson of Decorah, IA and Carrie (Joe) Kern of Birnamwood, WI; seven grandchildren and three sisters: Penny (Mark) Koelbl of Clintonville, WI, Deb (Dan) Moeller of New London, WI and Vicki Esler of Appleton, WI.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Toby Dale Hoover
Toby Hoover, age 63, of Rochester, MN, who died Saturday, August 22, 2004 at the Whitewater Healthcare Center in St. Charles, MN.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at the Notre Dame Parish – Assumption Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco, Iowa. Rev. Henry W. Charipar officiating. The pall will be placed on the casket by the family, Mary Jo Tremmel is organist and Joe Wacha is Cantor who will lead the congregation in singing, “Be Not Afraid,” “Amazing Grace”“On Eagles’ Wings” and “How Great Thou Art”. Casket bearers will be: Kyle Casey, Tom and Terry Ostby, Bill Casey, Dan Buege and Brian Barker.
Toby Dale Hoover was born on July 24, 1941 in Chester, IL the son of George Edward and Lottie (Welch) Hoover. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Chester High School. Later, believing in the value of education he attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA. On June 2, 1959, he enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard in St. Louis, MO. On May 27, 1963 he was discharged at Ft. Pierce, FL.
On June 6, 1964 he was united in marriage to Margaret Mahan at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Chester, Iowa. They made their home in Cedar Rapids, and later moved to Rochester, MN where they have lived for the last 16 years. He was employed at FMC Corp, was manager of the Silver Lake Apts and retired from managing the Park Towers in Rochester, MN in April of 2003.
Toby loved flying ultra lites, had many model airplanes and when time permitted enjoyed going fishing.
He is survived by Margaret Hoover, two sons: Jason (Tammie) Hoover of Cedar Rapids, IA and Joseph (Ann) Hoover of Belmond, IA;six grandchildren: Blake, JoAnn, Megan, Kaylee, Shawna and Evan; three sisters: Sally Harris, Dorothy Huber and Betty Hoover, all of Chester, IL.
Toby was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, George Hoover.
Vera Mary McGrane
Vera McGrane, 85, of Monona, formerly of Elma and Lawler, died Friday, January 18, 2002 at the New Hampton Care Center of natural causes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Reverend John Moran & Reverend John Hemann concelebrating the mass. Theresa Burke will be the organist and will accompany the soloist, Betty Boehmer, singing “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman” and the Immaculate Conception Church Choir singing “Here I Am Lord,” “Be Not Afraid,” & “How Great Thou Art. ”Sr. Mary Lee Cox will be the lector. Gift bearers will be Ginger Darr & Jane Froehlich. Pall Placers will be Virgil Cox & Pat Good.
Burial will be in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery at St Cecelia (rural Elma) with Rick Cox, Bob Cox, Larry Cox, Mike Cox, Eileen Orthaus, & Paula Wolff 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 4 pm rosary & 7 pm scripture service. Visitation will also be an hour prior to services at the church.
Vera Mary McGrane was born March 26, 1916, rural Elma, the daughter of Elmer & Stella (Sweeney) Cox. She attended country school near her home and later I. C Academy in Elma. On June 16, 1951 she was united in marriage to Walter McGrane at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. Vera was a housekeeper for Fr. John Moran at St. Ansgar, Lawler, St. Lucas, Farley, and Monona for 34 years. She enjoyed her family and friends, bingo, cooking, and her plants and flowers.
She is survived by a brother Virgil Cox of Alta Vista and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Walter (August 14, 1957), and a brother Lee Cox.
Verena Anna Novotny
Verena Novotny, age 84, of Protivin, IA, died Sunday,April 13, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton, IA after a brief illness.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, IA, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John Moser will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 15, at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco, and at the church for one hour prior to services on Wednesday. There will be a scripture service at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday. The children will place the pall, casket bearers will be:sixgrandchildren, gifts will be carried by two granddaughters, and Eucharistic Minister will be Lorraine Vopava.
Verena Anna Novotny was born on March 14, 1918, in Calmar Township, near Spillville, Winneshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of William and Pearl (Brown) Schneberger. She attended school at Calmar through the eighth grade and returned home to help her parents and sister farm.
On October 27, 1936, she was united in marriage to Clarence Riha at St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville, IA. They made their home on a farm in the Spillville area. On July 18, 1962, Clarence died and on February 20, 1965 she was united in marriage to Clarence Novotny at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. They lived on the farm in the Little Turkey area. On January 6, 1973, Clarence died and she moved into Protivin.
Verena kept herself busy working at Bucheit Produce in Calmar for a while and after the Kitchens of Sara Lee opened, she started working there and eventually retired from there. She loved to garden and care for her flowers, but her greatest passion was spending time with family and friends. She also considered her cat “Blacky” as part of the family. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Parish, its Rosary Society,andbelonged to a neighborhood Birthday Club.
Verena is survived by her children: Stanley (Bette) Riha of Winnebago, MN, Betty (Jerry) Nierling of Cedar Rapids, IA, Clarence “Bud” (Sandi) Riha of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Mary (Ron) Fritz of Protivin, IA; two step children: Joanie (Richard) Gebel of Alta Vista, IA, and Jerry (Karen) Novotny of Vinton, IA; nine grandchildren: Donna Thulson, Monty Riha, Michelle Jensen, Mark Nierling and Melissa Nierling, Lori Riha, Chad Fritx, Aaron Fritz, and Lisa Fritz; eight great grandchildren, and one sister: Bernice Swenson of Colombia, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, and one great granddaughter: Kirsten Thulson.
Vernon Anton Bohr
Vernon A. Bohr passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer on November 13, 2003.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at the Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco. Rev. Henry W. Charipar will preside with Sister Mary Hargrafen assisting. Pall will be placed by the spouse and children, gifts will be carried by Janell and Dan, readers will be Gerald and Sharlene, eucharistic minister will be Mary Jean Bohr and casket bearers will be Norbert Bohr, Brad McConnell, Warren Steffen, Kris Haskovec, Don Ollendieck, Ben Bohr and Tim Bohr. Wendy Schatz will accompany Joe Wacha who will sing, “One Day at a Time”, “How Great Thou Art”, “On Eagles’ Wings”, and “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. Tim Bohr will play the Barber Polka.
Vernon Anton Bohr, the “Polka King”, was born to William J. and Hildegard (Heying) Bohr in Military Township near Festina, IA on November 26, 1928. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, IA and received his education at a neighborhood country school. Vernon served in the Army from 1951-1953. During the Korean Conflict, he was stationed in Germany as company barber and also was a welder for the service company. Upon honorable discharge, he became a bricklayer with Union Local # 17 of Dubuque, IA.
On October 27, 1956, Vernon was united in marriage to Agnes Mihm at St. Luke’s Church in St. Lucas, IA. In 1959, Agnes and Vernon purchased their farm northeast of Cresco where they raised a family of four. Along with farming, Vernon opened a masonry business and in 1968 he became a salesman for NaChurs Liquid Fertilizer until his retirement in 2003.
Vernon enjoyed laughter, fishing, polka dancing and visiting, along with reading and keeping informed on the political front. His family was his pride and joy.
Vernon was a member of the American Legion Post 135, VFW 4561, Knights of Columbus Council 1571, and the National Farmers Organization.
Vernon is survived by his wife Agnes of 47 years; four children: Jerry and Christiane of Fountain Valley, CA, Dan and Liz of Williams, IA, Janell and Jim Novak of Roselle, IL and Sharlene of Mt. Prospect, IL; six grandchildren: Beni, Timmy and Mimi Bohr, Wren Bohr, and Amanda and Sarah Novak; three sisters: Theresa Moellers of West Union, IA, Joan Hennis of Springfield, MO, and MaDonna Rask of White Bear Lake, MN; three brothers: Cyril Bohr of Ossian, IA, Jim Bohr of Protivin, IA, and Bill Bohr of Peosta, IA.
Vernon was preceded in death by one son: Michael in infancy; his parents William and Hildegard; his brother Jerome and four sisters: Dolores Riniker, Gertrude Novak, Rose Mary Gerelman and Hildegard in infancy.
Vincent Clarence Hosek
Vince Hosek died Saturday, December 24, 2005 at his home after a short illness. He was 86 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at Notre Dame Parish-Assumption Worship Center, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Cresco. Rev. Richard J. Ament will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. until 8 P. M on Tuesday, at the Funeral Home and one hour prior to services on Wednesday, at the church. There will be a Scripture Service at 5 P.M. on Tuesday.
Vincent Clarence Hosek was born on May 31, 1919 near Protivin, Iowa, the son of Charles J. and Anna (Hron) Hosek. He attended school at Rudolphinum in Protivin. Following his education, he farmed with his father.
On June 9, 1941, he was united in marriage to Mary Grace Lipa in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Lourdes, Iowa. They were blessed with two sons, Eugene and Donald.
Vince and Mary started farming near Schley and in 1953, moved to their present farm west of Cresco. They belonged to Holy Cross Church in Schley and then joined the Assumption Church in Cresco. Vince farmed all of his life, and even when he couldn’t do all the work, he had to help Gene. Vince loved his family, and had little time to belong to organizations or have hobbies. In earlier years, Vince and Mary loved to dance, especially to old time music and on Sunday afternoons, they enjoyed fishing on Crane Creek. In later years, he always made time to spend with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the love of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; two sons: Gene (Judy) of Lime Springs, IA, and Don (friend Diane Rinkert) of Cummings, IA;
five grandchildren: Connie (Bob) Hackenmiller of Ventura, IA, Bob (Deanne) Hosek, and Julie (David D. ) Wilkes of Cresco, IA;
Kimberly Jo (Steve) Blakesley of Allentown, PA and Don Hosek Jr. of Des Moines, IA; eleven great grandchildren: Andrew, Amanda, Stacy and
Ryan Hackenmiller; Kayla and Lucas Hosek; Megan, Miranda, and Ethan Wilkes; Mykel and Shawn Hosek; one sister: Clara Samec of Holland, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Adela Samec.
Walter Earl Hove
Walter Earl Hove, age 86, of Waterloo, formerly of Ridgeway, IA, died Sunday, September 18, 2005, at Ravenwood Nursing Home of congestive heart failure.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at Peace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, with burial in Lincoln Lutheran Cemetery. Pastors Philip and Ginny Olson will officiate, Judy Hovden will be organist, leading the congregation in song. Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Tuesday at the Funeral Home in Cresco and an hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Walter was born on May 1, 1919, south of Ridgeway, IA, the youngest of four sons of John Elmer and Alma (Rue) Hove. At the age of two, the family moved to the current Hove farm south of Ridgeway. Walter attended country school and graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1938. He then attended LaCrosse Business College in LaCrosse, WI.
Walter entered into the U. S. Army in September 1942 and served with and Anti-Aircraft Division in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. He returned home from WW II on New Year’s Day 1946.
On January 29, 1947 he was united in marriage to Helen Barthelme in Cresco, IA. They lived and farmed on Walter’s home place for fifty years.
Walter became a director/agent of Norwegian Mutual Insurance Association in Decorah, IA in 1947. In 1962 he became secretary/treasurer and manager, until his retirement in 1981. Walter remained on the board of directors until 2002, serving 55 years. He served on the parish council and the cemetery board for Lincoln Church and Peace Church. He was instrumental in the planning of Peace Church.
Walter enjoyed horses, woodworking and waltzing at the Inwood Ballroom with his wife, Helen. But his greatest pride was in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by two daughters:Dianne (Dave) Hopperstad of Waterloo and Donna (Bob) Johnson of Urbandale, IA. Four Grandchildren: Lisa (Phil) Meaney of Cedar Rapids, Matt (Carmie) Johnson of Urbandale, Lori (Bob) Tigges of West Des Moines, Andy (JoDee) Johnson of Urbandale; 11 great grandchildren, four sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen who died in December 1996, three brothers, Amos, Oran and Norman.
Wilhelmina Frances Kalvelage
Wilhelmina Kalvelage died Monday, March 20, 2006 at the Regional Health Services Hospital in Cresco, Iowa. She was 78 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at Notre Dame Parish-St. Joseph's Worship Center. Rev. Richard J. Ament will officiate. Suzanne Ollendick will play the organ and accompany Joe Wacha who will sing: "Be Not Afraid", "Amazing Grace", "In The Garden", and "How Great Thou Art". Patty, Kelly and Kim Kalvelage will carry the gifts and the casket bearers will be: Frank Dorn, Jerry Moser, Ron, Ken, John and David Ollendick. Visitation will be held at the Cresco Chapel from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Tuesday and at the church one hour prior to services on Wednesday.
Wilhelmina Frances Kalvelage was born on February 7, 1928 in Elgin, Nebraska, the daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth (Buechler) Ollendick. She received her education through the eighth grade in the Elgin School. Since she was one of thirteen children, she had various jobs, mostly as a waitress to earn her living.
On August 20, 1955, she was united in marriage to Alphonse A. Kalvelage in Elgin. They moved to Cresco in 1958. They became the parents of five children. She kept busy raising her family and had little time to belong to organizations. She was a member of Notre Dame Parish and its Rosary Society.
Wilhelmina was a loving mother and spent almost all of her time with her family. She loved having the grandchildren and great grandchildren come to see her.
Survivors include her five children: Bernard of Lime Springs, IA, Kenneth (Tammi), Alvin, Rose, all of Cresco, IA and Mildred (significant other, Larry Menne, of Decorah, IA; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren; three brothers: Ted (Hilda) Ollendick of Tomah, WI, Henry Ollendick of Dubuque, IA, Charles Ollendick of Hills, IA; five sisters: Theresa Moser of Tomah, WI, Louise Smith of Ottumwa, IA, Dorothy Salber of Marathon, WI, Frances (Shorty) Salber of Browerville, MN and Bernadine (Dave) Sloan of Scottsdale, AZ.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Alphonse on April 23, 1999, two brothers: Donald Ollendick and Alfred Ollendick; two sisters: Marie Hayes and Clara Dorn.
William E. Koudelka
William E. Koudelka, age 56, of rural Elma, Iowa died on Wednesday, November 12, 2003, at the Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, November 17, 2003 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, with burial in the church Cemetery, both in Lourdes. Friends may call from 3 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Sunday at the Conway Funeral Home in Cresco, and one hour prior to services at the Church on Monday. There will be a scripture service at 7:00 P.M.
William was born on June 16, 1947 at Cresco, Iowa, the son of Edward A and Margaret (Tlusty) Koudelka. Through grade 5 he attended rural school, through grade 8 he attended Cresco school and eventually received his GED.
On September 7, 1968 he was united in marriage to Verneal Brincks at St. Lucas. Following their marriage, they moved onto the farm where they still live. Bill farmed and worked at White Farm Equipment in Charles City.
Bill enjoyed collecting Oliver tractors and restoring them. He was a member of the Hart - Parr Oliver Collectors Association and the Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
He is survived by his wife: Verneal; three daughters: Sheila (Darren) Wolford of Charles City, Vickie Koudelka of Nashua, IA and Karla Koudelka of Sioux Falls, SD; his mother: Margaret Hovorka of Cresco; three grandchildren: Amber Hanson, Wyatt and Eliza Wolford, one sister: Wilma (Ermin) Frana of Calmar, IA, one step brother: Edward Hovorka of Cresco, IA, and a step sister: Wilomena Anderson of Minneapolis, MN.
He was preceded in death by his father, one daughter: Marsha, in 1998; and his step father, Ed Hovorka.
William John Vrba
William Vrba, of Protivin, died Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at his home. He was 89 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 17, 2005 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. David M. Beckman is officiating. Bill Berka will be lector, gifts will be carried by Stephanie and Ryan Novak. Marlene Pecinovsky will be organist and Miriam Humpal will be song leader. Casket bearers will be: Bill Berka, Leonard Chyle, Robert Moudry, Gary Swestka, Howard and Marvin Swestka.
William John Vrba was born on December 12, 1916, in Howard County, Iowa, near Protivin, the son of John and Mary (Markovetz) Vrba. He attended school in New Oregon Township and finished his education at Rudolphinum in Protivin.
On May 1, 1944, Bill was united in marriage to Frances E. Haskovec at the Immaculate Conception Church in Elma. They made their home Protivin and Maple Leaf area until they moved onto Bill’s home farm, where they now live.
Bill has always enjoyed farming and repairing his own machinery. He owned Oliver tractors for many years and could be seen at many of the area auctions. In his younger days, he drove a tanker truck delivering gas to area farmers and also worked as a truck driver. He enjoyed polka music and was a member of the Protivin Knights of Columbus.
Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Frances, his children: Don W. Vrba (Glenda) of rural Cresco, Dale W. (Rhonda) Vrba of Cresco, and Mary (Ron) Novak of rural Calmar; 9 grandchildren, one great grandchild, one sister: Mabel Berka of Protivin, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Leonard and George; and three sisters: Wilma Swestka, Edith Mzik and Viola Vrba.
