Charlotte Gonzalez
Charlotte L. Gonzalez, 69, of Indianola, died of heart failure on Nov. 20, 2002, at her home. Services were Nov. 23 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial was in the I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens at Indianola.
Mrs. Gonzalez was born in Lucas and lived in Woodburn and Des Moines before she moved to Indianola in 1960. She was a homemaker and also worked as a waitress in Indianola and Des Moines.
She enjoyed counted cross stitch.
Mrs. Gonzalez is survived by her husband, Al Gonzalez of Indianola; two sons, James Hood of Houston, Texas and Allan Gonzalez of Des Moines; a daughter, Shirl Hood of Des Moines; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dan Throckmorton of Charter Oak and Larry Throckmorton of Osceola and a sister, Norma Throckmorton of Indianola;
Virgil John Greenwalt
Virgil John Greenwalt, son of John Greenwalt and Mabel Casteel Greenwalt, was born May 29, 1924, at Massena and died Nov. 25, 2002, at the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown. He was 78.
He received his education in the Massena schools and lived in Greenfield until he moved to Marshalltown in 1996. He married Lavona “Sunny” Pearl Dixon on Dec. 3, 1969, at Atlantic.
Mr. Greenwalt served his country during World War II from 1943 to 1946 with the U.S. Navy. He worked on the street department for the City of Greenfield from August of 1976 until May of 1989. He also worked for a brief time for the Ford Motor Company and Pepsi Company as a route salesman.
Mr. Greenwalt was a member of the local Greenfield Bowling League and the American Legion Post No. 265 in Greenfield. Camping and fishing were among his favorite pastimes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife in 1987; stepfather, Jim Lane and his brother-in-law, Glen Kinney.
Mr. Greenwalt is survived by three stepdaughters, Betty Ann Chaney and her husband, Dean Chaney, of Osceola, Debra Lee Stocker and her husband, Robert Stocker of Mesa, Ariz. and Sheryl Rogers and her husband, Thomas Rogers, of Creston; a stepson, Cecil Robert Ethington and his wife, Louise Ethington, of Fresno, Calif.; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marie Kinney of Adair; a brother, Dean Greenwalt and his wife, Betty Greenwalt, of Fontanelle; many other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Greenwalt were at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 27, the Rev. James Louk officiating.
Casket bearers were Dean Chaney, Brian Lundy, Bob Scrivner, Thomas Rogers, Lyle Chaney and Trevor Phipps.
Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery with military rites presented by the American Legion, Davis Pence Post No. 69 in Osceola.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown.
Marvin J. Pollard
Marvin Justin Pollard was born April 14, 1930, in Osceola and died Nov. 19, 2002, at his home in Lucas. He was 72.
Mr. Pollard was educated in the Osceola school system. He married Catherine Margaret Schlarmann on Aug. 22, 1968, in Indianola.
He lived in the Lucas area for about 21 years and was a self-employed carpenter for more than 30 years.
Mr. Pollard served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was affiliated with the Catholic Church.
He enjoyed attending auctions and going to the casino.
Preceding him in death were his parents, seven brothers and a grandson.
Mr. Pollard is survived by his wife; two sons, Christopher Pollard of Lucas and Jerry Pollard of Des Moines; six daughters, Jessica Pollard, Marva Huizar and Melody Hernandez, all of Des Moines, Mary McClish of Dover, Ohio, Marilyn Cook of Chariton and Martha Conway of Creston; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Edwin Pollard of Osceola; a sister Mary Ellen O’Donnell of Chariton.
Funeral services were held Nov. 23 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Colleen Benway of Melcher officiating.
Casket bearers were Kenny Baker, Don Hall, Vern Voshel, Chris Pollard, Todd Pollard and Jerry Pollard. Honorary casket bearers were Esteban Huizar and Frank Lane. Interment was in Fry Cemetery at Lucas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Edith Mae "Betty" Short
Edith Mae “Betty” Short, daughter of Frank and Mary Etta Green Smith, was born March 16, 1921, at Decatur and died Nov. 20, 2002, at the Extended Care Unit of the Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. She was 81.
She received her education in the Decatur County Schools and was married to Kenneth Wayne Short on March 21, 1947, in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Short became the parents of two sons, Herman and Rick.
Mrs. Short lived in Decatur County most of her life. She worked at O’Brien’s factory in Leon until she retired after many years. She moved to Osceola about three years ago.
She enjoyed working crossword puzzles and crocheting, but most of all she enjoyed being with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Dec. 28, 1994; her son, Rick in 2000; three brothers, Fred Smith, John F. Smith and a brother, Harold in infancy, and a sister, Maxine Hampton Alley.
Mrs. Short is survived by her son Herman Short and his wife, Judy Short, of Osceola; six grandchildren, Gary Short, Dale Short and his wife Sarah Short, Shayne Short and Brian Short and fiance, Wendy Craig, all of Osceola, Lance Short and friend, Crystal Gilbert, of Van Wert and Vicki Maniatis and her husband, Bill Maniatis, of Bloomfield, N.J.; four great-grandchildren, Kyler Short of Osceola, Seth and Taylor Short of Van Wert and Layne Short of Woodburn; two brothers, Rollie Smith of Fremont, Neb. and Wayne Smith and his wife, Bobbie Smith, of Van Wert; two sisters-in-law, Mae Smith and Rosie Smith, both of Osceola and a daughter-in-law, Marcella Short of Osceola; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.
A memorial gathering was held for Mrs. Short on Nov. 23 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Honorary bearers were Gary Short, Lance Short, Vicki Maniatis, Kyler Short, Taylor Short, Dale Short, Shayne Short, Brian Short, Seth Short and Layne Short.
Bessie Marguerite Showers
Bessie Marguerite Showers, of Des Moines, the daughter of Everett Monroe and Hazel Katheryn “Katie” Rogers Bagley, was born June 4, 1918, in Mercer County, Mo. and died Nov. 18, 2002, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. She was 84.
She grew up in Mercer County and graduated from Pleasanton High School. She became a certified teacher and taught country school for several years.
She married Lawrence Leo Showers in 1941 and they became the parents of seven children, Lawrence, Marguerite, Ramona, Raymond, Rosanna, Marcia and Dana.
She lived Leon, Osceola, Burlington and Des Moines and attended church all of her life.
Mrs. Showers’ hobbies were sewing, quilting, knitting, reading and playing the piano. She even taught her children to play the piano. She loved to travel and be with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged her children to be whatever they wanted to be. She always had an open door at her home for anyone in need.
Preceding in her death were her parents; husband on Aug. 23, 1969; a sister Wilda Houk and a brother, Everett “Junior” Bagley.
Mrs. Showers is survived by her two sons, Larry Showers and his wife, Sharon Showers, of Indianola and Raymond Showers of Burlington, Margi Prickett and her husband, Laverne Prickett of West Des Moines, Ramona Jolly and her husband, Bill Jolly, of Casa, Ark., Rosanna Brammer and her husband, Kendall Brammer, of Osceola, Marcia Lesan and her husband, Bret Lesan, of Blue Springs, Mo. and Dana Showers of Des Moines; 19 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Raymond Bagley and his wife, Ramona Bagley, of Mercer, Mo.; three sisters, Rosanna Gartin and her husband, Dick Gartin, of Des Moines; Ruth McDowell of Albany, Ore., and Katheryn Burghoffer of Creston; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held at Slade-O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon on Nov. 23, Pastor Bill Jolly officiating. Burial was in the Leon Cemetery.
Edna Elsie Van Buren
Edna Elsie Van Buren, daughter of Henry and Ida Leudtke Behnke, was born Oct. 20, 1900, in Kossuth County and died Nov. 23, 2002, at Osceola Nursing and Rehab Center. She was 102.
She received her education in the Kossuth County Schools. She married Armin C. Van Buren on Nov. 25, 1925, at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Lotts Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren farmed near Truro from 1939 to 1981 when they retired and moved to Osceola.
Mrs. Van Buren was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola. She taught Sunday School classes and was a member of the ladies group. She loved music and enjoyed singing while doing her housework and most often sang in German. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and making scrapbooks.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1988; three brothers; five sisters; two sons-in-law, Walter Kreye and John Schultz and a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Van Buren.
Mrs. Van Buren is survived by all of her five children, Elmer Van Buren of Osceola, Melvin Van Buren and his wife, Louise Van Buren, of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Wanda Lahn and her husband, Don Lahn, of Palm Desert, Calif., Neoma Krey of Denver, Colo. and Garnet Schultz of Aurora, Colo.; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Van Buren were Nov. 26 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola, the Rev. J. R. Wheeler officiating. Organist Carol Wheeler accompanied the congregation as they sang Be Still, My Soul, What a Friend We Have In Jesus, Abide With Me and I Know That My Redeemer Lives.
Casket bearers were Mark Schultz, Glenn Van Buren, Steve Vasey, Ted Van Buren, Bob Johnson and Gary Eckles. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery at Osceola.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Lutheran Hour Ministeries in St. Louis, Mo.
Kale Funeral Home in Osceola was in charge of arrangements.
Ruth Josephine Bahr Reynolds
Ruth Josephine Bahr Reynolds, the daughter of William J. Bahr and Edna Minta Zook Bahr, was born Aug. 25, 1914, in Adair County and died Nov. 23, 2001, at the Osceola Nursing and Rehab Center. She was 87.
She grew up in the Van Wert area, graduated from Osceola High School and attended normal training classes in Osceola. She taught school for a year. She was a farm wife and worked as a nurses aide at the Clarke County Hospital in Osceola for 15 years.
She married Raymond Reynolds on Dec. 31, 1934, in Osceola. The couple became the parents of two daughters, Phyllis and Kathryn.
She was a 50-year member of the Woodburn Chapter No. 342 Order of the Eastern Star in Woodburn and a member of the United Methodist Church in Woodburn.
She was preceded in death by her parents and was survived by her husband; daughters, Phyllis Gardner and her husband, Don Gardner, of Broken Arrow, Okla. and Kathryn Rodgers and her husband,Charles Rodgers, of Woodburn ; two brothers, Bill Bahr and his wife, Anne Bahr, of Modesto, Calif. and Joe Bahr and his wife, Pat Bahr, of Lucas. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Darrell McAninch and his wife, Rose McAninch of Indianola; as well as other relatives and friends.
Raymond Clifford Reynolds
Raymond Clifford Reynolds, son of Harry L. Reynolds and Birdie B. Chestnut, was born Oct. 6, 1910, in Golden City, Mo. and died Nov. 25, 2001, at the Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. He was 91.
He married Ruth Josehpine Bahr on Dec. 31, 1934, in Osceola and they became the parents of two daughters, Phyllis and Kathryn.
Mr. Reynolds lived in Woodburn for 58 years. He was a farmer and operated the Woodburn Locker.
He was a 50-year member of the Unity Masonic Lodge and the Woodburn Chapter No. 342 of the Order of Eastern Star in Woodburn. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Woodburn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Ruth; brothers, John and Glenn Reynolds and two sisters, Icie Turk and Alberta Barcus.
He is survived by his two daugthers, Phyllis Gardner and her husband, Don Gardner, of Broken Arrow, Okla. and Kathryn Rodgers and her husband, Charles Rodgers, of Woodburn; three sisters, Wilma Fuller of Osceola, Doris VanderEcken of Pleasantville and Amy Turnipseed of Indianola; a brother, Frank Reynolds and his wife, Helen Reynolds, of Osceola; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Darrell McAninch and his wife, Rose McAninch of Indianola; as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Ruth Josephine Reynolds and Raymond Clifford Reynolds were Nov. 27 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Tom Murr officiating. Virginia Reynolds, organist, accompanied soloist, Pastor Chuck DeVos as he sang In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross.
Casket bearers wre John Allen Bahr, Brian Bahr, Adam Bahr, James O’Hair, Larry Reynolds and Steve Fuller. Honorary bearers were Bob Bahr and Roland Turk. Interment was in the Woodburn Cemetery.
Ivan Marion Henrichs
Ivan Marion Henrichs, son of Albert John and Anna Folkerts Henrichs, was born Aug. 30, 1919, in Clarke County near New Virginia and died Nov. 25, 2001, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was 82.
He was the youngest of seven children. His mother died when he was four years-old and he was cared for by his older brothers, sisters and father in the family home.
Mr. Henrichs attended the New Virginia Consolidated School. He served with the 353rd Army Engineer Battalion in the South Pacific during World War II from 1942 to 1946.
He married Jean Barnard on July 4, 1948, in Osceola. The couple became the parents of three children, Martha Jane, Barry and Mark. He lived within a few miles of his birthplace his entire life and was a farmer and mechanic.
Mr. Henrichs belonged to the Osceola United Methodist Church, the New Virginia American Legion Post No. 281, the New Virginia Lions Club and the Old Tyme Power and the Old Iron antique tractor clubs.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Evert and Harold Henrichs and two sisters, Doris Henrichs and Elsie Sanderson.
Mr. Henrichs is survived by his wife; a daughter, Martha Jane Henrichs of Des Moines; two sons, Barry Henrichs and his wife, Lori Henrichs, of New Virginia; Mark Henrichs of Ankeny; two grandsons, Kurt Henrichs and Lance Henrichs of New Virginia; a sister, Mamie Reed and her husband, Guy Reed and a brother, Floyd Henrichs and his wife, Irene Henrichs, all of Osceola; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services are today (Thursday) at 1 p.m. at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, The Rev. James Louk, officiating. Organist will be Clyta Howell. Musical selections are Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art.
Casket bearers will be Kevin Dorland, Irvin Taylor, Herb Taylor, Randy Barnard, Randy Reed and Michael Henrichs. Interment will be in Jamison Cemetery in Clarke County.
Lee S. Terwilliger
Lee S. Terwilliger, son of Gay Miller and Edna Pearl Axtell Terwilliger, was born May 24, 1928, near Leasonville, in Ringgold County and died Nov. 4, 2001, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was 73.
After graduating from Mount Ayr High School in 1946, he served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer from December 1951 until January 1953.
He returned to Ringgold County and married Wilma Marie Clayton on Oct. 10, 1953, in Bethany, Mo. The couple became the parents of two children, a daughter, Mary Lee and a son, Fredie Lee. Mr. Terwilliger was a farmer, worked for Harold’s Fina for nine years and the Ringgold County road crew for 22 years.
He enjoyed the outdoors including farming, deer hunting, fishing, taking care of his animals and gardening. He also enjoyed playing cards, his family and friends, bingo and dancing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jack Terwilliger, and three sisters, LaVilla Klos, Oy Webb and Zoe Canny.
Mr. Terwilliger is survived by his wife; a daughter, Mary Lee Hill and her husband, Keith Hill, of Osceola; a son Fredie Lee Terwilliger and companion LuAnn Shelton of Lisbon; three grandchildren, Jerome Hill and his wife, Leslie Hill, of Osceola, Erin Terwilliger of St. Joseph, Mo. and Alex Terwilliger of Aurora, Co.; a great-granddaughter Madyson Hill of Osceola; two sisters, Lois Rainey of Kellerton and Georgia Shaha of Mount Ayr; a sister-in-law, Lola Terwilliger of Kellerton as well as a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Terwilliger were Nov. 7 at Wilson-Watson and Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, the Rev. Diana Holland officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Mary Trullinger and Margaret Bickers.
Casket bearers were Jim McElvogue, Alex Terwilliger, Jerome Hill, Everett Powell, Greg Powell, David Rainey, Ron Rainey and Kevin Greenland. Honorary bearers were Merl Drake, Jesse Chizek and Nick Doolittle.
Military rites were by Ringgold Post No. 172 American Legion. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Mount Ayr.
Donald Beehler Warner
Donald B. Warner, son of Fred and Elizabeth Beehler Warner, was born June 20, 1906, in Portsmouth, Ohio and died Nov. 23, 2001, at The Village in Indianola. He was 95.
An only child, he lost his mother when he was very young. He had been on his own since he was 14. He graduated from high school and pursued further education, always supporting himself. He graduated from Ohio University in Athens in 1929. He received his masters degree from the University of Iowa in 1930.
Mr. Warner’s first employer was Equitable Life Insurance Company in Des Moines. After working there for six years, he returned to Dayton, Ohio where he was employed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. His work was top secret as a statistician until his retirement in 1972.
Even though he could not discuss his government position, he made known what great respect he had for certain individuals he encountered during his years of employment.
He was proud, during those years, to have met and known Bill Boeing, owner and operator of Boeing Airplane Company jet plant in California. Boeing appreciated Don and said, “He was the smartest man on earth.” His work there involved much traveling throughout the United States.
Mr. Warner met and married his wife, Ruth. She died in 1961. Edna Freeman of New Virginia came into his life and they were married Feb. 24, 1964, in Dayton, Ohio. He became the “father” to four stepdaughters and their families.
He was an avid speller, enjoyed telling jokes and was known to pull a prank or two on his friends. He was interested in antique cars, coin and matchbook collecting, all sports, and trains and railroads. He also enjoyed the Lawrence Welk programs and country western music.
Preceding him in death in addition to his first wife, were his parents and a stepgranddaughter, Cindy Wood.
Mr. Warner is survived by his wife of New Virginia; four stepdaughters, Patricia Beardsley and her husband, Dan Beardsley, of Springfield, Va., Jeannine Wood of Osceola, Joyce Baughman and her husband, Lonnie Baughman, of New Virginia and Marie Glafka of Vancouver, Wash.; nine stepgrandchildren; 14 great-stepgrandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends.
Graveside services were Nov. 28 at McConnelsville Cemetery in McConnelsville, Ohio. Kale Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Virginia Fire and Rescue or New Virginia Christmas Light Fund.
Robert Milton Young
Robert Milton Young, son of William Roy and Mary B. Bond Young, was born Oct. 1, 1920, at St. Charles and died at his home in St. Charles on Nov. 25. 2001, following a heart attack. He was 81.
He received his education in St. Charles and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1938. He married Helen Byers on Nov. 1, 1946. The couple became the parents of four children, Roger, Larry, Linda and Judy.
He was a lifetime resident of Madison County where he farmed for most of life. He retired from farming in 1985.
Mr. Young served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He was a master sergeant on B29 bombers on the island of Saipan.
He was a member of the Lions Club, Campers Club and St. Charles Parish Church.
Preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Young is survived by his wife; two sons, Roger Young and his wife, Sheryl Young and Larry Young and his wife, Sherry Young; two daughters, Linda Bittner and her husband, Randy Bittner and Judy Young and her husband,Tom Young; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren and four great-stepgrandchildren, all of St. Charles and two brothers, Horace Young of St. Charles and James Young of Ames.
Funeral services for Mr. Young were Nov. 28 at St. Charles Parish Church, the Rev. Darold Snow officiating. Organist was Kay Gesaman and the music selection was How Great Thou Art.
Casket bearers were Bill Truman, Keith Rash, Dan Young, Roy Young, Gene Young, Jeff Young and James Young. Interment was in the St. Charles Cemetery with arrangements by Kale Funeral Home of Osceola and Truro.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Rescue Unit.
Carl Hilterbrand
Carl Leo Hilterbrand, son of Oliver James and Eva May Osgood Hilterbrand, was born on Dec. 24, 1907, in Clarke County and died Nov. 27, 2003, at Westview Acres in Leon. He was 95.
He attended Weldon schools through the eighth grade. He married Zelma Dietrick on July 2, 1938, in Bethany, Mo.
Mr. Hilterbrand was a farmer. He lived on a farm near Grand River for 26 years; he also lived in Leon for many years. After he retired from farming in 1970 he repaired small engines and had a delivery business for Avon products.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife in 1993; sister, Lottie Carter; half-brother, Clarence Hilterbrand and brothers, Floyd, Hugh, Harley, Foster and Everett Hilterbrand.
He is survived by a stepdaughter, Bernice Switzer of Osceola; nieces and nephews in Iowa, Oregon and Australia.
Graveside services and burial for Mr. Hilterbrand were Dec. 2 in Maple Hill Cemetery, the Rev. Phil Coe officiating.
Kale Funeral Homes of Osceola and Truro were in charge of arrangements.
Merrill Spellerberg
Merrill Dean Spellerberg, son of Oscar Fields Spellerberg and Helen Corene Simmerman Spellerberg, was born Oct. 17, 1940, on the family farm in Clarke County and died Dec. 1, 2003, at the Madison County Hospital in Winterset. He was 63.
He graduated from Truro High School. He had lived and worked on the family farm for most of his life. He enjoyed farming, spending time outdoors, hunting and going to antique auctions.
He was a member of the Lorimor Masonic Lodge. He had worked for New Virginia Seed and Grain and for the City of Lorimor for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donny Spellerberg and a sister, Edna Parker.
Mr. Spellerberg is survived by his son, Michael Spellerberg and his wife, Susan Spellerberg, of Cedar Rapids; longtime companion, Cindy Garrett of Peru; stepdaughters, Angela Holtry and her husband, Jamie Holtry and Rachel Miller and her husband, Erick Miller, all of Peru; seven grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Spellerberg of Cedar Rapids, Jesse, Quentin and Montana Holtry and Wyatt and Cheyenne Miller, all of Peru; nieces Cathie Collins of St. Charles and Cindy Stanford of Osceola; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.
A visitation of remembrance was Dec. 3 from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Peru United Methodist Church.
Honorary bearers were Jamie Holtry, Eric Miller, Ryan Spellerberg, Pete Sanford, Cory Sanford, Dave Sears, Jeff Kirk and Ryan Kirk.
His cremains will be scattered on the family farm.
Milan Welker
Milan Lorraine Welker, son of Lester Ray and Ethel L. Moffitt Welker, was born Feb. 18, 1913, in Clarke County and died Nov. 26, 2003, of complications of Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsey at the Clarke County Hospital Extended Care Unit He was 90.
He was a lifetime resident of Clarke County. He attended school in Murray where he graduated in 1930. He married Marie Pauline Wetzel on Feb. 18, 1934, in Union County. The couple became the parents of twins, Dwaine and Delores.
Mr. Welker was fortunate enough to love his lifetime work of being a farmer. He truly loved the land, raising horses and tending his cattle along with the help of Mrs. Welker and their son, Dwaine. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Milan became a member of the First Baptist Church in Murray at an early age and was a member of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Posse and the Clarke County Conservation Board.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Martin Gayle in 1981; two brothers-in-law, Dwight Browning and William G. Gonseth; two nephews, William Gonseth and Leo Gonseth.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years; son, Dwaine Welker and his wife, Anne Welker, of Murray; daughter, Delores Robins and her husband, Gary Robins, of Murray; three grandchildren, Rick Robins, Christie Robins and Raydean Robins, all of Murray; three great-grandchildren, Trevor, Kelsey and Ryan Robins, all of Murray; two sisters, Mildred Gonseth of Jefferson City, Mo. and Margaret Browning of Rockford, Ill.; two stepgrandchildren, Kenny Webb of Osceola and Becky Rodgers of Williamstown, Mo.; six stepgreat-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Marty Burgus and the Rev. John Tunnicliff officiating. Organist was Pennie Gonseth. Terry Smith was vocalist. Musical selections were Precious Memories and How Great Thou Art.
Casket bearers were Rick Robins, Trevor Robins, Christie Robins, Kelsey Robins, Raydean Robins, and Ryan Robins. Interment was in the Murray Cemetery.
Claudine Westbrook
Claudine Roberta Westbrook, daughter of Roy LeeRoy and Elizabeth “Bessie” Viertz Davenport, was born July 15, 1917, in Clarke County and died Nov. 29, 2003, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. She was 86.
She attended school in Woodburn through 11th grade and graduated from Osceola High School with a normal training certificate. She married Floran J. “Bud” Westbrook in March of 1935 in Missouri. The couple became the parents of two children.
Mrs. Westbrook lived most of her adult life in Des Moines. She worked as a printing supervisor at National Handcraft. She attended St. Johns Catholic Church in Des Moines.
Mrs. Westbrook enjoyed helping older folks and friends over the years and even after she retired. She touched many lives. She always said the prettiest thing in her life was knee-high cornfields in June with a slight breeze flowing over it.
She was a devoted grandmother. Some of her favorite times were boating with her grandchildren and sleigh riding on the hills of Waveland golf course when they were smaller. She also enjoyed camping, boating and fishing and trips on Amtrak. She also had fun times with her nieces and nephews. She loved Osceola and Woodburn and all their affairs; she especially liked the musicals in Woodburn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1995; brothers, Merle, Hallie, Kenneth and Lowell Keith Davenport; sisters-in-law, Ella and Wilma Davenport; sisters, Erma Danner and Josephine O’Neall.
Mrs. Westbrook is survived by her son, Dan Westbrook and his wife, Sheryal Westbrook, of Pleasant Hill; daughter, Sandra Strait and her husband, Bill Strait, of Urbandale; a brother, Cecil Davenport and his wife, Jean Davenport, of Osceola; three grandchildren, Doug Westbrook of Huxley, Stefanie Kline of Prior Lake, Minn. and Scott Strait of Des Moines; six great-grandchildren, Jeremy Westbrook of Pleasant Hill; Jennifer Fales of Ames, Erin Westbrook of Colo, Manne and Patrick Strait of Des Moines and Nicole Klein of Prior Lake, Minn.; other relatives and friends.
Services for Mrs. Westbrook were Dec. 3 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, the Rev. Lyle Peters officiating.
Casket bearers were Scott Strait, Scott Fales, Manne Strait, Ryan Terrones, Patrick Strait, Greg Davenport, Doug Westbrook and Brad Davenport. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery at Osceola.
Lyle Williams
Lyle D. Williams, 74, died Nov. 27, 2003, at his home in Medora. Funeral services were Dec. 1 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial was in the New Virginia Cemetery.
The son of Gorham and Pauline Williams, he was born at his parent’s home in Jefferson Heights. He attended the Warren County rural school during his elementary years and graduated from Indianola High School.
He served in the U.S. Army in the 1950s. Following his father’s death he took over the management of his father’s excavation business where he continued to be self-employed for more than 50 years.
He was a member of the Medora United Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, flying kites, camping, boating and fishing, NASCAR and Sprint car racing.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Williams, of Medora; three sons, Mike Williams and his wife, Murt Williams, of Altoona, Tim Williams and his wife, Paula Williams, of Indianola and Bruce Williams of Des Moines; nine grandchildren; a great-grandchild; six sisters, Leota Broyles of Osceola, Maxine McAnich of Carlisle, Betty Broyles and her husband, Dale Broyles of Indianola, Bernadine Cotton and her husband, Charles Cotton, of Des Moines, Mary Driver of Phoenix, Ariz. and Marjorie Nordgren and her husband, Clyde Nordgren of Beavercreek, Ore.; and his brother-in-law, Rod Condon of Knoxville, Tenn.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, an infant brother, William and a sister, Jeanette Williams Condon.
Alma Ann Coffman
Alma Ann Coffman, daughter of Freeman and Mary Weaklend Ruble, was born Oct. 12, 1905, in Clarke County and died Nov. 29, 2002, at the Clarke County Hospital in Osceola. She was 97.
She was educated in the Clarke County rural schools and received a year of normal training from Simpson College in Indianola. She was a teacher in the Clarke County Schools for six years.
She married Arthur W. Coffman on Christmas Day in 1926 in Osceola. The couple became the parents of three sons, Orval, Kenneth and Larry. Mr. and Mrs. Coffman lived on a farm in Liberty Township for 68 years before they moved to Woodburn where they lived for eight years. The couple moved to the Extended Care Unit of the Clarke County Hospital on July 28, 1998, and then to Osceola Nursing and Rehab Center on June 1, 1999.
She was affiliated with Bethel Chapel Christian Union Church and was a member of the Liberty Ladies Aid.
Mrs. Coffman enjoyed flowers and sewing and being with her family was especially important to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1999; son Orval Coffman and his wife, Wanda; granddaughter, Vicky Lynn Coffman Rodtgers and two brothers, Ralph and Henry Ruble.
Mrs. Coffman is survived by her sons, Kenneth Coffman and his wife, Betty Coffman, of Eldora; Larry Coffman and his wife Linda Coffman, of Woodburn; five grandchildren, Doug Coffman and his wife, Anita Coffman, of Eldora, Sandra Proctor and her husband, Sam Proctor, of Humboldt, Lisa Coffman of Seaford, Del., Steve Coffman of Woodburn and Dennis Curtis and his wife, Pam Curtis, of Florida; five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Coffman were Dec. 3 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, the Rev. Gearold McElwee officiating.
Organist Pennie Gonseth accompanied Emil Rinderspacher as he sang He Touched Me and Mansion Over the Hilltop.
Casket bearers were Ronald Ruble, Richard Ruble, Stan Ruble, Steve Ruble, Allen Halvorsen and Dave Jones. Honorary casket bearers were Junior Harrell and Charles Livesay. Interment was in Bethel Chapel Cemetery in rural Clarke County.
Clifford Delmar Cunningham
Clifford Delmar Cunningham, son of Clarence W. Cunningham and Mabel Doty Cunningham, was born Feb. 13, 1925, in Des Moines and died Nov. 30, 2002, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City. He was 77.
He spent his early years in Des Moines and graduated from East High School in 1942. He attended the University of Alabama and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 to April 1946. He served with the 507th Parachute Infantry as a demolition specialist. He was among the many paratroopers who jumped over the Rhine River during World War II.
Mr. Cunningham was married to Wilma H. Prall on Aug. 24, 1947. The couple became the parents of four daughters, Laura, Marcia, Jan and Connie.
Mr. Cunningham was a sergeant with the Des Moines Police Department for 19 years. He and his brother, Harold, were the first brother team to be partnered together on the department. He resigned from the police department and he and Mrs. Cunningham moved to Leon in 1966 where they owned and operated Elder Lane Manor from 1966 to 1974 and the Leon Care Center from 1974 to 1997. The couple moved to Spencer in 1981 and lived there for 15 years before moving to Osceola in 1997. Mr. Cunningham has lived in Mason City for the past two months.
He was a member of the Rotary Club, Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club, the Des Moines Police Band and Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leon. He enjoyed fishing and playing cribbage.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife earlier this year; a granddaughter, Jessica Gorsline and four brothers.
Mr. Cunningham is survived by his four daughters, Laura Bendlin and her husband, Larry Bendlin, of Spencer, Marcia Waugh and her husband, Jerry Waugh, of Grundy Center, Jan Lukes and her husband, Ron Lukes, of Mason City and Connie Gorsline and her husband Steve Gorsline of Osceola; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.
Services for Mr. Cunningham are at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Leon at 11 a.m. Dec. 6, Pastor J.R. Wheeler officiating. Honorary bearers are Donnie Bendlin, Shane Bendlin, Ben Bendlin, Jim Martin, Jason Martin, Andy Lukes, Eric Lukes, Michael Lukes and Danny Gorsline. Interment of the cremains will be in the Leon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Kale Funeral Home of Osceola was in charge of arrangements.
Doyle Eugene Stickel
Doyle Eugene Stickel, son of Elias Vern and Effie Mae Wilson Stickel, was born May 5, 1922, in St. James, Minn. and died Dec. 2, 2002, at Fleur Heights Care Center in Des Moines. He was 80.
He received his education in the the New Virginia Schools and graduated from New Virginia High School in 1939. He married Charlotte Shane Beardsley on Sept. 2, 1941, at Albany, Mo. The couple became the parents of two sons, Tom and John.
Mr. Stickel served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Stickel spent most of his life in the New Virginia community until he moved to Des Moines approximately nine years ago. He suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and had been cared for at Fleur Heights Care Center since 1996. He managed Beardsley Drug Store in New Virginia from 1948 to 1965. He was employed by Massey Ferguson, Inc. in Des Moines for 13 years and retired in 1980. He also helped manage the Beardsley family farm and worked with the Salvation Army in Virginia Township for many years.
He enjoyed antique farm machinery.
Mr. Stickel was a 50-year member of Neophyte Lodge No. 301 A.F. & A. M. in New Virginia and was a member of the New Virginia United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Maxine Brim Wilson in 1973 and a daughter-in-law, Katie Stickel in 2001.
Mr. Stickel is survived by his wife of 61 years; two sons, Tom Stickel of Knoxville and John Stickel and his wife, Virginia Stickel, of Des Moines; a granddaughter, Crystal Mace of Casa Grande, Ariz.; two great-grandchildren, Brittany and Greg Jr.; two sisters, Ruth Knizley of Clarinda and Bette Core of Minden, Nev.; and other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Stickel are at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at the United Methodist Church in New Virginia, The Rev. Skip Rushing of New Virginia and Pastor Jim Patrick of Indianola officiating. Organist Clyta Howell will accompany Gail and Reba Reed as they sing Ivory Palaces and Beneath the Cross of Jesus.
Casket bearers are LaVon Howell, Ben Howell, Richard Hatcher, David Crabtree, Lonnie Baughman and Brent Baughman. Interment will be in the New Virginia Cemetery.
Kale Funeral Home in Osceola was in charge of arrangements.
