Roger Halvorson

Roger Allan Halvorson, 80, of Marquette, formerly of Monona, died on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at his home in Marquette. He was a former longtime state representative.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona.

Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 7, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona. There will also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, is helping the family w

Roger Halvorson

Roger A. Halvorson, 80, of Marquette (formerly of Monona), Iowa, died Sunday, November 2, 2014, at his home.  

Roger Allan, the son of Victory L. and Ruby E. (Jenson) Halvorson, was born February 12, 1934 in Waterville, Iowa. 

Roger was baptized in 1934 and confirmed in 1948 at the Waterville Lutheran Church. 

He graduated from Waterville High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Upper Iowa University.

Roger served as a sergeant with Company D, 133^rd Infantry of the Iowa National Guard from 1951 until 1959. 

He was united in marriage with Connie May Rohde on December 27, 1955 in Fayette, Iowa. 

Through the years, Roger was involved with many businesses.  As a youth, Roger was a hired hand for several Waterville farmers, he painted houses and buildings in Fayette during college, he was a teacher at Luana High School, and was a field representative for a national insurance company.

Roger and Connie owned and operated Halvorson Real Estate – which developed residential apartments and homes in Monona and numerous towns around Northeast Iowa -- Halvorson Insurance Agency, a tree farm, and Mononah Maid Greenhouse in Monona; Alte Heidelberg Gardens Restaurant in Luana; senior citizen housing developments in Guttenberg, Elgin, Fayette, and Wadena; Eagles Landing Bed and Breakfast, Eagles Landing Winery and Vineyard in Marquette. 

Roger and Connie founded and served with the Emma Big Bear Foundation and the Roger and Connie Halvorson Family-Clayton County Foundation for the Future (CCFF) Fund for Entrepreneurship.

Roger served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1974 until 1996 and was the House Majority Leader for several years.  He represented Clayton, Allamakee, Fayette, and Winneshiek Counties.  Roger also served as the Executive Director of the Iowa Department of Commerce from 1997 until 1999, completing his 25-year tenure of public service for the State of Iowa.  He was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Award for Leadership from the United States American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).  

Roger belonged to many organizations including Kiwanis, JayCees, Monona City Councilman, Monona Volunteer Fire Department, Monona Stock Club, Tri-City Golf Course as Vice President, Waterville Lutheran Church President, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona. 

He was inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame as an officiating referee.

Roger enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, playing cards, playing or watching any sport – especially his long and playful rivalry between “Roger’s Dodgers” and “Connie’s Braves” – telling jokes or playing tricks on his friends and family, traveling around the world with Connie, wine making, and making fresh water pearl jewelry.  Most of all, Roger loved, was proud of, and enjoyed spending time with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

Roger served as the Clayton County Republican Chairman, Iowa Second District Republican Chairman, was on the Republican State Central Committee, the Iowa Chairman for ALEC, founder of the annual Lincoln Club Dinner for Clayton County Republicans, and served as the Lincoln Club’s annual fundraising letter writer. 

After he left the state house, Roger served as President of the Iowa Winegrowers Association, was a charter winery member of the Iowa Wine Trail, the Great River Road Wine Trail and other wine trails, and his winery was licensed as the 13^th winery founded in Iowa during the re-birth of that industry. 

Roger also served on the CCFF board, Scenic Byways board, Iowa Pioneer Lawmakers Association, Zoning Board in Marquette, was an original founder of the Lazy River Beer & Wine Fest in Marquette, an active member of the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce, and many other organizations wherever he could help. 

Roger will be remembered by everyone for his gracious manner, friendly smile, innovative ideas, and helpfulness.

Roger is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie, of Marquette; his children, Tracey Halvorson of Omaha, NE, Rogeta Halvorson of McGregor, Jay (Cindy) Halvorson of Marquette, and Lisa (Carlton) Goodwin of Cedar Rapids, IA; his grandchildren, Sarah Knockel (Nick) Follmuth of Ankeny, IA, Andrew (fiancée, Molly Junge) Halvorson of Omaha, NE, Katharine Goodwin of Omaha, NE, and Madeline Goodwin of Cedar Rapids, IA; his step-grandchildren, Elisabeth (Joe) Crabtree of Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle Goodwin of Virginia Beach, VA , Carlton Goodwin III of Virginia Beach, VA, Casey (Derek) Evanson of Monona, Amanda (Eric) D’Hooge of Chapel Hill, NC, and Halie Ruff of Waterloo, IA; his great grandchild, Carter John Follmuth of Ankeny, IA; his step-great grandchildren, Danielle Crabtree of Virginia Beach, VA, Stephanie Crabtree of Virginia Beach, VA, Corbin Evanson of Monona, and Aiden Evanson of Monona; his brother, William (Linda) Halvorson of Waterville; his sisters-in-law Launee Halvorson of Waterville, and Cathie (Don) Langel of Kirksville, MO, Roberta Anderson of Plymouth, IA, and Sandi Rohde of Farmersburg, IA; his brothers-in-law Ben Rohde of Fayette, Joe (Rachel) Rohde of Fayette, and Don (Wendy) Rohde of Marion, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Victory and Ruby; a brother, Donald Halvorson; his parents-in-law, Bernard and Mildred Rohde; brothers-in-law, John Rohde, James Rohde, and Harold Gade; and sisters-in-law, Norma Rohde, and Nancy Gade.

Memorials may be made in Roger’s honor to CCFF’s Emma Big Bear Foundation at www.emmabigbearfoundation.org and the Roger and Connie Halvorson Family CCFF Fund for Entrepreneurship at www.claytoncountyiowa.com. 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Visitation was held on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 2-8 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa. There was also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Erika Kielstrup as the Officiant.

Interment followed at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Monona, Iowa with Military Honors.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.        46u46

William Taylor

William Maxwell Taylor, of Waverly, Iowa, peacefully transitioned to a more glorious place on October 31, 2014. 

William, or “Bill” was born on November 7^th, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois, son of Dr. Wendel William Taylor and Helen Cadwallader Taylor.

He grew up in Sheffield, Iowa, and graduated from high school there in 1962. Bill then attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and received his B.S. in 1966, followed by a graduate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City in 1968.

     He met his wife of 46 years while at the University of Northern Iowa, Mary Kay Pleggenkuhle, and they were united in marriage on August 3rd, 1968, in Hawkeye, Iowa, and made their first home in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Early in his career, Bill worked as a Physical Therapist at Schoitz Memorial Hospital (now known as Covenant Medical Center) in Waterloo, Iowa, until being called to serve in the United States military during the Vietnam War. Bill and Mary moved to Denver, Colorado, where Bill helped rehabilitate injured men and women from the war at Fitzsimmon’s Army Hospital, as a Captain in the United States Army. 

Bill and Mary moved back to Iowa in 1972 and made their home in Waverly, Iowa, and Bill began work as a Physical Therapist at the Waverly Hospital. He and Mary raised their three children in Waverly while Bill owned and operated Taylor Physical Therapy for 43 years at the Waverly Hospital as well as clinics in Sumner, Nashua, and Parkersburg, and several nursing homes in the local area. 

     He is survived by: his wife, Mary of Waverly, Iowa; a son, Dr. David Taylor of Aitkin, Minnesota; his daughters, Dr. Sarah Taylor and Dr. Amy Taylor, both of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; a sister, Jean Newton (John) of Charles City, Iowa; a brother, Rick (Deb) of Ankeny, Iowa; a brother-in-law, David Pleggenkuhle of Hawkeye, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Carol Halverson (Allan) of Hawkeye, Iowa. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

     Bill loved his family, his staff at his clinic, treating patients, fishing, reading Western books and watching Western movies, all sports, especially football, basketball and baseball, and his blood ran black and gold for his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed trips to Sanibel Island, Florida, where he and Mary have a condo, fishing trips with his son, brother-in-law, and friends to Minnesota, Canada and Idaho, and taking trips with Mary and their children all over the United States.

Within the past month of his life, he had a relaxing trip with his daughter Amy to Tucson, Arizona, where he got to see the scenery that served as the backdrop for his favorite genre of Western-themed books and movies. 

     A private burial was held in Hawkeye, Iowa, on November 5^th with only immediate family present.

A religious service with communion will be held at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in Waverly, Iowa, on Sunday November 16^th with a Celebration of Life to follow at Tendrils within the Waverly Health Center from 2-5pm. Bill and his life will be celebrated with his favorite desserts, music (50s & 60s rock & roll, boogie woogie and country), photos, stories and remembrances.  For all who knew Bill and have a story, thoughts or memories to share, please bring in writing (any type of paper, can be handwritten or typed) to the church or Tendrils to place in a basket to be shared later among family. Bill’s children and future grandchildren will enjoy the stories of Bill forever.

     Memorials may be directed to the Taylor Family to establish an educational scholarship for undergraduate students planning a career in Physical Therapy (William Maxwell Therapy Scholarship for Physical Therapy).      46u46

Betty Anfinson

Betty Darlene Anfinson passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union.

Betty was born on November 23, 1927 in West Union to Gustav and Ida (Marr) Schatz.

She was baptized on December 18, 1927 confirmed on April 6, 1941 both at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

After graduating from West Union High School in 1945, Betty earned a teaching certificate from Luther College in Decorah.

She was united in marriage on December 11, 1949 to Ernest Anfinson at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado. The couple crop farmed and raised cattle, pigs and chickens near Eldorado for 45 years.

Betty also worked as a teacher for two years and substitute teacher for many years at Dover Township County School near Eldorado.  

Betty enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and card club. She was an accomplished singer and sang for many weddings and funerals. Betty also liked to collect cookbooks and enjoyed looking through them for new recipes to try.

She was an active life-long member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

Betty is survived by her children, Richard (Barbara) Anfinson of Cedar Falls, Larry (Gayle) Anfinson of Waterloo, and Lynn (Duane) Mitchell of State Center; grandchildren, Matthew (Shannan) Anfinson, Eric Anfinson, Gregory (Kristin) Anfinson, Nicole (Jeremey) Howe; great-grandchildren, Sydney Howe, Zachary Howe, Olivia Anfinson, Julia Anfinson and Vincent Anfinson.

She is preceded in death by her husband and infant daughter, Gwendolyn Joy.

Funeral services were held at 11 am on Monday, November 10, 2014 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado with Rev. Ginny Olson officiating.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 2 pm until 5 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union in charge of the arrangements.      46u46

Charmion Petsche

Charmion Petsche 88, of Urbana, formerly of Fayette, passed to her eternal reward in heaven to join her baby daughter, Mary Ann on Friday, Nov. 7, at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, IA. 

Visitation was held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Leonard’s Funeral Home in Elkader, and one hour before mass time at the church on Monday, Nov. 10.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader with Rev. Ardel Barta as Celebrant

Interment followed in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elkader.

Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader assisted the family with the arrangements.

     Charmion was born May 27, 1926, in Strawberry Point, the fourth of 13 children born to Jack and Daisy (Farmer) Kellogg. She graduated from Garnavillo High School in May 1946.  Charmion married Arthur Petsche at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Garnavillo, IA, on August 13, 1946.  They had 14 children.  Arthur died February 22, 1995.

      Charmion lived in Fayette for over thirty years, working at Maple Crest Manor for fifteen.   In 2000, Charmion moved to Urbana to live with her daughter.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sewing – making quilts and pillows for her family members. Charmion was a very loving mother who always put her family first.  Her faith in God, (“God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.”), positive attitude, and work ethic were an inspiration to all who knew her.  Charmion was able to overcome so much because of her strong faith in God and her prayers, especially the rosary which she would pray many times a day.  She was an exceptional lady who touched the lives of all those who knew her.  Think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched, for nothing loved is ever lost, and she was loved so much. 

     Those left to cherish her memory are 13 children: Art (Wila) Petsche of Sand Springs, OK; Jerry Petsche of Hawkeye; Gary (Joyce) Petsche of Hawkeye;  Dan Petsche of Haslet, TX; Tom (Kathy) Petsche of Solon; Rick (Teresa) Petsche of Wadena;  John Petsche of Iowa City; Trish Peebles of Urbana; Judy Petsche of  Shellsburg; Randy Petsche of Iowa City; Bill Petsche of Des Moines; Cindy Petsche of Carmel, CA,; Jim Petsche of Iowa City; and  17 grandchildren, 33 great- grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Rayma (Butch) McLane of  Cedar Rapids and Bonnie Putzier of  Northfield, MN; brothers James (Patti) Kellogg of Strawberry Point and Harold Kellogg of Lisle, IL; sister-in-law Catherine Quick of Prairie Du Chien, WI; and many nieces and nephews. 

     She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Mary Ann; a granddaughter, Tena Schmeltzer, four sisters,  Mary Kellogg, Marvel Connell, Marion Stroschein, Merle Hansel  and four brothers, Jack, Gary, Duane, and Dale Kellogg. 

     The family would like to thank Michele Burnes, P.A. and the staff of Urbana Clinic, Dr. Michael Brooks, and the staff of Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton for the wonderful care they gave to our mother.

Charmion requested that memorial donations be made to Catholic Charities in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com.

Emily F. Scheffel

Emily F. Scheffel, 90, Maynard, and formerly of West Chicago, Ill., died Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

There will be no funeral services.

Inurnment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, Ill.

The Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard is assisting the family.

Emily’s online obituary can be found at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Emily Frances Loukota was born July 15, 1924, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Botlik) Loukota.  On Nov. 20, 1949, she was united in marriage to Milton Frank Scheffel at Chicago, Ill. 

Emily is survived by her son, Richard (Linnae) Scheffel of Maynard; grandson, Robert Scheffel of Maynard; sister, Elsie Scheffel of Berwyn, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter, Karyn Kathleen Scheffel; and two sisters, Blanche Bukovsky and Rose Loukota.

Ruth Marie (Oldfather) Fox

Ruth Marie (Oldfather) Fox age 85 died November 1, 2014 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. She was born September 16, 1929, daughter of Glen and Beulah Oldfather of Volga, Iowa. Ruth attended Volga Schools and graduated from Volga High School in 1947. She attended Upper Iowa College for a teacher’s certificate and taught county school at Chase School in Clayton County.

 On August 18, 1949 she married Francis “Bud” Fox to this marriage four children were born. They had resided in Wadena, Arlington and later moved to Monona. While living in Arlington Ruth worked for the Starmont Schools for 24 years as a custodian. Ruth loved working in her garden and going to the farmers market. Ruth was a very caring person helping those in need. She was a life time member of the Methodist Church and U.M.W. group. Ruth was a 4-H leader for many years, she loved to sew and bake. She enjoyed attending meetings of “The Young and the Rest of Us.

Ruth is survived by her children, James (Barb) Fox of Monona, Harry ”Gene” Fox of Maynard, Mary (Erling) Bilden of Elgin. Ten Grandchildren, Shelley Hertrampf, Jamie Fox, Jon Fox, Morgan Fox, Hans Bilden, Erika Brincks, Ron Chapman Jr., Amanda   Mierck ,Calvin Chapman , Charlie Chapman and  many great grandchildren. A brother Raymond (Rita) Oldfather of Austin, Texas, two sisters  Betty (Melvin) Puffett of Volga and Joyce (Brian) Notch of Mesa, Arizona. Many nieces and nephews.                     

She is preceded in death by her husband Francis (7-13-98), A Daughter Kathy Chapman (7-26-88), a Daughter-in-law Cindy Fox (10-12-12), a brother-in-law Melvin Puffett, both maternal and paternal parents.

Services will be held Saturday November 15, 2014 at the Garden City United Methodist Church in Monona. Visitation will begin at 9:30 with services at 11:00. Interment will be at a later date. 

In loon of flowers the family’s wishes are to make donations to: St.Judes Hospice.

Dick Smith

Richard E. Smith, 85, of Fayette died Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Gundersen Lutheran Health Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Memorial services were held 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2014, at the United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Mee Kang officiating.  

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Thursday, November 13, at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette and for one hour preceding services at the church on Friday.  

Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Fayette County Historical Society.  

Richard Eugene, son of Howard and Evelyn (Reed) Smith, was born March 3, 1929 at Hazleton, Iowa.

He graduated from Waucoma High School in 1947 and from Upper Iowa University in Fayette with a degree in English in 1952.

From 1952 to 1954 he served with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska.

On April 25, 1953 he was united in marriage with Marjorie Olesen at the Presbyterian Church in West Union.

Dick taught briefly, and then began farming in the Fayette area and continued until retiring in 1993.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Fayette. He was also a member of the Fayette Lions Club, Fayette County Historical Board, Upper Iowa Board of Trustees, Farm Bureau Board, and the Board of Directors at Bank First of West Union.  

He enjoyed playing golf, was a loyal Cubs fan, traveled extensively with his wife, and volunteered for many different things including Habitat for Humanity.

In addition to his wife Margie of Fayette, he is survived by three sons, Steve (Karolyn) of Osage, Tom (Diana) of West Union, and Maury (Dana) of Littleton, Colorado; one daughter, Cindy Durscher (Steve Pleggenkuhle) of West Union; seven grandchildren, Tina and Traci Smith, Sarah (Brett) Ingersoll, Tim Smith, Amber (Mark) Schultz, Hunter Smith and Miranda Smith; two step-grandchildren, Andrew and Amber Richardson; seven great-grandchildren, Amanda Smith, Rylee, Dalton, and Reed Upton, Nolan and Sawyer Ingersoll, and Aubree Schultz; three step-great-grandchildren, Micah and Bronson Steffens, and Luciana Richardson; one sister, Judy (Dick) Brookhaus of Coralville; three nephews, Bob, Rich, and Jim; and one niece, Becky.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one niece, Jodie Brookhaus; and his
aunt, Antma Mildred Reed Rolf.         47u47

Mary J. Fish

Mary J. Fish, 92, of Fayette died Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Services are pending at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette.

For further information, please check www.beckermilnesrettig.com or call (563) 578-3451.

Daryl Drilling

Funeral services for Daryl Drilling, 78, of St. Lucas are pending with Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Daryl died Nov. 16, 2014.

Kathy L. McNeal

    Kathy L. McNeal, 55, of Decorah, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at her home.  Her life ended after a battle of recurrent breast cancer.
    Celebration of Life Services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Ossian Lutheran Church,        Ossian. Rev. Dave Lenth was the officiant.
    Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Ossian Lutheran Church, in Ossian and one-hour before services at the church on Saturday.
    Inurnment to be held in the Hansel Cemetery, Garber, Iowa at a later date.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian assisted the family with the arrangements.
Kathy Lynn was born December 12, 1959 in Story City, Iowa.  She was the fourth of six children to be born to George and Phyllis (Wedemeyer) Fenchel. Kathy graduated from Starmont High School in 1977.  She became a Licensed Practical Nurse through St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids and a Registered Nurse through NICC.  She was also a certified Diabetic Educator.  Kathy was a nurse with Gunderson Clinic for twenty years and she worked with Dr. Ignatius Green for eighteen years.
    Kathy was united in marriage with Dennis McNeal on November 3, 1979 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point and they were blessed with two daughters, Abby and Makenzie.
    Kathy was a member of the Ossian Lutheran Church.  Her greatest joy in life was her husband, motherhood, daughters and grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time gardening.  Kathy frequently volunteered her time at the church and has made over two hundred and fifty pillow case dresses for missions.
    Kathy is survived by her husband of thirty-five years, Dennis, of Decorah; her two daughters, Abby (Dan) Sladek of Lake in the Hills, IL; and Makenzie (Brady) Hakeman of Waterloo, IA; three grandchildren, Caden and Finley Sladek and Jade Hakeman; her mother, Phyllis Fenchel of Manly, IA; two sisters, Sue (Eldon) Fenton of Strawberry Point; and Julie (Doug) Sorenson of Manly, IA; and one brother, Mark (Dar) Fenchel of Hull, IA.
    Kathy was preceded in death by her father, George Fenchel; two brothers, Kurt and Tim Fenchel; and a niece, Faith Fenchel.   
    To reflect her love of the elderly and children, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Ossian Senior Hospice, the Ossian Lutheran Church JAM Program, or to the Ossian DeSales Childcare Center.
    In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Ossian Senior Hospice, the Ossian Lutheran Church JAM Program, or to the Ossian DeSales Childcare Center.

Elaine Klimesh

Elaine Klimesh, 77, of Fort Atkinson died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel, in Fort Atkinson

Daryl Drilling

Daryl Drilling, age 78, of St. Lucas, IA, died on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Nick March on Thursday, Nov. 20, at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas.

Burial was in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by Aloysius Schmitt American Legion Post 691 of St. Lucas.

Casketbearers were Wayne Schmitt, Dave Drilling, Linda Steinberg, Brian Drilling, Chris Sogard, and Nicole Klemmer.

Honorary casketbearers were Daryl’s 11 grandchildren.

Arrangements were handled by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Daryl Francis Drilling was born on August 9, 1936, the son of Earl and Velma (Jarosh) Drilling near St. Lucas.

He graduated from St. Luke’s Catholic School in 1954. 

After high school, Daryl joined the US Army and served two years in Alaska as a USO Mechanic from 1954-1956.

Daryl then furthered his education at Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa where he earned an Associate’s Degree.

While in college, he met and eventually married the love of his life, Audrey Klemmer, the daughter of Ted and Agnes Klemmer, of St Lucas. They were united in marriage on January 20, 1958, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. In January of 2014, they celebrated 56 years of marriage. Daryl and Audrey have been blessed with 5 children who adore them. Together they worked side by side their entire working careers.

Because of Daryl’s love for his family, he worked especially hard all his life to provide for them.  Daryl was an accomplished business man. Over the years, he owned and operated the Klemmer Grocery Store, where the present White House is located, Drilling’s Grocery Store, Drilling’s All Season Sports in St. Lucas, and then Drilling’s All Season Sports in Calmar.

In addition to these occupations, Daryl had many interests. His number one joy was family, and he also enjoyed work. He loved conquering a challenge that required more than just nuts and bolts, as he loved fixing, modifying, and creating.

Daryl also enjoyed golf, fishing, playing cards, snowmobiling, spending time with his nearest friends, and entertaining family. Daryl was a good hearted, loving man with many talents and was dearly loved by many.

He was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church and Aloysius Schmitt American Legion Post #691.

Daryl is survived by his wife: Audrey Drilling, St. Lucas, IA.  Five children: Dawn Drilling, Eden Prairie, MN; Dean (Judy) Drilling, Avon, IN; Carol (Rick) Bollman, Cresco, IA; Rhonda (Pat) Kuennen, Mantorville, MN; and Sandi (Jeff) Swenson, Edina, MN. Eleven grandchildren: August and Basia Drilling, Amy, Kyle, and Haley Drilling, Madison and Elliott Pike, Evan and Lily Kuennen, Sam and Max Swenson. Three brothers: Loras (Joyce) Drilling, St. Lucas, IA; Earl (Kathleen) Drilling, Waucoma, IA; and Jack (Sue) Drilling, Decorah, IA. Two sisters: Darlyn (Luke) Schmitt, Waucoma, IA and Sue Ann Pederson, Hastings, MN. One aunt: Ann Claassen, Waterloo, IA. Two brothers-in-law: Merle (Kathy) Klemmer, Clear Lake, IA, and Dan (Mary Lou) Klemmer, Dublin, OH. One sister-in-law: Karen (Mike) Sogard, Clear Lake, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents: Earl and Velma (Jarosh) Drilling and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ted and Agnes (Hauer) Klemmer.

     48u48

Clifford Klinge

Clifford A. Klinge was born on August 29, 1925, to Elmer and Alma (Lenth) Klinge on the family farm between Farmersburg and National.  

He was a typical farm boy and rode his pony to the Pioneer School.  He later attended the Farmersburg school and then transferred to the Monona school so he could play baseball.  

His major interests were sports, fishing, hunting, travel, euchre and horses, which he maintained his entire life.

In the summer of 1942, he met his wife-to-be, Naomi J. Siebrecht, at a dance at Lakeside Ballroom.  They were married at St. Paul's in Garnavillo on November 15, 1947.  They lived with his parents until spring of 1948, when the farm was sold.  

Cliff and his dad established and ran a livestock buying operation in Luana until about 1957 when the entire family moved to Postville where Cliff began long distance trucking as an owner/operator.  

In the early 70's they built a home in Clermont and Cliff sold the big rigs an drove locally until retirement in about 1990 when they sold their home and moved to Garnavillo.

Cliff was a founding member, and first president of, the Whistlin' Bit Saddle Club.  The club's name was Cliff's suggestion.  He was also a member of the "Flying Hoof Quadrille", a troupe that did square dancing on horseback.  

He was always an avid sports enthusiast, following the Cubs his entire life as well as fishing the Mississippi river and Minnesota lakes in the 50's, and fishing and hunting in the Ontario, Canada woods and lakes. In about 1971 the family was treated to fresh moose meat!  

As retirees, Cliff and Naomi traveled extensively in their motor home. They drove as far north as Alaska and as far south as Belize.  In 1988 they traveled with their children to Germany where they met distant relatives on both sides of the family.  

Cliff also enjoyed working the woods, cutting lumber, producing spalted maple and furnishing his kids with firewood.  He and Naomi were members of various euchre card clubs.  

Cliff always  had "words of wisdom" for his kids including "keep 'er between the ditches",  "always keep a club" and "watch your speed through Luxemburg and New Vienna".

He was proceeded in death by an infant sister, Alma, and his parents.  

He is survived by his wife and four children, Lew of Alexandria, Virginia, Jody (Gaylord) Wooge of Forest City, Lisa (James) Burt of Rochester, Michigan and Kirby (Kathy) of Panora, six grandchildren, Chaldon and Courtney Wooge, Lauren and Carson Burt, Aaron and Ryan Klinge and two great-grandchildren, Alexander Wooge and "Evie" Grace Wooge.

Cliff passed away peacefully in the afternoon on November 20.  Naomi was with him.

Services will be held at a later date and internment will be in the Garnavillo cemetery.      48u48

Mary J. Fish

Mary J. Fish, 92, of Fayette, died Monday, November 17, 2014, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2014, at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette with Rev. Andy Sayer officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com. 

Mary Jeanette, daughter of Oscar and Violet (Engle) Collett was born November 28, 1921 at Washington, Iowa. She received her education in the Red Brick Schoolhouse near Washington, Iowa. On August 20, 1940, she was united in marriage with Robert Fish at Washington, Iowa. She worked prior to her marriage at the Button Factory in Washington, Iowa. She worked as a housekeeper in the Fayette area for ten years, and then was employed as a housekeeper at Garbee Hall at Upper Iowa University. She loved baking, especially cookies.

She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Potter of Decorah, Roberta (Everett) Anderson of Plymouth, Iowa; one son-in-law, Henry Thompson of Randalia; nine grandchildren, Teresa Pfister, Brenda Plagman, Deanna Lopez, Jodi Potter, Brian Thompson, Mike (Kristy) Rohde, Christine (Jeff) Brandt, David Rohde, Jennifer (Mark) Stepan; eighteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Marilyn Weatherman of Washington; and one brother, John Collett of Washington.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband in 1980; her daughter, Barbara Thompson in 2012; one grandson, Todd Thompson in 1984; and nine siblings.

Ralph B. Henderson

Ralph B. Henderson, 45, of Boulder, Colorado formerly of Clermont, Iowa died in an aviation accident in New Mexico on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.

He was born on November 2, 1969, at Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa, the son of Bert O.  and Zelpha K. (Stringham) Henderson.

Ralph attended the Valley schools, graduating in 1988 as president of his senior class. He continued his education at Iowa State University, graduating with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering in 1992. He was employed as an engineer in Colorado and Iowa, eventually owning his own software company.

Ralph married Nikki Petersen in 2004. To this union three children were born: Bert, Oscar and Vera. They were later divorced.

He loved growing up on the family farm. His favorite summer activity was the Fourth of July bike races in Clermont. This sparked a lifelong passion for bike riding and racing. He raced competitively for many years. Ralph also loved flying his own plane, traveling and meeting people. His favorite people were his children, whom he loved beyond measure.

Ralph was full of life and lived life to its fullest. He was a loyal and compassionate friend who will be missed by his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Bert O. and Zelpha K. Henderson; his children, Bert, Oscar and Vera; his sister, Dr. Helen Wood; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Wood; niece, Beatrix Wood; special friend Johanna Catchings and his numerous friends and relatives.

Celebration of Life Services were held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont.

Friends called from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2014 at the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Inurnment was in God's Acres, Clermont.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa assisted the family with arrangements.           49u49

Walter C. Scholbrock

Walter C. Scholbrock, age 93, passed peacefully in the morning hours of November 21, 2014 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Rice Lake, WI.

He lived a long and successful life.  He was born to Herman and Regina (Thuente) Scholbrock on November 16, 1921 in Festina, IA. 

He attended St. Mary’s School in Festina, IA and Wadena High School, Wadena, IA.

On July 2, 1942 Walter enlisted in the Navy and was shipped to the Great Lakes Training Center in Chicago, IL.  He often said that was one of the happiest days in his life.  He did his basic training and advanced training there and was then assigned to Naval Aircraft Training in Florida.  He served in anti-submarine warfare from 1943-45 in Brazil, Cuba and Brunswick, ME.

While doing his basic training at the Great Lakes Training Center in Chicago, he met Mary Ludvigsen.  They courted, were engaged in February 1943 and married on November 7, 1944. 

After the war Walt and Mary moved back to Sheldon, WI to begin their professional lives.  They both worked for Clarence Brown (Brown’s Store) before investing in their own business, Star Oil Company with their brother, Milton Ludvigsen in 1948.  This business was a 24-7 operation with no relief.  After 12 years, Walt and Mary made a decision to sell Star Oil and enter a new profession as bankers.

A friend, Virgil Hegeholz, from Sheldon, WI had moved to North Dakota.  He invited the Scholbrocks to join him in Peoples and Enderlin State Bank in Enderlin, ND.  It was there from 1960 to 1963 that Walt and Mary “cut their teeth” in the banking industry.  In 1963 Virgil, Walter and Mary invested in another bank, Clay County State Bank, in Dilworth, MN just outside Moorhear, MN. This partnership lasted until 1968 at which time Walt and Mary were ready to invest in their own bank, the State Bank of Gilman.

From 1968 until 1982, Walt and Mary owned and operated the State Bank of Gilman.  They consider this phase of their life to be one of the most fulfilling, successful, and endearing of their professional life.  They worked hard, made many friends, and volunteered many hours to the church and community.  

In 1982 the State Bank of Gilman was sold and the Scholbrocks retired to Lac Court Orielles south of Hayward, WI.  They thoroughly enjoyed the different pace of retirement with full-time gardening during the summers, world-wide travel, and becoming “Winter Texans” in Harlingen, TX until 2005.  In 2007 they sold their lake home on Lac Court Orielles and moved to Rice Lake, WI.  

Walt belonged to the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, and St. Joseph’s Parish. 

He was an excellent gardener and spent many hours cultivating his gardens and maintaining one of the “greenest” lawns in Rice Lake.

He was preceded in death by his father Herman, mother, Regina, and brother, Herbert.

He is survived by his loving, loyal and faithful wife, Mary.  They just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary November 7, 2014.    Surviving children include Allan (Virginia), April (Richard) Hepp, Tim (Nancy Hunt), grandchildren Grant (J. Fang), Kara (Mike) Gyarmaty,  Elizabeth (Peter) Fritz, John (Michele Zeka) Hepp, Andrew (Dana), Mark, great grandchildren, Alex Gyarmaty, Will Gyarmaty, Chayton Fritz, Bowman Fritz, and Sebastian Scholbrock.

Surviving also are his sisters, Rita Manderfield, Irene Swenka, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 AM Saturday, November 29, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Father James Powers officiating.

Military Rites were accorded by the Rice Lake Veterans Center Honor Guard, with interment in the Sheldon Community Cemetery in Sheldon, WI.  

Visitation was held from 9 - 10 AM Saturday at the Church. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Appleyard's Home for Funerals, 19 W. Messenger St., Rice Lake, WI.         49u49

Marjorie B. Cass

Marjorie B. Cass, 95, of Fayette died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at the United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Hyeunmee Kang officiating.  Visitation was held from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.  Sunday, Nov. 30, at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette and for one-hour preceding services at the church on Monday. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com. 

Marjorie Bernice Swales was born near Arlington, Iowa on September 10, 1919. Her father, John Swales was a farmer. Her mother Lura Hoisington Swales was a famer’s wife and pianist, playing for church and giving lessons to Marjorie and other children. Marjorie was the third of five siblings: Ruth Utter, Esther Holtzman, Marian Terrell, and Earl Swales. All but Sister Marian have preceded her in death.

Marjorie graduated from Stanley High School and attended Upper Iowa College in Fayette and taught school for a time in Illinois. She met future husband, Edward Jackley Cass at Upper Iowa where they both worked in the library. They were married on September 19, 1943, when they were married at the country church of Marjorie’s youth, Garden Prairie.  Edward pastored seven different United Methodist Churches: Ledyard, Laurel, Popjoy & Lee Center, Melbourne, Hansel & Duncomb, Otho, and Hawkeye, Union & Alpha. Marjorie loved music, especially playing piano. She sometimes served as church pianist/organist and almost always sang in the choir. Marjorie completed her B.A. degree at Drake University as an adult. She worked briefly as a teacher’s assistant and for number of years as a nursing assistant, first at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge and then at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette. In 1978, Edward retired, and he and Marjorie moved to Fayette, where they had met years earlier. Besides serving God and the church, the couple enjoyed camping and traveling, which they did for years with a car and tent, then long into their retirement—in a mobile home. Edward preceded Marjorie in death in 2008.

Marjorie and Edward had two daughters, MaDonna Sanpei and Ramona Cass.  MaDonna married Edwin Matsui, and they have three adult children: Kari, Jason and Marcie. Marjorie has five great grandchildren: Liam & Teia (to Kari & Keith DeBusca), Owen (to Jason Matsui & Jennifer Loomis), and Violet & Zoe (to Marcie & Adam Moura). MaDonna has remarried to Frank Sanpei, and they recently retired from Hawaii to Las Vegas, Nevada. Ramona is Director of Clinical Pastoral Education for Providence Health & Services in Los Angeles, California.

            Marjorie was a dedicated care-giver for her husband when his health declined. He died in 2008. Just two months later, Marjorie fell and broke a hip, which precipitated a decline in her health and independence. Since then she has been a resident at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, where she once helped care for others. For several years, Marjorie continued to play her piano in the lounge. Until recently, she has enjoyed outings on the bus and various activities with the staff and fellow residents. Since August 2014, Palmer Lutheran Hospice has cared for Marjorie, along with the Maple Crest staf

Richard A. "Rick" Derr

Richard A. “Rick” Derr, 63, of Maynard, Iowa, died Monday afternoon, Nov. 24, 2014, at his home.

Memorial Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein with Rev. Connie Markle officiating.

Visitation was held at 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Richard Avery Derr was born January 30, 1951, at Estherville, Iowa, the son of Calvin Charles and Gwen Rita (Avery) Derr.  He graduated from Starmont High School.  On April 28, 1973, he was united in marriage to Shirley Martha Allan at Greene, Iowa.  Rick was a farmer and an auto body perfectionist, owning his own body shop.  He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein. During his farming years, he served on the Fayette County Pork Producers Board and served as president for one year.  Rick was a stock car flagman for over 20 years at several Northeast Iowa racing tracks.  He enjoyed racing, NASCAR, camping, working the land and mowing the lawn.  Most of all, he loved being a proud papa and attending the grandchildren’s activities.

Rick is survived by his wife, Shirley Derr of Maynard; son, Joshua (Lisa)  Derr of Rochester, Minnesota; daughter, Amanda (Joshua) Morris of Oelwein; 6 grandchildren, Aiden, Kiera and Owen Derr and Amy, Paul and Riley Morris; mother, Gwen Derr of Oelwein; 2 brothers, James (Beth) Derr of Dyersville and Edward (Sarah) Derr of Springville, Missouri; 3 sisters, Mary Ellen Day of Postville, Nancy (Gary) Goedken of Arlington and  Jennifer (Troy) Brandt of Ft. Dodge; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father; and a brother-in-law, David Day.

A Memorial Fund has been established in his name.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Malin Henry William Schultz

Malin Henry William Schultz, 98, of Monona, Iowa, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, at the Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa.

Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa, and for one-hour before services at the church on Saturday.

A Celebration of Life Services was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, Iowa with Pastor Jeff Heidersheit officiating.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa assisted the family with the arrangements.

Malin was the eldest of three children born to William and Malida (Radloff) Schultz. He arrived on October 27, 1916 in rural Farmersburg, Iowa. He was baptized on January 14, 1917 at St. John Lutheran Church, Luana, Iowa, and confirmed on May 24, 1931 at St. John Lutheran Church, Farmersburg, Iowa. Malin graduated from the Luana Consolidated High School in 1934.

On November 11, 1936, Malin was united in marriage to Dorothy Lorraine Moritz at St. John Lutheran Church in Luana by Pastor Harold Kumpf. They were the parents of six children and farmed together on the family farm north of Luana until 1965 when their oldest son, Jerome, took over the farming operation. At that time, Malin and Dorothy moved to Monona and he became the parts manager for Drahn Implement. After his “retirement” from Drahn Implement in 1982, Malin worked as a groundskeeper at the Tri-City Country Club near Luana for several years.

Malin was an active member of his church and his community serving as a member of the Brotherhood, church council, co-op board, and school board in various capacities and as treasurer of the Tri-City Country Club. An athlete and avid sports fan, Malin played on a town baseball league in his younger years. He took up golf after he left the farm and played his last game at the age of 88. He rarely missed a Men’s Night or golf tournament and was proud to tell visitors that he shot a hole in one on October 8, 1975 while playing a round of golf with his brother-in-law, Ross Powell and friend, Ray DeSotel. Malin was also a member of a successful bowling league team and a horseshoe league for many years. In his later years, he enjoyed watching the Cubs’ baseball games, woodworking, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles.

Accomplished dancers, Malin and Dorothy loved attending dances from Guttenberg and East Dubuque to Clear Lake and Spillville. Their grace and joy on the dance floor was a site to behold. Many will remember Malin as a card shark who loved to play a serious game of cards whenever possible. At one time, he and Dorothy belonged to 5 different card clubs, one of which began meeting when they were just newlyweds. They also traveled together and with friends and spent numerous winters in sunny Chandler, AZ.

Malin is survived by his son, Jerome Schultz (Bunny) of Sun Lakes, AZ; three daughters, Marilyn (Al) Runau of Marion, IA, Bette (Ron) Keehner of Prairie du Chien, WI, and Brenda (Mark) Howard of Elgin, IA; daughter-in-law, Vicky (Jim) Schultz of Arcadia, WI; sister-in-law, Donna (Kenny) Radloff of Donna, TX; eighteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by the love is life, and wife of seventy one years, Dorothy, in 2008; sons, Jim and Billy Schultz; parents, William and Malida Schultz; sisters, Cleva Schultz and Jessie Smith; daughter-in-law, Elaine Schultz; and step great grandson, Brent Blietz.

Pallbearers are Malin’s grandsons: Tom Schultz, Mike Schultz, Matt Schultz, Jon Schultz, Seth Howard, and Cody Bachman (on behalf of grandson, Al Schultz).

Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Luana, Iowa.

Memorials for Malin may be directed to the M-F-L Ambulance Service, St. Paul Lutheran Church of Monona, or the St. John Cemetery Association of Luana.

A deep sense of gratitude from Malin’s family extends to the entire staff at Garden View Assisted Living in Monona and the Great River Care Center in McGregor.