William A. Rusk
Graveside services for William A. Rusk, 83, of Belle Plaine, were Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Oak Hill Cemeteryin Belle Plaine with Pastor Don Drahos officiating and military rites by Jennings-Bradshaw American Legion Post No. 39. Mr. Rusk died Aug. 4, 2004, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City from a stroke. William A. Rusk was born Sept. 16, 1920, in Belle Plaine, the son of Raymond Elmer and Murldene Gaynelle Henry Rusk. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1939. On Oct. 8, 1942, he married Betty Kathryn Carpenter in Vinton. He was in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Corporal and served in the South Pacific from Oct. 1942 to Dec. 1945. He resided in Belle Plaine until 1964 when they moved to Mason City. He worked as a Chicago Northwestern engineer and retired in December of 1980. In 1981 they moved back to Belle Plaine to their present home. He was a member of the Jennings-Bradshaw American Legion Post No. 39, and a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge in Belle Plaine. He loved trains, small woodworking, was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and liked to go to the casino. He is survived by his wife, Betty; a son, Garie W. Rusk and wife, Linda, of Sioux City; one brother, Wilbur A. Rusk and wife, Betty, of Victor; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Elmer; one sister, Jean Snodgrass; and daughter, Kathie Lee. Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, was in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Kanke
VAN HORNE­Dennis Edward Kanke, 54, Saginaw, MN, formerly of Cedar Rapids and Van Horne, died Thursday, August 5, 2004 in Duluth, MN from injuries suffered in a house fire Memorial services were Sunday, August 8, 2004 at the Vietnam Memorial at the Lakewalk in Duluth, MN. A second memorial service was Monday, August 9, 2004 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone, with the Rev. Norman Bennett officiating. Kanke is survived by his wife of six years, Carol; children, Chad Allen Kanke of Watkins, Jennifer (Shai) Skalsky of Ely, Melissa (Roger) Pavlovec, Jessica and Patricia Kanke, all of Minnesota; stepchildren Donald (April) of Sioux Falls, SD, Faye of Texas; brothers, Gordon of Hartley, Richard of Dania Beach, FL; sisters, Karen James of Vilas, NC, Jean Norton of Hartley; nine grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Irene Kanke. Dennis Kanke was born Oct. 3, 1949 in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967. He was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972. He was active in the Vietnam P.O.W./MIA, VFW, North Vets Association. Dennis had many interests, including photography, boating, fishing and especially spoiling his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Disabled American Veterans or a charity of the donor's choice.

Helen Lorene Duncalf Rieck
Funeral services for Helen Lorene Duncalf Rieck, 87, of Luzerne, were Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Belle Plaine with Deacon Joe Behounek officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemeteryin Belle Plaine. Mrs. Rieck died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after an illness at her home. Casket bearers were Don Jensen, Robert Raley, Les Duncalf, Leland Rieck, Jay Oehlerich and Darwin Rieck. Honorary casket bearers were Dick Raabe, Dean Jensen, Wayne Meyer, Mike Duncalf and Larry Shaull. Music was provided by organist, Mrs. Judy Parizek, and vocalist, Mrs. Anna Upah. Helen Lorene Duncalf Rieck was born March 31, 1917, in rural Van Horne, the daughter of William and Sara Cummins Duncalf. She attended Belle Plaine schools through the eighth grade, and later married Vernon H. Rieck on Aug. 6, 1947, in the St. Michael's Parsonage in Belle Plaine. She was a lifetime dairy farmer, homemaker, and member of the Farm Bureau. She enjoyed antiques, flea markets, flowers, gambling and horses. She is survived by her son, Verlyn Rieck of Luzerne; two sisters, Evelyn Meyer of Marengo and Ruth Landuyt of Belle Plaine; her dog, Buffy; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon, on Dec. 27, 2001; her parents; four brothers, Donald, Bernard, Leo and Wilfrid; and a sister, Clairce Madison. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Merle D. Stewart
Funeral services for Merle D. Stewart, 70, of Blairstown, were Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at Overton Family Funeral Home in Blairstown. A private burial was held at Pleasant Hill Cemeteryin Blairstown. Mr. Stewart died Thursday, Aug. 5. 2004, at Marengo Memorial Hospital in Marengo from melanoma. Merle D. Stewart was born August 24, 1933, at rural Blairstown to Lester and Alice (Shaull) Stewart. He grew up and attended school in Blairstown, where he lived his entire life. He worked for area farmers and did mowing and snow removal in Blairstown. He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, and visiting his close friends around town. Merle is survived by his sister, Evelyn (Charles) Kubichek of Blairstown; two brothers, Loren (Mary) Stewart of Audubon, and Gerald (Winifred) Stewart of Luzerne; a sister-in-law, Ann Stewart of Prattville, AL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald; two nephews; and two great-nephews. Overton Family Funeral Home in Blairstown was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Arnold "Frosty" Henderson
Funeral services for Arnold Henderson were Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN with the Rev. Brent Klein officiating. Arnold passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, Aug. 7, 2004, at his home in Northfield, with his wife and children by his side, at the age of 82. Music was provided by Lori Ramig, Joshua Moberg and Joani Moberg. Interment with Military Honors was in Red Rose Cemetery, Waterford Township. Casket bearers were Mike Henderson, Joshua Moberg, Justin Moberg, Sarah Papesh, Rebecca Rogers and Steven Rogers. Arnold Vincent "Frosty" Henderson was born Nov. 10, 1921, on the family farm in Linden Township, Winnebago County, Iowa, to Henry and Sophie (Fjetland) Henderson. The farm where he was raised was near Frost, MN, and he attended Blue Earth High School. He joined the US Navy Aug. 21, 1942, and served as a radioman during WWII. He married Clarice Halvorson April 4, 1945, at the Lutheran parsonage in Blue Earth. After marriage Frosty worked as a brakeman for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and he, Clarice, and the family lived in Mason City, and Fairmont, MN, until moving to Belle Plaine in 1958. In 1968 Frosty retired from the railroad and in 1969 they moved to Northfield. Shortly after moving to Northfield, Frosty began working for Pinkerton Security as a security guard at Sheldahl, remaining there until retiring in 1978. Frosty was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the VFW in Northfield and was a former member and former treasurer of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. He had once been a Laubah reading tutor for adults and a ham radio operator. He was know for his meticulous attention to detail, and he enjoyed tending his garden and listening to the Minnesota Twins. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Clarice; three children and their spouses: Gary and wife Susan of Owasso, OK, Judith and husband Edwin Papesh of Belle Plaine, Claudia and husband Mike Moberg of Rochester; five grandchildren: Mike (Wendy) Henderson of Owasso, Joshua (Joani) Moberg and their son Christian of St. Paul, Sarah Papesh of Belle Plaine, Justin (Shannon Kiehne, fiancé) Moberg of Eau Claire, WI, Rebecca (Steven) Rogers of Ankeny; his sisters: Clara Holmseth of Frost and his twin sister Arlet Smith of Northfield; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tina; his parents; his sister, Genevieve Leland; and his brother, Albert. Memorials are preferred to Northfield Hospice. Arrangements were with Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.

Madelene Marie Soens
Funeral services for Madelene Marie Soens, 92, of Belle Plaine, were Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Belle Plaine with Deacon Joe Behounek officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemeteryin Victor. Miss Soens died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004, at the Belle Plaine Nursing and Rehab Center from complications of old age. Pallbearers were James Morrow, Maurice VanderHeyden, Don Villers, Marvin Wauters, Richard Soens and Joseph Catanzarrite. Honorary pallbearers were Olga Sikir, Dorthea Vavroch, Ruth Dvorak, Ramona Koehn and Leona Kenner. Music was provided by organist, Jane Hrabak and cantor, Anna Upah. Madelene Marie Soens was born March 22, 1912, at Belle Plaine, the daughter of Victor and Elodie Pauwels Soens. She lived and worked on her father's farm near Hartwick and she was also employed for a number of years at the Hartwick Store where her duties included working as a cook. She worked for a number of years in the meat department at the Me Too Store in Belle Plaine. After her retirement, she continued her employment and a part time basis for Fr. John Graham at the Town House Apartments and enjoyed the many parties in the rec room. There are pictures there which she is very fond of and hopes that they will continue to stay as they are. She was very fond of flowers and enjoyed taking care of them and enjoyed the company of her many friends and was known as a congenial person and a diligent worker and helpful to everyone. She wants it known that she enjoyed working for the many bosses that she had when she was employed, including Dennis Schwab and Fr. John Graham. She is survived by one niece and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Zulma in 1967, and Anna in 1973. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, was in charge of the arrangements.

James Harold Uchytil
Graveside services for James Harold Uchytil, 84, of Belle Plaine, were Thursday, Dec. 2. 2004, at Oak Hill Cemeteryin Belle Plaine with military rites by Jennings-Bradshaw American Legion Post No. 39. Mr. Uchytil died November 29, 2004, at his home of natural causes. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren, Justin Uchytil, Tyler Hartz, Chad Uchytil, Chelsea Uchytil and Zacary Slaymaker. James Harold Uchytil was born December 4, 1919, at Belle Plaine, the son of James and Mary Krajicek Uchytil. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1937. He married Rose Marie Johnson on June 14, 1952, at Cedar Rapids. He was a production foreman at Funk's Seed Company for 43 years and was an American Legion member. He was an Army Sergeant in World War II in the European Theatre. He is survived by his wife, Rose of Belle Plaine; his children, Kevin Uchytil and wife, Christa, of Rapid City, SD, and Kim Slaymaker and husband, Jeff, of Belle Plaine; brothers, Sidney (Helen), and Richard (Agnes) all of Belle Plaine, Edward (Ednard), of Normal, IL, and Bernard (Joyce) of Cedar Rapids; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Hazel Palmer
Funeral services for Hazel Palmer, 86, of Norway, were Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, with the Rev. David Mosher of Trinity Lutheran Church of Norway officiating. Interment was in Prairie View Cemeteryin Gilman. Mrs. Palmer died Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Casket bearers were her grandchildren, Brennan, Scott and Tony Budak, Leslie Gubbels, Jamie Hansen, Amanda and Mike Hartkemeyer, Kari Landuyt, Lori McKenna and Lisa Rotter. Hazel Palmer was born Feb. 15, 1918, in Bremer County, the daughter of Thomas J. and Erna B. Messenger Moore. She was raised on the family farm south of Grinnell and attended rural school and graduated with the class of 1935 from Grinnell High School. Following her education she lived in Grinnell and worked at the Candyland and for Sanders Dime Store. On June 18, 1941, she married Myron H. Palmer at her parent's home near Grinnell. The couple farmed near Gilman and later moved to Grinnell. In 1959, they moved to Norway to make their home. She was a homemaker and did babysitting. She enjoyed gardening and raising flowers as well as hosting family functions. She enjoyed watching "As the World Turns" and "Wheel of Fortune." She is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Charlotte and Tom Budak and Betty and Kenneth Hartkemeyer, all of Norway; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; and two brothers, Howard Moore of Houston, TX, and Guilford Moore of Grinnell. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Mary Palmer; and one brother, Thomas Moore. Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell was in charge of arrangements.

Velma P. Andrews
Funeral services for Velma P. Andrews, 98, of Marengo and formerly of Blairstown, were Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at Overton Family Funeral Home in Blairstown with the Rev. George Bishop officiating. Burial was in Salem Cemetery, Van Horne. Mrs. Andrews died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at Marengo Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Velma Pearl Andrews was born June 3, 1906, in Buchanan County, the daughter of Charley and Mamie Bird Craft. She was raised on a farm in Buchanan County and graduated from Brandon Consolidated High School in 1925. She attended summer school at Coe College for two years and taught in rural schools for five years near Brandon. On May 17, 1930, she married Harold Andrews in Montezuma, and they made their home for a short time in Van Horne and then in Blairstown the rest of their married life. She worked most of her life as a homemaker. Harold preceded her in death on July 23, 1999, and she remained in Blairstown. For the past four and one-half years she has been a resident in the extended care at the Marengo Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Blairstown, the Blairstown American Legion Auxiliary and the Van Horne Garden Club. She also volunteered at the Veteran's Hospital in Iowa City. She is survived by a son, Donald (Margaret) Andrews of Iowa City; a daughter, Cherie (Jeff) Tampir of Maquoketa; a daughter-in-law, Donna Andrews of Richardson, TX; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Harold Dean; and two brothers, Beryl Craft and a brother in infancy. Overton Family Funeral Home in Blairstown was in charge of arrangements.

Teresa Jessen
VINTON­Funeral services for Teresa Jessen, 66, Vinton, were Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home, Vinton. Jessen died of cancer Friday, Dec. 3, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Rev. Noelle Andrew officiated at the service. Inurnment was private. Teresa is survived by a son Kevin (Buffy) Jessen of Shellsburg; two daughters, Cindy (Tom) Lynch of Cedar Rapids and Karla Sellers of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Michael (Nikki) and Aaron Lynch, Mitchel and Kenny Sellers, Alex and Mara Jessen; three great-grandchildren, Kyrstin and Lucas Keppler and Jacob Lynch; two brothers, Bill (Carolyn) Loudon of Las Vegas, NV and Jim Loudon of Madrid, Iowa; two sisters, Joan Bickett and Sharon (Ron) Hower, both of Creston and one sister-in-law Mary Loudon, of Creston. Teresa was preceded in death by her husband Carl in 1995; her parents, Paul and Teresa Loudon; three brothers, John, Paul and Tom Loudon, a sister-in-law, Barbara Loudon and a brother-in-law, George Bickett. Memorials may be made to the Benton County Cancer Relay for Life.

Edward O. Masek
Funeral services for Edward O. Masek, 67, of Oelwein, were Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein, with the Revs. Charis and Leo Combs-Lay. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemeteryin Oelwein. Mr. Masek died suddenly of a heart attack on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, while working near Fairfax. Edward O. Masek was born September 12, 1937, at Omaha, NE, the son of Albert and Bertha Dalhquist Masek. He married Judie Simon in August of 1957 in Cedar Rapids. They later divorced. He married Rozella Bruster on June 7, 1976, at Rock Island, IL. He was a clothing salesman and traveled in northeast Iowa for over 40 years. He later worked for Smock Trucking Company in Oelwein and was currently working for Wheeler Auto Body Supply of Waterloo for the last five years. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. He enjoyed outdoor activities and spending time around campfires with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Rozella Masek of Oelwein; his children, Marcey L. (Mark) Jensen of Atkins, Edward A. (Randi) Masek of Karmar, and Brett A. (Christy) Masek of Decorah; seven grandchildren, Aubreya, Miranda and Jesse Jensen of Atkins, Brooke Masek of Cedar Rapids, Dustin Masek of Fort Dodge, and Kyle and Rachel Masek of Decorah; four sisters, Joan (Tom) Birr of Cedar Rapids, Shirley Tomlin of Cedar Rapids, Barbara (Larry) Dudley of Shell Knob, MO, and Alberta Bushnell of Norwalk, CA; and one brother, Richard Masek of Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Kelsey. Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Roger Kearns
Services are Thursday, Dec. 9 [2004], at 10:30 a.m. for Roger Kearns, 41, Belle Plaine, who died Monday. Services are at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine. Visitation is Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hrabak's.

Wallace "Wally" F. Eckstein
NEWHALL­Wallace "Wally" F. Eckstein, 78, died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005 at Virginia Gay Hospital following a sudden illness. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005. A public Prayer Service will begin at 7 P.M., with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. There will be no other public services. Private Committal Services will be held at a later date. At his request, Wally was a tissue and bone marrow donor. A memorial fund has been established for the Newhall First Responders. Wally is survived by his wife, Arris of Newhall; his children, Terrie Seibert (Scott) of Cedar Rapids, Debbie Carolan (Greg) of Charles City, and Larry Eckstein of Newhall; three grandchildren, Trevor, Brenna and Shay Carolan; and two sisters, Loraine Dickenson of Brainerd, MN, and Geraldine Adix of Chisago, MN. His parents; two sisters, Carole Goff and Rosamond Gordanier; and two grandchildren, Ryan and Greg Carolan preceded him in death. Wally was born Sept. 6, 1926 at Waverly to Frederick and Freida (Hennings) Eckstein and served his nation in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On February 10, 1948 he married Arris Avery at Waverly. The couple has lived in Newhall since 1974. For many years, Wally was employed as a flooring and tile installer. For 16 years prior to his retirement, he owned and operated Wally's Tap & Grill in Newhall. He was a member of the Atkins American Legion Post #217 and in his leisure he enjoyed woodworking, hunting mushrooms, fishing and hunting.

Luann Kaufman
TAMA­Luann J. Kaufman, 49, of Tama, died Sunday, January 30, 2005 at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City due to a short illness. There will be no public visitation or service. To follow through with Luann's wishes, her body will be cremated. There will be a private burial of the cremains at a future date. Luann was born on March 2, 1955 in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the daughter of William Sr. and Lucille Jansen Boyer. She graduated from South Tama High School in the Class of 1973. On June 21, 1973, she was united in marriage to Allen Kaufman at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Chelsea. Luann was preceded in death by her grandparents; and her father-in-law. Survivors include her husband, Allen of Tama; one son, Trevor and one daughter, Amber, both at home; her parents, William and Lucille Boyer of Tama; three sisters, Joleen (Dan) Parizek of Tama, Wendy Boyer of Belle Plaine, and Lori (Wade) Roth of Belle Plaine; two brothers, William Boyer Jr. and Vincent Boyer both of Tama; along with many nieces and nephews and two great nieces. A memorial fund has been established. Harrison-Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama is handling arrangements.

Paula Darlene Klimes
Paula Darlene Klimes, 73, of Barstow, CA, formerly of Van Horne, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, after a brief illness. There were no local services. Survivors include a son, Karl, and a daughter, Janelle, both of California; two brothers, Max Madorin of Vinton, and James Madorin of Bloomer, WI; and a sister, Shirley Schulte of Norway. Paula was the daughter of Paul and Clela Madorin of Van Home. Condolences and memorials may be sent to: Janelle, c/o Shirley Schulte, Box 196, Norway, IA 52318.

Charly Landuyt
Charly Landuyt, 85, of Victor died Friday, Jan. 28, 2005, at Brookhaven Nursing Home in Brooklyn. A funeral was held Monday, Jan. 31, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brooklyn with the Rev. Brian Shepley officiating. Organist was Marilyn Kreigel. Pallbearers were Tom and Jim Moss, Bobby O'Mara, Todd, Eric, Doug, Russ and Chad Landuyt, Vince and Nick Thede, and Brian and Jared Herzberg. Honorary bearers were Teresa Torres, Cindy Cummins, Kimberly Kriegel, Sandy Cordes, Crystal Roskan, Michelle Bartachek and Kacie Herzberg. Burial was in the Calvary Cemeteryin Brooklyn. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Charly Landuyt Memorial Fund. Smith Funeral Home in Victor handled arrangements. The son of Edmund and Cantellis DeSloover Landuyt, Charly was born November 8, 1919, in Safford, Alabama. As a young child he moved with his family to the Victor area where he received his education. On June 20, 1942, he was married to Margaret DeVilder at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brooklyn. He was employed as a farm hand for several years before the couple moved to their farm north of Hartwick. They retired from farming in 1982 and moved to Victor to make their home. He was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Charly enjoyed his life on the farm and raising his family. His family was very important to him. He held a great sense of humor and was very caring to many people. He liked to build things with his hands, play cards and rolle bolle with family and friends, and enjoyed playing the accordion. Survivors include his wife, Margaret of Victor; six children and their spouses, Betty and Bob O'Mara of Cedar Rapids, Charles and Patricia Landuyt of Solon, Camiel and Marcia Landuyt of Grinnell, Beverly and Bill Bartachek of Chelsea, Calvin and Cindy Landuyt of Chelsea, and Brenda and Dennis Herzberg of Marengo; one sister, Rachel Hodina of Ely; two brothers, Victor Landuyt of Blairstown and Edmond Landuyt of Belle Plaine; 19 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Henry, Fred and Alfonce Landuyt; and three sisters, Mary Papesh, Margaret Iezek and Marcella Schafer.

Jack D. Long
Jack D. Long, 62, of Vinton, died Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at Virginia Gay Hospital following a short illness. A private family unurnment will be held at a later date at Bear Creek Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Risse Long of Vinton; step-children, Lori (Bret) Crandall of Annapolis, MD, Lisa (Brad) Knous of Lake Jackson, TX, and Lee Fichtner of Vinton; and five step-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Anna Beatty Long; and a brother in infancy. Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home in Vinton was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Gordon Robinson
Gifted with wings, the soul of Gordon Robinson took flight from this earth early Thursday morning, Jan. 27, 2005. Prior to Thursday, he enjoyed a final visit from family, receiving love and blessings for peaceful passage, and countless visits from his friends at Amenity Hospice and Rose Haven, where he lived. Born Sept. 21, 1923 in New Richland, MN, Gordon was one of six children born to Ernest and Marie Webster Robinson. As a young man he served in the CCC, working on community projects before enlisting to serve in World War II. His first experience with war came on Dec. 24, 1944 near Bastogne, France during the Battle of the Bulge where he was later wounded. His discharge papers describe his military role as a Rifleman with the 4th Armored Division; he was authorized to wear the European Theatre Ribbon with three battle stars. Gordon was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Purple Heart. On Jan. 8, 1948, he married Regina Lacher in Marengo, Iowa. With hard work, dedication and numerous adventures, they raised four sons: Frank, Richard, Rod and Mark and one daughter, Dolores. In their later years they lived happily in their apartment on May Street in Marengo, enjoying card playing, visiting their children and grandchildren, fishing and all aspects of nature. Gordon lost his wife of 54 years on May 28, 2002. During the last two years he lived comfortably at Rose Haven Nursing Home, enjoying music, friends and Buddy the facility dog. Even through times of illness, he portrayed a sense of humor and a deep love for life, friendship and family. His strength, humor and dignity will be fondly remembered. Gordon is survived by two sisters, Annzetta Clough of New Richland, MN, and Marvel (Ken) Jones of Albert Lea, MN, also his children, Frank and Barbara Robinson of Hope, IN, Richard Robinson of Artesia, NM, Rod and Barbara Robinson of Janesville, MN, Mark and Denise Robinson of Zumbrota, MN and Dolores and Mark Sebetka of Atkins, IA. Gordon dearly loved and enjoyed his grandchildren, Rob, Kristin, Jeremiah, Tanyia, Courtney, Jolene, Jonele, Jordan, Emily and Anna and several great-grandchildren. Visitation was at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Private family services will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established. On-line condolences may be extended to the family via the funeral home website: www.klosterfuneralhome.com

Charles M. Fisher
VAN HORNE­Charles M. "Charlie" Fisher, 69, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at the V.A. Hospital in Iowa City following an extended illness. A funeral mass was held Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne with the Rev. Joseph McGuire as Celebrant. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemeterynear Keystone with graveside military rites conducted by Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post 148 of Van Horne. Phillips Funeral Home was in charge of services. Charles is survived by his wife, Frances of Van Horne; his children, Teresa (Tim) Mumby of Hartwick, Fred (Valerie) Fisher of Belle Plaine, and Charlene Fisher of Cedar Rapids; his step-children, Cindy (Kevin) Wahe of Marion, and Kathy Cates of Keystone; his grandchildren, Jessica, and Kayela Mumby, Michael Fisher, Trey Fisher, Miles and Cali Wahe, and Walker and Whitney Cates; his brother, Robert (Rayma) Fisher of Edgewood; and his sisters, Teresa Mrazek and Irene (Neil) DeLaHunt, all of Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents. Charlie was born June 3, 1935, at Edgewood to Frederick and Anna Elizabeth (Michael) Fisher. During the Korean Conflict he served his nation in the U.S. Navy and was held as a prisoner of war. On Feb. 3, 1980, he married Frances Petersen Koeppen at Van Horne. Charlie was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne, the Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post #148 in Van Horne, and the U.S.S. LSMR #401 Naval Organization. In his leisure he enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing and baseball games. His greatest pleasure in life came from time spent with his grandchildren.

William August Kreutner
NEWHALL­William "Bill" August Kreutner, 93, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, at the Vinton Lutheran Home of a sudden illness. Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with the Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment was at St. John Cemeterynear Newhall. A memorial fund has been established. Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton was in charge of arrangements. Survivors include his wife, of nearly 69 years, Margaret; two sons, Gerald and wife, Eileen and Russell and wife, Ann, all of Vinton; one daughter, Ardith Reinhardt of Atkins; and daughter-in-law, Linda Patterson of Sloan; nine grandchildren, Pam (Duane) England of Keystone, Karmen (Jeff) Stramer of Maple Grove, MN, Tammy (George Surface of Cresco, Becky Kreutner of Coralville, Sherri ("Jake") Isbell of Garrison, Brian (Jennifer) Kreutner, of Vinton, Jeremy (Kristi) Kreutner of New Hampton, Shawn Kreutner of Vinton, and Julie Kreutner, of Longmont, CO; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Marie Kreutner and Mary Ann Kreutner. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Bill Jr.; four brothers, Ben, Al, Marvin and Henry Kreutner; and sisters-in-law, Lillian and Pauline Kreutner. Bill was born the son of Henry and Sophia (Happel) Kreutner on Feb. 7, 1911, at Shellsburg. He grew up in the Shellsburg/Atkins area and worked for several farmers before farming on his own. On Feb. 7, 1936 he married Margaret Rinderknecht at her parents' Van Horne home. They farmed in the Newhall, Van Horne area until they retired to Newhall in 1975. Bill was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall were he was active in Lamplighters and held numerous church offices. He enjoyed fishing and visiting with the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially talking about the "Old Days."

Edna Risdale
Edna Risdale, 91, Norway died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005 in Living Center West, Cedar Rapids, following a long illness. Services were held at Turner West Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids on Tuesday January 25 by the Rev. David Mosher. Burial was at Fairfax Cemetery, Fairfax. Survivors include two sons, Richard Risdale and wife Janice of Fairfax and Robert Risdale of Norway, four brothers, Elmer Snell of Fairfax, Albert Snell of Marshalltown, Herb Snell of Fairfax and Jack Snell of Henderson, NV; two sisters, Evelyn Brecht of Marengo and Mary Lou Selzer of Fairfax; and three sisters in law, Lorraine Snell and Dorothy Snell both of Fairfax and Evelyn Snell of Yucca Valley, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents; four brothers, Charles, Lester, Edward and Raymond, and two sisters, Florence and Mabel. Edna was born July 27, 1913, in rural Fairfax, the daughter of Charles and Mary Vanous Snell. She married Chester Risdale on March 8, 1945 in Cedar Rapids. Edna enjoyed gardening and cooking. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Walford Building Fund.