Alice L. Rusk
Alice L. Rusk, 85, Clinton, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at the Eagle Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clinton, Iowa. Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig-Dennis A. Lemke Funeral Home with Chaplain Randy Meyer officiating. She is survived by her husband: Edgar of Clinton; one daughter: Anita and her husband William Joyner of Sandy, UT; one son: Mark Rusk and his wife Carolyn of Evansville, IN; five grandchildren; and one sister: Helen Rusk of Belle Plaine, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and one brother. The family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Betty J. Thede
Betty J. Thede, 74, Belle Plaine, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005 in the Belle Plaine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following an extended illness. Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, by the Rev. Al Wagner. Burial is in Victor Memorial Cemetery, Victor. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Edwin Niebuhr
Funeral services for Edwin Henry August Niebuhr, 87, of Blairstown, were Thursday, March 17, 2005, at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown, with Pastor David Rempfer officiating. Burial was in Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Mr. Niebuhr died Monday, March 14, 2005, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids from a sudden illness. Edwin Henry August Niebuhr was born September 25, 1917, on the family farm near Blairstown, the son of William and Johanna Kluss Niebuhr. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Blairstown High School. He then took herdsman courses at Iowa State University for two winter courses. On January 1, 1944, he married Vera Cordes at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Victor. They farmed together all their married life on the family farm northeast of Blairstown and moved into Blairstown in February of 1984. He was a great steward of the land. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown and held various positions within the church and also served on the Benton County Conservation Board. He enjoyed fishing and creating new ways of doing things. He read the Bible everyday and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 61 years, Vera; four sons, John (Donna) of Blairstown, Steven of Nevada, Mark (Diane) Niebuhr of Atkins, and Paul (Lisa) of Kingsley; a daughter, Sheryl Niebuhr of St. Paul, MN; nine grandchildren, Kristine, Joseph, Janelle, Johanna, Ariel, Moriah, Elias, Elisabeth and Evan; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Paige; and three sisters, Neoma Newton of Blairstown, Luella Schlue of Cedar Rapids, and Ilene Meyer of Deep River. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Kenneth, Victor, Albert, Waldo and William; and a sister, Emmalina Shogren. Overton Family Funeral Home in Blairstown was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

David Pickart
David R. Pickart passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2005, on his 78th birthday, in Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois after a lingering illness. Services were Saturday, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway. Burial was at St. Michael's Cemetery. David Pickart was born in Norway, Iowa on March 15, 1927 to Arthur and Ida Sevening Pickart. On June 28, 1948 he married Harriet Mae Holland at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Norway. He was a member of Catholic Order of Foresters. He is survived by his loving wife Harriet of nearly 57 years; five sons: David A., Blairstown, Gerald A., Marengo, Bruce (Liz), Labadie, Missouri, Terry, Norway, and Mark (Janet), So. Ogden, Utah; one daughter: Lori (Steve) Davis, Carrollton, Texas; seven grandchildren: Dustin, Thad, Capt. Damien (Vanessa), Rachel, Erin, Jason and Shelly Pickart; two great-grandchildren: Alex and Caroline Pickart; three sisters: Kathleen, Shimek, Florida, Letha (Glenn) Etscheidt, Blairstown, and Leota (Merle) Garwood, Cedar Rapids; sisters-in-law Jessie Law and Betty Pickart; brothers-in-law Robert Holland and Don Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur Jr., Theodell and Robert (in infancy) and sister Mary Jones. David farmed most of his life. He worked at Cedarapids, Inc., and retired from 11 years at FMC. He also worked several years at the Norway school as a janitor. He loved cards, checkers, going to Tama and visiting. There was never a stranger to David and his big smile. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends. Arrangements are with Brosh Funeral Service, Norway.

Evalyn Ruth Raim
Funeral services for Evalyn Ruth Raim, 88, of Belle Plaine, were Saturday, March 19, 2005, at Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine with the Rev. David Crow officiating. Burial was in Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Raim died March 15, 2005, at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion following a brief illness. Casket bearers were Louis Hurt, Daniel Raim, Blake Jenewein, David Raim, John Bella Jr., and Dennis Gessaman. Vocalists were Daniel Raim and David Raim. Musicians were Cindy Page and Sheila Raim. Evalyn Ruth Raim was born August 22, 1916, at rural Chelsea, the daughter of Albert and Rhoda Carpenter Klenk. She attended school in Swisher and Shueyville. She married Lester Raim on December 7, 1932. They were later divorced. She was a homemaker for many years of her married life and later worked several years as a hot lunch cook for the Walford and Belle Plaine schools. She lived many places during her lifetime including Chelsea, Swisher, West Branch, Marion, Fairfax, Walford and Belle Plaine. She participated in several clubs in Belle Plaine including RSVP, Sunny Monday and Embroidery Club. She was a long time member of Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine. She made many beautiful quilts and enjoyed embroidery work. She was also an avid canasta and euchre player. Her strong faith in God and being with her family and friends were an important part of her life. She was a loving and caring individual. She is survived by a son, Kenneth Raim and wife, Marcella of North Liberty; two daughters, Carol Bella and husband, John of Vero Beach, FL, and Twyla Jenewein and husband, Brad of Center Point; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Donald Raim; a granddaughter, Susan Bella; and great-granddaughter twins, Elaine and Nadene Raim. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Ray C. Schmuecker
Ray C. Schmuecker passed away quietly on March 12, 2005, at his home in Phoenix, AZ. He was 92 years old. He was born on a farm near Blairstown in 1913. He attended the University of Iowa, majoring in Journalism and Radio Broadcasting. In the sixth grade Ray met Nadine Tiedemann, they went to high school together, and then married in 1934. At this time he sold magazines door-to-door to farmers and often accepted live chickens as subscription payment. They lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked as a department store clerk until he auditioned as an imitator with the Horace Heidt band, who were touring and playing at a local theater. Shortly afterward he was called to join the band in New York. In 1940 he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and went to a medical sanitarium for 15 months in Tucson for a rest cure. He rejoined the Heidt organization who toured military bases during World War II, and together with two other men wore wigs and dresses to appear as the then popular Andrew Sisters mouthing their records and performing dance routines. In 1944 his family moved to Yuma where he became known as Ray Smucker, and managed Radio Station KYUM and later the first television station in the area. Ray was very proud of the 40-acre park in Yuma dedicated in his name. In 1958, Schmuecker and his wife moved to Phoenix and he managed KTAR Radio and later managed Channel 12, the NBC outlet in Phoenix. In the 1970's he was instrumental in his company being awarded cable TV franchises in numerous towns in the Midwest. In later years he was a vocal advocate for using Hydrogen to power automobiles. Schmuecker served as president of many organizations including: Rotary 100 in Phoenix, Rotary in Yuma, Arizona Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1949, President of the Arizona Jaycee's in 1949, Phoenix Library Board and Arizona Broadcasters Association. He was pleased to be appointed to the broadcasters "Hall of Fame." He had the pleasure of serving on the Arizona Blue Cross Board and the Community Council. Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Nadine, in 2000, and is survived by two children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. At Ray's request, his interment shall be private in Blairstown. Memorial contributions may be made in Ray's name to Rotary Club #100's Youth Foundation, 501 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary.

Calvin S. Andresen
ATKINS­Calvin S. Andresen, 78, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, following a pulmonary embolism. Funeral services were Friday, March 18, 2005 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone with Rev. Norm Bennett officiating. Interment was at the Keystone Cemetery. Calvin Andresen was born May 3, 1926 on the family farm near Elberon to Harry Sr. and Clara (Homire) Andresen. He graduated from Dysart High School with the class of 1944 and on May 19, 1945, he married Zelda Howe at Zion Lutheran Church in Dysart. Calvin farmed in Benton County for many years and worked at Wilson's in Cedar Rapids for 29 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Keystone Turners and the "Keiper" Card Club in Atkins. Calvin was an accomplished fisherman and enjoyed horses and his two dogs. He is survived by his wife Zelda; two sons, Lorenz of Atkins, Harlin and fiance' Rosie McCormick of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Laura, Scott and Troy Andresen, Darin Andresen and wife Megan, and Danielle Buch and husband Daron; two great grandchildren, Briana and Brandon Andresen; and one brother, Ervin Lee Andresen and wife Margie of Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Lorenz Andresen Jr. and two brothers, M. Wayne Andresen and Harry Andresen Jr.

Marshall Boudonck
Marshall A. Boudonck, 88, of Marengo, died on Friday, March 18, 2005, at the Marengo Memorial Hospital of complications from a stroke. Mass of the Resurrection was Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Victor with Rev. Brian Shepley, pastor of the church, officiating. Organist was Verabeth Bricker and vocalist was Beth Henning. Casket Bearers were Chuck Baetsle, Kraig DeMeulenaere, Wayne DeMeulenaere, Robert DeMeyer, Dennis Refer, John Gryp, Charles Wauters and Wayne Wauters. Interment was at the Calvary Cemeteryin Victor. He was born on May 23, 1916, near Victor to Charles and Romania Hudders Boudonck. He was raised in the Victor area and attended rural school. On Nov. 28, 1939, he was married to Lathell Long in Belle Plaine. The couple operated a grain and livestock farm near Victor. He suffered a stroke and moved to the Marengo Care Center in 1986. He was a member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church of Victor and he enjoyed playing golf and bowling. Survivors include his two sons, Edward of San Diego, California and Terry of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Julian Boudonck of Hartwick; and two sisters, Alice Cleppe of Brownsdale, Minnesota and Margaret Wauters of Belle Plaine. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one sister, Flavia DeMeyer; and two brothers, Fred "Fritz" Boudonck and Julian Boudonck I, who died as a young child. Smith Funeral Home in Victor was in charge of services. Memorials may be directed to St. Bridget's Improvement Fund.

Hazel Dulin
Funeral services for Hazel Dulin, 90, of Vinton, were Friday, March 18, 2005, at Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home in Vinton with the Rev. David Gates officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery. Mrs. Dulin died Monday, March 14, 2005, at Iowa Masonic Health Facilities in Bettendorf following a short illness. She is survived by a daughter, Terrye Jo (Dr. Richard) Kishiue of Bettendorf; three grandchildren, Scott (Elizabeth) Isbell of Bettendorf, Sara Isbell of Minneapolis, MN, and Susan (Robert) Kishiue-Koval of North Liberty; four great-grandchildren, Charlie, Claire and Chloe Isbell, and Kaz Kishiue-Koval; one brother, Beryl Scott of Vinton; and one sister, Wanda Grimm of Alden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Berith Booth Scott; her husband, Verl "Cheese" Dulin, on November 19, 1964; two brothers, Kenneth and Raymond Scott; and two sisters, Mildred Glime and Florence Peacock. Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home in Vinton was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Genesis Health Services Foundation and to the Vera French Community Mental Health Center School Based Services.

Luella Frimml
Funeral services for Luella Marie Frimml, 95, of Blairstown, were Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at St. John's Catholic Church in Blairstown, with the Rev. Paul Baldwin celebrating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown. Mrs. Frimml died Sunday, March 20, 2005, at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion following a lengthy illness. She is survived by all of her children, Margaret (Dick) Stumpff of Vinton, Mary Disterhoft of Marengo, John Frimml and special friend, Phyllis, of Belle Plaine, Bob (Marlys) Frimml of Newhall, Jane (William) Dietrich of Victor, Bill Frimml of Vinton, Luanne (John) Lutkenhaus of Cedar Rapids, Marcia (Don) Bonham of Cincinnati, OH, Sandy (Bob) Mantz of Raton, NM, Richard (Dee) Frimml of Luzerne, and David Frimml of Cedar Rapids; 38 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren; and brothers, John (Marcella) Stallman and Raymond Stallman of Fairfax. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Schulte Stallman, her husband, Cecil Frimml in 1973; a granddaughter, Julie Dietrich; a sister, Dolores Zamastil; brothers, Albert, George, Louis and Bernard; a son-in-law, Paul Disterhoft; and a daughter-in-law, Susan Newton Frimml. Overton Family Funeral Home in Blairstown was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Raymond E. Tumilty
VAN HORNE­Raymond E. Tumilty, 75, Van Horne, died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at his rural residence from complications of emphysema. Funeral services were Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Clarke E. Frederick officiating. Private committal services were at Big Grove Cemeterynear Garrison. Raymond was born December 26, 1929 near Fairfax to J. Earl and Mabel (Benesh) Tumilty and graduated from the Shellsburg High School in 1948. On September 11, 1949 he married Shirley Williams at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton. The couple farmed in the Shellsburg and Vinton area until retiring in 1996 and moving to their present family operated farm near Van Horne. Raymond's great love was his farming, his wife at his side, his children, grandchildren, and his stories of farm life. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of rural Van Horne; his sons, Doug (Kathy) Tumilty of Vinton, Dwight (Linda) Tumilty of Cedar Rapids; his daughter, Deb (Bill) Garbers of Vinton; his grandchildren, Renee (Brian) Sadler, Robyn (Ted) Oberhauser, Rachele (Ted) Steffens, Braniff (Carlee) Tumilty, Brittney Tumilty, Tiffnie (Curt) Lamont, Tiernie Garbers; and his step-grandchildren, Shannon (Misty) Mahr, and Hayley (Jeff) Rippel; seven great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Thelma Frese of Norway, Irene (Pete) White of Vinton, Louise (Derroll) Armstrong of Atkins, Kirk (Elaine) Tumilty of Shellsburg, and Kaylene (Gene) Spicer of Vinton and his sister-in-law, Marlene Tumilty of Shellsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Vernon Tumilty. Raymond's family wants to thank Dr. Darrell Dennis and Amenity Hospice for the professional and loving care Raymond and his family received during his illness. Phillips Funeral Home was in charge of services. A memorial fund has been established.

David H. Berger
David H. Berger, 59, of Vinton, died Monday, March 21, 2005 at his home after fighting a long illness. A celebration of life memorial was held on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at the Chapel of Memories in Cedar Memorial Park and cemetery, Cedar Rapids. A gathering followed the services at the Atkins Park Pavilion, Atkins. The Cremation Society of Eastern-Central-Western Iowa is in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include his wife Carol Berger; one daughter Roshiel Stout, of Central City; two sons Dave (Deanna) Berger, of Atkins and Barry (Ann Marie) Berger, of Lisbon. Also surviving are six grandchildren Austin, Halie, Christian, Cecilia, Hunter and Adrian; siblings Donald Joe Berger, of Grinnell, Clara Merchant, of Garrison, Tom and Janet Berger, of Newhall and Dick and Lola, of Garrison; nieces and nephews Pat Ritter, Della Berger, Richard Primrose, Terry Berger, Tim Berger, Teresa and Tony Berger, sibling from Dean Berger, Peggy and Steve Williams, Rex Berger, Dawn Clemens, Matt Berger and special mention Jim Laughridge, Joshua and Nichole Ohrt and Charlie Blackburn. His parents, a twin sister, siblings George Harvey Berger Jr., Phillip Dean Berger, and Freddy Lee Berger. Nieces and nephews Randy Berger, Donny Primrose and Wanda preceded him in death. David Berger was born February 8, 1946 to George H. Berger Sr. and Edith M. Berger in Vinton, Iowa. He attended Washington High School in Vinton. He married Carol Collins on November 17, 1975 in Rock Island, IL. He retired after 36 years of dedicated service from Rockwell Collins on February 8, 2001. He was active in the Marion Jaycees and enjoyed coaching and going to school activities. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He loved to fish, hot rodding, hunting, bowling, poker, golf, collecting eagles, and traveling. Don't cry for what you've lost, smile for what you have had. Ride of the wings of eagles and sore with your family. You will always be in our hearts with love. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Friends may leave a message, tribute or memorial to the Berger family on our web page, www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.

Jerry Eckenrod
Jerry Eckenrod, 63, of Belle Plaine and formerly of Van Horne, died of an apparent heart attack Saturday, March 19, 2005, at St. Louis University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO. Arrangements are pending at Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone. Services are set for Friday, March 25 at the Benton Community High School, Van Horne, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation is Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the High School.

Rosalyn Wickwire
Rosalyn Wickwire, 77, died Monday, March 21, 2005, in University Hospitals in Iowa City after a sudden illness. Arrangements are pending at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine.

Mary I. Kenner
Mary I. Kenner, 96, died Monday, March 21, 2005, in Sunny Hill Care Center, Tama. Arrangements are pending at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine.

Virgil Antone Novotny
Virgil Antone Novotny, 77, of rural Atkins, died at home Friday, March 25, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer. Services were Tuesday at St. Paul Catholic Church by the Rev. Paul Baldwin. Burial was at St Patrick and St. Paul Cemetery, Watkins with military graveside services. Virgil is survived by his wife, Esther; two daughters, Christine (Ken) Schumacher of Satellite Beach, FL.; Dorene Novotny (Paul Vanderhoof) of Edgewood, WA; two sons, Bradley (Nancy) Novotny of Newhall, and Gary Novotny (Deb Wodstrchill) of Atkins; five grandchildren, Erica, Matthew, and Zachary Schumacher and Courtney and Nicholas Novotny; two brothers, Alfred (Anne) Novotny of Bradenton, FL., and Milo (Dawn) Novotny of Sequim, WA. Virgil Novotny was born January 2, 1928 in Poweshiek County, the son of Anton and Louise Stanek Novotny. Virgil served in the Navy. He was married to Esther West on October 7, 1950 in Belle Plaine. Virgil worked in maintenance for Collins Radio for 24 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the American Legion Post 217 and St. Paul Catholic Church in Newhall. Virgil was a master craftsman, loved woodworking, and enjoyed golfing, farming, fishing, Czech music, and spending time with family and friends. His parents and one sister, Evelyn, preceded him in death. Memorials may be directed to the family. Teahen Funeral Home was in charge of services.

Rosalyn K. Wickwire
Funeral services for Rosalyn K. Wickwire, 77, of Belle Plaine, were Thursday, March 24, 2005, at Hrabak Funeral Home, Belle Plaine, with Deacon Joe Behounek officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Mrs. Wickwire died March 21, 2005, at the University of Iowa Hospital following a sudden illness. Pallbearers were Ed Landuyt, Paul Pink, Jeff Wickwire, Dean Wickwire, Alan Wickwire and Eric Wickwire. Music was provided by organist, Jolene Blanchard and soloist, Gay Drahn. Rosalyn K. Wickwire was born July 14, 1927, in the Cornbelt Hospital in Belle Plaine, the daughter of Charles and Rose Peska Dvorak. She was a graduate of Belle Plaine High School. She married Warren W. Wickwire on Feb. 8, 1947, at Marengo. She was a homemaker and a member of the Royal Neighbors. She lived in her present home for over 30 years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and cooking. She is survived by her husband, Warren; three children, Wayne and Chris (Janss) Wickwire of Belle Plaine, Connie (Wickwire) and Chuck Peterson of Bolingbrook, IL, and Michael and Charmaine (Grace) Wickwire Sr. of Belle Plaine; a sister, Evelyn Viall of Belle Plaine; five grandchildren, Charlotte (Peterson) Boyer, Lisa (Peterson) O'Brien, Holly (Wickwire) Gates, Heather (Wickwire) Coover, Lee Adam Wickwire; eight great-grandchildren, Emily, Ashley and Natalie Boyer, Jacob and Katelyn Rose O'Brien, Ethan and Jacy Gates, and Sheldon Wayne Coover. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers and sisters, Charles (Chuck) Dvorak, Dorothy Landuyt, Pat Volk and James Dvorak; and one grandson, Michael Wickwire Jr. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Florence Cora Stineford
Funeral services for Florence Cora Fisher Stineford, 98, of Keystone, formerly of Blairstown and Belle Plaine, were Saturday, March 26, 2005, at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown with Pastor Dean Duncan of First Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown. Mrs. Stineford died Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at Keystone Care Center following a short illness. She is survived by her children, Evelyn (Bert) Charlesworth of Grand Junction, CO, and Willis (Darlene) Stineford of Marion; four grandchildren, Steven Stineford of South English, Vicki Stineford Moshier and husband, Steve, of Marion, Jeffrey Charlesworth of Houston, TX, and Byron Charlesworth and wife, Angie, of Grand Junction, CO; and two great-grandchildren, Marcus and Halle Moshier of Marion. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Bence Fisher; her husband, Gus Herman Stineford; six sisters; and three brothers. Overton Family Funeral Home in Blairstown was in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Eugene Allee
Graveside services for Dennis Eugene Allee, 48, of Belle Plaine, will be Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine, with the Rev. David Crow officiating. Mr. Allee died March 27, 2005, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids of an extended illness. Dennis Eugene Allee was born August 7, 1956, the son of Clell and Beverly Trimble Allee. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1974. He married Annette Lucille Blount on October 16, 1976, at Belle Plaine. He was in millwork sales and management. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine. He is survived by his wife, Annette of Belle Plaine; his children, Sarah (Allee) and Jeremy Borchert, and Kyle Allee and fiance Carolyn Gonner, all of Belle Plaine; his mother, Beverly Allee of Belle Plaine; his brothers, Don Allee and wife, Dori, and Mike Allee; and a sister, Janet Allee. He was preceded in death by his father, Clell Allee; and his father-in-law, Ed Blount. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Bernie Ellsworth Clark Jr.
Funeral services for Bernie Ellsworth Clark Jr., 72, of Luzerne, were Saturday, March 26, 2005, at Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine with the Rev. David Crow and the Rev. Jack Andrews officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine, with military rites by Jennings-Bradshaw American Legion Post No. 39. Mr. Clark died March 21, 2005, at his home in rural Luzerne from cancer. Casket bearers were Bob Keel, Ron Clark, Rodney Clark, Chris DeMeyer, K.C. Swearengin and Jerold Hartgrave. Honorary casket bearers were Robyn Keel, Lawrence Cooperider and Summer Swearengin. Music was provided by organist, Jane Hrabak. Bernie Ellsworth Clark Jr. was born September 23, 1932, at Manchester, the son of Mildred and Bernie Ellsworth Clark, Sr. He graduated from Center Point High School, and at age 16 entered Iowa State University in Ames. He married Margaret Lorraine Vandivier on June 29, 1957, at Belle Plaine. He was self-employed with a tree service from 1959 to 1962, and was a lineman for three years following the tree service. He retired as a journeyman electrician from IBEW Local 405 in 1994. He resided in Cedar Rapids for years and from 1972 to 1977 lived in Dothan, AL. He moved to Belle Plaine in 1977 and to rural Luzerne in 1992. He was Master Mason for Hope Lodge, Belle Plaine, and attended Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine. He was a member of the Eastern Star, Toledo, and a member of American Legion Post No. 39, Belle Plaine. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 and served in Guam during the Korean Conflict. He loved spending time with family. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating, woodworking and cutting firewood. He will be greatly missed by his faithful companion, his dog, Bridget. He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Luzerne; his children, Jean Murray (Kenneth), Carolyn Morrison (James) and Glenn Clark (Kelly), all of Belle Plaine; a brother, Robert Clark of Vinton; a sister, Verla Meints of Dothan, AL; a step-brother, Mark Jackson (Linda) of Springfield, TN; step-mother, Inez Clark of Springfield, TN; nine grandchildren, Chris DeMeyer of Marshalltown, Melissa DeMeyer, Summer Swearengin, Angel Kriegel, Stacy Kriegel and Tanner Clark, all of Belle Plaine, and Paige Morrison of Williamsburg; and three great-grandchildren, Wyatt DeMeyer, Jesse DeMeyer and Blayne Swearengin. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law, John Meints; and one sister-in-law, Beverly Clark. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Ronald Dwayne Ledger
Funeral services for Ronald Dwayne Ledger, 68, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Belle Plaine, were Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine with Pastor Robert Pleiness of Good News Baptist Church officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine, with military rites by the American Legion Post No. 39. Mr. Ledger died March 26, 2005, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids of COPD. Pallbearers were Randy Ledger, Doug Thiessen, Matt Thiessen, Darin Pickart, Lanny Moore and Bill Moore. Music was provided by organist, Jane Hrabak, and vocalist, Jan Kendall. Ronald Dwayne Ledger was born October 10, 1936, at Belle Plaine, the son of Fred and Elva Moore Ledger. He attended Keystone High School. He was married to Irene "Dee" Ledger from 1956 to 1963. He was a welder of highway equipment in Cedar Rapids and was in the U.S. Army as a Spec 4 from 1956-1959, stationed in France. He is survived by a daughter, Cathy Frimml of Belle Plaine; a son, Rick Ledger of Big Rapids, MI; his mother, Elva Ledger of Belle Plaine; one brother, Chuck Ledger of Belle Plaine; and a sister, Janette Thiessen of Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Ledger. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements

Jerry Eckenrod
Jerry Keith Eckenrod, 63, of Belle Plaine, formerly of Van Horne, died Saturday, March 19, 2005 in St. Louis, MO after suffering an apparent heart attack after attending the NCAA Wrestling Tournament. Funeral services were Friday, March 25, 2005, at the Benton Community High School in Van Horne with Pastor Norman Bennett and the Rev. Dick Paulus officiating. Private committal services were at Salem Cemetery, Van Horne. Casket bearers were Marvin Bell, Doug Embray, Reese Morgan, Darrell Schumacher, Ron Donald, Shawn Pfiffner, Wayne Ritscher and Denny McCollough. Honorary casket bearer was Kal Goodchild. Speakers were Jason Eckenrod, Denny McCollough, Doug Embray, Chad Hennings and Marvin Bell. A memorial fund has been established for the Benton Community Weight Room. Jerry is survived by his wife, Diane; his children, Grant Eckenrod and wife, Traci and their children, Morgan, Madison and McKenna of Williamsburg; Jason Eckenrod and wife, Suzanne and their children, Jacob and Lexi of Mt. Zion, IL; and Dana Nichols and husband, Dave and their children, Whitney and Morgan of Bettendorf; his siblings, Shirley Eckenrod of Muskego, WI, Mary Lou Haaker and husband, Bob of Flippen, AR, Kenny Eckenrod and wife, Mabel, and Bob Eckenrod and wife, Fonda, all of Waterloo; his sisters-in-law, Lorraine Eckenrod of Charles City, Fern Eckenrod of Nashua, and Pauline Eckenrod of New Hampton; his mother-in-law, Dawn Cheney of Greene; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews Jerry Eckenrod was born Nov. 13, 1941 at his family's farm home near Ionia to Leonard and Cleo (Tucker) Eckenrod. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1960 and then attended Mason City Junior College in Mason City. He received his BA Degree from Winona State College in Winona, MN in 1968. That fall he began his long and successful teaching and coaching career with the Benton Community School District. He served as the head wrestling coach for 27 years and his role as assistant football coach and educator spanned 35 years. Since his retirement, he had fulfilled a lifelong dream of training dogs, working as a hunting guide and living on an acreage where his hunting dogs could run and train and his seven grand kids could play. He had a true passion for his family and many friends. His parents; his brothers, Don, Les and Rich Eckenrod; his sister, Pat Schwartzkopf and her husband, Francis; and his father-in-law, Paul Cheney, preceded him in death. Phillips Funeral Home of Keystone was in charge of arrangements.