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FRANKLIN C. "CLAY" VARNER
Franklin C. Varner, 88, formerly of Delphos, died peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2000.
He was born August 10, 1911 in Delphos, Iowa to the late Omer and Nina (Stephens) Varner. He was educated in Delphos, graduating from high school in 1928. He attended Simpson College and Iowa State Teachers College, leaving school just one quarter short of graduation. He interrupted his education several times in order to earn enough money to continue and taught at schools in the area, including Knowlton.
When he was offered a job with the International Harvestor Company, he left school and soon thereafter, purchased Decorah Implement in Decorah, Iowa. Clay spent the majority of his life in Decorah working as a farm implement and truck dealer until his retirement in 1981.
Many happy years were spent in Green Valley, AZ before moving to Kaukauna, WI in 1992. Clay married the former Lelah Hanson in 1939 and the couple had five children: Ruth Schmitt of West Bend, WI; Stephen of Roanoke, VA; John (deceased); Faye (Ed) Binsfeld of Little Chute, WI; and William (Patricia) of Tokyo, Japan. He took great pride in his 10 grandchildren and his six great-grandchildren.
He is survived by a brother, Alvin (Galene) Varner, of Coronado, CA. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lelah; his son, John; son-in-law, John Schmitt; his brothers, Charles of Des Moines, John of Salt Lake City and Paul of Clearfield.
It was Clay's wish to be cremated and a memorial service will be held April 20 at the United Methodist Church in Decorah.
The Fjelstul Funeral Home of Decorah is assisting the family with arrangements.
HARRY BEN WERNER
At a farm located northeast of Arispe, Iowa on August 11, 1910, Frederick David and Alice Marie Hampton Werner welcomed into their family a son whom they named Harry Ben. Siblings anxiously awaiting his arrival were one sister, Ethel Mae Ross and two brothers, Arthur Samuel and John Bert (all three are now deceased). Later joining Harry were two brothers, George William and Keith Marion (both deceased) and one more sister, Hazel Erma Ross of Shannon City. While living at this location, Harry attended Crab Creek school. Later the family moved south of Arispe where Harry attended and graduated from Arispe Consolidated High School in 1928. For the next four years he worked as a farm laborer. In 1932 he and his friends were in the home of Chris Mohr where he met Edna Anna Amanda Mohr. On July 1, 1933 Harry and Edna were united in marriage in Grant City, Missouri. Edna preceded Harry in death on May 29, 1992.
It was a challenge to begin their new life together and raise a family during the Depression. To this union were born four children: two sons, Frederick Leo and Paul Eugene and two daughters, Carol Marie and Sharon Ann.
While living in the Arispe area during the early years of marriage Harry provided for his family by working as a farm laborer. He changed his occupation from a farm laborer to take the opportunity to engage in farming for himself on a farm located northwest of Shannon City, Iowa. In 1944 Harry and Edna moved their family from this location to his father's farm northeast of Shannon City.
Harry had good work ethics and it was here that in order to make sure he provided for his family he worked three jobs. Farming was his main occupation but he filled in as mechanic at Bill Hoffman's Garage in Shannon City, Iowa and he became a school bus driver. Harry drove the bus for 35 years for the Shannon City School District and later East Union School District until he retired. During those 35 years he witnessed many changes - first driving with a team of horses and a hack, a car, then to a panel bus and finally to the larger passenger buses. Not only did he drive his regular route, he drove for special school events.
In order to combine his farming occupation with the school bus driving job required punctuality which was one of Harry's many virtues. In 1956 Harry purchased his own farm two miles north of Tingley, Iowa. In 1976 he retired and moved to Mount Ayr, Iowa. After moving to town, he found he needed to continue to be active so he worked part-time at Mount Ayr Country Club helping mow the greens. In order to continue to pursue his love of farming, he worked for his son, Fred. After a brief illness, he completely retired. In 1997 ill health required him to move into Clearview Nursing Home where he remained until his death on March 23, 2000 at the age of 89.
Throughout Harry's lifetime, he witnessed many changes - from the light of a lantern and a bucket of water to the landing of a man on the moon and on to the most modern technology and the turn of a new century. Because of his strong individuality, he was able to adapt to the many changes that occurred during his lifetime. Some of the many virtues he was able to pass on to his children were his punctuality, strong work ethics and honesty.
Harry's favorite pastime was watching baseball and basketball. He was proud of all 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, whom he enjoyed greatly.
Harry was a hard working husband, father and grandfather and leaves behind to miss him his son, Fred and wife Katherine of Lamoni, son Paul and wife Dixie of Mesa, Arizona, daughter Carol and husband Cleo Abbott of Ankeny, daughter Sharon and husband Rufus Brown of Shreveport, Louisana, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one sister, Hazel Ross of Shannon City, Iowa.
He will be gone, but never forgotten.
Funeral services were held at the Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa on Monday, March 27, 2000 with Rev. Merlin Wilkins officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett, Melanie Knapp and Mary Trullinger.
Casket bearers were Barry Werner, Chris Abbott, Craig Abbott, Mike Werner, Randy Werner and Kenney Werner.
Harry was laid to rest in the Oakland Cemetery
at Shannon City, Iowa.
DONNA LOUISE MAIN
Donna Louise Main, daughter of Charles and Nellie (Richardson) Burchett, was born in Ringgold county, Riley township, Iowa, June 9, 1917 and died April 1, 2000 at Belton, Missouri at age 82.
She attended Riley Center country school and graduated from Lamoni high school in 1935. She taught in country schools for five years.
Louise was united in marriage to Franklin Main on March 21, 1937, and they recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Their home was blessed by a daughter, Nancy, and son, Stewart. They engaged in farming in Ringgold and Decatur counties. In 1974 they moved to Lamoni for 13 years and to Creston in 1986. In May, 1997 Louise and Franklin relocated to Raymore, Missouri to be close to their children.
Louise was a devoted wife and mother caring deeply for her family and friends. Her home was her haven that she willingly shared with others. She also enjoyed teaching children's Sunday school classes for many years. She served six years on the Lamoni Community school board and several years as the dietetic service supervisor at the Lamoni nursing home. Louise was a member of the United Methodist Church in Creston.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles and Nellie Burchett; her cherished sister Lorene Sumption; and brother-in-law Harold Sumption.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Franklin; daughter Nancy Hughes and husband Lee of Overland Park, Kansas; son Stewart of Lee's Summit, Missouri; niece Myrna Aldrich and husband Steve; two nephews, Jeffery and David and wife Angela and daughter Emma of Minneapolis,
Minnesota and other relatives and friends.
Services were held Wednesday, April 5, 2000 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr with Reverend Wayne Clark officiating. Ginny Eighmy and John Allen provided music. Casket bearers were Dr. Clarence Clark, Derald Noble, Doug Akers, John Clark, Gerald Noble and Keith Elliott.
Louise was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery , Lamoni.
HAZEL MARIE OGIER STANLEY
Hazel Marie Ogier Stanley, daughter of William Earl and Jessie Edna (Bohall) Ogier, was born July 2, 1918 in Athens township, Ringgold county near Kellerton, Iowa and passed away March 30, 2000 at Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa at the age of 81 years and eight months.
She attended Hall country school and Kellerton high school graduating in 1937.
On March 28, 1940 she was united in marriage to Herbert Earl Stanley in Creston, Iowa. From this union two children were born, Raymond Earl and Merelene Marie. Hazel was a dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother and homemaker helping Earl manage the family farm. She taught school at Salem 1942 -1945, and was very active in the community serving as leader of the Busy Workers 4-H club, President of Farm Bureau Women and volunteering for numerous other civic organizations. Hazel was a member of the Kellerton and Mount Ayr United Methodist churches where she led UMW prayer circle and taught Sunday school until she moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1992. She moved to Manson, Iowa in October, 1999.
Preceding her in death are her parents, William and Jessie Ogier; brothers: Clyde Ogier, Everett Ogier, Ralph Ogier; and sister Jessie Higday and husband Earl Stanley.
Left to cherish her memory include son Raymond and wife Jane of Manson, Iowa; daughter Merelene Jannatpour and husband Kaz of Boulder, Colorado; granddaughter Susan Surom and husband Clay of Iowa City, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Sebastion and Savannah Surom; sister Ethelene Scott of Indianola, Iowa; brothers, Glen Ogier and wife Leona of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and Elbert Ogier and wife Ruth of Elfreida, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Bessie Johnson and Arlene Stanley of Mount Ayr, Iowa and Corinne Ogier of Bulter, Ohio; nieces, nephews and a host of good friends.
Funeral services were Monday, April 3, 2000 at Mount Ayr United Methodist Church with Reverend Michael Druhl and Reverend Martha Bennett officiating. Nancy Sackett, Mary Trullinger and Melanie Knapp provided music. Casket bearers were Daniel Beck, Malcolm Ogier, Gregg Roberts, Jim Smith, Jay Tull and Paul Tull.
Hazel was laid to rest in Maple Row Cemetery
in Kellerton.
A poem dedicated to the memory of a sweet, gentle spirit, and giving mother and friend follows:
SAMUEL T. WALTER
Airman First Class Samuel T. Walter was born on April 14, 1976 in Omaha, Nebraska to Kenneth A. and Donna M. (Wallace) Walter. He passed away on March 27, 2000 in Afton, Iowa.
He spent his early years in Iowa, Missouri and Colorado returning to the Creston and Afton, Iowa area in the fall of 1995.
Samuel was educated in the Pueblo, Colorado area schools and finished two years of study at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa. He worked at the Afton Care Center for approximately four years. In August, 1999 Samuel began basic training in the Air Force. He had just completed his technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas and was to have been stationed at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Nebraska.
Samuel was married to Alicia Honeywell in Pueblo, Colorado and to this union one son, Brendon Walter, was born. The couple was later divorced. On March 27, 1999 Samuel was married to Roxanne Hughes in Mount Ayr, Iowa and to this union two children were born; a son, Jacob Walter and a daughter, Marissa Walter.
Samuel was very mechanical and he enjoyed Chevy trucks and weightlifting.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Chester and Doris Wallace and Jerald Walter.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Roxanne of Afton and his children, Brendon Walter of Pueblo, Colorado and Jacob Walter and Marissa Walter of Afton; his parents, Ken and Donna Walter of Creston; his brother, Ben and wife Brenda Walter of Afton, his sister, Erin Walter and friend Mike Welling of Omaha, Nebraska; his grandmother, Beulah Walter of Mount Ayr; several aunts, uncles and cousins and a host of friends.
Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Afton, Iowa on March 30, 2000 with Pastor Joyce Smith officiating. Burial was in the Benton Cemetery
in Benton, Iowa with the Offutt Air Force Honor Guard performing military rites.
KENNETH H. DAVENPORT
Kenneth H. Davenport of Nampa, Idaho, died Friday, March 24, 2000 at a Boise, Idaho hospital. Ken was born February 17, 1932, in Kellerton, Iowa to Harold and Dortha (Nigh) Davenport. He was raised on a farm and attended Kellerton public school and graduated with the class of 1950. Ken attended two years of college in Omaha, Nebraska and Harbor City, California. He joined the U. S. Army in 1953 and served during the Korean War in Austria and Germany.
Ken moved to California in 1956 and began his career with the Insurance Services office, as an inspector. He met and married Jean Kennedy on July 11, 1969 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1989 he retired after 25 years of service and moved to Nampa, Idaho where he purchased a farm and returned to the life he loved. He was a member of the Bowmont Church of the Brethren.
Ken is survived by his wife Jean and two sons, Jayson and Charles, all of Nampa; his mother Dortha in Lamoni, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Harold in 1982.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2000 at Alsip Funeral Chapel, Nampa, Idaho with Pastor Wes Waggoner officiating.
Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
DELTA NICHOLS
Delta Lavina Nichols, 95, of Gravity, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000 in Clarinda. She was born February 23, 1905 in the Tingley, Iowa area, the daughter of Poe Johnston and Lula Dickens Johnston. Delta grew up attending rural schools. Due to her mother's poor health, Delta was needed to care for her family which included her six brothers. She also worked outside the home for anyone else who needed help.
On November 27, 1929 she was united in marriage to George Rolland "Roll" Nichols. Roll and Delta farmed together for many years. Delta was known as a true farmer's helping hand. Whether it was fieldwork or choring, she could always be found by her husband's side.
Delta helped to start the Tingley meal site. She had worked for the Ringgold County Hospital for many years doing anything she could to help. She later worked for Contel Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. After Roll's death in 1979, she moved to Gravity and lived with her daughter Vera until her death.
Delta had always wanted to be a nurse and was known to help people anyway she could. She enjoyed being where the action was, as long as it included being around people. She enjoyed shopping and cooking. She could cook or bake just about anything. During the Christmas holidays she enjoyed making candy (her favorite) and would always share food and candy with those who couldn't cook for themselves. Delta always put others ahead of herself. She thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and later her great-great-grandchildren. Delta always had a story to share and enjoyed many years of telling them. She attended the Wishard Chapel Church located between Mount Ayr and Tingley for many years.
Delta is survived by her daughter Vera Duncan of Gravity; a stepdaughter Ellen Foster of Florida; one grandchild, four great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Poe and Lula; her husband Roll in 1979; six brothers: Dee, Forest, Roy, Harold, Guy and Ivan; a sister Ruth at infancy; one granddaughter Connie Beeler; and two great-grandchildren, Jerry and Craig.
Funeral services for Delta were held Friday, April 7, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa with Pastor Tracey Chamberlin and Pastor Ted DeHass officiating.
Interment was held in the Rose Hill Cemetery
of Mount Ayr.
Memorials may be directed to the Tingley or Bedford meal sites.
OPAL R. PETERSOHN
Opal R. Petersohn, daughter of Charles and Laura Anna (Leatherman) Abell, was born September 19, 1923, in Creston, Iowa. She died of a stroke at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa, on April 5, 2000, at the age of 76.
A 1941 graduate of the Creston high school, Opal met Francis Petersohn of Tingley, Iowa in the summer of 1946 after he returned from the war. They were married February 14, 1947, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and enjoyed 47 years together. They had three children: Tom, Phyllis and Randall.
Having grown up in Creston and worked at a munitions factory during the war, she lived in Tingley as a farm wife most of her life. The family moved to Westminster, Colorado in 1956, returning in 1963 to farm north of Tingley. They farmed the land together for the next 31 years, living on the farmstead and for several years on Sun Valley Lake.
Two years after Francis's death in 1994, Opal moved to Ames to live near her son Randy and his family. She lived there happily for three and one half years, pursuing her interests in crafts and cooking.
Survivors include two sons, Tom (wife Anita) Petersohn of Lake Lotawana, Missouri and Randy (wife Martha) Petersohn of Ames; daughter Phyllis (husband Michael) Schreiber of Ossining, New York; eight grandchildren: Lisa Breon of Ames, Jason Petersohn of Tucson, Arizona, Robert Petersohn and Lori Abedrabbo of Independence, Missouri, David Petersohn and Beth Mason of Liberty, Missouri, Jenny and Seth Petersohn of Lake Lotawana, Missouri; 11 great-grandchildren: Nicole, daughter of Lisa Breon, Logan, Slade and Cale, sons of Robert and Verna Petersohn, Devin, Danielle, Derick and Diandra, children of David and Diane Petersohn, Kaylee and Holdren, children of Lori and Jamal Abedrabbo and Hayley, daughter of Beth and Brian Mason; and many surviving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Laura Abell; husband Francis; four sisters: Thelma Schofield, Irene Proffitt, Anita Harpin and Wanda Scaton; and six brothers: Harold, Ernest, Cecil, Charles, Chester and Donald Abell.
Memorial services were held Saturday, April 8, 2000 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa with Reverend Peter Brantner officiating. Musicians were Nancy Sackett and John Allen.
Opal was laid to rest in the Tingley Cemetery , Tingley.
Memorials may be made to the Tingley meal site.
WILLIAM MATTHEWS WARIN
William M. Warin was born on April 1, 1944 in Creston, Iowa, the second son to Emmet and Pearl J. Warin. Bill, a beloved son, husband, father and grandfather died unexpectedly on April 4, 2000 at his home in Mesa, Arizona.
Bill grew up in Mount Ayr, Iowa, and graduated from Mount Ayr Community high school in 1962. He attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska for two years and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in business administration. At Iowa, he also received his Juris Doctor degree and practiced law in both Iowa and Arizona. He had a general law practice in Iowa but specialized in estate planning once he opened his Arizona practice. He was a member of many professional organizations, the Iowa Bar Association, the State Bar of Arizona and was even a guest on a local radio talk show as an expert on the subject of estate planning.
He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ann Watson of Diagonal, Iowa on August 27, 1966, at Immaculate Conception Church in Maloy, Iowa. After law school in Iowa City, they made their home in Mount Ayr, where Bill went into practice with his father Emmet Warin. Bill and Ann were blessed with three daughters, and, in 1981, he and his family moved to Mesa, Arizona. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, reading and spending time with his family. He was a grandfather of two and was the designated pancake maker for them when they would stay overnight.
He is survived by his wife Ann Warin; daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Brad Butler of Scottsdale, Arizona, Amy and Scott Haney of Mesa, Arizona and Jennifer and T. J. Casey of Mesa; two grandchildren; his mother Pearl J. Warin; and brother Mike Warin.
Bill loved his family dearly, and even after being in Arizona for 18 years, still had unbreakable ties to Iowa. All who knew him in Iowa, as well as in Arizona, will remember his strong work ethic, integrity and honesty. He was a highly-respected man and will be gravely missed.
Preceding Bill in death were his father Emmet Warin and his father-in-law Elbert M. Watson.
Services were held on Monday, April 10, 2000 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mount Ayr with Father Thomas Dooley and Father Mark Reasoner officiating. Lectors were Michelle Warin and Paul Miller. Nancy Sackett and Judy Cunning provided music. Casket bearers were his three sons-in-law, Scott Haney, Dr. Bradley Butler, T. J. Casey, and three nephews, Michael R. Warin, Joe Warin and Jim Taylor. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Collus Lawhead, Dick Weehler, Dan Cunning and Craig Elliott.
Bill was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery
in Mount Ayr.
Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.
