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John W. Gaffney
John W. Gaffney, age 87, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Monday, December 17, 2007 at Buena Vista Manor in Storm Lake.
Funeral Mass for Mr. Gaffney will be held on Friday, December 21, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Thursday, December 20, 2007 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. and a parish vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m., both at the funeral home during visitation hours.
John William Gaffney was born on a farm near Lohrville, Iowa on April 25, 1920, the son of Ida (Lovett) and William Gaffney.
When John was 12 years of age, the family moved to Carroll where his dad, Bill, started a livestock auction business. The family moved to Storm Lake when John was about fifteen. In 1935, Bill bought five acres at what came to be known as “the sale barn corner” north of Storm Lake on Highway 71, and established the Storm Lake Auction Company. John and his brother Dick soon took it over and eventually turned it into a pillar of the local business scene.
For over 45 years, farmers from all over the region brought their livestock every Saturday to the “sale barn” where “Big John”—in his trademark cowboy hat—ran the auction, his booming voice rising above the noise of the arena. Auctioneer, cattle trader, real estate speculator, stock market investor—John was a multi-talented and successful businessman.
John graduated from Storm Lake St. Mary’s High School in 1937 and then attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, where he lettered in three sports as a sophomore. John even had a stint with the local semi-pro baseball team, the White Caps, once playing against Babe Ruth in an exhibition.
Drafted into the Army in 1942, John served for over three years at Camp Walters in Mineral Wells, Texas. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, pushing inductees through basic training.
John married Dolores Kestel in 1951. That year, they moved into a new house overlooking the waters of Storm Lake. There they raised three children and resided all of their 56 years together in the same house.
A loving and generous husband and father, John spent his retirement years enjoying time with his children and grandchildren, following his favorite sports teams, and managing his investments.
John is survived by his wife, Dolores, along with his three children: Gaylen Nicholas of Austin, Texas, Gary Gaffney of Storm Lake, and Mark Gaffney of Boulder, Colorado. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Debbie Gaffney of Boulder and his four grandchildren: Clay Nicholas of Austin and Angie, Michelle and John Gaffney of Boulder. In addition, John is survived by his sister, Joan Young of Omaha, Nebraska.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ida Gaffney, sisters Zola Gaffney and Mary Cavanaugh, and brothers Richard and James Gaffney.
John J. McGowan
John J. McGowan, age 96, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Monday, December 10, 2007 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral services for Mr. McGowan will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2007 St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, with Reverend Bruce Lawler celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. that morning at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Fonda, Iowa.
John Joseph McGowan was born September 9, 1911 at Joliet, Illinois, the son of Luke and Catherine (Prendergast) McGowan. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Fonda. He attended country school in rural Newell before graduating from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Fonda in 1929. Following his high school graduation, John began farming in the Newell area until he moved to Storm Lake in 1974. He then began working as a maintenance man at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake.
On September 22, 1973, John was united in marriage to Dorothy Delmore at Marian Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa. They were happily married until Dorothy’s death in 2005. John was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake since 1974, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed playing cards with friends. A devoted son and brother, John was a good neighbor and friend to all who knew him. He will be remembered as a kind and helpful person, one who always took time to listen.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Helen Riley of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Catherine McGowan; two brothers, Vincent and Leo; and an infant sister, Cathleen.
Linus P. McKenna
Linus P. McKenna, age 79, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Thursday, December 13, 2007 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Albert City, Iowa.
Funeral services for Mr. McKenna will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2007 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Sunday, December 15 2007 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present from 6:00-8:00. A Legion of Mary Rosary will be held at 3:30 and a vigil service at 7:00, both at the funeral home during visitation hours.
Linus was born on May 17, 1928 in rural Storm Lake, the son of John H. and Grace (Coyle) McKenna. He was baptized as an infant at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake and later confirmed his faith as a youth at the same church. Linus was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Mary’s Parish.
He received his education in Sulphur Springs and graduated from Sulphur Springs High School. Linus spent his life as a farmer and steward of the land. A self-taught student of photography, Linus enjoyed taking photographs of a wide range of subjects. He also liked to go hunting when he could.
Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Nate McKenna and Vince McKenna, both of Storm Lake; his sister, Mary McCoppin of Washington Courthouse, Ohio; nieces, nephews and friends.
Linus was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank and Tom, and sister Margaret.
Maria del Carmen Boccanfuso Battaglia
Maria del Carmen Boccanfuso Battaglia, age 59, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Thursday, November 1, 2007 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 10:30 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, with Reverend William Vit officiating.
Friends may call anytime from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Maria was born October 1, 1948 in Tandil, Argentina, the daughter of Jose Alberto Battaglia and Maria Elena Ballestreros. She received her education in Manuel Belgrano.
Maria enjoyed singing and dancing, and liked to sew and knit. She enjoyed playing croquet and liked to travel from Argentina to the United States and then to Mexico.
A devoted and beloved mother, Maria’s caring presence will be missed each day by those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Cristal Stephanie Boccanfuso de Battaglia; and her sisters Marta Leticia (Angel) Battaglia de Bergamin and Beatriz Mabel Battaglia de Dominichini. She is further survived by her surrogate son, Christopher Alexis Bermudez Cruz and her friend Gabriel Venegas, as well as extended family and many friends.
Maria was preceded in death by her mother, Maria Elena Ballesteros and her father, Jose Alberto Battaglia.
May she rest in peace.
Maria del Carmen Boccanfuso Battaglia, edad 59, de Storm Lake, Iowa fallecio el Jueves 1 de Noviembre 2007 en Buena Vista Regional Medical Center en Storm Lake.
Maria nacio el primero de Octubre de 1948 en Tandil, Argentina, hija de Jose Alberto Battaglia y Maria Elena Ballesteros. Ella recibio su educacion en Manuel Belgrano. Maria disfrutaba cantar y bailar y le gustaba coser y tejer. Ella viajo de Argentina a los Estados Unidos y tuvo la opportunidad de conocer Mexico.
Dedicada y querida madre la presencia de Maria va a ser extrañada dia a dia por esos que la quieren y la conocen.
En vida queda su hija Cristal Stephanie Boccanfuso de Battaglia, y sus hermanas Marta Leticia (Angel) Battaglia de Bergamin y Beatriz Mabel Battaglia de Dominichini. Tambien sera recordada por Christopher Alexis Bermudez Cruz que fue como un hijo para ella, por su amigo Gabriel Venegas al igual que el resto de sus familiares y amigos.
Ahora Maria estara en compania de su madre, Maria Elena Ballesteros y su padre, Jose Alberto Battaglia.
Que Descanse en Pas.
Marie E. Miller
Marie Miller, age 98, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Services are pending at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Funeral services for Mrs. Miller will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Remsen, Iowa. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call Wednesday, December 19, 2007 from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Legion of Mary Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. and a Vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m., both at the funeral home during visitation hours.
A memorial fund in Mrs. Miller’s honor has been established.
Marie Elizabeth Raymond was born July 10, 1909 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of Karl and Betty (Trullason) Raymond. On May 30, 1930, Marie was married to Elmer Miller in Cherokee, Iowa. The couple was blessed with three children: Bonnie, Elmer “Sonny” and Darlene. Marie and Elmer farmed in the Quimby, Alta and Schaller, Iowa areas before they bought a farm in Jackson, Minnesota. They moved to Spencer, Iowa in 1959, where they owned and operated a motel for many years. They remained in Spencer during their retirement years. Elmer died on January 28, 1992. Marie lived at Buena Vista Manor in Storm Lake since 2000.
Marie enjoyed playing bingo, cards and board games. She loved to cook and bake for family and friends. She treasured her family and the time she spent with them was precious to her. Her kind and caring ways will be missed dearly by all those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Bonnie Eckerman of Storm Lake; her son, Elmer “Sonny” (Vivian) Miller of Prescott, Arizona; her daughter, Darlene (Donald) Saathoff of Baxter, Minnesota; twelve grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchidren; one sister, May Barry of Sutherland, Iowa; sister-in-law, Alvira Tentinger of Remsen, Iowa; brother-in-law Don Barry of Spencer, Iowa; extended family and many friends.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer; grandson Ricki Eckerman; son-in-law Romane Eckerman; brothers Harold Raymond and Harry Raymond; sisters Viola Raymond, Edith Linneman, Marge Farquhar and Eldora Barry.
Richard Broders
Richard Broders, age 82, of Schaller, Iowa, died Thursday, November 8, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Funeral Service will be Monday, November 12, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. Burial will be in the Ida Grove Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home of Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 11, 2007 from 4-7:00 p.m. with family present 6-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller.
Richard was born July 8, 1925 in Danbury, Iowa to Richard and Christine (Thompson) Broders. He was baptized on October 12, 1930 and later confirmed in 1939 at the Battle Creek Lutheran Church. He received his education at Battle Creek country school and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1940. Richard was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller.
On October 17, 1948, Richard was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Van Griethuysen in Battle Creek, Iowa. The couple was blessed with three children: Timothy Richard, Jonathan Hale and Megan Ann.
Richard enjoyed playing cards, going to casinos and fishing. Family was always first in Richard’s life, and he treasured every moment he was able to share with his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Barbara Ann, of Schaller; his daughter, Megan McGowan and her husband Shawn of Aurelia, Iowa; three grandchildren: Christine (Broders) Box and her husband Cody, Caitlin (McGowan) Kaiser and her husband Nathan and Jessy Swanson; two sisters: Dorothy Hansen and Arlene Griese; extended family and many friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; two sons; grandson, Josh McGowan; and brother, George Broders.
Shirley K. Maher
Shirley Maher, age 81, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Maher will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, with Father Bruce Lawler celebrating the Mass for Christian Burial. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 30, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be a 3:30 p.m. Legion of Mary Rosary and a vigil service held at 7:00 p.m., both at the funeral home during visitation hours..
Shirley Kathryn Myers was born October 5, 1926 in Sidney, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Mildred (Elliott) Myers. She attended grade school at Anderson, Iowa before graduating from Sidney High School in 1943.
On February 27, 1949, Shirley married A. Duane Maher at St. Mary’s Church in Hamburg, Iowa. The couple was blessed with four children: Sandy, Dennis, Connie and Sherri.
Shirley was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake and was a member there at the time of her death. She spent her life devoted to raising her four children. In her later years, she worked at Wal-Mart, where she was affectionately known to some of the smaller children as “Grandma Wal-Mart.” She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved to attend all the various school activities in which her family was involved. Her quiet, caring ways will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Sandy (George) Schmitt of Wall Lake, Iowa; Dennis (Mary) Maher of Storm Lake; Connie (James) Hoft of Lake View, Iowa; and Sherri (Don) Fitzpatrick of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Lisa (Jason) Paysen of Wall Lake; Travis (Teresa) Schmitt of Lake View; Brian (Brenda) Schmitt of Wall Lake; Amy (Jeff) Hanks of Alta, Iowa; Amanda Maher of Sioux City, Iowa; Molly (Mike) Vondrak of Galva, Iowa; Cory (Barb) Weber of Lake View; Shelly (Chad) Simm of Paullina, Iowa; Angela (Mike) Fischer of Sac City, Iowa; Sara Fitzpatrick of Ames, Iowa; Cody Fitzpatrick and Haley Fitzpatrick, both of Storm Lake; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Gilda Otte of Maryville, Missouri and Janice Myers of Sidney, Iowa; extended family and a host of friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mildred Myers; her husband, Duane Maher; her granddaughter, Holly Maher; two brothers, Robert Myers and James Myers; and her niece, Kristi Myers.
Fred A. Melohn
Fred A. Melohn, age 77, of Newell, Iowa died Friday, August 15, 2003 in the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Newell. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery.
Friends may call on Monday anytime after 3:00 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell, where the family will be present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00.
Fred Andrew Melohn was born on June 19, 1926 to Luther and Velora (Patten) Melohn at Fonda, Iowa. He was enrolled as an infant in the Sunday School Cradle Roll at the Congregational Community Church in Fonda, the same church where he was baptized and confirmed. Fred lived with his parents as a child on their farm near Fonda, and attended rural school in Pocahontas County and Fonda County School before graduating from Newell Consolidated High School in 1943.
Fred entered the Navy on March 3, 1945 and proudly served his country as a Yeoman Third Class during World War II. He was stationed on the USS Camel during the Okinawa campaign before being honorably discharged on July 30, 1946.
On June 6, 1948, Fred was married to Billie Ann Merry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Albert City, a union that lasted over 55 years. Fred and Billie were blessed with three sons, Craig Andrew, Bruce Wayne and Michael William. Fred spent his life farming and was a seed corn manager for 30 years before he retired in 1998.
Fred was a devoted husband and father, and his family always came first on the long list of activities he liked to pursue. The births of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were special memories that he held dear. He felt honored when his granddaughter Stacy was born on his own birthday.
Fred served his community and his church in many capacities during his life, including Boy Scout Leader and moderator and deacon at his church.
As an avid basketball fan, Fred attended all the games he could squeeze into his busy schedule, but he especially enjoyed watching his own grandkids play in sports and made a point to be in attendance at all their activities.
Flying held a great fascination for Fred and he earned his private pilot’s license so he could soar through the skies. He also delighted in traveling and camping and had visited all over the United States and abroad. He particularly reveled in his trips to Spain, Switzerland and Mexico.
Fred was a 50-year member of Legion Post #193, and also belonged to the V.F. W. He was a member of the Masonic Royal Lodge #428 where he served as Worshipful Master in 1968, as well as a member of the Abu Bekr Shrine in Sioux City and Order of Eastern Star.
Fred liked to keep busy and filled his time with many past-times he enjoyed, among them fishing, hunting, motorcycles, restoring antique cars, collecting replica motor cars. He also had some wonderful memories of dancing outings.
Fred Melohn is survived by his wife Billie, and sons Craig Melohn and wife Cori and Bruce Melohn and wife Cindy, all of Newell; grandchildren Justin Melohn, Stacy Melohn Stief, Mitch Melohn and Melissa Melohn; great-grandchildren Michael Daniel Melohn, Andrew Thomas Melohn and Jordon Skylor Stief.
Mr. Melohn was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael, his brother David and his sister-in-law, Bernice Melohn.
